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New Dayton

New Dayton

By Chip James

New Dayton shines a light on the Dayton region. We chat with small business owners and exciting people that choose to see the good in Dayton. Those that look at Dayton and see a city of opportunity. Let's hear those stories. Let's tell a story together. Let's share the story of New Dayton.
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Black Box Improv | Justin Howard

New DaytonOct 18, 2019

00:00
48:36
Ohusa + Poppy Faye Floral | Brennen + Eden Waldron

Ohusa + Poppy Faye Floral | Brennen + Eden Waldron

to start off our 2020 podcast season / season 2, i’m so excited to share an interview with Brennen and Eden Waldron, the husband and wife duo behind ohusa woodworking and Poppy Faye Floral

If you frequent the hot spots in dayton, you’ve probably sat on or seen their work around town, so we met them for a chat at the new Ghostlight Midtown, where Brennen built out a large portion of the bench seating, aesthetic details, and the amazing community walnut table.

we talk about how their businesses were born on their wedding day, what it means to be a conscious creator, and more, and we hope you love this episode and support this awesome couple in the work they're doing to create #newdayton

if you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave us a review! connect with us at our website or on instagram!

Jan 16, 202037:46
Minimalism & Simplicity with Rose Lounsbury

Minimalism & Simplicity with Rose Lounsbury

With the holidays approaching and a new decade right around the corner, a lot of us are looking for a change, or a fresh start, or a feeling of more peace in our lives and our homes. Enter minimalism + simplicity. The topic of minimalism is a popular one right now, and you might not know that we have a sought after minimalism and simplicity coach right here in Dayton. Rose Lounsbury has literally written the book on minimalism, spoken on the topic at Ted X Dayton, and has a clear and thoughtful way to help us simplify our homes and really our lives. We went to her beautiful, simplified home in Dayton and had a long chat about our relationship to our things, why our kids’ stuff is really not the problem, and how we can simplify everything from our homes to our schedules by tapping into our worth.

Disclaimer: No guilt in Christmas shopping! But perhaps this conversation will inspire some intentionality and care into what you bring into your homes and your lives this holiday season and the new decade. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

We hope you enjoy the episode! If you did, subscribe and leave us a review! Visit our website or connect with us on instagram

Dec 12, 201955:07
Baldwin Cafe | Leroy Bean

Baldwin Cafe | Leroy Bean

Leroy Bean is a poet, dreamer, entrepreneur, and one of the winners of the 2019 UpDayton Summit that we talked about with Lauren White in Episode 15. When he presented his vision for The Baldwin Cafe at the Summit, Daytonians voted, and now he’s on the path to bringing his vision to life in 2020. The Baldwin Cafe will be a cafe and bookstore specializing in African American literature and serving up specialty tea and vegan and vegetarian meals. Leroy’s mission is to create a third space between work, school, and home and to help people experience health in body, mind, and soul.

At 25, Leroy has wisdom and insight that surpasses his age, as you'll quickly learn as we chat about his vision for the Baldwin Cafe, what he has experienced as a young black man on the west side of Dayton, and what he believes we can do to get out of our bubbles and become one as a city.

And, Leroy drops a little spoken word in the episode and you won’t want to miss it.

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Nov 22, 201945:45
2nd Street Market

2nd Street Market

As the awareness to shop local and eat local rises, the priority for a good farmer’s market has definitely risen on people’s lists of living necessities. In Dayton, we are lucky to have something that many larger cities don’t even have, and that is a year-round covered farmer’s market. The 2nd Street Market at 600 E 2nd Street downtown is open Thursday-Saturday all year long, and Sundays June-December. The historical freight house turned indoor market features 50-60 local farmers, bakers, prepared food providers, and artisans and is really an amazing way to shop local and purchase high quality ingredients. You can get a great lunch or a coffee or a locally made gift and we’re really lucky to have an experience like this in Dayton. We sat down with Public Market Manager Lynda Suda and Market Coordinator Becky Hoen to hear more about what goes on at 2nd Street Market and all is has to offer our community. 

