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

From Film Reels to Emmy Gold with Stephen Chollet

💛 Episode 28 - What happens when a small-town movie theater projectionist grows up to become an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and successful marketing agency owner? In this episode of the Hearts of Gold Podcast, Erin and Jaymes sit down with longtime friend Stephen Chollet, founder of Chollet Agency, for a fun, nostalgic, and inspiring conversation filled with stories, laughter, and lessons learned along the way. Stephen takes us back to his earliest days working at Oroville's historic State Theatre, where he learned the art of running film projectors before the digital age transformed the industry. From threading actual film reels and working behind the scenes at the theater to discovering his passion for storytelling, Stephen shares the experiences that sparked a career in filmmaking, creative production, and marketing. The conversation also includes a few memorable trips down memory lane, including Stephen's legendary Millennium Bash during the Y2K era and highlights how those early creative endeavors helped shape the entrepreneur he is today.Along the way, we discuss: - Stephen's first job at the Oroville State Theatre - What it was like being a film projectionist before digital cinema - How a passion for storytelling led to Emmy Award-winning work - The evolution of film, media, and marketing over the years- Building and growing the Chollet Agency - How Stephen helps businesses and organizations throughout Butte County tell their stories and reach their audiences- Lessons learned from entrepreneurship, creativity, and community involvement - Plenty of laughs, old memories, and behind-the-scenes stories between longtime friends Whether you're interested in filmmaking, marketing, entrepreneurship, or simply love hearing local success stories, this episode offers an entertaining look at how curiosity, creativity, and community can shape a remarkable career. Connect with Stephen Chollet🌐 Chollet Agency: https://www.chollet.agency🌐 Personal Website: https://www.stephenchollet.com 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 ByErin Lackey Photography 📸 www.erinlackey.comCreating authentic portraits, branding imagery, and family photography throughout Northern California.

The Four Golden S's of Summer w/ Jaymes + Erin Lackey

This week, it’s just us, Erin and Jaymes, and we’re sharing what we’re calling our Summer of Stewardship. As summer gets underway, we’ve been talking a lot about how to better care for the things that matter most in our lives. For us, that comes down to four areas: our space, ourselves, our spirit, and our social lives. In this episode, we share what we're working on, where we're growing, and a few places where we still have a lot to learn. We talk about the never-ending list of projects around the house, why creating a peaceful and functional space matters to us, and some of the goals we have for getting things done this summer. We also dive into taking care of ourselves - physically, mentally, and emotionally - and the small habits we're trying to build along the way. On the spiritual side, we share how we're making more room for prayer, reflection, and time with God. You'll even hear about our prayer closet (which, honestly, is a little strange) but has become a meaningful part of our journey. Jaymes also shares some thoughts on faith and theology that spark a deeper conversation about spiritual growth. We also spend some time talking about community, friendships, family, and why being intentional about relationships is something we're prioritizing this season. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, a few rabbit trails, some honest reflections, and several book recommendations from Erin that have been helping her navigate life and personal growth. More than anything, this episode is a chance for listeners to get to know us a little better. It's a relaxed, fun conversation about where we are right now, what we're learning, and how we're trying to be better stewards of the lives we've been given.Plus, we give a sneak peek at three incredible guests we have coming up on the podcast that we're really excited to share with you. 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 Episode: Why we're calling this season our "Summer of Stewardship" Home projects and creating a better living space Health, wellness, and personal growth goals Prayer, meditation, and our unusual prayer closet Friendship, family, and building community Books Erin has been reading and recommending Faith, theology, and spiritual growth with Jaymes A preview of three exciting upcoming guests Thanks for spending some time with us! We hope this conversation encourages you to think about what areas of your own life might need a little extra stewardship this summer. ☀️💛 This episode is sponsored by: Erin Lackey Photography www.erinlackey.com

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