Hello Sonoma!
By Francisco
Hello Sonoma!Jul 07, 2021
Representing your Community with Rebecca Hermosillo.
Rebecca Hermosillo takes community seriously. As the ED of the Teen Center, she took it upon herself to make dinner every night with the teens as a way to make them feel part of something bigger. Growing up on a farm in Sonoma, she saw how her big family brought people together for tamales, and understood what it meant to have Mexican heritage. And now, as a representative for Congressman Mike Thompson, she sees what representation in the national American community looks like.
In this episode, we talk about Rebecca's role as a local mentor and the people she looks up to, we discuss what Sonomans can expect from their federal representatives, and we learn about how to see the world around you as full of potential friends.
To learn more about Rebecca, you can visit: https://www.votehermosillo.com/
To listen to more episodes or learn about Hello Sonoma, please go to hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Behind the Scenes of Congress with Congressman Mike Thompson
What is Washington D.C. like as a Congressman? How does a member of Congress balance living in Washington and their district? What should community members know about the type of partnerships necessary for an idea to become a law? How do members of Congress spend their free (if they have any) time?
Having served our community for over 25 years, Congressman Mike Thompson is an excellent candidate to answer these questions and more. In this episode, we talk about the ins and outs of congressional life, as well as Mr. Thompson's own journey including his time in Vietnam and visits back to the country, the importance of partnership in national leadership, and his love of cycling in our district.
While we don't talk too much about the Congressman's voting record, you can learn all about his political history by visiting:
https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page
https://justfacts.votesmart.org/
https://www.c-span.org/person/?57872/MikeThompson
If you want to learn more about the Congressman, you can visit https://mikethompson.house.gov/
To listen to more episodes and learn more about Hello Sonoma, please go to HelloSonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Marriage and Moving with Rev. Peadar Dalton
Rev. Dalton brings people together. Literally. He has conducted hundreds of marriages over the course of his life as a catholic priest, and even now as a reverend at St. Leo's and through his own private business. He attended seminary in Ireland, following a path he felt called to, and for 18 years, Rev. Dalton spoke from the pulpit at a Catholic Church in Mobile, Alabama. Eventually, he realized *he* wanted to get married, and with permission from the local Archbishop, set off on his own journey to find a partner. Peadar and Margarita have been married now for 23 years.
In this episode we talk about that path, about what called Rev. Dalton to the cloth, about his time in Alabama, and the things learned from his congregation and from teaching religion in schools.
This online exclusive includes extra moments about his time in Alabama, his relationship to Ireland, and questions asks when talking with a couple who's engaged.
To learn more about Rev. Dalton and Margarita's business, visit: http://yourceremonymatters.com
To hear more episodes or to learn more about Hello Sonoma, please go to Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Teaching and Learning with Morgan Momsen
At first, Morgan Momsen didn't want to follow in the family footsteps. Both her mother and her grandmother are local teachers, so Morgan chose to blaze her own trail in the photography world. But when the idea of teaching came knocking again, she went for it, and has since found an incredible talent. Plus, her photography background and artistic sensibilities have made her an asset to the culture and fine arts commission, where she tries to bring more art not only to her kids but to the community as a whole.
In this episode we talk more about her journey into teaching, her reflections on her own learning experience, and how photography, art and teaching all fit together.
If you want to:
Listen to more Sade, you can go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzgC6jSwWhc
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, please visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Love & Food with Dan Kahn
Over the past three years, Dan Kahn has helped serve over 150,000 free meals to the most vulnerable in our community. His work as the food program manager for Sonoma Overnight Support shaped the vision, and his role as head chef shaped the menu. But above either of these, his attitude as a friend, a father, and a Sonoman, shaped the way people feel when they receive a hot, nutritious meal from one his kitchen.
In this episode, we talk about how Dan came to this role and his philosophy as head of one of Sonoma's busiest kitchens. We talk about his time living at SOS's then shelter, his struggles as a young adult, and his challenges with homelessness. We also discuss his hopes for the future, his positive effect on volunteers, and the incredible contribution he's made to make this community a little bit better for everyone who lives here.
If you want to:
Learn more about Sonoma Overnight Support, visit sonomaovernightsupport.org
To learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Education & Impact with Gina Cuclis
Gina Cuclis' journey as an administrator was as winding as the rivers she once defended and rafted down. Though parenthood brought education to the fore of her attention, her own teachers, parents and classmates shaped the way she sees the field of education from a public administration level and her desire to leave an important impact.
In this episode we talk about her experience as President of the California County Boards of Education, her perspectives on school districts throughout the state, and her desire to make things better for the next generation. We discuss her own educational path, her early days defending the Stanislau river, and some tips from her time leading her own PR firm.
If you want to:
Learn more about the California County Board of Education, go to: http://theccbe.org/
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
BONUS episode: 4th of July in Sonoma!
Sonoma's 4th of July parade is one of our town's gems. Of course there are the trucks, the tractors, the floats, but then there are the thousands of locals who line the streets to clap, cheer, and sometimes get sprayed by the firefighters.
