Viva Downtown's Downtown Discussion

Hosted by Viva Downtown

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

A podcast where we interview the people who enhance Downtown Redding, California through Social, Cultural and Economic Development. Viva Downtown Redding is a volunteer non-profit 501(c)3 accredited National Main Street America Organization and a California Main Street member. Viva Downtown encourages citizens, businesses and interested groups to enhance the vitality of Downtown Redding using the Main Street America Approach for community transformation.

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56 recent

September 4, 202618 min

ArtWorks Gallery and Studios - Tamara Watson

NEW BUSINESS 🎨 | ArtWorks Gallery & Studios A new creative space is opening its doors in Downtown Redding! ArtWorks Gallery & Studios officially opens at 1518 Market Street during September’s First Friday, bringing together a group of retired local art teachers who aren’t quite ready to put their creativity away. Tamara Watson, retired Enterprise High School art teacher and partial owner of ArtWorks, joins Blake Fisher on the Viva Downtown Discussion Podcast to talk about the new gallery, the story behind its creation, and their vision for bringing more art into Downtown Redding. The gallery’s inaugural exhibit features 13 local artists and a variety of artistic mediums, from sculpture to painting. Listen in and meet one of Downtown Redding’s newest creative businesses!

July 7, 202612 min

Shop Around The Corner Books - Amber Treat

Shop Around The Corner Books - Owner, Amber Treat joins the Downtown Discussion Podcast. In this episode, listen along to learn about the new location of Shop Around The Corner Books, 1244 California Street. Shop Around the Corner Books is located in the heart of downtown Redding, CA. They offer new books of all genres…new releases, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. Email the shop with your book requests and they’ll get you the book you want. They also carry bookish merchandise—t-shirts, candles, journals, puzzles, bookmarks, keychains and tea. If you’re not in Redding, you can order those items on their website or order books and audiobooks with the links to Bookshop.org and Libro.fm

June 2, 202618 min

Redding Public Market - Erin Ross

Redding's Public Market - Market Manager, Erin Ross, joins the the Downtown Discussion Podcast. In this episode, we discuss the accomplishments, innovations, and learning lessons of the first six months of the Redding Public Market being open. The Redding Public Market was a massive project to transform the first floor store front space in 1551 Market Center a mixed use housing revitilization project in Downtown Redding.

January 28, 202616 min

Schulyer Lane - Bonus Round Redding - Arcade Bar

On this episode of Downtown Discussion , we sit down with Schulyer Lane, owner of SKL Arcades, to talk about Bonus Round Redding, a new arcade bar that he opened in Downtown Redding at 1665 Pine Street. Bonus Round is a vintage and retro arcade space with games from the 1980s and 1990s, and every machine in the building has been restored by Schulyer himself. If you’ve played an arcade game anywhere around Redding, there’s a good chance he’s worked on it. We talk about how his passion for fixing arcade games started in his garage, how that turned into SKL Arcades, the early trial run at The Dip when COVID changed live music and events, and what he hopes people experience when they walk through the doors—whether they’re longtime gamers or just curious. Bonus Round Redding is all ages until 8pm, then 21 and over. Unlimited play is $10 for one hour or $15 for the full day. Hours are: Thursday 3–11 Friday 3–12 Saturday 3–12 Sunday 1–8

January 19, 202617 min

Bailey's Book Nook opens in Downtown Redding!

Bailey Bethard opens Bailey’s Book Nook, a high-quality used bookstore located at 1330 Market Street in the historic Sherven Square building in Downtown Redding. A dynamic new business owner, Bailey has previously worked with several well-known downtown establishments, including Carousel, Ferris Wheel Kids, and the Cascade Theatre. In this episode, Bailey shares her journey to opening her own brick-and-mortar shop, the behind-the-scenes process of bringing Bailey’s Book Nook to life, and why she felt the timing was right to contribute to the revitalization happening in Downtown Redding. Bailey Book Nook https://bookshop.org/shop/baileysbooknook 1330 Market Street Tuesday | 11 AM–4 PM Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM Friday | 10 AM–6 PM Saturday | 10 AM–6 PM Sunday | 11 AM–4 PM

November 28, 202521 min

Veterans Housing in Downtown Redding - Mike Dahl - Nations Finest

Nations Finest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been serving veterans and their families for over 50 years by providing a comprehensive range of services. Mike Dahl of Nations Finest joins the Viva Downtown Discussion to discuss restoring a house in Downtown Redding to become permanent housing for veterans.

September 22, 202520 min

Plantable Nursery and Cafe transforms Downtown Redding - Kirkwood Hale Co-Founder

Kirkwood Hale, co-founder of Plantable Nursery and Café , joins the Downtown Discussion Podcast to share the story behind Plantable Redding , the vibrant green space that transformed the once abandoned lot on the corner of California and Gold Street. Kirkwood discusses how he and his team turned a neglected part of downtown into a community hub for small concerts, gatherings, gardening education, plant sales, and the restoration of the Calaboose Creek in to a healthy eco system again. https://plantableredding.org/ Plantable Nursery and Cafe 2018 California Street, Redding CA 96001 Wed-Sat: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

September 19, 202517 min

Fridays Vintage - Dylan Mosshart - New Location Grand Reopening

Dylan Mosshart, owner of Fridays Vintage , joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to celebrate three years in business and the grand re-opening at their new location at 1401 Market Street on the Market/Tehama Corner. Dylan discusses the growth of his mom-and-pop vintage shop and owning the business alongside his wife, Paige, his passion for timeless clothing, and the journey from pop-up events to a full brick-and-mortar storefront. He also shares advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their own businesses in downtown communities. Fridays Vintage 1401 Market Street, Redding CA 96001 https://www.fridaysvintage.co/

August 9, 202523 min

Ferris Wheel Kids Podcast – Tara Faires and Suzanne Russell

Step inside the magic of Redding’s newest destination for kids! In this episode of The Viva Downtown’s Downtown Discussion , we are joined by Tara Faires and Suzanne Russell , and celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Ferris Wheel Kids — a vibrant new store designed with families in mind. Hear from the people who brought this dream to life, discover what makes Ferris Wheel Kids a unique addition to our downtown, and join the excitement as the community comes together to welcome this playful new space. @ferriswheelkids 1501 Yuba Street Redding, CA 96001 Hours Wednesday-Friday 10:30am–5:30pm Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm Phone (530) 215-3684

July 22, 202516 min

Redding Area Bus Authority - Kelly Sepelyak

Kelly Sepelyak is a Silicon Valley native driven by a passion for blending communications and technology to fuel innovation. As an Executive Assistant at RABA, she plays a key role in optimizing operations, leading impactful outreach efforts, and building meaningful connections within the community. Kelly is deeply committed to advancing accessibility and ensuring public services truly reflect the needs of those they serve. Tune in to discover how Kelly and other young changemakers are creating space to grow alongside their downtown—and how you can be part of the movement.