Podcast appearances and mentions of Richard Clark

It's not easy to live in Batavia while remaining unaware of its historical roots. Around here, it's talked about a lot. But what does this history really mean for a town in the here and now? According to Depot Museum Director Kate Garrett, Batavia's appreciation for its own history provides opportunity for what she calls "pro-social behaviors." And it turns out, those kinds of behaviors ultimately add up to a better community for all. Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

From landscape to architecture, spaces matter. And for Josephine Tucci, creating spaces that inspire belonging is a lifelong pursuit that started with museums and continued into the Batavia Library. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the executive director of the Batavia Public Library about the winding career path that brought her to Batavia, her love of landscapes, and integral role the library plays in Batavia. Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Some, who make grand claims of being self-made, might see their success as being a result of their own hard work. But Scott Beltran openly acknowledges the many people who have come alongside him to help make Daddio's a reality. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Daddio's Diner about those in his family and community who have helped make Daddio's the staple in Batavia it is today. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Richard Clark is undoubtably one of the most successful male sailors in Canadian history 4X Olympian in the Finn and Star class (with Crew Tyler Bjorn), 2x Melges 24 world champion Member of Illbruck winner of the 2001 Volvo ocean race, Winner of Sail Canada's Gerry Roufs award as well as Male Athelete of the year and Rolex sailor of the year.  This rollicking interview covered olympic anxiety, offshore glory and the real reason for the anti banana superstition!

Richard Clark is undoubtably one of the most successful male sailors in Canadian history 4X Olympian in the Finn and Star class (with Crew Tyler Bjorn), 2x Melges 24 world champion Member of Illbruck winner of the 2001 Volvo ocean race, Winner of Sail Canada's Gerry Roufs award as well as Male Athelete of the year and Rolex sailor of the year.  This rollicking interview covered olympic anxiety, offshore glory and the real reason for the anti banana superstition!

The stakes are high. Every year, an entirely new group of entrepreneurs set up shop on the corner of Wilson and River street, each one with their own idea of what it means to thrive in Batavia. And by the end of the season, they'll have a very real sense of just how likely their business is to succeed. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we talk to the 2025 slate of Batavia Boardwalk Shops about what inspired them to start their business, the roads that led them to Batavia, and why Batavia felt like the perfect place to pursue their dreams. The Boardwalk Shops featured in this episode are:A Rooted HomeAHA Kapeh Traditional BreadGiron Guatemalan Apparel and HomeJaclyn Sue BoutiqueScout and GemJodi Mac Sweets and TreatsKumba's African MarketPet WantsStitched By StephanieTabletop Game ShopIf you liked this, also check our episode with last year's slate of Boardwalk Shop owners. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

There's no new episode in your feed today because we're working fast to turn around a special Opening Day Boardwalk Shops episode. That episode will release this Friday. Thanks! Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

What is earthmoving and mining like in New Zealand? Well Mack travels around the world to find out. On this episode, Mack sits down with Richard Clark, Brand and Events manager with Terra Cat to talk all about Mack's adventures in New Zealand.We visit all the big dirt contractors and mining companies on both North, and South Island to learn about equipment, projects, mining, and culture in New Zealand.Terra Cat hosted us at their facilities in Christchurch and aided in visiting the 789 haul trucks at Macraes Mine. Big thank you to their team for all the help and hospitality!Find Mack on social media @earthmovers_media or visit the website https://earthmoversmedia.com/

Batavia Public School Superintendent Tom Kim was forced to grow up fast. But as a second generation immigrant surrounded by family, teachers, and mentors willing to help him achieve his goals, he found his place in the world. Now, he's looking to do his same for Batavia's children. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with Tom Kim about his early aspirations, the unique community focus of Batavia, and why he almost left education for good. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

This episode was first published on March 8, 2024.Building on a successful candle-business, Ariane Scholl wanted to create a space that was welcoming, people-oriented, and comfortable. And with her new location, she found a place perfectly situated to accomodate anyone. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I talked to Ariane (who also goes by Annie) about the tensions between creating a space that feels like home and a space that challenges us to strive for something more, even in the midst of coziness.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Zen Loft Collective, a collection of wellness spaces located in the heart of downtown Batavia. Register now to receive $20 off a class or package with the code AREACODE.Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Zen Loft Collective, a collection of wellness spaces located in the heart of downtown Batavia. Register now to receive $20 off a class or package with the code AREACODE.Kelly Vida has always dreamed of creating a supportive community space for women. When the chance to turn her aspirations into reality presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity. What she found was the vision she made a reality would help her just as much as it helped the community she sought to serve. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with Kelly Vida, the owner of Zen Loft Collective, about how her personal struggles in motherhood led to the birth of Zen Loft, her adaptable approach to meeting the community's needs, and the profound impact the community has had on her and others in Batavia.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

In this episode of Leadership NOW, we delve into the critical issue of knowledge loss within organizations. When seasoned employees retire or depart, they often take invaluable tacit knowledge with them—expertise that isn't documented in manuals or training materials.​ Join us as we explore the insights of Dr. Richard Clark, Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California, who has dedicated his career to addressing this challenge through Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA). Dr. Clark discusses how CTA can uncover and preserve the hidden insights of workplace experts, ensuring that organizations retain and effectively transfer critical knowledge.​ Discover how integrating CTA with artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, can accelerate and enhance the process of capturing and disseminating expert knowledge. Learn practical steps to prioritize expertise mapping, leverage AI-driven CTA, and foster a culture of lifelong learning within your organization.​ Don't let essential knowledge slip away. Watch now to understand how to safeguard your organization's intellectual assets and maintain a competitive edge.​ More about Dr. Clark at https://rossier.usc.edu/faculty-research/directory/richard-clark More about Dan Pontefract at https://www.danpontefract.com/

Before Paula Mueller started Paula's Couture Consignment, she was a stay at home mom, and a self-described 'follower'. But after a painful period in her life, she found the courage to pursue her passion for fashion and establish a business that doubles as a safe haven. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Paula's Couture Consignment about how she transformed her personal challenges into a thriving business, her journey from follower to leader in her community, and her commitment to making her space a welcoming and inclusive environment.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Zen Loft Collective, a collection of wellness spaces located in the heart of downtown Batavia. Register now to receive $20 off a class or package with the code AREACODE.Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Jo Colagiacomi and Jay Weichun are not afraid to dream. When they moved to the midwest, they brought with them a dream of a vegan bakery that opened its doors to all, vegan or not. Now they're living that dream. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I spoke to Jo Colagiacomi about how she combined her conviction, her passion for food, and her investment in local community to create something that has helped to change the landscape of downtown Batavia. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Zen Loft Collective, a collection of wellness spaces located in the heart of downtown Batavia. Register now to receive $20 off a class or package with the code AREACODE.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

John Maytham speaks to Richard Clark, Audiologist at NB Hearing. He’ll help us understand how noise-cancelling technology affects auditory processing, whether young people are at greater risk of developing hearing issues, and what steps we should take to protect our ears in an increasingly sound-isolated world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back! Happy VD and welcome to season three of Heavy Metal Horror! Join Montag and Chop Top as they're joined by Richard Clark and Kane Bochatyn of Among These Ashes for today's Undead grudge match! Which zombie flick is deader? It's an undead mano y mano!

This is part two of a pair of conversations with the Batavia Mayoral candidates. You can hear our conversation with mayoral challenger, Tom Connelly, in the previous episode. Since 1981, Mayor Jeff Schielke has been a fixture in the community of Batavia, drawing on a rich tapestry of historical knowledge passed down through six generations. With an unwavering commitment to his hometown's heritage, Schelke reflects on his decades of experience, exploring both the past that defines him and the challenges of serving as mayor amidst changing times.On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we delve into the identity and motivations of Batavia's longest-serving mayor. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Zen Loft Collective, a collection of wellness spaces located in the heart of downtown Batavia. Register now to receive $20 off a class or package with the code AREACODE.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

This episode of CORNDOWN goes deep into questionable hotel amenities and unexpected business strategies. I start off digging into a strange DVD version of a hotel experience, while wastedmemory uncovers some odd differences and a sketchy sale on DVD players. There's talk of elevator smoke breaks, mysterious second discs, and a secret coffee situation that keeps getting more complicated. Kidnapping comes up way too often—wastedmemory even calls ahead about it, while snappy bakes gets into the idea of making it a formal agreement. Meanwhile, Lung explores fog machines and tax dodging, and I get wrapped up in the ethics of donation-driven corporations. It's a mess of schemes, scams, and suspicious hospitality. This show is made possible by donations from listeners like you. If you enjoy what you hear, please consider donating via patreon or paypal! powered by rogueserver.com

For the next two episodes, we'll be featuring a pair of conversations with the Batavia Mayoral candidates. In 2018, Tom Connelly found a home in the community of Batavia. And from the beginning, he set out to make a difference in his town through local government. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we speak to the attorney and former alderman about his experience of finding belonging, and what led him to run for mayor.For more information on the mayoral candidates and their positions, follow Tri-Cities Central, and check out the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum on February 5th at City Hall. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Zen Loft Collective, a collection of wellness spaces located in the heart of downtown Batavia. Register now to receive $20 off a class or package with the code AREACODE.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

As we round out our end of the year coverage, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at last year and at the podcast since it began one year ago. On this episode, I revisit the five (okay, six) most popular episodes of the year, and talk through the ways each conversation impacted me personally as a Batavia resident. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

