Ojai: Talk of the Town

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we wander into the wilds with Cole Bush, founder of BCB Shepherdess, whose herd of 800 goats and sheep are quietly revolutionizing how we manage wildfire risk, invasive species, and land stewardship across Southern California.

What began as a humble vision just four years ago has grown into a high-impact, ecologically sound practice that blends ancient pastoral wisdom with cutting-edge climate resilience. From San Diego County roots to contracts across Ventura and L.A., Cole shares how prescribed grazing is not only a fire prevention tool, but a powerful act of regeneration—sequestering carbon, building biodiversity, and engaging communities in the process.

We talk fire, food, folklore, and the fierce future of shepherding in the West.

“Fire, Flocks & the Future: Cole Bush and the Shepherd's Return”

🔊 Body Copy:
In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we wander into the wilds with Cole Bush, founder of BCB Shepherdess, whose herd of 800 goats and sheep are quietly revolutionizing how we manage wildfire risk, invasive species, and land stewardship across Southern California.

What began as a humble vision just four years ago has grown into a high-impact, ecologically sound practice that blends ancient pastoral wisdom with cutting-edge climate resilience. From San Diego County roots to contracts across Ventura and L.A., Cole shares how prescribed grazing is not only a fire prevention tool, but a powerful act of regeneration —sequestering carbon, building biodiversity, and engaging communities in the process.

We talk fire, food, folklore, and the fierce future of shepherding in the West. We did not talk Adriatic marble trout, seppuku manuals or the paper-making technologies of ancient Egypt.

You can learn more about their efforts at https://shepherdesslandl.co/about

In this reprise episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with writer and historian Mark Lewis to explore one of the most unsettling chapters in American cultural history — the Hollywood Blacklist. Mark's feature in the Fall 2015 issue of the Ojai Quarterly dove deep into the fear-fueled politics of the late 1940s and ’50s, when actors, writers, and directors were exiled from the entertainment industry for alleged Communist ties.

Many of those key figures lived in Ojai - names like Paul Jerrico, Michael Wilson and Dalton Trumbo, where they found a haven and an understanding community.

Through richly detailed storytelling and incisive commentary, Mark reveals how the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings not only destroyed careers but also reshaped Hollywood and American public life. We discuss the rise of informants, the toll on personal lives, and the eerie parallels between that Red Scare era and the social media-fueled cancel culture and political polarization of today.

This conversation isn’t just a history lesson — it’s a warning. As we reflect on the past, we’re forced to ask: how do we protect freedom of expression without falling prey to fear and conformity?

We did not talk about Vaclav Smil's latest work, impending screw worm disasters or the rise of our new digital overlords.

Don’t miss this hauntingly timely discussion on art, politics, and the enduring fight for the soul of American storytelling.

On this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we take a sun-dappled stroll through the life and work of Stephanie Hubbard —landscape architect, abstract expressionist, and one of the newest members of the Ojai Studio Artists. Fresh off a prestigious nine-month residency at the Taft Gardens, Stephanie shares how Ojai’s wild beauty has rooted itself in her art — and her soul.

We talk childhood in the Transcendentalist center of Concord, Massachusetts, apprenticing with a ceramicist painting flowers for Evelyn & Crabtree, and what it was like to work as on-screen talent with the classic show "This Old House." We get into the tangled garden of her creative process, where soil meets soul, and brush meets instinct.

Stephanie’s story is one of elegant reinvention — from shaping landscapes to letting landscapes shape her. If you like stories about artistic breakthroughs, garden epiphanies, or what happens when a designer trades blueprints for brushstrokes, don’t miss this one.

We did not talk about when Shohei Ohtani was going to next take the mound, David Hockney's camera obscura or the short-lived Korean Empire.

Pull up a seat — or better yet, take us on a walk — and enjoy the view. You can learn more about Stephanie and her work at her artist website, Stephanie-Hubbard.com, or her landscape architectural firm, Site-Creative.com

In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers Jack Piatt and David Breschel, the creative forces behind Highway West Entertainment, whose work spans literature, music, and the open road of independent cinema. Their short film The Singers, a haunting and poetic adaptation of Ivan Turgenev’s 19th-century story, has been selected for the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, where its timeless themes of memory, art, and loss will find a new audience. Jack and David share how they discovered the story, why it resonated with them today, and what it means to adapt classical literature in a modern cinematic language.

We also talk about their powerful documentary I Need You, a heartfelt chronicle of the legendary band America, which was screened to great acclaim at last year's Ojai Film Festival, and also with more recently at the Ojai Playhouse with founding members Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley.

With behind-the-scenes access and deep reverence for their enduring legacy, the film captures the band’s extraordinary 50+ year journey — from their British-American roots to their emotional farewell tour. Jack and David reflect on the art of telling a band’s story with honesty, tenderness, and the kind of nuance that comes only from true fans.

In both projects, you’ll hear their passion for storytelling—whether through fiction, film, or friendship. And you’ll get a glimpse of what it takes to shepherd meaningful, independent work into the world.

Tune in for a conversation that travels from 19th-century Russia to the stage lights of the present, with two artists who are helping shape the future of narrative film.

We did not talk about the in-migration of Sinaloa Cartel leaders, ghost ships of the Namibian Desert or the declining recruitment into the U.S. armed forces.

For more information about Jack and David, check out their website at https://highwaywestent.com/

Join us as we talk with the Ojai Music Festival’s Bravo Education Coordinator Laura Walter on planting the seeds of musical creativity, and what’s coming up for young performers this spring and summer

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with Laura Walter, the inspiring force behind the Bravo! education program at the Ojai Music Festival for decades. Laura shares how elementary students across the valley are being introduced to music through hands-on, joyful experiences—and how those early encounters are shaping lives.

She also spotlights the upcoming SCORE program performance, directed by Caitlin Praetorius and Bill Wagner, where student-composed works take the stage. Don’t miss this showcase of young talent on Sunday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at Nordhoff High School.

And for those budding musicians eager to keep the rhythm going, Laura gives us the scoop on two summer music camps running June 23–28 and August 11–16, held weekday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon at the Ojai Presbyterian Church. These programs, offered in partnership with the Ojai Recreation Department, continue the Festival’s mission of bringing the joy of music to the next generation.

We also talked about her youth in a music family of 8 in Michigan, going to college in Kentucky, her lifelong love of play as it pertains to learning, and much more. We did not talk about the second consecutive Pope from the western hemisphere, the overuse of peppercorns in many steaks au poivre or Gibbons' insights into the early Ottoman Empire.

Tune in for a conversation filled with harmony, heart, and the promise of a bright musical future for Ojai’s youth. For more information, check out OjaiFestival.org (the beloved cultural institution returns this year June 5-8).

This week on Ojai Talk of the Town, we’re joined by storyteller Megan Dolan and Ojai Storytelling Festival’s executive director Kara Lakes. Megan shares the inspiration behind her powerful solo show, Not the Right Mom: One Mother's Misadventures in Autism, a Full Spectrum Comedy — a deeply funny, raw, and tender look at parenting on the spectrum, and what it means to show up when you feel wildly unqualified.

