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Community Building

Explore all episodes, stories, people, and quotes related to community building.

Episodes (51)

From CPA to Teacher: Lessons That Prepare Students for Real Life
Roots & Branches

From CPA to Teacher: Lessons That Prepare Students for Real Life

with Gig Griffith

Gig Griffith explores his journey from corporate accounting to the classroom, highlighting the enduring power of mentorship and service in Lehi schools.

Aug 23, 2026
From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story
Roots & Branches

From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story

with Brent Knudson

Artisan baker Brent Knudson discusses his midlife career pivot and the rediscovery of his deep ancestral roots in Lehi, Utah, through the founding of a family-run focaccia bakery.

#Entrepreneurship#Family#Local History
Mar 22, 2026
From EMT to Battalion Chief: Decades of Service in Lehi
58m
Roots & Branches

From EMT to Battalion Chief: Decades of Service in Lehi

with Rick Howard

A profound reflection on a lifetime of service in Lehi, tracing Rick Howard's journey from a grieving young father to a pioneer in the city’s professionalized emergency medical services.

#Public Service#Loss & Grief#Community Building
Feb 22, 2026
How Education and Community Go Hand in Hand in Lehi
49m
Roots & Branches

How Education and Community Go Hand in Hand in Lehi

with Becky White

Lifelong Lehi educator Becky White reflects on thirty years of building community through classrooms, mascots, and the enduring power of student-led service.

#Education#Community Service#Local History
Feb 15, 2026
Inside Lehi’s Community Theater: How Local Arts Come to Life
46m
Roots & Branches

Inside Lehi’s Community Theater: How Local Arts Come to Life

with Kurt Elison

Kurt Elison shares the profound impact of community arts in Lehi, tracing his journey from a 'theater rat' to preserving the city's creative spirit.

#Arts & Culture#Community Building#Local History
Feb 8, 2026
From Rodeo Concessions to Youth Sports: How Service Shapes a City
Roots & Branches

From Rodeo Concessions to Youth Sports: How Service Shapes a City

with Dave Nerdin, Rhonda Nerdin

Dave and Rhonda Nerdin recount forty years of community-building in Lehi, exploring how rodeo concessions and youth sports serve as the glue that binds a rapidly growing city together.

#Community Service#Local History#Youth Sports
Feb 1, 2026
How One Family’s Farming Legacy Continues to Shape Lehi
37m
Roots & Branches

How One Family’s Farming Legacy Continues to Shape Lehi

with Nathan Bushman

Nathan Bushman explores the evolution of Lehi from a rural farming settlement to a booming tech hub, tracing his family's deep agricultural roots to his career in education and administration.

#Local History#Agriculture#Education
Jan 25, 2026
Building a Family Legacy: The Story of Rogers Automotive
46m
Roots & Branches

Building a Family Legacy: The Story of Rogers Automotive

with Gary Rogers

The story of Gary Rogers and Rogers Automotive, a 30-year fixture on State Street that embodies the evolution of craftsmanship and the enduring strength of a multi-generational family trade.

#Family#Entrepreneurship#Local History
Dec 14, 2025
How Holiday Decorations Bring Communities Together — A Lehi Neighbor’s Story
Roots & Branches

How Holiday Decorations Bring Communities Together — A Lehi Neighbor’s Story

with Mike Willes

A portrait of Mike Willes, a lifelong Lehi resident who transformed personal health struggles into a luminous community legacy through elaborate holiday displays.

#Community Building#Local History#Resilience
Dec 7, 2025
How FFA Changes Lives: Real Stories from 40+ Years in Ag Education
71m
Roots & Branches

How FFA Changes Lives: Real Stories from 40+ Years in Ag Education

with Buddy Deimler

A profound exploration of how agricultural education serves as a crucible for character, work ethic, and technological innovation in the heart of Lehi.

