Skip to main content
Just a Good Conversation

Just a Good Conversation

By Matt Brown

Who doesn't love to sit down and have a good conversation with someone. Just a Good Conversation host Matt Brown plans on doing just that as he sits down and talks to creatives, coaches, business owners and more. All with the intention of giving you a little inset into their world and learn a little. Nothing is really off limit as long as it's a good conversation.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Just a Good Conversation: Jason Flowers

Just a Good ConversationNov 12, 2021

00:00
02:28:36
Just a Good Conversation: Rachel Elizabeth Seed

Just a Good Conversation: Rachel Elizabeth Seed

Rachel Elizabeth Seed is a Los Angeles-based nonfiction storyteller working in film, photography and writing. She is a 2022 Jewish Film Institute fellow, a 2021 California Film Institute fellow and Jewish Story Partners grantee, a 2020 Sundance Institute, Chicken + Egg Pictures, NYFA New York Women’s Film Fund fellow, and a 2019 Sundance Edit & Story Lab fellow and Sundance Documentary Fund recipient for her feature documentary, A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY. Rachel’s work has also been supported by Field of Vision, the Jerome Foundation, NYSCA, the Maine Media Workshops, the Roy W. Dean grant, and IFP. 

Formerly a photo editor at New York Magazine, her photography was included in the International Center of Photography’s exhibit on Hurricane Sandy, Rising Waters, and she was a cameraperson on several award-winning feature documentaries including SACRED by Academy-Award-winning filmmaker Thomas Lennon. Rachel’s writing has been published by No Film School, the Sundance Institute, and Talkhouse and she is Executive Director / Co-founder of the Brooklyn Documentary Club, a thriving NYC-based filmmaker collective with 250+ members.

Rachel directed a film A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY

A daughter attempts to piece together a portrait of her mother, an avant-garde journalist and a woman she never knew. Uncovering the vast archive Sheila Turner-Seed produced, including lost interviews with iconic photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gordon Parks, and Lisette Model, the film explores memory, legacy and stories left untold. https://www.rachelseed.com/#/apm/

Mar 22, 202401:26:30
Just a Good Conversation: Dr. Michael E. Spagna

Just a Good Conversation: Dr. Michael E. Spagna

Dr. Michael Spagna has a degree in Communicative Disorders from Northwestern, Special Education from UCLA and his PhD from University of California. Now working at California State University Dominguez Hills as the Provost. I heard him talk about dyslexia which I have. If you don't know what Dyslexia is, it's a is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called a reading disability, dyslexia is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language. We talk about why jumping into the family of study and moments that changed his life for the better.

Mar 15, 202401:41:21
Just a Good Conversation: Jim Gund

Just a Good Conversation: Jim Gund

Becoming a photographer almost didn't happen for Jim Gund. A chance meeting with Rich Clarkson at a basketball game changed his life for ever. After years at a newspaper Jim made a bold decision to become a freelancer and move to Atlanta. Jim would find himself photographing some of the greatest athletes in the world, from Deion Sanders, Tiger Woods and Gail Devers for Getty and Sports Illustrated. Jim is now retired and living the dream.

Feb 23, 202401:54:36
Just a Good Conversation: Garrett Campbell Part 2

Just a Good Conversation: Garrett Campbell Part 2

Garrett Campbell was hired full-time as an assistant coach in 2016. He officially became the FC head football coach in 2019. Coach Campbell is no stranger to Fullerton College as his father, Dick Campbell, was on the Hornet coaching staff for 15 seasons during the Hal Sherbeck years. As a young boy, Garrett served as Fullerton's ball boy and then later grew to become a quarterback and wide receiver for the Hornets from 1995-96.

In 2022, Campbell led the Hornets all the way to the SCFA championship game along with winnng the program's 27th conference title going 5-0 and 9-1 overall. The Hornets finished 3rd overall the state's final 3C2A rankings.

Coach Campbell wrapped up the 2023 season with another conference title going an undefeated 7-0 in the SCFA Southern conference with a 10-1 overall record. Fullerton ranked No. 1 at the end of the season by the November 13th JCAB poll.

Born and raised in southern California Campbell, earned his bachelor's degree at nearby California State Fullerton in 1998. He then went on to earn his master's degree at Northern State University in 2002.

Campbell got his start in coaching at Fullerton College in 1998 and has since coached at Northern State, Willamette University, Menlo College and Carthage College and Illinois College.

Prior to joining the Hornet coaching staff, Campbell was the head coach of the Illinois College football team for eight seasons. He posted an overall record of 51-30 and led the 2011 Blueboys to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III football playoffs.

Campbell has coached 75 all-conference selections and 209 academic all-conference selections, while guiding an offense that has consistently ranked among the best in NCAA Division III. From 2011 to 2013, Campbell's offense was ranked #8 out of 241 teams. In 2014 and 2015 they were ranked #9 and #10. In 2014, Campbell was voted the Midwest Conference Southern Division Coach of the Year leading the Blueboys to the 2014 MWC Southern Division Title. He also led them to four consecutive winning seasons, a first since the 1934-1937 seasons.

Feb 16, 202401:22:12
Just a Good Conversation: Garrett Campbell Part 1

Just a Good Conversation: Garrett Campbell Part 1

Garrett Campbell was hired full-time as an assistant coach in 2016. He officially became the FC head football coach in 2019. Coach Campbell is no stranger to Fullerton College as his father, Dick Campbell, was on the Hornet coaching staff for 15 seasons during the Hal Sherbeck years. As a young boy, Garrett served as Fullerton's ball boy and then later grew to become a quarterback and wide receiver for the Hornets from 1995-96.

In 2022, Campbell led the Hornets all the way to the SCFA championship game along with winnng the program's 27th conference title going 5-0 and 9-1 overall. The Hornets finished 3rd overall the state's final 3C2A rankings.

Coach Campbell wrapped up the 2023 season with another conference title going an undefeated 7-0 in the SCFA Southern conference with a 10-1 overall record. Fullerton ranked No. 1 at the end of the season by the November 13th JCAB poll.

Born and raised in southern California Campbell, earned his bachelor's degree at nearby California State Fullerton in 1998. He then went on to earn his master's degree at Northern State University in 2002.

Campbell got his start in coaching at Fullerton College in 1998 and has since coached at Northern State, Willamette University, Menlo College and Carthage College and Illinois College.

Prior to joining the Hornet coaching staff, Campbell was the head coach of the Illinois College football team for eight seasons. He posted an overall record of 51-30 and led the 2011 Blueboys to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III football playoffs.

Campbell has coached 75 all-conference selections and 209 academic all-conference selections, while guiding an offense that has consistently ranked among the best in NCAA Division III. From 2011 to 2013, Campbell's offense was ranked #8 out of 241 teams. In 2014 and 2015 they were ranked #9 and #10. In 2014, Campbell was voted the Midwest Conference Southern Division Coach of the Year leading the Blueboys to the 2014 MWC Southern Division Title. He also led them to four consecutive winning seasons, a first since the 1934-1937 seasons.

Feb 09, 202402:13:41
Just a Good Conversation: Lynn Johnson

Just a Good Conversation: Lynn Johnson

Lynn Johnson is an American photographer known for her contributions to National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and Life among others. Johnson is known for photographing vanishing languages and challenges to the human condition, with a focus on Africa and Asia.  is an American photographer known for her contributions to National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and Life among others. Johnson is known for photographing vanishing languages and challenges to the human condition, with a focus on Africa and Asia. “I’m short,” says Lynn Johnson. “That’s one of the things I pack in my camera bag.” Also invisibility, compassion, sunscreen and outrage. Recently awarded a National Geographic fellowship, Johnson is known for shooting elusive subjects—language, disease, rape, water—and for asking tough questions. Her thesis as a Knight Fellow at Ohio University probed hate crimes; at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications she challenges master’s students to push past their own comfort levels. Dedicated to exploring the far reaches of the human condition, she spends maybe two months a year at home in Pittsburgh, packing that camera bag over and over.

Jan 19, 202401:40:15
Just a Good Conversation: Paul Chato

Just a Good Conversation: Paul Chato

Paul Chato is a Canadian comedian and writer, the president of a web design company, and a former television executive. Chato grew up in the first planned community in North America, Don Mills. Graduating from Don Mills Collegiate  in 1973, he went on to graduate from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Radio Television Arts.

From Ryerson, he went on to become an art director with Kelly’s Stereo Mart and from there joined Rick Green to form Green and Chato, a two-man comedy team. In 1979, Green and Chato joined up with Dan Redican and Peter Wildman to form the comedy group The Frantics.

From 1989 to 1991, Chato was head of television comedy at CBC Television. 

Apart from his continued association with The Frantics, Chato is the president of Your Web Department (formerly Electramedia), an international web development company.

Chato has a channel of IT-related comedy tech on YouTube and Odysee, named Call Me Chato, where he reacts to entertainment media as a "former Network executive". He also has a channel of social commentary and news reaction called aPauling News.

