What's Next?

This podcast was a pleasure to do! This young man is driven. Growing up in Salinas, John made his mark as a successful athlete at Salinas High School. With a dream of being an Olympian and passion for pole vault, he set school, county, and regional records. John attended Cal Poly on a pole vault scholarship and majored in agricultural systems and management. After college, John moved to Arizona to train at a private track and field training facility. Needing money to support his track and field passion, John got a job working for a private equity fund that purchased and developed land into farmland, owning and/or selling to larger groups. Initially, utilizing his engineering experience within the company and soon working on small then large-scale acquisition projects. Training from 7am-12pm then working, absorbing information, and learning from his mentors he would eventually venture off and start his own business. With a successful career in real estate investment, John is enjoying life, traveling, and plans to teach others how to be successful. I hope you enjoy the podcast! Remember to like, subscribe, and share! 

 Matt has been in Monterey working remotely while his partner completed her Graduate Degree at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Soon they will be off on a new adventure in La Jolla and I just had to get him on the podcast! Very much a product of the Midwest by way of Chicago, Illinois,  he is very much grateful of his upbringing that encompasses both Greek and American culture, which is very much his father's doing. Matt remembers his father's love of the United States and his appreciation for the opportunities available here. His father fled Greece in the 1960s and immigrated to the United States, worked hard to provide Matt the opportunity to pursue his dream of being a journalist. Matt watched All the President's Men in the 8th grade, he knew he wanted to be a political journalist. A graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, IA, Matt worked just as hard as his father. Trying to get his foot in the door working minimum wage internships, writing for The National Journal and The Atlantic, and eventually making his way to Capital Hill. He spent about 10 years in Washington D.C. After years in political journalism, he had an opportunity to veer away from Washington and tour the country interviewing the working class; how the economy at the time was affecting their lives. Covering stories of the working-class citizens brought him back to his roots, and he truly enjoyed telling their stories. After the 2016 election Matt was fried. An avid hiker, Matt and his co-worker hiked the Pacific Coast Trail. Starting in April 2017 and completing the hike in September 2017. From Trail Angels helping the two along the way, to the challenges with nature, the experience has left a lasting and humbling impression.I hope you enjoy this podcast! Originally recorded September 21, 2022 

Humans like Yvonne give me hope for this generation. Educated, resilient, grounded, open minded and compassionate are values that come to mind after doing this podcast. Yvonne is on the verge of completing her master's degree in Computer Science specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI.) We dive into building AI software, AI ethics, philosophers of today (or lack thereof,) society, morals, and social media. Going to school during the pandemic was challenging however, she highly recommends Naval Post Graduate School to everyone. Hailing from the L.A. area, Yvonne joined the Marine Corp after high school to pay for her education. She wanted to help herself through school so her parents wouldn't have to. She attributes her success, traits and characteristics to her mother and family. Her mother valued education and instilled that in her children. There was no other option. Yvonne's mother was a nurse in Mexico and was working on a degree in social work when she met her father. They married and settled just north of Long Beach. Yvonne and her husband (who is also in the Marine Corp.) will soon head to Washington for their payback tour. With his background in infantry, space systems operations…sky's the limit with what they can do. Both thinking, “what can we do that'll create more options?” One of their goals is to buy both of their parents their dream homes. I hope you enjoy this podcast! Originally recorded 09/20/22

John Gianelli –Started Swift Engineering. as well as Fast Forward Components. building, set up and designing Championship Formula Ford Race Cars, turning your passion into a profession!  now Retired serves as President of Meals on Wheels of Salinas Valley. John and his wife have been coming to me since the early days in Salinas. I had such a great time talking to John. His passion for racing cars started at such a young age. His father had a career in aviation which required some travelling. Although born in Texas the family returned to California and settled in Southern California. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, the car culture/race culture was thick. His father one day brought home a go-cart, and he started racing. On John's 21st birthday, his father bought him racing classes at the Willow Springs Raceway. With slick tires introduced, John was priced out of racing but began building and importing race cars. John teamed up with people who wanted to build an American Version of what they were importing from England and started Swift Racecars. Their first built Formula Ford built won many national championships . A job offer in Laguna Seca relocated the two to Monterey County. Still involved in racing at the time, he was involved in founding Fast Forward components.  Aviation re-entered his life and flew planes as a hobby for over 20 years. He flew with his father twice in his life and was happy to return to aviation. Currently in his eighth year of retirement, he is the current President of Meals on Wheels of Salinas Valley. John started off delivering, then preparation and packaging for Meals on Wheels. I hope you enjoy this podcast!Originally recorded September 9, 2022