#Education#Agriculture#Mentorship
Nov 23, 2025
The Hidden Work Behind Lehi’s Biggest Events: Pageants, Parades & Roundup Week with Kate Daly
47m
Roots & Branches

The Hidden Work Behind Lehi’s Biggest Events: Pageants, Parades & Roundup Week with Kate Daly

with Kate Daly

A lifelong resident's reflection on the invisible labor and ancestral threads that weave Lehi's community traditions together amidst rapid urban growth.

#Community Service#Local History#Mentorship
Nov 2, 2025
Donna Barnes: A Lifetime of Dedication to Lehi | Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast
Roots & Branches

Donna Barnes: A Lifetime of Dedication to Lehi | Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast

with Donna Barnes

Lifelong resident Donna Barnes traces Lehi's evolution from a small farming village of 4,500 to a modern educational hub, offering a masterclass in community stewardship.

#Local History#Community Building#Education
Oct 26, 2025
How Lehi Brings People Together | City Events Manager Melanie Busath
38m
Roots & Branches

How Lehi Brings People Together | City Events Manager Melanie Busath

with Melanie Busath

City Events Manager Melanie Busath explores how community events serve as the connective tissue of Lehi, fostering a sense of belonging amidst rapid urban growth and modernization.

#Community Building#Local History#Civic Life
Oct 19, 2025
Costco, City Growth & Community Leadership | Ken Greenwood’s Lehi Legacy
69m
Roots & Branches

Costco, City Growth & Community Leadership | Ken Greenwood’s Lehi Legacy

with Ken Greenwood

Former Mayor Ken Greenwood reflects on Lehi’s transformation from a ghost-town Main Street and agrarian roots to a burgeoning city, exploring the resilience required to build a community.

#Community Building#Local History#Entrepreneurship
Oct 5, 2025
Kay Christofferson Interview | From Civil Engineering to the Utah Legislature
74m
Roots & Branches

Kay Christofferson Interview | From Civil Engineering to the Utah Legislature

with Kay Christofferson

A lifelong Lehi resident and descendant of the city's founder shares a narrative of stewardship, from paving the roads of Utah Valley to drafting the laws that govern its growth.

#Local History#Public Service#Generational Wisdom
Sep 14, 2025
Drumming with Legends: Jay Lawrence Performing with Cher, Sammy Davis Jr. & Liberace
54m
Roots & Branches

Drumming with Legends: Jay Lawrence Performing with Cher, Sammy Davis Jr. & Liberace

with Jay Lawrence

Professional drummer and educator Jay Lawrence reflects on a fifty-year career performing alongside global icons while maintaining a life of deep faith and community in Lehi.

#Arts & Culture#Music#Education
Sep 7, 2025
Why Local Journalism Still Matters | Roots and Branches of Lehi with Sally Francom
48m
Roots & Branches

Why Local Journalism Still Matters | Roots and Branches of Lehi with Sally Francom

with Sally Francom

Sally Francom explores the enduring legacy of the Lehi Free Press, the evolution of local news, and the vital role of truth-telling in a growing town.

#Local History#Community Building#Family Legacy
Aug 31, 2025
Preserving Lehi’s Past, Shaping Its Future | Interview with Jared Peterson
46m
Roots & Branches

Preserving Lehi’s Past, Shaping Its Future | Interview with Jared Peterson

with Jared Peterson

A seventh-generation Lehi resident explores the delicate balance between honoring ancestral legacies and steering a rapidly growing city toward a sustainable future.

#Local History#Generational Wisdom#Community Building
Aug 17, 2025
Connecting Lehi: A Conversation with Chris Condie | Roots and Branches of Lehi
59m
Roots & Branches

Connecting Lehi: A Conversation with Chris Condie | Roots and Branches of Lehi

with Chris Condie

City Council Member Chris Condie reflects on his journey from Michigan to Lehi, sharing a vision of local government as a neighborhood service and the importance of civic foresight.

#Public Service#Local History#Community Building
Aug 4, 2025
Preserving Lehi’s Story: Heather Newall & the Historical Marker Pins
55m
Roots & Branches

Preserving Lehi’s Story: Heather Newall & the Historical Marker Pins

with Heather Newall

Heather Newall discusses the delicate balance of managing Lehi's rapid urbanization while fostering community identity through innovative historical preservation.