Jan 12, 202401:42:18
Just a Good Conversation: David Wright

Just a Good Conversation: David Wright

England has a diverse culture. Its differences can be viewed from many perspectives including politics, fashion, language, religion, class, customs, traditions and interests. My definition of a ‘tribe’ begins with a group of people who share one or more of these perspectives. However, it goes further to encompass a bond between members that manifests in a need to identify with each other. This becomes visible through the beliefs, behaviour, signs and signals the ‘tribe’ emanates.  It is possible for people to belong to more than one ‘tribe’ at any one time. Furthermore, the existence of these modern ‘tribes’ demonstrates one of the most important cultural values we share as human beings, the tolerance of other tribes. I believe that this is a vital aspect of being English.The reason for my selection of certain groups over others as ‘tribes’ is reinforced by a very important underlying philosophy based on the concept of identity. We are all social animals by nature. Contemporary society is based upon community involvement. Together, we are greater than the sum of the individuals. In this respect, tribes that welcome new members become enriched and constantly evolving. Much has been written in the past few years about the importance of belonging to groups in order to combat isolation and depression. Some believe that belonging to a group can improve life expectancy and membership if multiple groups can have an even greater benefit. I am not going to argue that people should join groups for these reasons. What I believe from my work with groups is that they get people out of the house, meeting others and having fun. In this respect, they are living life to the full. Modern Tribes of England documents some of the groups that go to make up our 21st century society.
David Wright

Jan 06, 202401:40:43
Just a Good Conversation: John Free

Just a Good Conversation: John Free

John Free is a social documentary/street photographer who lives in Los Angeles. His photographic essays range from railroad tramps in California to street life in New York, Paris, and London and around the world. His other bodies of work include automobile abstracts and still lifes.

John has been inspiring photographers of all ages and skill levels for many years through teaching sold-out classes and workshops that carry on the tradition, values and discipline of “street photography”: full frame, candid, available light. He teaches year-round in Los Angeles, and around the country and the world, including New York, Paris and London. Part stand-up and part evangelist, he speaks from the heart to inspire new generations of photographers through his workshops, YouTube videos, classes, and his blog. He is also involved with several non-profit organizations teaching inner-city kids the excitement and power they can get from being dedicated photographers.

John’s work has been featured in numerous publications from U.S. News and World Report and Newsweek to Photographic Magazine to Smithsonian and The Sun. He was among the international photojournalists selected to take part in the project that resulted in the book 24 Hours in the Life of Los Angeles. John's work has been featured in a wide range of exhibitions, including the California Museum of Science and Industry, Los Angeles, Laguna Festival of Art, Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena and the Bagier Gallery in Ojai, California.

Dec 08, 202301:35:18
Just a Good Conversation: Mark Thomas

Just a Good Conversation: Mark Thomas

Mark grew up traveling the world, the son of an Air Force pilot. Picking up a camera at the age of 12, he started documenting his travels and knew the camera was the way to explore the world.
At the age of 18, Mark was accepted to Brooks Institute of Photography and graduated with honors in 1982. Shortly after graduation he moved to New York City to work as a stills assistant for some of the major commercial photographers of that time. Moving to the other side of the US to San Francisco, he transitioned into the motion picture industry and worked as a location scout. Directors started to take notice of my photographs and eventually he was asked to shoot 2nd unit. Eventually becoming a Director of Photography, he joined the International Camera Guild, Local 600 in 1992 and based myself in Dallas, Texas.
Mark have lensed over 200 commercials, documentaries and short films in a multitude of genres. His work has taken him all over the world including Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and New Zealand. Relaxed but focused, He was comfortable hanging out the door of a helicopter over the North Atlantic ocean as filming the CEO of General Electric.
Dedicated to his craft and bringing the vision of the director to film, Mark seek to collaborate with directors that share a passion for filmmaking on a wide range of projects including commercials and short films.
Mark can be contacted at markthomasdp@gmail.com and see his reel at www.markmthomas.com

Dec 01, 202301:57:05
Just a Good Conversation: Sonja Ulrich

Just a Good Conversation: Sonja Ulrich

Sonja Ulrich is a true survivor. Born in Germany, raised by a single mother in high society and at times move from town to town. Her mother joined the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and become a Rajneeshee. Ulrich lived alone in Germany from ages 12 to 13, then at different European satellite communes for the next four years, all the while separated from her mother. When she turned 17, she was finally old enough for her chance to join Rajneeshpuram in Oregon. Despite swirling rumors of criminal activity and FBI infiltration of the site, Ulrich still wanted to go. As she arrived it was all falling apart and she found her self alone in the US. Ulrich enrolled at CSUDH in the early 2000s as a human services major, but then discovered her love of anthropology—the study of humans, and why they do what they do. Sonja graduated from CSUDH in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and minor in bellydance history, then went on to earn her master’s degree in anthropology from CSU Long Beach. She began teaching as an adjunct professor at CSUDH in 2015, and over the course of her academic career, has found “amazing healing” through her discipline.



Nov 17, 202301:55:15
Just a Good Conversation: Richard Kee

Just a Good Conversation: Richard Kee

After graduation from prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography and with many years of experience as a photographer, Richard continues to be motivated by the same goals - to tame the technical demands of an assignment, nurture an idea and then set it free with creative inspiration.
Whether it be Dodger Stadium, a commercial studio set or wine country...he has come to believe in some principles, both practical and poetic, that shape his work.

Rich was the Dodgers team photographer from 76-84. A World Series Champ in 1981 and covered Fernandomania. He was kicked out of major league baseball game by a major league umpire in Veterans Stadium. Has a new book The Dodger Collection as well as his own podcast www.ultimategamefaces.com

Nov 03, 202302:25:35
Just a Good Conversation: George Horton

Just a Good Conversation: George Horton

George Horton was born and raised in ⁠Downey, California⁠ and graduated from ⁠Downey High School⁠ in 1971. He played on the ⁠Cerritos College⁠ baseball team in 1972 and 1973 under coach ⁠Wally Kincaid⁠. Horton then played two seasons under head coach ⁠Augie Garrido⁠ at ⁠Cal State Fullerton⁠ in 1975 and 1976. He was on the Fullerton team that made the school's first appearance in the College World Series in 1975. Horton began his coaching career the same place he began his collegiate playing career, ⁠Cerritos College⁠. He coached there for two seasons before moving onto ⁠Los Angeles Valley College⁠. From there he went back to Cerritos College as an assistant before eventually becoming the head coach. He was later hired by his former coach, ⁠Augie Garrido⁠, to be an assistant at Cal State Fullerton. When Garrido left in 1996, Horton was hired to replace him.

In 2003, Horton was named 2003 National Coach of the Year by Baseball America.

In 2004, Horton would face off against his old boss in the ⁠2004 College World Series⁠ championship series. The Fullerton Titans won the series and the national championship. While at CSF Coach Horton record was 490–212–1.

In September 2007, Horton was named the head coach of the ⁠University of Oregon⁠, which reinstated its baseball program starting in the 2009 season after being a club sport since 1982. In his first season at the helm of the Ducks the team was 14–42.

In 2010, Horton led the Ducks to the ⁠NCAA⁠ Division I baseball Tournament for the first time since 1964. The 2010 Ducks baseball team finished the season with a 40–24 overall record. He finished with a record of 375–281–1.


Oct 06, 202302:31:12
Just a Good Conversation: Mark Comon

Just a Good Conversation: Mark Comon

Mark Comon is the President of Paul's Photo in Torrance, CA

Mark finds passion and inspiration in all things. Photography is how he expresses that passion. Around here, Mark seems to be everywhere at once. He is indefatigable.
When not assisting customers, answering questions camera and lens related or not, teaching classes, interacting within the community, leading trips around the US and the globe, he'll be found at his desk (occasionally napping).  If you can't find Mark you must not be listening for him. You can reach him or the store at paulsphoto.com

Sep 23, 202302:09:45
Just a Good Conversation: Gene Blevins Part 2

Just a Good Conversation: Gene Blevins Part 2

Gene Blevins is a contributing photographer from the Los Angeles Daily News for almost 30 years. Gene has covered fire, major storms as well as the North Hollywood bank shootout and the space shuttle Columbia disaster. He has been nominated for the photojournalism pulitzer prize four times. Gene has covered over 200 space launches over the years.

Sep 15, 202301:50:31
Just a Good Conversation: Gene Blevins Part 1

Just a Good Conversation: Gene Blevins Part 1

Gene Blevins is a contributing photographer from the Los Angeles Daily News for almost 30 years. Gene has covered fire, major storms as well as the North Hollywood bank shootout, the space shuttle Columbia disaster and the O.J. Simpson chase. He has been nominated for the photojournalism pulitzer prize four times. Gene has covered over 200 space launches over the years.

Sep 08, 202301:27:60
Just a Good Conversation: Steve Zylius

Just a Good Conversation: Steve Zylius

Steve Zylius is the Managing Producer-Director at UC Irvine. Steve wanted to trying his hand in radio, thankfully someone pulled him into a college newspaper and his photography life was changed for ever. From small newspapers in the LA area to meeting his wife on a shoot. Photography has been good to Steve over the years. Now 13 years at UCI we seat down and talk about how he got here and what he has learned along the way. We also talk about his over love music.

