Can you transform a vision into reality with just $2.50? Discover how Winnie Comstock-Carlson did exactly that when she founded Comstock's Magazine. Join me, Kelly Brothers as Winnie, the president and publisher, and Judy Farah, the magazine's editor, recount their inspiring journeys in the media world. From Winnie's initial conviction that Sacramento needed better business reporting to Judy's impressive career that spans significant events like the 1984 Olympics and the Oscars, this conversation is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of journalism.

We'll journey through the evolution of Comstock's Magazine under  Winnie's ongoing influence and more recently, Judy's editorial acumen. Learn about the strategic changes that have kept the magazine engaging and relevant, including the addition of restaurant reviews, diverse profiles, and the celebrated "Icon" section. We'll also highlight the significance of covering business developments in smaller towns around Sacramento, emphasizing the importance of regional journalism in fostering community and democracy.

Finally, we look ahead to the future of journalism in the digital age. Winnie and Judy discuss how Comstock's collaborates with an editorial advisory board to maintain high standards, the challenges print media faces, and their optimistic outlook for its future. They share insights on how the magazine weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrate Sacramento's transformation over the past 35 years. An award winning magazine in many different categories, this is an inspiring discussion on the vital role of journalism and the influential power of civic engagement in shaping a vibrant community.

To learn more about Comstock's magazine, visit https://www.comstocksmag.com/
You can follow them on social at the following addresses:
Twitter: comstocksmag
Facebook: Comstock's Magazine
Instagram: comstocksmag
LinkedIn: Comstock's Magazine

For more information on what we provide at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com.
You can contact me, Kelly Brothers, through the show at: bisifipodcast@gmail.com
To reach me at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com/locations/sacramento-ca/

Episode Highlights
(00:00 - 48:45) Silent Conversation
(03:15 - 05:31) Building a Print Publishing Business
(09:52 - 11:21) Expanding Comstock's Magazine for Broader Audience
(16:50 - 18:25) Development Opportunities in Sacramento
(19:35 - 20:35) Navigating Bias in Political Writing
(28:29 - 28:53) Revival of Print Journalism
(35:04 - 36:01) Printing Costs Force Magazine Relocation
(40:06 - 41:51) 35 Years of Sacramento History

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Comstock's Magazine
Winnie and Judy reflect on Comstock's Magazine's 35th anniversary, their careers in media, and the importance of business news in the community.

(09:05) Comstock's Magazine Evolution and Vision
Comstock's Magazine evolved under Judy Farah's leadership, featuring diverse profiles, restaurant reviews, and coverage of smaller towns.

(22:22) Future of Journalism in Digital Age
Collaboration, challenges, and optimism for print media's future discussed by Comstock's Magazine's president and editor.

(34:45) Evolution and Future of Comstock's Magazine
Comstock's magazine faced challenges during COVID-19, including increased printing costs and celebrating 35 years in Sacramento's growth.

(47:17) Sacramento's Impact on Regional Politics
Comstock's magazine discusses Sacramento's political environment and the neglect of its riverside assets, emphasizing civic engagement and regional challenges.

Episode 39: Comstocks Magazine - 35 Years of Vision, Evolution, and Impact.

Join me, Kelly Brothers, as I chat with Cecily Hastings of "Inside Publications" and "Inside Sacramento" and explore her inspiring journey from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to becoming a prominent publisher in Sacramento. Cecily recounts her upbringing in a vibrant neighborhood and her multidisciplinary design education from the University of Michigan. Moving from a career in commercial interior design and office furniture sales in the San Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento, she shares the challenges of making new friends before social media and her deep involvement in local community and city government, including founding a neighborhood association to address issues at McKinley Park.

Listen as Cecily discusses her transition from a design-focused professional to a community newspaper publisher in East Sacramento. Initially hired to write articles with no prior experience, Cecily's innovative business model provided free newspapers to every household and tailored a simple advertising system for small businesses. Utilizing guerrilla marketing strategies, she effectively connected local businesses with their immediate community, overcoming the challenge of Sacramento's dispersed commercial areas. This approach led to the successful establishment and growth of Inside Sacramento, which continues to thrive today.

We also explore the evolution of Inside Sacramento's content focus and Cecily's dedication to advocacy and community journalism. Shifting from highlighting arts and small businesses to addressing the deteriorating state of Sacramento's budgets post-Great Recession, Cecily founded the nonprofit Friends of East Sacramento to restore local landmarks. Her publication now addresses pressing issues such as homelessness and accountability in nonprofit funding. Cecily's strategy of hiring community-engaged individuals underscores the importance of grassroots journalism and proactive citizenship, serving as an inspiring model for community-based advocacy.

You can reach Cecily at cecily@insidepublications.com

For more information on what we provide at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com.
You can contact me, Kelly Brothers, through the show at: bisifipodcast@gmail.com
To reach me at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com/locations/sacramento-ca/

Episode Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Business Growth and Community Involvement
Cecily Hastings shares her journey from Michigan to becoming a successful publisher in Sacramento, emphasizing community engagement and volunteer work.

(09:44) Expanding Community Newspaper Through Strategic Advertisements
Cecily Hastings' journey from design professional to community newspaper publisher, innovative business model, successful establishment and growth of Inside Sacramento.

(27:38) Local Newspaper Expansion Strategies
Nature's journey of building a local publication business with a delayed website, part-time employees, cautious expansion, and proving skeptics wrong.

(35:40) Advocacy and Community Journalism
Cecily Hastings' publication, Inside Sacramento, shifted focus to advocacy for local communities, addressing homelessness and lack of nonprofit accountability.

(46:05) Community Advocacy and Grassroots Journalism
Community-based journalism emphasizes community involvement, grassroots mindset, and proactive citizenship for impactful reporting.

Episode 45: Cecily Hastings "Inside Publications"  is a Grassroots Growth Success Story.

At various points in his 30-year broadcast career, Kelly Brothers has anchored the No. 1 evening newscast in Sacramento on KCRA 3 and the No. 1 morning news show on News 93.1 KFBK. He is currently a Principal and Advisor at CAPTRUST, based in Sacramento.  For the program, Kelly serves up some of the most succulent stories from our region about people, places and things that impact the community and your financial well being. I'm sure there will even be a few tasty surprises here and there, when the recipe is right. The goal is to have you learn, think, even laugh a little bit, all calorie free. Hopefully you'll enjoy what he's delivering right to your kitchen table or dining room or... will you be eating in your car, wherever you choose to listen.

Episode 45: Cecily Hastings "Inside Publications" is a Grassroots Growth Success Story.

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