The Downtown Explorer
By Downtown Huntsville
Contact: Karla Bolin karla@downtownhuntsville.org 256-858-1857
Links: downtownhuntsville.org
Social: Downtown Huntsville Inc. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
This podcast is produced in part by - The Maitland Conservatory www.themaitlandconservatory.org
Original music licensed at - www.palisadehills.net
The Downtown ExplorerNov 04, 2021
Episode 60: Farewelling in Downtown Huntsville with Chad Emerson
Megan Carter, DHI Communications Coordinator, sits down with Chad Emerson, DHI President and CEO. They reflect on Chad’s tenure, some of his favorite things about being CEO, and what he’ll miss the most as he departs DHI for another incredible Huntsville opportunity.
Episode 59: Downtown Developing in Downtown Huntsville with JC Darby, Danny Yancey, & Sam Yeager
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with JC Darby (Development Manager), Danny Yancey (Stovehouse CEO), and Sam Yeager (Co-Founder Bristol Development). They discuss the growth of the Stovehouse District and what’s to come for the area including exciting details about the Foundry and The Range.
Episode 58: Community Building in Downtown Huntsville with John Allen
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with John Allen, CEO of Huntsville Committee of 100. They discuss how the Committee of 100 came to be, how to build a strong community, and how they help to do that.
Episode 57: State Legislating in Downtown Huntsville with Rex Reynolds
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Rex Reynolds, Alabama State Representative. They discuss Alabama Legislature and his political journey that led him to where he is today.
Episode 56: Community Developing in Downtown Huntsville with Scott Erwin
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Scott Erwin, Community Development Manager. They discuss how the city works to invest in the community through assistance programs and local nonprofit partners to improve the lives of Huntsville’s low-to-moderate income residents.
Episode 55: Summer Interning in Downtown Huntsville with Owen, Dawson, and Victoria
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Owen Emerson, Dawson Emerson, and Victoria Bolin, the 2022 Downtown Huntsville, Inc summer seasonal employees. They discuss what they’ve been up to this summer, what they’ve learned, and what is so appealing about downtown Huntsville.
Episode 54: Mural Making in Downtown Huntsville with Jessie Andrews
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Jessie Andrews, local Huntsville Artist. They discuss the downtown art scene, finding art in unexpected places, and past, present, and future projects!
Episode 53: Creative Placemaking in Downtown Huntsville with Marcia Freeland
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Marcia Freeland, Executive Director of Lowe Mill. They discuss the history of Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, what all you can experience there, and what makes it such a unique place to visit.
Episode 52: Elixir Lounging in Downtown Huntsville with Angela Panzica
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Angela Panzica, Owner of Stella’s Elixir Lounge. They discuss how she made the move from Tampa to Huntsville, how Stella’s came to be, and what makes it a unique spot to visit in Huntsville.
Episode 51: Restauranteering in Downtown Huntsville with Mark Komara
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Mark Komara, Owner of several downtown establishments including Furniture Factory. They discuss how he got started in downtown Huntsville, everything the Furniture Factory has to offer, and more!
Episode 50: Downtown Podcasting with Tim Miller (Tmill)
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Tim Miller, Promotions Director at Cumulus Media. They reflect on the first 50 episodes of the DHI Explorer Podcast!
Episode 49: Space Marketing in Downtown Huntsville with Richard Williams
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Richard Williams, CEO of Media Fusion. They discuss exciting projects they have gotten to work on in the Rocket City, partnering with NASA, and awesome experiences he’s had with Media Fusion.
Episode 48: Innovating in Downtown Huntsville with Toni Eberhart
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Toni Eberhart, former Executive Director of Urban Engine. They discuss They discuss networking nights with Urban Engine, how it helped her find her people in town, the Future of Huntsville panel, and more!
Episode 47: Special Eventing in Downtown Huntsville with Jenny Askins
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Jenny Askins, founder of Touronimo. They discuss unique events she has been a part of, some incredible events around Huntsville, and how to discover North Alabama through tours and special experiences.
