| Artist | Title | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elijah Larsen | Intro to the episode | ||
| Elijah Larsen | When COVID hit and this modest business got hit financially, Bruce got on his bicycle | ||
| Bruce Bussell | An introduction to his business model and his staff | ||
| A Shamaluev | PSA for a great place to live | ||
| Noam Chomsky | PSA for community radio | ||
| Elijah Larsen | Segue into the second half | ||
| Bruce Bussell | His ride across Texas to raise funds for Nick's Shaved Ice Paradise | ||
| Viens avec Moi | Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars | ||
| Madelin Taskin | Flying a Kite in my Underwear | ||
| Elijah Larsen | Support Nick's by visiting differentlyawesome.org |
Nick’s Shaved ice Paradise is the kind of business we all want to hear about in the middle of summer heat. i’ve interviewed lots of great people involved in bike fundraiser events, but Bruce Bussell, the owner of Nick’s, is the epitome of inspiration. Bruce’s Texas accent makes this a fun conversation, but his uncomplicated view of life really blew me away. Shaved Ice in the heat? You bet! Tenderness on behalf of the vulnerable in a pandemic? Yes please!
Nick’s Shaved Ice Paradise is a modest trailer business that runs out of the Wolfforth Farmers’ Market in a place called Lubbock, Texas. Nick’s opened in 2018, committed to hiring young people with developmental disabilities, whose job prospects are limited. Nick then registered as a non-profit in order to receive donations and grants, which would allow them to expand. They began to get those donations and a large foundation showed interest in purchasing a downtown building for them. Just think of the impact for people with developmental disabilities!
When COVID-19 hit, the business had to close temporarily because the staff have fragile immune systems, as you can imagine. Then, the foundation could no longer assist. Everything went pear-shaped. And there were still bills to pay. What to do? Well, Bruce got out his bicycle.