Sep 01, 202302:25:43
Just a Good Conversation: Gabby Rodas

Just a Good Conversation: Gabby Rodas

A former Cal State Fullerton Division 1 softball player with a degree from the University had a couple tough years during that time. Family issues and some bad chooses in relationships put her in a low place. She found her way out through church and building strong relationships. She now works in sports ministry helping others found their path and work on being a better person.

Aug 25, 202301:55:03
Just a Good Conversation: Michael Der

Just a Good Conversation: Michael Der

Michael Der and I sit down to talk about AI and the photo industry. AI was built with the idea to help. The photo industry is on life support. Can I Ai help or hurt the photo industry is the topic. Michael hosts the podcast ARTrepreneurs which comes out weekly. It's a photography podcast that inspires photographers and visual artists to live their best creative lives. He talks business, art, about the chaotic journey through self-employment. Episodes every Friday. Hosted by Michael Der. www.artrepreneurspod.com. Instagram: @artrepreneurspod

Aug 18, 202301:52:48
Just a Good Conversation: Dave Sandford

Just a Good Conversation: Dave Sandford

International award-winning photographer Dave Sandford is best known for his dramatic collection, Lake Erie - Liquid Mountains.  Submerging himself into the freezing waters of Erie, Sandford’s striking images reveal the violent & breathtaking beauty of this Great Lake.

His viral waves paved the way for a lifelong dream, a meaningful career in conservation & wildlife photography.

 

Sandford, a native of London, ON. Canada originally established himself as a world class photographer around the ‘frozen ponds’ of the National Hockey League. During Sandford’s time at his Alma Mater - Toronto Metropolitan University, Sandford channelled himself into the world of professional sports photography. Sandford’s work in sports quickly grabbed the attention of others & he found himself with a rinkside seat at the professional ranks before he even completed his degree.

 

Sandford’s storied career in professional sports brought him international recognition & established Sandford early on as one of the leaders in the industry. With over 25 years of experience Sandford’s work has landed him roles with sports giants such as the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Sports Illustrated and Getty Images to name a few. While Sandford still has a foothold on pro sports, these days you are more likely to find Dave face to face with a polar bear on frozen tundra or dancing with whales under the sea.

 

Throughout Sandford’s career the call of the wild continually whispered in his ear.  Sandford’s passion for nature and wildlife led Dave down a path with strong ties to conservation. In 2015 when Sandford’s Liquid Mountain’s grabbed the world by storm, Sandford channelled that momentum at this pivotal point in his career, to make the shift into nature photography.

 

Seizing opportunities in wildlife conservation, Sandford quickly transitioned into this role, once again establishing himself as sought-after leader in the industry.  Sandford turned this into his opportunity to roam where the wild things are.

 

Canadian to the core, and similarly to his spirit animal, the polar bear - Sandford is right at home when the mercury dips well below the freezing mark. Making his first trip to the Arctic in 1997, Sandford now has over 20 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica to his credit. With saltwater coursing through his veins, Sandford has also taken his photographic skills into the world’s oceans, swimming alongside natures gentle giants (whales) or finding himself face to face with another of Sandford’s favourite subject’s, the great white shark.

 

Claws, paws or jaws, wide open spaces or tiny places, Sandford enjoys showcasing the beauty of our natural world, blended with exciting and insightful storytelling from his adventures both near and far. It is Sandford’s hope that by sharing what he loves, others will share in that love - promoting positive change in the preservation of our wild spaces and those wonderful creatures who inhabit them.

Aug 11, 202301:27:60
Just a Good Conversation: Amanda Pitts

Just a Good Conversation: Amanda Pitts

Amanda Pitts is the Photography Services Manager in the office of University Communications at GVSU. She received her Bachelor of Science in Photography from GVSU in 2005, and her Master of Communications from GVSU in 2010. Amanda has been at GVSU for 15 years during which time on any given day she might be found on the tops of buildings, deep underground, on a frozen waterfall, in a helicopter, on a boat, underwater, flying a drone, and sometimes even in her office!
Amanda is also an active member of the University Photographers Association of America, currently serving her second term on the board as the Corporate Relations Chair. She has won numerous awards from both UPAA and CASE during her time at GVSU.
When she is not at work, she likes to spend time with her family participating in tickle fights, scootering, hiking, camping, and especially cuddle time with her son, two cats and dog. But Amanda’s most very favorite thing to do, besides researching random useless things on the internet, is to annoy her family by stopping to take pictures every five minutes while on vacation!

Aug 04, 202301:26:18
Just a Good Conversation: Doug Murdoch

Just a Good Conversation: Doug Murdoch

Motivated by climbing and adventure, Doug Murdoch started making gear for himself and friends at The Harness Factory, in Sunland, California. Doug later worked for Mountain N’ Air Sports, Adventure 16, and Lowepro, as well as being a design consultant. Dissatisfied with the pressure to lower costs by reducing features, Doug struck out to design products that out-performed the stripped-down, less effective offerings from other companies. The original founders of Think Tank. Steven Harrison, Brian Erwin, Deanne Fitzmaurice, Mike Sturm, Doug Murdoch, Pam Austin, and Kurt Rogers started the company in 2005. Check out the website thinktankphoto.com

Jul 28, 202301:00:06
Just a Good Conversation: Jay Cohen

Just a Good Conversation: Jay Cohen

Jay Cohen has been playing the trumpet for over 50 years, 35 of them as a racetracker. Known for playing the "Call to Post" before each race over the years at HollywoodPark and now Santa Anita Park he was recently stricken with Bell's Palsy and has had to battle back to his calling. "This 35 years has turned into who I am," he says. A truly beloved character to his fans, he's asked to play birthdays, weddings and even funerals because. Always ready with a smile, a joke, and even a magic trick, this is Jay Cohen. Mr. Cohen has performed the "Call to the Post" to signify the start of racing more then 100,000 times.

Jul 21, 202302:26:13
Just a Good Conversation: Bruce Chambers Part 2

Just a Good Conversation: Bruce Chambers Part 2

Bruce Chambers is a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. Husband of Carole since 1981. Father of Ian, David, and Colin. Grandfather (“Dude”to them) of Delaney, Rhys, Braxton, and Isla. Community Pastor at VOX Christian Community, Orange County, CA. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California (2013-present). Newspaper photojournalist (1979-2014). Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker (2001-2019). Avid gardener. Explorer of backroads. Boulder collector. Introvert. People pleaser (in recovery). Unemployed, yet not accepting the label of retired. In denial.

When Bruce was 25-years-old (1981), he moved across the United States to Rochester, NY, to work for the Gannett Rochester Newspapers. He worked on a staff of talented photographers, who had the task of providing images for the city’s two, morning and evening edition, newspapers. Since the papers didn’t want to run the same images, there was a strong need for fresh wild art and multiple strong images from the top stories of the day. My photo boss, Dick Sroda, told me he expected two pieces of wild art every day, in addition to my assignments. Being the rule follower, he was then, he complied. That discipline, learned early on, made my career joyful as I challenged myself, every day, to “find” images that would interest my readers.

Jul 14, 202301:34:04
 Just a Good Conversation: Bruce Chambers Part 1

Just a Good Conversation: Bruce Chambers Part 1

Bruce Chambers is a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. Husband of Carole since 1981. Father of Ian, David, and Colin. Grandfather (“Dude”to them) of Delaney, Rhys, Braxton, and Isla. Community Pastor at VOX Christian Community, Orange County, CA. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California (2013-present). Newspaper photojournalist (1979-2014). Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker (2001-2019). Avid gardener. Explorer of backroads. Boulder collector. Introvert. People pleaser (in recovery). Unemployed, yet not accepting the label of retired. In denial. 

When Bruce was 25-years-old (1981), he moved across the United States to Rochester, NY, to work for the Gannett Rochester Newspapers. He worked on a staff of talented photographers, who had the task of providing images for the city’s two, morning and evening edition, newspapers. Since the papers didn’t want to run the same images, there was a strong need for fresh wild art and multiple strong images from the top stories of the day. My photo boss, Dick Sroda, told me he expected two pieces of wild art every day, in addition to my assignments. Being the rule follower, he was then, he complied. That discipline, learned early on, made my career joyful as I challenged myself, every day, to “find” images that would interest my readers.

Jul 07, 202302:04:00
Just a Good Conversation: Kevin Jones Part 2

Just a Good Conversation: Kevin Jones Part 2

Kevin Jones never expected to graduate from college. In fact, after graduating from high school in 1988, he made the conscious decision not to pursue higher education – even though his three sisters had all gone on to university studies.

“School and I were not friends,” recalls Jones. “All the way through elementary school, then in high school, I just wasn’t the typical kid. I was the nerdy type that wasn’t accepted. So by the time 1988 came around, I had made up my mind. I was done with school.”

Jones went so far as to hold a mock funeral in the backyard of his mother’s house, digging a hole and burying his textbooks in it. He had decided that the blue collar lifestyle suited him best, and spent the next three decades drifting from one job to the next. “Truck driver, security guard, nurse’s aide – I did anything you can think of that’s underpaid and undereducated.”

It wasn’t until 2014, when the Los Angeles native found himself unable to pay rent and ended up homeless on the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, that Jones decided to turn his life around.

