Advertise on podcast: Viva Downtown's Downtown Discussion

NEW BUSINESS 🎨 | ArtWorks Gallery & Studios A new creative space is opening its doors in Downtown Redding! ArtWorks Gallery & Studios officially opens at 1518 Market Street during September’s First Friday, bringing together a group of retired local art teachers who aren’t quite ready to put their creativity away. Tamara Watson, retired Enterprise High School art teacher and partial owner of ArtWorks, joins Blake Fisher on the Viva Downtown Discussion Podcast to talk about the new gallery, the story behind its creation, and their vision for bringing more art into Downtown Redding. The gallery’s inaugural exhibit features 13 local artists and a variety of artistic mediums, from sculpture to painting. Listen in and meet one of Downtown Redding’s newest creative businesses!

Shop Around The Corner Books - Owner, Amber Treat joins the Downtown Discussion Podcast. In this episode, listen along to learn about the new location of Shop Around The Corner Books, 1244 California Street.  Shop Around the Corner Books is located in the heart of downtown Redding, CA.  They offer new books of all genres…new releases, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.  Email the shop with your book requests and they’ll get you the book you want.  They also carry bookish merchandise—t-shirts, candles, journals, puzzles, bookmarks, keychains and tea.  If you’re not in Redding, you can order those items on their website or order books and audiobooks with the links to Bookshop.org and Libro.fm

Redding's Public Market - Market Manager, Erin Ross, joins the the Downtown Discussion Podcast. In this episode, we discuss the accomplishments, innovations, and learning lessons of the first six months of the Redding Public Market being open.  The Redding Public Market was a massive project to transform the first floor store front space in 1551 Market Center a mixed use housing revitilization project in Downtown Redding.

On this episode of Downtown Discussion, we sit down with Schulyer Lane, owner of SKL Arcades, to talk about Bonus Round Redding, a new arcade bar that he opened in Downtown Redding at 1665 Pine Street. Bonus Round is a vintage and retro arcade space with games from the 1980s and 1990s, and every machine in the building has been restored by Schulyer himself. If you’ve played an arcade game anywhere around Redding, there’s a good chance he’s worked on it. We talk about how his passion for fixing arcade games started in his garage, how that turned into SKL Arcades, the early trial run at The Dip when COVID changed live music and events, and what he hopes people experience when they walk through the doors—whether they’re longtime gamers or just curious. Bonus Round Redding is all ages until 8pm, then 21 and over. Unlimited play is $10 for one hour or $15 for the full day. Hours are:  Thursday 3–11  Friday 3–12  Saturday 3–12  Sunday 1–8

Bailey Bethard opens Bailey’s Book Nook, a high-quality used bookstore located at 1330 Market Street in the historic Sherven Square building in Downtown Redding. A dynamic new business owner, Bailey has previously worked with several well-known downtown establishments, including Carousel, Ferris Wheel Kids, and the Cascade Theatre. In this episode, Bailey shares her journey to opening her own brick-and-mortar shop, the behind-the-scenes process of bringing Bailey’s Book Nook to life, and why she felt the timing was right to contribute to the revitalization happening in Downtown Redding.  Bailey Book Nook https://bookshop.org/shop/baileysbooknook 1330 Market Street  Tuesday | 11 AM–4 PM Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM Friday | 10 AM–6 PM Saturday | 10 AM–6 PM Sunday | 11 AM–4 PM

Nations Finest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been serving veterans and their families for over 50 years by providing a comprehensive range of services. Mike Dahl of Nations Finest joins the Viva Downtown Discussion to discuss restoring a house in Downtown Redding to become permanent housing for veterans.

Kirkwood Hale, co-founder of Plantable Nursery and Café, joins the Downtown Discussion Podcast to share the story behind Plantable Redding, the vibrant green space that transformed the once abandoned lot on the corner of California and Gold Street.  Kirkwood discusses how he and his team turned a neglected part of downtown into a community hub for small concerts, gatherings, gardening education, plant sales, and the restoration of the Calaboose Creek in to a healthy eco system again. https://plantableredding.org/ Plantable Nursery and Cafe 2018 California Street, Redding CA 96001  Wed-Sat: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dylan Mosshart, owner of Fridays Vintage, joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to celebrate three years in business and the grand re-opening at their new location at 1401 Market Street on the Market/Tehama Corner. Dylan discusses the growth of his mom-and-pop vintage shop and owning the business alongside his wife, Paige, his passion for timeless clothing, and the journey from pop-up events to a full brick-and-mortar storefront. He also shares advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their own businesses in downtown communities.  Fridays Vintage 1401 Market Street, Redding CA 96001 https://www.fridaysvintage.co/

Step inside the magic of Redding’s newest destination for kids! In this episode of The Viva Downtown’s Downtown Discussion, we are joined by Tara Faires and Suzanne Russell, and celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Ferris Wheel Kids — a vibrant new store designed with families in mind. Hear from the people who brought this dream to life, discover what makes Ferris Wheel Kids a unique addition to our downtown, and join the excitement as the community comes together to welcome this playful new space.  @ferriswheelkids 1501 Yuba Street Redding, CA 96001 Hours Wednesday-Friday 10:30am–5:30pm Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm Phone (530) 215-3684

Kelly Sepelyak is a Silicon Valley native driven by a passion for blending communications and technology to fuel innovation. As an Executive Assistant at RABA, she plays a key role in optimizing operations, leading impactful outreach efforts, and building meaningful connections within the community. Kelly is deeply committed to advancing accessibility and ensuring public services truly reflect the needs of those they serve. Tune in to discover how Kelly and other young changemakers are creating space to grow alongside their downtown—and how you can be part of the movement.