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Nov 15, 201927:35
Table 33 | Charlie Carroll

Table 33 | Charlie Carroll

There are some entrepreneurs in Dayton that are involved in more than one venture, and today’s guest is a great example of that. Charlie Carroll is the owner of Table 33, a locally-sourced restaurant on 2nd Street in downtown Dayton (and one we frequent often). He’s also the pastor of City Church Dayton, owner of Body Garage Dayton, and plays a role in a list of other businesses that stretches into the double digits. He’s not just a dreamer, he’s a doer. In this interview with Charlie, we talk about what makes Table33 unique as a restaurant and business and how they care for their people well, from owners to managers to employees to customers. Charlie also shares some great wisdom for entrepreneurs in every field, and we talk about what a healthy and helpful response to the recent tragedies in our town could look like. You might want to take notes on this one. Tons of good nuggets for better business and life. 

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Nov 07, 201935:31
J. Morgan Atelier | Jackie Morgan

J. Morgan Atelier | Jackie Morgan

Back in May, we came across an Instagram photo of a handmade ceramic plate with a caption that read, “More good things are coming your way, Dayton. Look for our launch Fall 2019.” Over the last few months, our team has become mildly obsessed with the “intentionally wonky”, handcrafted ceramics featured over at @jmorgan.atelier. We admire the artistry and character of each piece, and we really admire the woman behind the ceramics who said she was going to launch a business in Fall 2019… and she’s actually doing it.

We got to sit down with Jackie Morgan, the face and hands behind J. Morgan Atelier, and hear all about her story from being a creative stay-at-home mom of 18 years to launching her business this coming week.

Mark your calendars for her launch party this coming week and one of two opportunities to purchase her pieces before Christmas!

J. Morgan Atelier Launch Party

NOVEMBER 8 from 5-9 PM

NOVEMBER 9 from 10 AM - 7 PM

1001 E Second Street, Dayton

Building 100, Doors B-C

Third Floor: “The Betty”

Refreshments provided by Grist Provisions and Salt Block Biscuit Company and background music by Skeleton Dust Records.

We’re so excited to share this interview with you and to celebrate Jackie’s launch next week! Hope to see you there.

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.


Nov 01, 201936:13
Corner Kitchen | Jack and Natalie Skilliter

Corner Kitchen | Jack and Natalie Skilliter

More than any other interview, today’s guests win the award for most requested by our other podcast guests. It's fair to say that probably 75% of our guests to date have mentioned today’s Dayton business as a local fav. Jack and Natalie Skilliter founded Corner Kitchen,"a finer diner", a restaurant that offers seasonal American cuisine right on the corner of 5th and Wayne in the Oregon District downtown. Having managed restaurants in restaurant capitals like New York and Washington D.C., we were so curious to hear the story of how Corner Kitchen found its home in Dayton. When we reached out to Natalie and Jack for an interview, even their email reply was thoughtful and genuine and we knew we were in for a great conversation. They certainly lived up to the hype and we’re so excited to share this interview with you. Foodies, business junkies, and proud Daytonians. There's something for everyone in this one!
If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.
Oct 24, 201945:05
Black Box Improv | Justin Howard

Black Box Improv | Justin Howard

Today we’re talkin improv. Maybe you’re already deep into it, or maybe you only know it from watching Who’s Line Is It Anyway marathons back in the day. What you may not know is that it’s not just fun to watch, but the practice and skills of improv hold valuable tools for business, relationships, and life.

Black Box Improv Theater is kind of a trailblazer as Dayton’s only improv theater, and we got the chance to have an entertaining and educational chat with founder and owner, Justin Howard, who also owns Emerge Improv, an experience-based training to help teams and organizations transform the way they communicate. We talk about the origin story behind Justin deciding to bring improv to Dayton on the front end of our city's resurgence, how anyone can use the practice of improv to improve almost every aspect of their communication and life, and why Black Box should be your next date night plan. Justin will make you laugh and think and learn and we’re so excited to share this interview with you.