“It was March 14, 2014,” he says. “I’ll never forget the date. That’s when I had the revelation that life was getting serious. All of a sudden, the light bulb came on. I asked myself, ‘What are you doing with your life? What happened?’ From then until now, I was on a path to change things. I didn’t know that the path would include about four and a half years of homelessness…” “I thought I would be stuck in that lifestyle forever,” he says. “And now I’m considering options for graduate school. It’s amazing.”

Upon losing his home in Atlanta, Jones drifted along, sleeping in his car or abandoned warehouses before adapting himself to living in local homeless shelters.

“I had to learn the system, because every shelter has one,” he says. “For example, you have to be in line for bed every day at the same time. You really have to figure out your life based on that system.” Jones moved from shelters in Atlanta to those in San Jose, Calif., before ending up on Los Angeles’ Skid Row.

It was while on Skid Row that Jones dedicated himself to self-improvement. “I told myself I had two options,” he remembers. “I can stay here at rock bottom or I can go in the opposite direction. I started working on a plan of growing up.”

While staying at the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles, Jones enrolled in a program there aimed at helping get clients off the streets. “They have a program for anybody that’s serious about not being homeless,” says Jones. “It’s a one-year program. If you go through the program, by the end of it, they guarantee you an apartment and a job. They don’t just kick you out and say, ‘You’re on your own.’”

He started working at the shelter while still living there. Within a few months of starting the program, Jones was able to move into his own apartment. Again, it’s a date he’ll always remember.

“I moved out of the Union Rescue Mission on June 18th, 2018,” he says. “I jumped in a taxi over to the apartment that they had for me in Compton. I’ve been off the street ever since!”

Jones’ return to school happened almost by accident. He was walking through Lueders Park in Compton while a career fair was going on. As he walked past the Compton College booth, the woman working there asked him if he wanted to enroll in school.

“I looked at her, and strangely, I considered it,” says Jones. “I walked over to the booth and I thought, ‘You ain’t got nothing to lose, right? I signed up, and the next thing you know, it’s Fall 2019 and I’m enrolled in junior college. Then I started seeing some good grades—grades that I wasn’t even getting in elementary school.”

“All of a sudden, my brain turned on and I could do the work. As I kept seeing those A’s and B’s coming in, I thought, ‘I can do this, and I’m going to keep working and see how far I can go.’”


Jun 16, 202301:35:56
Just a Good Conversation: Kevin Jones Part 1

Just a Good Conversation: Kevin Jones Part 1

Kevin Jones never expected to graduate from college. In fact, after graduating from high school in 1988, he made the conscious decision not to pursue higher education – even though his three sisters had all gone on to university studies.

“School and I were not friends,” recalls Jones. “All the way through elementary school, then in high school, I just wasn’t the typical kid. I was the nerdy type that wasn’t accepted. So by the time 1988 came around, I had made up my mind. I was done with school.”

Jones went so far as to hold a mock funeral in the backyard of his mother’s house, digging a hole and burying his textbooks in it. He had decided that the blue collar lifestyle suited him best, and spent the next three decades drifting from one job to the next. “Truck driver, security guard, nurse’s aide – I did anything you can think of that’s underpaid and undereducated.”

It wasn’t until 2014, when the Los Angeles native found himself unable to pay rent and ended up homeless on the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, that Jones decided to turn his life around.

“It was March 14, 2014,” he says. “I’ll never forget the date. That’s when I had the revelation that life was getting serious. All of a sudden, the light bulb came on. I asked myself, ‘What are you doing with your life? What happened?’ From then until now, I was on a path to change things. I didn’t know that the path would include about four and a half years of homelessness…” “I thought I would be stuck in that lifestyle forever,” he says. “And now I’m considering options for graduate school. It’s amazing.”

Upon losing his home in Atlanta, Jones drifted along, sleeping in his car or abandoned warehouses before adapting himself to living in local homeless shelters.

“I had to learn the system, because every shelter has one,” he says. “For example, you have to be in line for bed every day at the same time. You really have to figure out your life based on that system.” Jones moved from shelters in Atlanta to those in San Jose, Calif., before ending up on Los Angeles’ Skid Row.

It was while on Skid Row that Jones dedicated himself to self-improvement. “I told myself I had two options,” he remembers. “I can stay here at rock bottom or I can go in the opposite direction. I started working on a plan of growing up.”

While staying at the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles, Jones enrolled in a program there aimed at helping get clients off the streets. “They have a program for anybody that’s serious about not being homeless,” says Jones. “It’s a one-year program. If you go through the program, by the end of it, they guarantee you an apartment and a job. They don’t just kick you out and say, ‘You’re on your own.’”

He started working at the shelter while still living there. Within a few months of starting the program, Jones was able to move into his own apartment. Again, it’s a date he’ll always remember.

“I moved out of the Union Rescue Mission on June 18th, 2018,” he says. “I jumped in a taxi over to the apartment that they had for me in Compton. I’ve been off the street ever since!”

Jones’ return to school happened almost by accident. He was walking through Lueders Park in Compton while a career fair was going on. As he walked past the Compton College booth, the woman working there asked him if he wanted to enroll in school.

“I looked at her, and strangely, I considered it,” says Jones. “I walked over to the booth and I thought, ‘You ain’t got nothing to lose, right? I signed up, and the next thing you know, it’s Fall 2019 and I’m enrolled in junior college. Then I started seeing some good grades—grades that I wasn’t even getting in elementary school.”

“All of a sudden, my brain turned on and I could do the work. As I kept seeing those A’s and B’s coming in, I thought, ‘I can do this, and I’m going to keep working and see how far I can go.’” 


Jun 09, 202301:55:51
Just a Good Conversation: Matt DuBoise

Just a Good Conversation: Matt DuBoise

Matt DuBoise’s love of chickens began in fifth grade when his teacher let a handful of students each take six chicks they had hatched home and care for them before bringing them back to class. DuBoise, who was one of the students chosen, was the only one who returned to school with all six chicks healthy and thriving. “That was when I knew I wanted to raise chickens when I got older,” he said. While the lesson sparked his interest in raising chickens, he did not know it would lead to a successful business venture. He also always loved constructing things. “In 2008, my fiancée, Gnon, and I were living in Durham, and I built my first coop.” That structure didn’t last long—but only because he quickly decided he wanted an even bigger version for even more birds. When he sold that first one on Craigslist, a fledgling business was born. Today the company builds five standard styles for chickens and ducks that start with the American at $2,800. Custom coops, incorporating specific requests or materials from clients, can go as high as $20,000 and up, and DuBoise now has customers all over the country. One of his most memorable coops of late was a design for a North Carolina client crafted entirely of standing, dead Eastern red cedar trees from an area near Duke Forest. “We weren’t running through a sawmill,” he says, “so we had to choose the exact right pieces and notch the wood to make it solid and strong like our other coops.” DuBoise and his team give back wherever they can, too, often donating coops to schools and most recently to a very special Make-A-Wish recipient. “We’ve seen first-hand the therapeutic effects that caring for chickens can have,” he says. And if you need a few tips to get started? DuBoise hosts “Chicken Live” segments and other videos to educate his online audience about all things yardbird.
DuBoise is the president of Carolina Coops, which designs and builds chicken coops. The business is a division of DuBoise Enterprises Inc. The coops are handcrafted with premium materials, and can be prefabricated or custom designed. The business also sells coop accessories.

Checkout the website https://carolinacoops.com The YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH-nxLSroIgo8YFJmKvtlMQ

And Follow them Instagram www.instagram.com/carolinacoops


Jun 02, 202301:15:45
Just a Good Conversation: Tammy Locke

Just a Good Conversation: Tammy Locke

Tammy Locke started at the tender age of 18 months when she played Robert Redford's daughter in "The Voice of Charlie Pont". She continued working until she was 8 or 9 years old with entertainment talents like Ann-Margret, Clint Eastwood, Barbara Hershey, Rance, Ron, and Clint Howard to name a few. Tammy feel truly honored to have been blessed at such a young age. Although it has taken her almost 40 years to make my way back to the screen, she had never lost her passion for the business. It has been a part of her life in one form or another since she can remember. When she was 16 years old she began to make my way into the music business when she won 3rd place in The Battle of the Bands. At the age of 19, she became a professional Roller Derby skater with the Detroit Devils as #22 and a short time later she even had my own radio show on 93.5 FM, "The Tammy Jean Show". Not long after, a well-known promoter, Mr. Johnny Burger introduced her to a band known as the California Express. Its members included the nephews of the Famous Tex Williams, Russ Paul, and Dennis Orr and Tex's son in law Sam Aiello as well as Marty Rifkin and Christopher Nielson. They, in turn, introduced her to singer/songwriter, Jeffrey Steele. They all became great friends and bandmates as she headlined all over California as Miss Tammy Jean and the California Express over the next 5-6 years. It wasn't until much later, when she discovered Karaoke that her real dream came true and she met her wonderful husband Tom and would have a beautiful son Robby. Her has a website tammylocke.com

May 26, 202302:06:44
Just a Good Conversation: Nick Fuscardo

Just a Good Conversation: Nick Fuscardo

Wrapping up his 33rd season as Fullerton College's skipper, Nick Fuscardo has devoted his heart and vast experience to Fullerton College as a coach and educator.