This bonus episode takes a peek behind the curtain at some of the people behind making this event possible, including interviews with 14 of the parade entries and one of the organizers. I hope you enjoy.
If you want to:
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
The Man of Many Hats, George Webber
George Webber is a dedicated Sonoma Historian. He has spent the last 20 years bringing our history to life through animated portrayals of Sonoma icons like General Vallejo and Agostin Haraszthy, and the inimitable Mark Twain. Though it's George doing the talking, he completely embodies these characters, not shying away from the nuances that made them less than ideal personalities. It's that dedication to finding the truth that gives us a better appreciation for each one's historical significance.
Alongside that passion for true storytelling, he has created and written a long-time radio melodrama, Radio Theatre of the Wild West which features characters like Wild West Willie and Old Cougar Face – a far cry from his previous career as an options trader.
In this episode, we talk about the genesis of his now famous Sonoma Historical Walking Tours, the inspirations for his radio program, his other wonderful characters like Luigi the Italian Chef and Professor Vine, his upbringing in Des Moines and wine expertise, as well as some of the lessons he has learned along the way.
If you want to:
Learn more about George Webber, visit Georgewebber.com
To listen to more episodes, check out Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Learning and Guiding with Meg Beeler
Meg Beeler's journey as a teacher taught her how to learn. How to listen to her students as much as they listened to her. So when, many decades later, she met a new teacher, she was ready to listen in a new way. What followed was an unexpected journey to reconnect with nature through traditional indigenous practices in the Andes. She studied with the Q'ero people, and has since continued learning and begun teaching some of their perspectives on the natural world and the energy coursing all around us. In this episode we talk about what shamanism is, what it means to be a shamanic guide, and the ways in which we are already connecting with animals, plants, and mountains in our neighborhood.
If you want to:
Learn more about Meg at her website: https://megbeeler.com/about-meg-beeler
Listen to more Hello Sonoma episodes at Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
BONUS - New Adobe Drugs Store Opening
Hello Sonoma!
This is a bonus episode – a break from regular programming – and an on-the-ground reporting of Adobe Drugs' new opening in June of 2023.
This 10 minute segment originally aired on the Thursday morning show at KSVY, but I thought you all might enjoy hearing it as well as a tribute to the incredible accomplishment of re-opening the shuttered pharmacy as an independent drugstore.
Seeing Sonoma Through Art with Pat Meier-Johnson
As a painter and a photographer, Pat Meier-Johnson sees Sonoma through a unique lens. Her artwork conveys an understanding of her surroundings beyond day-to-day observations, capturing everything from road-side barns on sunny afternoons to golden hills with grazing cows. As Sonoma's 2022 Treasure Artist, she's used her talents to involve the community in her work and to encourage us to be as inspired as she is by our valley, connecting people to what makes Sonoma what she calls her "greatest inspiration." In this episode we talk about the sources of her inspiration, her many Sonoma involvements, as well as her travels and her life in PR before the Sonoma art world.
If you want to:
Learn more about Pat Meier-Johnson and her work, go to: https://www.patmeierjohnson.com/about
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Stories and the Land with Arthur Dawson
Arthur Dawson is as much detective as he is an historian, as much a naturalist as he is a storyteller. His life and work has given him a deep knowledge and appreciation for our local land, the people who currently care for it, and their ancestors have been doing so for millennia. As a historical ecologist, he uses science to better understand everything from water drainages to fire patterns. As an oral historian, he takes time to listen to the stories of people who have lived here long before he moved many years ago. And as an author and poet, he has captured the feelings associated with these histories both past and present. Having lived through (and lost his house to) the 2017 fires, his connection to nature is personal and meaningful, and yet he aims to continue connecting people to the natural world all around us.
In this episode, we talk about the indigenous concept of fire as a member of our community, some of the history of Sonoma Valley, the beauty and majesty of Sonoma Mountain, even Arthur's travels around the world before he settled in Sonoma and his journey through it all.
If you want to:
Read more about Arthur Dawson, visit https://baselineconsult.com/
Learn more about Sonoma Mountain and to purchase the book visit https://sonomamountain.org/
Listen to more Hello Sonoma episodes, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Navigating The River of Life with Roy Tennant
Roy Tennant has written many exciting chapters in his life book. As a renown librarian educator, a white water river raft guide, and a pioneer in the early internet age, he has been able to teach and learn both indoors and outside. He is just as familiar with the south rim of the Grand Canyon as he is with the digital library systems at UC Berkeley and the California Digital Library. In this episode, we talk about Roy's connection to Sonoma as a steward of the Sonoma Overlook Trail and its parallels to his deep knowledge appreciation for the Grand Canyon, his journey in library sciences, the impact of his teaching and the legacy of his teachers.
