James Helms founded Rocky Butte Coffee Roasters and Rocky Butte Espresso Bar. He connects people in his neighborhood together and sparks his neighbors to dream about flourishing in their community. A self-described “instigator,” he is a leader of the Parish Collective in Portland.
This was the first podcast interview we recorded, so I’m thankful for James for being my test subject. We talked about simple neighboring, allowing our relationships with neighbors to flow out from who we are without feeling pressure to act a certain way or accomplish an ulterior motive.
James didn’t originally intend to stay in his neighborhood of Madison South long-term. The real estate market dived and he began taking the message of “love your neighbor as yourself” literally. He wanted to get to know his neighbors and invited them to a barbecue.
To some of us, this kind of thing is perfectly natural. For others, it might seem weird, or it might sound nice but daunting to socially interact with strangers who also live next door. I grilled him on the best approach for community relationships, and he consistently answers by saying not to overthink it!
You can listen to the Parkrose Life podcast on Apple, Spotify, many other podcast places, or right here by pressing the play button below. If you subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, then you’ll never miss an episode.
Leave a comment or idea for a future episode here on the blog. If you have a question for James and be sure to order some coffee beans online or visit Rocky Butte Espresso Bar.
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