In 2013, Fuscardo led the Hornets to an Orange Empire Conference title (32-15 overall, 15-6 OEC) and to the final four CCCAA State Tournament where Fullerton was the state runner-up.

In 2015, the Hornets made it to the postseason and swept Cypress College in the first round. In the Super Regionals, Fuscardo's Hornets fell to Santa Barbara City College in a hard-fought series.

The 2016 season saw the Hornets making it all the way to the Super Regionals after sweeping the #2 seed Glendale College Vaqueros. FC ended up falling to Cypress College in the Super Regionals in a close two games to one series.

Fuscardo locked down his 500th win on a 3-2 come-from-behind 11 inning victory against Allan Hancock College on February 25, 2011.

On February 2, 2016, Fuscardo won his 600th game as the Hornet Skipper on opening day at San Diego Mesa College 10-4.

Coach Fuscardo also holds the Hornet record for most career wins with 665. It was an 8-3 win on March 18, 2010 against Irvine Valley College that gave Fuscardo his 488th win surpassing the previous mark set by FC Hall of Fame coach Mike Sgobba (487 wins).

Fuscardo has led the Hornets to 25 wins or more in seven seasons, including 1988 (30 wins) and 2013 (32 wins - school record). He also has 16 seasons with 20 or more wins with the Hornets.

Fuscardo has coached more than 70 players who have been drafted or have signed professional contracts, including New York Mets standout pitcher Steve Trachsel, San Diego Padre catcher Tom Wilson, Mitch Levier to the Oakland A's, and Jose Rojas of the Angles. Other recent draftees include outfielders Shane Carrier (Twins) and Austin O'Banion (Rangers) off the 2016 Hornets. Fuscardo is also proud of two other 2016 grads in Laine Huffman (shortstop for Long Beach State) and Justin Row (2nd Base for the University of South Carolina).

More than 200 of Fuscardo's players have gone on to play baseball at the four-year level.

Before coming to Fullerton, Fuscardo was the head coach for 13 seasons at nearby Troy High, where he led the Warriors to a 205-68 record, five Freeway League championships and 11 playoff appearances.

Fuscardo was offered an assistant position at Cal State Fullerton under Titans Coach Augie Garrido in 1981, but instead, accepted a position as an assistant under Sgobba in 1982. Four years later, he was named the ninth coach in Fullerton's history.

Fuscardo has been on the other side of the lines in community college baseball as well. He was the starting second baseman at El Camino College in 1962 and 1964, when he was an All-Metro Conference selection.

During the 2004 season, Fuscardo was inducted into El Camino's Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia, where he started at shortstop and earned All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors. Coach Fuscardo was also named as the CCCBCA/Victory Athletics Coach of the Year in 2010.

Fuscardo earned his bachelor's degree from West Liberty College in physical education and speech in 1968, and later received a Master's degree in Education Administration from Cal State Fullerton.

Fuscardo is also an avid golfer and coached the Fullerton College women's golf team to a share of the Orange Empire Conference title in 2000 (Coach of the Year). During that time Hornet Golf had State Golf Championship finalists, including Hye Yoon Jung (1999, 2000) and 2-time finalist, Jeri Costello (2002), He recently served a two-year term as president of the California Community College Women's Golf Association.

May 19, 202302:42:38
Just a Good Conversation: Steven Bridges

Just a Good Conversation: Steven Bridges

Steven Bridges is the senior photographer for the Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee. He became a full-time staff member in 2018 after a 17-year run as a full-time freelancer in the Knoxville, TN area. Before that he did newspaper work in his native Arkansas. Steven is a 1999 graduate of Arkansas State University and was a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. We talk about getting hi first camera, his up bring, his creative process and the photo world.

May 12, 202302:11:57
Just a Good Conversation: Paul Pantani

Just a Good Conversation: Paul Pantani

Paul Pantani was born in New York City and raised in Southern California. From a young age Paul knew he wanted to be a police officer. Paul got his first job with a law enforcement agency in 1988, shortly after graduating high school. Paul has spent the last thirty plus years working in law enforcement in various assignments and capacity, both civilian and sworn. Paul has been a police officer since 1992.

During his law enforcement career Paul has held assignments as a Field Training Officer, Detective, Bicycle Patrol Officer, Range Instructor, Tactical Team Member, and Computer Forensics Examiner; spending two years assigned to the FBI. Paul has also commanded divisions including Task Forces investigating Internet Child Exploitation, Narcotics, Gangs, Violent Felon Apprehension, and Cold Case Homicide.

Paul has a master’s degree and has been teaching college level graduate and undergraduate programs in Cybersecurity and Computer Crimes Investigations since 2011.

Paul has a podcast Transition Drill https://www.transitiondrillpodcast.com

Whether it is retirement, the end of an enlistment, an unexpected opportunity or other interest, or something that occurs which forces you to transition before you planned to, we will all have to address our transition. How each of us handles our transition comes from how prepared we are.

May 05, 202302:23:19
Just a Good Conversation: David Bergman

Just a Good Conversation: David Bergman

David Bergman is a New York based music and sports photographer. He has been Bon Jovi's official tour photographer since 2010, documenting the band on stage and on the road in more than 30 countries on 6 continents. Bergman has also toured with Barenaked Ladies, Lilith Fair, and Gloria Estefan, and worked with celebrity clients including Drew Carey, Avril Lavigne, and Joss Stone. With 13 Sports Illustrated covers to his credit including his image of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees raising his son over his head after winning the Super Bowl, Bergman has covered numerous Olympics, World Series', Super Bowls, NBA Championships, and Stanley Cup Finals. Noted as a pioneer of the GigaPan technique for making incredibly high-resolution images, his world-famous GigaPan of President Obama's first inaugural speech was viewed by over 30 million people. He has made similar images for commercial clients including Canon, Tishman Speyer, and MLB.com. As a former Miami Herald staff photographer, Bergman covered news and sporting events all over the world before moving to Manhattan in 2001. He has since produced still and video projects for clients including FremantleMedia, Embassy Row, EMI, and SONY Music and has been published in Rolling Stone, Time, Newsweek, People, Entertainment Weekly, Blender, Kerrang, USA Today, and The New York Times. An engaging and passionate public speaker, Bergman has given photo workshops and seminars for Canon, Apple, Adorama, Best Buy, and Columbia University among others. He is also the host of AdoramaTV’s web series, “Two Minute Tips with David Bergman," was a charter member of Apple's prestigious Aperture Advisory Board, is on the design board for Think Tank Photo, and is an AdoramaPix Ambassador. http://www.davidbergman.net/

Checkout out his workshop http://shootfromthepit.com

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-qMYKWRd20PAWpNrBomCUzJh5NxgFpds

Instagram: @davidbergman

Twitter: @davidbergman

Facebook: DavidBergmanPhoto

Apr 28, 202302:24:57
Just a Good Conversation: Chris Douglas

Just a Good Conversation: Chris Douglas

Chris Douglas was born and raised in East Tennessee along the Clinch River in Anderson County. Chris’ interest in photography began at age 10, when he began by snapping photos of his surroundings – wildlife and family hunting trips. These passions have persisted. His love of the outdoors and wildlife continues to fuel the energetic quality of his current work.

While attending the University of Tennessee, Chris was approached by a print scout and was sent to New York to work with world-class photographer Bruce Weber for famed fashion designer Gianni Versace. For the next four years he lived between New York, Paris and Milan and learned about the inner workings of the fashion business. He further developed his talents as a photographer while working with other notable photographers including Steven Meisel, Arthur Elgort, Norman Seeff, Bob Frame and Lance Staedler.  It was during those adventurous and educational years that Chris’ developed his standards of exceptional quality and his commitment to providing clients with extraordinary imagery.

As an accomplished traditional bowhunter and outdoorsman, Chris began getting disgruntled with city living and put down roots in Southwest Montana in the mid-90’s, where he worked various ranches and competed as a saddle bronc contestant in rodeos throughout Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. It was during that time he was tapped by the producers of the famed 'Duck Dynasty' television program to host and partly shoot the Feeding Frenzy Series for The Discovery Channel (Bear Feeding Frenzy, Crocodile & Alligator Feeding Frenzy, Lion Feeding Frenzy). 

These days, Chris’ work still reflects his life as an outdoorsman, conservationist and cowboy and expresses the respect and gratitude he has for his Native American lineage. His concepts and images are emotional and engaging; relating a powerful, physical story and capture every detail of his subjects. His 25+ years of experience in every facet of the industry have enhanced Chris' skills as a sought-after creative and photographer, and contributed to his work in advertising, commercial, motion, and editorial imagery.

After almost 2 years as the Creative Director at C.C. Filson in Seattle (2018-2019), Chris now works as an independent contractor Creative Director / Consultant and Photographer dividing his time between work locations and Montana where he lives with his wife, two children and their horses.

Apr 21, 202301:58:58
Just a Good Conversation: Dave Sandford Part 2

Just a Good Conversation: Dave Sandford Part 2

International award-winning photographer Dave Sandford is best known for his dramatic collection, Lake Erie - Liquid Mountains.  Submerging himself into the freezing waters of Erie, Sandford’s striking images reveal the violent & breathtaking beauty of this Great Lake.