If you want to:
Learn more about Roy Tennant and his many projects and passions, check out roytennant.com
Read more about the Sonoma Overlook Trail and the Thistle Pirates, go to https://overlookmontini.org/
To learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Finding Your Way On Broadway and Beyond with Eric Jackson
Long before his Broadway debut, Eric Jackson was drawn to the theater. Whether it was the grandeur of the stage, or the songs of Sondheim, Eric knew that was where he was meant to be. After playing on broadway and on tours across the country, he has since moved backstage, helping weave connections between the stage and the community. In this episode, we talk about Eric's journey to find his dream, his thoughts once he got there, and the many ups and downs behind the curtain that brought him to where he is today.
If you want to:
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Journey through Technology and Accessibility with Daniel Sonnenfeld
Daniel Sonnenfeld connects people through his values.
By believing in integrity, transparency, and getting things done, he brings together the deaf & hearing communities, the LGBTQ+ & straight communities, and the tech & luddite communities, with a kindness that everyone remembers and an emphasis on having fun.
His journey through technology has emphasized this ability, leading engineering projects at Apple, and accessibility at Oracle and Salesforce to ensure the products so many of us take for granted are usable for people with various needs. He's opened doors for people at every stage, blazing the trail for those who follow in his footsteps.
In this episode we talk about Daniel's work to make digital tools more accessible, his upbringing on three continents, his linguistic abilities, and how he caught the computer bug (not the kind that needs fixing).
If you want to:
View the full transcript of this interview, visit https://www.hellosonoma.org/daniel-sonnenfeld
Learn more about the AIDS life cycle at: https://www.aidslifecycle.org/
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, go to Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Extremely Kate Bruno
Kate Bruno is extreme. Whether it is behind the counter at her family's local restaurant, or behind the drums of her punk rock band, Kate takes her craft to the extreme, doing everything possible to ensure customers are well fed and happy, and shredding the cymbals to give her fans have something to jump around to. But even when she was catching waves teaching surfing in Mexico or skating down Sonoma's biggest hills, Kate is most extremely herself. She brings her delightful positive attitude to everything she does, helping others feel comfortable, happy, and heard. On her radio show, It's All About You, she talks to people from all over Sonoma as they share music that highlights aspects of their lives. In this episode, we got to turn the tables and talk a little bit about Kate and her many adventures, stories, and lessons.
If you want to:
Learn more about Kate's show, tune in Thursdays at 10am to 91.3FM or go to ksvy.org/category/its-all-about-you/
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Youth Entrepreneurship & Podcasting with Rajae Sahouri
Rajae Sahouri (رجائي ساحوري) is a young entrepreneur who strives to bring the best to his audience. His podcast, The Straight Up Start Up, interviews guests from all over the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, acting as a repository of knowledge for those looking to get started in business. Though he started the program just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut us all in our homes and he broadcasts from Amman, Jordan, his connections now spread far and wide. In this episode we talk about his motivations for starting the program, lessons from his many guests, his aspirations for where it can go, and the many blends that exist in his life between English and Arabic, Jordan and Beyond, even Christianity and Islam.
If you want to:
Learn more about The Straight Up Startup at: https://thestraightupstartup.buzzsprout.com/
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Kathy Witkowicki, Someone to Look Up To
Kathy Witkowicki is someone to look up to. When she founded the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, she couldn't have imagined the depth of the organization's impact. What she helped create has set the tone for what is possible in her community and beyond, not only influencing hundreds of young people in Sonoma, but acting as a model for mentoring organizations around the country. In this episode, we talk about Kathy's early mentors, her community philosophy, and her current project of bring incredible speakers to our valley. In everything she's done she's put the focus on people – helping them reach their true potential. We can learn a great deal from her story.
If you want to:
Read more about The Sonoma Speaker Series: https://www.sonomaspeakerseries.com/
Discover the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance: https://sonomamentoring.org/
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend! "
Collage, Colors and Community History with Mike Acker
Mike Acker's collages create stunning and surprising new perspectives on the world around us. In a society that so often values far-off travels and worldly issues, Mike's art draws us in to our own backyards, fostering wonder for our communities and local environments. Beyond physical sculptures, murals, and paintings, Mike's media include databases and museum curations to tell the often unknown stories of Sonoma's History, sparking curiosity and interest in what may be everyday, but he argues is not mundane at all. In this episode, we talk about why it is so important to pay attention, how art can give value to new perspectives, and how we are all a part of history.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Mike Acker's Springs Museum project, visit: https://springsmuseum.org/
For more info about his studio art in general go to: www.mca-studios.com
To view his project highlighting the buildings along hwy 12 in his Main Stem Project, see: https://www.valleyofthemoonmainstemproject.org/
And finally, to follow Mike on social media, search for: @ackermichael6
To learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Protocol and Possibilities with Sherri Ferris
Sherri Ferris connects cities, companies, nations, and people . She develops platforms for all kinds of connections that help facilitate friendships, business relationships, and ultimately peace. In her role as protocol professional, she has acted as the City of San Francisco's Deputy Chief of Protocol, welcoming members of the world's royal families, heads of diplomatic missions, and more; she was the lead VIP Hostess at Disneyland, helping magic happen for many famous guests; and in Sonoma she has helped bolster our connections to Sister Cities and nations around the world.