Episode 46: Higher Educating in Downtown Huntsville with Dr. Karr
A thought-provoking conversation with UAH's dynamic new President who also lives in the Rocket City Center.
Episode 45: Running Around in Downtown Huntsville with Jeff & Gerri Plain
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Jeff and Gerri Plain, Organizers of We Run Downtown Huntsville. They discuss what Huntsville has to offer for road and trail runners, bikers, swimmers, triathletes and more!
Episode 44: Broadway Theatering in Downtown Huntsville with Andrew Willmon
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Andrew Willmon, Executive Director of Broadway Theatre League. They discuss their next season lineup, the big Broadway titles they’re bringing to town, and other exciting things to expect during their 2022-2023 season.
Episode 43: Higher-Educating in Downtown Huntsville with Dr. Patricia Sims
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community and Technical College. From welding classes to education boot camps, they discuss all things higher education-related, everything Drake State has to offer, and how they’re prepping students for the workforce.
Episode 42: Farmers Marketing in Downtown Huntsville with Marilyn Evans and Melissa Musgrove
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Marilyn Evans and Melissa Musgrove from the Greene Street Market, which opens today, May 5th, for the 2022 season! They discuss how the market came to be and what to expect when you visit.
Episode 41: Balleting in Downtown Huntsville with Phillip Otto
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Phillip Otto, the artistic director for the Huntsville Ballet Company. They discuss the ballet world in Huntsville, the importance of the arts, and upcoming productions for the Company.
Episode 40: Music Making Part 2 in Downtown Huntsville with Ryan Murphy
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Ryan Murphy, the general manager of the Orion Amphitheater & Apollo South. They discuss how Sound Diplomacy played a part in the growth of the music scene in Huntsville and how the music scene can play a role in economic growth.
Episode 39: Music Making Part 1 in Downtown Huntsville with Matt Mandrella
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Matt Mandrella, Music Officer with the City of Huntsville. They discuss the ever-growing music scene in Huntsville and exciting things coming up for the city.
Episode 38: Public Safety in Downtown Huntsville with Chief Kirk Giles
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Kirk Giles, Interim Chief of Police for the City of Huntsville. They talk about all things public safety-related and how they’re working to keep Downtown as safe as possible.
Episode 37: Local Retailing in Downtown Huntsville with Ron Cooper
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Ron Cooper, owner of In Bloom. They discuss how to maintain a successful business in Huntsville and how to keep things fresh and new after 36 years in the floral industry!
Episode 36: Innovating in Downtown Huntsville with Donovan Duncan
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Donovan Duncan, co-founder of Duncan Farms. They discuss how Duncan Farms came to be, taking an idea, making it happen, and the importance behind what they do.
Episode 35: Entrepreneuring in Downtown Huntsville with Glenn Clayton
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Glenn Clayton, founder of Mark Two Ventures. They discuss how to launch and build your own business and what it’s like to be an entrepreneur in today’s world.
Episode 34: Craft Coffeeing in Downtown Huntsville with Dragon’s Forge, Honest Coffee, and Piper & Leaf
We’re wrapping up our mini-series featuring The Huntsville Craft Trails! This week, DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, is sitting down with representatives from the Craft Coffee Trail to discuss the coffee scene around town and some of the fun artistry behind their handcrafted beverages.
Episode 33: Craft Cocktailing in Downtown Huntsville with SiP, Stella’s Elixir Lounge, & Revivalist
We’re continuing our mini-series featuring The Huntsville Craft Trails. This week, DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, is sitting down with representatives from the Craft Cocktail Trail to discuss some of downtown Huntsville’s favorite cocktails and where to find them.
Episode 32: Craft Brewing in Downtown Huntsville with Chandlers Ford, Fractal, and Yellowhammer
Episode 31: Traveling Part 2 - Disney Vacationing from Downtown Huntsville with Kristin Deaton
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Kristin Deaton, Huntsville local and longtime Disney fan. They discuss all things Disney including places to stay, things to do, and favorite things to eat.