Kara - herself the mother of an autistic child - tells us why the Storytelling Festival is bringing this moving performance to the Temple of the Oaks on May 7, and why stories like Megan’s matter now more than ever. We talk about vulnerability, humor, and how storytelling builds empathy, one laugh — and one tear — at a time.

We also talked about the dehumanizing remarks made by HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, how family members deal with their autistic siblings, and why and how the power of stories can overcome fear and ignorance.

We did not talk about Marie Curie's strange death, the Lakers' early playoff exit or the rise of inauthentic Texas barbecue.

For more information, check out OjaiStoryFest.org.

After several years in Los Angeles, the Ojai Playwrights Conference Gala - widely known as one of the best parties of the social calendar - is coming home — to the Ojai Playhouse. on May 17th.

Executive Director Jeremy Cohen joins us to talk about this year’s star-studded celebration, featuring appearances by Tig Notaro and Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers, as well as the upcoming 28th anniversary festival in August.

We dig into why theater still matters in uncertain times, the power of storytelling to foster empathy and inclusion, and why Ojai’s unique cultural ecosystem makes it the ideal place to nurture bold new voices in American theater. Plus: Jeremy shares his own path into the world of dramaturgy, how he ended up in Ojai, and why this little valley has such an outsized impact on the stage.

We also talked about the OPC Taco Tuesdays events for writers in Ojai,

We did not talk about the Chicago Cubs' promising prospects this baseball season, the Cathar conspiracies or Marxist views on alienation.

Whether you’re a theater buff, a curious local, or just need a little hope through art — this episode’s for you.

Check out more about the Gala, the OPC programming and much else at OjaiPlays.org.

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with dancer, teacher, and cultural organizer Isha Ferraz, the powerhouse behind the Ojai World Dance Festival, now in its second joyful year. Happening Saturday, May 3 at Libbey Bowl — and spilling out into Libbey Park with free public events — the festival brings together world-class dancers and musicians from across the region to celebrate rhythm, movement, and connection.

Isha shares the powerful personal story behind the festival’s creation, from her upbringing in a Brazilian-Puerto Rican household where music and dance were woven into daily life, to how her Hamza Dance Studio became a refuge during the covid lockdown. What started as a sanctuary for her community has blossomed into a festival that brings Ojai together through joy, movement, and global culture.

Come for the music, stay for the inspiration — this episode will have you tapping your toes and believing in the power of dance to heal and connect.

We also talk about dance as a fountain of youth, community, and as a way to connect different cultures. We did not talk about Edward Libbey's glassmaking inventions, Kern River rainbow trout subspecies or the Fall of Rome.

Check out more about the Festival and to purchase tickets at ...

https://www.danceojai.org/ojaidancefestival

In this heartfelt episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with singer-songwriter Abigail Cartright and her husband, veteran producer and engineer Ika, to talk about the deep emotional journey behind Abigail’s new album, Miracle Year, with her band Ana Mirabilis — a loose yet beautifully bonded collective of Ojai musicians and artists.

With echoes of Lana del Rey, Beach House, Mitski, Radiohead, and decades of artistic experience, Miracle Year is more than an album — it’s a story of transformation. Abigail opens up about the personal losses, illness, and depression she endured, and how these trials became the fuel for an artistic breakthrough.

We also talk about growing up in creative families, the merging of music and visual arts, and the surprising way Abigail and Ika’s lives first intersected — through her father, many years ago and far away in New York. It’s a conversation about resilience, love, and the healing power of art.

We did not talk about the the Dreyfus Affair, the NBA playoff picture or Maine's arctic char population.

You can listen to Abigail's music on Spotify or Apple Music. The vinyl album will be released soon.

As the new 75-bed Continuing Care Center in Ojai opens for business, we revisit a conversation from 2022 with Haady Lashkari, Chief Administrative Officer of Ojai's Community Memorial Hospital. Haady shares what it was like to lead a rural hospital through the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, how the experience shaped his perspective on healthcare, and the lessons he’s carried forward.

We also get a sneak peek into the hospital’s brand-new Continuing Care Center—a major investment in the future of elder and rehabilitative care in the valley. From growing up working at his family’s restaurant to becoming a respected healthcare administrator, Haady’s journey is as inspiring as it is grounded in community values.

We did not talk about Dr. Ignatius Semmelweiz, Tyrolean independence movements or whether Ohtani is likely to take the mound this year for the Dodgers.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep a small-town hospital running—and thriving—through crisis and beyond, don’t miss this wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation.

For more information on Ojai's healthcare system, check out https://www.mycmh.org/locations/community-memorial-continuing-care-center/

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with Raúl Alvarado, a 33-year Accenture veteran and former COO who helped shape — and save — some of the world’s most influential companies. Born in Panama, educated at the Colorado School of Mines, and seasoned by decades of global leadership in Europe and beyond, Raul brings an engineer’s precision and a humanist’s touch to the art of transformation.

Raúl shares stories from the frontlines of billion-dollar turnarounds, explains why active listening is his most powerful business tool, and reflects on how implementation — not just ideas — is what truly moves the needle. Now a philanthropist and Ojai local, Raúl is as passionate about community building as he is about corporate strategy.

He now runs Alvarado Advisory Group, LLC, coaching executives, and running the nonprofit, A Thousand Joys, working with trauma victims.

Whether you’re a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious listener, this conversation offers timeless insights on leadership, communication, and the importance of staying grounded — even when you’re operating at the highest levels.

We did not talk about low-tech drone defenses, currency conversions or new archaeological discoveries in the Yucatan.

Check out more about Raúl at his website, https://alvaradoadvisorygroup.com/

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with Ojai resident Sharon Scott Williams, whose deeply personal memoir Crazy Mama has been transformed into a riveting one-woman play, premiering at the Rubicon Theatre from March 27 to April 13. Starring the incomparable star of stage and screen Linda Purl, the production brings to life 16 characters in a raw, heartbreaking, yet often humorous exploration of a daughter’s decades-long struggle to save her mother from the grip of paranoid schizophrenia.

We talk with Sharon about the painful yet redemptive journey that shaped her story — growing up with a mother who believed she was working for the FBI, the weight of hope and helplessness, and the profound impact of mental illness on families. Directed by TV and stage veteran Anson Williams, (Sharon's husband), Crazy Mama is a testament to resilience, love, and the complicated ties that bind us to those we hold dear.

Join us for this intimate conversation as Sharon reflects on turning her trauma into art, the catharsis of storytelling, and the power of theater to foster understanding and empathy.

Check out the Rubicon's website for more information - https://www.rubicontheatre.org/events/crazy-mama/

Get ready for a juicy conversation! This week on Ojai Talk of the Town, we welcome Scott Daigre, founder of Tomatomania!, the country’s largest heirloom and hybrid tomato seedling sale. What started in the 1990s as a small nursery event has blossomed into a can’t-miss springtime tradition across Southern California, with dozens of locations offering an incredible variety of tomato plants, expert advice, and all the inspiration you need for your garden and kitchen.