In this episode, we discuss what protocol is, what it means, and who it can benefit. We also talk about Sherri's own incredible travel experiences, and the ways in which we can build long lasting relationships if we incentivize and prioritize civility. It is a fascinating dive into a world of relationships few have a chance to see.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Sherri's business and background, visit protocolprofessionals.com
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Leaps of Faith and Community Bouquets with Molly Spencer
Molly Spencer made a career out of creating flower arrangements; organizing nature's beauty into organic attractive compositions. Since then she's been a dance teacher, a mother, and a friend to so many – but through her role as engagement director at the Sonoma Community Center, she goes back to her florist roots, pulling pieces of Sonoma's people, history and art into bouquets for the community to enjoy. Having grown up in the valley, her town knowledge is incomparable – going back to the days when Green Day and Primus played in Andrew's Hall (tickets were $5).
In this episode we talk about her love of dancing which brought her to New York then back to Sonoma, her adventures in Europe as a young solo traveler, and her seemingly boundless courage and optimism she shows to everyone she meets. Miss Molly is a star!
If you want to:
Learn more about the Sonoma Community Center and Molly's role in it, visit: sonomacommunitycenter.org
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Connections to Sonoma and Beyond with Elliott Burdin
Elliott Burdin is a connecter. Whether it be through the stories he tells with his videography, the people he's met both in town and on his travels, or his cultural connections to Paris and Sonoma, Elliott helps connect people to new ideas, friends, and opportunities. His postive early experiences coming to Sonoma as a child made him want to try living here as an adult, and though he moved at the height of the pandemic and during 2020's fire season, he's leaped into connecting to the community in various ways. In this episode, we talk about his dual identities as a French person and an American, his travels in Russia, and his love of Settler's of Catan, as well as his connections to the air and his aspirations and mentors in the world of real estate.
If you want to:
Check out Elliott's Compass page: www.compass.com/agents/elliott-burdin/
See Elliott's media company: 2L2T media at www.2l2tmedia.com
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Styling Your Life with Amy Chernikova
Growing up in rural Montana, Amy's dream was to move to glamorous city life in California. Little did she know the twisting path she would take to get here. In this episode we talk about the challenges of being a young person in a small town, the confidence required for effective costume design and styling, and the relationships we build with the places we escape from.
TW: Suicide
If you live in California and are struggling with your mental health or are contemplating suicide dial 988
Click here to learn more.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
A Love for Fun and Olives with Don Landis the Olive Guy
Don Landis the Olive Guy is doing all this just for fun. For the past 40 years he has dived deep into a passion for olives, learning all their varieties, experimenting with both ancient and modern ways to make them edible at least 4 different ways, and all while educating people about it. While he doesn't sell his products (he tried it, but it just wasn't enough fun), his knowledge and contagious curiosity is worth far more than any mediterranean appetizer. In this episode we take a tour of his Olive Oasis while learning about the process of preparing olives, we hear about his background as a soccer player and refrigeration expert, and we get advice on how to pursue our own passions with dedication and a love for fun.
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To learn more about Don the Olive Guy visit www.donsolives.com
To learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Serving Your Community with Karina Garcia
Karina Garcia strives to represent her community in various ways. First as a Television executive for TV Azteca, she traveled the Bay Area finding and highlighting local stories. Now as the community liaison for Sonoma County's district supervisor and as a part of the Springs Municipal Advisory Council, she is the eyes and ears of Sonoma County and, much like KSVY, the voice of Sonoma Valley in our government offices. In this conversation we discuss much more than her official roles, but the ways in which she continues to learn from the people around her, about her passion for travel, and about the countless ways we can inspire and be inspired by getting involved in our own communities.
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Get in touch with Karina and send her a message at Karina.garcia@sonoma-county.org
Learn more about Sonoma County at sonomacounty.ca.gov
Get involved with the Springs MAC sonomacounty.ca.gov/springs-mac
Learn more about Hello Sonoma by visiting Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Highlights from 2022
What a year!
✅ - 43 episodes
✅ - 70 interviews
✅ - 8 Countries and 3 Sister Cities
In this episode, we relive some of those moments with my incredible guests from Sonoma and beyond, with highlights from 23 episodes and music, as always, by @SharingSkies.
I hope each guest's story will inspire you as much as they inspired me, and that these moments can give you optimism and hope for an excellent 2023.
