2026 is an incredibly interesting time to be a political communications professional as changing technology, politics, and generational differences have never been more clear.

Outgoing Communications Director at City Hall Michelle Woods Matthews has extensive experience in the field, from working as the spokesperson for former Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn Wooden to reproductive rights work and President Obama's 2012 campaign. Host Jack Pavia and Michelle discuss all of it, from the importance of seeing and hearing from your local government to honing the voice of the Mayor of Norwalk as she works to represent him publicly.

In this special co-host episode of Community Ties, Jack and Romney start the New Year by introducing themselves and sharing how the podcast came to be. They reflect on the experiences that shaped who they are, why local government and community care matter so deeply to them, and what they hope these conversations can spark in Norwalk. With a focus on connection and collaboration, they share their vision for a more engaged and connected city.

In this episode, host Jack Pavia has on Norwalk's first-ever Director of Sustainability and Resilience, Jodi Trendler. They dive into not only her job in City Hall, but her thoughts on the evolution of the environmental movement and the long-term trajectory of ensuring there exists a healthy and habitable planet for all humans to continue to exist on.

In this episode of Community Ties, host Romney Donald sits down with newly re-elected District B Councilman, newly appointed Constable, and community leader Dajuan Wiggins. From growing up in Norwalk, rebuilding his life after a turning point that required courage and accountability, to becoming a father, mentor, entrepreneur, and founder of the Youth Business Initiative, Dajuan shares how purpose, spirituality, and community continue to guide his path.

He reflects on the misconceptions people have about him, the responsibility of representing District B, and why creating spaces for young people to see their own potential matters now more than ever. This conversation is honest, grounded, and a reminder of what leadership looks like when it comes from lived experience.

Tanner Thompson has spent years as an organizer for pedestrian and bike infrastructure, public transportation, housing, and tree canopy in Norwalk. In this episode, host Jack Pavia dives deep with Tanner into his background and how he gained the confidence necessary to bring politicians, bureaucrats, and fellow advocates in, advocate for tangible goals, and change policy in Norwalk. If you've ever been interested in building relationships and identifying goals in the world of local organizing, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Community Ties, host Romney Donald talks with Dr. Julia Moore, salon owner, entrepreneur, and founder of YL Trapped, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Norwalk. Once a week, she transforms her Wall Street salon into a space for young women to grow, learn, and lead. From advocating as a single mother to earning her Doctorate in Humanitarianism, Dr. Moore’s story is rooted in purpose, legacy, and empowerment. Together, they explore what it means to build community through mentorship, creativity, and the determination to make a difference.

In this episode of Community Ties, a NancyOnNorwalk podcast, Jack interviews Tony Bacigalupo, a local community organizer. In 2008, Tony founded New Work City, leading a global movement towards co-working. Ever since then, he's been laser focused on creating community wherever he goes; in the last few years, he's been living in Norwalk and bringing people together here, whether it be through a "New to Town Meetup" or a weekly "Bike Party" as part of Sustainable Streets Norwalk, an urbanist advocacy group. In the conversation, Jack and Tony covered everything from the damaging effect of social media algorithms to the breakdown of our civil society and the loneliness epidemic.

In this episode of Community Ties, host Romney Donald sits down with Norwalk native and artist Jahmane Artz, whose work spans painting, photography, fashion, and large-scale murals. Together, they explore his artistic journey, the inspirations behind his themes of spirituality, mythology, and social awareness, and the role of public art in shaping community identity. The conversation also touches on recent frustrations around the Ely Avenue mural selection process and what a more equitable approach to public art could look like. More than anything, this episode highlights the power of creativity to spark dialogue, build pride, and strengthen the ties that connect us in Norwalk.