What Living Means
24 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -What Living Means is a podcast that shares inspiring personal stories and helpful advice to the wonderful members of Yes Communities. We’ll take a journey across America for an up-close look at manufactured housing communities and why they are so important to the more than 17 million Americans who live in them.
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Episodes
A Day in the Park
April 25, 2024 19:21 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBSpring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than a day in the park. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative work of the Denver Park Trust, an organization dedicated to enhancing and preserving public green spaces in the Mile-High City. We'll explore Denver Park Trust’s mission, challenges, and success stories with founder Frank Rowe, as well as collaborative efforts with local government and community organizations. We hope this conversation will inspire you t...
Love is a Four Legged Word
February 29, 2024 17:30 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBIn recent years, pets are viewed as increasingly important members of the family. They don’t just live in the backyard anymore, as people now share a larger portion of their daily lives with their pets. This shift has created demand for more pet friendly businesses, as our furry friends accompany their owners on routine errands and vacations. In this episode, we’re talking all about pet adoption with Karen Martiny, founder of Animal Rescue of the Rockies. Her organization saves thousands...
Yes We Care
January 17, 2024 16:47 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBIn an effort to make a positive impact in the communities we serve, YES created the YES We Care program to give back to our residents, team members, and local charitable organizations. Volunteer work is more than just contributing time. It's about creating positive change, building connections, and fostering a sense of community. In this episode, we're highlighting the profound impact that YES volunteers make all year round. Patrice Mitchell, Culture Ambassador of YES Communities joins ...
Fire Safety 101
October 30, 2023 17:16 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBWith the holiday season quickly approaching, our home kitchens and electrical systems are busier than ever. Before hosting relatives in your home, take a few minutes to double check your fire safety equipment and prepare a family evacuation plan. In this episode, we're exploring the ins and outs of fire safety to keep your loved ones and property safe. Our special guest, Chicagoland firefighter Pat Schlueter joins us to discuss some all too common fire hazards to avoid when cooking and...
Elevate Your Grill Game
June 30, 2023 20:15 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode, we’re going all in on the art of grilling. Maybe this year you want to branch out beyond hamburgers and hotdogs. Or maybe you hope to make it through the holiday with your eyebrows intact. Our special guest, Clayton Cook of LeRoy and Lewis BBQ and Mama Fried in Austin, Texas, shares how you can elevate your grill game and keep your guests clamoring for more. And later, you’ll hear from YES’ Head of Risk Title Brian Von Helmolt on some grill safety tips to pull off yo...
Striving for Greatness
June 15, 2023 18:51 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBScholarships are more than just financial assistance. They're the bridge that connects ambitious students to their wildest aspirations, regardless of their background or financial situation. In this episode we’re exploring YES Communities’ Building Futures program, which is designed to uplift those who dare to dream and strive for greatness. Links: Mark Adams Building Futures Produced by Yes Communities
Examining The Housing Crisis
April 17, 2023 15:32 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBIn recent years, the cost of housing has increased sharply across our country. The average home sale price in the US increased 30% since 2020. At the most basic level, these higher prices are caused by a shortage of available housing units. Zoning, public policy, and a “Not In My Backyard” resistance to new construction are all contributing factors to the housing supply shortfall. Author & journalist Erika Bolstad joins us to discuss the affordable housing shortage and potential solutions ...
The Fight to End Family Homelessness
February 21, 2023 16:05 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBFamilies with children make up 30% of the homeless population in our country. Clayton and Family Promise have teamed up to provide transitional housing and create long term solutions to help end this national crisis. Clayton’s Ted Rutland and Sandy Minuitti of Family Promise tell us what it means for families and children experiencing homelessness to secure safe housing. Links: Family Promise Clayton Clayton / FP Partnership Yes Communities Produced by Yes Communities
Perfect Your Holiday Meal
November 21, 2022 20:16 - 27 minutes - 25 MBIn this episode, we are going to help you absolutely nail your next holiday meal. Executive Chef Joe Goetze of Founding Farmers restaurant group walks us through some simple ways to create memorable, winning meals. We'll also check in to see how YES team members are sharing their holidays with residents in their communities. Guests: Joe Goetze - Executive Chef of Founding Farmers Melinda Graulau - YES Communities Regional Manager MIW Tara Blakita - YES Communities Field Manager MISW ...
Course Correction
November 09, 2022 17:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBThe past two years have presented unprecedented challenges for education in our country. Parents, teachers, and students are finally seeing the light at the end of a very long tunnel, but studies show that a massive effort is required to catch up from the time spent away from in person learning. In this episode, we talk to Richard Tagle, President and CEO of the Denver Public School Foundation on how we can help students catch up in math and reading. Links: Denver Public School Foundatio...
Wellness in the Workplace
July 13, 2022 17:46 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBFor a long time, workplace wellness meant a break room stocked with free bananas and granola. But as the conversation around work life balance becomes more wholistic, the concept of wellness has expanded to include mental health, paid leave, and even personal finance. Yes Communities' Leanna Cline and Cigna's Kylee Geffre discuss how the approach to wellness has changed, and what goes into creating a wellness culture that attracts and retains talent. Links: Cigna Yes Communities Produce...
A Sustainable Future
May 16, 2022 15:15 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MBAcross virtually every industry, there is a massive effort underway to use fewer natural resources and more renewables. From reusable drinking straws to the insulation in our walls, we are striving for a more sustainable pathway into the future. Manufactured housing presents a unique solution that virtually eliminates waste during the building process, while also requiring less water and electricity each month. William Jenkins is Director of Environment and Sustainability at Clayton Homes...
