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Area Code: Batavia

Area Code: Batavia

By: Area Code Audio
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On each episode of Area Code: Batavia, host Richard Clark explores the heart of Batavia, Illinois, and what it means to truly belong in Batavia, IL. Through one-on-one conversations with local small business owners, we uncover the essence of Batavia's community spirit. Produced by Area Code Audio. Tune in every two weeks for new episodes.Copyright 2025 Area Code Audio Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Riverside Pizza & Pub's Chris Otepka: Musician and "Utility Man"
    Jun 30 2025

    Just before the pandemic, Chris Otepka helped open Riverside Pizza and Pub in his hometown of Batavia with a few of his friends. Now he's helping run it. But most of his adult life, Chris Otepka was a touring musician.

    On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I speak with Chris about his long journey back home, what he learned about himself and Batavia while traveling the country, and his consistent presence in his friends' life as a "utility man".

    • More about Otepka's band, Troubled Hubble
    • Chris's solo project, the Heligoats

    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.

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    42 mins
  • History Hits Close to Home At the Depot Museum
    Jun 16 2025

    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.

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    57 mins
  • Books and Belonging at the Batavia Public Library
    Jun 2 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins

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