His viral waves paved the way for a lifelong dream, a meaningful career in conservation & wildlife photography.

 

Sandford, a native of London, ON. Canada originally established himself as a world class photographer around the ‘frozen ponds’ of the National Hockey League. During Sandford’s time at his Alma Mater - Toronto Metropolitan University, Sandford channelled himself into the world of professional sports photography. Sandford’s work in sports quickly grabbed the attention of others & he found himself with a rinkside seat at the professional ranks before he even completed his degree.

 

Sandford’s storied career in professional sports brought him international recognition & established Sandford early on as one of the leaders in the industry. With over 25 years of experience Sandford’s work has landed him roles with sports giants such as the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Sports Illustrated and Getty Images to name a few. While Sandford still has a foothold on pro sports, these days you are more likely to find Dave face to face with a polar bear on frozen tundra or dancing with whales under the sea.

 

Throughout Sandford’s career the call of the wild continually whispered in his ear.  Sandford’s passion for nature and wildlife led Dave down a path with strong ties to conservation. In 2015 when Sandford’s Liquid Mountain’s grabbed the world by storm, Sandford channelled that momentum at this pivotal point in his career, to make the shift into nature photography.

 

Seizing opportunities in wildlife conservation, Sandford quickly transitioned into this role, once again establishing himself as sought-after leader in the industry.  Sandford turned this into his opportunity to roam where the wild things are.

 

Canadian to the core, and similarly to his spirit animal, the polar bear - Sandford is right at home when the mercury dips well below the freezing mark. Making his first trip to the Arctic in 1997, Sandford now has over 20 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica to his credit. With saltwater coursing through his veins, Sandford has also taken his photographic skills into the world’s oceans, swimming alongside natures gentle giants (whales) or finding himself face to face with another of Sandford’s favourite subject’s, the great white shark.

 

Claws, paws or jaws, wide open spaces or tiny places, Sandford enjoys showcasing the beauty of our natural world, blended with exciting and insightful storytelling from his adventures both near and far. It is Sandford’s hope that by sharing what he loves, others will share in that love - promoting positive change in the preservation of our wild spaces and those wonderful creatures who inhabit them.

You can find Sandford’s work in many traditional international publications including National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Canadian Geographic, Reader’s Digest, The Surfer’s Journal, MacLean’s, Natures Best and many others. 

Follow online at davesandfordphotos.com / Instagram: @davesandford / 

Facebook: Sandford Photography / Twitter: @dave_sandford / TikTok: @davesandford and LinkedIn: Dave Sandford


Apr 14, 202302:14:03
Just a Good Conversation: Dave Sandford Part 1

Just a Good Conversation: Dave Sandford Part 1

International award-winning photographer Dave Sandford is best known for his dramatic collection, Lake Erie - Liquid Mountains.  Submerging himself into the freezing waters of Erie, Sandford’s striking images reveal the violent & breathtaking beauty of this Great Lake.

His viral waves paved the way for a lifelong dream, a meaningful career in conservation & wildlife photography.

 

Sandford, a native of London, ON. Canada originally established himself as a world class photographer around the ‘frozen ponds’ of the National Hockey League. During Sandford’s time at his Alma Mater - Toronto Metropolitan University, Sandford channelled himself into the world of professional sports photography. Sandford’s work in sports quickly grabbed the attention of others & he found himself with a rinkside seat at the professional ranks before he even completed his degree.

 

Sandford’s storied career in professional sports brought him international recognition & established Sandford early on as one of the leaders in the industry. With over 25 years of experience Sandford’s work has landed him roles with sports giants such as the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Sports Illustrated and Getty Images to name a few. While Sandford still has a foothold on pro sports, these days you are more likely to find Dave face to face with a polar bear on frozen tundra or dancing with whales under the sea.

 

Throughout Sandford’s career the call of the wild continually whispered in his ear.  Sandford’s passion for nature and wildlife led Dave down a path with strong ties to conservation. In 2015 when Sandford’s Liquid Mountain’s grabbed the world by storm, Sandford channelled that momentum at this pivotal point in his career, to make the shift into nature photography.

 

Seizing opportunities in wildlife conservation, Sandford quickly transitioned into this role, once again establishing himself as sought-after leader in the industry.  Sandford turned this into his opportunity to roam where the wild things are.

 

Canadian to the core, and similarly to his spirit animal, the polar bear - Sandford is right at home when the mercury dips well below the freezing mark. Making his first trip to the Arctic in 1997, Sandford now has over 20 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica to his credit. With saltwater coursing through his veins, Sandford has also taken his photographic skills into the world’s oceans, swimming alongside natures gentle giants (whales) or finding himself face to face with another of Sandford’s favourite subject’s, the great white shark.

 

Claws, paws or jaws, wide open spaces or tiny places, Sandford enjoys showcasing the beauty of our natural world, blended with exciting and insightful storytelling from his adventures both near and far. It is Sandford’s hope that by sharing what he loves, others will share in that love - promoting positive change in the preservation of our wild spaces and those wonderful creatures who inhabit them. 

You can find Sandford’s work in many traditional international publications including National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Canadian Geographic, Reader’s Digest, The Surfer’s Journal, MacLean’s, Natures Best and many others. 

Follow online at davesandfordphotos.com / Instagram: @davesandford / 

Facebook: Sandford Photography / Twitter: @dave_sandford / TikTok: @davesandford and LinkedIn: Dave Sandford


Apr 07, 202301:20:05
Just a Good Conversation: Stephen Green

Just a Good Conversation: Stephen Green

Though it seemed like photographing them was his destiny, Green actually aspired to be a documentary photographer. Becoming the Cubs photographer, he recalls, was serendipitous. Green was doing a graduate thesis on Wrigley Field, then owned by the Wrigley family at the Art Institute of Chicago, but unable to afford the tuition, he still decided to work on the project independently. For the next year, he covered publicity events and the seventh inning stretches. When the Wrigleys sold the ballpark to the Tribune Company at the end of the 1981 season and with their photographer retiring, Green was offered the position of official photographer. In his 35 years, he’s photographed alongside Associated Press and Sports Illustrated photographers including Walter Iooss, John Biever, Neil Leifer and Brad Mangin. One of things he’s picked up over time is shooting things that moves. With that in mind when on assignment for magazines, Green explains the different approaches in shooting a baseball game outside of the basics. “If you’re shooting for a trading card, you just need very clean peak action,” he says. “If you’re working for a magazine, it’s usually a story specifically driven about a player and you want, like in Sports Illustrated or those magazines, a picture that’s got a lot of emotion in it and a lot of intense action.” Of all the Cubs teams he’s photographed over three decades, Green states the 2016 Cubs were his favorite to shoot because the group had grown up together and had developed a history, unlike previous years where players acquired through trades and free agency didn’t stick around for long. “This team’s really kind of cool,” he says. “I really love photographing [infielder] Javier Baez. He’s so athletic. He’s so excitable and fun to shoot. They’re all so different. Kris Bryant is very classic. His form is really good. He’s really easy to take a good picture of. Same with [Anthony] Rizzo. His swing is so perfect. But Anthony Rizzo is very emotional. He’s very responsive.” We talk about his love of photography, jazz and blues, Oprah and rain delays.

Mar 31, 202301:54:49
Just a Good Conversation: Dr. Dan Mickool & Dr. Ryan Crawford

Just a Good Conversation: Dr. Dan Mickool & Dr. Ryan Crawford

Dr. Dan Mickool had an idea during the pandemic about soap and cleaning products, something he had been making for himself for years. One thing lead to other and Ryan Crawford jumped into help and Maine Farm House Brands was formed. A deep connection to the land, farms, ocean, and natural products are not a new fad here in Maine. Local craftsmen, farmers, and fishermen have produced products we’ve used for generations. We have close communities built on honesty and integrity. We think honest-made products are best and we trust that you will agree. 

At Maine Farmhouse Brands, our growing concern about chemicals in personal care products based on petroleum led us to formulate without using these hormone disrupting and toxic substances. We want to feel good about our families using soaps and cleaners especially those with sensitive skin.

At Maine Farmhouse we practice environmental stewardship caring for all creation.

Check out the website mainefarmhousebrands.com

Mar 24, 202353:47
Just a Good Conversation: Bill Kinneberg

Just a Good Conversation: Bill Kinneberg

Bill Kinneberg is a former college baseball coach. He served as head baseball coach of the Utah Utes in 1996 and from 2005 to 2021. Coach Kinneberg lead the Utes to the university's first ever men's Pac-12 championship in the 2016 season, finishing with a 26–29 overall record.After ending his playing career, Kinneberg was hired as an assistant at UTEP. He served in that role for four seasons before assuming the head coaching role for the 1985 season. In what was to be the last season of baseball at UTEP, Kinneberg led the Miners to a program record 33 wins. After the end of UTEP's program, he moved to Wyoming, setting a program record for wins in Laramie in 1990 with a 37–18 record. Kinneberg earned Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors for the 1990 season, and coached 16 All-Conference players at Wyoming. Ironically, the Cowboys program was shut down in 1996, just four years after Kinneberg's departure for Arizona State. Kinneberg spent two seasons with the Sun Devils, helping to guide them to consecutive College World Series appearances.

