Podcasts about ojai

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Latest podcast episodes about ojai

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Dennis Mukai on Craft, Beauty & What Lies Beneath

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 74:04


What does it mean to build a life in images?In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, I sit down with Ojai-based artist Dennis Mukai, whose career spans commercial illustration, celebrity portrait photography, and a strikingly original fine art practice.Born in Hiroshima and raised in Southern California, Mukai trained at the Art Center College of Design before building a nationally recognized career as an illustrator and photographer. Over the decades, he has worked with major brands, major periodicals such as Playboy, photographed musicians and actors, and developed a meticulous layered painting technique in which he sands through pigment to reveal what lies beneath — work that feels at once cinematic, nostalgic, and quietly subversive.We talk about:• Growing up between cultures• The discipline of commercial art versus the freedom of fine art• Photographing public figures (especially beautiful women) — and searching for the private human inside the persona• Why process matters as much as product• How Ojai's light and stillness shape his current work• Reinvention, longevity, and what it means to keep evolvingThis is a conversation about craft, patience, beauty, and the long arc of an artistic life.We did not talk about cherry salmon, tiger maple or the architectural highlights of San Miguel de Allende. If you care about art, photography, discipline, or the creative journey itself — you'll enjoy this one. Check out Dennis' work at ...https://www.dennismukai.com/

TigerBelly
Pete Holmes and Bobby have a Heated Rivalry

TigerBelly

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 87:02


Comedian Pete Holmes joins and survives Bobby’s topic tornado. We chat rivalry tension, male erotica, rabbits, Seinfeld stories, Jeff Bridges impressions, box-of-chocolates wisdom, co-sleeping debates, Ojai living, the philosophy of laughter, and who's Sydney Sweeney. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at www.shopify.com/tigerbelly Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/p06g4a8g #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Cash App Green, overdraft coverage, borrow, cash back offers and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Download the DraftKings Casino app, sign up with code TIGERBELLY, and start spinning!

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast
Krishnamurti on Suffering

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 70:34


‘We want suffering to be diluted, alleviated, put away, explained away. But that doesn't help us to understand suffering.' This episode on Suffering has four sections. The first extract (2:33) is from Krishnamurti's second talk in Saanen 1975, and is titled: Vast Human Suffering. The second extract (19:02) is from the third talk at Brockwood Park in 1974, and is titled: Understanding Suffering. The third extract (37:00) is from Krishnamurti's fifth talk in Saanen 1977, and is titled: An Insight Into Suffering. The final extract in this episode (55:54) is from the twelfth talk. in Ojai 1949, and is titled: Observing Suffering. The Krishnamurti Podcast features carefully selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity. This episode's theme is Suffering. Upcoming themes are Communication, Flowering and Behaviour. This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust, based at Brockwood Park in Hampshire, UK. Brockwood is also home to Brockwood Park School, a unique international boarding school offering a personalised, holistic education inspired by Krishnamurti's teachings. Please visit brockwood.org.uk for more information. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Farewell to an Icon: Remembering Helen Allen, Pride Pioneer

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 71:43


In this special tribute episode of Ojai Talk of the Town - a repost of an episode from 2025 - we honor the remarkable life of Helen Allen, a vibrant and pioneering spirit in the Ojai Valley whose impact will be felt for generations.Helen — together with her partner Lynne Doherty — co-founded Ojai's first Pride Walk more than 33 years ago, beginning in 1991/92 with just six marchers down Ojai Avenue and blossoming into a beloved annual celebration of LGBTQ+ community and visibility. Beyond her role as a pride pioneer, Helen was a dedicated tennis coach, sharing her love of the game with countless children and adults through the Ojai Tennis Tournament and local schools. She was recognized by the Rotary Clubs of Ojai as an Ojai Living Treasure, known around town for her quick wit — “often bad but always funny jokes” — and her ready smile at any corner café, park bench, or community gathering.In last year's episode, Helen and Lynne shared memories of building community, the joy of connection, and the importance of passing the torch — which they've since done with Queers of the Ojai Valley leading the next generation of Pride. In this deeply personal conversation, we revisit that interview, celebrate Helen's legacy, and hear from friends and neighbors whose lives she brightened. Whether you knew Helen well or are just learning her story, this episode reflects on a life lived in full embrace of love, community, and laughter.Thank you, Helen, for bringing us together — in pride, on the courts, and around the heart of this valley.

Ojai: Talk of the Town
City Manager Ben Harvey on Stewardship & Soundtracks

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 67:47


Running a town is an act of stewardship — of land, money, people, and possibility.Ojai City Manager Ben Harvey joins host Bret Bradigan for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what that stewardship looks like in practice. We unpack the real constraints of municipal governance — housing mandates, fiscal realities, and the delicate balance between preservation and change.And then we talk music.From Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers to Okkervil River and Damien Jurado, we reflect on how live music shapes community — and tease some exciting possibilities for Libbey Bowl this coming season.Because in Ojai, civic life isn't just policy. It's culture. It's memory. It's the shared experience of gathering under the oaks for a show.A conversation not just about how towns are run, but how they are felt.

Danger Dan's Talk Shop
#513 Chopperfest Banger!!!

Danger Dan's Talk Shop

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026


4 Brothers, Pucky, Alex, Tay, and I, recap an epic ride down the freshly opened PCH in-between San Fran and Ventura with a slight detour up 33 to Ojai on the way back where we stopped for lunch at the legendary Buckhorn. Basically the most scenic food tour we could come up with on the way to Chopperfest!Good Times MotorcycleDMTDanger Dan's Talk ShopMCshopTsLowbrow CustomsKnives Made By Nick Permalink

Transform
Falling in Love with Yourself and Meeting Your Soulmate with Alyssa Lynch

Transform

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 41:09


This week on Transform, the Samis are back with their bestie, Alyssa Lynch, for Part 2 of their Shoot the Shit, girlie catch-up. Together, they get real about soulmates, surrendering to where you're at in life, and letting things unfold without forcing a timeline.Alyssa opens up about the highs and lows of her relationship journey, from draining dynamics to being single, to finding the relationship she's in today. They talk about the pressure to “find your forever person,” how to get out of fear mode, and why focusing on yourself and choosing yourself first is what actually attracts the kind of love you deserve.To end, they switch gears into another major life leap: Alyssa's move to Ojai, and the bigger question so many of us are sitting with right now… where are we going next, and where do we want to build our lives? Tune in for honest girl talk and the reminder that what's meant for you will never miss you.Transform Instagram - click here!Sami Spalter Instagram - click here!Sami Clarke Instagram - click here!FORM Shop - click here!FORM Website - click here!Code TRANSFORM for 20% off an annual membership.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.This episode is brought to you by:IQBar: Text TRANSFORM to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates apply.The Real Real: Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to TheRealReal.com/transformBetterHelp: Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/transformpodOllie: Head to Ollie.com/transform and enter code TRANSFORM to get 60% off your first box. Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/TRANSFORM10 or use code TRANSFORM10 at checkout for 10% off your next purchase. Nutrafol: For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you visit Nutrafol.com and enter promo code TRANSFORMProduced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spirit, Purpose & Energy
Ep. 524: Unique Gifts from Italy and Beyond