Scott shares the origins of Tomatomania and what makes tomatoes so endlessly fascinating. We dig into the best growing tips, surprising heirloom varieties, and even a few favorite ways to enjoy summer’s most beloved fruit. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious newbie, this episode is ripe with insights and stories you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen now and get ready for tomato season! 🍅

We also talk about Ojai's peculiar micro-climates, local topics and controversies and much more. We did not discuss Keir Starmer's lordship, Mark Twain's book "The Gilded Age," or the discovery of new Easter Island statues.

Check out more at Tomatomania.com where you can also purchase Scott's seminal book, "Tomatomania!" on tomato growing and cooking.

Can you really go home again? Peter Marcus, along with his partners Evan Graham-Arango and Reiana Onglenco, proves that not only can you return, but you can also plant something new. In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we dig deep into the story of Ojai Roots — a 10-acre farm and the brand-new Farm Shop that’s bringing farm-to-table full circle.

(Note: Check out the Spring issue of Ojai Quarterly magazine for a feature on Ojai Roots written by Ilona Saari.)

Peter, a seasoned chef with a Michelin-starred résumé, shares how his journey took him from high-end kitchens in New York, Copenhagen, and Australia back to Ojai, where he now cures his own hams, crafts a curated wine bar menu, and bakes up his grandmother's beloved "Nana’s Cookies." We also explore how the team is blending agriculture, community, and culinary craft to create a one-of-a-kind farm store experience.

From house-smoked salmon to their own vineyard’s rosé, this episode is a feast for the senses. Tune in as we talk food, farming, and finding your roots in Ojai.

We did not talk about proper cures for salmon candy, medieval water clocks or capybara videos. Check out more at ...

https://ojairoots.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoouQz2y-7Z3rIMS8wdm_6kn-t0Q6RgO90gtT9WbuEdPB0h5Fav5

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, actor Michaela Watkins joins us to talk about her latest film, Suze, a Canadian indie gem screening at the Ojai Playhouse on March 9. She'll be on hand for a post-film discussion, but first, we dig into the heart of the movie, the revival of the "New Sincerity Movement," and why audiences are craving stories about broken people finding connection.

Michaela also reflects on her incredible career including a stint of Saturday Night Live, the LA-based Groundlings, working with the husband-wife duo Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart behind Suze to her collaborations with the late, great Lynn Shelton and acclaimed director Nicole Holofcener (You Hurt My Feelings). We swap stories about mutual Ojai friends, share what this town means to us, and much more.

Note: We did not talk about the Ventura River estuary, proposed NFL rule changes or the ill-fated El Dorado expedition of 1559 led by "Wrath of God" Aguirre.

Tune in for a conversation that's as heartfelt, funny, and sharp as Michaela herself.

What if the biggest obstacle in your life was… you? Bestselling author and personal development pioneer Gay Hendricks joins us to talk about The Big Leap, his game-changing book that introduced the world to the Upper Limit Problem — that sneaky, self-imposed ceiling on success and happiness. From overcoming hidden fears to expanding into what he calls your Zone of Genius, Gay breaks down the patterns that hold us back and how to break through them.

We also reflect on our mutual friend Jim Selman, a luminary in transformational leadership, and how his legacy continues to inspire. With 35 books (and counting!) co-authored with his wife, Katie Hendricks, from their Ojai-based Hendricks Institute, Gay has spent a lifetime helping people push past self-sabotage and step into their fullest potential. Tune in for an insightful, uplifting, and occasionally mind-bending conversation that just might inspire your next big leap.

Jim and I also talked about his childhood with a single mom in northern Florida in the 1950s, and how she overcame significant obstacles to become a well-respected journalist and mayor of their hometown. We also talked about his academic career and much more. We did not, however, talk about Ernest Shackleton's expeditions, the development of dimpling on golf balls or Robert Caro's magisterial account of Robert Moses, in "The Power Broker."

You can learn more about Gay Hendricks and his and wife Katie's work at the Hendricks Institute: https://hendricks.com/

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with artist and curator Cassandra C. Jones, whose work blends digital collage with storytelling in striking and unexpected ways.

As the founder and Arts Chair of the Taft Gardens Residency Program, she offers artists an immersive experience in one of Ojai’s most stunning and secluded landscapes. We discuss how Taft’s South African and Australian Gardens inspire creativity, the evolving art market, and, of course, the infamous $6 million banana taped to a wall.

Whether you’re an art lover, a plant enthusiast, or just curious about what drives today’s artists, this conversation is not to be missed.

We did not talk about the Jokic trade, Taylor Swift's Superbowl outfits or MK Ultra.

Check out more on Cassandra at https://www.cassandracjones.com/

What do South African wines, the auto industry, and gelato have in common? Ojai's own Sanders Marvin. He joins us to talk about closing his shop next to the Arcade, and focusing on catering, popup events and wholesale of his distinctive gourmet frozen treats known for innovative flavors such as Pixie Had a Moment, Valhrona Chocolate and Godfather Sicilian Pistachio.

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with the founder of Sanders & Sons, Ojai’s go-to spot for handcrafted frozen gourmet delights. But before he was dreaming up decadent flavors, Sanders helped introduce South African wines to the world in the 1980s and navigated the high-stakes world of automotive manufacturing as an executive.

We talk about his fascinating career pivots, his training in Bologna, Italy with a master gelatiere, connection to Minnesota’s celebrated Native American restaurant Owamni, and, of course, the art of making exceptional gelato. Tune in for a conversation as rich and satisfying as his signature scoops. 🍦

Sanders brings us into the world of sourcing the finest ingredients, developing relationships with local restaurants and much more.

We did not talk about ancient rope-making technologies, Argentinian beaver infestations or the Nikola Jokic's trade.

https://www.instagram.com/sanders_and_sons_gelato/

We sit down with author Howard Smith to discuss his latest novel, "Viva Verdi & Violetta." This immersive historical tale dives deep into the life and struggles of Giuseppe Verdi, his muse Giuseppina Strepponi, and the revolutionary fervor of the Italian Risorgimento of the mid-19th century.

Told through the watchful, and witty, mind of his close friend, a restaurateur and retired opera singer, the novel brings to life Verdi’s rise as a composer, the artistic and political battles of 19th-century Italy, and the resistance against Austrian occupation. Smith takes us behind the curtain, revealing Verdi’s encounters with freedom fighters like Garibaldi and the dramatic cultural shifts that shaped his operatic masterpieces.

There's also a lot of about food and culture in this transformative time. Tune in for a captivating discussion on music, history, and the timeless power of storytelling! 🎭🎼

We did not talk about efforts to install tracking chips in NFL footballs, the rise of Canadian comedy shows like "Son of a Critch" and "Shoresy" or muskellunge fishing.

Check out Howard's latest novel on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with Aldo Leopold scholar Rick Knight for a thought-provoking conversation about one of the most influential voices in conservation history. Rick takes us on a journey through Leopold's life, from his transformative years in the Gila Wilderness of New Mexico to his beloved shack in Wisconsin’s Driftless area.