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Oct 18, 201948:36
Gem City Market | Kenya Baker

Gem City Market | Kenya Baker

You’ve probably heard of the term “food desert”. It’s a term used to describe urban areas in which there is little to no access to quality, fresh, healthy food. No grocery stores, no farmer’s markets, no healthy restaurants. And you might know that the west side of Dayton is one of those food deserts, and on top of that, a food swamp, where you find an abundance of fast food instead. In today’s episode, we talk with Kenya Baker, who is facing this problem in our community head on and is working to do something about it through creating the Gem City Market. The Gem City Market will be a for-profit cooperatively-owned grocery in west Dayton that will provide access to healthy food, education, and work to those in our community that don’t currently have it

We talk about some important and controversial topics like how the food desert came to be, gentrification, and how we can support and help our community without hurting them. The Gem City Market just celebrated their groundbreaking in late September, so the excitement is quickly rising, and we know you’ll want to get on board, become a member, or just hear more about how Kenya and her team are bringing GCM to life

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Oct 11, 201925:18
Real Art | Chris Wire

Real Art | Chris Wire

Back when the podcast was just a dream, I would envision getting to sit down with different leaders and interesting people in Dayton and hearing their story. Today’s guest was at the top of that list of people I envisioned getting to chat with.

Chris Wire is the owner and leader of Real Art, one of Dayton’s coolest and most far-reaching companies. Real Art is an innovative design and ad agency that creates never-before-seen experiences that help brands and businesses become unforgettable. They’ve worked with internationally owned companies, like Converse, Audi, and Lowe’s, and, even more importantly, take pride in calling Dayton their home

If you are a business owner or creative or design fanatic and want to know more about Chris and how he leads one of the most successful businesses in town, you’ll love this episode. He’s a deep thinker, amazing creator, and just a good hang

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Oct 03, 201945:30
Heart Mercantile, Luna Gifts and Botanicals, and Beck + Call

Heart Mercantile, Luna Gifts and Botanicals, and Beck + Call

In this episode, we’re highlighting three of the thriving women-owned businesses in the heart of the Oregon District downtown: Heart Mercantile, Luna Gifts and Botanicals, and Beck + Call, known for their gifts with a sense of humor, prime plant selections, and catchy chalkboard slogans you’ve almost definitely seen on the gram. We sat down with co-owners Brittany Smith, Carly Barrett, Kait Gilcher, and Amanda Hensler at Toxic Brew Company, right across the street from Heart Mercantile and talked about the origins of Heart and their line of boutiques, how to rally your community around you when launching a business, and winning at retail in an Amazon-driven culture. We’d also like to note that this interview was recorded before the tragedy that occurred in the Oregon District on August 4th, 2019, right across the street from Heart, and we’d like to acknowledge that the way that these women responded to this event was nothing short of courageous and strong and we encourage everyone to continue to support them as well as they process the event over the months and years to come.

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Sep 26, 201926:33
St. Anne the Tart | Megan Smith

St. Anne the Tart | Megan Smith

the unique baked goods, the incredible coffee, the thoughtfully designed space, the do-good community wall. St. Anne the Tart opened last spring and quickly became a Dayton household name for all of these things and more. founded by Megan Smith, a lifelong entrepreneur with a heart for community, “the Tart” really embodies the New Dayton we are all proud to call home

we sat down with Megan in their light-filled upstairs room and enjoyed a fun conversation about her life as an entrepreneur, from starting an internationally recognized publication at her kitchen table to making her own bacon for her 3 boys to opening St. Anne the Tart after returning to Ohio to make Dayton her home. whether you’re someone with an idea, looking for practical business advice on pushing through creative fear or structuring a business plan, or just want to know more about the leader behind your favorite bakery, we think you’ll really enjoy this episode!

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Sep 19, 201929:58
Up Dayton | Lauren White

Up Dayton | Lauren White

Picture Shark Tank meets volunteerism meets #newdayton. Sounds awesome, right? That’s how we’re describing the amazing organization called Up Dayton. I got a chance to sit down with their Executive Director, Lauren White and get the scoop on Up Dayton scoop and their upcoming 2019 Summit, happening on September 19th. In her, more precise terms, Up Dayton is “a group that engages and empowers young talent to build the Dayton, Ohio they want to call home.” As an incubator and resource center for ideas that will better our community, this awesome org is driven by the question, “Instead of complaining, how can we empower the next generation to stand up and launch volunteer powered community projects?”