Spirit, Purpose & Energy

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 44:35


JJ welcomes Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

Fit 2 Love Podcast with JJ Flizanes
Ep. 801: Unique Gifts from Italy and Beyond

Fit 2 Love Podcast with JJ Flizanes

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 44:35


JJ welcomes Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

Health & Wealth
Ep. 305: Unique Gifts from Italy and Beyond

Health & Wealth

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 44:36


Show: West Coast Women Rising (also airing on: Spirit, Purpose & Energy • Nutrition Alternative Medicine • Fit 2 Love • Women, Men & Relationships • Health & Wealth) Host: JJ Flizanes Guest: Sheila Donohue, Founder of Verovino (based in Ventura, CA; living in Bologna, Italy) Overview JJ welcomes back Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto (Links can be added to your show notes page.) Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

Nutrition & Alternative Medicine
Ep. 435: Unique Gifts from Italy and Beyond

Nutrition & Alternative Medicine

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 44:35


JJ welcomes back Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

Women, Men & Relationships
Ep. 493: Unique Gifts from Italy and Beyond

Women, Men & Relationships

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 44:35


JJ welcomes Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

Techmeme Ride Home
Pour Moi, C'est Le Déluge

Techmeme Ride Home

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 21:11


Aaannddd…. Right on time here come the Chinese AI models. Elon Musk kicks off a major reorg of xAI. Google is warning of AI distillation attacks. New Waymo cars hit the road. And another interesting AI essay to read to you. Chinese AI startup Zhipu releases new flagship model GLM-5 (Reuters) Musk announces xAI re-org following co-founder departures, SpaceX merger (CNBC) Elon Musk Wants to Build an A.I. Satellite Factory on the Moon (NYTimes) Google says attackers used 100,000+ prompts to try to clone AI chatbot Gemini (NBCNews) Waymo begins deploying next-gen Ojai robotaxis to extend its U.S. lead (CNBC) The AI Vampire (Steve Yegge) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Rediscovering The Wisdom Palace with Meredy Benson Rice — Stories, Schooling & the Heart of Learning

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 52:57


In this special re-release, we're thrilled to bring back our 2021 conversation with Meredy Benson Rice, a life-long educator, school leader, and celebrated author whose work invites us to rethink what it means to grow, learn, and find wisdom along the way. Meredy is the author of The Wisdom Palace: A Young Girl's Journey, a tender, funny, and deeply reflective coming-of-age novel about Isabelle — a shy girl sent to spend the summer with her grandfather, only to discover that friendship, community, and unexpected adventure can open doors to self-discovery she never knew existed. It's a story about breaking out of shells, bridging generations, and finding wisdom in the most surprising places. Beyond The Wisdom Palace, Meredy's work as an educator and administrator has shaped countless young minds. As former Head of Oak Grove School in Ojai, California — a school grounded in inquiry, curiosity, and the principles of holistic education — she has spent decades asking big questions about how we teach, how we learn, and how education can foster not just intellect, but insight. In our conversation, Meredy shares:how her life in Canada, England, and Southern California influenced her writing and teaching; the inspiration behind The Wisdom Palace and its lessons for readers of all ages; what it really means to educate the whole child — not just the mind, but the heart and spirit; and why stories — both inside and outside the classroom — can shape our understanding of ourselves and each other. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a lover of literature, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of curiosity, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights and renewed wonder.Tune in as we revisit this uplifting talk with Meredy Benson Rice — a conversation about wisdom, storytelling, and the unexpected paths that help us grow.

The Elephant: Hidden Truths in the Science of Health

In today's episode, Angie shares her experience from being in Ojai, CA. A personal retreat she enjoyed for the first time in her 65 years. She shares why she went and how she was blessed to meet one of her mentors of 20 years. Tune in to hear how she overcame her fear of being alone and other tidbits from the retreat. 

Tim Conway Jr. on Demand
Guns, Robot Cars, Angry Residents… and Italian Nonnas Steal the Show

Tim Conway Jr. on Demand

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 31:27 Transcription Available


A disturbing discovery in Lincoln Heights, where a prohibited gun owner is found with a cache of firearms inside a home. Plus, Italian nonnas react to Winter Olympians, delivering laughs and brutally honest commentary. A recycling facility fire in El Monte sparks a shelter-in-place order as crews battle thick smoke. Music legend Phil Collins opens up about his health struggles and past drinking problems. A Waymo autonomous vehicle crashes while a specialist is inside, raising new questions about self-driving tech — just as a new Waymo model launches in Ojai. Meanwhile, the DMV and CHP team up to crack down on excessive speeding across California. As Southern California Edison moves power lines underground to reduce wildfire risk, Altadena residents push back, angry about being asked to help cover the costs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Charting the AI Frontier: John-Clark Levin on Pope Leo & AI, the ‘Slop-acolypse,' and What's Next for Humanity

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 83:04


In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with John-Clark Levin — researcher, author, and thought leader at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence — to explore the hopes and hazards of the technological era we now inhabit.As research lead for Kurzweil Technologies under futurist Ray Kurzweil, Levin conducts long-term AI foresight and has spoken widely about artificial superintelligence and its implications for society, policy, and human flourishing. We begin by tracing his journey from growing up in Ojai, the book that changed everything for him (Kurzweil's "The Rise of Spiritual Machines" to some of the world's most consequential debates about AI. Along the way, Levin shares how his early interests evolved into a professional focus on the future of intelligence and human-machine symbiosis.A major thread of our discussion centers on Levin's work engaging the Vatican on artificial intelligence — part of a broader effort to ensure that leading global institutions take seriously the ethical, spiritual, and existential questions posed by AI's rapid advance. He describes organizing experts and advocates around what some have dubbed the “AI Avengers,” working to bring the possibility and risks of artificial general intelligence (AGI) into high-level ecclesiastical consideration and eventual guidance. From there we delve into pressing contemporary concerns: the rise of misinformation and disinformation in public life, the risk landscape sometimes referred to as the coming “Slop-acolypse,” and how societies might more effectively marshal truth and trust as AI reshapes information ecosystems.Alongside these serious themes, we trade stories about less expected moments — including Levin's Jeopardy! experience, and the intersecting paths of competition, curiosity, and narrative in his life. The host also reflects on his own Jeopardy! memories in light of Levin's appearance, sparking a candid exchange about learning, memory, and what it means to think like a human — or like a machine designed to mimic human cognition.We did not talk about Japanese names for salt, Simon Bolivar or Greenland annexation.This episode is an engaging, thought-provoking journey through the contours of our strange, accelerating age — from Silicon Valley to the Vatican and from the personal to the planetary. Whether you're deeply invested in AI futures or just curious about the forces reshaping our world, this discussion with John-Clark Levin offers rare insight from one of the field's most provocative voices.You can check out John-Clark's twitter account at https://x.com/JohnClarkLevin, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/johnclarklevin/

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Richard Handley on "The Hawks Are Not Dying," Activism, and the Power of Place

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 80:51


In this episode, I'm joined by Richard Handley, author of The Hawks Are Not Dying, a novel rooted in real events that helped shape modern Ojai, which could have easily looked very different.Set in the early 1980s, The Hawks Are Not Dying follows a man who finds purpose — and unexpected romance — while joining a scrappy coalition of activists determined to stop a shopping-center development from destroying the meadows he loves. Along the way, the story brings to life many of the real people who stood up to overdevelopment and helped protect Ojai from becoming another Southern California sprawl, threatened by freeways, gypsum and uranium mines, and unchecked growth.In our conversation, Richard reflects on the preservation battles that defined an era, the personalities who shaped Ojai's environmental ethic, and how storytelling can carry civic memory forward. We also explore his work in Western Australia, where he developed education programs with Aboriginal communities — an experience that deepened his understanding of land, culture, and stewardship.We did not talk about Heath Ledger, barramundi fishing or the Great Barrier Reef.This episode is a meditation on activism, love of place, and the quiet heroism of people who say “no” when it matters most. Look for "Hawks" at Bart's Books, Poppies Art & Gift, as well as online at Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Hawks-Are-Not-Dying/dp/B0FP8F23YG

Happier in Hollywood
Ep. 453: Go Behind The Scenes With Liz & Sarah!