We explore Leopold’s revolutionary insights on the relationship between people and the land, his pioneering concept of the "land ethic," and how his experiences in wild places shaped his philosophy. Rick also shares how Leopold's work remains profoundly relevant in today’s world, especially as we face unprecedented environmental challenges.

Tune in to hear why Aldo Leopold’s legacy continues to inspire and guide the conservation movement—and don’t miss Rick Knight’s upcoming talk and panel discussion in Ojai on February 1st at Oak Grove School. Whether you’re a devoted naturalist or just curious about the roots of modern conservation, this conversation is sure to leave you inspired.

We did not talk about the voyage of the whaling ship The Essex, functional MRIs or crypto-scams.

You learn more about Rick and the Feb. 1st event at https://ovlc.org/events/onsite-seminar-and-panel-special-event-with-the-ojai-valley-land-conservancy-a-sand-county-almanac-by-aldo-leopold

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with Jessica Thompson, owner of Green Goddess Garden, to discuss the vital steps homeowners and communities can take to protect their properties from the ever-present threat of wildfires. With recent devastation in Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles serving as a stark reminder, Jessica shares her expertise on creating defensible spaces, adopting responsible building practices, and restoring native plants to enhance resilience.

Jessica also talked about her game-changing visit to Iranian-American architect and writer's Nadir Khalili's property near Hemet, and the incredibly firesafe homes and buildings he created near Hesperia. Khalili, who died in 2008, is regarding as a pioneer in sustainable, eminently livable homes.

We also explore the benefits of drought-tolerant landscaping and how these practices intersect with Ojai’s thriving citrus industry, a cornerstone of our local economy. Whether you're looking to safeguard your home or support sustainable land stewardship, this episode offers practical advice and a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing our community in fire-prone Southern California.

We did not talk about fiat currency, the evolution of baseball gloves or the Humboldt Current.

Check out more about Jessica at GGGOjai.com.

Or about Khalili's work at CalEarth.org.

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with Kristen McGuinness — author, writing coach, and the fearless organizer behind the upcoming TEDx Ojai event on Sunday, February 2nd. From 10 am to 4 pm, an impressive lineup of speakers will take the stage to share thought-provoking ideas, fascinating stories, and maybe a few surprises, all with the stunning Ojai backdrop.

But this conversation is much more than just a preview of the event. Kristen shares wild tales from her time in the publishing world, including working with the infamous Judith Regan during her tabloid-dominating romance with Bernie Kerik, and Kristen's role in shaping O.J. Simpson’s controversial book, If I Did It. Along the way, we explore how these eyebrow-raising experiences informed Kristen’s career, her perspective on storytelling, and her passion for helping others find their voice.

Kristen also talks about her father's notorious career as one of America's biggest marijuana smugglers and repeat escapes from prison.

Tune in for laughs, insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at both the world of TEDx and the publishing industry’s most scandalous moments!

We did not talk about Sacramento Delta smelt runs, the Pacific Palisades on fire or the IPO of fast fashion giant Shein.

Check out more of Kristen's work at https://www.kristenmcguiness.com/

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we celebrate Wendy Barker's remarkable ten-year journey as the executive director of the Ojai Valley Museum. Wendy has revitalized this cornerstone of our community, bringing in a dynamic, younger board of directors, curating awe-inspiring exhibits, and creating events that have reinvigorated local interest and engagement.

As the current Rotary Club president, Wendy’s leadership extends beyond the museum, reflecting her commitment to making Ojai a better place for all. Join us as Wendy shares stories from her decade at the museum, her vision for the future, and how she balances her dual roles in our community.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or someone inspired by strong leadership, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in to learn more about Wendy's transformative impact on Ojai and what’s next for her and the museum.

We did not talk about Ukraine shutting off gas pipelines, cabinet picks or the ancient art of Stoic joy.

Check out more about Wendy at https://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/

After chasing drug runners on the high seas as a Coast Guard officer and reporting on climate change for GlacierHub, Peter Deneen has found his true calling in the rugged landscapes of Ojai Valley. As the new Executive Director of Keep Sespe Wild, Deneen brings his distinct blend of military precision, journalistic insight, and environmental passion to one of Southern California's most precious wilderness areas.

His path to conservation leadership reads like an adventure novel – surviving a mountain lion attack in Sisar Canyon, documenting the devastation of the Thomas Fire, and studying climate science at Columbia University. But it was a teenage bike crash that first connected him to the community he now serves, as a teenaged intern at the Ojai Valley News.

Today, Deneen channels his diverse experience into protecting the Sespe's delicate ecosystem. From helping coordinate the Save White Sage campaign to tackle overharvesting, to addressing single-use plastic pollution, he's taking on the region's most pressing environmental challenges. As co-founder of the Sisar Canyon Run Club and board member for multiple local organizations including The CREW and Ojai Raptor Center, Deneen embodies the connection between community engagement and conservation.

Join us as we explore how this Coast Guard veteran turned environmental leader is working to preserve Ojai's bioregion for future generations, one project at a time.

We did not talk about Yankee clipper ships, the unexpected environmental challenges of transitioning to an all-electric future, or the evolution of baseball from the English schoolyard game of rounders.

Learn more about Peter at PeteDeneen.world or SespeWild.org.

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with Lucy Bellwood, the adventure cartoonist behind beloved works like Demon Dialogues and Baggywrinkles. Known for her vibrant illustrations and thoughtful reflections on creativity, this Ojai-raised artist has returned after years in the Pacific Northwest, finding inspiration not only in our natural beauty but in the connections she’s built with the community.

Lucy shares details about her Boxing Day event, (Dec. 26th, Basic Premise gallery, 918 E. Ojai Avenue), a festive gathering to celebrate creativity, camaraderie, and new beginnings with chocolate-chip miso cookies. She also talks about her open studio practice, inviting locals and visitors alike to drop by her workspace for casual conversations about art, storytelling, and life’s everyday adventures.

In true Lucy Bellwood fashion, these open office hours offer more than just a glimpse into her artistic process —t hey’re a testament to her commitment to fostering connection. Whether it’s sharing a sketch, a story, or a moment of shared wonder, Lucy’s approach embodies the spirit of community that Ojai thrives on.

Tune in to hear about Lucy’s journey as an artist, what led her to Ojai, and how she’s redefining the way we connect through creativity. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of art, adventure, and the power of saying yes to life’s unexpected invitations. Don’t miss it!

Note: We did not talk about extinct eagle species in New Zealand, the invention of chromium or a review of Sean Baker's new film, "Anora."

Check out more of Lucy and her work at ... https://lucybellwood.com/

Ojai Talk of the Town welcomes Tom Morris, a titan of the classical music world, for a deep dive into his extraordinary memoir, Always the Music: How a Lifelong Passion Framed a Future for Orchestras." With decades of leadership at the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra, Tom shaped the future of two of America’s most revered symphonies. As artistic director of the Ojai Music Festival for 16 years, he brought bold programming and visionary collaborations to the forefront of contemporary music.