In 2024 there were new businesses, a new mayoral challenger, tornadoes, mysterious foam, and unnerving things in the walls. It can be easy to forget how much has happened in a year, so we thought it would be a good idea to set aside some time to take a look back. This episode: Sam Kraft, the man behind Tri-Cities Central, returns to the podcast to discuss the biggest events, developments, and stories of the year in Batavia.This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Hartman, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Hartman, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog PlumbingMarketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

For Steve Warrenfeltz, starting a record store was a lifelong dream. Once he shared that dream with a friend, it became inescapable. And after more than 30 years, Steve and his friend, Mike, made that dream a reality. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Kiss The Sky about why he chose Batavia as the home of Kiss The Sky, the ups and downs of the record store business, and why belonging in Batavia can be so difficult for an army kid. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Hartman, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Hartman, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

It's the busiest shopping weekend of the year, and shopping local isn't just a worthy cause: it's a great way to get more meaningful gifts for those you love. This week, we go holiday shopping in the heart of downtown Batavia with former guest, Jamie Saam. Listen in as we walk-and-talk about the myriad of options for everyone in your life. As a co-founder of Start Something Studio and Batavia native (and owner of AC: Batavia sponsor, Bulldog Plumbing), Jamie has gotten to know numerous local small businesses, and she has a ton of ideas for local gifts. Stuff like Batavia merch, bowl cozies, ugly pasta, and yes, meat-flavored bubbles. For more gift ideas, check out the Main Street Batavia Holiday Gift Guide. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Hartman, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Hartman, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

To commemorate Area Code: Batavia's 20th episode, I've invited our collaborators, Ben Wydra and Lauren Purdy from Plimsoll, to take a look back on what the stories we heard in the previous episodes of the podcast meant to us, and what they mean for our community. We talk about how COVID disrupted and deepened the stories of so many, whether or not Batavia is really as special as this podcast might have you believe, and the one thing Craig Foltos said to me after I interviewed him that I can't get out of my head. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

When David Fraccaro and Claudia Kabanyana host "Becoming Neighbors," they're taking part in a unique and messy exercise of hope and potential. So what exactly are the risks and rewards of exploring our differences? On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the people behind the quarterly gathering that brings people together in a particularly unintuitive way: by drawing out our disagreements. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Pizza, etc: Windmill Grille Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Joanne Spitz is the co-chair of CHIP IN Batavia, a non-profit that works to ensure every child in our town has the opportunity to thrive - from basic necessities to prom dresses and college laptops. But Joanne's story isn't just about helping others belong. It's also about her own journey to find her place in Batavia over the past 32 years. In this conversation, we'll hear how a shy newcomer became a pillar of the community, mobilizing an entire town to care for its most vulnerable members. We'll explore the delicate balance between offering help and preserving dignity, and how small acts of kindness can transform lives.This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog PlumbingMarketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church, located just east of the river off of N. Washington Avenue and currently pastored by Rev. David J. Seymour, wasn't created in a vacuum - it was founded based on a need for black Batavians to have a place to go where they felt safe, comfortable, and accepted.On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with two long-time members of the church, Ruth and Edward Tousana, about their lives in Batavia, how they adapted to the challenges they and their community faced, and how they helped create spaces of belonging for others in their community. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES The Batavia Paranormal Investigation SquadMarketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

After receiving so much support from his community as a high school student, Dennis Piron felt obligated to succeed. But after trying his hand in the business world, he quickly realized that giving back to Batavia was the best way to find fulfillment. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I spoke to the Batavia High School football and track and field coach about his unique philosophy of coaching, the reasons behind his decision to leave his job in Chicago and return to Batavia, and what the future holds after he moves on from his current position.This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

How do we uncover distant planets' secrets? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the recent discoveries in exoplanet study, exo-moons, and finding the stars from our sun's stellar nursery with astronomer and head of Cool Worlds Lab, David Kipping.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here:https://startalkmedia.com/show/searching-for-habitable-worlds-with-david-kipping/Thanks to our Patrons Micheal Morey, Kristoff Vidalis, Adir Buskila, Yanir Stein, Randombot38, James Komiensky, Richard Clark, Daniel Helwig, Kayleigh Sell, and KENNY SMART for supporting us this week.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a walking tour with local sculptor and art booster, Bill McGrath. As a board member of Water Street Studios and a former city administrator, Bill is the ideal person to lead us through downtown and walk us through the unique artistic landscape that makes up the downtown environment. Feel free to listen to this episode as a traditional podcast, but you'll get even more out of it if you walk along with us. Just head down to River street and hit play around Pal Joeys and we'll let you know where to go from there. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Pizza, etc: Windmill Grille Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

What happens to the human body in deep space? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice and Gary O'Reilly explore tissue engineering, Wolverine & Deadpool's healing style, and the science to help humans adapt to long-term space travel with biomedical engineer Ronke Olabisi.NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/engineering-humans-for-deep-space-with-ronke-olabisi/Thanks to our Patrons Micheal Morey, Kristoff Vidalis, Adir Buskila, Yanir Stein, Randombot38, James Komiensky, Richard Clark, Daniel Helwig, Kayleigh Sell, and KENNY SMART for supporting us this week.

We might take the Batavia Creamery for granted now, but its fate wasn't always so cut and dry. After working as a Baskin Robbins franchisee, Kirk Jansons wanted to sell ice cream on his own terms. But challenges with the bridge and COVID threw the whole thing into question. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of the Batavia Creamery about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, balancing work with family life, and how he's relied on the community he serves to keep going. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Bridget Johnson, a Cuban immigrant, and Thomas Freeman, a Chicago south-side native, shared a dream. But their perspectives on that dream have been drastically different. And complimentary collaboration is exactly what makes Red Hive Market work so well. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with Bridget and Tom about creating a diverse community of artisans, a place that felt for home for their customers, and how they made it through challenging times like the COVID pandemic. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Pizza, etc: Windmill Grille Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Follow Rich Clark and the CFP on Twitter: @CFBPlayoff

In this bonus episode to celebrate the launch of Sharesies AI Search, Sharesies co-CEO Sonya Williams talks toTelescope AI CEO Luke Pettit and our own CTO Richard Clark about how artificial intelligence can be applied to investing. The conversation covers recent breakthroughs that have propelled AI into the mainstream like GPT-4, how businesses need to embrace AI, and the impact on capital markets. You'll also get to hear about the new Sharesies AI Search feature coming this week which helps you explore investment ideas from real-world concepts to a simple 'what if?' And it may even help with that feeling of overwhelm! Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own. Shared Lunch is not financial advice. We recommend talking to a licensed financial adviser. You should review relevant product disclosure documents before deciding to invest. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. Content is current at the timeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Bob talk Boise State football as they look to return to national prominence and debate if this is the year it can be done, the voice of Georgia Southern (Boise State's 1st opponent) Danny Reed talks about what the Eagles have coming back, the new executive director of the college football playoff Richard Clark talks about different aspects of the 12 team playoff, (Bronco Focus) Bob previews Mountain West football teams-today Air Force, and it's 50 days until the start of the NFL season

Johnny and Bob talk Boise State football as they look to return to national prominence and debate if this is the year it can be done, the voice of Georgia Southern (Boise State's 1st opponent) Danny Reed talks about what the Eagles have coming back,  the new executive director of the college football playoff Richard Clark talks about different aspects of the 12 team playoff, (Bronco Focus) Bob previews Mountain West football teams-today Air Force,  and it's 50 days until the start of the NFL season See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Bob talk Boise State football as they look to return to national prominence and debate if this is the year it can be done, the voice of Georgia Southern (Boise State's 1st opponent) Danny Reed talks about what the Eagles have coming back,  the new executive director of the college football playoff Richard Clark talks about different aspects of the 12 team playoff, (Bronco Focus) Bob previews Mountain West football teams-today Air Force,  and it's 50 days until the start of the NFL season See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are delighted to have the great Koreen Pagano join the podcast for the furthering conversation on skills. We get Koreen's perspective and definition of skills.  Matt alludes to the earlier LDA Podcast, The “What the Skills” Episode with Paul Kirschner, as well as the research work he did with John Sweller and Richard Clark published in their article: Kirschner, P.A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R.E. (2006). Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. Educational Psychologist. 41(2), 75-86. In the episode, we dig into whether one can teach, and how one can teach, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and even tease the subject of teaching leadership. The debate really gets playfully heated when they talk about critical thinking. Clark uses the famous phrase, “yes… and…” Matt references the great improv in business practitioner, Kat Koppett. Her first book, Training to Imagine is a great source to go into yes, anding… in more depth. Matt references evolutionary skills and brings up the references from Sweller: Sweller, J. (2016). Cognitive Load Theory: What We Learn and How We Learn. In M. Spector, B. Lockee, & M. Childress (Eds.), Learning, design, and technology (pp. 1–28). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_50-1 And Geary Geary, D. C. (2008). An evolutionarily informed education science. Educational Psychologist, 43(4), 179–195. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520802392133 We discuss what it means to master skills, and develop automation. We also explore how to assess whether a person has a skill or the potential to develop a skill. We debate transferability and whether skills— especially complex skills need be taught within a contextual domain. Matt argues yes. Koreen argues no. Clark argues “It depends.” They also debate whether, and how much, talent plays into skill development. Heck… is talent even a thing? The big argument centers around Carnegie Hall and playing golf! And of course, Anders Ericsson is a part of the conversation. Ericsson, K. A., & Charness, N. (1994). Expert performance: Its structure and acquisition. American Psychologist, 49: 725–747. Matt referenced the Human Development expert, Richard Lerner. Koreen references the hostage negotiator, Chris Voss and his book, Never Split the Difference. And we even debate how transferrable the skill of game design is! And we talked about so much more!!! Of course, we run out of time because we had so much fun chatting with Koreen… that we didn't get to Best and Worst! Next time… and Koreen will be back! More about Koreen: Koreen Pagano, Chief Product Officer at Thrive Learning and founder of Isanno, is a globally recognized product executive with deep expertise in learning technologies, skills strategy, AI, analytics, and immersive technologies. Koreen has held product leadership roles at companies including Lynda.com, LinkedIn, D2L, Degreed, and Wiley. Koreen previously founded Tandem Learning in 2008, where she pioneered immersive learning through virtual worlds, games, and simulations. She has taught graduate courses at Harrisburg University and provided advisory and consulting services to a range of tech companies in the corporate learning, VR, and K12 education markets. Koreen is a seasoned international speaker, author of the book Immersive Learning and an upcoming book on organizational skills transformation due out in 2025. You can find Koreen here: https://isanno.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/koreenpagano/ 

