About this podcast
Ford The Rock Podcast is brought to you by The Element of Rockford. Join us as we talk to Community Leaders, Artists, Entrepreneurs, and people in the know about what it takes to develop a thriving community.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 36 episodes
- Mary MacNamera Bernstein · 58 minMary is an enthusiastic Rockfordian with more than two decades of experience teaching, creating, and promoting the arts in our community and beyond. Mary’s passion and commitment…
- Barbara Berney · 50 minBorn in Amityville, NY, Barbara Berney is a freelance graphic artist, editor, and jewelry designer, a member of The ELEMENT, and an exhibiting board member of the Inscape Midtown…
- Anthony Cortez, Executive Director, Rockford Public Library · 60 minWelcome to Ford the Rock, presented by The Element, where we highlight the people, organizations, and ideas helping shape the future of Rockford. Today, we’re joined by Anthony…
- Bobby Walsh · 1 h 1 minBorn and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, today’s guest has never been afraid to bet on himself. After a few years at the University of New Hampshire, he made a life-changing…
- Josiah Vander Hayden · 43 minToday on the podcast, we’re joined by Josiah Vander Heyden, a realtor, entrepreneur, and builder with a vision for what’s next. He’s been hard at work developing the Union event…
- Paul Sletten · 54 minPaul Sletten knew early on that the restaurant business was where he belonged. He began his culinary journey as a young apprentice at Café Patou, learning the art of fine dining…
- Amy Chatfield, Ad Vice Marketing · 1 h 1 minWelcome back to the Ford the Rock podcast by The Element of Rockford. Today, I’m catching up with someone who’s been on the show before, and since then, a lot has changed. Last…
- Kate Wirth, Autism & Advocacy · 51 minWelcome to Ford the Rock, presented by The Element of Rockford. Today's guest is Kate Wirth. Kate is a business owner, professional, and advocate. At 40 years old, she was also…
- Dave Pedersen, Maze Books · 50 minThis episode's guest is a truly unique individual with a diverse background. Dave Pedersen served in the U.S. Army as both a Military Police officer and a Public Relations…
- Eric Wilson · 1 h 2 minEric Wilson of the Crusader Clinic Foundation joins us for this episode. Eric is a longtime Rockford resident with a diverse background, including acting alongside his daughter…
- Brent Scott and Ita Reilly, Rockford Community Bank · 1 h 1 minToday's Ford the Rock podcast episode features Brent Scott and Ita Reilly. Brent is the President of Rockford Community Bank, and Ita is a Vice President and Regional Branch…
- Pat Alberto of 27Aluna · 42 minToday's guest is Pat Alberto, the owner of 27Aluna in downtown Rockford. He grew up in the Philippines and moved here when he was 18. His is an interesting background story. Pat…
- Jen Spencer, Principal, Studio GWA · 51 minOur guest for this episode of Ford the Rock is Jennifer Spencer, a principal at Studio GWA. Jennifer grew up just outside of Madison, WI. She completed her undergraduate work at…
- Tyler Pickering · 39 minThis episode’s guest is Tyler Pickering, a Rockford native who returned to Rockford after a few years in Colorado. Tyler is a graduate of Guilford High School and the University…
- Ann Wasser, Director, Severson Dells · 54 minToday’s guest is Ann Wasser, Director of Severson Dells Nature Center. Ann moved to the Rockford region from the Monterey Peninsula in California, known as one of the most scenic…
- Joshua Patterson, Wired Cafe · 56 min · Season 2 Episode 1Walk into the newly owned Wired Cafe and Joshua greets you as a welcome neighbor. He would not have it any other way. A part of the community, Joshua grabbed the short straw and…
- Gretchen Gilmore, RAVE · 45 min · Season 2 Episode 1Today's guest is Gretchen Gilmore, General Manager of RAVE - Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority. After working in private-sector accounting, Gretchen started with…
- Mike Dunn · 51 minMike Dunn is the Executive Director of the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. Mike is a Rockford native who started his career in Illinois state politics. Mike has presided…
- Melissa Hagerman, Rockford Career College · 55 min · Season 1 Episode 19Our guest this week is Melissa Hagerman of Rockford Career College. Melissa is the Vice President of Career Services, Community Outreach, and Alumni Affairs at the College…
- Terrakotta · 55 minEarlier this year, Kailee Schulz and Kendra Moreno began a homegrown plant business appropriately named “Terrakotta”. While working full-time, they grew and cared for hundreds of…
