And now the 419 with Gretchen de Bakker, Matt kill em and Kevin Mullin.

Welcome to the 419, powered by GT and presented by Retro Wealth Management.

I'm Kevin mon Gretchen de Becker.

I own it is a mystery guest addition.

Yeah, and the 400.

This is our halfway point.

What?

We are over halfway this is over the halfway point?

That's right.

Yeah.

This, at this point, we have done this 70.

That's right.

We're halfway through what we're contractually obligated to complete.

I wanted to bring this guest on to celebrate our 70th anniversary.

I thought it the question is, who's more excited that we are over the halfway point?

Okay, I thought so, too.

Yeah, I really do.

Hit the list.

And our floor manager, Rich, she's very excited about everything.

Yeah, yeah.

You just ready to be done?

Last show, we're going to, put Snuffleupagus down, is it?

That's true.

Right.

Kids in the car I was not listen, I was actually I was thinking about this.

So the spreadsheet that Matt never looks at.

Yeah.

I actually just because we're at that halfway point, I was like, you know what?

I'm just finish out the rest of the months.

And so I created our schedule so that we can track our guests and all that.

You know, independence was like, totally.

Yeah.

Tell me more.

But I was thinking final show.

Yeah, yeah.

And I was like, you know, we had a separate format and a little kind of insanity, for, for the show, one that was Yeah, for show, one 3535, 130 I'm doing five of my own.

Oh that's right.

Yeah.

It's me repairing old house.

Yeah, but I was it was thinking about it.

We got to have Trekkie monsters.

Yes.

Yeah.

I think we just did the last five shows with just Trekkie.

That was to be literal.

Best friends with Trekkie Monster.

Yeah, yeah, I yeah, I can see that.

Yeah.

And it would be a beautiful relationship.

We actually have a separate text group with Matt myself.

Oh, you have trouble pressing the button.

So it's just a menagerie of vows and gossip.

But there is a better chance that Trekkie responds to my texts.

There are then.

Matt, I think just put off start putting just crazy stuff in the spreadsheet, because you and I are the only ones that are.

Some of the pictures Trekkie sent me are not appropriate.

Yeah, yeah, well, he's only half a puppet.

Yeah, well, what's the self with no.

No.

Yeah.

No.

It's.

You're surprised?

Yes.

Gretchen, please.

They left the building.

Yeah.

If they're still if they're the green room.

This is a woman, all right.

Which Ken was already on top.

We predicted that.

We don't think that you've ever brought in a firefighter.

That was season one.

Oh, that was a podcast on the podcast?

Yep.

You're right.

I'll work on that.

Phil Sheldon, Phil Sheldon was on the podcast.

That's two.

Yeah.

So of the roughly 20 plus surprise guests that you've had over the three years of us doing podcasts now and for a while, you were the only one that was allowed to bring in surprise guests.

We did, like, a salad.

That's what.

They're good.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's that's where it really peaked.

All right, so this is this is going to be another home run for Gretchen.

Another home run.

This is a very well known and well loved Toledo in.

All right.

This is a dancing queen.

Dancing queen.

This is a person.

This is a is a very creative talent.

She works for a local, agency in town.

Okay.

And she is the youngest board member of one of the largest and most influential institutions in our community.

The dancing thing is there all me for a loop.

Well, you'll have to figure out who it is.

And we come back.

Good segway.

Gretchen.

Well done.

All right, let's take a break.

When we come back, we'll find out who Gretchen's dancing queen is on the 490.

It's made by God.

I hope not.

Support for the 419 comes from Whetro Wealth Management, where we understand that your financial path is personal.

Advisory services are offered through capital investment advisory services LLC, securities offered through Capital Investment Group member Finra, SIPC.

More information at whetroadvisors.com The 419, powered by WGTE is made possible in part by supporters like you.

Thank you.

Welcome back into the 419.

Powered by GT.

It is a mystery guest edition of the 419.

It's Gretchen's mystery guest.

And I have to admit that the dance of the Clue of Dancing Queen threw me off.

Yes, because with all the work you do with arts organizations, you're on the board for Live Arts Toledo.

I expected this to be a professional dance.

So this is an I should have said, an amateur dancing queen.

Okay.

Yeah.

If you had said that, I would have said so.

We don't have a guest.

Guest is Molly Lucchino.

And.

Good morning.

Oh, yeah.

Well, I guess I'll be pronouncing that right.

Look, Molly, so we all know our friend Molly very well.

We're so happy to finally have a show.

Thank you for having me.

Thank you.

So one of the first things we want to explain to to our audience is the dancing Queen comment.

Uhhuh.

So, Molly, what I was thinking was a Molly is always the best person to have at any party to dance.

Period, period style dance.

But the way dancing eight weeks is, it's not quite relevant.

Obviously, if the beat heads you.

Right, right.

Well, when did his stuff if there's music like a well but also you started a little set not even a little.

But you get a group of friends together and house every couple of weeks and do like a Saturday morning dance party.

I do.

Yeah.

It mostly started it started last year during the winter months, and I was just trying to find a way to motivate myself to move, but also to gather people, which is something I love to do.

And so I have, no, I this disclaimer happens at the beginning of every class.

I have no training on either exercise and or on dance, but I do have the ego to think that I can do this.

Yeah, and you obviously have seen our show, but none of us can recognize those feelings at all.

That dance is.

So it's about, 12 songs and it's you.

It's mostly like a combination of aerobics and freestyle dancing.

But I think just the volume of your voice help.

Yeah.

I do love to be in the front.

In charge.

Yeah, like a yes.

So walk me through, like this class.

What's the song that like?

The perfect song to kick off Saturday morning dance.

Wow.

Okay.

About welcoming spring.

Well, each week has a different theme, so the themes I've had in the past are a full Taylor Swift themed one.

The last one I did was Jack Jam's old school Jack jams.

This one coming up is going to be, Summertime Vibes.

So anything, any song.

But what's interesting is the songs have to be somewhere between 130 and 160 beats per minute in order to make it like throwbacks.

