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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
  • Area Code: Batavia LIVE - A Spooky Season Celebration
    Oct 24 2025

    Just in time for Bat Fest, it's the live recording of our Spooky Season Celebration hosted at Sturdy Shelter.

    This episode features:

    • A conversation about Bat Fest with Kristen Desler and Beth Walker from Main Street
    • A True Crime Mystery featuring the Batavia Paranormal Investigation Squad
    • A conversation with Zach Sage, the mastermind behind the Halloween display, Midnight on Morton.

    Every year, Zach pairs his Halloween display with a drive for Animal House Shelter. If you pay them a visit, consider making a donation.

    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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    39 mins
  • A Therapist on the Human Cost of ICE in the Fox Valley
    Oct 22 2025

    Jennifer Orta is on the front lines of a crisis of belonging. As the only Spanish speaking licensed mental health provider at Suicide Prevention Services of America, located here in Batavia, she's talking every day to people who are impacted directly by the dramatic increase of ICE activity in the Fox Valley.

    On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, Jennifer, a psychotherapist, describes the hidden emotional impact she sees in her work: from parents too afraid to leave their homes to children quietly agonizing over whether their parents will be there when they get home.

    This is a necessary and candid conversation about humanity, dignity, and what it truly means to be a neighbor in the Fox Valley region right now.

    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
    58 mins
  • How Change Happens in Ward 5
    Oct 6 2025

    Don't forget! Our 2nd ever live episode, a Batavia Spooky Season Celebration, is happening October 9th, 7pm at Sturdy Shelter.

    We'll be featuring conversations with the people behind Batfest, the guy responsible for Midnight on Morton, and a special visit from the Batavia Paranormal Investigation Squad. Tickets are $10, but members of our membership program, The 630 get in free!

    On this episode: a conversation with Ward 5 alderpersons Abby Beck and Jim Fahrenbach, the latest in our city council series, where we have joint conversations with current Batavia city council members from the same ward. We hear from Abby and Jim about what it's like serving on council, how they got into public service, and what makes Ward 5 special.

    Just as a note, because the previous day’s city council meeting is discussed, I wanted to flag that this conversation took place on September 3rd. The September 2nd meeting we discussed will be linked in the show notes. Here’s my conversation with Abby Beck and Jim Farenbach.

    You can watch the September 2nd council meeting discussed at the top of the episode here.

    The rest of our City Council series can be found here.

    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
    40 mins
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