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/365 and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walk around Batavia's downtown and you'll see a host of women-led businesses, of all kinds. But it wasn't always this way. It happened because of people like Start Something Studio's Jamie Saam, who put collaboration and mutual support ahead of a solely competitive mindset. In addition to being the owner of Bulldog Plumbing and the co-founder of Start Something Studios, Jamie is consistently leaning into community leadership and volunteer opportunities. In this episode, we talk to Jamie Saam about her journey to being a Batavia community leader, how she balances the tensions that come with getting a project off the ground, and what happens when, despite her energetic tendencies, personal tragedy forced her to slow down. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Pizza, etc: Windmill Grille Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

(0:40:00) Dave Bartoo, CFB Matrix (1:08:00) Richard Clark, Executive Director of CFP (1:55:00) Craig Smoak's "Off The Radar" (2:15:00) Zach Gelb, CBS Sports (2:33:00) Ketron Jackson, Baylor Wide Receiver (2:50:00) Paul Catalina's Top 5 Learned From Big 12 Media Days Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find Richard Clark at Area Code Audio, where you should visit before you start your own podcast. And you can check out his current podcast Area Code Batavia. Tweet at him! Summary In this conversation, Jon Pyle interviews Richard Clark, the proprietor of Area Code Audio, about the importance of active listening and understanding the lived experiences of others. Richard shares his journey of empathy and how podcasting has allowed him to facilitate connection and help people connect with others. He emphasizes that love is more important than theology and discusses the need for inclusivity and diverse perspectives in Christian spaces. Richard also talks about the challenges of certainty in Christian culture and the importance of listening and empathy in fostering understanding and love. The conversation explores different approaches to reporting and opinion pieces, highlighting the importance of giving people a sense of humanity and understanding. It discusses the need to move from critique to creation and the value of movies in understanding different perspectives. The conversation ends with a playful discussion about musical influences and what brings joy to both participants. Keywords active listening, understanding, empathy, connection, love, theology, inclusivity, diverse perspectives, certainty, Christian culture, reporting, opinion pieces, humanity, understanding, critique, creation, movies, perspectives, joy Takeaways Active listening is important in Christian spaces to foster understanding, empathy, and love. Love is more important than theology. Inclusivity and diverse perspectives are crucial in Christian spaces. Certainty in Christian culture can hinder listening and empathy. Podcasting can be a powerful medium for facilitating connection and understanding. Different approaches to reporting and opinion pieces can provide valuable insights and lived experiences. Opinion pieces that focus on maintaining the status quo can be damaging and paternalistic. Acknowledging and appreciating the humanity of individuals is important in fostering understanding. Moving from critique to creation allows for positive change and growth. Movies can serve as a medium for understanding different perspectives and experiences. Finding joy in cultural experiences, such as video games and movies, can bring fulfillment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Introducing Richard Clark 04:08 The Importance of Active Listening 05:01 Richard's Background at Christianity Today 06:38 Richard's Career Journey 07:56 The Importance of Active Listening in Christian Spaces 10:57 The Impact of Active Listening 14:27 Richard's Story of Active Listening 21:48 The Certainty in Christian Culture and the Lack of Listening 22:52 Richard's Experience at Christianity Today 24:21 Different Approaches to Reporting and Opinion Pieces 25:12 The Pitfalls of Opinion Columns 26:09 The Importance of Giving People a Fair Say 27:05 The Need for Genuine Empathy 27:47 The Complexity of Orthodoxy in Evangelicalism 29:01 Moving from Critique to Creation 30:04 The Value of Movies in Understanding Different Perspectives 31:00 The Trap of Looping Arguments 31:56 Modeling Vulnerability in Conversations 32:42 The Joy of Creating and Exploring Year-End Movies 35:59 Musical Influence: Drake 37:05 Non-Judgment Zone of Joy 38:25 Year-End Video Games and Movies 43:03 Movies as a Text for Understanding Perspectives 43:44 The Value of Empathy in Movies 44:52 Closing Remarks 45:07 BOTI Outro Video.mp4 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/betterontheinside/support

As we continue to explore the significance of flags in the Batavia community, we talk about the origins and impact of the Batavia Community flag, and the Unity Pride flag, relatively new symbols in the town. Featured on this episode: Flag expert Marty Callahan, chair of the Batavia flag design contest committee High school student Rachel Agro, designer of the Batavia Community flagHigh school graphic design teacher Kathleen Tieri Ton, who helped helped educate students and others in the community about how they can help bring a Batavia community flag to life. Kathleen is also the teacher sponsor for the BHS Pride Alliance. Council member Dan Chanzit, Batavia's first openly gay City Council member, who was integral in the Unity Pride flag being raised at City Hall. This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Commercial Real Estate: BEI Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

The day this episode is released, June 14th, is Flag Day, and it's the first Flag Day to be observed at Batavia's brand new Flag Day Monument. Meanwhile, across the lawn of the Pegbond Center, a few other flags are flying.What is it about flags that instills such reverence in those whose community they represent?And what role do flags play in this community? Over the course of two episodes this month, I'll ask these questions of a variety of people and share their point of view. This week I spoke to Marty Callahan, Linda Sheilke, and Austin Dempsey about the American flag, the designation of Flag Day, and Batavia's monument to Flag Day.This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Commercial Real Estate: BEI Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

When Austin Dempsey had the opportunity to step into a long-term leadership role in the family business, he took it. But in the face of a global pandemic, he recognized how investing in Batavia's community would pay off for everyone in the long run. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the CEO of BEI Commercial Real Estate about the significance of spaces to foster community, Batavia's culture of collaboration, and how Batavia's rich history results in a culture of mutual support. This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Every year, an entirely new group of entrepreneurs set up shop on the corner of Wilson and River street, with their hearts set of finding a home and community in Batavia. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we talk to all the boardwalk shop owners about their hopes for their time in Batavia, what led them here, and what it means to be part of the boardwalk shops community.The Boardwalk Shops featured in this episode are:Scout and GemBig Bear GlassesJodi Mac Sweets and TreatsNeighbors Grid ShopSince Seventy FiveHome and Garden ProvisionsBewitching BrewsHome Run Hot Dogs and LemonadeMorbid MomentosSeapeak StyleThis season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