Yeah.

And it I think I do a share or monetize somehow those playlists after I do.

You're right.

Do you make well okay.

And the fun thing is about it is that I do it completely free.

Nobody is paying to take this class because I am a professional.

So it's, So yeah.

So I do it for free and offer it for free and, offer a little breakfast afterwards.

Oh my goodness.

Yeah, yeah.

So so let's talk a little bit more of, to our audience who, who may not know you the way we do your day job and sort of some of the volunteer things you do.

The board that I was referring to is the Metro Parks Board.

That's right.

So tell us a little bit about your your, history there.

Sure.

I was appointed by Judge Puff and Burger about, I think, seven years ago now.

The board, the makeup of the Metro Park Board is interesting in that it is appointed by a judge, and for a very, very, very long time, it was a board of three people that are known as commissioners.

And then about 7 or 8 years ago, because of the size of the park district had continued to grow.

They decided that it was appropriate to expand the board from three people to five people.

And so, there were two new appointments, and myself and Kevin Dalton, who is the head of TFT, were appointed at that time.

So technically, Matt works for you.

He that.

Yes.

In a roundabout way to make sure again, I, I love what it is to have you here.

I love so much how how much Matt avoided answering that.

Yeah.

He was like, oh yeah.

Guess what I, what I, what I read, what I read in your face there.

Matt was you wanted to say no, but you're smart enough to know not too well.

First of all, that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, Kevin.

But secondly, I also wanted to ask Molly direct question.

You were brought on to represent the youth of the county, and I want to know how you feel about that.

Dig an accurate statement.

Well, I think at the time it was maybe a little more appropriate, but yeah, it was.

Well, to be clear, the board has one direct report and one direct report only.

And it's, the executive director of the organization.

Right.

And then he.

So it's a really interesting board and that we don't we it's very like policy driven and helping pass contracts.

It is not a daily operations board.

So so in a roundabout way that is why it's a difficult question.

But I would say that what was the question.

You're definitely the young being young, but I mean 20 years like your memory, your memory of the questions like that.

Oh, how will this happen?

I don't know, 50.

I don't want some speculate.

Okay.

Yeah.

No, it's not that kind of show.

But no, I mean, I do think that Judge Burger felt like there was, there was missing a perspective in people who are a little bit more in touch with, younger folks in this town.

I mean, that's true.

I think of a lot of boards, right?

Like people stay on for a long time.

There are people who have experience and wisdom, and so they make good board members.

But I do think that there is a real need to make sure that younger people perspectives are getting included.

Yeah.

I think so.

What I might have been, how do you feel 34 at the time, which does feel young now compared to you, but.

What were you gonna ask?

I don't know, there's so much going on about the going on with the Metroparks right now.

And we you know, we have we see Matt every day and talk to them every day.

You're welcome.

And we've had we've had my CDot and other people, to talk about the Metroparks.

But from your perspective, this must be like an incredibly exciting time to be a commissioner.

We have the Riverwalk.

And can you just talk a little bit about the.

For sure, sort of the time we're in right now and the importance of the mission.

Yeah.

Yes.

Well, so it was you're exactly right.

When I joined the board, they were in the process of finishing up, like, finishing up glass City Metropark.

But also since I've been on the board, we we opened.

Sorry, that's not true.

Open Manhattan Marsh.

So I wasn't really involved in any of the work of that project, but I was on the board when they formally opened it to the public.

So Manhattan Marsh, Glass City Metropark, the second phase.

And so you're exactly right.

And it's very close to my heart because I do live in the city of Toledo, and I care a lot that all of those folks have access to parks and, opening up access to the river and stuff like that.

So it has been very exciting.

We also opened up the Treehouse Village.

That's actually how I originally got involved is I was volunteering for the Treehouse Village.

They called it like a cabinet, but it was basically to raise awareness and money for the Treehouse Village project.

And so I was around and doing a lot of volunteer work and the judge kept seeing me.

So one of the challenges that we have with this show is that when we bring out a mystery guest that we all know is we tend to dive real deep, real fast because.

Because we know and love you.

Yes.

Thank you.

But let's let's back up a little bit.

Sure.

Yeah.

Matt knows you.

Let's back up a little bit, like you're from Toledo.

I'm.

Yes, I yes, I was born in Toledo.

We quickly moved to Sylvania.

I was raised in Sylvania.

Yep.

And I went to college at Bowling Green State University, and then I. Yeah, I have never left.

I am born and raised and live in Toledo.

I, knew your dad, long before I knew you.

Many people.

That's true.

Yeah.

And but, but, you know, you're your mother.

That's right.

And you're here.

And Molly's mom, Mrs.

Leaky, is probably our number one fan.

She has.

She listens to the podcast Spotify Unwrapped.

Yeah.

She said Spotify sent me a newsletter that says my number one podcast.

It's this one she said to me on Facebook so she can get updates.

And she is in Mrs.

Lucky for sure.

Yes, Spotify didn't say this was my number one.

What was hers?

What was yours?

Something about kids.

Oh, something in the manosphere.

Yeah.

That's right.

So.

So you're so you're.

Yeah.

Well known.

Yes.

Marketing, PR and a legend in the community, which I would.

Yeah, well, I appreciate that.

I had the privilege.

So the full circle moment is you're describing how you got put on the Metroparks.

There was a statewide policy panel, redrafting the underage drinking laws.

When I was in high school.

You wanted to be young.

And I was appointed to that policy panel.

Really?

With your dad?

Oh, my gosh, I didn't know that.

That's how I was.

I was, 18.

Yeah.

Representing the youth of Ohio.

Yeah.

And rewriting.

Yeah.

I was super cool, but.

Yeah.

So.

So I've known your dad since I was in high school.

Okay.

Yeah.

What were you also part of John Lithgow's committee to stop dancing?

Yeah.

The city ordinance, yes, I was, yeah, that's right.

Yeah.

That was from Footloose.

So, I mean, growing up with a dad who's that well known in the community, was that was that fun?

