The Better Modesto Show

#107 - Zach Drivon talks California Cannabis Industry

Zach Drivon joins Chris and discusses the challenges facing Cannabis in California from business, to local taxes, to the black market.

#106 - Brittany Welch, The Climb West-Coast Regional Manager for Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Join Ulisses Vasquez, co-host of the Better Modesto show on KFIV 1360 & live on the iHeartRadio app, as he welcomes a very special guest, Brittany Welch, The Climb West-Coast regional manager for Postpartum Support International (PSI). While co-host Chris Ricci is away in Japan, Ulisses engages in a heartfelt conversation with Brittany about her journey through perinatal mental health challenges & her experience with PSI. Brittany opens up about her traumatic experiences during pregnancy, including antenatal depression & preeclampsia, shedding light on the often overlooked struggles faced by many expectant mothers. Despite the challenges, she bravely shares her path to healing & advocacy, highlighting the importance of support & resources for women navigating perinatal mental health disorders. Throughout the conversation, Brittany emphasizes the significance of organizations like PSI in providing crucial support & community for individuals facing perinatal mental health challenges. From her own journey to becoming a volunteer with PSI to her involvement in organizing events like Climb Out of the Darkness in Modesto, Brittany's story is one of resilience & hope. Join Ulisses & Brittany as they discuss the importance of destigmatizing perinatal mental health issues, providing support for individuals & families, & advocating for better resources & awareness in the community. Tune in to gain valuable insights & learn how you can support those experiencing perinatal mental health challenges.

#105 - Trish Christensen, President-CEO of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce

In the latest episode of the Better Modesto show, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with special guest Trish Christensen from the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by Ulisses Vasquez & co-host Chris Ricci, City Council Member for District 3, the episode delves into Trish's journey from Santa Clara to Modesto in 1988, showcasing her initial challenges & eventual embrace of Modesto as a family-friendly community. Trish shares her experiences of commuting & settling in Modesto, highlighting the evolving landscape of the city over the past three decades. She reflects on the positive changes that have made Modesto a great place to raise a family & establish roots, emphasizing the supportive community & opportunities for growth. The camaraderie & warmth between the hosts & guest are evident throughout the episode, offering listeners a glimpse into Trish's impactful work at the Chamber of Commerce & her contributions to the local business community. The episode captures the essence of community spirit & the journey of finding home & belonging in Modesto.

#104 - Nick Bavaro, City Council Member for District 4

In this new episode of The Better Modesto Show we tune in on a discussion about the heart of community issues & governance, hosted by Ulisses Vasquez & Chris Ricci, & joined by their very special guest, City Council Member for District 4, Nick Bavaro. Additionally, discussion on the complexities of city planning & community engagement is included. Furthermore, there is discussion pertaining to the new Modesto Police Department (MPD) position, Park Rangers Chris Ricci shares insights into the difficulties faced when trying to balance the needs of constituents & vulnerable communities. The conversation delves into the nuances of democracy, highlighting the struggles of pushing forward beneficial projects amidst opposition. Their guest, Nick Bavaro, City Council Person for District 4, adds a unique perspective to the discussion, reflecting on the transition from campaigning to governance & the weight of responsibility that comes with serving on the Council. Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of local governance, community representation, & the delicate balance between public interests & city initiatives. Tune in to the Better Modesto Show on KFIV 1360 and live on the iHeartRadio App for insightful conversations & thought-provoking discussions on building a better city for everyone!

#103 - Ulisses & Chris

Cohosts Ulisses Vasquez & Chris Ricci invite listeners to tune in to a discussion regarding the pulse of community initiatives & the power of collective action. This podcast delves into the journey from grassroots efforts to city-wide impact. Listeners will discover how small actions can lead to significant changes, drawing from Chris Ricci's experiences in fostering successful community health programs & addressing urban forestry challenges in Modesto. Through engaging conversations, they explore the essence of civic duty & community engagement, sharing anecdotes from recent Boy Scouts presentations & community walks. Tune in to the Better Modesto show for inspiring stories, thought-provoking insights, & a deep dive into the heartbeat of the city. Catch them on KFIV 1360 & live on the iHeartRadio app, as they continue to champion community spirit & empowerment.