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In order of appearance, featured guests include:
Alicia Morga :54
Jean-Charles Boisset 2:19
Kristen Anacker 4:32
Gary Saperstein 6:46
Charlotte Hajer 8:54
Sofia Jeremias 10:59
Squire Fridell 13:08
Erin Hill-Freschi 14:59
Jessica Fudim 16:00
Elise Gonzalez-Sahota 18:59
Lee Armstrong 21:51
Lynne Lancaster 22:41
Scott "Woody" Woodworth 29:44
Brenda / Flight Attendant 31:18
Otilia Mayer 34:27
Kathryn Arohnson 34:52
Kaeti Bailie 36:23
Nancy Dome 38:02
Maite Iturri 38:46
Dean Biersch 40:04
Sherri Mignano 42:56
Martín Gobbée 44:19
Bruno Freijanes 45:49
Alan Early 48:23
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Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
To learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
To hear more Sharing Skies visit bandcamp.com
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Beer, Community and Opportunity with Dean Biersch
Dean Biersch has a passion for creating environments that bring people together to enjoy themselves. First as co-founder of Gordon-Biersch, now as head of Sonoma and Marin County's Hopmonk Taverns, Dean has tapped into the spirit of beer to create fun, relaxing, and unpretentious communities. He used his experience in the restaurant industry to create top-notch food matched with carefully crafted beer and helped set off the craft-beer phenomenon all across the United States. Plus, he and his partner Dan Gordon created the Garlic Fries that now grace ball games in almost every state. In this episode, we talk about Dean's interest in design, his journey of entrepreneurship, and how being open to opportunities can take you to unexpected heights.
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Learn more about Hopmonk Taverns by visiting: hopmonk.com
&
Discover more about Hello Sonoma at Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Saying "Yes and" from New York to Sonoma, with Martín Gobbée
Martín Gobbée's restaurant experience has taught him that a good venue breeds community. At his new post as Taub Family Outpost's general manager, he is using all his skills from New York City's restaurant industry, Chicago's improv scene, and his acting acumen to create a new community space on the plaza. From World Cup matches to behind the scenes magic, Martín has brought the best of his experiences to Sonoma Valley. In this episode we talk about the influence his Argentinian parents and family had on him growing up, the unparalleled training he had at Mario Batali's restaurants, and his first dream to become an actor in both Chicago and New York – we even talk about the incredible "just-by-chance" moments that led him to meet his lovely wife, and the ultimate improv evening that brought him to Sonoma!
Learn more about the Taub Family Outpost ("The Outpost") by visiting taubfamilyoutpost.com
Go to Hellosonoma.org to find out more about the Sonoma Community's radio show.
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Bridging Communities with Gerardo Diaz
Gerardo Diaz is a bridge-builder. As the bi-lingual engagement coordinator for the Sonoma Community Center, he aims to bring Sonoma's community closer together through valley-wide outreach. Known for his generosity and kindness, he has had a circuitous journey to this role that seems meant for him. Through uber driving, landscaping or even working at an egg factory, Gerardo developed the skills necessary to connect with people, observe the outside world, and to create beautiful work places for all those around him. In this episode, we talk not only about Gerardo's abilities, but his passion for fly-fishing, his Mexican roots, and the vision he has for Sonoma – all while enjoying the 2022 World Cup.
If you want to:
Learn more about the Sonoma Community Center, please visit sonomacommunitycenter.org
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, please visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Revisiting Sonoma 13 years later with Bruno Freijanes
Bruno Freijanes is now a civil engineer, strategic planning strategist, and world traveller. But in 2009, he was a Brazilian exchange student at Sonoma Valley High school. He came back in 2022 to visit our town with new experiences having lived in Australia, and traveled throughout Europe and Asia. I sat down to talk with him for a live interview in our KSVY studio. In this episode we talk about the beauty of travel, the differences between big cities like Rio de Janeiro and communities like Sonoma, and the challenges of finding yourself, all while celebrating the magic of our small town.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Compassionate Conversations with Dr. Nancy Dome
Dr. Nancy Dome leads with compassion, whether as CEO and co-founder of Epoch Eduction, or as a longtime educator, she strives to see beyond what people present to reveal who they are. Throughout her own journey first in non-profits and public education, then into the private sector with her company, she has endeavored to "transform how we talk about differences," bridging knowledge gaps, and encouraging engaging in tough conversations. Her book, "Let's Talk About Race," not only offers stories about how differences can affect us, but also protocols and suggestions for how to acknowledge and mend gaps between us. In this episode, we discuss Nancy's experiences as an educator, a professional athlete, and a leader, and her own journey in Sonoma and Montana.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Dr. Nancy Dome, visit: drnancydome.com
For more information about Epoch Education, visit: epocheducation.com
To buy "Let's Talk About Race, And Other Hard Things" visit: drnancydome.com/the-book-2/
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Hello Sonoma! Trailer
Your neighbors, your colleagues, your parents, your friends. They all have a story worth telling. I believe it’s worth hearing them, being inspired by them, and learning from them.
Though this journey starts locally with those around you, with empathy and curiosity, the sky’s the limit.
On this program I interview guests from Sonoma and beyond, to highlight how much we can learn from neighbors, colleagues, strangers, and friends if we ask the right questions and take the time to listen.