Was that annoying?

Was it like you can't go anywhere without somebody again?

Like, hey, guess what Molly did?

So I would say it wasn't annoying because I really, really loved my dad.

Yeah, yeah.

So people coming up and telling me how much they love him and think he's great, it's not like I have some, like, you know what I mean?

Like deep seated.

Yeah.

You're like, I he's a monster.

He's great.

I love that he's great.

Yeah.

And he's very, I think generous with his time.

You know, track his dead.

I don't answer okay.

Yeah.

I'm real dumb.

He was though.

He was on the Sylvania school board when I was finishing high school.

Well, and he though, was like, very cool, where he had a conversation with me and basically said, I want to do this, but that puts some pressure on you.

And are you comfortable in doing it?

I won't do it if you tell me you don't want.

And you did.

I was going to get these.

I said I would love all of the special attention Let's just get this is going to get me out of so much stuff.

Yeah.

No know.

But so he was like, able to on my graduation day from high school, hand me my diploma because the parts of it.

Yeah.

So that was really fun.

And then he was on the city council for a long time after that.

Those were my college years.

But yeah, it has been I mean, certainly it has provided me a lot of privileges.

There's no question about that.

I have gotten a lot of connections to, you know, professional opportunities and people knowing him and thinking well of him has bode well for me.

But no, I don't think it's annoying at all.

I he he deserves any nice thing that I said.

I couldn't agree with that more.

He has been, a counsel to many, many people, so by no means my special, but I have talked to your dad on a professional, personal level.

You know, when we all come to forks in the road, your dad is in it, isn't it?

Well, actually, all of you are the same way.

A good mix of really good, I think.

Professional thinking.

But are people, too?

So I'm sure that it was a mix of things, but, you know, it does present a little bit of a challenge to you because you want it to be proud of you here.

And I know that is, and Bowling Green, you studied what visual communication technology tool.

But you're so you're but you're using that in following.

Yeah.

Following in dad's footsteps for sure.

For sure.

Yeah I was I actually graduated with like a degree in graphic design.

So I have a design background.

And then, I did that for a little bit and throughout college and then I actually had an opportunity to go work for Pete Gherkin as an executive assistant for him.

And really, it was a very bizarre turn of events when I did that.

But one of the best learning experiences I ever had, for sure.

I worked for him for three years, and then after that actually left to go work for my dad's agency for a couple of years, and then landed at Matt House, which where I've been for over the job.

That job with Pete, though, was interesting.

Maybe not interesting professionally, but you certainly learned a lot.

But you did it because I don't think, correct me if I'm wrong, that you knew David, man.

And Gaby say before you started working there, that it.

Well, yeah.

I had met David, on an election night the, in 2004 when Pete won his, won his seat for commissioner.

And that was my first time meeting David, man, because he was the campaign manager.

And then he was the one who reached out to me when he got promoted and needed to fill the seat for an executive, assistant for Pete.

And so then when I went to go work there, it was, Skelton was Wozniak, Ben Carnap an old name that he hasn't been around here for a little while.

And here again, I know, but.

So.

Gabby.

Exactly.

Gabby.

She was, Ben Putnam's executive assistant.

And that is how I met them.

And they are still lifelong best friends.

Yeah.

You know, if Anita Lopez's assistant job opened up.

Okay, would you take that job, too?

Well, next question, I she's a qualified as well.

So you're not gonna talk to us about Matt House?

Thank you.

What what is Matt House do?

Because you guys are crazy talented.

Thank you.

I really appreciate that.

Matt House is a smaller creative agency and based in Toledo.

Our buildings are in the uptown area long before uptown is what it is.

Actually, I just had some UT students come in and they're doing a project in Uptown and was like, wanting to know about the area and I was like, yeah, I think Matt House bought the building on the corner of Jackson and 13th in 2000.

Just make up a number.

I know, like six or something like that.

And yeah, so way different, than it is now.

But, we focused in branding, film photography, 3D modeling and animation, digital stuff, things like that.

I am the managing director of Matt House films.

The film side of it, specifically focuses on obviously storytelling and visuals.

So, and I've been there for over 13 years.

I want to talk a little bit.

This will make you uncomfortable, but the amount of hardware that you guys have been awarded is incredible.

There this is not to speak poorly, certainly of any other agencies in our area that are great.

But Matt House, these are my words, not yours.

Does film and video better than anyone else in our region?

Potentially.

Thank you.

In multiple business rates and with the projects that you've done, are significant, there's a host of them.

At the risk of picking out a client, or one thing that was your favorite you might mind missing maybe a couple or one that made you feel like we're really on the map here.

Yeah.

I mean, actually the first one started before I was working there.

They did what is known as the Stroh Center rap video.

So Bgsu had had donors, basically make the Stroke center, and they wanted a way to thank the donors and, there was some first idea that ended up being, not working for some reason.

And so very last minute, our team came up with this idea, and it was risky because it was a rap video sort of putting these much older gentleman who are very generous in funnier positions, like, sort of almost like poking fun at them, but obviously very much like thanking them.

Right?

It's phenomenal.

Yeah.

Like, if that doesn't surprise me, I'm not familiar with it.

But defense is phenomenal.

It is like as a fundraiser.

Yeah.

When that came out like blew my mind.

Yeah.

And I was like oh this is cool.

Watch it.

This is what stewardship looks like.

Yeah.

Right.

Is like the I mean fully engaged the donors.

Right.

What the engaged in the in the work.

It was it's so well done.

I did not realize.

I mean, I'm a huge fan of that video and did not realize that that was mad.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

So that project, I think, we do a lot of work in higher education.

And that was the turning point for us getting more higher education work.

The best thing also was when Molly, if you follow Molly on social media, they'll be these random posts that say, hey, we're working on a video.

I'm looking for, a goat that can tour all the time.

Does anyone?

Yeah.

Does anyone know a goat that I made a joke like.

And a parrot?

Yeah, well, I'm looking for a live parrot that could walk on in a straight line.

Does anyone know a parrot?

