Life of Gusto

My guests on this episode are Roberto Saldahna and Laura Rabelo, a Brazilian couple who, just before the lockdown in 2020, took a leap of faith and opened World Green Acai in Larkspur, CA, Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they managed to survive and are now fully open, creating a popular gathering place for Marin residents to enjoy authentic acai and other Brazilian treats. Join us for a brief conversation about their journey to California, what acai really tastes like, and their passion for sharing Brazilian food and culture. You'll find World Green Açai on the web at worldgreenacai.com and on Instagram @worldgreenacai.

My guest on this opening episode for Season 3 is Lucy Davis. Lucy is currently Director of Product Design at Instagram. Tune in to hear Lucy share insights from her nearly two decades of experience in the design world. We also discuss some of the cultural considerations of user experience, a few of her own design inspirations, and her journey to working for one of the world's most influential companies. You'll find Lucy on Instagram. Her handle is @lucepdavis.

My guest on this episode is Haleigh Washington. Haleigh is a professional volleyball player and a member of the US Women's National Team that won the Olympic Gold Medal in indoor volleyball this summer in Tokyo, Japan. Haleigh is a graduate of Penn State Univeristy, where she was a 3-time All-American and helped lead her team to a Big Ten title, two final four appearances, and an NCAA Championship title. She currently plays for the professional club team Igor Gorgonzola in Novara, Italy. Tune in for a conversation about Haleigh's journey to volleyball, how a growth mindset fueled her development into an elite athlete, her passion for learning on and off the court, and of course, the road to winning an historic gold medal at the Olympic Games. ⁣ You'll find Haleigh on the web. She's @Hales__Storm on Instagram and @Hales__Yeah on Twitter. (FYI those are double underscores).

My guest is Eric Bissell. He's a climber and photographer based in Bishop, California. After a brief stint working in the art world in New York City, Eric pursued his love for climbing and the outdoors over eight seasons as a climbing ranger in Yosemite National Park. Along the way he's traveled the world in search of challenging boulder problems and to establish new routes on big walls in Venezuela, Kenya, and Krygystan. Join us for a conversation about his passion for climbing, the challenges of documenting a climb, and what it's like to scale Yosemite's famed wall, El Capitan. ⁣ You'll find Eric on Instagram his handle is @ericbissell. He's also an Ambassador for @lasportivana and @gnarlynutrition. You can read about and see photos from his trip to Mt. Ololokwe in Kenya at Patagonia Stories: https://www.patagonia.com/stories/first-photo-camels-in-kenya/story-92757.html

My guest on this episode is Joyce Tang. She is a pastry chef and founder of Bake Sum where she and her team craft inventive pastries fusing Asian flavors and ingredients with classic French techniques. Tune in to hear how Joyce stepped away from a burgeoning career in Silicon Valley to pursue her love of baking, her thoughts on creativity, and how, during the depths of the pandemic, she successfully reimagined and grew her business and is now on the verge of opening her very first storefront in Oakland, California. You'll find Joyce on LinkedIn and on Facebook. Bake Sum is on Instagram @bakesumpastries and on the web at bakesum.com.

My guest on this episode is Azikiwee Anderson. He created Rize Up Bakery based in San Francisco and makes artisan sourdough bread in traditional and nontraditional ways with unique, sometimes unexpected flavor combinations. Tune in to hear about Azikiwee's own unconventional background as a skater, his transition to food, his creative process, and how he is using Rize Up Baker to connect people with one another and make a difference in the world, one beautiful loaf of bread at a time. If you like what you hear, hit the subscribe button, share the podcast with your friends, and thanks for listening. ⁣ You'll find Azikiwee & Rize Up Bakery on the web at rizeupsourdough.com and on Instagram @rize_up_sourdough.

My guest on this episode is Michael Mongan, the Solicitor General for the state of California. Mr. Mongan has more than 15 years of experience in both private law and government. He's worked in Congress, served as a clerk for the DC Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court, and was Deputy Counsel for Vice President Joe Biden during the first two years of the Obama Administration. ⁣ Mr. Mongan has argued three cases before the Supreme Court: a defense of DACA which was upheld by the Court in 2020; a defense of the Affordable Care Act in California v. Texas; and the defense of a California rule that grants union organizers temporary access to farms for the purposes of meeting with employees. Decisions for the latter two cases are still pending and are expected in late June. ⁣ Tune in for a conversation about his journey to a career in the law and public service and what it's like to argue before the Supreme Court, in-person and remotely.