#Community Building#Heritage Preservation#Civic Life
Jul 21, 2025
🏫 Rooted in Learning: Skyridge’s John Wallwork on Schools, Students & Success
44m
Roots & Branches

🏫 Rooted in Learning: Skyridge’s John Wallwork on Schools, Students & Success

with John Wallwork

A reflection on the evolution of leadership and community connection through the eyes of John Wallwork, highlighting the shifts in modern education and the power of empathy.

#Education#Community Building#Leadership
Jun 15, 2025
Protecting and Connecting: Chief Darren Paul on Policing in Lehi
42m
Roots & Branches

Protecting and Connecting: Chief Darren Paul on Policing in Lehi

with Chief Darren Paul

Chief Darren Paul reflects on three decades of growth in Lehi, tracing the evolution from a twelve-officer department to a modern force rooted in community kinship.

#Community Building#Public Service#Civic Life
May 18, 2025
Generations of Elegance: The Legacy of Lehi's Bridal Center with Julie Rafiner
Roots & Branches

Generations of Elegance: The Legacy of Lehi's Bridal Center with Julie Rafiner

with Julie Rafiner

A deep exploration of Lehi's longest-running bridal shop, detailing a family legacy of craftsmanship, community connection, and the evolving tapestry of Main Street life.

#Local History#Family#Generational Wisdom
May 11, 2025
From General Store to History: The Broadbent Tale
Roots & Branches

From General Store to History: The Broadbent Tale

with Rebecca Broadbent, Betty Broadbent

A poignant reflection on 135 years of the Broadbent Store, tracing a family's journey from a Mormon pioneer dugout to a community cornerstone in Lehi.

#Community Service#Entrepreneurship#Family History
Feb 25, 2025
Building Community and Child Safety: Charlene Freestone's Journey
Roots & Branches

Building Community and Child Safety: Charlene Freestone's Journey

with Charlene Freestone

Charlene Freestone reflects on the proactive creation of community in Lehi and her evolution from a lonely new resident to a guardian of child safety.

#Community Building#Entrepreneurship#Parenting
Feb 24, 2025
Lehi Link: Connecting a Community with Steven Mack Boyack
Roots & Branches

Lehi Link: Connecting a Community with Steven Mack Boyack

with Steven Mack Boyack

Steven Mack Boyack discusses the evolution of Lehi’s digital town square and the vital importance of neighborly connection in times of crisis.

#Community Building#Civic Life#Resilience
Feb 17, 2025
Ephraim Hanks' Descendant: Phil Hanks Shares His Journey
44m
Roots & Branches

Ephraim Hanks' Descendant: Phil Hanks Shares His Journey

with Phil Hanks

Phil Hanks, grandson of pioneer scout Ephraim Hanks, reflects on ninety-two years of global service, the resilience of the Depression era, and the spiritual threads that bind generations in Lehi.

#Family History#Local History#Resilience
Feb 3, 2025
Building Community Through Stories: Unveiling Lehi's Rich Heritage
40m
Roots & Branches

Building Community Through Stories: Unveiling Lehi's Rich Heritage

with Lara Bangeter

Lara Bangerter shares how preserving the quiet, everyday stories of Lehi's residents fosters a sense of belonging and resilience in a rapidly growing city.

#Heritage Preservation#Local History#Community Building
Jan 16, 2025
From Military Brat to City Leader: Paige Albrecht's Story
Roots & Branches

From Military Brat to City Leader: Paige Albrecht's Story

with Paige Albrecht

A lifelong wanderer finds a permanent home in Lehi, transforming initial civic frustration into a decade-long commitment to public service and community preservation.

#Community Building#Public Service#Leadership
Jan 9, 2025
Inside Lehi's Evolution: Mayor Mark Johnson's Insights
61m
Roots & Branches

Inside Lehi's Evolution: Mayor Mark Johnson's Insights

with Mayor Mark Johnson

Mayor Mark Johnson reflects on Lehi’s metamorphosis from a rural crossroads into Utah’s economic heart, emphasizing the delicate balance between rapid progress and the preservation of community character.