Giving Back
December 20, 2021 19:59 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this episode, we chat with restauranteur extraordinaire Mark Bucher. Mark's Medium Rare steakhouses were sidelined during the 2020 pandemic shutdown. Instead of waiting it out, Mark utilized his kitchens to feed hundreds of thousands of hungry families and keep the greater restaurant community alive. His giving spirit helped him discover a viable solution to solving the hunger problem in America. The shutdown eventually ended, but Mark continues to give back through his Feed the Fridge i...
Back to School
September 24, 2021 17:15 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBAfter an exceptionally challenging year, our kids are finally going back to school for in-person learning. The road ahead may get bumpy! Our special guest, Ann Dolin founder of Educational Connections Tutoring and Test Prep, shares with us some strategies for both parents and students to take worry out of the equation. We'll also catch up with YES team members to celebrate their hustle in sending the kids in our communities back to school on the right foot. Links: School Supplies G...
Growing Community
August 10, 2021 18:39 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBHave you ever wanted to be more self-reliant? Gardening can be a unifying force. Everyone needs to eat after all. Community gardening in particular provides a place where generations of people can gather and cultivate both food and friendships. On this episode, we have two special guests that can speak to the power of planting seeds that reap rewards beyond the dinner table. LaManda Joy is a published author, master gardener, educator, and founder of the Peterson Garden Project in Chica...
Thank You For Your Service
May 24, 2021 16:55 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBIn this episode, we recognize the incredible service that veterans perform each and every day in our own community. Our two amazing guests reveal the challenges of life on active duty and what makes veterans so valuable in the workforce. David Glatfelter is a marine corps veteran and Team Rubicon greyshirt leader for the Denver metro area. David and Team Rubicon utilize veteran military experience to lead volunteer disaster relief projects from wildfire mitigation to battling COVID-19. ...
Building Futures Scholarship
April 19, 2021 17:37 - 21 minutes - 20 MBAn investment in education is an investment in the dreams of our children. Last year in 2020, YES Communities launched the Building Futures Scholarship Program to help fund the higher education of YES residents and staff. In this episode, we'll catch up with previous scholarship recipients and educators who can speak to the power of investing in a child's future. We'll also visit with the Arrupe Jesuit High School in Denver, Colorado, to learn how Arrupe's unique work-study program is giv...
Building Community from the Ground Up
March 17, 2021 19:57 - 21 minutes - 20 MBIn this episode, we’ll take a complete look at a brand new manufactured housing development in New Braunfels, Texas called Dwelling. Dwelling's unique approach to shared amenity space and thoughtful design elements provide quality housing options in the booming central Texas region. First, we’ll hear from Patrick Revere of MH Insider magazine. He knows the MH industry inside and out and can speak to why Dwelling in New Braunfels signals the future of affordable housing. We’ll also hear fro...
Acts of Kindness
February 16, 2021 15:41 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBAre you in search of a quick fix to instantly improve the course of your day? Try being the hero for someone else in need. While our situation at times can seem overwhelmingly negative and divided, unsolicited acts of kindness can help spread joy and bring us together. Our special guest, Nicole J. Phillips, is the author of Kindness is Contagious, Kindness is Courageous, and The Negativity Remedy. She is also the host of The Kindness Podcast. Nicole shares her personal experience in maint...
Living Affordably
December 03, 2020 13:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBThis special bonus episode continues to explore the idea of home as a personal sanctuary. We speak to two industry professionals about how manufactured housing may relieve the financial stresses of high rents and long-term mortgages. Whether you are an empty-nester looking to downsize or a travel seeking millennial, manufactured housing offers solutions that can meet any budget. Justin Despain is Business Development Manager at Clayton homes, the largest builder of manufactured housing and ...
How to Create Harmony at Home
October 26, 2020 14:01 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBDo you have trouble staying organized at home? With more days of remote work and virtual school ahead, we’ve got some helpful organization tips that will boost productivity and curb cabin fever. Our guests Kari and Katie of The Home Sanctuary started their own home organizing business to help busy families achieve balance and find peace at home. If you’ve ever dreamed of maximizing your precious closet space, this episode is for you! Stick around after the interview because we're also reve...
Let's Rock
September 24, 2020 22:18 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBMusic is an integral part of the human experience, whether you are a classically trained pianist or just belting out tunes to the shampoo bottles in the shower. Even for us that aren’t musically inclined, music brings folks together across language and geographical barriers. Music connects people across time as well. We can feel the heartbreak in dust bowl era blues standards as if it were yesterday. Human beings are resilient. Even though performance spaces have shut down for the time bein...
Get Out and Play!
August 12, 2020 19:12 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBMaintaining an active lifestyle is important for one’s health and well-being. For many of us, this begins with playing organized, youth sports. Sports promote physical activity and competitiveness, while providing other valuable life lessons such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and managing adversity. The inspiration for this episode comes from YES Communities’ resident Danilo Arce, who volunteers his spare time to coach soccer and mentor the kids in his community of Woodland Estates near Housto...
Path Project: After School Special
June 23, 2020 12:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBAfter-school programs have numerous benefits for developing children, including improving classroom behavior and providing positive role models. What Living Means takes a trip to the Atlanta area to visit Path Project, an after school program housed in the Valley Brook manufactured home community. Path Project works to improve outcomes for K12 residents, such as increasing high school graduation and college enrollment rates. Founder Jim Hollandsworth shares with us how he started the program...