In Always the Music, Tom shares behind-the-scenes stories of his friendships with legends like Pierre Boulez, Arthur Fiedler, and John Williams and Michael Tilson Thomas on iconic tours, his memoir brims with insights into the artistry, genius, and grit behind world-class symphonies and public arts organizations.

Much more than a memoir, Tom's book contains insights and action plans for orchestras and arts organizations to refocus on providing transcendent experiences, to build audiences and connect communities through the transformative power of art.

Join us as Tom reflects on his transformative career, the enduring power of live performance, and the lessons he’s learned about music’s role in connecting us all. Don’t miss this candid and inspiring conversation with a master of his craft!

We did not talk about John McPhee's meditation on shad runs in the Delaware River, Josh Allen's chances of winning an MVP or the opening of the El Roblar Hotel.

Check out more about Tom at https://www.ojaifestival.org/about/leadership/thomas-w-morris-artistic-director/

Tracey Curtis-Taylor, (on the cover of the Winter OQ) is an adventurous aviator, who has retraced some of the most epic routes in flying history, from Capetown to London across the length of Africa, retracing Lady Heath's journey in 1928, and another from England to Australia, flying the same route as Amy Johnson in 1930.

She now flies a 1940 Boeing Steerman, and joins the Commemorative Air Force in Camarillo in their events.

Curtis-Taylor has created an educational program designed to get more women into flying, as the industry faces a dire pilot shortage and, with fewer than 5 percent of airline pilots as women, they need recruits.

She wrote the book, "Bird," about her epic exploits. She is now based in Ojai.

We talked about the Golden Age of Aviation, when the best engineers and pilots moved from the Wright Brothers' short hops to the first jet engines and breaking the sound barrier in 1947, an incredible period of progress and energy. She also talked about navigating the boys club of pilots, her crash landing, her upbringing between England and Canada, and much more.

We did not talk about Keep Sespe Wild, Jeremy Saulnier films, or the "Magic Art of Tidying."

You can learn more about Tracey from her website, BirdinaBiPlane.com

In this podcast episode, Eric Goode, founder of the Turtle Conservancy and an acclaimed conservationist, opens up about his latest project, Chimp Crazy. Following the success of Tiger King, which helped pass the Big Cat Safety Act, Goode aims to do the same for chimpanzees. The show shines a spotlight on Tonia Haddix, a colorful character whose chaotic attempts to shelter Tonka, a former movie-star chimp, from PETA and the actor Alan Cumming, create the heart of the four-part series.

Beyond the entertainment, Goode dives into the broader mission of wildlife conservation, emphasizing the urgent need for legislation that safeguards these intelligent, endangered creatures.

Shifting focus to Ojai’s rich natural landscape, Goode discusses the wild terrains of the Sespe Wilderness, where mountain lions prowl, bighorn sheep roam, and a grizzly bear reintroduction program stirs hope for restoring native predators. His passion for conservation extends beyond documentaries, as he advocates for the protection of habitats and the creatures within them.

Chimp Crazy is just the beginning, and Goode’s relentless drive for change continues to pave the way for critical reforms in animal welfare. He also talks about his latest project, a deep dive ten years in the making about the exotic reptile trade and the dangerous demimonde in which traffickers live.

We did not talk about the lost technology of affixing rudders to wooden sailing ships, North Korean nuclear aims, or taimen fishing in Mongolia.

Learn more about Goode and the Turtle Conservancy at https://www.turtleconservancy.org/

Cheserae Scala is a certified Death Midwife, bringing families together around a dying loved one, facilitating the transition and providing ceremonies and sacred rites, grief counseling, death-care directives, after-death care and funeral planning.

She talked about growing up in northern Michigan to an entrepreneurial family, and how her mother's terminal cancer diagnose awoke in her the desire to serve people as they deal with inevitable. She speaks about the taboos about talking frankly about death, as well as the laws which govern in-home dying and how they discourage healing and humane practices.

We talked about own experiences with death, as she shared anecdotes about some of her experiences, cultural practices around the world, and much more. We did not discuss Shinto animism, NFL referees or Space X launches.

Scale co-owns Alquimia Wellness on El Roblar in Meiners Oaks with her husband, Dr. Eric Baumgartner. Check out their website at www.alquimia.life ...

Doug Parker is a retired attorney who worked for the legendary Len Garment in a white-shoe NYC law firm. After his narrow loss to JFK in 1960, the firm gained a new partner, Richard Nixon. When Nixon regained the White House in 1968, he brought along some of his former associates, including Doug. When the Watergate scandal broke, Parker represented President Nixon in front of the "steely-eyed Judge Sirica" during one of the most tumultuous political moments in American history (until now).

We also talked about one of his most important, and fun, cases, representing the Toronto Blue Jays as one of their players tried to get out of his contract, and major league baseball, to go the NBA and play for Red Auerbach as he built the Boston Celtics into world champions. That erstwhile infielder was named Danny Ainge.

A lifelong Cubs fan, Doug is also one of the few people to span both World Series appearances, between 1948 and 2016.

He also wrote the only authorized biography of famed humorist Ogden Nash: 'The only way to keep your marriage brimming / with love in the loving cup / whenever you're wrong admit it / whenever you're right, shut up.' Or 'Oh what a tangled web parents do weave / whenever they think their kids are naive.

We talked about the parlous state of American politics, the decades of "wait'll next year!" that Cubs and Buffalo Bills fans have endured, and why Ojai is a special place. We did not talk about walleye rigs, the Humboldt current or Japanese confections.

The long-delayed AMA episode is here! Expect to learn why I do the podcast, who's listening, and from where, future plans and projects.

Mostly, I've been gathering listeners' questions and feedback and wanted to share those with the rest of our listeners.

There's a few criticisms (ouch!) which I promise to take onboard. And a criticism or two that while well-intended, weren't well informed, so thanks for the opportunity to clarify. Any failure of communication is on me.

If I didn't ask your question, apologies, a few of the voicemails got lost in the system. Please try again. I can best be reached at editor@ojaiquarterly.com or even via the old-fangled telephone at 805-798-0177.

In the meantime, please enjoy our products and support the businesses who support us.

I didn't talk about poker bluffing strategies, apple orchard pests or how to throw a knuckleball.

www.OjaiQuarterly.com

www.OjaiHub.com

And check out the past 214 episodes of the Ojai Podcast, "Talk of the Town."

The Ojai Storytelling Festival takes place October 24-27 this year with events at the Ojai Art Center and Libbey Bowl with a roster including the country's top practitioners of this ancient art form. Bil Lepp, host of the History Channel's Man v. History show, five-time winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest and author of 28 books and audio collections, joins festival director Kara Lakes for a bracing, fast-pacing discussion.

Lepp talks about his family of storytellers, his close bonds with fellow storytellers developed after years on the circuit, and why it matters. Lakes talks about what's new this year - the story slams, workshops, special events such as Naughty Tales and renowned musical acts.

We did not talk about RFK Jr.'s whale decapitation, medieval poetry forms like the sestina or the inter-generational despair of Mets fans.