#Community Building#Public Service#Leadership
Jan 2, 2025
"Sell With Jenelle"
25m
Rents to Roots

"Sell With Jenelle"

with Jenelle Mccolm

Realtor Jenelle Mccolm shares her journey from social media marketing to real estate, emphasizing the power of personal branding and long-term wealth building.

#Real Estate#Entrepreneurship#Homeownership
Jul 7, 2022
The Biggest Mistakes First Time Home Buyers Make! Interview with Jeff Demke
18m
Rents to Roots

The Biggest Mistakes First Time Home Buyers Make! Interview with Jeff Demke

with Jeff Demke

Real estate professional Jeff Demke discusses the psychological hurdles of first-time buying and how new construction is reshaping the path to homeownership.

#First-Time Homeownership#Generational Wisdom#Real Estate
Jun 21, 2022
Achieving The American Dream with Loreana Pachano
29m
Rents to Roots

Achieving The American Dream with Loreana Pachano

with Loreana Pachano

Loreana Pachano shares her dual mission of navigating legal immigration and real estate to help newcomers establish roots and build generational wealth.

#Homeownership#Immigration#Generational Wealth
Jun 8, 2022
Dan Dixon Remax Realtor/Broker
Rents to Roots

Dan Dixon Remax Realtor/Broker

with Dan Dixon

Veteran broker Dan Dixon shares his 20-year journey through lending, appraisal, and real estate, offering deep insights into Utah's shifting market dynamics.

#Real Estate#Homeownership#Market Dynamics
May 26, 2022
Land Developing and Home Building In Utah
Rents to Roots

Land Developing and Home Building In Utah

with Andrew Tuttle, Scot Hazard

Seasoned experts Andrew Tuttle and Scot Hazard explore the complexities of Utah's housing shortage and the shifting reality of the modern homebuilding journey.

#Real Estate#Community Building#Financial Literacy
May 16, 2022
Whats UP With This Housing Market?
23m
Rents to Roots

Whats UP With This Housing Market?

with Terry Bailey

Terry Bailey explores the path to financial freedom through real estate, offering clarity on market myths and the 'Big Four' benefits of property ownership.

#Real Estate#Financial Literacy#Homeownership
Apr 25, 2022
Selling Luxury Real Estate With Presidio's CEO Jennifer Yeo
27m
Rents to Roots

Selling Luxury Real Estate With Presidio's CEO Jennifer Yeo

with Jennifer Yo

Jennifer Yeo, CEO of Presidio Real Estate, discusses the strategic shift from standard transactions to the luxury market and the power of brand trust.

#Real Estate#Luxury Market#Entrepreneurship
Apr 25, 2022
Grinding To Success With Jimmy Rex
31m
Rents to Roots

Grinding To Success With Jimmy Rex

with Jimmy Rex

Jimmy Rex reveals the grit behind his transformation from a meat salesman $120k in debt to Utah's top-performing real estate investor and mentor.

#Resilience#Entrepreneurship#Real Estate
Apr 15, 2022
"HOUSE HACKING" with Jens Neilsen
31m
Rents to Roots

"HOUSE HACKING" with Jens Neilsen

with Jens Neilsen

Jens Neilsen joins Ryan Harding to explain how house hacking can turn a first home into a wealth-building asset, even in a competitive Utah market.

#Homeownership#Real Estate#Financial Literacy
Apr 11, 2022
Buying A Home, Step By Step!
14m
Rents to Roots

Buying A Home, Step By Step!

with Ryan Harding

Ryan Harding demystifies the mortgage process, offering a comprehensive roadmap for renters to achieve financial transformation through homeownership.

#Homeownership#Financial Literacy#Real Estate
Mar 29, 2022
Tony Acosta Interview
25m
Rents to Roots

Tony Acosta Interview

with Tony Acosta

Utah real estate veteran Tony Acosta explores how mentorship and educational content serve as the foundation for navigating a competitive housing market.