Want in? (You do.) On Thursday, September 19th from 5:30-8:30 PM at the Brightside Music and Event Venue, @updayton is hosting their annual UpDayton Summit. As part of the audience, you’ll hear and get to vote on 8 pitches from do-gooders in our community who have an idea to serve Dayton in a unique way, including @femmeaidcollaborative @kristendomke @leroydbean @hypeddayton and @thegroupchattv. You’ll also get the chance to personally join any of the initiatives that really catch your eye, and offer your time, energy, resources to help bring their idea to life

It sounds like a great date night or friend night or #daytonproud night to me.

Listen to the podcast to hear a breakdown of all 8 pitches, and then visit updayton.org to purchase your tickets for the Summit. If you use the code ALLOFUS you can get $5 off your ticket through the 17th!

See you there, Dayton!

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Sep 12, 201926:38
Tom Gilliam | @DaytonGram

Tom Gilliam | @DaytonGram

I’d venture to say that no one has taken more photos of the city of Dayton in more recent years than the man behind the camera of one of Dayton’s most popular Instagram accounts, @daytongram. If you’re on Instagram and live in Dayton, you’ve almost definitely come across the feed, filled with stunning photographs of our city. It has inspired so many to see the beauty and hope in our city, including us, so we knew we had to sit down with the man behind the gram, Tom Gilliam.

We were so excited to hear that Tom was recruited to write a book about the revitalization of the Dayton Arcade, and we were eager to sit down and get the BTS scoop on what he is learning and where the project is headed. He also shares his most Instagram-worthy spots around Dayton, and his take on what the “New Dayton” is to him and what it will become. Tom is someone who has made it a mission to shine a light on Dayton through his lens, and we know you’ll be inspired to do the same in whatever ways that inspire you.

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Sep 07, 201925:05
Santa Clara Juicery | David and Elizabeth Furst

Santa Clara Juicery | David and Elizabeth Furst

A juicery in or near a downtown is a mark of an up and coming town these days, and we’re so glad to have one just north of downtown Dayton. But the Santa Clara Juicery, owned and operated by husband and wife duo, David and Elizabeth Furst, exists for so much more than to make our city trendy. They exist to create hope, facilitate community, and to provide quality, healthy food and juice to one of Dayton’s food deserts. This interview is a great display of our local business owners who genuinely care for our city and are working to create a New Dayton where every person can thrive. Their juice is as incredible as their passion, and if you’re not on the juice train yet, you’re a sample of their Watermelon Cooler away from converting. We hope you enjoy the interview and make it down to their shop as soon as you can.

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram.

Aug 30, 201931:45
Namesake Coffee | Michael and Jessica Beans

Namesake Coffee | Michael and Jessica Beans

Never has there been a more perfect business naming scenario than is the case with Namesake Coffee Roastery, owned by Michael and Jessica Beans. It seems like a career in coffee was their fate from the start, but we quickly learned that their passion and talent as coffee roasters goes far beyond the name.

Michael and Jessica welcomed us into their home roastery, where we sat in their kitchen with a fresh Chemex of their insanely good coffee and had one of the most fun conversations we’ve had. listen in on our chat, where we hear all about the origins and heart behind Namesake Coffee, how they met in Egypt of all places, their unique perspective on being a Dayton entrepreneur as Dayton transplants (their answer is so, so great I’m using it in all my interviews now), and why there is maybe no such thing as a pretentious coffee drinker.