A conversation between brothers in arms who have known each other since the early 1980s - one an athlete, the other his coach at the time.----more---- SUMMARY Neither has ventured far from the Air Force or the Academy. Lt. Gen. Richard Clark '86, the Academy's 21st superintendent, opens up about his leadership journey to Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould '76, the man who first coached him all those years ago. Gen. Clark's leadership story is exceptional and Gen. Gould does a masterful job of helping him tell it.   OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "The one thing that doesn't change is our mission. And our mission is to develop lieutenants, better leaders of character that are ready to go out and win our wars and that are ready to go out support defend the Constitution. That is it." "Whenever there's Americans on the ground, we're going to do whatever it takes to help them you will do whatever it takes." "Seeing those young guys go out there and do that, and do what they needed to do to help other Americans to help their fellow servicemen that made me prouder than anything." "I am very happy and comfortable to leave this torch with them to hand the torch off to them. And I'm just proud to have served with them." "I am leaving with a lot of gratitude in my heart, just from our cadets from our permanent party, from the alumni that helped us do this and the other supporters."   SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  EMAIL   CHAPTERS 00:00:  Introduction and Mission of the Air Force Academy 01:09:  Lieutenant General Rich Clark's Background and Career 08:27:  Making the Best of Unexpected Assignments 10:18:  Leadership in Challenging Situations 00:09:  Introduction 07:28:  Enhancing the Academy's Facilities and Programs 14:57:  Developing Leaders of Character 31:11:  The Importance of Alumni and Supporters 37:51:  Transitioning to the Role of Executive Director of the College Football Playoff 45:08:  Conclusion   TAKEAWAYS  - Leadership is developed through challenging experiences like overcoming adversity, mentoring others, and leading in high-pressure situations like combat.  - Support from family, mentors, and sponsor families can help one persevere through difficult times and find purpose.  - Having an open mind and making the most of unexpected opportunities can lead to unexpected benefits and career success.  - Giving back to one's alma mater through things like financial support, mentorship, and service helps continue its mission and benefits future generations.  - Expressing gratitude to those who support your mission helps foster positive relationships and a sense of shared purpose.     LT. GEN. CLARK'S BIO Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark '86 is the Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He directs a four-year regimen of military training, academics, athletic and character development programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force. Lt. Gen. Clark graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986. His commands include the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota; 12th Flying Training Wing, Randolph AFB, Texas; Eighth Air Force, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and Joint Functional Component Commander for Global Strike, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He has also served as a White House Fellow in Washington, D.C.; the Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado; Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché, Cairo, Egypt, and as the Commander, Third Air Force, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Prior to his current assignment, Lt. Gen. Clark served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. - Copy and image credit:  af.mil       ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!            FULL TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS Our guest is Lt. Gen. Richard Clark '86  |  Our host is Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould '76   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  00:12 The one thing that doesn't change is our mission. And our mission is to develop lieutenants, better leaders of character, that are ready to go out and win our wars and that are ready to go out and support and defend the Constitution. That's it.   Announcer  00:27 Welcome to the Long Blue Leadership podcast. These are powerful conversations with United States Air Force Academy graduates who have lived their lives with distinction. All leaders of character who candidly share their stories, including their best and worst moments, the challenges they've overcome the people and events that have shaped who they are, and who willingly lend their wisdom to advance your leadership journey. Your host for this special presentation of Long Blue Leadership is Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould, USAFA class of '76 and currently serving as a member of the Association and Foundation board of directors. And now, Gen. Mike Gould.   Lt. Gen Mike Gould  01:09 My guest today is Lt. Gen. Rich Clark, the 21st superintendent of the Air Force Academy, Class of '86 at USAFA, and if I'm not mistaken, you're about 46 days away from retiring. After a 38-year career, that when you think about it, has spanned so much in our country, starting with the Cold War through conflicts in Southwest Asia, in the Middle East, and the culture wars that we all experience today. I think his experience in active duty is highlighted most by seven commands that he's held; a bomb squadron, a training wing, to numbered Air Force's, the joint functional component command for Global Strike, served as the commandant of cadets here at the Academy. And now like I said, as the 21st superintendent. In addition to that, Gen. Clark served as the senior defense official, and the defense attaché in Cairo during some interesting times, and also served as a White House fellow. And if that's not enough, he's flown over 4,200 hours in the B1, both the EC and KC-135, the T1, the T38, the T6 and the T21. And most notably, 400 of those hours are in combat. So Rich, as you look back on the past nearly four decades of service, I'm sure you have a lot to think about as it's all coming to an end. And really, how it all started. I'd like you to please share with us a little bit about your life as a young child. And you know, some of the influential people who you met in your formative years, and then kind of how that led you here to the Air Force Academy.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  02:58 Wow, well, first, can I call you Coach, General Gould?   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  03:02 You (can) call me Coach…   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  03:03 I'll call you Coach because you were my coach when I was here, and you saw me walk in the doors here. So, I'll talk a little bit about that. But I just want to thank you for letting me be here today. This is a real honor. So, thank you.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  But I grew up in the Bay Area, Oakland, Berkeley, California, and my parents were divorced. So, it was my mother, my brother and I. And then when my mom got remarried, we moved to the East Coast to Richmond, Virginia, and that's where I went to high school, and not a military family. My dad was drafted back in the Vietnam era. He served a short tour, so I don't really remember those days. So, I don't consider myself really from a military family and really hadn't considered joining the military. I played football, I played a lot of sports. Growing up, football was my primary — and track actually, but football the primarily, and I had signed to go to William & Mary in Virginia, and I was going with my best friend from high school and actually in junior high. And Coach Ken Hatfield came to my house. And the Air Force had been recruiting me. So did Army and Navy. And he actually came to my house though and visited my parents. And he had dinner at our house, and my mom thought, “He is such a nice man. And he was like, “Look, just come out and see the Air Force Academy.” Now what he didn't know was that I wanted to, I was very interested in flying more commercial. I always thought I wanted to be a commercial pilot. And he convinced me to come out. My mom was like, “Just go; it's free.” You know, I was like, OK, and so I still had a couple of college visits left. So, I came to the Air Force Academy. I'll be honest, I got here and after seeing the place and seeing the opportunities to fly — just to have a great education and to play Division I college football, I was hooked. And I, my dad — my stepdad who I consider my dad — made me call the coach at William & Mary tell him I was changing my mind. And I signed and came to Air Force. And when I got off the bus and got on those footprints , and they started yelling at me, I was like, “Hey, wait, I'm a football player. You're not supposed to yell at me.” That's what I thought. And that was not true. And the rest is history. And, you know, it was an important decision in my life, certainly. But, you know, I appreciate Coach Hatfield being persistent and coming to get me and, you know, talk to my parents, formative people, obviously. But it was a great decision. Great decision.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  05:48 Did you also visit West Point and or Annapolis?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  05:52 I did not because I didn't want to go to a — I wasn't interested, really in a service academy. What I will say, though, I did fill out an application to Air Force before Coach Hatfield came. And I did go and do an interview with my congressional member. Because my guidance counselor convinced me to do that in case I didn't get another good offer from somewhere else. And I actually got a congressional appointment. But then the Academy contacted me, and I told them I was going to turn it down. And that's when Coach Hatfield came to my house. But I, I went through the motions, I think, but I didn't really have an intention to come. I wanted to go to William & Mary, and I wasn't even going to visit Army and Navy because, you know, there wasn't something I was interested in.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  06:46 I'll bet you've looked back and asked yourself the question, what would you be doing now had you gone to William and Mary, or one of these other schools?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  06:54 Hard for me to picture my life without being in the Air Force and the Air Force Academy, right?   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  07:01 Now, you let on a little bit about falling in on the footprints. But as you look back at arriving at the Academy, and you're in now, you signed up and you're going to be a Falcon, what kind of memories do you have about basic training and leading into your first fall semester?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  07:21 Yeah. So, here's the here's one memory I definitely have — and I talk to the cadets about this sometimes — I mentioned the phone-booth to them. And they're like, “What? “What's a phone booth?” Well, you know, I explained to them, there were these big boxes that had a telephone and you had a card that you could call home. And in basic training, about halfway through, you got to call home. And I call my mom. And I said, “Mom, this place is not for me. I'm ready to come home.” She's like, “Oh, that's great. Because the William & Mary coach called last week to see how you're doing. You could probably still get your scholarship.” And I was like, “Oh.” I was expecting her to say, “Well, you better not come home.” But she said, “You know, that's OK.” And truth is, I looked out the door, you know, they had the glass doors, and all my classmates are lined up out the door waiting for their turn to come in. And honestly, I thought, “Man, I'm not ready to leave these guys yet.” And so, she said, “You come on home, it's OK.” And I said, “Well, you know what, mom, I think I'm just gonna' finish basic training. And then I'll see. I want to stick that out with these guys.” You know, I made some great friends. It's not what I expected, but I liked the people. So, I stayed. And then after basic training, she asked me, “Are you still going to come home?” And I said, “Well, you know, I think I'll stick it out one semester, I'd really like to play football because I've gotten in with the team now. And I got some friends on the team. So maybe I could play one season. I think I've got a good chance to make the varsity.” And I did that. And then it was, “You know, Mom, maybe I'll stay for my rest of my freshman year.” It was like one step at a time until eventually I was like, “You know, I'm in.” But it was not a done deal for a while for me, you know, where I just said, “You know what, this is it. I'm in the right place.” I think after that first year, though, I realized that I was, you know — it took some time though. And football had a lot to do with it. The friends you make, the success we had as a team. That was just great. And I love my squadron. I was in 7th Squadron. Great, great friends there. So, after a year though, I feel like I was in but there was that moment in that phone booth and basic training where I was like, “Man, I don't know.” But I did it and I'm glad I did.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  09:52 Well, everything you just went through right there was referencing the people. That's what kept you there. But then you get into academics and you get your military training. How did you navigate some of those things? And you know, I know you had fun with your buddies and football is always a hoot. But about the other challenges that the Academy threw at you?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  10:15 Yeah. So, I actually, I liked academics, I did pretty well, I was on Dean's List most semesters, like seven of my eight semesters, I made the Dean's List. So not that I didn't have some challenges. I mean, there's those certain courses that you're just like, “Oh, my goodness.” But overall, academics wasn't the big challenge. I think the challenge for me was not having some of the freedoms that you wanted early on because you're sort of getting acclimatized to it, you know, you're getting used to not being able to do certain things, the military lifestyle, you have to get used to that a little bit. But once I got that — and going back to the people, everybody's kind of struggling with that. And when you're all struggling together, it just makes it a lot more bearable and doable. And I think after that first year, I was in, I was like, “You know, I'm in the right place. And I'm gonna' stay here.” I did have a moment though. When I was a sophomore, I tore my knee up playing football, the last game, San Diego State. Just ripped my ACL. My MCL — meniscus cartilage — had [to be] reconstructed. And I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to play football again. And that made me kind of think a little bit about was I going to stay. And I had to come to terms with some things, you know, “Why am I here? What's my real purpose?” And as much as football meant to me, I was here for something bigger than that. And I realized that unfortunately, at that point when I was injured, I think that was also the point where I really came to terms with why I was here, that it was something bigger than myself. And I wanted to be a part of it. And so I stayed. I was still determined to play and I did get to play, you know, the next season. But my purpose was a bit different, you know, and that injury really helped me kind of figure things out and sort through my greater purpose.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  12:18 Gave you that confidence of overcoming adversity.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  12:21 Absolutely. Like sports does. Right. That's it.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  12:24 Now, back in my day, we didn't really have a sponsorship program — sponsor families in town. But I think by the time you were a cadet, that program existed to have a sponsor family.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  12:41 They were awesome. The Frables, Neil and Elizabeth. I just had lunch with Neil about four months ago. We still we stay in touch and they're just awesome. And they were so good. They sponsored four of us. And they actually gave each of us a key to their house. And a key to their third car. Oh, my goodness, that was a lifesaver. And they cooked a lot. And we ate a lot. And they just they really opened their homes up to us. So, I credit them. I mean, they were my second family, and still just love them for what they did for us. They were a great, great sponsor family.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  13:24 When you were a cadet, did you participate in any formal leadership programs? Did you hold some positions within the cadet wing?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  13:35 O don't think they thought that highly of me. I wasn't that kind of cadet. I was the D.O. for my squadron. And that was because one of my buddies was a squadron commander. He's like, “Hey, man, will you help me?” And I was like, “Yeah, I'll do this.” But that was the most leadership experience I got and, you know, informal way. But I was glad to do that. It was my squadron. Although, when I told my friends to clean their rooms up and stuff, they'd always give me grief. You know, all these seniors. We were all seniors together. And they're like, “Who are you to tell me this?” Peer leadership is the hardest thing in the world. But yeah, I didn't rise to the level of like group or wing leadership or anything like that. So, the cadets were already surprised to hear that I'm like not, I wasn't that good of a cadet. I mean, I was like your average kind of cadet that did pretty well.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  14:28 Well, you're being modest here. I watched you lead on that football team. You guys had some success and a really tight group.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  14:35 We did. I loved our team. We had a lot of leaders on our football team, though. And people — I always characterize the leadership on our football team — people knew when they needed to lead. You know, there was just times where someone needed to step up and be a leader. And it might not be that you were the leader all the time. But when it was needed, somebody always stepped up. And that was I think the hallmark of our team. And it was just a great group of people, humble leaders, all about team success. And I learned as much leadership from football as I did anywhere else here at the Academy. And credit to Coach DeBerry, Coach Hatfield, you know, all of our coaches, and my teammates, for just helping me develop as a man and, and what kind of a leader and person I wanted to be. So that was as much of a leadership laboratory as anything for me.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  15:33 So, it sounds like when it came time to toss your hat and put on the gold bars, you were prepared to go out and be a lieutenant in the Air Force.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  15:43 I think I was. And my first job was right back and coaching football here. So that was a nice transition from the Academy. I taught unarmed combat, PE, and I coached the JV football team and you, you were at the prep school then I think, Coach, and so… But that was a phenomenal job. And there were like eight of us that stayed back and did that. That was just great. And you know, you had to employ some leadership there because you're trying to lead the cadets. And whether they're on football or in the PE class. So, I learned a lot doing that, but I really enjoyed it. I love being back here. And honestly, it gave me a whole different appreciation for the Academy. Because when you're a cadet, you are looking about five feet in front of you and you don't stop to look at the mountains and you don't stop to look at all that everybody's doing to make this place happen and the passion that people really have for our cadets. That was when I first kind of said, “You know what, this place really is special.” But you don't get that as a cadet necessarily. Some cadets, so they're special anyway, but cadets like me, I didn't know, and I was just ready to graduate. But that one year gave me a whole different appreciation. And I'm grateful for it.