#Real Estate#Mentorship#Education
Mar 8, 2022
What is Title? With Mark Schroeppel
17m
Rents to Roots

What is Title? With Mark Schroeppel

with Mark Schroeppel

Mark Schroeppel of Utah First Title demystifies title insurance, explaining how it protects homeowners from the hidden 'ghosts' of a property's past.

#Real Estate#Homeownership#Local History
Feb 24, 2022
Why You Should Use A Realtor...Especially In This Market!
45m
Rents to Roots

Why You Should Use A Realtor...Especially In This Market!

with Joe Willis

Realtor Joe Willis and his team discuss navigating the 2022 housing frenzy and why professional guidance is vital for first-time buyers and investors.

#Real Estate#Homeownership#Community Building
Feb 4, 2022
From Paintbrushes to Pioneer Parades: Keith & Suzanne Pulham
Roots & Branches

From Paintbrushes to Pioneer Parades: Keith & Suzanne Pulham

with Keith Pulham, Suzanne Pulham

A lifelong partnership forged in the heart of Lehi, Keith and Suzanne Pulham reflect on the enduring power of family labor, community traditions, and the sacred art of showing up.

#Community Service#Family Legacy#Local History
A Life of Learning: The Educational Journey of Principal Tim Brantley
Roots & Branches

A Life of Learning: The Educational Journey of Principal Tim Brantley

with Tim Brantley

Tim Brantley reflects on a forty-year career in education, tracing the shift from rigid systems to a student-centered approach rooted in character and community connection.

#Education#Leadership#Community Building
Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and the Future of Film with Jordan Harmon
Roots & Branches

Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and the Future of Film with Jordan Harmon

with Jordan Harmon

Jordan Harmon discusses the journey of Angel Studios, from its legal battles with Disney to a community-powered movement that redefined values-based entertainment.

#Entrepreneurship#Resilience#Arts & Culture
Behind the Coach's Whistle: Andy Hadfield's Story as Lehi HS Football Head Coach
Roots & Branches

Behind the Coach's Whistle: Andy Hadfield's Story as Lehi HS Football Head Coach

with Andy Hadfield

Coach Andy Hadfield reflects on his journey from assistant to head coach, exploring how the gridiron serves as a crucible for building character and community in Lehi.

#Coaching#Leadership#Community Building
Preserving Lehi's History: Using FamilySearch to Connect Stories to Real People
Roots & Branches

Preserving Lehi's History: Using FamilySearch to Connect Stories to Real People

with Lee Anderson

Community archivist Lee Anderson explores the transformative power of storytelling in Lehi, Utah, revealing how personal ancestry provides the resilience needed to face modern trials.

#Heritage Preservation#Family History#Local History
Mayor Paul Binns on Service, Growth, and Community Involvement
Roots & Branches

Mayor Paul Binns on Service, Growth, and Community Involvement

with Paul Binns

Mayor Paul Binns reflects on the transition from business owner to public servant, emphasizing the quiet power of municipal service and the necessity of human connection in local governance.

#Public Service#Community Building#Civic Life
Preserving Lehi’s Traditions: Stories from Lifelong Resident Jean Hatch
Roots & Branches

Preserving Lehi’s Traditions: Stories from Lifelong Resident Jean Hatch

with Jean Hatch

Lifelong resident Jean Hatch shares intimate memories of Lehi’s transformation from a dusty farming town to a vibrant hub of arts and community pageantry.

#Local History#Community Building#Arts & Culture
Brent Everett on Environmental Cleanup, Civic Duty, and Teaching
Roots & Branches

Brent Everett on Environmental Cleanup, Civic Duty, and Teaching

with Brent Everett

Brent Everett reflects on a life of stewardship, from his career in environmental remediation to his decade of service on the Lehi Planning Commission.

#Environmental Stewardship#Civic Life#Local History

Stories (11)

Whats UP With This Housing Market?
Story
From Episode
18:28 – 19:24

Relationships Over Transactions: The Brownie and Cinco de Mayo Strategy

Terry shares his philosophy on client retention, emphasizing that 'relationships trump transactions.' He details how his team sends birthday cards and brownies and hosts large-scale events like Cinco de Mayo celebrations for the Latin community. These are not just business moves but ways to treat clients as human beings and build a long-term community.