Community Leadership and Education with Maite Iturri
Maite Iturri is a community leader. What started out as an serendipitous turn into the education field, has since become a stage for leading communities through tough times and seeing far into the future. As a teacher, Maite led with love, always seeing her students not only for the kids they were, but for the people they could be. As principal of El Verano School, Maite ensured the community was involved in the campus whether through after-school activities or public events and classes. She encouraged teachers to do their best and worked to remove barriers to their success. Since then, she has taken on a systems level view, not only in the educational field, but as a co-founder of Food for All (Comida para Todos) which has provided thousands of delivered groceries to families throughout the valley. In this episode we talk about some of Maite's motivations, the ways in which education has shaped her life, and the people who have helped make her who she is.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
A Lifetime of Music from England to Africa, and California with Alan Early
Alan Early is a musician, a computer scientist, and a world traveler. His journey has taken him throughout Europe, South Africa, and eventually into the early years of Silicon Valley where he was a programmer – a far cry from his first early years playing in post-WWII bomb-craters in London. In this episode we talk about his musical experiences, his travels, and the unexpected twists and turns that have made up his storied career.
If you want to:
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Learn more about Alan Early at saxjazz.com
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Italian-American History, Accordion, and Tradition in the San Francisco Bay with Sheri Mignano
Sheri Mignano is an historian, an accordionist, and a keeper of tradition. She has delved into the annals of Italian-American history in the Bay Area and beyond to uncover the connections between the accordion and the mandolin, the stories of countless immigrants who shared their spark, and the power of music in building communities. In this episode, we talk about Sheri's own contributions to these communities whether it be as a leader in the Cotati Accordion Festival, or transcribing old music for new audiences. She shares her thoughts on just how pivotal a music experience can be for young people, and offers the accordion as an exciting possibility.
To learn more about Sheri, visit zighibaci.com/
To learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit hellosonoma.org
If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!
Thank you, as always, for listening.
Valley of the Moon Vintage Fest - Interviewing the Artisans
In this episode, I wandered the paths of Sonoma's historic plaza to interview several of the artisans that help make the Valley of the Moon Vintage Fest so special. I speak with jewelers, woodworkers, photographers and more about their art and why they do what they do.
Later on, I made a stop at the Glen Ellen Valley Fair and spoke with Arthur Dawson, a local historian, about Sonoma Mountain and Glen Ellen's History.
This week's guests include:
Arthur Dawson from Sonoma Mountain Preservation (1:02)
Doreen from West Coast Vibez (4:14)
Jessica Jo from Jessica Jo Designs (26:22)
Kristen Cheung from We Rock Communities (7:30)
Laura from www.LauraLeeFritz.com (14:28)
Lin Haley from Silk Winds (22:58)
Michael Ecton from Wine Country Photography (1:02.5)
Nao Kobayashi from Nuno Zoo (11:48)
Rhona Conte from ReClaimed Designs @reclaimed_by_rhona (19:33)
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Music by Sharing Skies
To learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
Cross-cultural friendships, swimming, and art with Kaeti Bailie
Kaitie Bailie is an artist, an open water swimmer, and a bridge builder. Since she moved to Sonoma, she's done all three, forging a connection to Sonoma's sister city in what was then the USSR (now Ukraine), Kaniv; opening an art studio and exhibiting paintings throughout the Valley; and swimming to Alcatraz, Elba, across the Bosphorous, and more. Among her many talents she is a painter, a photographer and a poet, and is she's keen on sharing her work and experiences. She ran Artifax, a store on the plaza dedicated to showcasing beautiful international artwork and clothing, and throughout her travels she has always kept an open eye on what makes every culture special.
In this episode, we discuss some of her travels, her thoughts while swimming the frigid seas, and her heroes.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Kaeti Bailie, visit www.kaetibailie.com
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, Sharing Skies, for sharing your music,
And thanks to you for tuning in.
Adventure, Rodeo, and Cleaning Carpets with Rick Schopf and Bee Kilgore
The world around us is full of surprises where we might not typically look. Early one morning in Milwaukee, I cleaned carpets with my friend Rick, and was reminded once again of just how true that is.
In this episode, we talk to Rick about his experience in the carpet cleaning business, but also his love of the outdoors, his passion for horses, his experience as a bull rider, and even his foray into bodybuilding.
On a similar note, we talk with Bee Kilgore, whose adventures have included trips from Cairo to Capetown, sheep herding in the Australian Outback, and two trips to Everest Basecamp. The surprise is that she is my aunt, and that by asking new questions I learned all kinds of new stories about her experiences and her advice. I hope you might learn something new too.
