S4E5 - Bookish Modesto Co-Owner, Will DeBoard (from Hughson)!

S4E9 - Macaroni KID Modesto Publisher, Xochitl Loza!

In this episode of The 209 Journey Podcast, I interview Xochitl Loza, Publisher of Macaroni KID Modesto & Mountain House-Tracy-Manteca. Xochitl shares her story of moving from the Bay Area to the 209, her unforgettable experience being part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and her time working behind the scenes as a sound engineer in theater. We also talk about her journey to becoming a publisher for Macaroni KID, a go-to resource providing local activity guides and family news for parents in our community. Follow Macaroni KID at: https://modesto.macaronikid.com/ [https://modesto.macaronikid.com/] https://www.facebook.com/mackidmodesto [https://www.facebook.com/mackidmodesto] https://www.instagram.com/mackidmodestoca [https://www.instagram.com/mackidmodestoca] https://mountainhouse.macaronikid.com/ [https://mountainhouse.macaronikid.com/] Watch & subscribe to some of the episode interviews at: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w [https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w] If you haven't followed the show on social media yet, please follow it at: http://twitter.com/The209Journey [http://twitter.com/The209Journey] https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/ [https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/] https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey [https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey] The following music was used for this media project: Tropical Island House by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house [https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house] License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license [https://filmmusic.io/standard-license] Support The 209 Journey Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey]

S4E8 - Modesto Children's Museum CEO, Chelsie Webster!

(Episode recorded back in April 2025) Guest: Chelsie Webster, CEO of Modesto Children's Museum Host: Aster Summary: In this episode, Aster interviews Chelsie Webster, CEO of the Modesto Children's Museum. Chelsie shares her unique journey from working in science museums in Ohio to leading the creation and growth of a world-class children's museum in Modesto, California. The conversation explores the museum's mission, the importance of community, and the drive to provide Central Valley families with enriching, accessible experiences. Follow Modesto Children's Museum at: https://www.modestochildrensmuseum.org/ [https://www.modestochildrensmuseum.org/] https://www.facebook.com/modestochildrensmuseum [https://www.facebook.com/modestochildrensmuseum] https://www.instagram.com/modestochildrensmuseum/ [https://www.instagram.com/modestochildrensmuseum/] Watch & subscribe to some of the episode interviews at: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w [https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w] If you haven't followed the show on social media yet, please follow it at: http://twitter.com/The209Journey [http://twitter.com/The209Journey] https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/ [https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/] https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey [https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey] The following music was used for this media project: Tropical Island House by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house [https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house] License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license [https://filmmusic.io/standard-license] Support The 209 Journey Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey]

S4E7 - Flight Nutrition Owner, Danny Avila (from Modesto)!

In this episode, we interview Danny Avila, the owner of Flight Nutrition in Modesto, CA. Danny shares his journey of moving to Modesto with his family and the inspiration behind launching his business. From protein shakes and energizing refreshers to waffles and power bowls, Flight Nutrition offers a variety of nutritious options for the community. We discuss opening day, how the menu came together, and Danny’s vision for the future of his business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, health, and building a brand from the ground up! Follow Flight Nutrition at: https://www.instagram.com/Flight_Nutrition [https://www.instagram.com/Flight_Nutrition] https://www.facebook.com/flightnutrition209 [https://www.facebook.com/flightnutrition209] Watch & subscribe to some of the episode interviews at: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w [https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w] If you haven't followed the show on social media yet, please follow it at: http://twitter.com/The209Journey [http://twitter.com/The209Journey] https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/ [https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/] https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey [https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey] The following music was used for this media project: Tropical Island House by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house [https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house] License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license [https://filmmusic.io/standard-license] Support The 209 Journey Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey]

S4E6 - Black Orchid Founders, Tyanne & Henry Penado and Joffre Roberts (from Manteca/Modesto)!

In this special on-location episode, we chat with Tyanne & Henry Penado and Joffre Roberts, the founders of Black Orchid Brewery in Modesto, CA. They share their journey from the Bay Area and LA to the heart of the 209, detailing what led them to open their brewery in Modesto and how they chose the perfect spot. From their unique craft beer selection to the exciting events they host (and plan to host), we dive into what makes Black Orchid Brewery a must-visit destination for beer lovers. We also talk about their experiences participating in beer festivals, their vision for the future of the brewery, and what’s next for their growing business. Plus, this episode marks a milestone for our podcast—it’s the first one ever recorded on location at a guest’s venue! We’re hoping to bring you more interviews like this in the future, capturing the stories of local businesses right from the source. Grab a drink and tune in! Follow Black Orchid at: https://www.instagram.com/blackorchidbrewing/ [https://www.instagram.com/blackorchidbrewing/] https://www.facebook.com/BlackOrchidBrewing [https://www.facebook.com/BlackOrchidBrewing] Check out Black Orchid's Excusive Orchid (Mug Club) at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKgrSxosoy9Bx146hg_smm2rBjeZ3umeai7Fi-PxTp0y-sjw/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKgrSxosoy9Bx146hg_smm2rBjeZ3umeai7Fi-PxTp0y-sjw/viewform] Watch & subscribe to some of the episode interviews at: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w [https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w] If you haven't followed the show on social media yet, please follow it at: http://twitter.com/The209Journey [http://twitter.com/The209Journey] https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/ [https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/] https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey [https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey] The following music was used for this media project: Tropical Island House by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house [https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house] License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license [https://filmmusic.io/standard-license] Support The 209 Journey Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey]

S4E5 - Bookish Modesto Co-Owner, Will DeBoard (from Hughson)!

In this episode, we interview Will DeBoard, Co-Owner of Modesto’s newest independent bookstore, Bookish, located in the historic Roseburg Square. Will shares stories about growing up in Hughson, CA, including the unforgettable moment he scored a soccer goal during an earthquake. He also talks about his time as an English student at MJC, his career at the Modesto Bee, and how his wife and him started Bookish. We also hear more about Bookish opening day back in April 4, 2024, and the events the bookstore is hosting for the community. Follow Bookish Modesto at: https://bookishmodesto.com/ [https://bookishmodesto.com/] https://www.instagram.com/Bookish_Modesto [https://www.instagram.com/Bookish_Modesto] https://www.facebook.com/BookishModesto [https://www.facebook.com/BookishModesto] Watch & subscribe to some of the episode interviews at: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w [https://youtube.com/channel/UCFgsiBr3uf_Pi34sOMR754w] If you haven't followed the show on social media yet, please follow it at: http://twitter.com/The209Journey [http://twitter.com/The209Journey] https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/ [https://www.facebook.com/The209Journey/] https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey [https://www.instagram.com/The209Journey] The following music was used for this media project: Tropical Island House by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house [https://filmmusic.io/song/12259-tropical-island-house] License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license [https://filmmusic.io/standard-license] Support The 209 Journey Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-209-journey]