For more information on this weekend's festival, check out OjaiStoryFest.org. For more on the singularly "L'd" Bil Lepp, check out his website at https://www.leppstorytelling.com/

John Mawson returns to the podcast after successfully launching his "Unsinkable" project with partner Misha Crosby. Unsinkable follows the adventures of the 16 surviving crew members of the San Demetrio, a fuel ship abandoned on a North Atlantic convoy crossing in 1940 after being attacked by a German "Wolf Pack."

After floating at sea for several days and nights, the crew was left with no choice but to execute an audacious plan: reboard the vessel, extinguish the fire, then heroically repair the ship enough to limp through rough seas and U boats into western Scotland, navigating without charts or instruments. The 11-episode series stars Brian Cox, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, John Malkovich and Nathalie Emmanuel.

Mawson worked on this project for more than a decade before bringing it to life. The Ojai resident talked about his own career at sea as a navigator, the Age of Exploration, his own dauntless probably ancestor Douglas Mawson, his future plans for this project as a TV series and what's next for him.

We did not talk about the Atlantic Overturning Meridonial Overturning Circulation, Senegalese hip hop or Dolly Parton.

For more information or to listen to the podcast, sign up for a free trial at Wondery: https://wondery.com/shows/unsinkable/

Ojai's newest performing venue will be the site of a special benefit for veterans, "Heroes Healing: Songs from the Wilderness," on November 2 from 3 to 7 pm. It's being organized by Open Circle Foundation and Heroes Healing Homestead in Homer, Alaska, to provide a wilderness therapy experience for veterans suffering from service-related PTSD.

Joining us on the podcast are Open Circle's founder Miriam Jones and Heroes Healing's Atz Kilcher. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Kilcher was the star of Discovery Channel's "Alaska: The Last Frontier," for 12 seasons. He is also the father of Jewel, the singer-songwriter who has sold 30 million albums. She got her Grammy-nominated start as a young child playing in a duo with her father, who is a well-known songwriter and yodeler in his own right.

Kilcher has several connections to Ojai. His mother spent several months here when he was a teenager, leaving him to "hold down the fort" at the family homestead in Kachemak Bay in Homer, Alaska, and he is well acquainted with the numerous contingent of Ojai residents who also homesteaded in Homer (see Mark Lewis' story "O Pioneers!" in the Fall 2019 issue of Ojai Quarterly).

The November 2nd concert will take place at the brand-new Topa Bowl in upper Ojai at the Topa Institute. Also on the bill are Andrew Wiscombe, Stephen Covell, and Kate & Secily Anderson. The event will also feature storytelling, crafts, food and more.

Operation Encore is another key organizer for this event, helping develop veterans who are musicians through performances and recording opportunities. Open Circle connects veterans and other at-need people with the wilderness for restoring purpose and a sense of community.

Kilcher and Jones talked about how this event came together through a fortuitous encounter with Jones and her co-founder in Alaska, Kilcher's Vietnam experiences, why tje wilderness is essential for mental health, what it's like to live on a rugged homestead while being filmed for more than a decade, and their various journeys that led up to this moment.

We did not talk about Aztec death whistles, mah jongg or the Japanese royal family.

For more information on this event and the organizers check out ... https://www.foundation.weareopencircle.com/ or https://www.homeralaska.org/listing/heroes-healing-homestead/2654/

Thomas R. Krause, Ph.D, is the co-founder of Behavioral Sciences Technology and a recognized expert in risk assessment and workplace culture. He's helped corporations and government agencies navigate major events, such as NASA's Columbia shuttle disaster and to prevent these tragedies from recurring.

He recently published his fifth book, "If Your Culture Could Talk," in which he takes us through the challenges facing a company's CEO after a major disaster, in which the company's culture was identified as the culprit. But what exactly is culture? What components go into it? And how can it be guided and improved? The relatable story is told through the perspective of the company's CEO, COO and HR manager.

The Culture Creature, as it is called, befitting something so amorphous, takes on an ever-shifting shape, sometimes aggressive, sometimes insulting, and eventually, as the CEO gets closer to the heart of the matter, a helpful shape and tone. If you've ever thought about how some companies consistently outperform, and others don't, it pays to look at the culture. This book is a guide for how to define it, refine it and improve it.

We talked about Tom's NASA consultation in the wake of the Columbia devastation, his background and beliefs. We did not talk about Ohtani's historic 6-for-6 offensive achievement, Newton's invention of the color wheel, or the Siberian gulags.

You can learn more about Krause and his work at https://krausebellgroup.com/leadership/thomas-krause/

The Ojai Studio Artists Tour (Oct. 12-14) kicks off this year with a reception on Friday, Oct. 11th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ojai Valley Museum. Then on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Columbus Day holiday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 63 local artists open their homes to the public. Tickets are only $20 and go to fund scholarships for aspiring young artists.

Painter Christopher Noxon and ceramicist Suze Glazebrook talk about how the organization has evolved during its 40 years of history, how it honors its founders, Bert Collins and Gayel Childress (the third founder Marta Nelson passed away recently) and their own journeys to Ojai's arts scene. Glazebrook, who also creates jewelry, grew up in New Zealand, and has lived in Ojai since 1990, while Noxon moved here in 2020 during the pandemic. Glazebrook grew up in an artistic household while Noxon, a journalist and illustrator, launched his painting career fulltime when he moved to Ojai. Both have attracted dedicated collectors.

We talked about Ojai artists and OSA manage to reconcile the solitary creation process of art with the very human need for fellowship, why the arts have been key to Ojai's identity and allure for more than a century, how many major arts movements have had an Ojai influence, and much more.

We did not talk about the "Battle of Candlestick" on Aug. 22, 1965 between the Dodgers and Giants, when Giants pitcher Juan Marichal bashed Dodgers catcher Johnny Roseboro over the head, creating a 14-minute melee, or the myriad eccentricities of Argentinean president Javier Milei, nor the recent resurgence of salmon runs in the Klamath River.

The 2022 book about Beatrice Wood and her influential relationship with Henri-Pierre Roché and Marcel Duchamp is called "Spellbound by Marcel" by Ruth Brandon.

For more information, check out OjaiStudioArtists.org.

Bart’s Books, the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, has been a beloved Ojai institution for decades. However, it wasn’t until Emma Bailey, who started selling books there as a teenager, took the helm of their event programming that Bart’s began hosting regular author conversations. Since launching the series in June 2022, Emma has organized over 30 live events, gathering writers and local experts for engaging discussions in Bart’s cozy courtyard.

Bailey’s talent for connecting authors with the community has helped Bart’s thrive as a cultural hub. From conversations about gin with author Lesley Solmonson and local distiller Brad Miller, to environmental discussions pairing Patagonia Books authors with local figures like Tom Maloney of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Bailey has created distinct experiences that resonate with locals and visitors alike.

Through her growing network of publishers and authors, Bailey continues to expand Bart’s offerings. With her keen eye for new talent and her passion for fostering literary dialogue, she plans to bring a diverse array of voices to Ojai, including upcoming talks with acclaimed writers like Maisie Dobb's author Jacqueline Winspear.