Why are these two in an episode together? They met on a cattle drive too and have been friends ever since! So it felt fitting to put their stories side by side.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Rick's Carpet Cleaning, visit www.preferredcleaningservice.com
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Learn more about Bee Kilgore, you'll just have to meet her :)
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
Building Community through Food and Art with Sandro Melaranci
Sandro Melaranci is many things: painter, makeup artist, musician, producer, restauranteur. But most of all he is a connector and a community builder. His restaurant Manuia, founded with his brother Tony, became one of Rome's most successful spots not only because of its good food, wine, and music, but because of the focus they put on making their customers feel like family. His patrons, many of them Hollywood and Cinecità stars, kept coming back. In this episode, we talk not only about the restaurant's history, but about Sandro's many other projects, pursuits, and passions.
If you want to:
Learn more about Sandro, visit www.SandroMelaranci.com
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
Sonoma Sister City: Stories from Tokaj, Hungary with Hajni Prácser and Kathryn Arontsohn
Last episode set the scene for our journey to Tokaj with perspectives from various people of all ages and occupations. In this episode, we speak with Hajni Prácser about the history of our Hungarian sister city, and her role in it, her thoughts on wine-tasting, and the chances of meeting your husband while on an exchange journey in Sonoma.
We also speak with Kathryn Arontsohn, who moved to Tokaj after her own exchange journey from Sonoma and has fallen in love with the wines and vineyards of the region. We talk with her about what makes these underground cellars so special, about tough career decisions, and about the challenge of defining where you're from.
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Learn more about Sonoma's Sister Cities Here.
Learn more about Hello Sonoma.
Thank you to Sharing Skies for the music in this episode!
Thank you to all those who spoke to me and thank you, as always, for tuning in.
Sister City: Tokaj, Hungary #1
Tokaj, Hungary, is a world-famous wine region, known for its aged special sweet wine known as Aszu. In this episode, we talk to some of the people who make this Hungarian delicacy, as well as many other characters from around town. I speak with a local teacher and a few of her students, inn-keepers, historians, cultural ministers, wine makers, and even the present and former mayor. Through each conversation, we learn a little bit more about this unique town and about the bonds of friendship between our two communities.
Learn more about Sonoma's Sister Cities Here.
Learn more about Hello Sonoma.
Thank you to Sharing Skies for the music in this episode!
Thank you to all those who spoke to me and thank you, as always, for tuning in.
Sonoma Sister City - Greve in Chianti, Italy
Greve-In-Chianti is has been Sonoma's Sister City since 1983, and over the years various students, adults, and groups have visited to learn more about wine-making, to practice their Italian, and to see what this beautiful city has to offer.
During my three days there, I had the chance to talk with Alessandra (from the office that promotes the Chianti territory) Stefano (from the renowned Falorni family of locally-grown but internationally known butchers), Giulio (the vice-mayor and former representative at the European Union), Gianni (a former banker turned artist), Sauro (A local family restaurant owner), Giovanni (a Julliard-educated opera singer), Barbara (an AirBNB owner and world traveler), and Sofia (an olive oil producer and vendor in downtown Greve).
In this episode, we talk about their experiences and the unique perspectives they bring to Greve. For some of them, they share their fond memories of visits to Sonoma!
It was such a pleasure seeing the ways in which this sister city relationship can manifest itself into true cross-atlantic friendships. Here's to many more years of sister cities!
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Learn more about Sonoma's Sister Cities Here.
Learn more about Hello Sonoma.
Thank you to Sharing Skies for the music in this episode!
Thank you to all those who spoke to me and thank you, as always, for tuning in.
Sonoma Sister City - Chambolle-Musigny, France
Chambolle-Musigny has been a sister city of Sonoma since 1959, and this visit to speak with Chambolle's citizens highlighted the strength of those long-time connections.
In this episode, I got the chance to speak with three statesmen of the sister city organization Lucien (former president of the sister city organization for 25 years), Regis (former teacher and mayor of Chambolle), and Henri (local viticulturist), who sat with me for brief interviews, as did Henri’s granddaughter Pauline who is helping take over the family business.
We discuss their life stories, what it was like growing up in this town – even what it was like to find love here.
Ultimately, this episode and all those in these series, aim to rekindle the spark of friendship between our cities.
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Learn more about Sonoma's Sister Cities Here.
Chambolle-Musigny Wikipedia Page.
Learn more about Hello Sonoma.
Thank you to Sharing Skies for the music in this episode!
Thank you to all those who spoke to me and thank you, as always, for tuning in.
France Dispatch #2: Agriculturists, Escargot Farmers, Horse Specialists, and Graffiti Artists
The North of France is known for its corn and dairy farms, for its old coal mines, and for the horses and cows that dot the landscape. In this episode, I interviewed some of the people behind each of these staple cultural phenomena, hearing about how they got interested in each of them and what they aim to do in the coming years.
As has become custom, this episode also includes unexpected stories from a car mechanic who drove to Morocco, an Escargot farmer, a Sonoman living in Paris, and a Graffiti artist teaching his craft.
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Visit pico.link/hellosonoma to learn more about the newest updates from Hello Sonoma!
Thank you to sharingskies for the beautiful music in this episode
Thank to the Ferm Helicicole de L'Avesnois for teaching me so much about escargot
Thank you to Korny_Hec for showing me how to do graffiti
Thank you to everyone who shared their story, and of course, thank you for listening.