Local Theatre Director, Emma Richardson, Redding Cultural District Program Assistant, Gabe Newman, and Cascade Theatre Box Office Manager, Jacob Akana join Viva Downtown to talk about their participation and engagment for the next generation in downtown programming and arts and culture. From theatrical productions, live music and tabletop gaming our guests in this episode are building artistic and community-driven programs that bring new energy in Downtown Redding's historic buildings. Tune in to hear how they’re creating outlets for themselves and other young people to  grow alongside their downtown—and how you can get involved too.

Redding Rodeo Week kicks off May 9–18, and the Asphalt Cowboys saddle up on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to share what’s in store! Dave Tappan and Mike Ursitti join us to talk about the history and tradition of the Asphalt Cowboys, what it takes to become one, and all the excitement around this year’s downtown events. From the return of the iconic Street Dance—featuring a special performance by Ben Haggard, son of country legend Merle Haggard—to the beloved Pancake Breakfast where nearly 30,000 pancakes are served, this episode celebrates Redding’s rodeo spirit and the vibrant transformation of downtown in recent years. Link To Asphalt Cowboys Events: https://asphaltcowboys.org/calendar/ Link to Redding Rodeo: https://www.reddingrodeo.com/

Tyler Faires is back on the Viva Downtown Discussion Podcast to talk about the Sundial Film Festival's exciting return to the Cascade Theatre on Saturday March 22, 2025. He shares insights into the festival's revitalization, collaborating with filmmakers and artists to establish a dynamic local, regional, and international film event in Downtown Redding. Tyler also explores the future of filmmaking and the crucial role of investing in local film programs in Shasta County. Tune in to learn more about the people shaping the future of downtown Redding through social, cultural and economic development.  The Sundial Film Festival: Saturday March 22, 2025  at the Cascade Theatre. Check out the Website: Sundial Film Festival - A Northern California Film Festival Get your Tickets Here: Sundial Film Festival – Cascade Theatre TICKET INFORMATION:  Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience at the 16th Annual Sundial Film Festival on March 22nd at the iconic Cascade Theatre! This is your chance to immerse yourself in the best local and international films, showcasing incredible talent from around the globe. Don’t miss out—grab an All-Access Pass to enjoy both screenings with over 25 films through the day, or choose individual tickets for the 2 PM and 7 PM showings. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or just looking for an exciting afternoon or evening out, the Sundial Film Festival is the place to be! Both showings have entirely different films and we are rating the two events with PG13 in mind. Please be advised.  Pricing from $25 to $45

Ami and Bart Hauptman, local family brewers, join the Downtown Discussion podcast to discuss their new ownership of Woody's Brewing Company. Woody's Brewing Company celebrates 10 years of being established in Downtown Redding as a family business, learn about Ami and Bart who are excited to take on Woody's with their family and continue producing top quality beers, dining experiences, and community involvement. https://woodysbrewing.com/ Woody's Brewing Company 530-768-1034 1257 Oregon Street  Redding, CA 96001

Eddie McAllister, facilitator of the Shasta Beloved Community and recipient of the National Education Association's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast.  Eddie discusses the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Downtown Redding on January 20, 2025, and the shifting cultural climate of Shasta County.  He also shares ways to get involved in community organizing and breaking down cultural barriers. Monday, January 20, 2025: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Schedule of Events:  Events: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  • Prayer/Praise Circle/March to Sequoia | 10am Starts at the Shasta County Superior Courthouse - 1500 Court Street, Redding, Ca. A shuttle will be available at 9:30am at Sequoia Middle School for transportation to the Courthouse before the program begins.  MLK Celebration Program & Performances/Bell Ringing Ceremony | 11:30am Lunch (provided) & Information Booths | 1:30pmLinks to learn more: Shasta Beloved Community: https://www.facebook.com/SCbelovedcommunity?mibextid=wwXIfr Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 6 Principles of Non Violence: https://civiced.org/six-principles-nonviolence Eddie McAllister recipient of the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. award: https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/conferences-events/human-civil-rights-awards-program/winners/mccallister Thank you for joining us on the podcast Eddie The Downtown Discussion Podcast features the people who enhance downtown through social, cultural, and economic development.  The podcast is edited and produced by Jacob Akana.