We did not talk about ikebana, wildebeest migrations or oak trees.

For more information, check out Emma's Substack, 10,000 Books, or BartsBooksOjai.com.

lona Saari, born in Bayside, Queens, and later a freelance writer in Manhattan, has always had a deep passion for food and mysteries. After moving from New York to Los Angeles to work in TV and film, she eventually found herself and her husband settling in the peaceful village of Ojai.

Now the culinary columnist for Ojai Quarterly, her love for food has become a central theme in her life and writing. This passion for storytelling, whether through recipes or suspense, is showcased in her third book, reflecting her unique blend of interests.

In addition to her culinary pursuits, Ilona has an impressive background in politics and media. She served as a consultant for Democratic National Conventions, worked as Deputy Press Secretary for the Carter-Mondale Presidential Campaign, and has written on environmental and women's issues. Her diverse experiences are also evident in her blog, My Dinners with Richard, where she writes about food, wine, travel, and more, blending her love for food with reflections on life.

We did not talk Arctic char spawns in the age of global warming, Shohei Ohtani's chances of reaching 50 hrs and 50 stolen bases this season or absinthe.

You can learn more about Ilona's books at ...

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ilona-Joy-Saari/author/B007HPZT8E?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

With Magic Hour relocating to an expanded downtown location on East Matilija Street, adjacent to Rainbow Bridge, it's a good time to repost this fan favorite from 2022:

Zhena Muzyka is an acclaimed author "Life by the Cup," a social entrepreneur, teacher, executive coach, public speaker, and former publisher of Enliven Books, a new Mind-Body-Spirit imprint from Atria/Simon and Schuster. Most recently, she is the creator & chief formulator of Magic Hour Tea & Transformation (www.ClubMagicHour.com), based here in Ojai. Magic Hour was founded in Ojai, where, Zhena describes, "the sunset and sunrise create an electric pink Magic Hour, where the light illuminates the landscape and reminds us that through nature everything is possible." Zhena began hosting tea events on the back porch at Nutmeg's Ojai House more than 25 years ago. She founded Zhena's Gypsy Teas, which she sold after it became a national sensation. Her latest venture brings all of her expertise together as an entrepreneur, author, speaker and transformational leader.  When she started her business, she was a single mother with $6 to her name and grew it into a multimillion-dollar company revolving around the idea of "fair trade," sourcing her teas from small, committed tea growers in Sri Lanka. Life by the Cup chronicled her experiences and is in development for a TV series by Mark Wahlberg’s production company, creators of HBO shows Boardwalk Empire, Entourage, Ballers, and In Treatment.  Besides the fascinating role of tea in purposeful living, we talk about living in Ojai, the changes we've seen in our decades here, the challenges of self-employment, her innovative and healthful herbal tea blends, and how life gets better when we slow down and share our time with our friends and family. We did not talk about the second Opium War, Australian rabbit-proof fences or the electoral college. You can learn more at ... zhena.tv clubmagichour.com

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two key figures from the Gables of Ojai as the beloved senior living facility celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Matteo DiGrigoli, the Gables’ executive director, and David Brown, CEO of Somera Capital Management, joined me to reflect on the institution's rich history and its future. The Gables has long been an integral part of Ojai, originally founded in 1954 by the inspiring leadership of Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who shortly after in 1957 founded the American Association of Retired Persons. The membership grew quickly from zero to 400,000 in 1962 before moving to Long Beach, then Washington, D.C.

and now under Somera’s guidance since 1999. This milestone year is the perfect moment to take stock of how far the Gables has come and the profound impact it continues to have on the community.

David Brown shared fascinating insights into the pivotal moment when Somera Capital acquired the Gables from the AARP in 1999. He discussed the vision behind the transition and how the facility has evolved over the past two decades to meet the changing needs of Ojai's senior population. Matteo DiGrigoli brought a unique perspective, having taken the reins as executive director during the pandemic. He shared the challenges and triumphs of navigating such an unprecedented time, underscoring the resilience of the residents, staff, and families who trusted the Gables as a safe haven.

As we look ahead to the anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 28th, both executives emphasized the importance of community connection and innovation in senior care. From their stewardship during trying times to their forward-looking vision, it’s clear that the Gables remains a pillar of Ojai life, continuing to honor its past while shaping a bright future for its residents.

We talked about the Zoot Suit Riots, culinary artistry and the formidable, six-foot-tall red-headed firebrand that was Dr. Andrus. We did not talk about Rene Redzipi's show "Omnivore," Ojai's pixie tangerine harvest or Tuvan throat singing.

Check out more information about the Gables in the Fall OQ out now, or online at GablesofOjai.com.

Dr. Vander was well on his way to a career in as a medical doctor, when a random encounter with a series of physiology experiments about kidneys intrigued him, and led him into a half century of scientific studies and authoring books at the University of Michigan.

He became a leading expert on kidney function and much more, literally writing the textbook. He is still keeping up-to-date with the latest findings in his well-earned Ojai retirement, where he's been for more than a decade with his wife Judy, an esteemed expert and musicologist in her own right. We talked about recent research that shows activity in patients with no brain activity, the enormous growth and elasticity of snake stomach and hearts and its implications for cardiovascular disease, social science and the replication crisis in experiments and much more.

We did not talk about baseball, the Laurentian Shield and Shoshone dances. You can learn more about Dr. Vander through his extensive publications on Amazon.

David Odorisio, an Ojai resident and Pacifica Graduate Institute professor, recently compiled a collection of essays from Thomas Merton, the mystic, monk, philosopher and author, titled, "Merton in California: The Redwood Conferences & Letters." He was featured by Kit Stolz in the Summer issue of Ojai Quarterly.

Odorisio talked about his lifelong fascination with Merton, the Trappist monk who burst into fame with his book, "The Seven Storey Mountain," written while he was a monk at Gethsemani Monastery near Bardstown, Kentucky. Odorisio has had quite a journey himself, from growing up in Philadelphia, to seminary school to teaching at Pacifica, a leading center for the the study of depth psychology and mythology.

We talked about why Merton has remained so relevant to the modern age, his struggles with this faith, his untimely death not longer after his California sojourn, and his political activism.

We did not talk about Netflix quarterly earnings, the Great Fire of London in 1666 or wild mushroom foraging in Ojai.

You can check out Odorisio's work and other titles at https://www.ahomeforsoul.com/

Rainer F. Buschmann is a professor of history at California State University, Channel Islands, and has just published "Hoarding New Guinea," about the German obsession for collecting through their Pacific imperialist years in 1880s to World War I.

We talked about the European and U.S. desires for overseas empires, and the subsequent carving up large swathes of the globe. The Germans helped themselves to Namibia, Togo, Cameroon, Ghana, Burundi, Rwanda in Africa as well as large portions of New Guinea and the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. From the beginning, the Germans amassed huge amounts of artifacts and art from these territories for their museums, as well as from and through private traders. The reckoning for these appropriations continues to this day.

