Tyler Walker, Outreach and Engagement Specialist for Big Brother Big Sister of Southwest Michigan, joins us to discuss the impact of intergenerational relationships in our community. With Big Brother Big Sister, community members have resources to foster positive relationships that help youth expand their support network. Tyler discusses the positive outcomes for youth and the community overall.

CoHosts David Beans & Joe Byars

Guest: Ryan Smith

Power to the People! Worker’s rights! Is that too idealistic? Does it sound too good to be true? The Southwest Michigan Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are an organization that works toward a more democratic and equal world. For anyone who is frustrated by the economic, or political status quo, the DSA provides a space to unite and work together.

Ryan Smith, chair of the Southwest Michigan Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), explains what the local chapter of the DSA is accomplishing and how local people can get involved.

The SWMI DSA meets at 1pm on the last Sunday of the month at the Edison Neighborhood Association.

Volunteer at the Mutual Aid events on Friday evenings, behind Shakespear’s Pub

https://swmidsa.com

https://www.facebook.com/SWMIDSA/

Dr. Turnera Croom is a mobile veterinarian with a heart as big as her medical bag. She goes where her patients need her most, breaking down barriers between pet care and community healing. From providing tender, dignified support during a pet's final moments to offering holistic, chemical-free healthcare solutions, Dr. Croom represents a new breed of veterinary professional who sees each animal as a cherished family member.

Her practice is more than a service—it's a calling. By bringing vaccines to local neighborhood centers and mentoring the next generation of compassionate veterinarians, she's creating a ripple effect of care that extends far beyond traditional medical boundaries. Whether comforting a grieving family or helping pets thrive through natural wellness approaches, Dr. Croom is redefining what it means to be a veterinarian in the modern world.

Dr. Croom’s website: https://drcroom.com

Link for the application for college age and above students who are majoring in Pre-Veterinary, animal science, and agriculture to join Dr. Croom's Telemedicine internship program: Https://bit.ly/4aPoHqb

Free Skool community for holistic pet care: https://www.skool.com/holistic-pet-care-future-vet-2292

Information about Not One More Vet: https://nomv.org

Join the Thursday Livestream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCroomArmyVet

Students combining research and service

KAMSC Earthlings - Kate Risley and Sophia Barnard

Hosts: Patrick Hershberger and Joe Byars

When Kate Risley and Sophia Barnard were juniors at the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center (KAMSC), they had ambition to expand their environmental club (Earthlings). They join us to discuss their work in community organizing for service, as well as environmental research in conjunction with their studies.

https://www.instagram.com/kamscearthlings

Chris Broadbent and Justin Gish spend most of their days considering the potential treasure to be unlocked from people's trash. During this episode they will explain the process of waste when it is reborn - through compost and recycling. Kalamazoo is lucky to have a structure for recycling and compost that is supported by the city government. Justin and Chris are passionate about waste and have visions for the future, to make waste less... well, wasteful.

Contact Chris through local 311

gishj@kalamazoocity.org

Visit www.kalamazoocity.org for more information about community composting and recycling.

During this episode we will hear from some small businesses who have been impacted by heavy construction in Kalamazoo. They offer their perspectives for you to consider the importance of small businesses and the role of the community and government to keep Kalamazoo a place where small businesses can survive and contribute.

Guests:

Erin Schultz, Schultz’s Treat Street

Eileen Pawlicki, Love Muffins

Maria Brennan, Victorian Bakery

Hosts: Dee Chauvin & Joe Byars

Dive into this riveting episode where we recorded on-site with Maya James, a Kalamazoo artist who has been designing and leading the installation of a literacy lane in downtown Kalamazoo's Edison Neighborhood. Maya discusses how this mural, although it is still actively being installed, has already discouraged dumping and crime, and has encouraged community engagement and restoration of nature in the area.

Kalamazoo Literary Council https://kalamazooliteracy.org

Maya James' Art www.mayamjjames.weebly.com

Christina Dorett joins Connecting Communities to discuss the work of the service group KUDOS. They are seeking volunteers to join them to bridge the gap between neighborhoods that have been impacted by systemic racism. Their group seeks to connect communities in a literal sense, by bringing people together who might never meet otherwise. Christina is very frank about the goal of finding a way to do anti-racism work (as opposed to only reading or discussing it), as well as the challenges and benefits of coordinating a volunteer day of service.

October 4 - this year’s date

Link to Redlining documentary mentioned in this episode: https://youtu.be/YRnMMDXdneA?si=ZysyoDfoqPAMsfEr

Kudoskzoo@gmail.com