 Caesar Simon – Commercial Airline PilotThis podcast was fun! Caesar has a great story and great energy! Born and raised in Missouri, right after graduating high school on a Friday, Caesar enlisted in the Navy the following Monday. He was encouraged by an electronics class instructor in vocational school to enlist in the Navy. Caesar managed not to work on ships while in the Navy and fixed electronics on P-3 aircrafts. He did manage to stay one night on a ship after a night of drinking while in Florida. While stationed in Florida, Caesar stumbled upon a flying club on base where people could learn to fly. What was initially meant to be fun, eventually became a career! It wasn't easy though. Caesar really worked his a** off to get to where he is now, sacrificing while young and able, working his way up from private flights, to becoming a certified flying instructor, to buying his first job! Nowadays, Caesar tries his best to work west of Denver (Hawaii) and live the dream in California. On his off days, he stays busy with woodwork, metal work, cnc machine work, and more. I hope you enjoy the podcast!Originally recorded on September 6, 2022 

Author of True North – The Shocking Truth about Yours, Mine, and Ours, Facilitator of Breakthrough for Men, survivor of child abuse, practitioner of Transcendental meditation, an inspiration to others. Tom North was #4 of 8 children then became the 11th of 20 children when his mother Helen remarried Frank after becoming a widow. His father, a Navy officer who flew experimental aircrafts died while on assignment. Helen married a monster to save Frank's own kids from their father and ultimately, put her own kids in a hostile environment. At 13 years old, Tom had to decide whether he should kill his stepfather. Tom credits Transcendental meditation to help him heal and we go into depth talking about meditation. To go beyond thought, to get to the source of everything. To experience pure being without being something or someone, in silence, in the vacuum state.  How our principles and window of perception somehow influence how we process life and information. Tom was a student at the Maharishi International University from 1975 – 1979. I am going to have Tom on the show again soon, he is currently writing another book titled, The Richest Man in China. Here are links to some of the items mentioned in the podcast. I hope you enjoy this podcast! A Fire in the Heart – How Art Heals Traumahttps://vimeo.com/372924081 http://truenorthbytomnorth.com/

 I was so intrigued when Michelle told me she was a mortician, of course I had to have her on the podcast! She is not at all what I would expect a mortician would be, however I do not know how one should be! Michelle grew up in the outskirts of Sacramento, CA., moved to Portland after high school to beat the heat as well as attended Mortuary School then made her way back to California. In high school, during career day, a county coroner introduced what it is like to be a coroner and the seed was planted. Major drawback was the coroner was part of the sheriff's office and she lost interest until a classmate said, “thought about being a mortician?” From there, she did her research on schooling and even toured a funeral home and cemetery. We talk about everything from the emotional perspective of both the client and her, funerals and Covid, embalming, being a removal technician, funeral arranger, then funeral director, and so much more! During her spare time Michelle likes to forage and sing. Spending some time living in Monterey in her early 20s now returning to lay down roots, Michelle and her husband are transitioning to living in Monterey fulltime. I hope you enjoy this podcast. 

Avid bicycler, athlete, teacher, Naval Officer, Father, Traveler. Rodney was the oldest of five on a dairy farm in rural Mayville, Wisconsin. Rodney went to college, left, and joined the Navy at the age of 20, then went back to college to obtain his teaching degree, taught kindergarten for a few years but wanderlust took hold, and he went back to the Navy! His first enlistment was spent on Diesel electrical submarines and Rodney waited for the opportunity to reenlist and go back to his first submarine base. From Submarines, Amphibious ships, Frigates and Aircraft Carriers, officer school, Oil rig, Vietnam War, and eventually achieving Lieutenant Commander/Division Officer. He spent about 18 years in active duty spending the latter part of his time teaching the Naval school in Monterey, then retiring. Drifting around unsure of what to do, doing different jobs after retirement, from selling shoes to becoming a counselor for disabled persons, to spending 20 years working with developmentally disabled finding, training, and creating jobs for them. Nowadays he bikes about 3 days a week and cares for his granddaughter.I hope you enjoy this podcast! This podcast was originally recorded January 11, 2022.

I had a chance to sit down with Master Sergeant Changiz Lahidji of the Army Green Beret, A – Team Special Forces. Now retired and living with his wife in California. Changiz, along with Ralph Pezzullo Authored Full Battle Rattle, giving firsthand accounts of over one hundred completed combat missions in Afghanistan. Changiz was the First Muslim Green Beret, serving twenty-four years on the special forces A – Team, longer than anyone in history. I found him to be such a kind and humble human being, what an absolute pleasure it was to have him on the podcast. I cannot wait to have him on again!I hope you enjoy this podcast. Originally recorded on August 9, 2022.If you are interested in his book, click on the links below.https://www.amazon.com/Full-Battle-Rattle-Longest-Serving-Team/dp/1250121159

Hannah has been a client for 6 plus years now. A local yoga and barre instructor who is also on the verge of completing her master's degree in Ayurveda from the Maharashi International University. Ayurveda is unfamiliar territory, and I was curious to learn more about Ayurveda and Hannah. Ayurveda is the oldest written form in health care, originating from India. It is the sister science of yoga, focusing on the body as a whole – mental, emotional, and physical. Hannah's roots are Cape Cod but California is where she calls home. Years ago, on assignment for a local newspaper, she was sent to research a local Aruyveda facility and left completely inspired! We talk about life, meditation, diet, and food preparation, breathe, dis-ease, the three Doshas, and so much more! I hope you enjoy this podcast. It was originally recorded July 19, 2022. You can find Hannah at Om Studio in Monterey, CA teaching Yoga and Barre. Below is a link to her website.https://www.healthwhannah.com/

Had a great conversation getting to know a new client Menaka, a Physical Therapist/Intuitive Life coach/Screenwriter, here on assignment until mid - July. Earning a Masters degree in Physiotherapy (aka physical therapy) in 1995, Menaka has worked both in Canada and the United States for over 27 years. She shares her interests in life as well as what it is like to work as a Physical Therapist in various settings and inevitable changes constant in health care. An interest in energy healing led her to becoming an Intuitive Life Coach. From energy fields, retained beliefs and emotions, transferred/absorbed energy during massages, to releasing the energy that weighs people down – it was a fascinating subject. Menaka hopes to soon get to the point in life where she does less Physical Therapy and more Intuitive Life Coaching. Also having a passion for reading and writing, she took Ed to go classes in her 40s to learn Screenwriting. She has since written three screenplays with her teacher and one on her own.Check out her website!https://www.menakacharan.com/Listen to Menaka's podcast and find out What's Next for her because there is more! Originally recorded on July 5, 2022 

This podcast was buried in our vault and was originally recorded in December 7, 2021.I had the pleasure of conversating with one of my newer clients, Stephen Green. A career assessment in the 8th grade thought he would be a good realtor, and look at that, coming full circle after a career in city government. Stephen retired in 2019, after working 35 years in city government. Throughout the years, he has helped friends in real estate and was encouraged to pursue real estate full time. In just a few years after retirement, Stephen got his real estate license and wrote two books about real estate. One informational book for the buyer and one for the seller. With each sale, Stephen gives back to the community such as the food/harvest bank, seniors, and the homeless. Grandfathered in taxes, customer leads, social media, cloud brokers, Peninsula growth, and limited housing supply are just some of the topics we cover. I hope you enjoy this podcast.Check out his blog at:https://move2monterey.com/blogClick the link below to get a copy of The Complete Guide to Buying a Home by Stephen Greenhttps://stephengreen.book.live/

Christopher is one of my newer clients and I did not know too much about him. We have had great conversations, so I thought let's do a podcast! Now throughout the podcast, Christopher refers to himself as a “ski bum,” however he is far from it. Hailing from Vermont, he worked in the service/restaurant industry for many years which allowed him to ski in some amazing places. From Jackson Hole to Durango, he eventually got into Hotel and Property management. Now retired and rooted in Boulder Creek soon to be Big Sur, he has his mind set on even more traveling. It was very refreshing to have healthy dialogue about politics, education, learning, extreme weather, work, religion and etc. with Christopher. That is why I love doing podcasts hoping to inspire healthy dialogue. I hope you enjoy this podcast! Originally recorded May 17, 2022

 I've known Mark for a little over 10 years now. He came to me looking for pain relief at my first studio in Old Town Salinas. He believed in my craft so much that he offered to help create Live Well's internet presence and take it out of the stone age. It wasn't easy but we did it.  I hardly see the guy now that he is living on Colorado but man when I do, it is always a great time.Mark grew up in agriculture, with both of his parents working in the agricultural Industry in and around Salinas CA, and is knowledgeable in horticulture and growing. He attended college at Cuesta College, then Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida with a wrestling scholarship, was in the ROTC, and eventually joined Air Force Pararescue. He is 3rd generation military in his family. Flying planes, jumping out of planes (over 50 military jumps, aside from over 150 civilian jumps,) pararescue in Alaska and along the South border of the United States. Mark shared his journey of determination and commitment to acquire the coveted beret of the Air Force PJ. His life experiences, and familial roots heavily influence the moves he makes in life. An entrepreneur, business owner, father, youtuber, cannabis expert, flat earth theorist and so much more, there is no subject too taboo, and no stone left unturned in this podcast. If you are interested in some of Mark's businesses, check out the following links below:https://perfectgardens.com/https://www.youtube.com/c/PerfectGardensInstagram: perfect_gardensThis podcast was recorded February 22, 2022

Mandy is a newer client and when she told me she was into Roller Derby, I just had to know more. We had such a fun time recording this podcast with Mandy Carswell aka Mad McWrath #713 and Kristen DeMers aka Stevie Hits #10, skaters for Monterey Bay Roller Derby. These ladies really enjoy the sport, and you can hear it in this podcast! I know little about roller derby and these ladies break down the sport; from different positions, practices and scrimmages, rules, and how to score. Mandy and Kristen talk about the comradery within the roller derby community, managing life and roller derby, battle wounds, and the overall joy they have for Roller Derby. Monterey Bay Roller Derby has an 8-week boot camp for anyone interested in learning roller derby, no experience necessary, and all levels from beginning to advanced are welcome. With Marina's ice rink closed, they now practice at the Monterey County Fairgrounds hoping for a permanent place to call home once again. Thanks for listening. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share!If you are interested in learning more about Monterey Bay Roller Derby and future events, check out their social media sites below!https://www.montereybayrollerderby.org/https://www.facebook.com/MontereyBayRollerDerbyInstagram - mbrollerderby

Recently meeting Anthony, I was fascinated his roots are 10,000 years strong and I had to know more! Monterey County was once home to 7 different tribes, the Mutsun tribe was one of the biggest. Anthony's Great Grandmother Ascención Solórsano was a medicine woman, a storyteller, and historian. When she was dying, she had a vision of an angel that was going to save Mutson history. That angel turned out to be John Peabody Harrington – an American Linguist and Ethologist. With a second wind, Ascención spent an additional five months with John preserving tribal history. Much of the history was lost in archives but has been recently retrieved. Now Anthony is working towards re-recognition from the Federal government, bringing community awareness, and acquiring land for preservation of the Mutsun Tribe for all of us on earth to enjoy. If you are interested in learning more, donating, or getting involved, check out the website and contact information below.https://www.mutsuntribalfoundation.com/email: mutsuntribalfoundation@gmail.comI hope you enjoy the podcast!Remember to like, share, and subscribe!Recorded May 12, 2022

I met Chuck last year, after his wife referred him to Live Well Therapeutic Massage for his back pain. This happens all the time, I get to talking with my clients and find their life interesting! Chuck is no exception and here we are doing a podcast! He is the owner of Esquin Wine and Spirits and shares the journey of how he got to where he is today. From golf instructor to working in Alaska during the pipeline boom, he never shied away from hard work, and new opportunities. He attributes a lot of his success to the values instilled by his mother and family growing up. Vita Migliore is a wine created by Chuck and dedicated to his grandparents, who came immigrated from Italy to the United States for a better life for his family.Podcast recorded February 22, 2022

When I met Rick last year, we traded war stories about making stupid decisions when we were young. I am amazed by his positivity, family values, and work ethic. He has an inspiring story to tell, and I asked him to join me in What's Next. This young man in his late 20s has worked hard to be where he is today. A mistake in his early 20s made him rethink his path. By educating himself and surrounding himself with people who promote positive change, Rick really worked hard mentally and physically to overcome adversity. We talk about so many things, from family to the difficulties of running a business with the current supply and chain woes. I hope you all enjoy this podcast. This podcast was recorded February 15, 2022.