Happier in Hollywood

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 26:42


Liz and Sarah discuss their recent ChexMix ‘26 at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai. They covered everything from how to tackle getting a draft of their novel finished to prioritizing their 2026 slate to the possibility of getting into microdramas. Next: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to collaborate on a creative project? Now you can find out! In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah reveal a new feature they’re offering on Substack — BTS: Working Lunch. Every week, they’ll go live to let viewers drop in while they work on various projects. It may not be pretty, but it’s real! Next, in the Mailroom, they answer a question about why it seems like fewer shows are being greenlit. This week’s Hollywood Hack comes from Liz and Sarah’s amazing manager, Dianne Fraser: Easy Plant. Finally, Liz recommends the hotel bar and restaurant at the new El Roblar in Ojai. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! LINKS: Emerald Iguana Inn: https://www.emeraldiguana.com/ Easy Plant: https://easyplant.com/ El Roblar: https://theroblar.com/dining-experiences/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast

‘To perceive something holistically, that is to perceive without time, is to have a mind that is global – to see humanity as a whole.' This episode on Holism has five sections. The first extract (2:44) is from Krishnamurti's sixth talk in Saanen 1977, and is titled: Seeing Holistically. The second extract (26:58) is from the first seminar meeting at Rishi Valley in 1983, and is titled: Holistic Education. The third extract (42:21) is from the first question & answer meeting in Ojai 1981, and is titled: Holistic Perception. The fourth extract (55:46) is from Krishnamurti's sixth talk in Ojai 1977, and is titled: Holistic Action. The final extract in this episode (1:09:56) is from the second talk in New York 1982, and is titled: Love Is Holistic. The Krishnamurti Podcast features carefully selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity. This episode's theme is Holism. Upcoming themes are Activism & Social Change, Discovery and Suffering. This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust, based at Brockwood Park in the UK, which is also home to the Krishnamurti Retreat Centre. Situated in the beautiful countryside of the South Downs National Park, The Krishnamurti Centre offers retreats individually and in groups. The focus is on inquiry in light of Krishnamurti's teachings. Please visit krishnamurticentre.org.uk for more information, including our volunteer programme. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.

How To Survive with Danielle & Kristine
How to Survive the Stranger Things Finale & Strange Adventures in Ojai

How To Survive with Danielle & Kristine

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 77:51


Danielle, Kristine, and Garon talk about the Stranger Things finale. Plus, they are still talking about The Materialists. Who's ready for a live show in Sedona?Kristine tries to ruin football for Danielle and FAILS.AND then...Danielle and Kristine go to Ojai to prep for the first HTS Quiz Show (Friday, January 30 at 7 pm Pacific Time- join us!) and barely survive!

The Road to Autonomy
Episode 360 | Autonomy Markets: CES 2026: The Autonomy Narrative Just Changed

The Road to Autonomy

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 39:10


This week on Autonomy Markets, Grayson Brulte and Walter Piecyk discuss CES 2026, Zoox's performance on the Las Vegas Strip and Uber's potential long-term autonomy plans. Zoox's performance was one of those hopefully “only in Las Vegas” moments, as the vehicle was seen stopping in the middle of traffic and blocking entrances on a regular basis. Which raises the question; what is Amazon going to do with Zoox? Do they overhaul management, make an acquisition, or simply shut it down and move on? While Zoox struggled, NVIDIA introduced their open-source Alpamayo AI models under an Apache 2.0 license to accelerate the development of autonomous vehicles and sell more GPUs. Closing out the show, the discussion shifts to hardware and global expansion, contrasting Waymo's bulky new Ojai vehicle with the well-designed Lucid-Nuro robotaxi.Episode Chapters0:00 CES 20262:13 Zoox CES Experience 8:41 NVIDIA's CES Announcements 12:45 SAE Level 216:59 Waymo Ojai19:31 Lucid / Nuro Robotaxi21:29 Does Uber Need to Vertically Integrate Autonomy in the Future?25:05 Waymo / Uber Relationship27:37 Tensor Auto 32:49 Foreign Autonomy Desk34:35 Disgrace of The Week38:24 Next WeekRecorded on Friday, January 9, 2026--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy provides market intelligence and strategic advisory services to institutional investors and companies, delivering insights needed to stay ahead of emerging trends in the autonomy economy™. To learn more, say hello (at) roadtoautonomy.com.Sign up for This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter: https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/ae/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ojai: Talk of the Town
The Music You Hear Everywhere: A Conversation with APM Music CEO Adam Taylor on Licensing, Creativity & More

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 71:33


Music shapes how we experience film and television — but the way it's licensed, selected, and paid for is often misunderstood.In this episode, I'm joined by Adam Taylor, President and CEO of APM Music, one of the world's most influential production-music companies. APM supplies professionally licensed music for film, television, streaming, advertising, sports, and digital media, with a catalog exceeding one million tracks and partnerships with some of the most respected libraries in the industry.Adam has spent decades at the center of this evolving ecosystem. In our conversation, we break down how music licensing actually works, the difference between professional production music and so-called “royalty-free” models, how technology and AI are changing music discovery, and what filmmakers, editors, and producers need to understand before they find themselves in legal or budget trouble.We talk about Ojai's creative economy, "Happy Birthday's" entry into the public domain and how the right choices can make a movie. We did not talk about minke whale populations, Grecian hoplite tactics or the AI Slopacolypse.This is a practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone working with visual media — or anyone who's ever wondered how the right piece of music ends up under a scene.You can check out more about Adam and APM Music at https://www.apmmusic.com/

Ringer Dish
Leo Is in St. Barts, Timmy Is 30, and Ashley Tisdale Has No Mom Friends | Jam Session

Ringer Dish

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 66:23


This week, Juliet and Amanda kick off the new year with a packed episode. They begin with Timothée Chalamet's win at the Critics' Choice Awards alongside girlfriend Kylie Jenner (4:20), as well as his 30th birthday celebration (9:21). Next, they explain why Ashley Tisdale is making headlines after publishing an essay about leaving her mom group chat (12:00). Then, the two move on to updates about Leonardo DiCaprio, including how he got stuck in St. Barts and his specific Houston's order (23:58). Next, Este Haim gets married in Ojai (30:51), Kate Hudson hosts a NYE bonfire party in Aspen (37:43), and Dakota Johnson is spotted making out with Role Model, a.k.a. Tucker Pillsbury (41:05). Finally, the episode wraps up with a discussion of 'Emily in Paris' Season 6 (45:28) and, of course, some Feedback and Follow-Up (57:18). Hosts: Amanda Dobbins and Juliet LitmanProducers: Jade Whaley and Belle Roman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happier in Hollywood
Ep. 451: ChexMix ‘26 — Looking Back & Looking Forward