That story line is it.

People reach out and say yes, inadvertently.

Molly probably doesn't realize this, that Molly was helpful in me, getting lordes on as a client.

I was in communication with Lordes about how I think I can help make connections in the community.

And, you know, I think I can help them tell their story and do all of these things.

Yeah.

And, in the midst of that, I was looking for how?

Looking for someone to connect.

Hey, we want to do a shoot for for Love Hands.

Yeah.

In great community places.

Does anybody know somebody at Lourdes that can help?

But I was like, I have, I have a parrot.

That's right.

But but reached out.

Yeah.

Kind of made that so true.

Yeah.

You're very much.

It does.

Yeah.

Yeah.

That is the upside to, the connections you all have made in living in a town this size.

That's show is about, dummies.

That's right, that's right.

All right, so you are involved in so many different, organizations.

I mean, you, I just I'm just little.

We have a whole nother segment.

Yeah, nother segment.

So I'll just take a break when we come back.

Okay?

I want to talk about all that community stuff, okay?

And I want to see kind of what what's Molly Lucky's dreams for Toledo.

Oh.

So.

Okay.

Got about it.

Plus, to make wacky quiz.

Wacky quiz?

Yeah!

Nailed it.

Yeah.

All right, we'll be right back on the 419.

To me, community means connecting to others.

I'm Dani Miller and welcome to the Point.

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Welcome back to the 419.

We're coming back.

Hi.

And we're back home.

Did you notice my drinking?

Seven cups water?

Apparently.

Fuck me.

Counting backwards from ten wasn't the notice that you needed.

I mentioned here first.

Me neither.

Hey, we're talking with Molly.

You know, that didn't count out loud, right?

What's that?

You know, you didn't count out loud.

I think I did.

burnt toast, maybe.

Yeah.

Okay.

It's my club.

Molly.

Lukey is Gretchen's surprise guest.

Gretchen.

Oh, wacky guess.

Yeah.

Molly, you're involved in so many different things.

The community.

I feel like, I just on social media, I follow you, and I'm like, why didn't I get invited to that party?

Oh, but that's like, it's just for that.

No, I know the answer.

Yeah.

No, I know these people ask the question.

That's right.

I just in my head, I'm saying that like, man, I want to be invited to that every year at all.

The coolest things, and maybe they're the coolest things because you're there.

Oh, well, I don't think that that is true.

You know, at all the things that end at nine.

I don't think so either.

Thank you.

From talk to me about.

So I see you're in active with the Metroparks.

You're active with the Arts Commission.

What are some of the, the big events and things that you're working on that, that the community needs to know about?

Yeah.

Well, I think first and foremost, I am involved, actually, along with Gretchen, in a committee of folks who are helping to plan out and connect great people to Watershed Weekend, which is Metroparks Toledo celebration of, the 50 being 50% of done with the Riverwalk.

So, we I think that everyone at the Metroparks can get a little too close to what we're doing and not realize that probably the vast majority of people in this county might not even totally understand what the Riverwalk is or what the full plans are.

So the hope is to this to be a weekend full of different activities, some which are being actually hosted by the Metroparks, but many where we're actually just putting putting together lots of partnerships and they're actually activating the space.

So the whole idea is, how can the Riverwalk look when it's being activated by lots of different activities and types of people and types of things to do?

Tell us what the Riverwalk is for those that may not know.

So the Riverwalk will be a stretch of five miles, is that right?

That will connect both sides of the river with the bridge.

Being now being pedestrian friendly.

Right.

And so what is very cool is, and then along the way, there are going to be a variety of phases.

So there will eventually be a new Vistula Metropark, which is sort of a cross near of pickleball, if everyone knows where that is.

But the whole idea is that it gets people, Toledo have a river and it's valuable.

And for so long there has not really been great access to it, especially in the downtown area.

And, I think I had a friend one time say to me, like, the reason you want people to get closer to the river and kayak is that then they might recognize that it actually is a resource we have and start to care about it a little bit more.

So in its way, it is conservation work, right?

Just making people more aware.

And if people are in that water and recognize that it isn't very healthy, maybe they'll start thinking about critically about how to get that done.

So I think anyone getting closer, whether that be in a downtown environment or out in Waterville or never closer to the river, is ultimately a good thing.

Watershed weekend is June 13th, 14, 15.

That's 1213, 12 1315.

Yeah.

This this coming June, we've incorporated the party in the park.

Yep.

We'll be part of it.

There'll be a whole day, hopefully on the MLK bridge that will be closed down, where all engagement and all kinds of Metroparks activities, stuff for families.

The the Arts Commission event will be on Thursday.

I mean, to be people should put it in their camp.

One thing to make so fun of it is, is all the Metroparks is celebrating a milestone from our large scale community construction project.

It is a vector to celebrate all the things that are already happening in downtown.

That's right.

So the Mud Hens are home.

Beloved Mud Hens, the repertory theater will have something going on the Imagination Station.

So it's just a reminder because our region can be its worst critic.

But this is a great small to mid-sized city, and all these things are actually already occurring.

And they can they can do better by one another if they're working in symphony or in Congress.

Right.

And the idea of these things coming together was brought together forward by the activation of public greenspace, which is for everyone.

Right?

Metro parks gets to be the vessel for these shells for you, Lucas County residents, to be able to use those shells for any way you want.

So my kitty and team and the leadership of our board and Dave Zink and Ali LaFleur and Jen Van Horn, are designing these things to be able to be used for what we know today.

But just as importantly, what we want to do tomorrow because we want to compete.

So, it is a time for us all to celebrate not just the Metroparks and not just the imagination station of the museum, but who we are as a collective.

Feel like you've heard this elevator speech before?

This is the first time, I've been sewing this patches on my clothes by myself.

And this will really work there.

That's right.

I want to talk a little bit about pictures.

Metroparks.

But anyway, it's going to be a great weekend before we have so much to celebrate.

But the Art Commission, in terms of placemaking, right.

And connective tissue to community.