Episode 30: Traveling Part 1 - Direct Flying from Downtown Huntsville with Mary Swanstrom
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with the Director of Public Relations at Port of HSV. They discuss flying out of Huntsville, favorite destinations, and things to know to make your travels easier.
Episode 29: Music Sceneing: Part 2 in Downtown Huntsville with Allison Johnson
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Allison Johnson, a local musician with Seeking Babylon. They discuss how she got her start and the music scene around town.
Music Sceneing in Downtown Huntsville with Alan Little
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Alan Little, Huntsville native and long-time fixture of the Huntsville music scene. They discuss local musicians, venues such as Three Caves, and Huntsville history.
Soccering in Downtown Huntsville with Coach Babyele Sodade
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Coach Babyele Sodade, Huntsville High Varsity Soccer Coach. They discuss all things soccer in Huntsville and the growth of the sport across the United States.
Christmasing in Downtown Huntsville with Joshua Price
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Joshua Price. They talk all things Huntsville holiday-related including popular events and more to get you in the holiday spirit.
Parking in Downtown Huntsville with Quisha Bryant.
Performing in Downtown Huntsville with Joanna White
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Joanna White, Development & Operations Director for HATCH and long-time arts advocate. They discuss the importance of Huntsville’s thriving performing arts scene.
Tinsel Trailing in Downtown Huntsville with Ashley Dinges and Rob Heard
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Ashley Dinges and Rob Heard, two of the co-founders of the Downtown Huntsville Tinsel Trail--one of the most successful Tinsel Trail's in the country. They discuss this year's 10th Anniversary of the Tinsel Trail and reflect on how the Trail was initially started a decade ago.
Sporting in Downtown Huntsville with Mark Russell
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. They discuss the fast-growing and increasingly unique amatuer and professional sports scene in the Rocket City Center.
Entertaining in Downtown Huntsville with Mike Vojticek
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Mike Vojticek from Von Braun Center. They discuss the expansion of the convention center, and the story behind all the unique venues at the VBC.
Bageling in Downtown Huntsville with Daniela Perallon
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Canadian Bakin' Bread Co-Owner, Daniela Perallon. They discuss Daniela's previous Downtown connections and what inspired the Canadian Bakin' to start their Downtown journey.
Creative Placemaking with Lindsey Pattillo Keane with RCP Companies
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Lindsey Pattillo Keane from RCP Companies; one of the great development teams revitalizing Downtown Huntsville. They discuss the growth of Downtown and the future ahead for their City Centre mixed-use development opening soon in the Rocket City Center.
Modernizing City Hall with City Administrator John Hamilton
Developing Downtown Huntsville with Scott D. McLain
Recreating in Downtown Huntsville with Bernita Reese
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Bernita Reese, Director of Parks & Recreation. Together they talk about the different kinds of parks in Downtown, as well as Bernita's passion for Parks and her vision for exploring outdoors in Downtown Huntsville.
Entreprenuing in Downtown Huntsville with Angie & Timo Sandritter
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Angie & Timo Sandritter, Co-founders of Rippleworx. They discuss what solidified their decision in locating their business in Downtown Huntsville and why they love it.
Space Exploration from Downtown Huntsville with Marcia Lindstrom and Jessica Sanders
and Jessica Sanders, Director of Marketing, Communication and Strategic Integration for Teledyne Brown. Together they discuss Huntsville's role in this new era of space travel, and how we are celebrating it right here in Downtown Huntsville.
Brewing in Downtown Huntsville with Bruce Weddendorf
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Bruce Weddnedorf, Co-founder of Straight to Ale. They talk about the brewing process and what new brews are headed to Straight to Ale.
Chefing in Downtown Huntsville with Jeremy Esterly
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Jeremy Esterly, Chef/Partner at Phat Sammys. He discusses the decisions behind Phat Sammy's aesthetics and menu, plus his background in the food industry.
Shopping in Downtown Huntsville with Kayla Adams
DHI President and CEO, Chad Emerson, sits down with Kayla Adams, Owner of Elitaire Boutique. They discuss what experience awaits you at Elitaire, as well as what owning a boutique in Downtown Huntsville is like.