Life Lesson

Success in any business is about how you make people feel, not just the service you provide.

Community Significance

Demonstrates how the real estate industry can support and celebrate diversity within the local Latin community.

Customer Service
Community Building
Gratitude

From Episode

Whats UP With This Housing Market?

with Terry Bailey

"HOUSE HACKING" with Jens Neilsen
Story
From Episode
11:20 – 14:10

The Evolution of Digital Connection

Jens discusses his shift from traditional real estate posting (showing 'Under Contract' or 'Just Sold' signs) to providing genuine value and community engagement on social media. He explains that the 'old way' of bragging about sales no longer resonates. Instead, he focuses on being a 'good human'—engaging with others' content, sharing friends' businesses, and providing instructional value. This shift has led to higher engagement and more authentic business leads.

Life Lesson

Consistency and value are more important than any single 'viral' post or self-congratulatory update.

Community Significance

Emphasizes a 'neighbor-first' approach even in a digital space.

Authenticity
Social Media Strategy
Community Building

From Episode

"HOUSE HACKING" with Jens Neilsen

with Jens Neilsen

From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story
Story
From Episode
5:17 – 5:52

A Vision for a 'Cooler' Main Street

Despite seeing success at farmers' markets, Brent and his wife took the financial and personal risk of opening a brick-and-mortar shop on Lehi Main Street. Brent describes a sense of civic duty, stating that as a resident, he wanted Main Street to be 'cooler' and more vibrant. Rather than waiting for someone else to improve the community, he decided to be the change himself, viewing the bakery as a way to enhance the local culture and social fabric of the historic downtown area.

Life Lesson

If you want your community to be better, you must be willing to contribute your own talents and resources to it.

Community Significance

The bakery acts as a social hub that attracts people to the historic district, benefiting neighboring businesses.

Civic Pride
Urban Revitalization
Community Building

From Episode

From Career Pivot to Community Staple: The F'kosh Bakery Story

with Brent Knudson

How Holiday Decorations Bring Communities Together — A Lehi Neighbor’s Story
Story
From Episode
22:00 – 22:45

The Griswold of Lehi: Creating a 'Christmas Street' Legacy

When new developers built across the street, Mike was initially concerned about how they would react to his massive displays. He even put up a sign: 'New neighbors be aware, Griswold lives here.' Instead of complaining, the new neighbors embraced the spirit, many of them inspired to start their own displays. Mike's home has turned a standard residential road into a 'Christmas Street,' influencing the neighborhood's identity.

Life Lesson

Lead by example; your passion is more likely to inspire others than to annoy them if it is rooted in joy.

Community Significance

This story highlights the social 'gravity' of long-term residents and their ability to welcome and shape new arrivals.

Leadership
Community Building
Influence

From Episode

How Holiday Decorations Bring Communities Together — A Lehi Neighbor’s Story

with Mike Willes

Preserving Lehi’s Past, Shaping Its Future | Interview with Jared Peterson
Story
From Episode
28:17 – 31:05

The Concert Shift: Bringing the Community to the New Lehi

Jared discusses the controversial decision to move the annual Roundup concert from its traditional home at Wines Park to the new Family Park. While some 'old-timers' were upset, Jared observed that the new location attracted a completely different crowd—people from newer developments who had never felt connected to the downtown core. By moving the event, the city literally 'took the culture to the people,' bridging the gap between the seventh-generation residents and the 'move-ins.'

Life Lesson

To unite a divided community, you must be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and go to where the other side lives.

Community Significance

This act helps prevent the social fragmentation of a city that is geographically expanding.