We also talked about the great Polynesian navigators, Buschmann's own journey on a traditional sailing vessel, his youth in Barcelona and elsewhere in Catalonia, coming to America and life in Ojai.

We did not talk about Ohtani's progress on returning to the mound for the Dodgers, Olympic water ballet or copper production in southeast Arizona.

He has also written "Iberian Visions of the Pacific Ocean," and "Anthropology's Global Histories." You can find out more about him at https://ciapps.csuci.edu/FacultyBios/FacultyBiography/Details/613

Executive Director Jeremy Cohen returns to the podcast to talk about this year's Ojai Playwrights Conference, in which 8 playwrights are selected from among hundreds of submissions to develop their work with a dedicated crew of dramaturgs, theater directors, actors and fellow writers in an intensive two-week workshop, which culminates in a weekend of live public readings (August 1 - 4).

This year five new playwrights - Christine Pumariega, Libby Carr, Lee Cataluna, Alex Lin and Mfoniso Udofia - join three artists in residence: Jacklyn Backhaus, Steve Yockey and Ojai veteran Stephen Aidly Guirgis. The Ojai Youth Theater Workshop is another important opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in theater for those two weeks.

Cohen talks about the relevance and critical mission of the theater during uncertain times, how our empathy is developed on stage, and creating during the isolation of the pandemic. We also talked about how Ojai has assumed a central role in new play development with its open hospitality and dozens of volunteers, the importance of diversity in expanding our humanity and what's next for this renowned festival as it nears its third decade.

Cohen also discussed making the move from Minneapolis, where he was the producing artistic director at the Playwrights Center, to Los Angeles, and how we came to find himself working with writers, actors and producers.

We did not talk about Thomas Merton's final trip to Asia, casual vacancy elections in England or the scamsmanship that surrounds Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies.

For more information, check out OjaiPlays.org.

Alexander "Sandy" Treadwell found Ojai when his wife Libby took out a compass and drew a circle around a map, looking for a new home within 90 miles of Los Angeles, close enough for their LA grandchildren, rural for their farm animals, and with a thriving arts community.

Treadwell's varied career included covering college football at Sports Illustrated, state GOP Chair in New York, and 10 years as New York's Secretary of State, working for the three-term Republican governor George Pataki. He is now an acclaimed pen-and-ink portraitist and member of the Ojai Studio Artists.

We talked about how the modern iteration of the Republican Party has lost its bearings in the age of Donald Trump, why Ojai's allure is so strong, the political process of running campaigns, including his own quixotic bid for congress against now-U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand, and sports.

We did not talk about emerald ash borer beetles killing off the wood baseball bat industry, the wildfire mosaic of the chaparral or Dolly Varden fisheries in British Columbia.

Learn more about Treadwell at SandyTreadwell.com or OjaiStudioArtists.org

Author Ivor Davis has written seven books, "The Devil in my Friend" is the latest, co-written with his late wife, Sally. It's a stirring account of his neighbor in Malibu in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Fred Roehler, who worked as a diver and engineer for the U.S. Navy.

When Roehler survived a boating accident that claimed the life of his wife, Verna, and step-son, Doug, people became suspicious, especially when it was learned that Roehler's first wife had died by drowning in their backyard pool. The murders literally hit home for Davis, they lived in the same neighborhood and Davis coached Doug's soccer team, and Fred was his assistant coach.

Davis follows the investigation and trial through every gripping twist and turn, diving deep into the complexities of human nature, of how psychopaths fool us despite their cold-blooded nature. Davis and his wife investigated Roehler's childhood in Indiana, where they discovered the family roots of his sociopathy.

His other books include his first-person account of being embedded with The Beatles on their triumphant tour of America in 1964, with a recent 60th anniversary edition expanded with more photos and a Q&A section. He also wrote extensively about Charles Manson, and his eyewitness account covering the notorious cult leader and murderer.

We talk about Ivor's love of Ojai and its arts community, his fascinating career covering America for the London Daily Express, Times of London, New York Times Syndicate and Los Angeles Magazine. He has also written a children's book, "Ladies and Gentlemen ... the Penguins!"

We did not talk about Ulysses Grant's second term, the Gunpowder Plot or the rise of Sabrina Carpenter.

You can check out Davis' books at IvorDavisBooks.com or through his media contact, Kathleen Kaiser, at Kathleen@kathleenkaiser.com.

With Mesa Farms opening to its first residents this month, it's a good time to re-post our interview with Dan Parziale from 2022.

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Dan Parziale and co-founder Kyle Thompson came together early in the pandemic around the idea that young adults aging out of the foster care system are basically thrown out on their own with few resources or information. No wonder so many end up homeless, perpetuating the cycles of poverty and trauma.

Dan, a veteran nonprofit leader, and Kyle, a veteran entrepreneur (co-founder Topa Topa Brewing Co.) bring their special skills and talents to this transitional housing enterprise. They purchased a 10-acre regenerative farm on the East End, brought in tiny homes, and are ready for their first clients. The idea is to take a holistic approach to the differing needs of each of the youth they host, help them build strong relationships with each and within the community, and to use the hard work of regenerative farming as therapy, binding them closer with nature and teaching them useful life skills.

The youth come from referrals from social service agencies around Ventura County, and is open to those in need between the ages of 18 and 24. Each client will have their own room, and an individualized plan that includes work training, wellness, therapy and education.

The needs are stark. Between 2020 and 2022 homelessness in Ventura County rose more than 25 percent, many of those kids from the foster care system who are ill prepared for the outside world. We also talked about social service agencies, Dan's experiences growing up in Ojai, his education and raising his own children. We did not talk about the pitchers using spitballs, lost technologies in shipbuilding or the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

For more information check out www.mesafarm.org

Ojai author and playwright Robin Gerber recently returned from New York City where her play about Katherine Graham's tumultuous and consequential life was performed by the inimitable Sharon Lawrence. Afterwards, Robin hosted a panel discussion about domestic violence with Gloria Steinem.

It's been quite a journey for Gerber, whose one-woman work about Graham was developed at the Ojai Playwrights Conference in 2017. It's been performed several times since with Lawrence on stage and Michelle Joyner directing.

Graham's husband Phil, publisher of the Washington Post, was a confidante and close personal friends to JFK and other men of power. He was also abusive toward Katherine; he was mentally ill and ended his life with a shotgun blast.

Graham, despite efforts by Washington Post board members to sideline her, went on to become a formidable publisher herself, publishing the Pentagon Papers and Watergate investigations. The deeply personal play bears witness to the tortured inner life of this remarkable woman, who went from abused spouse to become one the leading lights of the 20th century.

We talked about Robin's biography of Ruth Handler, the inventor of Barbie, her inspiring book on Eleanor Roosevelt's leadership wisdom, and her next project, about caretaking her husband through his Parkinson's experience. We also talked our shared experience with Cary Odes' standup comedy class.

We did not talk about Amazonian bio-char, Adelaide penguins or ancient flint-knapping technologies.

You can check out more about Robin and her impressive body of work at her publishers' - HarperCollins.com and on Facebook. Robin is a professional public speaker and her website is RobinGerber.com.