Kinneberg spent one season as a pitching coach in the Chicago White Sox system, before returning to college head coaching at Utah for the 1996 season. He led the Utes to a 30–22 season and a third-place finish in the WAC. He then accepted an associate head coaching position at Arizona, helping the Wildcats to a Regional appearance during his five years in Tucson

Utah again offered him their head coaching position 2005. During his second stint with the Utes, Kinneberg led the team to their first-ever MWC title and first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1960, coached three high level Major League Baseball Draft picks, including Utah's first-ever first round pick (C. J. Cron), and now leads the Utes in their new home in the Pac-12 Conference. Kinneberg was named Pac-12 Baseball Coach of the Year in 2016 after leading the Utes to their first-ever Pac-12 Conference title.

Kinneberg also has coached USA Baseball's National Team (collegiate), beginning as a pitching coach in 1999, and as head coach in 2007 and 2010.

Mar 17, 202301:55:03
Just a Good Conversation: Christina Phan

Just a Good Conversation: Christina Phan

Christina Phan is a Design Manager at RVCA with almost 20 years experience in the fashion industry. From Volcom, Zumiez, Tavik and RVCA she has done it all. Being born in Tennessee till the family moved Little Saigon in Westminster, Ca. Her mother would cook meals for the 10 of them every day. That's when Christina started to love the beautiful foods in the home and in her area. Years later her love for food grow to the point she would help small restaurants. Fate would have it as she would see an ad that lead her to becoming a contestant on America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation  As a self-taught home cook, food has always been at the center of Phan’s life. Her parents were Vietnamese refugees and her mother was always cooking large Vietnamese meals for their equally large family. As a young adult, Phan became a self-proclaimed “food nerd” and visited as many restaurants and cities as she could. It opened up her eyes to all sorts of different cuisines, and she became obsessed with cooking. She cooks with an understanding of the history of her dishes, the purpose of the ingredients, and the evolution through generations.We talk about fashion, food and more. You can follow her https://linktr.ee/Thelipsurvis. https://www.instagram.com/thelipsur_vis/
Mar 10, 202302:23:53
Just a Good Conversation: Claudia Christian

Just a Good Conversation: Claudia Christian

Claudia Christian is an American actress, singer and author, known for her roles as Commander Susan Ivanova on Babylon 5, as Captain Maynard on Fox's 9-1-1, and as the voice of Hera on the Netflix series Blood of Zeus. She is also the voice of Helga Sinclair in Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Claudia Christian began her career on stage as a child in Connecticut. She booked her first television job as a teenager in the hugely popular series "Dallas" and never stopped working. She has been in dozens of films and hundreds of hours of TV. She became a sci-fi icon with her portrayal of "Susan Ivanova" in the Hugo and Emmy award winning series, "Babylon 5". She has worked with legends such as Morgan Freeman, Michael Keaton, Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, Faye Dunaway, Bob Hope, Don Ameche, George Clooney, Nicolas Cage, Sharon Stone and more in her 35+ year career. She lends her distinctive voice to dozens of the world's most popular games and is a published author of non fiction and fiction. Claudia runs C Three Foundation and is a TEDx speaker. In 2014 she produced the award winning documentary "One Little Pill" and is a passionate activist. She is the founder and CEO of the C Three Foundation, a proponent of the medication based Sinclair Method for treating alcohol dependence. Christian wrote a memoir in 2012 (Babylon Confidential) that tells of her experiences in Hollywood and her battle with alcohol addiction. The book was #1 on Amazon and has mostly 5 star reviews. She also writes alternative history novels. Tor/Macmillan published Wolf's Empire in 2016 to terrific reviews. She has a new young adult novel coming out in 2020 also with Tor/Macmillan. In 2014 she produced a documentary about TSM (One Little Pill) that explains the science behind the treatment and takes a look at real people on TSM. It is available on Amazon, Hulu and Tubi

Check out her website https://claudiachristian.net check out her Instagram www.instagram.com/officialclaudiachristian

and her foundation cthreefoundation.org

Mar 03, 202301:29:00
Just a Good Conversation: Jessica Haydahl Richardson

Just a Good Conversation: Jessica Haydahl Richardson

Jessica comes from a photo journalistic background and it shows in her work. With a diploma in Professional Photo Imaging and a Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing /Advertising, Jessica has worked with such Companies as the Vancouver Canucks, Getty Images and has been published in multiple Sports Fishing Magazines and other publications.  With an editorial based shooting style, Jessica has been capturing Sports fishing for over 10 years. In her early life, growing up on the ocean in Vancouver British Columbia; Jessica could be found running boats, sailing and fishing around the Pacific North West.  It was there that Jessica’s passion for Photography and Nature grew into a profession. Jessica played Hockey at Wayne State and played in a school-record 132 consecutive games, never missing a game in her four-year career ... named to the CHA All-Academic Team.  Jessica currently resides in the Bitterroot of Montana. Her website www.jessicahaydahlphotography.com and instagram www.instagram.com/haydahlphoto/

Feb 24, 202302:59:11
Just a Good Conversation: Paula Smith

Just a Good Conversation: Paula Smith

Paula Smith was named Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UC Irvine on June 6, 2019.

Smith is one of 50 female Division I athletic directors nationally and the second at UCI following Linda Dempsay (1977-1983) who was the country’s first female athletic director at an NCAA Division I school. Smith has over 30 years of experience in college athletic administration, 17 of those at UCI. She previously served as executive associate athletic director (2008 to 2012), senior associate athletic director (2006 to 2008) and assistant athletic director for academic and student services (2000 to 2001). Additionally, she was associate athletics director at UC Riverside from 2001 to 2006. She began her career at the Big West Conference office, starting as a compliance intern and finishing as an assistant commissioner.

Smith is active in campus entities such as the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics, the Chancellor’s Advisory Council, and the Campus Ethics and Compliance Risk Committee. In addition to her UCI duties, Smith serves on the DI-AAA ADA Executive Committee and the DI-AAA ADA All-Sports Trophy Committee. Smith has also served on the NCAA Division I Council from 2017 to 2021, the NCAA Division I Competition Oversight Committee from 2015 to 2021, and the NCAA National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Committee from 2014 to 2017. Other committees served during her tenure are the NCAA Minority Opportunity and Interest Committee with the Division I Strategic Planning Cabinet, NCAA Progress towards Degree Waiver Committee, NACWAA Nomination Committee, and CCACA Committee. Over the past 25 years, she has served on several national panels.

A native of Alamogordo, NM, she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing at New Mexico State University.

With Smith serving as Athletic Director, UCI teams have advanced to the NCAA Championships five times and claimed seven Big West titles. Several teams have been ranked nationally, including women’s water polo and men’s volleyball who have each been as high as No. 3 in the country. Individually, 20 student-athletes were honored as All-America, nine as Big West Player of the Year, four as conference Newcomer of the Year, 137 as all-conference and 302 as all-academic.

Feb 17, 202301:50:44
Just a Good Conversation: Tommy Martino

Just a Good Conversation: Tommy Martino

Tommy Martino is the photography manager working for the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. Tommy Martino is an award-winning photographer and photojournalist based in Missoula, Montana. Tommy graduated in 2014 from the Montana School of Journalism. Tommy went on to intern and work as a photojournalist at papers in Michigan, Montana and Wyoming. Tommy is an award-winning photographer and photojournalist based in Missoula, Montana. We talk about finding photography, being whiling to travel for a job, working and living in cold places as well as the challenges of being the lead photographer at a University. We can see Tommy's work at his website www.tommymartinophoto.com and follow him on Instagram www.instagram.com/tommymartinophoto

Feb 10, 202302:48:36
Just a Good Conversation: John Mahoney

Just a Good Conversation: John Mahoney

All trees have a life cycle, so Street Tree Revival are making every effort to save the trees we can from ending up in landfills. When city trees need to be removed, we preserve their natural beauty and also limit carbon emissions by salvaging trees lost during storms, disease, or normal senescence and recycling this wood into useable raw lumber.

Our urban wood offers a story unlike any other as they have been salvaged from our city streets… a true Street Tree Revival. 

Why urban wood? We have these beautiful heritage trees that provide a ton of resources and can give a new life if we allow ourselves to build something new out of them. We also once had this hundreds of years old tree that we got to witness scientists cut through and examine it, estimating it as one of the oldest in the known universe. They found bullets inside it, which was crazy. Abraham Lincoln could have stood under it. If you put it in a chipper and let it mulch up, that’s not honoring its whole story.

Another reason to use urban wood is because California is blessed with a diverse array of species of trees. San Diego has over 900 species of trees for example. The West Coast is typically a soft wood market, but there are so many exotic trees like eucalyptus globulus from Australia, Tasmanian blackwood from Tasmania, carob from Southeast Asia, eucalyptus camaldulensis, and the ficus from India. Who knew North Indian rosewood would be growing on the streets of California, Arizona, and Nevada? It is kind of invasive but look at the beautiful wood that has been going in the trash all these years.

Did you know?

From one log alone, you can get 3,500 board feet, which could be enough to floor an entire house. There are so many resources that aren’t being tapped into or not being tapped into well enough. People need to realize that what they have in their front yard is valuable beyond when it’s still standing.