Happier in Hollywood

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 28:06


Liz and Sarah are continuing their tradition of Roar ‘24 and Hive ‘25 with ChexMix ‘26. In a few days, they’ll spend the night at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai and plot the next year of their career. Also? They’ll drink wine. In Take A Hike, they each share a new practice for 2026. Inspired by the book I Remember by Joe Brainard, Liz is going to record memories about her beloved dad. Sarah is going to roast a chicken every week — and use items from her own garden to season it! Next, in Take Two, Sarah shares what she’s learned about her algorithm after their recent Alter Your Algorithm Challenge. This week’s Hollywood Hack is pure whimsy: Hinge Heads. Finally Liz recommends the new season of Vanderpump Rules on Bravo. Sign up for Liz & Sarah’s free weekly Substack newsletter at https://happierinhollywoodpod.substack.com. It will come right to your inbox! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCra Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a family of podcasts brought together by Gretchen Rubin—all about how to make your life better. Check out the other Onward Project podcasts—Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and Side Hustle School . If you liked this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! LINKS: Emerald Iguana Inn: https://www.emeraldiguana.com/ I Remember by Joe Brainard: https://amzn.to/3MRFL8Q Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell: https://amzn.to/4j7q61a Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein: https://amzn.to/3MLnyKd Hinge Heads: Mushrooms: https://amzn.to/4pXnwh4 Chickens:https://amzn.to/4983t8c Cats:https://amzn.to/4qr0HSM Vanderpump Rules Season 12 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oKgvwAFpHTESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast

‘There is the sense of inward frustration, the sense of hopeless despair without an end. Perhaps most people are not aware of it, or if they are, they avoid it. But it is there. So what is one to do?' This episode on Despair has four sections. The first extract (2:42) is from Krishnamurti's third talk in Ojai 1973, and is titled: Despair, Hope and Belief. The second extract (14:20) is from the second talk in Saanen 1962, and is titled: The Source of Despair. The third extract (48:08) is from Krishnamurti's fourth talk in Ojai 1949, and is titled: Facing Despair. The final extract in this episode (1:04:20) is from the fourth talk in Madras 1967, and is titled: Freedom from Despair Is Not Through Hope. The Krishnamurti Podcast features carefully selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity. This episode's theme is Despair. Upcoming themes are Holism, Activism & Social Change and Discovery. This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust, based at Brockwood Park in Hampshire, UK. Brockwood is also home to Brockwood Park School, a unique international boarding school offering a personalised, holistic education inspired by Krishnamurti's teachings. Please visit brockwood.org.uk for more information. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Acreage for the Ages: OVLC's Historic Step Forward with Rancho Cañada Larga with Tom Maloney

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 76:33


This week on Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with Tom Maloney, Executive Director of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, to unpack one of the most significant conservation moments in local history: OVLC's pending acquisition of 6,500-acre Rancho Cañada Larga.When completed, this project will triple the size of OVLC's conserved lands. The scale is staggering. The implications — ecologically, culturally, economically — reach far beyond Ojai.Tom walks us through the land's remarkable story:Its wildlife corridors and arid-ecology habitats, its deep roots in California history, and its role as a natural gateway between coastal watersheds and interior ranges. We talk about the delicate negotiations, the nail-biting phases of the deal, and what it means for fire ecology, water, climate resilience, and public access for generations to come.But we also go deeper into the invisible work of stewardship:The staffing, science, restoration, long-term management, and community engagement it will take to care for a landscape of this magnitude. OVLC is stepping into an entirely new chapter — one that will require not only vision, but sustained commitment from the community.We talked about steelhead restoration, the distinct creatures that evolved to live on the oil seeps and the bird flyways that make this land vital for the health of the region. We did not talk about Drake Maye, Epstein's island or the ancient art of scrimshaw.This episode is also a call to action.Projects of this scale do not sustain themselves. OVLC is working to build the endowment and stewardship capacity necessary to manage Rancho Cañada Larga responsibly and permanently. If you care about open space, wildlife, clean water, and the character of the Ojai Valley, now is the moment to get involved.Visit OVLC.org to:• Learn more about the acquisition• Make a contribution to the capital and endowment campaign• Become a sustaining member or volunteer in the year aheadAs Tom reminds us, protecting a place is only the beginning. What comes next — how we care for it, restore it, and welcome the community into it — is the work that truly shapes the future.This is a conversation about land, legacy, and what it means to safeguard Ojai for the next 50 years and beyond.Tune in — and join us in helping write the next chapter of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast

‘As long as science is the activity of a separate group or nation, which is tribal activity, such knowledge can only bring about greater conflict, greater havoc in the world – which is what is happening now.' This episode on Science has three sections. The first extract (2:46) is from the first small group discussion in New Delhi 1981, and is titled: Scientists Have Not Helped Me. The second extract (13:01) is from the first talk at Los Alamos in 1984, and is titled: Creativity in Science. The third and final extract in this episode (59:57) is from a direct recording in Ojai 1984, and is titled: If Scientists Worked for Peace. The Krishnamurti Podcast features carefully selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity. This episode's theme is Science. Upcoming themes are Despair, Activism & Social Change, and Holism. This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust, based at Brockwood Park in the UK, which is also home to The Krishnamurti Centre. The Centre offers a variety of group retreats, including for young adults. There is also a volunteer programme. The atmosphere at the Centre is one of openness and friendliness, with a sense of freedom to inquire with others and alone. Please visit krishnamurticentre.org.uk for more information. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.

SPIRIT BABY RADIO podcast
Passion & Creativity - The Heart Service of Entrepreneurship

SPIRIT BABY RADIO podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 55:30


The New Earth is asking for innovative thinkers and creators on a hearts mission to support our world. Are you a healer or holistic practitioner? What kind of passion do you need for success? How can you support others, while allowing life to support you?  For over two decades, Connie Costa, MA has been a luminous force in the world of spiritual transformation—empowering hundreds of coaches, healers, and visionaries to birth the soul-aligned businesses they were always meant to lead. But her path was not paved in ease. When she first stepped into her calling as a coach, she lived through trial after trial—painful failures, unexpected setbacks, and moments that shattered her only to rebuild her stronger, wiser, and infinitely more compassionate. These challenges became her initiation. Today, Connie stands as a highly respected healer and spiritual mentor who carries the sacred Munay-Ki rites—ancient energetic transmissions of the Q'ero lineage that ignite deep cellular remembrance, awaken intuition, and anchor one's highest destiny. Through these rites and her intuitive gifts, she helps spiritual entrepreneurs release the fear that binds them, reclaim their power, and step boldly into the impact they were born to make. Her mastery lies in transforming the lives of heart-centered entrepreneurs still trapped in soul-suffocating careers—those terrified that their dreams will die with them. Connie is devoted to collapsing their learning curve, guiding them to build businesses that feel purposeful, aligned, prosperous, and deeply sacred. Her clients don't just shift—they rise into the most extraordinary versions of themselves, creating impactful legacies that touch thousands of lives. Connie is also an international speaker, writer, and visionary curator of some of the world's most transformational high-end spiritual retreats. With a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and professional certifications in holistic and spiritual coaching, she bridges ancient wisdom with modern mastery. Her signature work is leading elite, life-altering retreats across Sicily, Ojai, and just added—England--immersions that weave luxury, spirituality, ancestral healing, and profound inner alchemy. Since 2010, she has crafted bespoke Sicilian experiences that blend opulence with soul: private access to sacred sites, exclusive culinary journeys, curated adventures, and powerful spiritual ceremonies designed to awaken the deepest parts of the self. What began as intimate retreats for her coaching clients has evolved into a global, sought-after transformational journey for those ready to elevate their lives. Connie's devotion to excellence, authenticity, and spiritual integrity is the heartbeat of her work. Every experience she creates—whether a retreat, a ceremony, an article, or a private session—is infused with intention, magic, and a fierce commitment to her clients' liberation and expansion. Contact her at https://www.conniecosta.com/ Her motto: "Fall in Love with Fear So You Can Marry Success." And she lives it—guiding every soul she touches to remember who they truly are, embody their sacred gifts, and rise into a life that is beautifully, powerfully, undeniably their own.  

Ojai: Talk of the Town
The Still & the Light: A Conversation with Leslie "Lulu" Sherman

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 72:29


Leslie “Lulu” Sherman opened Still Gallery with a reception on November 15th - which happened to be a rain-drenched evening, and yet she packed the place for the inaugural exhibit, "How the Light Gets In" with four female artists: Sherman, Emily Thomas MaHarry, Stephanie Hubbard and JoJo Alderson, based on their exploration of light - referencing Leonard Cohen's son. Sherman's portraits stop you in your tracks — luminous, intimate, and rendered in charcoal with a precision that feels almost like quiet revelation. In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with the artist behind Ojai's new Still Gallery to explore her creative journey from New Orleans to NYU Tisch to the film world, and finally to the deeply interior practice of portrait drawing.Lulu talks about what drew her away from directing and screenwriting and toward the stark honesty of charcoal, how she approaches capturing a person's presence on paper, and the story behind her striking portrait of Joan Didion. We also dig into the vision of Still Gallery's inaugural exhibition, How the Light Gets In, and how Ojai's landscape and community are shaping her next chapter, NYC's downtown music scene in the early aughts, Creole culture and much more. We did not talk about maple-beech forest canopies, Brazilian gold-mine dredges, or the geological formations of the Kalahari Desert.If you love art, storytelling, or the alchemy that happens when an artist finds the medium that finally fits, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Check out more about Lulu Sherman at https://www.stillgalleryojai.com/

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Peter Bellwood: Wit, Mischief & The Making of an Ojai Legend

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 119:51


Peter Bellwood (1939–2025) was many things — screenwriter, satirist, collaborator, mischief-maker, and one of the great characters in Ojai's creative community.After rising through the English Satire Boom of the 1960s, performing alongside Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, and writing the cult classic Highlander, Peter moved to Ojai in 1993 to escape the L.A. riots. He quickly became part of the valley's daily rhythm — the wit in the corner of the Coffee Connection, the conspirator behind countless theater projects, and a friend whose generosity and curiosity seemed endless.In this memorial episode, a tapestry of voices gathers to celebrate the man who filled so many lives with laughter, wonder, and stories:Malcolm McDowell, who knew Peter since the 1960s and remained a dear friend throughout his lifeMark Lewis, journalist and chronicler of Peter's remarkable journeyJerry Dunn, reflecting on Peter's remarkable generosity and creativityKim Maxwell, who collaborated with Peter on stage projects at Theater 150Tom Miller, sharing a London voicemail about Peter's lifelong influenceJon Furness, proprietor of the Coffee Connection, where Peter held court dailyJB White and Jim Lashly, founders of Household Gods and longtime creative partnersTogether, they paint a portrait of a man who lived fully in the realm of imagination — and who made Ojai brighter, funnier, and more alive merely by being here.Hosted by Bret Bradigan, this episode is not a eulogy but a celebration of a singular life, lived entirely in stories.

Love Is The Author
Episode 128 - Da Snake Mon

Love Is The Author

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 79:03


Chance Feimster aka "Da Snake Mon" is a naturalist guide and wildlife expert from North Carolina who's been a devout fan of Jaymee's podcasts for the past 5 years. Earlier this year the two began working together in weekly Spritual Mentorship sessions online and a close bond formed between them. Chance decided to travel across the country to meet Jaymee and Lacee in person for the first time to spend the week in Ojai, CA, creating the quintessential interactive podcast experiencer himself. In this beautifully tender, highly entertaining and completely unplanned episode, you'll also learn interesting facts about animals, insects, plant life, and Jason Segel, plus a road map of how to begin seeing the external world as an extension of oneself.www.loveistheauthor.comLITA PODCAST: hosted, produced, edited and music by Jaymee Carpenter. Interested in Trauma Counseling/Mentorship with Jaymee?email: lacee@loveistheauthor.com to set up a free consultation,or visit: www.loveistheauthor.com/mentorship SPONSORS: YERBA MADRE www.yerbamadre.comBOSSANOVA SOAP & CANDLES www.bossanovasoap.comTOTALLY BLOWN ⁠⁠⁠www.totallyblown.us⁠⁠⁠RAUM GOODS www.raumgoods.comINDIAN LODGE ROAD www.indianlodgeroad.comTHiS SHOW is a LABOR of LOVE. PLEASE SUPPORT IT: www.patreon.com/loveistheauthorpodcastFAN CONTACT: lacee@loveistheauthor.comON INSTAGRAM:  @loveistheauthor / @da_snake_mon / @unconventionalgardener

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Grounds for Connection: Stacey Jones on Ojai Coffee Roasters' 30 Years as "Ojai's Living Room"

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 63:42


In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, host Bret Bradigan sits down with Stacey Jones, founder and owner of the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this Boxing Day, December 26, 2025.Stacey and Ojai Coffee Roasters is featured in the Winter issue of Ojai Quarterly magazine.Stacey recounts how she and her then-husband, Kent, were meandering through California's wine country when they wandered into a café in Calistoga — and instantly knew what they wanted to do next. A former precision tools salesperson for the defense industry, Stacey traded machine parts for coffee beans and found her true calling in community and connection.Over the past three decades, the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company has weathered everything from recessions to a global pandemic, yet it remains one of Ojai's most cherished “third places” — where locals gather, friendships form, and the pulse of the town beats strongest.Stacey reflects on what's changed (and what hasn't) in the coffee world, the courage it takes to keep a small business thriving in a small town, and how serving a simple cup of coffee can help knit together a community.We talked about flat whites, salted caramel lattés and favorite customers. We did not talk about mako sharks, the NBA gambling scandal or Zohran Mamdani.Check out more about Ojai Coffee Roasters at https://ojaicoffeeroasters.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooPQy-Ena5gGhqAfAESC9Jo_yHuGosU0FTAz832umAzl5trma04

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast
Krishnamurti on Vulnerability

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 64:33


‘Only a mind that is vulnerable is capable of affection and love, not a mind that is jealous, possessive or dominating.' This episode on Vulnerability has three sections. The first extract (2:46) is from the second public discussion in Saanen 1965, and is titled: Vulnerability & Sensitivity. The second extract (22:06) is from a direct recording in Ojai 1983, and is titled: We Lose Vulnerability in This World of Noise. The third and final extract (37:57) in this episode is from the sixth talk in Saanen 1966, and is titled: Pretension, Innocence & Vulnerability. The Krishnamurti Podcast features carefully selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity. This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. Please visit our website at kfoundation.org, where you can find a popular collection of quotes, a variety of featured articles, along with a wide selection of curated material in the Index of Topics. This Index allows easy access to book, audio and video extracts. Our online store stocks the best of Krishnamurti's books and ships worldwide. We also offer free downloads, including a selection of booklets. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.