India Dispatch 2: the Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is one of India’s most famous road trips. From New Delhi, to Agra, to Jaipur, the voyage includes stops at the center of Jaipur’s walled city, old monuments in Delhi city center, and, of course, the glorious Taj Mahal.
In this episode, we visit these sites, hearing what it sounds like to be on the grounds of the Taj Mahal as well as inside.
We talk to my guide Mahesh about his calling to be a cultural ambassador, but also his singing as we run through the rain.
Kishore, a local Agra guide, tells us about the history of the Mughal Empire and his own lessons through a foray into social media and Youtube.
This episode is marked by music from a local musician named Deepak Prabhakar, his Indian flute music as beautiful as his story.
And finally, once back in Delhi, we speak with Arshiya and Aritra, two teenagers who have already lived on 4 continents before turning 18. With all that traveling, they have some great advice on what it means to be home.
Thank you to:
Kishore, Agra guide: www.privatetourguideindia.com/about/
Mahesh, Jaipur guide: http://jaipurtourwithmahesh.com
Deepak, Music: instagram @deepakprabhaker45
India Dispatch: Foothills of the Himalayas and Stories of Coming Home
Hello Sonoma! Is on a journey! This episode comes to us from New Delhi, India. The history of India spans over 5 millenia, with thousands of different communities and hundreds of languages, it is a vastly diverse place – plus India is massive. Not only is it in the top 10 largest countries by area, but it is set next year to overtake China as the world’s most populous. This hour long episode doesn’t even scratch the surface of all that this magnificent place entails, but with a trip to the foothills of the Himalayas and a conversation with Sumer and Shaurya (Sho) – two New Delhi natives and US University graduates – it’s a good start.
Francisco knows Sho and Sumer from college where they were all friends. In this episode, they discuss the basics of Indian geography and business as well as the experience of going to college in a new country and coming back to their hometowns.
Visit pico.link/hellosonoma to learn more
Music from Om Shanti Om & Sharing Skies
France Dispatch: Stories from the Mountains
Broadcasting from the French Pyrenees, in this episode I interview local journalists, bakers, fishers, and hoteliers. All of them have one thing in common: human stories.
This is the second episode as part of the Hello Sonoma Global series in which I am traveling to 3 of Sonoma's sister cities to hear stories and broadcast them at home. While we don't have a sister city in the south of France, this is a new storytelling experience with new voices. Here are a few of them:
Lydia owns and runs the Hotel Vignemale in Gavarnie, France. She grew up in the village nearby and, until she was 18, hadn't spent time abroad. When she did leave, she went to University in the United States and ended up managing facilities for a Fortune 500 company in all of Western Europe. But then, she came back. In this episode, we discuss each of those transitions, as well as the historic village of Gavarnie itself. If you're especially interested, you'll like this video that explains a bit more about its geology as well.
Sandrine is a journalist at Frequency Luz, a local radio station in Luz, France. Originally from Quebec, she studied journalism and has taken on various roles at the station including interviewer, researcher, and producer. In this episode, we talk about what Frequency Luz does and about the role of radio in the future and beyond.
Special thanks to Sharing Skies for the music in this episode.
Visit pico.link/hellosonoma to follow on social media and more.
Civility and Patriotism with Sherman Tylawsky
Sherman Tylawsky is an engaged citizen, an avid historian, and a proud American. He has spent time on both sides of Capitol Hill as an intern with both a Republican and Democratic Senator, his Masters in International Affairs put him on track to be a true public servant, and his desire for increased civility in US politics all make him a unique voice in Sonoma County and beyond. In this episode, we discuss his podcast "Friends and Fellow Citizens" which brings American history to life and connecting them to contemporary issues, his upbringing in a multicultural household, and his thoughts on what makes a good leader – all just in time to celebrate the 4th of July.
Hello Sonoma Global!
Hello Sonoma is going Global! Or at least, partially. This is the first episode in which Hello Sonoma is going on the road, eventually to visit and conduct interviews in 3 of Sonoma's Sister Cities in France, Italy, and Hungary.
In this episode, I introduce the Sister City project as I begin my travels in New York and Madrid. I also speak with Brenda, a flight attendant who tell me about some of her time in the skies, and Augustin Pizzichillo, with whom we discuss global politics, the NBA, and the incredible effort behind global food supply logistics.
Art and Adventure with John Brians
John Brians is a local legend. From his perch in front of his frame store on East Napa St., he has seen it all. Though he grew up in Penngrove and has now lived for many years in Sonoma, he had a roundabout way of coming home by way of New York City and Casablanca, developing careers first as an artist and then as a framer of art. I sat down to talk with him on his bench to talk about his experiences around the world, his time as an artist, and what it means to come back to Sonoma.
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If you want to:
Learn more about Hello Sonoma, visit Hellosonoma.org
Thank you, as always, for tuning in.
And if you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend!