Nor Cal Names

She is the matriarch of the Curry Family, better known as "The First Family of the NBA"  Sonya Curry talks parenting three kids,  including  a basketball superstar  and her and her husband's new podcast "Raising Fame."   

What started out as a bucket list road trip resulted in Matt Levitt Founding Tahoe Blue Vodka.  If you know how clean and delicious water in the Tahoe regions tastes, it should come as no surprise that Tahoe Blue Vodka vas voted #1 unflavored vodka in the world. Cheers!    

Not all rock stars sing or play instruments. Secretary Blumenfeld has dedicated his life to environmental issues, both global and local. And, he hiked 2600 miles from Mexico to Canada. On foot. By himself. For fun. He shares that adventure and much more!  

From the time she was a little girl, Laura visited coffee farms around the world with her parents. The SF Bay Way is to search out the world's finest coffee farmers, roast the richest, most flavorful coffees while making the world a better place. When you taste a cup of coffee from this Lincoln based company, know that you are literally changing lives.  Laura explains how.          

Charles Schwab was born in Sacramento and lives in the Bay Area! This father of five and grandfather of 13 shares the life lessons he has passed along to his family, how saving and investing shifts throughout a lifetime, and how unwavering principles, perseverance and optimism have always been at the heart of everything this brilliant, philanthropic man does.    

Their wines are sold in all 50 states and in 36 countries. Jody Bogle and her brothers are the third generation to run this family owned, world-renowned winery located in the Delta town of Clarksburg. Listen to Jody tell the Bogle story, which actually spans six generations. She also shares the best parts of working with family and why sustainability in winemaking matters. Cheers!   

To Dan Bunz, the similarities between the San Francisco 49ers of 1981 and 2019 are many. Hear about "The Stop"  -  one of the most famous tackles in NFL history - in Dan's own words, memories of his teammates from that golden era, and how the day AFTER game day felt for an NFL middle linebacker.        

Tom Johnston is known as the founder, guitarist, lead vocalist and songwriter for the Doobie Brothers. Listen this Nor Cal resident talks about their 50th anniversary tour, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, and where he was when he first heard a Doobie Brothers song on the radio all those years ago.    

The Winter Olympics held at Squaw Valley in 1960 turned a former summer vacation town into a renowned winter destination. Ron Cohen talks history, balancing business with environmentalism, and just how many days on the slopes the guy who runs this magnificent mountain should have! 

Gary Heck was born into the champagne business. Find out why and Korbel gets to call its sparkling wines champagne, how the bubbles get into this heavenly beverage and at how many U.S. presidential inaugurations Korbel has been served. Cheers! 

Born and raised in Sacramento, Frank has been playing in bands since he was 12. Between Tesla, the Frank Hannon Band and more, it has been a long, illustrious, multi-platinum ride. In our chat at Frank's home, he talks about his passions: all genres of music, his wife Christy, and horses - lots of horses!    

The U.C. Davis MIND Institute is at the worldwide pinnacle of investigations of autism and other neurodevelopment disorders. Meet Dr. Abbeduto, the visionary director devoted to providing hope and improving the lives of people with autism and  their families throughout the world.        

He recently released his first studio album in 18 years. Gregg talks about growing up in the Bay Area, Woodstock, the first time he met Carlos Santana (hint- the Shoreline Amphitheatre hasn't always been an amphitheatre) and much more! 

Located in my hometown of Sunnyvale 23andMe provides irresistible information through DNA tests. Hear how Alison’s work lets us trace our roots to genetic populations all over the world and connect with people we’re related to. I’m hooked.  

El Cerrito's own talks about growing up in Nor Cal, the upcoming screening of his historic concert film, and the sage advice Bob Dylan gave him which we should all be thankful for. 

Who knew that Nor Cal rice fields produce nearly 5 billion pounds of rice annually - most of America's sushi rice - and are home to almost 230 species of wildlife? I sure as heck did not!  Hope you enjoy this fascinating, fun, fact filled chat with Tim Johnson as much as I did.   

She is passionate about her career, her kids and her community. This Emmy award winner is the real deal, with some fascinating interviews and stories covered under her belt.  

The leading caviar producer in America is in - wait for it - ELVERTA!!! Yep, Sterling Caviar produces up to 15 metric tons annually! President David Shenson explains how to best enjoy caviar, the importance of sustainable production, and new trends in caviar - tater tots and caviar anyone?  

At this Petaluma brewery, beer speaks, people mumble. Jeremy Marshall talks about HIS first beer experience (not great), the many similarities between hops and cannabis (!) and the proper way to fully enjoy a brew, or two...    

Hear from this Palo Alto local about auditioning for Roger Daltrey, performing iconic music for fans around the world, and meeting the musicians he idolized as a piano playing kid.  Loren Gold shares sound advice for up and coming musicians.    

Fitbit is a San Francisco based company (recognized all over the world ) that makes fitness technology products. Lindsey explores and develops all the cool features that go on these super popular devices. And if you think they're tappped out on new ways to help us get fit, think again.    

Infamous Folsom Prison inmates include Timothy Leary, Eldridge Cleaver, Charles Manson and Erik Menendez. And yes, Johnny Cash played a show there. Warden Hill talks about his job, his relationships with inmates, and why he does what he does.  

Oakland Raider wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff and quarterback Ken Stabler lived together for a while - oh, if those walls could talk.  Pricelsss stories from a man with a 14 year Hall of Fame career, and a mission to continue to honor the memory of his daughter,Tracey.   

The Bay Area's Greg Camp shares the surprising back story to Smash Mouth's Grammy nominated "All Star."  We also talk Shrek, kids and being parodied on SNL.   

For many food lovers, before there was Google, there was Darrell Corti. We can thank this Sacramento native/culinary encyclopedia for introducing balsamic vinegar, truffles, high quality olive oils and more to North America. And DO NOT use the word "Foodie" around him....       

After 12 year old Polly Klaas was kidnapped and murdered in 1993, her father Marc founded the KlaasKids Foundation. Hear in Marc's own words how he endured the unspeakable as the nation watched, and the moment when he decided to dedicate his life to the safery of children.        

A rock star in so many ways, this Sacramento native flew four space shuttle missions, logging 48 days and 19.8 million miles in space, including over 20 hours spacewalking.  And OF COURSE we discuss zero gravity, space food and going to the bathroom in space!      

Raised in the Nor Cal town of Redding, it would be easier to list who Ricky Phillips HASN'T played with!  So, who was HE star struck to play with? Find out in this candid, behind the scenes chat loaded with the "who's who" of classic rock!     

25 years after the Loma Prieta Earthquake killed 63 people and caused billions of dollars in damage in Nor Cal, only 10 percent of California's 7 million plus homeowners have earthquake insurance. A few short weeks after major back to back earthquakes hit our state I sat down with CEO Glenn Pomeroy to try to understand why.      

She covered Bay Area sports and at one point was told she was a distraction to the practicing San Francisco 49ers. Kristine shares insightful stories about being a woman in media during changing times and about life in the Playboy Masion - NOT what you'd think!       

Born and raised in Sacramento, Ben's passion for all things Sac Republic  - the fans, the community, the MLS potential in a world class stadium - are all evident in this great conversation. He is a huge supporter of women's soccer - you've got to love a franchise President who also coaches his daughter's teams - the Fighting Unicorns and the Cheetahs!      

Born in the Nor Cal town of Big Sur, John has been with the Doobie Brothers since 1979. He plays guitar, pedal steel guitar, violin, Dobro and more. Can you be in the band and have a favorite Doobie's song? John explains.  

Providing power to 1.5 million people in the Greater Sacramento Area, SMUD's greenhouse gas reduction goals predate and exceed those set by the state of California!  Meet the man who runs this trendsetting publicly owned utility - one of the ten largest  in the U.S. - with passion and purpose.      

You want to know the history of major league baseball in the Bay Area?  AL MVP and Cy Young award winner Vida Blue talks Candlestick Park's crazy wind, Charlie Finley's legendary eccentrticities and what it was like pitching to the greatest batters in the world for 17 years.   

He has been on NBC's Today Show 200 times and has cooked with and for Hoda, Al, Carson, Kathie Lee and more! Modesto native Ryan Scott shares his stories, his passion for good food and his advice on everything from Instant Pots to spray tanning.    

On May 3, 1980, Candace Lightner’s 13-year-old daughter was hit and killed by a repeat offender drunk driver in a Fair Oaks neighborhood. Hear how one mom started a movement that would significantly change the course of history in the United States, and how Candace continues her crusade against drunk, drugged and distracted driving today with "We Save Lives."    

Hear the behind the scenes story about super group The Circle and their first album of original material. And after the rush of being on stage, learn what comes next - including Sammy taking out the trash.        

He was born and raised in Sacramento! I ask Tony about his first fight (he was 5), his proudest moments boxing for a hometown crowd, and why in the world he would get BACK into a ring after spending a month in bed in pain.     

Who knew how much went into each Jelly Belly Bean? Seven days to make ONE bean, with such love and care. This family owned business (generations 5, 6 and 7 now work there!) ships its products all over the world and proudly calls Nor Cal home.     

Raised in Oak Park, a Sac State graduate, and yes,the first African American Sacramento police chief in the department's nearly 170 year history. But there is so much more to Chief Hahn's remarkable story.    

Talented beyond his legendary bass playing, this Sacramento native is also an accomplished photographer and artist. Learn why Brian says being from Sacramento contibuted to Tesla's sound.  

"The Pitch Heard Around the World" ended Dave Dravecky's baseball playing career. Listen to how this amazing man turned the loss of his pitching arm into finding - and sharing - hope, courage and perseverance. As Dave says, "It's not what you do, it's who you are."   

A fascinating, candid conversation with this dymanic public servant and long time Nor Cal resident. The Congresswoman talks about deciding to run after the death of her husband Congressman Robert Matsui as well as climate change, self driving cars, grandchildren and more!    

Talk about the perfect gig for a self proclaimed lifelong coffee obsessive.  Patrick is responsible for creating all of the mind blowing flavors we have enjoyed at Peet's Coffee for the past 20 years. His passion for and respect of all things coffee is evident throughout this audio love letter to his craft.  

Never a dull moment with the Brothers Busfield! Buck talks about the ongoing success of the B Street Theatre at the Sofia. Tim is so busy acting and directing (with his wife Melissa Gilbert!). Such a fun visit with these two talented fellas! 

He has performed for Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Al Gore. Will Durst talks about his creative process, Robin Williams, the state of comedy today, and so much more.       

This interview is a treat for Emerson, Lake & Palmer fans!  Robert Berry worked with both Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer (along with many other artists) .  He considers his finest achievement to be “The Rules Have Changed” , the last musical project that Keith Emerson was involved in prior to his untimely passing in 2016.

Chief Porter says firefighting is a calling. He talks about “Career Fires” - that one big episode in a fire fighter’s lifetime – and how we are now experiencing multiple fires of this magnitude annually.

You can buy Blue Diamond Almonds in over 90 countries, but their headquarters and history (over 100 years!) are in Sacramento!  And if you think “Wasabi Soy Sauce” is their most unique flavor, you’re not even close!     

Wait - Princeton? An engineering degree? ELVIS????  Huh - and you think you know someone after 20 years!