Full Speed, Full Heart: Sara Nolind’s Journey to Leadership, Confidence, and Community

More Precious Than Gold: Alexa Benson-Valavanis on the Goodness of Humanity

💛 Episode 26: From Global Adventures to Local Impact with Alexa Benson-Valavanis What happens when a Chico State basketball recruit follows a path that takes her from Northern California to Shanghai, China, and Guatemala - only to return and help transform one of the region's most influential nonprofit organizations? In this inspiring episode of Hearts of Gold, Erin and Jaymes sit down with Alexa Benson-Valavanis, President and CEO of the North Valley Community Foundation, to explore her remarkable journey of service, leadership, and community impact. Alexa shares how she first arrived in Butte County as a student-athlete at Chico State, the experiences around the world that shaped her worldview, and how she ultimately found her calling helping communities thrive through philanthropy. She opens up about rebuilding NVCF from the ground up, leading disaster recovery efforts following the Camp Fire, and mobilizing millions of dollars to support wildfire and pandemic relief throughout Northern California. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alexa offers a candid look at her personal spiritual journey, the lessons she learned while reconciling faith and identity, and the role that compassion and unconditional love play in her life and leadership. She also reveals some of her favorite hidden gems around Butte County and shares wisdom for anyone looking to make a meaningful difference in their own community.Whether you're passionate about community service, leadership, personal growth, or simply love hearing stories of people making a difference, this conversation will leave you inspired and hopeful. Join Erin and Jaymes Lackey for our hyper-positive regional podcast highlighting local individuals in Northern California who have a Heart of Gold. This episode is sponsored by: Erin Lackey Photography. Head to www.erinlackey.com or seenagain.erinlackey.com to learn more about the upcoming project featuring amazing women in Butte County!

Turning Blank Walls into Community Gold with local Muralist Seizer One

What does it mean to call yourself an artist?This week on the Hearts of Gold Podcast, Erin and Jaymes sit down with multidisciplinary artist and designer Jedrek Speer, better known as SEIZER-ONE, to explore a creative journey that spans decades, mediums, and personal growth. Since adopting his iconic moniker in 1996, Jedrek has left his mark on everything from the Los Angeles street art movement of the early 2000s to large-scale murals that now inspire communities throughout Northern California.After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, Jedrek moved to Los Angeles, where his work helped shape the street art scene and eventually led to appearances in Banksy's acclaimed documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. Along the way, he created artwork and creative projects for major brands and artists, including the legendary Smashing Pumpkins, Audi, Spyder, Von Zipper, and Lulus.com.But behind the murals and high-profile collaborations is a story many creatives can relate to: the challenge of fully embracing the identity of being an artist. Jedrek opens up about the self-doubt, evolving perspective, and personal work that has helped him overcome those barriers and step more confidently into his calling.This conversation is about more than paint and walls, it's about creativity, courage, and giving yourself permission to bring your ideas into the world. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, maker, or someone with a dream you've been putting off, Jedrek's story is a powerful reminder that the things living in your imagination deserve a chance to exist!We hope you'll leave this episode feeling inspired to create, take action, and make your own mark on your community!Join Erin and Jaymes Lackey for our hyper-positive regional podcast highlighting local individuals in Northern California who have a Heart of Gold.This episode is sponsored by Erin Lackey Photography. Currently accepting nominations for the Seen Again Portrait Experience: seenagain.erinlackey.com

Education with Heart: A Hearts of Gold Conversation with Mary Sakuma

💛 Episode 24: Join Erin and Jaymes Lackey for our hyper-positive regional podcast highlighting local individuals in Northern California who have a Heart of Gold.In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Mary Sakuma, Butte County Superintendent of Schools and a lifelong champion for public education. With more than 30 years of experience, Mary’s journey has taken her from the classroom to principal, to district superintendent, and now to leading the Butte County Office of Education.Mary shares how her passion for students and families has guided every step of her career, and how the motto “where students come first” continues to shape her leadership today. From expanding school-centered family services to supporting student achievement across the region, Mary offers a powerful look into what it means to lead with purpose and heart.✨ In this episode, you’ll hear:Mary’s “Golden Beginnings” and how she got started in educationHer journey through leadership roles across Butte CountyThe most fulfilling—and challenging—parts of her workLessons learned over three decades in public educationHer “Golden Nugget of Wisdom” for anyone looking to make a differenceWhether you’re an educator, parent, or community member, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and real-world impact.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more stories of people making a difference in our community!Join Erin and Jaymes Lackey for our hyper-positive regional podcast highlighting local individuals in Northern California who have a Heart of Gold.This episode is sponsored by Erin Lackey Photography: www.erinlackey.com

A Heart of Gold for Oroville’s History with Danny Ballard

Join Erin and Jaymes as they sit down with Daniel Ballard, a passionate local historian who’s helping bring Oroville’s rich past to life, one story at a time. As the host of the Historic Oroville Walking Tours and a leader in several local organizations, Danny is deeply committed to preserving the people, places, and moments that have shaped the community. In this episode, Danny shares how his love for history began, what keeps him inspired, and why preserving local stories matters now more than ever. From hidden gems around town to the challenges of keeping history relevant in a modern world, this conversation is full of insight, heart, and hometown pride. Whether you're a lifelong local or new to the area, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Oroville, and maybe even a new favorite spot to explore. Join Erin and Jaymes Lackey for our hyper-positive regional podcast highlighting local individuals in Northern California who have a Heart of Gold.

Full Speed, Full Heart: Sara Nolind’s Journey to Leadership, Confidence, and Community

Episode 22 💛 Join Erin and Jaymes Lackey for our hyper-positive regional podcast highlighting local individuals in Northern California who have a Heart of Gold. In this high-energy episode, we sit down with Sara Nolind—a true Oroville powerhouse who proves that drive isn’t just for the racetrack. From racing cars at high speeds to helping lead one of the area’s most beloved coffee spots, Sara shares how passion, grit, and community connection have shaped her journey. We dive into her role at her family’s business, Pioneer Collision Center, and how growing up in that environment instilled a strong work ethic and sense of pride - and got her into racing! Sara also gives us a look behind the scenes at Union Coffee Club, where she co-creates a welcoming space that brings people together.But what really makes Sara’s story stand out is her personal growth. She opens up about overcoming a speech impediment, something that once challenged her confidence - and how she’s transformed it into a strength, becoming an engaging and impactful speaker. Today, as President-Elect of the Oroville Rotary Club, she’s not just finding her voice - she’s using it to lead and inspire.This episode is all about resilience, reinvention, and going all-in on the things that matter most. Join us today on the Hearts of Gold Podcast!This episode is sponsored by Erin Lackey Photography: www.erinlackey.com