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  17:00 Right. And then you headed off to pilot training and like most lieutenants, you know, you're gonna' mix in with a new group of people, a new group of friends. Talk to us about your experience as a student pilot, and then on to start your career flying big airplanes.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  17:18 Yes. So, me and one of my good friends, Mike Chandler, we decided we were going to go to pilot training together. He was a teammate in football. And we were actually roommates when we traveled. And we decided we're going together. So, we both went to Laughlin. And we thought we'll go to Laughlin so there's no distractions, there's good weather, we're going to kill pilot training. And when we got there, we realized there's no distractions at all. And there was nothing else to do there. But we had a great time because of the people in our class. And we're the only two Academy grads in the class. But we just we bonded well as a class and pilot training was pretty good. I do remember though, I almost washed out, like in the first month, because I had a couple bad rides in a row. And you know how you get a couple, three bad rides, and you're out? And especially in those days, we lost half of our class, they washed out 50% of our class. And I had these bad rides. And I had to go to what they call an 89. You know, and what that was if you if you fail three rides in a row, right? If you couldn't do your no-flap landings, and you couldn't get them right in the T-37, then you went to an 88. You fail the 88, then you go to the 89. 89 was the elimination, right? And so, I had to go to an 89. And I had to fly with the squadron commander. And the night before, I call my mom again. I always called my mom. And I was like, Mom, tomorrow might be my last flight because I flew today, I failed the ride, and I don't think a whole lot is gonna' change between tonight and tomorrow. And she was like, “Well enjoy it. Because it might be the last time you get to fly an airplane, so you need to at least have fun. It's been your dream and my heart goes out to you. But enjoy the flight. Don't make your last flight something that was a bad memory for you.” And I was like, “Well, if I fail, it's gonna' be a bad memory.” She said, “But at least have fun. You can have fun.” But it was great advice because I went up there, Coach, and I was just relaxed. I even stopped studying when I called her. I didn't study that night. I went to bed, got up in the morning, didn't get up early and study. I went in there, I did my ground evals. I was usually pretty good in the ground evals and I just went up and I flew the sortie. I remember, he told me to do a cloverleaf, you know, the maneuver the cloverleaf, which was my favorite. I did the cloverleaf and he goes, “OK, we can head on back to the pattern now get your pattern work done.” And I said, “Can I do one more clover?” And he's like, “I don't recommend it, the one you did was fine.” And I said, “I know I just like the cloverleaf. Sir, can I just do one more?” He was like, “OK.” And I did another cloverleaf thinking, “You know, this might be my last time I did the cloverleaf.” I flew back to the pattern, I'm talking to the IP and stuff. I did my landings, you know, really uneventful. Got out of the plane, we're walking back, and he goes, “I don't even know why you're in this ride. That was a great ride.” And I was like, “You mean, I passed?” And he was like, “Yeah, great job today, Lt. Clark, you passed.” And what I realized, it was about just relaxing and flying the plane. And it was the best lesson I ever got in an airplane, when you can relax and just let your training kick in. And just don't worry and let your instincts take over. You just fly better. And my mom sort of taught me that. She's like, “Just relax and have a good time.” So, I sort of credited her with keeping me at the Academy. She got me through pilot training. I mean, she was my mom, too. So, I give her that credit. But yeah, that was a good pilot training memory. And, you know, everything's been great since then.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  21:12 So, you head off, and you're going to the EC135 first, right? So, talk to me a little bit about your career progression there as a captain and major and things you look back on from that period.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  21:27 Well, so, here's one big lesson that I got out. When I got the EC135, I wanted to fly C-130. Really I wanted to fly a gunship. And I thought, “I don't even know what that is I didn't put it on my dream sheet. How did I end up getting this?” I was bummed out. And then one of the IP(s) said, “You know, they handpick people to go into the EC135.” Oh, really? Well, because the EC135 was the airborne command post — the nuclear mission at Offutt and you always had a general officer on board. And you could only fly with instructor pilots and a co-pilot. You couldn't have a straight aircraft commander in that plane. And the co-pilot had an immense amount of responsibility in that mission, and you got a whole lot of flying time. And when you got done with that assignment in two years, you got your choice of your next assignment. And a lot of guys went to fighters. They had to compete for that. But then for me, it was the B-1 and I saw that that was available. And I learned that when I first walked in the door because several people got to FP111s and B-1s. And I was like, “Man, I could do this.” I got 2,000 hours in the T-38 because they had the ACE program, the companion trainer program in the EC. And between those two aircraft, I got 2,000 hours, which was plenty for me to go into the B-1. And then I flew the B-1 basically the rest of my career. And so, it was really one of the lessons I learned. Sometimes you get put somewhere that maybe it didn't want or maybe didn't expect, but you make the best of it. And sometimes there's these, sort of, hidden benefits and successes that you didn't even know about. But if you go there and just bloom where you're planted, good things happen. And I learned that early. Fortunately, in the EC135. I flew the B-1 for 17 years. I flew at McConnell which ended up moving B-1s out of there. Dyess Air Force Base, I flew at Ellsworth as a squadron commander. I did do a stint in the Pentagon and legislative liaison in there and I was also a White House fellow, which was an amazing opportunity for me. But those years and the B-1 and doing the Pentagon and the White House fellow were really amazing years. I met Amy in there and we got married. When I was stationed at Dyess as a captain, well, actually I met her as a captain — we dated, and I pinned on just a few months before we got married. But my flying career was just awesome. And my first command was just absolutely a pinnacle point. It was squadron commander and the 34th Bomb Squadron. And I got into that squadron. Sept. 5, 2001, is when I showed up for that and I had just left the White House fellowship, which was just a fantastic opportunity. But I was riding high Sept. 5, and then Sept. 11, happens and everything changed. The squadron deployed and I wasn't checked out yet in the B-1. I had to go through a re-qual program. And so, I can remember when they left. The squadron was heading out and they were, “…or maybe we could just take you as an unqualified pilot,” blah, blah, blah. There was no way that that was going to happen. And so, I can remember that day, when they were leaving, they left about a month after Sept. 11, in October. And I just went and helped pack up bags. I just did whatever I could to help that squadron out. I wasn't the squadron commander at the time. But I remember thinking, “Man, I can't believe the squadron that I was going to go in is going to go without me.” But they did. And I helped. And I tried to be as much of a contributor as I could. And when they came back, I was all qualified. And then a couple of months after that, I took over the squadron. And then they tapped us to go again. And so, I got to deploy the squadron in combat over Iraq. We deployed to Oman and we flew missions at the beginning of OIF. And that was just an unbelievable experience, growth experience, leadership experience, but really, just something I'll never forget, you know, it was hard. It was tough. We're there for about six months. But leading in combat I think is something we all prepare for and want to be ready for. But it's also an honor, you know, to be able to have that kind of responsibility. And I think back on it, and my timing couldn't have been better for me to be able to do that. It was just a highlight of my career.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  26:31 Can we entice you to tell a quick war story about a Distinguished Flying Cross that you are awarded?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  26:37 Oh, well, I could talk about that. Can I talk about a different story there? I have a better one, I do. This was one of my proudest moments I think I had as the squadron commander. I had to line up all the crews, you know, to put experience within experience and make sure that they were balanced out with the people that I knew, and who was going to perform the best. And I had 24 crews. They actually sent me extra crews from a different squadron to make sure that we had a full complement. And the last crew that I had were two of the most inexperienced people in our squadron. Two captains and two lieutenants. And one of them was a brand-new FAPE. Has just come from T-37s into the B-1. And I had to have 24 crews and they were the last four people. And I didn't really have another way to balance the experience and inexperience. So, I did it. And the flight commanders were like, “Don't do it. We can't send these guys out like that.” And I said, “We have to; they need to go. And so, on the second night, they went out they had 24 JDAM, 2,000 pound GPS bombs. And they started out. They orbited in the area, they did well. First they delivered their 12 bombs on-target, the direct targets from the ATO, and they hit those targets. And then they were orbiting, waiting for what we call it, x-cast, somebody to call in and say, “I need some bombs.” And our mantra in the squadron was whenever there's Americans on the ground, we're going to do whatever it takes to help them. You will do whatever it takes. And so, they're orbiting, and they're about at bingo fuel in there, meaning the fuel that they needed to go back, and they get a radio call from an AWAC. There's troops in contact and they need some air power. So, they give this crew, the aircraft commander, this young FAPE goes, “Well, we're close to bingo, but we're not there yet. So, give us the coordinates and give us the radio frequency,” and they fly. And they get this JTAC — joint tactical air control — on the ground. And he's like, “We're getting shelled from a ridgeline. There's Iraqi armored vehicles, they're hitting us hard. We need some bombs. We got 150 soldiers down here, can you give us some bombs.” He's like, “Got it, give us the coordinates.” So, they start getting a nine-line there. They're loading the coordinates, and the “Wizzo” is just putting the bombs, you know, he starts putting them on target. Boom, boom, one at a time. And they get the coordinates, bomb on target. But then they hit bingo. And so the aircraft commander tells the JTAC, “Hey, we're at bingo fuel, we need to get going or we're not going to be able to get back home. But we'll get somebody else out here.” And the JTAC says, “If you leave us now, we're going to get pummeled. Can you stay a little longer?” He says, “We'll stay as long as you want.” And so, they keep putting bombs on target. And they keep putting them down until they went Winchester and the JTAC says, “Hey, the shelling stopped. You guys are cleared out.” And when they turn their nose to go home, they didn't have enough fuel to get back. And so, they get on with AWACS and they're talking to AWACS trying to figure something out. They're looking at divert. Field diverting into a field in Iraq is not a good idea. But finally, a KC-135 flies into the country, into Iraq, unarmed, unafraid, gives them gas and then those guys can come home. And when they got back, they were three hours past their estimated arrival time. And I met him at the airplane because I'm going, “What happened?” And when the aircraft commander comes down the ladder, he's got salt stains on his back. They were working hard. I said, “What happened? He goes, “Sir, we overflew our bingo.” I said, “Well, certainly there's more to it than that.” And so, we go into the intel debrief and they told that story. And all of those, that whole crew, was awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses for what they did. And so that of all the things that happened, to see those young guys go out there and do that, and do what they needed to do to help other Americans, to help their fellow servicemen, that made me prouder than anything,   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  30:44 I guess it would. And you took a chance, in a way, by putting this crew together.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  30:49 I did. Yeah. As far as I was concerned, I didn't have a choice, you know, but I had to trust them to do their job. And they were trained. I mean, they had received the training that was required for them to go to combat, so we have to trust them to do it. And they did it.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  31:05 Well, that's a really cool story. And if my math is right, you are about 15-16 years into your career at that time. Let me shift gears a little bit. How much thought did you give to staying in touch with or staying engaged with the Air Force Academy while you were out? You know, developing your career path.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  31:33 I gave a lot of thought to it. I used to come back for football games. I came back for my reunions for sure. And I don't think financially at that point, I hadn't gotten involved. But a couple years later, when our class, our 20th reunion was starting, that's when I really started realizing financially I could and should start to give back to the Academy. So that was when I think from a financial point, I really connected and realized that. But just from a present standpoint and coming back, I came back at every opportunity. I came back for games; I came back for some mentorship opportunities that people asked me to come talk to cadets and things like that. But I never thought I would get to come back here to work. You know, it never crossed my mind until someone asked me to be the commandant years later. And that was like beyond imagination for me, especially knowing what kind of cadet I was. I was like, “OK, you really want me to be the commandant? I don't think so.” But I got that opportunity down the road. I mean, that was after a lot. I went on to be a wing commander, you mentioned I was the wing commander. At 12th Flying Training Wing, I got to fly all the trainers and that was just awesome. And then I deployed to Iraq for a year, which was an intense year, hard year, I would say probably the hardest year I've had, you know, in my career. And then I got promoted to one star. And they sent me to Barksdale Air Force Base as the vice commander of 8th Air Force. And when I came back from Iraq, I knew I'd gotten promoted. And that job was kind of roundabout. They said, “Hey, we're gonna' send you to Barksdale to be the vice at 8th. But that job is actually going to be downgraded to a colonel and you're about to pin on one star. So we're not sure what's going to happen with you next.” I was like, “Oh, man,” trying to remember the lessons of the past though. I said, “OK. This is where I'm going so let's bloom where I'm planted,” right? So, we all move there. Things were great. And then I remember the MATCOM commander called me in one day and he goes, “You know…, they get the phone call from the secretary. I'm gonna', one, I'm a newly pinned on one star. And he goes, “Hey, you know that job you're in is a colonel job?” And I was like, “Yes, sir, I know. But I love it.” You know, I was being positive. He says, “But we're gonna' have to move you out of there.” “Yes sir. Understood.” And he goes, “What would you think about going to the Air Force Academy and be the commandant?” You could have knocked me over with a feather. And that's when you and I first connected, when I got to come be your commandant when you were the supt. And that was just a dream to be able to come back here and that's when I really connected back, you know, when I got a chance to see it, even from a different level. I talked about it as a coach you know, and seeing how special it is and seeing how passionate people are about our school. But being the commandant gave me a whole different view and being able to engage with the cadets and understand what they were doing and trying to push that development for them. Just amazing and I loved it, and Amy loved it, to live in the Otis House, having the cadets over, trying to help them with their, you know, their development. And that's a big job, right? We all know that because you take it very personally, because you want them to be everything that they can be in there. So amazingly talented. You just want to take that talent and give them every opportunity you can to thrive. So, we did that. And after that, even Amy, she might as well be a grad. I mean, she just fell in love with this place after those two years. Our kids, Milo and Zoey, they were 10 and 8 coming in. Our family just was immersed in USAFA.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  35:40 So, I was going to ask you about the role that Amy and the kids played in your development as a leader, but I got to see it firsthand. And you just went through that. When you had to leave the Academy, if you can remember, I'm sure you do remember this, I wanted to keep you here for a third year. Because you were that perfect role model in so many ways for the cadets. Not only your leadership, you know, in the job, but your family and the way these kids could then look up and say, “I want to do that someday. I think I can be like that guy.” And we wanted to keep you another year and then you came out on the two-star list and you moved on to what was undoubtedly a really, really tough assignment as the DAT and senior guy in Cairo. Tell us about that little bit.