Inclusion
Community Building
Tradition

From Episode

Preserving Lehi’s Past, Shaping Its Future | Interview with Jared Peterson

with Jared Peterson

Lehi Link: Connecting a Community with Steven Mack Boyack
Story
From Episode
02:51 – 04:34

The Digital Fence Post: The Founding of Lehi Link

Upon moving back to Lehi from California, Steven Boyack found that the community lacked a central, reliable way to share information. Local news was sparse, and the 'default' method for announcements was physical banners on fences. Recognizing the potential of social media as a community tool, Steven and his wife launched the 'Lehi Link' Facebook group. Originally setting a 'stretch goal' of 500 members, the platform blossomed alongside Lehi's rapid growth, eventually reaching nearly 19,000 residents, transforming the way the city communicates internally.

Life Lesson

If you identify a gap in your community's foundation, you have the agency to build the bridge that fills it.

Community Significance

It created a 'Town Marketplace' where ideas, tickets, and assistance are exchanged daily, reinforcing the social fabric of Lehi.

Community Building
Digital Evolution
Civic Engagement

From Episode

Lehi Link: Connecting a Community with Steven Mack Boyack

with Steven Mack Boyack

Building Community and Child Safety: Charlene Freestone's Journey
Story
From Episode
2:35 – 4:08

Making Your Own Community: The Mother's Mandate

After moving to a house in Lehi and having children, Charlene felt isolated and lonely. When she complained to her mother, she received a blunt but life-altering piece of advice: 'You need to make your own community; it's not going to find you.' Taking this to heart, Charlene utilized Facebook to organize mom groups, eventually founding a non-profit chapter for baby-wearing education and a lending library for the community.

Life Lesson

Belonging is a verb; it is something you create through effort, not something you wait to receive.

Community Significance

It highlights how informal social networks (Facebook groups/playgroups) are the backbone of modern Lehi.

Motherhood
Community Building
Proactivity

From Episode

Building Community and Child Safety: Charlene Freestone's Journey

with Charlene Freestone

Building Community Through Stories: Unveiling Lehi's Rich Heritage
Story
From Episode
20:07 – 22:48

The Extraordinary Nature of 'Normal' Lives

Lara discusses Lehi Heritage Day, where the society honors long-time residents. Most honorees are surprised, claiming they 'never did anything special.' However, when their lives are documented, it is revealed they spent 50 years volunteering at the rodeo, serving in the PTA, or starting youth programs like Little League or the Halloween parade. These 'normal' lives are actually the bedrock of the city's traditions and infrastructure. The cumulative effect of decades of small service acts is what makes the community function.

Life Lesson

Consistency in small things is the only way to build a great community.

Community Significance

It validates the contributions of the elderly and connects their past service to the modern comforts of the city.

Humility
Volunteering
Community Building

From Episode

Building Community Through Stories: Unveiling Lehi's Rich Heritage

with Lara Bangeter

People (1)

Quotes (4)

Mayor Paul Binns on Service, Growth, and Community Involvement
Wisdom
"I grew up in a home where my dad always said you get back. And so that was our mantra... Communities operate because people are willing to give back."

Paul Binns

1:07

Why It Matters

It establishes service as a foundational value passed down through generations, rather than a political ambition.

Community Relevance

Reflects the volunteer-driven spirit that historically built and continues to maintain Lehi's community structure.

Ephraim Hanks' Descendant: Phil Hanks Shares His Journey
Wisdom
"Connections go beyond blood; they're built through shared experiences, friendships, and the moments we celebrate together."

Ryan Harding

0:16

Why It Matters

Sets the foundational philosophy of the podcast, emphasizing that community is a choice and a practice, not just a biological coincidence.

Community Relevance

Reflects the shifting nature of Lehi as it grows from a small town to a larger community where intentional connection is vital.

How Education and Community Go Hand in Hand in Lehi
Wisdom
"People would ask me, 'How do you know him?' I said, 'I don't. I just called. I just had the courage to call.'"

Becky White

17:44

Why It Matters

A lesson in initiative and the power of simple, direct action to create large-scale community events.

Community Relevance

Encourages residents to take active roles in building community programs through bold outreach.

Community Connections

Stories, people, and ideas that connect across the archive — ranked by shared themes, guests, places, and topics.