Aviation News Talk podcast
406 Flying Tails: Ken Wayne's Amazing Animal Rescue Flights with Bears, Eagles & Wildlife

Aviation News Talk podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 53:26


Max talks with former KTVU 2 and KRON 4 anchor Ken Wayne, founder of Flying Tails, about his extraordinary animal rescue flights involving bear cubs, bald eagles, coyotes, and dozens of shelter animals across California. Drawing on his past experience as a Navy journalist, Ken describes the path that led him from military broadcasting to a major-market news career—and ultimately to a mission that blends aviation with wildlife rescue. Ken's journey began at the Navy's Defense Information School, where he learned print reporting, photography, radio, and TV production. His service assignments took him from the Aleutian Islands to the Mediterranean aboard the USS Biddle, and finally to Subic Bay in the Philippines, where he hosted a radio show and shot television stories for the Far East Network. He also frequently traveled by helicopter and even completed a carrier landing in a COD aboard USS Midway, building a deep appreciation for aviation. Years later, after buying a Cessna 182 and flying with friends, Ken discovered animal rescue missions through Pilots N Paws. His breakthrough came when he responded to a call seeking transport for two bear cubs from South Lake Tahoe to Ramona. That flight—completed the day before a long-planned trip to Paris—set the tone for what Flying Tails would become. The TV story went viral, helped earn him an award from the U.S. Humane Society, and brought new awareness to the potential of using GA aircraft for wildlife operations. Since then, Flying Tails has become California Fish & Wildlife's go-to aviation nonprofit. Ken describes rescuing seven bear cubs in one summer, including a tiny Ventura County cub that had to be bottle-fed by caregivers wearing bear suits to prevent human imprinting. That cub later lived in a world-class bear enclosure in Sonoma County before returning to the wild near Ojai. Another cub, found hairless in the El Dorado National Forest, was flown to the Sequoia Park Zoo after it was deemed unfit for winter survival. Flying Tails also rescues countless cats and dogs from overwhelmed Central Valley shelters. Ken recounts missions involving 21 animals at once—14 puppies found in a garbage bag, kittens injured in a tent fire, and dozens of animals who were mere hours away from being euthanized due to lack of space. He explains why animals move northward in California, where adoption demand is higher and shelter capacity more manageable. The organization's wildlife work includes transporting owls, hawks, raptors, and a bald eagle Ken released at Lake Almanor—a moment he describes as one of the most exhilarating of his life. Wildlife crates are lined with burlap to prevent feather damage, and after each flight, aircraft are disinfected to prevent disease transmission. Gloves, tie-downs, and careful weight-and-balance planning are essential parts of every mission. Emotionally, Ken says what keeps him going is watching animals shed their fear during flight. Many board the airplane scared, panting, or stressed from heat, only to fall asleep within 20–30 minutes at altitude. When the airplane lands in cooler Bay Area air, the animals appear visibly relieved. That shift—from fear to calm—is what Ken believes makes these missions so rewarding for pilots. Flying Tails is expanding rapidly. Ken recently premiered the first episode of his new PBS series Flying Tales, available on the PBS app, showcasing these missions and the beauty of California from the air. His long-term vision is to establish Flying Tails bases nationwide, enabling wildlife flights for sea turtles, alligators, wolves, and more. Pilots interested in joining the mission can sign up at FlyingTails.org or reach Ken directly. If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon. Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk. Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199 HOLIDAY SPECIALNEW – Lightspeed Zulu 4 Headset $1099 Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $949Lightspeed Sierra Headset $749 My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu Send us your feedback or comments via email If you have a question you'd like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone. Mentioned on the ShowBuy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Video of the Week: Episode #1 of Flying Tails television show Flying Tails website Flying Tails Facebook page Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we'll make a couple of dollars if you do. So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification Check out Max's Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/ Social Media Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook Follow Max on Instagram Follow Max on Twitter Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium "Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.   

To Dine For
Byron Katie

To Dine For

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 47:10


Byron Katie is an author and speaker, best known for “The Work of Byron Katie”, or simply known as “The Work”. She is the founder of Byron Katie International, an organization that includes The School for The Work, and Turnaround House in Ojai, California. Time Magazine named Byron Katie “a spiritual innovator for the 21st century”.Follow To Dine For:Official Website: ToDineForTV.comFacebook: Facebook.com/ToDineForTVInstagram: @ToDineForTVTwitter: @KateSullivanTVEmail: ToDineForTV@gmail.com Thank You to our Sponsors!Coca-ColaAmerican National InsuranceWairau River WinesFollow Our Guest:Official Site: TheWork.comFacebook: The Work of Byron KatieInstagram: @Byron.KatieFollow The Restaurant:Official Website: Stuff I Eat - Inglewood, CAFacebook: Stuff I EatInstagram: @StuffIEat_Inglewood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Perfecte & Alia Rocher Reimagine The Ranch House: From Punk Rock to Ojai Gardens

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 82:51


When husband-and-wife chefs Perfecte Rocher and Alia Rocher took over the storied Ranch House, they didn't just reopen a restaurant — they resurrected a legacy. On this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, we sit down with the Rocher couple to explore their journey from international fine-dining kitchens, through a four-star stint with their former Seattle restaurant, to planting roots in Ojai's beloved 15,000-square-foot garden at 102 Besant Road. The Santa Barbara Independent+2805foodie+2Perfecte — born in the citrus-hills outside Valencia, Spain — brings a chef's wild curiosity and a punk-rock spirit forged in Michelin-rated kitchens around the globe. The Rochers at the Ranch House+1 Alia, formerly a marine biologist, found in food and hospitality a new calling — one rooted in sustainability, warmth, and storytelling. The Rochers at the Ranch House+1 Together they re-imagined The Ranch House not as a nostalgia trip, but as a living, breathing culinary and communal space. montecitojournal.net+1In our conversation, the Rochers reflect on their inspirations — from their global travels and technical training, to artistic influences like the legendary chef Ferran Adrià and the path-breaking food critic Jonathan Gold. (Perfecte was selected for an intense ‘stage' among 2,000 applicants — a formative career moment that reshaped his approach to cooking.)We also dive into what dining looks like under their stewardship: al-fresco tasting menus guided by the seasons, recipes built from local produce and foraged ingredients, and a garden-first ethos that honors both the land and the social roots of our community. The Rochers at the Ranch House+2exploretock.com+2Whether you're a longtime Ojai resident curious about the new Ranch House, a culinary traveler dreaming of a garden dinner under the stars, or someone drawn to stories about reinvention, tradition and creative risk — this episode brings you the voices behind one of Ojai's most talked-about restaurants.Note: We did not talk about Johnny Blitz and the Dead Boys, Helen and Alan Hooker's bridge skills or the idiosyncracies of top chefs.Press play, and let's walk the garden paths with Perfecte and Alia — where every course is a story, and every table tells a new one. Check out their website for more insight into their new approach to an old favorite ... https://www.therochersrh.com/

Free Thinking Through the Fourth Turning with Sasha Stone
How Dare We Speak Happy Thanksgiving!