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  36:30 Yeah, well, if you remember at first they told me I was going to the Pentagon to be the 8th, which was like the big job. If you're a two-star, you go there, the 8th as the programmer. And Amy loves D.C. And so, they told us we were going there. And then I get a phone call from then-Chief of Staff Gen. Schwartz, actually, he called and said, “Hey, I need you to talk to the GAO management office, the GoMo, who do all the assignments for the general.” And I was like, “Oh, yes, sir. Is there a problem?” And I think you might have known about that — you probably knew about this already. Because it was bad news, I think he wanted to tell me personally or something. And so, I called GoMo. And they go, “Yeah, your assignment's changed. You're not going to the Pentagon, you're going to Egypt.” And I go, “Is there a base in Egypt?” They're like, “No, you're gonna' be working at the embassy as the DET.” And I was like, “Ah, OK. All right. That's good.” And so, then the first thing that came to my mind was telling me, I was like, “Oh man, she's gonna' flip out.” Well, I called her. And I said, “Honey, we're not going to D.C.” And here's the thing. Our movers were already in route, like, they were coming to pack us out. And I said, “We're not going to D.C., we're going to Egypt.” I was bracing for impact. And she goes, “Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? That's amazing.” I was like, she couldn't care less about what job I had, she couldn't care less that I was giving up like the best job to target. She was just looking for that adventure of Egypt. And that actually took a lot of heat off me. Because if she's happy, I'm happy. And so, we went to Egypt. And it actually turned out to be great. But we got truncated on the training. Like, you're supposed to get language school, you're supposed to go through this whole defense attaché course. And I didn't have time because it was a late breaking change. And they said, “Don't worry, you don't need all that training because Egypt's on skids.” That was the exact words of the guy that that told me I was getting a job. And he meant Egypt is in a good place. You know, they just elected a new president, democratically elected, and everything's good. Well, when we got there, I got to the airport and we're all sitting in the lounge at the airport, and I picked up a newspaper, and it was in English. And it said that day, the president fired all the military, all the top military leaders. I was like, I guess we're not on skids anymore. And it just went downhill from there. I was there for a month, and they attacked the embassy. And then a year later, the coup happened. Amy and the kids and all the families within the embassy had to go home. It was an order departure. They all had to leave. I remember telling Amy because I was in the meeting with the ambassador when all this happened. And I said “Hey, you might want to pack a bag because I think you're about to go.” She's like, “Pack a bag?” I said, “You can only pack a carry on.” “How long are we going to be gone?” “I don't know.” And they left and they went to D.C. And we had no idea. They ended up being gone for nine months. The kids started school and everything. Well, there was two thirds of the embassy stayed, but it was actually, from a professional standpoint, awesome. To be involved, often to be our representative on the military side, to work with the Egyptian military to try to help navigate through this coup d'état. And they're a country that we were very interested in keeping as a partner. I got a lot of good experience and just cool, like, opportunities to do things. It was a little scary at times, but I actually loved it. And then Amy and the kids came back. We look at that as one of our best assignments as a family. It was just — the Egyptian people are amazing. The travel that we got to do was incredible. And I just loved the assignment, and it goes back, you know, I mentioned to you, sometimes you get an assignment and you're like, “Gosh, what?” And it turns out to be the best thing ever. And that was one of them.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  40:50 And I thought for sure, somewhere in there, you were gonna' say you called your mom.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  40:57 Then I was married, so then I just had to stop calling my mom after that. Well, I still call her but not for advice. I gotta' call Amy, so, you know?   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  41:06 Well, you had a couple more really challenging assignments. But let's talk about your time as superintendent. Not too many people think that you'll grow up someday and have that type of responsibility. And then when you get here, you realize that it's probably one of the most heavily scrutinized positions you can have in the Air Force.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  41:26 That's an understatement.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  41:29 We can both agree on this.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  41:34 But other than the general leadership and the experiences you have throughout your career, this place is different. USAFA is different than any other command, and in many ways more challenging, because you just hadn't had that experience. How do you reflect back on your time as superintendent and the fact that you you've worked through, I think you had two presidents, two commander in chiefs, you had a couple different secretaries, and they all have guidance that comes to you. But your job then is to make that guidance into your own policy. How have you dealt with all that?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  42:14 You know, honestly, all of us military members are — our job is to make the commander in chief's policy our policy, and to execute that policy. That's our oath. And that's what we do. And so, you know, for me, I feel like we've all done that. I mean, we've all at some point in our careers had to say, you know, “This is the law of the land.” I mean, I'm gonna' follow my oath to the Constitution, support and defend. And that's a part of it. So, in that aspect, you saw it was no different. But like you said, it's such a, I don't know, everybody has an idea. Everybody thinks they can run the Air Force. Everybody thinks that it should flow along their ideological lines, or whatever. And, frankly, it's about our country's policies that we have to abide by. But the one thing that doesn't change is our mission. And our mission is to develop lieutenants that are leaders of character that are ready to go out and win our wars, and that are ready to go out, support, defend the Constitution. That's it. And the policy things that people get so hung up on, sometimes they're really on the periphery, and they're not as entrenched. And what we do as people might think are — our core mission has never changed. There are some nuances, there's some things that might change a little bit, society changes. Young people change, you know, people that are 18 to 24. It's a pretty volatile group, in a way, and they change with society, too. So, we have to tweak and adjust based on our superiors, you know, people in the Pentagon and OSD and our president. We have to change based on society, and who we have coming into the Air Force Academy. And frankly, parents get a vote in this and the things that happen. And alumni always have a voice in this as well. They make their voice well known. But in the end, what it's my job to do is to make sure that our team is inoculated enough from all that, that we can continue to do our job and make sure that these warfighters are ready to go out and do what those lieutenants and those captains did for me as a squadron commander. That we're putting people out that are ready to go do that. And I always have in mind, like that story that I told you, Coach, it's always in the back of my mind. I hope that I'm developing people that are ready to go out and do what Those guys did that day. If our lieutenants are ready to fight like that, then we've succeeded. And that's my goal. I've never been a political person. But I get dragged into it all the time. And my job is to make sure that when I do get dragged into it, that we're still able to execute our mission, and that I don't drag the entirety of the Academy into it. And you know how it is. That's our job as leaders: to provide that top cover, and that shield, so that our people can do their job and produce those lieutenants that are going to go win wars.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  45:34 Well, that's a great attitude, and you've done it well. Tell me about your relationship with the Association of Graduates and Foundation? How have they contributed to your successes here at the Academy? And is there anything that the two organizations could do better?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  45:52 Well, I will say, let me start off with, enormous support from the Foundation and the AOG. And it's hard for everyone to really know what kinds of things you guys do for us. But all you need to do is drive around the campus, right? And look at the North Commons area, look at our new hotel, look at our visitor center, that's coming up, look at the Cyber Innovation Center that's coming up, look at our football stadium that's getting built. All those things are either fully private or public-private, that the Foundation has to not only raise the money, but facilitate those things happening. And I would say that, nowadays, we're not going to have very much construction that's going to happen here or any growth that the Foundation isn't involved in. You're going to have to be involved in pretty much everything that we do, if we want to keep evolving as an Academy. And since I've been here, the Foundation has done that. And the Foundation and the AOG are only as strong as our alumni. And I guess I've always known that intuitively. But since I've been here, it is entrenched in me and I will always be a supporter of our Academy from a financial standpoint, from my time standpoint, but it's critical, not just for our Academy, but really for the product, those 1,000 lieutenants that we put out, they benefit enormously from the help that we get. And those are just the big things. Forget about all of the research opportunities, the travel opportunities, the opportunities to bring in guest speakers, NCLS, you know, the National Character and Leadership Symposium is NCLS. There's so many other things that people don't even know that only happened because someone was willing to put their resources behind our Academy. And so, you know, the Foundation makes that happen for us to AOG brings them in, but together, that support is just enormous. And, you know, I get a lot of compliments about people who they see — the visitors that we have coming through the Carlton House, you know, the supt. house — thousands of people that come through there: cadets, donors, dignitaries, all kinds of people. All that happens because of gift funds from the Foundation. We're able to represent our Academy in a way that people can't even understand. And that also, you know — there's a synergy from that and an exponential effect from us being able to do those kinds of things that most universities do. But the government doesn't always support those things because it's not in a funding line. But the Foundation helps us to make those things happen.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  48:45 Well, you've summed it up pretty well. Our goal is for the Association to be relevant in the lives of cadets through their time here at the Academy and onto their careers. So that eventually they follow into that continuum where they go to the Foundation and say, “How can I help?” And we're seeing that happen now. And it's nice to hear you recognize that it's been a factor in your time. We're close to running out of time here. Richard, let me ask you about your next big challenge, executive director of the College Football Playoff. This is exciting. What are your thoughts there?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  49:19 So, I am enormously grateful and blessed to even have this job. I still kind of don't believe it. You know, because it's such a dream job. I'm going from one dream job to another, you know, but it's funny. What I'll say is, it came out of the blue. A search firm contacted me and I had some, I had known them because I was involved in another search for the Mountain West Conference to find our commissioner. And the people that ran the search knew me just because I was on that panel and everything. And the guy calls me one day. He goes “Hey, Rich, I heard you might be retiring soon. I think you mentioned to us would you be willing to put your name in the hat for the executive director of the CFP.” I was like, “Is that a trick question?” And so, he said, “Now you're the longshot candidate.” They wanted a nontraditional candidate on the, you know — they have 15 or 20 people that they're looking at, but they wanted a nontraditional. I was like, “Yeah, I'll do it.” I said, “Can I ask though, do I really have a shot at this?” He goes, “Yeah, everybody has a shot.” I'm like, “OK, so I got a shot. Let's do this.” And I did a phone interview, then I did a Zoom interview, then it was narrowed down to three and an in-person interview. And I got the job, and I couldn't believe it. But what's really interesting, the things that they liked about me, like, they asked me some questions like, “Do you have any media…?” They go, “Do you have any media experience?” I was like, “No.” “Do you have any experience in managing college athletic teams?” “No.” You know, “Do you have any experience and revenue generation?” “No.” I, you know, and I thought, “I'm just done.” But then they started asking me leadership questions and things that any of us in the military, we would all knock them out of the park. They are things that we've all lived and done things that I learned here, you know, at the Air Force Academy. They weren't hard questions; they were things that are second nature to us. The other thing that they liked was that I played football for four years. And being a student-athlete myself, they thought that that was a big benefit. So really, it goes right back to being here at the Academy and getting that job. And now I look at the challenges that it faces, then you just talked about all the scrutiny we get here as a superintendent. Yeah, I think I'm walking right into another job where I'm going to get scrutinized. It's going to the 12-team playoff, you know, this year. Last year, you know, number five team, everybody was all mad and lost their minds. And I think the committee did it right, though. Next year, it'll just be team 13 that's going to be mad. So, I'm ready, though. I'm excited about it. Amy's excited about it. We're going to move to Dallas, which is where the headquarters is. But I still am, you know, I'm sprinting to the finish in this job. So, I don't have a lot of time to think about it. But it's nice to know that I have another great job that I'm going to be able to flow into. I feel incredibly blessed by it. And just for the opportunity to continue to contribute to student success. And to be a part of that.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  52:32 That's a really good thought. And let me just ask you to close this out, Rich. Any parting thoughts to your team here at the Academy, to the cadets and to your teammates as you move on to your second career?   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  52:50 Well, first of all, and you know this, as much as I do, you know, as the supt, you know, you're at the head of the table, right? And you're trying to provide the top cover. But it's really so that all of the amazing teammates — we have the dean of faculty, the commandant, the athletic director, the prep school, airbase wing, just across the board. You know, all of those people in the flying training group too, even though they're not AETC, there's much of this character development effort that we have. But they're the ones that get the job done. And what makes the Air Force Academy so special is that everyone is so passionate about our cadets, and trying to help them to be ready to go out and do the things that we need them to do. That's what makes us special. It's also what makes it kind of hard, though. But I will take hard when people are passionate any day, you know? They just will do this mission and they will do it, whatever it takes to make it right. And to make sure that we're giving those cadets everything they deserve. I couldn't thank them enough from all of our senior leaders right on down to the, you know, the people in the trenches working in Mitchell Hall. You know, I just love this place because of the people that make it work and that make it go to our cadets. I'll be very honest, there's people that go, “What's wrong with this generation? They don't, you know, they're not patriotic; they're not athletic.” These people don't know what on Earth they're talking about. Come spend an hour, 30 minutes, with our cadets and you'll change your mind. These are the most incredible people. They are patriotic. They want to go serve. They might be different than we were. They might be different than you know, even the classes before us. But there is no lack of patriotism and them wanting to serve and them wanting to do great things and to reach their destiny. And they are every bit as much leaders of character as anybody, this generation. They're better. They're smarter, they're more athletic, they're more in touch with their world around them. I am very happy and comfortable to leave this torch with them, to hand the torch off to them. And I'm just proud to have served with them. And then just to everyone out there, all the supporters of the Academy, and we do have a lot, I just thank them, you know, for letting us do our job at helping us do our job and supporting this Academy. So, I am leaving with a lot of gratitude in my heart, just from our cadets from our permanent party, from the alumni that helped us do this and the other supporters. It just makes me feel good about our country, you know, people still care, people still want to serve and to go do great things. And this place exemplifies that, like no other.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  55:48 Rich, that gratitude goes both ways. We're awfully proud of you, Amy, Milo, Zoë, and we just thank you for your years of service and the leadership you've exhibited here at the Academy. You left a mark, trust me, and we wish you all the well in the future as you go on about, and please stay in touch. Thank you.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  56:11 Thank you to the AOG and Foundation. And I'll say this, you know, I thank Amy because she's the one that was willing to go an extra four years because I could have retired as a three star when we started and she said, I'm in that passion from our time as commandant, she was like, “I'm in, let's do this.” And another four years wasn't easy for her. I'll be honest with you. She wants to live in her own house. She wants to… she started a new job. But she, she owned it. And she loves this Academy too. And I have to thank her and Milo and Zoë. They've just been my, that's my team. You know, I mean, in the end, you know, I thank God for them. I thank God for every opportunity. But I am just full of gratitude. So, thanks, Coach.   Lt. Gen. Mike Gould  56:59 Well done. Thank you. Lt. Gen.Rich Clark, 21st superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy.   Lt. Gen. Richard Clark  57:03 Thanks very much. Yeah, thank you.   Announcer:  57:08 Thank you for listening to long blue leadership. If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to subscribe, share it with your family and friends and post it to your social channels. Long Blue Leadership is a production of the long blue line Podcast Network and presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation. The views and opinions of the guests and hosts do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Air Force, Air Force Academy, Academy Association and Foundation, its staff or management. The podcast drops every two weeks on Tuesday mornings. Subscribe to Long Blue Leadership on Apple podcasts, Spotify, tune in plus Alexa, and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and more for show announcements and updates and visit long blue leadership.org for past episodes and more long blue line podcast network programming     KEYWORDS Air Force Academy, leadership, character, military career, pilot training, squadron command, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lt. Gen. Richard Clark '86, superintendent, United States Air Force Academy, executive director, college football playoff, Association of Graduates, Foundation, leadership, character development, support, gratitude     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation      