Growing up, both Russ and I wanted to be like Jacques Cousteau and after hearing some of Russ's experiences, I wanted to get him on a podcast. Russ knew he wanted to be an oceanographer, but life took him in other directions before it eventually brought him back to his dream. From being a competitive mountain biker, to obtaining a degree in forestry and fighting fires, then becoming back country wilderness ranger with so much in between, Russ found his way to diving and oceanography. Diving all over the world, Russ shares his knowledge of diving and underwater photography! Great conversation! Originally recorded December 21, 2021.

Growing up in my father's lumbar company, it is not a surprise I was instantly intrigued by Mr. Tad Mason. He has been in forest management since 1979, after graduating from Berkley with a degree in Forestry. Tad is a consultant in the private sector and finds markets for undervalued forest material (small limbs, top of trees, small trees) after logging and forest thinning. Finding companies who need forest biomass to create feedstock to renewable energy – creating steam to power turbines rather than burning coal. Fascinating stuff! We talk about his time lobbying in the halls of congress as a member of the Quincy Library group, climate change, the rise in forest fires, the very important snowpack! I hope you like this podcast!Recorded January 18, 2022

While vacationing in Monterey during wintertime, Adam became a client of mine right before the pandemic started. I knew very little about what he did until now. He truly has a passion for clean tech, renewable energy, and the ocean. One of his early projects was the overseeing of Europe's largest wind park. A Clean Tech angel investor and venture capitalist with 20 years of experience, we cover a lot of ground in this podcast! How he got started, what he has accomplished, and what he currently has in the works. You do not want to miss this one! Originally recorded on January 17, 2022.

Had a very interesting podcast with Ms. Elena Nezhinsky. We discuss topics such as Enlightenment, meditating, transforming, spiritual awakening, escaping pain from childhood, conditioning from generations, conformity just to name a few. Elena has traveled the world trying to make sense of it all and continues to seek the truth. This podcast was recorded December 14, 2021.

Lisa Leininger, a Kinesiology professor and Jackie Grallo, Interim dean of the library became friends after meeting at work at CSUMB. Lisa, an avid runner and athlete, wrangled Jackie into the sport. They discuss their careers as well as the training behind marathon preparation and marathon participation during the pandemic. (Recorded 12/7/21)

Austin Palacios came in looking for some pain relief and we hit it off right off the bat. With common interests such as cars, music, blue collar work, this podcast was like shootin the shit with a friend. From growing up in his family restaurant, starting up his own auto detailing business, to doing stand up comedy to so much more, Austin knew the value of hard work at a young age. He also finds himself asking What's Next? Where does he go? What does he do? What is important? This podcast was recorded in November 09, 2021.

Cherri Metzger is one of my clients and a wonderful human! As she slowly  transitions to the R stage of life (retirement,) she is asking herself what is her purpose in life? What is up with the world today? Cheryl came into my studio looking for pain relief after many years working with her hands and body. I soon came to find out she also worked almost 20 years as a massage therapist in the bay area servicing movie stars, royalty and the like. When her hands and wrists gave out, she found herself back with her first love, Agriculture. In the latter part of her career in Ag, she finds herself filling unfulfilling roles in someone elses dream. At the time of this interview in Septemer of 2021, she was working with a large ag company in charge of safety and training. Now, she is somewhere living off the grid and I am looking forward to checking in with Cheryl real soon! Stay Tuned!   

This is our very first podcast and we are honored to have this charismatic and amazing human being. Recorded in September 2021. Benjamin Forest served 25 years in the Air Force before retiring this year. From an eclectic childhood and upbringing, to the regimented life and commitment of both the military and marriage, he has a very interesting story to tell. Now a civilian, Benjamin is on a quest for healing, spiritual awakening, and finding a new purpose. Scarred by life and the military, Benjamin is seeking alternative methods of healing and describes how psilocybin helped him heal.