Betty and Rob Poquez of Bricks & Minifigs Pasadena join the podcast to share their fascinating journey from established careers in industrial-organizational psychology and media production to becoming proud owners of a one-of-a-kind LEGO store. Betty and Rob share the serendipitous way LEGO entered their lives during the pandemic, igniting a passion that led to creating a community hub for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

The conversation delves into their unique store offerings, from vintage sets and rare minifigures to bulk LEGO pieces perfect for sparking creativity. Additionally, Betty and Rob discuss the importance of sustainability, the community response, and their exciting plans for future events and growth. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with insights on entrepreneurship, community building, and the timeless joy of LEGO. Whether you're a lifelong LEGO fan or new to the brick-building world, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire.

This episode is part of a unique collaboration with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce to tell the stories of the small businesses that make Pasadena such an incredible place to live, work, and visit.

The episode can be viewed on Pasadena Media’s Arroyo Channel and YouTube.

The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.

The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visitwww.pasadenamedia.org.

For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us atwww.thecrowncitypodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pasadena City Councilmember for District 1 Tyron Hampton joins the podcast for an engaging conversation about his experiences as a fifth-generation Pasadena resident, small business owner, and elected official.

Councilmember Hampton shares personal stories about his background, offering listeners a glimpse into his deep-rooted connections with the city. He recounts his upbringing, schooling, and loyalty to his alma mater, John Muir High School. He discusses his mentors and significant influences, notably his father, and how these figures shaped his commitment to community and civic engagement. Councilmember Hampton shares insights from his time in public service, beginning with the Pasadena Unified School District Board and leading to his eventual role on the Pasadena City Council.

The conversation delves into Pasadena’s sense of community, touching on the city’s challenges and Councilmember Hampton’s efforts to address them, such as reducing bureaucracy for small businesses, improving infrastructure, and tackling housing affordability and homelessness. Councilmember Hampton emphasizes the significance of maintaining Pasadena’s interconnectedness and small-town feel while navigating national and international issues that impact local governance.

The episode can be viewed on Pasadena Media’s Arroyo Channel and YouTube.

The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.

The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org.

For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Naomi Hirahara joins the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in the Pasadena area to her career as a reporter and mystery writer. Reflecting on her Japanese American heritage, she shares how her background and rich experiences have shaped her acclaimed works.

Naomi discusses her transition from reporting to fiction writing, providing keen insights into her creative process and the significance of her characters. She talks about her numerous novels, which often feature compelling themes of resilience, justice, and multiculturalism, and dive into complex historical contexts, from the internment camps at Manzanar to post-war Japanese American communities. She also opens up about her love for sports, diving into her personal experiences as an athlete and sports enthusiast.

Naomi’s latest project, a historical mystery set in 1903 Pasadena titled “Crown City,” will be published in 2025.

The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.

The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org.

For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.