Good morning Aurora! The weekend is almost here, we have your #auroraweather and a great interview as well. Our guests this morning are Jennifer & Richard Clark, husband and wife team of Area Code Audio. Our programs are both very busy and we are experimenting with a 5 day a week schedule. Today we will have both our program and Buenos Dias Aurora live, and Buenos Dias Aurora will begin at 9:30 am. Let's get ready to learn! Here's the news: - Our friends of the Road Home Program at RUSH provide fantastic mental health services for veterans and their family members. The level of care provided can address depression, PTSD and a host of other issues. See the flyer for more details about dates, location and enrollment. Follow the Road Home Program at RUSH here on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn! - Join the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley for Estate Planning 101, Thursday, April 25th at the Oswego Public Library. This event will be from 9 am to 10:30 am and registration is required. Learn how to protect your family's future at this free session, open to the public. Contact Rachel Gundersen at (331) 208-9423. - Our friends of Bardwell Residences will host an Easter Egg Hunt in their fantastic courtyard on Friday, March 29th! The event will begin at 11 am and you must bring your own basket! Bardwell is a magnificent assisted living community occupying the historic Copley building on Aurora's east side at 301 Weston Avenue. Learn more about the future of senior living by following them here on Facebook and by visiting their website here: https://www.gardant.com/bardwellresidences/ Have a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcast The second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in every Monday, Wednesday & Friday to our FB Live from 9 am to 10 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora. Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorail Instagram: goodmorningaurorail Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora ACTV (Aurora Community Television): https://www.aurora-il.org/309/Aurora-Community-TV #positivevibes #positiveenergy #downtownaurora #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #stcharlesil #saintcharlesil #elginil #northaurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #auroramedia #auroranews #goodmorningaurora #news #dailynews #subscribe #youtube #podcast #spotify #morningnews #morningshow #thursday #areacodeaudio --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodmorningaurora/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodmorningaurora/support