My guest is Mika McKinnon. She's a geophysicist, disaster researcher, educator, and science communicator. Mika has also served as a science consultant on a number of tv shows and films including Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe, Madam Secretary, and Star Trek Discovery. Join us for a conversation about everything from this week's volcano eruption in Iceland, what rocks tell us about our past and future, exploring other planets, to what it's like to work on science fiction shows, and why throwing a block party might be the best thing you can do to prepare for a disaster. Mika's passion for science is infectious: you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone more enthusiastic about learning. ⁣ You'll find Mika on the web. Her Twitter handle is @mikamckinnon. She's also on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Life of Gusto podcast is back for Season 2! My first guest is Charles Salter, President and Chief Operating Officer of News Literacy Project, which provides educators with the tools and resources to help young people become informed, active consumers of news and information. In this episode, he shares his insights into how we arrived at this period where truth itself is under siege, the challenges of navigating our complex information landscape, and most importantly, why civics education is a key component to helping preserve our democracy. He also shares what he's learned about leadership over the course of his 25 years in education and nonprofit management. ⁣ You'll find Chuck on the web. He's Charles Salter in Linkedin and on Twitter his handle is @saltercrs. For more information, free curriculum and resources, visit News Literacy Project at newslit.org.

In this special episode, a round up of Season 1 highlights: a few of my favorite clips, some extended conversations, and a little bonus content sprinkled throughout. ⁣ A big shout out to all of my guests and to all of my listeners for your support, feedback, and encouragement. Come back in 2021 for more conversation about finding your way—and living a life of gusto.

We continue our discussion about Lindsey's latest book, “The New Parisienne.” She talks about the disability advocate Elisa Rojas and touches on a few of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's efforts to reduce congestion and address pollution. And thinking about the day we can travel again to Paris. Lindsey shares a sample “ideal day” itinerary. Head to my Instagram @lifeofgusto and my website augustoandres.com for a complete list of all the places mentioned in this episode.

On this special episode I take a brief look at the impact of Covid on business owners. Chef and entrepreneur Hilary Jacobs returns to talk about starting a new venture in this challenging environment, and two Marin County business owners Surinder Sroa of Lotus cuisine of india and Leslie Burnside of Theresa and Johnny's Comfort Food talk about trying to keep their restaurants afloat during this unprecedented year. In between they each share some thoughts on enjoying life despite the trying times. ⁣ Hilary Jacobs, Instagram: @farm_to_dog | Web: farmto.dog ⁣ Surinder “Pal” Sroa, Instagram: @lotuscuisineofindia, @cafelotusfairfax, @lotuscurryhouse | Web: lotusrestaurant.com ⁣ Leslie Burnside, Instagram: @theresa_and_johnnys | Web: theresajohnnys.com

Bonus Episode in French! I was pleasantly surprised by the number of listens to Episode 9 in French with Frédéric de Lavenne de Choulot. Thanks to all for tuning in (and putting up with my accent and errors!). Fred returns for this short bonus episode to discuss motivation, learning languages using various apps, and he shares some thoughts on celebrating Christmas in France. If you'd like to follow along in English, head to my website augustoandres.com for a transcript. J'etais tellement surprise par la réponse enthousiaste et par le nombre d'écoutes de l'episode 9 avec prof de français Frederic de Lavenne de Choulot. Alors, je suis très reconnaissant à vous tous pour le soutien et pour avoir écouté le podcast. Dans ce petit bonus épisode, on continue notre conversation à propos de l'apprentissage de la langue. Fred parle de la motivation, il donne des petits conseils pour utiliser certains apps, et enfin, il partage ses sentiments sur la célébration de Noël en France. Merci beaucoup et bonne écoute!

Episode 12 of the Life of Gusto podcast is up! My guest on this episode is Lindsey Tramuta. She is a Paris-based writer and journalist who is also the face behind the long running blog and Instagram account @lostncheeseland. Lindsey's first book The New Paris, highlighted the entrepreneurs, chefs, and creators pushing Paris in exciting new directions. Published this summer, her second book, The New Parisienne, challenges the tired stereotype of the Parisian woman by introducing readers to 50 diverse and dynamic women who are shaping modern Paris. ⁣ Join us for a conversation about a few of these remarkable women (pictured here), her own journey from America to France, and a wide ranging discussion about how the complex issues of diversity, sexism, inclusion, and race play out in a Parisian and French context. ⁣ Foods/places mentioned: ⁣ Gougères (cheese puffs); Candied pâte de fruit @Jacques Genin; Petit choux (cream puffs) @Popelini; ⁣Café Belleville & Belleville Brûlerie ⁣ Lindsey's cheese recommendations: Basque sheep's milk cheeses - Tomme de brebis; Ossau-Iraty; Beaufort, Comté, (non-French cheeses:manchego, and aged Gruyère) ⁣ Her favorite place to wander/hangout: Jardin du Palais-Royal.