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram


Aug 22, 201936:05
Carrs & Co Photography House | Michael & Grace Carr

Carrs & Co Photography House | Michael & Grace Carr

“Dayton is reclaiming its status as a hub for culture and creativity”- Michael Carr of Carrs & Co Photography House in Dayton, OH

I couldn’t agree more, and there’s no doubt that Michael, his wife Grace, and their incredible team of photographers at Carrs & Co Photography House are at the forefront of Dayton’s creative, entrepreneurial culture. They are award winning photographers, visual storytellers, and Dayton-area natives that truly love and care for our town and our community. We sat down and had a chat with Michael and Grace Carr in their stunning downtown studio and got to hear about their passion for storytelling, the ups and downs of their own story to get to where they are today, how they’ve been able to use the gift of photography to give back to our community in some pretty sweet ways, and how they give out of towners a five-star Dayton experience

If you’re a creative that’s stuck in the middle of working to make your art your full-time gig or you want to know why Dayton is the perfect place to share your talents, you’ll love this episode.

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram


Aug 16, 201929:27
John Gower | Hope and Daytopia 5.0
Aug 08, 201923:53
The Honorable Judge E. Gerald Parker Jr.
Aug 01, 201934:30
Warped Wing | Nick Bowman

Warped Wing | Nick Bowman

They're a household name, beer aficionado or not. Warped Wing Brewing Company is one of New Dayton's best: their incredible beer, stand-out branding, and jaw-dropping warehouse brewery that brings the full WW experience to anyone who walks in. I got to sit down with co-founder, Nick Bowman, and learn all about the origins of Warped Wing and how they became a Dayton household name so quickly, the story behind their aesthetically amazing branding and products (if you’ve seen them, you know), all about the community and camaraderie that they love about New Dayton, and a solid nod to the “expansion project” that was recently made public after our interview- a new location in Springboro! And we’re all psyched. 

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram

Jul 25, 201933:12
Old Scratch Pizza | Eric Soller

Old Scratch Pizza | Eric Soller

It's no secret that Dayton is a pizza town, with pizza giants and pizza joints around every corner. But you won't find a pizza place spoken of more highly than Old Scratch Pizza. Known for its signature Neapolitan-style pizza with a modern twist, diverse drink selection, amazing sides (have you tried the whole roasted cauliflower with romesco sauce?), and picnic table seating that makes you feel right at home, Old Scratch is undoubtedly one of New Dayton's best. In this interview with owner Eric Soller, we chat about the origins of Old Scratch and the void that it filled in Dayton that made it such a quick hit, why exactly Neapolitan-style pizza is so, so good, how they give back to the community through Cones for a Cause, and all about their new location opening fall 2019 in Washington Township. This one will make your mouth water. 

If you enjoyed the podcast, subscribe and leave a review, or share it with your friends on social media! You can connect with us and join the conversation on the website or on Instagram


Jul 18, 201931:54
Century Bar | Joe Head
Jul 11, 201917:55
Scott Murphy | Downtown Dayton Partnership
Jul 09, 201926:18
Speakeasy Yoga | Tori Reynolds

Speakeasy Yoga | Tori Reynolds

In this interview with Tori Reynolds, the founder of Speakeasy Yoga, you'll hear the story behind Speakeasy and why Tori decided to open such a hip and niche yoga studio in downtown Dayton, the story behind her and her fiance, Ben's, Go with the Flow yoga classes, why I was so nervous to interview her, and a little bit of therapy mixed in, in true yogic fashion.
To connect with me, visit our website or find me on Instagram!
Jul 02, 201942:29
Press Coffee Bar | Brett Barker

Press Coffee Bar | Brett Barker

We got the chance to sit down with the pioneer of the specialty coffee scene in Dayton, Brett Barker of Press Coffee Bar, and hear the story of Press. Coffee lover or not, we know you'll find the story behind the Dayton go-to engaging and inspiring. 

Jun 27, 201934:44
The Dayton Arcade
Jun 12, 201923:21
Dayton Tornado Relief
Jun 12, 201920:17
Season 1 Trailer

Season 1 Trailer

Welcome to the New Dayton podcast! Season 1 is all about the urban core, downtown Dayton. We’ll hear from your favorite business owners and leaders that are taking an active role in creating a “New Dayton”, where small businesses and individuals can thrive.
Jun 12, 201906:18