124 million tons of CO2e could be sequestered nationally from urban hardwood over the next 30 years. “Could be” is key. We currently don’t have the best management practices to harvest that wood and turn it into useable lumber; it’s more beneficial for cities and contractors not to use the wood. Urban trees in the U.S. hold about 774 million tons of carbon. Look how much is stored in our urban forest right now. The more trees we plant, the bigger the waste stream will eventually be. This means we need to think about what happens to trees in their next stage of life.

50% of above-ground is suitable for solid hardwood products. We’re currently making benches from logs that can only be 20 inches wide, so we’re not just talking about the big ones. Small ones work, too.

Better Value!

Also, urban lumber is valued greater than forest grade because of history, unusual figure, and personal meaning. Just like how Abraham Lincoln stood under this oak tree. When we chop a tree like that down, you can turn it into something else like a table or a mantelpiece to keep the tree alive for even longer.

A board foot is a 12-inch by 12-inch by 1-inch piece of lumber. For each board foot of wood, there is 4.7 pounds of carbon. We have at least 8,000 board feet in our showroom, which equates to over 37,000 pounds of CO2 stored! Each kiln load is 3,000-4,000 board feet, which is 14,000-18,000 pounds of stored carbon. By turning this wood into lumber, it keeps the carbon from going back into the atmosphere.

STR is located all over the state, collecting trees from Northern California and milling them up there and drying them down here in Southern California or vice versa. We also do work in Arizona and Nevada, just like WCA. It takes a team to get this profound amount of wood (300 tons of green waste a day) through our systems.

Feb 03, 202301:12:56
Just a Good Conversation: Greg Gorman

Just a Good Conversation: Greg Gorman

Known for his stark, honest portraits of the most famous and infamous faces from the worlds of entertainment, art, sport and music, Greg Gorman’s images have intrigued the viewer from the onset of his career. Over the years Greg has been acknowledged for his contribution to the world of photography, most recently being recognized by The Professional Photographers of America (Lifetime Achievement Award in Portraiture) as well as The Lucie Awards for Portraiture. His charitable works by such organizations as The Elton John Aids Foundation, The Oscar de La Hoya Foundation and Paws LA to name but a few have also been critically recognized.Besides traveling the world for specialized photographic projects, Greg continues to work on compilations of his imagery and exhibits his work at galleries and museums around the globe.

It's Not About Me-A Retrospective marks Mr. Gorman’s twelfth monograph. As well, Gorman is one of the most sought after speakers in the photographic community and shares his expertise in hands-on photographic workshops worldwide. Greg’s latest career venture has been in the world of wine-making. In collaboration with Dave Phinney of Orin Swift Cellars of the Napa Valley, Greg began making wine under his own label, GKG Cellars, in 2006, receiving high scores from both Robert Parker and the Wine Spectator.

Born in 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri, Greg attended the University of Kansas with a major in Photojournalism and completed his studies at the University of Southern California, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Cinematography. Greg resides with his two French Bulldogs in Los Angeles, California and spends his spare time fishing. www.gormanphotography.com

Jan 27, 202301:11:48
Just a Good Conversation: Joseph Mahon

Just a Good Conversation: Joseph Mahon

Reformed fine-dining chef Joseph Mahon (ex-Bastide in West Hollywood) has made a name for himself in the last few years with a menu of highly regarded premium burgers at Burger Parlor in Orange and Fullerton. Everything there is from scratch including the ketchup.

Adapting to weathering the lingering Covid 19 crisis Chef Joseph has morphed his two Burger Parlor locations to Jaxon’s Scratch-Made Chix Tenders with the same commitment to premium quality using all-natural, antibiotic free chicken. On the compact menu are 2, 3 and 4 piece chicken tender meals (served with crinkle fries,) a chicken sandwich and a teriyaki bowl with teriyaki basted chicken tenders, steamed veggies and white rice. House prepared sides include a side salad, pickles, sweet potato fries, crinkle fries, coleslaw and mac & cheese. A wide selection of rotating craft beers on tap is also part of the menu.

To complement the chicken tenders are a variety of dipping sauces. The house specialty is Jaxon’s Cajun Sauce. Premium Sauce selections are Polynesian, Scorpion Vinegar, Garlic Herb Parmesan, Reaper BBQ, Lemon-Lime Pepper and Blue Cheese.Joseph Mahon has been involved in the restaurant industry since he was 16 years old. Joseph quickly moved through the ranks in the local restaurant scene and enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Joseph's drive and passion landed him working weekends for free in New York City's 3 and 4 star kitchens. Eventually, he earned an intern position at Cafe Boulud with Andrew Carmellini. Upon graduating from school, Joseph was picked from his class to go work in the south of France. Returning to the United States, his passion for food led him back to Cafe Boulud in NYC. Feeling secure in his cooking foundation from Daniel Boulud and Andrew Carmellini; Joseph went on to take positions at Danube and Bouley under David Bouley where he was Chef de Partie. Joseph moved back to California to become Sous Chef of Sona with David Myers in Los Angeles. He was recruited for opening Chef de Cuisine position of the Fairmont Newport Beach and Executive Chef of 208 Rodeo in Beverly Hills.

Joseph went on to become Executive Chef of the now 'infamous' Bastide in West Hollywood. Critics noted his ability to do the simple things very well, maximizing flavors of his ingredients, innovative technique and overall balance on all of his plates. During his tenure, Bastide was awarded Top Food in Zagat with 27 for food. 4.5 Stars for opentable.com, 2.5 stars from the LA Times and Best Restaurant by LA FEAST with a score of 93.

He went on open 'Burger Mondays' at Bastide which turned out to be a huge hit. Joseph was surprised and inspired at the reactions of such a simple dish. Joseph notes, “Every Monday there was at least 2-3 people saying it was the best burger they ever had. At that moment, I knew what I was going to do next”.


Jan 20, 202301:26:57
Just a Good Conversation: Richard Mackson

Just a Good Conversation: Richard Mackson

 My guest Richard Mackson also photographed football all levels. We’ve both seen changes in the way this wonderful sport has been covered over the years. Today we dive into football etiquette.

Former Vice President at Kodak and Sports Illustrated photographer Richard Mackson talks about 40 years in the photo industry.  Richard has photographed World Cup Soccer, America’s Cup Yachting, fourteen Olympic Games, Rose Bowls, the Oscars, Kentucky Derbies, NCAA Final Fours, BCS/CFP Championships, NBA Finals, over thirty Super Bowls, Stanley Cups, World Championship Boxing, and countless other national and international sporting events. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Arts Education from California State University, Long Beach, and is also a frequent and enthusiastic speaker and lecturer on photography, technology and business strategy topics.  Today Richard resides in Santa Monica, California with his wife Joy and their daughter Lauren.

Jan 13, 202301:04:18
Just a Good Conversation: Jill Connelly

Just a Good Conversation: Jill Connelly

Jill Connelly is a documentary photographer and educator based in Los Angeles. She is a contributor to Zuma Press and her work has appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, TIME magazine, Newsweek Japan, People, The Globe and Mail, The San Francisco Chronicle,  the Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe and many others. She has produced images for the Associated Press, Bloomberg and Reuters  and for five years worked as a contract photographer for the Los Angeles Times. Her images are included in the books “Wichita: Coming Home, Going Global” and “4:31– Images of the 1994 Los Angeles Earthquake.” Her work has also been exhibited in numerous group shows at galleries and other venues. Her current project, “Living With the Dead,” explores cemeteries as places for celebrations of life, art, culture and history.

She has enjoyed photographing numerous celebrities, athletes and politicians, including Rosa Parks, Shaquille O’Neal and Bill Clinton, but her favorite stories are those of the ordinary people who have overcome hardships, and have interesting stories to tell of their journey along the way.

Jill has done work for NGOs as well. She traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo and photographed the subjects of education, malnutrition, child soldiers, survival and sexual violence for UNICEF. She also went to Greece to photograph the refugee crisis for Allied Aid and photographs for The Red Cross in Los Angeles

Jill teaches photojournalism at Pierce College where she is the Chair of the Media Arts department and advisor for the campus newspaper and magazine. She has also taught at Brooks Institute of Photography and with the UCLA Student Media program.

She has a master’s degree in Journalism with a photojournalism concentration from Boston University and a bachelor’s in Communication from State University of New York (SUNY) Plattsburgh, where she minored in Photography. She also completed a social media certificate at Cal State Dominguez Hills and has created social media content for Allied Aid and Pierce College.

Jan 06, 202301:29:17
Just a Good Conversation: Myung J. Chun Part 2

Just a Good Conversation: Myung J. Chun Part 2

Myung J. Chun has been a photographer with the Los Angeles Times since 1999. He started as a still photographer and then moved to videography from 2007 to 2018. Chun won an Emmy in 2011 for his work on a multimedia project about innocent victims of gang violence. He previously worked for the Los Angeles Daily News, a position he started in 1988 while attending Cal State Northridge. We talk about going to the Arctic with the Navy, Hiking up Mt. Shasta and Capturing Will Smith slap Chris Rock. You can follow Myung on Instagram www.instagram.com/myung_chun

Dec 23, 202201:40:19