Yes, is a critical partner.

And both of you are a part of that.

Yes.

And you, you you're the least cultured people I know.

So to not hearing.

But tell me about.

We go to the parties.

Yeah.

That's what I love to party and I love to dance.

And in this case, Molly is co-hosting this year's mix.

It's this great fundraiser for the Arts Commission.

Annually, it's May 1st, Molly Price, what the theme is.

And tell us about your deep love for macrame.

Let's pull it back up before we get into, like, what the What is the mix?

Oh yeah.

Fair the mix.

You name again?

The mix is the annual fundraiser that the Arts Commission has done every year.

It has taken on a lot of different personalities over the years.

I think originally it was called the Black and White Ball.

Like white.

And then at some point it switched t the Technicolor ball potentially And then it landed on the mix.

And so the idea is that every year it's at a different location.

It brings together artists live music, you know, drinks, food, whatever.

And it's just like a very, very fun party.

Ultimately, I got involved with the Arts Commission as a, just as a volunteer, which I still I'm, I'm not on the board, but I just love the organization quite a bit.

I love the people that work there.

I love community.

And so, me and Gretchen and Rhonda co-chaired the mix last year, and it was actually at mad House films building, which was very fun, and it was a big success.

And this year it's going to be at the Arts Commission's new building, which is going to be their new home.

Basically they've moved.

They used to be building across from museum.

They're now in a building on 1000 Adams Street, which is right across from the main library.

And it will be the they have this huge indoor parking garage in the back.

And so we're going to do it in there.

That looks a little, little industrial warehouse in the back there.

And then along the parking lot in the back.

And so we really want to play into this idea that this is like a physical space that the Arts Commission can now activate in a really meaningful way, in ways that they couldn't before in their old space.

And so, the invitation basically says, be here.

And we're really playing into like a sense of place, a sense of like physical, you know, physical place.

But also, like you said, creative placemaking, like making something, that feels like it reflects the local artists of this community, basically.

Why does why does it like why does supporting the Arts Commission important?

Yeah.

So the Arts Commission's main programs is offering arts services.

So this is local folks who either make a living full time and or, you know, have a passion and to supplement their income in some ways by being working artists in this town, they do an amazing program that my friend Natalie runs called, Young Artists that work program your is known, so they employ and pay teenagers during the summer to work on public art programs.

Which is an incredible learning experience and also beautifies our community.

They also, do art loops, which is just kind of fun for the whole family.

And so I think mostly it's just supporting people who, are working local artists and raising awareness and advocacy and in general supporting the ecosystem.

I think that our executive director, Mark, focused sort of the, you know, the bastion of that of that ecosystem and, and helps, facilitate so many creative opportunities into sophisticated, and challenging role they play.

So if you think about the Riverwalk, which you mentioned earlier, you know, public art, I don't need to, sing its praises.

I think everyone on the show has an understanding for its intrinsic value, but, the the park system has benefited from the leadership of the Arts Commission to not only find ideal locations, and have an understanding of what the community wants to there to represent the people who built.

We don't quite literally and metaphorically, of course.

But connects us with both local and national artists, to build set pieces so you know, that that sort of connective tissue, that openness to the community.

I think, is just an integral part of almost everything we do.

And one thing I think the Art Commission does, it helps artists understand or help monetize their, their, their gifts.

Right.

Which is that a young artist work certainly teaches, young artists, about paychecks and about, again, building a career with the skills that they're lucky to have.

Right.

So, boy, from, that's a that's a wide range.

It's a very small team.

So things like this, the makes it creating a great experience that's a little bit different.

It always every year going to be it's going to be so fun.

And so far from Haffner is co sharing with you.

Yeah.

This year and that's me.

When will I find out as a last minute that you're going to need a shuttle drive.

Probably probably April 29th.

Sure.

Yeah.

I'll put that on my calendar reaching out for it.

I'll be reaching out via text.

That's right.

But not a group text that you won't read.

Oh, yes.

No.

Right.

Exactly.

So tell us also a little bit about, improv.

I know you and Matt both went through all the classes at Glass City Improv.

And you as you have.

Well, as you know, I don't perform.

Kevin.

Perform.

Gretchen is the reason why I did it.

That's right.

I we had Nick Morgan on the podcast.

It was awful.

Well, these, knuckleheads made, like, put me on the spot we're going to do improv.

Oh, my gosh.

The scene starts and instantly and Kevin's part of them turn against me and I'm like, wait a second, this isn't what I signed up.

Yeah, no, that shouldn't be how it feels.

I got an idea.

Let's let's have three professionals turn on the professor and expect them.

Yeah, yeah, I didn't mean that for granted.

Yeah.

All right, so talk to us about.

Yeah, I think I talked about.

I think that you are very good.

I will admit, you I started, eight, nine years ago.

Maybe I was just felt like I was at a little bit of a weird plateau in my life.

I'll talk more about that.

Yeah.

Right.

I go to therapy.

Therapy?

Let's talk about all you're doing.

Well, I mean, to be honest, like a lot we're having small children.

I don't have children.

I was just needing to sort of, like, get out of my regular routine.

And so I decided to randomly sign up for level one improv, when it was still at the rep, actually.

And I didn't ask anyone to do the class with me, I just decided up on my own, picturing that I would walk in and at least know a handful of people.

I walked in, knew not a single person, but that's actually how I first met, Pastor Chris Hanley.

Yeah, he was in my level one class, along with Emily Garrow, who's now a local improv star.

And I've taken all the classes time and time again.

But I think more importantly than that, I mean, I'd say improv changed my life.

And I mean, that, like, it, really can get you out of your head.

I think it makes you a better public speaker.

It raises your confidence.

They do better.

Listener.

Yes.

For sure.

But also the friends that I've met.

Yeah, right.

Which is why he's, It's about time to get back in.

Right?

Right, right.

Yeah.

No, but more so than that, I just the community of people, the friends that I have met through improv is really enrich my life in a dramatic way.

Yeah.

You really are an integral member of that community.

Yes.

Well, and not too much in the class classes.

Not the performances, to be honest.

But again, I just love to gather people and I, I like to think I think that I'm a pretty good at, building and keeping relationships.

For no other reason than that.

I just really love people.

Yeah, there'd be several times planning to do something.

I'm always I can invite the improv people.

Yeah, yeah.

That's right.

Yeah, yeah.

It's like they're large, right?

Yeah, yeah.

You are.

I mean, you're you're so connected around Toledo, you are at everything.

And you're a phenomenal champion for our community.

I think what's what is what is Toledo missing?

What are we know.

Oh, shoot.

I wasn't thinking about that.

Oh, well, I mean, more video opportunities, right?

You know, unfortunately, I don't what are we missing?

Honestly, I think, like, from a mid-sized city perspective, I think the thing that's obviously a part so much is actually all of the like.

I know we always talk about amenities, and that's not really.

But it is to me, the arts and culture.

Right.

Like we do have an opera and a symphony and a ballet and we have amazing parks.

And like the building really do have flickers.

They closed, I think.

So I just think, yeah, yeah, we do have a building.

Apologize over there is our number one sponsor on this.

That's right.

We have built a bear and watches, I mean, I honestly do think one of the things that's missing is younger people, right?

Yeah.

Like, sure, when you go to other cities, there is.

I mean, if you're a young person.

Yeah.

That's right.

Like, I wasn't going to say like, you know You go to other places and it's like rare to see people that and I don't want I that's, I don't want to be like age but also like I do think the creativity and energy and the willing to take risk of young people is you needed energy as well.

So yeah.

So I and that's why Anita Lopez needs your vision.

It's it's interesting I think about like I mean just our generation looking at sort of how long the generation of brothers kind of held on to leadership roles.

You're saying we did this all this generation.

Okay.

All right.

But like, didn't pass into the next generation, right.

So that's right.

But like, it's our responsibility then to pass it faster.

Yep.

And so I think that's it.

I think we're all right.

It's now time for Gretchen wacky quiz sponsored by Sandy Lukey.

Sandy looking cookies.

The best tasting cookie at any Sandy Lucy garden.com.

Oh that's right.

Yeah.

If you want your garden to be judged.

Molly, what was the first thing you thought about when you woke up this morning?

Oh, What I was gonna wear.

Nice.

What do you think when I say the word animal?

Oh, if you turned into a ghost, who would you haunt first?

Elon Musk, and you are angel.

Goodbye.

Funding of of youth on the Metroparks board.

So, what's the best thing about being a child?

What's the best thing a child?

Yeah.

Oh, I would say, having no worries.

Right.

So for, like, going to get and jelly sandwich, right?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

There's like, if you think about back to your summers, we were like, riding around on bikes with your little crew, and your parents weren't checking in because we have cell phones Right?

Like, being just very carefree and sort of having full days ahead of you with nothing.

No agenda, nothing to do.

Yeah.

Pretty great thing.

What is your number one most favorite thing or what you consider to be the best thing about the city of Toledo or the region?

I would say it's creativity.

I yeah, I know I should say that Metro Parks and of course I feel that.

But also, I think and not just in terms of art.

What I mean is how people here are required to get more creative in how we partner with each other, how we think about things, how we fund things.

I think, when we are a little bit up against, like, we don't have all the resources we need, and it requires people to get creative.

And I think that I see that within organizations and within people time and time again.

So.

Yeah.

All right.

Yeah.

Sorry.

Nine words that describe the city and or region.

Oh.

So I actually don't have, it's an amazing place.

If you make the effort.

That's nine words.

Nice.

All right, let's run.

Let's run down.

It's an amazing place Is what the answer was.

For those who didn't hear.

That's a great.

Let's run us a gift.

Oh.

You did.

Oh, okay, so I was listening to last Friday's surprise guest, and the first time you guys were saying that you have an attorney friend who suggested that you guys eat hot wings.

Yes.

Yeah.

And then you made a joke about it being a dating show.

So I would like to propose that we put, chicken chop date, which I don't know if you guys can watch that, of course.

I mean, and hot ones and smart.

Let's just rip all of them off at once and propose a new podcast called birds of a feather to watch.

What's eligible?

Women not to have to get dirty.

Yeah, and this is a photo of me and Gretchen eating chicken wings.

I show it to the car that is the best thing.

I'm taking it home and I'm putting it above my bed.

That's so good.

She says it every show about you have surprise guest on for solely for the sake of I love it, hate me words.

Birds of a feather.

Coming to me in 2027.

Sponsorship available.

That's right.

And it's all run down.

The three websites that we talked about madhouse metal films.

Yeah, Match.com and Arts Commission.

Yes.

At which the mixed mates first and the watershed.

Find out about Watershed Weekend.

There is a new website that will be specifically dedicated to the activities of Watershed Weekend.

I don't know if I know are you are just go on the Metro Fox toledo.com.

You can find Molly Lukey.

Thank you so much for having me.

So let me jump back.

We're joined by Connor Whalen from the University of Toledo talking about the upcoming football schedule.

We'll be right back on the 400 region.

Great.

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Welcome back into the 419 powered by GT.

We're joined now by Connor Whalen the deputy athletic director at the University of Toledo.

Officially my boss.

So I have to be nice to him.

Yeah.

And I expect you knucklehead as well.

Well, yeah.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

It's great to be here.

Obviously, I love the work I do at the University of Toledo.

It's such an incredible community.

I mean, the the season ticket holders are great.

The student athletes are great, but the the employees in the athletic department are fantastic.

Talk to us about what your role means as deputy athletic director.

Yeah.

So for me, you know, chief revenue officer, try and make the thing go right.

And so, you know, I know you guys had Coach Jacobs on and Brian Blair on earlier this year, meal for us.

This is a resource business, right?

You know, we we love the community.

We love our student athletes.

But ultimately we need resources to sort of power the engine.

Right.

And so from my perspective, it's a couple different buckets.

Right.

Development, fundraising, ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, things of that nature.

So that's super high level.

And then there's more so now than ever, the oh, 100%, 100%.

Right?

I mean, just the business is so much different today than it was in 2019.

I mean, honestly, it's it's they're not easy to compare.

A lot of people say I can't imagine is a toss off, but I literally cannot imagine the change of pace.

And the reason for that is because of the Nil stuff, and you're raising money for that.

And your wardrobe cost, of course.

Yeah.

Affordable.

That's that's the most important.

That's that's right, that's right.

Yeah.

But you know, so this is what I would tell you 100%.

The business is changing, but everybody wakes up with the same set of problems.

Like you can dwell on that.

But the reality is I drive into work.

Western Michigan has the same problems that we.

They got to go solve the suit.

So does Bowling Green.

And so there are 100% our challenges that change all the time.

Right.

The priorities of this things change.

But it's a problem solving business.

We all we all got to go in and fight the same thing.

Well, so you seem very skilled at development and fundraising.

Why, why sports?

Why are you interested in the athletic side?

As opposed to some other institution or organization?

I grew up around sports.

Grew up in Pittsburgh.

It's only like Toledo is a little Pittsburgh, right?

It's like a mini Pittsburgh.

All like the old school, like, gritty resilience.

Like you a river town.

Yeah, like the 1970s.

Like, you know.

Yeah, we know the 70s.

I grew up around sports, you know, and so for me, fell in love with college sports in particular.

I grew up a big Pitt Panthers fan.

My dad went to Pitt.

And then I, you know, I went to Kent State and, you know, we go to the College World Series my freshman year and went to 11 football games.

And so I've just been hooked for, for college sports ever since.

And you've won 11 games since.

Yeah, I know, I know.

So football schedule was recently released.

Week and a half, maybe two weeks ago.

Talk to us about kind of what are the highlights, for this upcoming football season?

The highlights for us is seven home games.

So that's a big change for us.

I think that's the first time since 2018, the non-conference schedule is awesome.

We got temple at home.

We got San Diego State at home.

Buffalo is going to be homecoming there the second weekend of October.

And we've got the Mac champions, Western Michigan on a Saturday.

So seven home games.

That's a huge plus for us in in just a side note, we got to go to Sacramento State.

So we welcome Sacramento State in the league.

We'll play them in conference play out in California.

With that at the at the risk of diving into too much of the nuts and bolts of that like to me, I've still trying to wrap my head around why Sacramento State's in the Mid-American conference.

But part of that deal is they're also, contributing toward the travel cost for us to get out there.

That's correct.

Yeah.

pay for our trip out there?

Yeah.

That's incredible.

And I if I saw correctly, I mean, basically every Saturday and September get home.

That's exactly right.

Except for the first we'll play at Michigan State on the road, which again is a great it's a great road trip just because it's close.

Right.

And so, I think about last year we played Washington State and great fun trip like great little area.

But you got to fly.

Right.

So from a fan's perspective difficult to get there.

But Michigan State's easy.

So that's a great game too.

How did these games get get on the schedule right.

How do they identify a great question.

They kind of this I just kind of get made.

Yeah.

So the conference schedule we've nothing to do with they give us that.

We only saw the list of opponents maybe, you know, a month ago and then two weeks ago, we obviously got the schedule.

And so, that's, you know, more or any say in that matter.

Kind of.

Let me ask you a question.

When the the email comes out or how do you get this?

Does everyone pile around the computers?

What's the reveal like?

Honestly.

Like, yeah, that's what it is.

Like, I like, I'm sitting in my desk and I'm in the zoom meeting and it's like Mac schedule.

I'm like, oh, let's check that thing out.

And then immediately like, send in a photo to to Mike Jacobson.

Yeah, we get our creative team to go build out, you know, cool things out.

If you guys haven't seen our schedule release on on social media, you need it.

It's it's so good.

I haven't seen it.

It's fun.

I mean, every every team's trying to come up with a creative way to do it.

And, I like the, like, take the logo out in the community and show it and see if the, you know, random folks, like, really can identify on it.

And they get it wrong every time.

I love it.

But this one is, the football players are doing their best Bob Ross impersonation.

Oh, yeah, they are painting the logos.

Some of those guys to paint are good.

Yeah.

The Michigan State logo looks great.

Yeah.

That's my favorite.

Yeah, that's there's a difference.

Amongst all of the things I'm excited about, seven home games, all the games in September.

We got a lot of Saturdays.

I am legitimately livid.

It's bitterly disappointed that that BG, after two years of success on a Saturday and the world and the conference and the communities get to see that success, the Mid-American conference just decided to lay an egg and put it back in the middle of the week in November.

Yeah, it's it's obviously disappointing.

You know, biggest sporting event in Northwest, right?

It deserves a Saturday showcase.

And, you know, just to be transparent, we've talked about this publicly.

I think there was, you know, speculation that you saw on the blade about us Bowling Green, in basketball three times.

I don't out of the question for football to play them twice.

You know, if it gets us the Saturday guarantee.

So, agreed with you.

Obviously, you know, we want that game on a Saturday.

We've we've got a new guest joining us on the show.

Rocky Brock blocking the rocket.

Welcome in the house.

Man.

That's right.

I know Rocky is a man of few words, but can you just, maybe demonstrate to us, who's going to win the Toledo Bowling Green game?

There you go.

Somebody that right?

Yeah, right.

He's never been wrong.

He's never been wrong.

Look at those abs.

He's going to be excited on a Wednesday.

Yeah, yeah.

That's right.

You guys have got to talk about, Toledo Bowling Green, battle of I-75.

Coming up next month.

You guys have got a big game at Fifth Third Field.

Yep.

This is really cool.

Yeah.

So we got to, you know, big spring showcases for our baseball team.

fifth, third field against, Bowling Green in May.

But we'll also play Michigan here, I believe next week.

Next week.

Yes.

April 14th, 630 at Fifth Third Field.

Michigan.

And then May 12th, battle of I-75 at fifth Third field at 7 p.m.. Yeah.

So you know again with for our you know, purposes, right.

You got football, you got basketball.

And then the spring, we really have those two big showcases of fifth third field.

And so again it's just a great opportunity for our community.

Get downtown, play two baseball games in front of big crowds.

I love the Panthers downtown too.

Cool.

Yeah.

Very cool.

What what you know, what are you most excited about?

As we we head into a new, new athletic season at the University of Toledo.

You know, I think a couple things.

Number one, momentum.

Right?

Like, so much momentum at the University of Toledo.

This is my first year here.

And I feel like I say this all the time, like this is a I knew the school was good before I got here.

I was at Mississippi State.

I saw Toledo beat us.

You know, about a hundred to nothing working at Mississippi State, years ago.

And, you know, you just look at what we're capable of relative to our peers.

It's an exciting drive into work, right?

There's a lot of schools, like, we talked about the challenges where it's probably not such an exciting drive in a work.

They realize those challenges are going to be really difficult to overcome.

The people here, this community, the resources that we have and the great university that we work for, it's a great place to be right now.

And Coach Jacobs first year for our football team.

Coming back home, a mommy guy.

So it's going to be a lot of fun being inside yourself on that.

Rocky has got some excitement as well.

Conaway and LA deputy AD at the University of Toledo.

All right, got it.

We're going to do it.

It's now time for Gretchen's wacky quiz.

All right.

I guess you call it Rocky's Rocky.

We'll do it right.

Rocky.

Wacky quiz.

Here we go.

Four rapid fire questions for me.

Gretchen's asking for your favorite thing in or about Toledo, and then you.

And that'll work together to describe Toledo in nine words.

Got it.

All right.

What's your favorite way to relax?

Oh, man.

Watch TV.

Watch.

Watch sports on T.V., right.

If you can't work with it, then you got to watch it, man.

If you get any animal for a pet, what would it be?

Cat?

No love cats.

All right, that's the show.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Oh, man, don't take anything too seriously.

Like this thing.

Life changes on a minute by minute basis, you know, like, hey, what's a song that, you know, all of the words by heart?

Oh, boy, that's a tough question.

I'm not really a music guy, you know.

I don't know that there is one.

Let's talk more about cats.

Yeah.

Let's wax.

Well, that's my last.

You know, the musical cats.

Yeah, I don't, I don't.

Well, that's a win.

It's.

Yeah.

That's right.

What is your number one most favorite thing or what you consider to be the best thing about the city of Toledo?

People.

I mean, people in, you know, things to do, like just sheer attractions.

I live on the west side of Sylvania.

There is never a dull moment on a weekend where me and my fiance, it's like, oh, what are we going to do?

literally.

I have a list of all the metro parks, all the restaurants that we want to go to.

Just so much fun things to do and great people.

I mean, everybody that we work the university is tremendous.

Excellent.

Congratulations to both of you and your, your partner.

All right.

Let's do the nine words, people.

I'm gonna give you that one.

We have to metro park.

She already mentioned it.

I'm gonna give you two.

I'll give you an extra credit point for that.

So we gotta work down the list here.

Resilience.

Got it.

Camaraderie.

Which I think is that's a cheating one.

That's like, not only right, but camaraderie is definitely a good one.

Food.

I mean, the food scene here is unbelievable.

What's your personality?

This is, like, such a cop out.

But I'm starving, brother, because I've eaten.

Probably.

Good.

More stubborn.

Probably like two times.

Four than.

And, let me give you seven brothers.

One as well.

Scenic.

Scenic.

The last one.

What's your fiance's name?

Lydia.

Lydia.

There it is.

There it is.

For Lydia sake.

It's actually Lydia Times nine, right?

Those are the.

That's the Mount Rushmore man.

For good for you.

All right.

Thanks for being here, man.

Kind of.

Thank you so much for joining us.

The biggest party in Toledo, no doubt.

Home opener.

When is it again?

September.

It's a week after September 5th, so I think it's September 12th or September 11th against Central Connecticut State.

We've got about 150 days.

So you got time to look at it, look at the calendar and get that thing locked in.

But it's a great time after September 12th.

There you go.

Is the day I was like, I put him in my calendar.

Yeah, I'm ready to go.

I'm getting the voice all warmed up.

I've got to work on the growling through the hours.

Yes, I'm ready for it.

And then of course, next week, April 14th, 630.

Toledo versus Michigan.

That's a big deal at Fifth Third Field.

And then May 12th battle of II 75 and baseball, Toledo versus Bowling Green.

The first pitch at 7 p.m.

at the third field as well.

Of course, if people want information on, this or they want season tickets, where do they get them?

Yep.

You direct second, how can they support the Athletic department?

Honestly, just continue showing up.

We have an awesome fan base, show up to our games, support our student athletes, great Connor Whalen, Rocky rocket, thank you so much for joining us.

When we come back, we'll wrap up this Friday edition of the 419 Tol.

Ido.

That was the week.

Richard's wacky.

Sorry.

I will be going back on the 419.

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Welcome back into the 419 as we wrap up a mystery guest edition of the 419.

And we're joined on set by Rocky the Rocket.

I think this could be our new co-host.

Like it?

I wish you spoke as much as he I. That joke was coming up.

Rocky, is this the best show in northwest Ohio?

Yeah, yeah, we got a w I there other than UT.

Thank you so much.

To our surprise guest, Molly.

Looking fantastic of course, Connor Whalen and Rocky the Rocket for joining us here on the 419.

If you missed any part of the show three great opportunities to enjoy it.

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Rocky, do you have the app?

He checks it, I can tell.

Yeah, Rocky's got the app right and you should too.

If you got any ideas for the show, shoot us an email 419 at t e.org.

All right, so Toledo Bowling Green in baseball is how's Bowling Green going to do in that game.

Falcons down.

Talons down, alleys down I like it I love it.

All right.

Thank you so much to all of our guests.

And thanks to you for joining us.

We'll see you back here whenever you're back next week.

That's right.

We'll continue the show next week.

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