Free Thinking Through the Fourth Turning with Sasha Stone

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 18:26


I remember when Generation Woke decided to take Thanksgiving. The narrative fit right into the oppressed/oppressor mindset. America was a rotten, fetid empire of colonizers who marauded through the pristine countryside and then forced the Native Americans to eat with them for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was now “problematic.” Celebrating it, even more so. High-status influencers who made a great living off of our Capitalist system pronounced their objections to this once-great American holiday, to take a brave stand against it, because, especially in 2020, every white person was expected to atone for their sins of the past and their white privilege now. “We're not celebrating Thanksgiving,” so went the lengthy, agonizing, virtue-signaling posts on Instagram. Maybe they'd be out feeding the poor, though still celebrating Thanksgiving, just not for themselves. Charity could wipe clean the shame.Once Trump was pushed out and Biden put in power, the waters calmed, the screaming stopped, and Thanksgiving was no longer a curse upon all of us.Now, here we are, Trump is in power again, and Thanksgiving has now become yet another crisis that must not go to waste. We are to enter the holidays thinking of the president committing illegal acts and whether or not members of the military will take a stand against him and start a hot Civil War. Thanksgiving must be a reminder of the Nazi occupation that is starving the poor, especially the Black and Brown people, who are being hunted down and thrown into concentration camps. The order has come down that all must be miserable. Four long years to make Americans suffer for the crime of the Democrats losing an election to Trump again.Says Senator Patty Murray. How dare we speak Happy Thanksgiving! How dare we speak Merry Christmas! With all due respect to those trapped inside the Doomsday Cult, no. Just no. This is one day you can't take from us. You can't shame us out of it. You can't tell us not to gather with our loved ones around a table and enjoy a meal. Thanksgiving is not yours to take. It never was. You can be miserable if you'd like, but those of us who are grateful just to wake up another day, let alone to cook a meal or get invited to a meal, are grateful for the bounty. Grateful for life at all. Grateful for each other. And, for many, grateful to God. Yes, we dare speak Happy Thanksgiving. Fond MemoriesI always thought Thanksgiving was the great unifier. It wasn't like Christmas, where only some people celebrated. It was an everybody thing. That was how we saw it and how we were taught to understand it. Thanksgiving for most of my life was held at my grandmother's house in the San Fernando Valley. With her tattered framed letter from Bill Clinton hanging on the wall, her ceramic Siamese cats frozen in place on her glass coffee table, the plastic lining that covered her good sofa, the piano in the corner nobody played, her gold-plated flatware, the good dishes, and the nice tablecloth, freshly laundered and ironed, her Thanksgiving was one of my fondest memories. She spent all day cooking the turkey, and when it was finally done, it would be presented as the greatest thing any of us had ever seen. And so it was. I'm not saying it was straight out of Norman Rockwell or anything. It was pure chaos most of the time, and often a powder keg, but somehow on that day, we all knew how to behave.My grandma's turkey was one thing. Her pies were legendary. She would put too much cinnamon in the pumpkin pie, but that's what made it good. It was the warm house on a cold winter day, even in California, that I remember most, and the way we could smell the food cooking even outdoors. We did not eat all day, preparing to fill our bellies until we could not breathe.We were poor in the early days, and on welfare, so Thanksgiving at my grandma's house was one way we felt normal, doing what every other family did. Even those at rock bottom need a day to say thank you and give grace, no matter their circumstances in life. That's what it's for. It elevates us out of our misery, or at least it can. We didn't say thanks or grace back then because in my family, that could spell trouble. It was all about the meal, about my grandma's infamous cooking, and all of us seated together in a cramped suburban home, talking to each other, spending time together, time we'd never get back.Over the years, Thanksgiving moved from house to house. When my grandmother was too old to host, she'd offer to bring up the Turkey to my brother's house in Ojai, California. Once, we waited three hours for her to arrive with the Turkey, now cold, sitting in her trunk. Once, she accidentally used salt instead of sugar when baking her apple pie. Before long, she couldn't make the drive, and Thanksgiving, for her, was over. I still can't think of it without thinking of her. I think of her every time I roll out homemade pie crust, using the glass of ice water she taught me to use, or the way she taught me to cut the green apples, throwing away the peels and dropping the flesh into a bowl of lemon water to keep it from browning.I think of her whenever I see a turkey coming out of the oven, and I remember how she liked her stuffing inside the bird rather than the modern way of cooking it separately in a casserole. I think of how much she loved America and its traditions and how faithful she was to all of them. My grandmother taught us what it meant to be grateful for all we had, even if it wasn't much. Thanksgiving isn't about the cost. It can be celebrated on a paper plate in a food kitchen or in the park, just as easily as it can be in my grandmother's dining room or at a restaurant. It's the idea of it, one of the few rituals we have left that we can share, at least among those of us still holding onto the fragile idea of an America at all. On their live version of America This Week, Walter Kirn and Matt Taibbi reported on how so many high-minded outlets see it as their duty to treat Thanksgiving like a funeral for America, but here is what Thanksgiving is really about. I guess that's why I drive six days across the country every year to see my daughter on Thanksgiving. It turns out that it means a lot to me, too, and I always want to make sure I don't miss even one. I have cooked more than my share of Thanksgiving dinners, and I hope I've created memories for my daughter. Maybe someday I'll be the grandmother to her children, and the ritual will begin anew. It isn't just a day to cook or eat but a day to say thank you for the blessings in my life, for the luck I've had, for the love I've experienced, for the beauty I can still see in this country and its people, from state to state. If we can do this on this one day, maybe we will be okay.That is why I'd like to thank all of you. It's been a hell of a ride these past five years. Thank you for the warmth and kindness you've given me, the support, the praise, the criticism, the subscriptions, the donations, and the encouragement. I don't know where I'd be without you. I hope you have a Happy, yes Happy Thanksgiving. All the best to you.//_______________ TIP JAR This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sashastone.com/subscribe

How Long Gone
873. - Paul Needham

How Long Gone

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 76:15


Paul Needham is CEO of The Infatuation. We chat with him from his office in New York about unhoused Kevin Spacey, Chris's newsletter about Substack, TJ saw Robyn last night, British Politics, we rank all the new markets trying to be Erewhon, the psychology of waiting in line for things, his In N Out order, Iced matcha add banana pudding, elevated small luxuries, why Ojai? Restaurants that "release 12 burgers a night," The River Cafe and Bar Pitti, should restaurants have a phone number in 2025? Chris won't buy a flight on his phone, the current bagel wars, and we go through some of The Infatuation's top restaurants of the year. theinfatuation.com twitter.com/donetodeath twitter.com/themjeans howlonggone.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Robyn Ivy Podcast
A Manifesto for the So Inclined, with Rob Bell

The Robyn Ivy Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 69:36


What does it really mean to live a creative, liberated, and fully human life? This week on The Robyn Ivy Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant and refreshingly honest Rob Bell for a conversation about creativity, God, rebellion and liberation. Together, we explore what it looks like to be wide awake in the world, from punk shows to pulpit days to painting on cabinet doors. Rob and I talk about letting go of old identities, following joy as a form of service, and the radical practice of telling the truth-to ourselves and each other.  We touch on burnout, intuition, rest, the healing power of making art, and why showing up for whatever unfolds is mindfulness in action. This one is for the curious, the restless, the ready-to-reimagine.The lovers, the dreamers and you… For the ones who want to live their own questions out loud and be changed by the answers they find. 3 Key Takeaways from the Episode: Everyone is creative, yep even you. Creativity isn't about being an artist. It's about how you show up to your life. From your calendar to your backyard to your next conversation, you're already creating the world around you. Own it. Truth is liberating The more you tell the truth about what's working, what's dying, what you actually want, the more alive and free you become. Even pain becomes part of the process, not something to avoid. Rest Fuels Real Service Burnout isn't a badge of honor. Taking care of yourself (surfing, napping, laughing, painting cabinet doors) is what makes it possible to show up for others with joy and clarity. The life you're craving won't come from pushing harder but from telling the truth.