My guest on this episode is photographer and filmmaker Scott Kranz. In 2015, Scott walked away from a burgeoning career as a litigator to become a full-time commercial and adventure photographer focusing on outdoor sports, mountain climbing, travel, and landscapes. ⁣ Scott discusses how he shifted towards a life built around a passion for the outdoors and shares highlights from his book 50 Peaks, which documents the epic feat he undertook in 2018 to summit 50 unique peaks in the North Cascades National Park. I was stoked to have this interview with Scott. He's someone I've admired since joining Instagram. Not only is he a fantastic photographer, but he is also an awesome human being. ⁣ The book is available at Scott's website scott-kranz.com. 50% of the net profits go to support the Washington National Park Fund.

Extra content that didn't make the original episodes. ⁣ Part 1 - Marcus Filly on integrating health and fitness into one's life and the work-life balance. ⁣ Part 2 - Alexandra Hunt talks musical theatre cast albums and “Hamilton.” ⁣ Part 3 - Jim Cegelnik on the limits of either/or thinking and his “Slow is fast” mindset. ⁣ Part 4 - Alex Macdonald on his favorite vintage and the impact of weather conditions on the taste of a wine.

Episode 9 is a special edition completely in French. It's for people studying French, Francophiles, Francophones, and anyone else with a general interest in languages, learning, or travel. Although I studied French language and literature in college and have visited France multiple times, I've never mastered spoken French. This summer is as close as I've come to my goal of becoming fluent with the help of my guest. I loved the challenge of interviewing him and recording this episode. Don't know anything except “croissant” or the chorus of “Lady Marmalade?” Listen anyway! Head to my website augustoandres.com where I've posted a transcript of the show in English on the “Stories” page. (Apologies in advance to any native French speakers for my accent and any mistakes I make on this episode.) Thanks for listening! ⁣ My guest is Frédéric de Lavenne de Choulot. He's a French teacher, online language coach, and translator of novels. In this episode, Fred recounts how he discovered a passion for travel and for language, and he shares his experiences, thoughts, and some tips for learning a foreign language. If you like what you hear, hit the subscribe button and/or share the episode with a friend. Happy listening!

Shane Miller is a contemporary artist based in Nashville who creates paintings with imagined-landscapes that evoke a powerful mix of dreams, memories, and nostalgia. Largely self-taught, Shane shifted away from working as a physical therapist assistant and a musician to become a full-time artist in 2016 via his growing reach on Instagram. In Episode 8, Shane talks about creating a life based on his passion for art and shares insights into some of his influences, painting techniques and his creative process. Shane Miller is @shane.artistry on Instagram and on the web at www.shaneartistry.com.

Jim Cegelnik is a doctor of physical therapy and an orthopedic clinical specialist in Marin with nearly 13 years of experience working with clients and athletes of all types. In addition to his clinical practice, Jim is an educator, an avid surfer and a co-host of his own podcast, Dropping in Surf Show. Tune in to hear how Jim dealt with and learned from an early experience with failure that nearly derailed his career before it started and for his insights on health, wellness, and the complex physical and psychological issues associated with managing pain. ⁣ Whether or not you've ever had an injury or experienced persistent pain or struggled with your health in any way, I hope you'll find some interesting takeaways from this episode. Jim has had a profound impact on my life in recent years and I'm glad to have him share his knowledge and wisdom with @lifeofgusto listeners. ⁣ **Show disclaimer: Any health-related content on this episode is provided as general information and for entertainment purposes -- but should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or other healthcare professional with questions about your own unique situation.

Ninive Calegari is a teacher, author, film producer, non-profit founder, and CEO. In 2002, with writer Dave Eggers, she founded 826 Valencia later as CEO of 826, expanded the organization to eight additional chapters across the country. Currently, she is the CEO of Enterprise for Youth, which provides workplace development and internships for San Francisco students. In this episode, Ninive talks about how formative experiences in high school helped set her on a path to become an influential leader spreading the joy of teaching and learning, and a powerful advocate for educators and young people of all ages.

Revival Strength founder Marcus Filly talks about how he stepped away from a path he thought was expected of him and how he built upon his experiences as a CrossFit gym owner and CrossFit Games athlete to create his own company and put a unique stamp on the world of health and fitness.

Alex shares how family and friends helped her pivot towards a career in counseling and what it's like to help teenagers navigate high school.

Part 2 with chef and entrepreneur Hilary Jacobs. Food, creativity and more on the challenges of starting your own business. (Due to technical issues, this episode had to be split into two segments.)

A conversation with chef and entrepreneur Hilary Jacobs of @hilscookingcatering about being your own boss and carving your own path in bold and unconventional ways. (Note: due to some audio challenges this episode has been divided into two parts).

Conversations with dynamic and creative individuals leading lives of purpose and passion.

A conversation with winemaker Alex Macdonald of Macdonald Vineyards in Napa Valley.