Hey there, fellow entrepreneur! Have I got a treat for you today. I just listened to the latest episode of the Proven Entrepreneur Show, and let me tell you, it's packed with incredible insights and inspiring stories that you won't want to miss. Host Don Williams kicks things off with an engaging conversation featuring the dynamic duo, Richard and Chalon Clark. As the cameras start rolling, you can feel the energy as they dive into their entrepreneurial journeys. Chalon, a talented attorney turned interior designer, shares how she started her company, Design Redefined, from scratch and how her mindset shifted from lawyer to creative visionary. Alongside her, Richard reveals his passion for flipping houses and his love for sharing cultural cuisine with the world through his restaurant brands and a villa in Jamaica. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. They also open up about the hard lessons they've learned along the way. Richard shares the emotional toll of his first failed business venture and how he had to pick up the pieces. Chalon reflects on her own setbacks, emphasizing the importance of legal agreements for entrepreneurs. It's a powerful reminder that failure is not the opposite of success but an essential part of the journey. Throughout the episode, Richard and Chalon drop wisdom bombs left and right. Richard's metaphor of juggling glass balls and rubber balls will resonate with every entrepreneur, teaching us to prioritize and protect what truly matters. Meanwhile, Chalon's journey of finding her capacity and learning to say no is sure to strike a chord with ambitious go-getters. The episode wraps up with a beautiful reminder to stay present, trust in grace, and embrace the path set by God. It's a message that will speak to your soul and inspire you to be the best version of yourself.If you're ready for an episode filled with authentic wisdom, game-changing insights, and contagious entrepreneurial spirit, you need to listen to this episode now. Connect with Chalon on Instagram at @yourdesignredefined and reach out to Richard at Richard.Thomas@tphhg.com or on LinkedIn. Trust me, you won't regret diving into this episode. So what are you waiting for? Hit play and get ready to be inspired. See you on the other side of success!