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Finding Our Voice: Karen Banfield & Severo Lara with the Ojai Valley Speech Club

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 60:54


Ojai has always been a place where voices matter — artists, thinkers, seekers, misfits, and makers.But what happens when a public-speaking club sheds the corporate rules and reinvents itself in the spirit of this valley?In this week's episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, I sit down with Karen Banfield, founder and president of the new Ojai Valley Speech Club, and Severo Lara, its vice president, to explore how they transformed a fading Toastmasters chapter into a vibrant, heartfelt community.When Karen stepped in to rescue what remained of the old club— just six members and dwindling fast — she realized the structure itself was part of the barrier. So she did something bold: she let it go.What emerged is something distinctly Ojai: A relaxed gathering focused not on rigid rules or corporate polish, but on authenticity, intuition, creativity, and real human connection.Members now give talks on everything from personal vulnerability to quantum physics, from life lessons to the mysterious ways intuition shapes the choices we make. The club has nearly tripled in size, and the energy in the room is unmistakable — a sense of growth, bravery, and community.In our conversation, Karen and Severo discuss:How they redesigned public speaking for the Ojai spiritWhy ditching formality invites deeper honestyThe surprising subjects their members exploreHow a small group grew into an inspired communityAnd why learning to speak from the soul is more important than everWhether you've always wanted to improve your public speaking or simply love stories of grassroots community-building, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a reminder that finding your voice is an act of courage — and connection.Tune in, get inspired, and maybe even consider stepping up to the mic yourself. (Note: we did not talk about Walter Payton's MVP season, origami or metalworking.)Learn more about the Ojai Valley Speech Club at https://www.ojaivalleyspeech.club/

The Biggest Table
Sacred Kinship with All of Nature with Victoria Loorz

The Biggest Table

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 63:33


In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp converses with Victoria Loorz, a wild church pastor, eco spiritual director, and author, about her unique perspective on spirituality and nature. Victoria discusses her journey from being a pastor of indoor churches to founding the first Church of the Wild in Ojai, California, and her involvement with the Ecumenical Wild Church Network. The conversation delves into the concept of 'Wild Spirituality,' emphasizing a reorientation of relationships with the living world through a 'wild Christ.' Victoria unpacks the spiritual significance of integrating nature with religious practices, the importance of remembering and reconnecting with the sacredness of all life forms, and how scripture grounds her work. They explore the transformational power of experiencing God's presence in nature, the importance of grief in spiritual journeys, and the role of language in shaping spiritual understanding. The discussion highlights practical steps for fostering a deeper connection with nature, even in urban settings, and how these practices can help heal trauma and resist the modern pressures of empire and disconnection.Victoria Loorz is a wild church pastor, an eco-spiritual director and co-founder of several transformation-focused organizations focused on the integration of nature and spirituality.  She feels most alive when collaborating with Mystery and kindred spirits to create opportunities for people to re-member themselves back into intimate, sacred relationship with the rest of the living world. After twenty years as a pastor of indoor churches, she launched the first Church of the Wild, in Ojai CA and began to meet others with the same sense of call to leave building and expand the Beloved Community beyond our own species. She then co-founded the ecumenical Wild Church Network. She is also the author of Church of the Wild, and coauthor of Field Guide to Church of the Wild.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

Ojai: Talk of the Town
The Art of Low & Slow: Saw & Brittany Naing on Joplin's, The Dutchess & Second Acts

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 70:53


Meet Saw and Brittany Naing, the husband-and-wife team powering Ojai's rock-and-roll barbecue joint Joplin's — and the culinary force many locals already know from The Dutchess. Saw grew up in Myanmar under military rule, fronting a heavy-metal band whose politically charged lyrics earned him unwelcome attention from the junta before he emigrated to Los Angeles in 2007.Los Angeles Times+1 In California kitchens he traded guitar amps for grill grates, cooking everywhere from Bouchon and Café Pinot to Tallula's in Santa Monica before finally landing in Ojai as chef-partner at The Dutchess, where he cooks a deeply personal Burmese-Indian-meets-California menu.Ojai Food and Wine+1Brittany came up through the music world too, running an online music publication, De La Vie TV, before moving into restaurants, eventually becoming beverage director at The Dutchess and creating Namari, a cult-favorite non-alcoholic amaro.Namari+3Joplin's+3Podbay+3 Together they dreamed up Joplin's — named for the dog who adopted them during the pandemic — a “food, drinks, rock & roll” roadhouse on East Ojai Avenue where Texas-style barbecue picks up Burmese and Indian accents, local meat and produce, and a seriously dialed-in playlist.Eater LA+4Joplin's+4Los Angeles Times+4In this episode we talk about Saw's journey from Rangoon stages to Ojai smokers, Brittany's path from showrunner to beverage innovator, the near-miss rock-and-roll pop-up that Covid canceled, and how they've poured every second act of their lives into Joplin's and The Dutchess. It's a conversation about risk, reinvention, and what happens when you take “low and slow” as a life philosophy, not just a way to cook ribs.We did not talk about whether Limp Bizkit is actually nu-metal, cloning polo ponies or the consequences of the Foreign Plot on the French Revolution. To learn more about Saw & Brittany, check ot https://www.joplinsojai.com

ON THE ROAD with Chuck Cramer
Ojai Vineyards, Ventura County, Small Batches, New Grape Varieties and interview w Adam Tomlach, owner & winemaker, Ojai Vineyards.

ON THE ROAD with Chuck Cramer

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 53:47


Ojai Vineyards, Ventura County, Small Batches, New Grape Varieties and interview w Adam Tomlach, owner & winemaker, Ojai Vineyards. ON THE ROAD with MR CA WINE is about California's cool, aspirational lifestyle and awesome wines hosted by Chuck Cramer, a California native, living in London and is the Director of European & Asian sales & marketing, Terlato Wines. This is a wine journey covering the hottest topics in the world of California wine, chatting along the way with the key influencers in the industry who make it all happen. This week's episode includes an interview with Adam Tomlach of Ojai Vineyards.

Ojai: Talk of the Town
Susanne Chess & Bob Evans on Art, Innovation and the Spirit of Ojai

Ojai: Talk of the Town

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 71:12


In this episode we welcome two remarkable newcomers to the Ojai, California community: Susanne Chess and Bob Evans. Susanne, a founding member of Tiabzu LLC (based in Ojai) whose mission is to reinvent desalination through modular, deep-sea-inspired reverse-osmosis systems that dramatically reduce energy demand and harm to marine ecosystems. Tiabzu+2Tiabzu+2 Bob is a visionary ocean-entrepreneur, artist and photographer who has logged over 5,000 hours underwater, documented offshore oil-platform ecosystems and now explores how those very structures can be re-envisioned. bobevansphotography.comWe dig into the enduring charms and layered history of Ojai — its origins in the Chumash word 'awha'y, the transformation from orange orchards to boutique valley community and the pull of places like Wheeler Hot Springs as a local retreat.We also explore the cutting-edge frontiers: Susanne's work at Tiabzu, using subsea-oil & gas tech to make fresh water more sustainably. And Bob's unique vantage: underwater photography, marine stewardship, and how coastal infrastructure might become underwater oases instead of rusty relics.We talked about Ojai's famous friendliness, the couple's other inventions such as aerodynamic pods that reduce gas mileage by hundreds of dollars per year (AeroHance.com), and Bart's Books and Barbara Bowman's. We did not talk about the lost civilization of Atlantis, Moroccan spice blends or Sigmund Freud's accomplished progeny.Whether you're drawn to the stillness of the valley, the deep blue below the waves, or the promise of innovation that cares for both — this conversation spans local place-making and global impact. Tune in.Check out https://tiabzu.com/ and https://bobevansphotography.com/bob-evans-visionary-entrepreneur-artist-photographer/ for more information.

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast
Krishnamurti on Goodness & Generosity

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 75:41


‘Religion means to live daily life in goodness – goodness being compassionate, kind, generous.' This episode on Goodness & Generosity has five sections. The first extract (2:35) is from Krishnamurti's third talk in Rishi Valley 1973, and is titled: Educating Children to Flower in Goodness. The second extract (22:12) is from the first talk in Ojai 1979, and is titled: Is Goodness Possible in This World? The third extract (52:22) is from the fourth discussion at Brockwood Park School in 1982, and is titled: You Can't Be Generous Without Love. The fourth extract (58:43) is from the seventh talk in Ojai 1949, and is titled: Generosity Comes With the Ending of Meanness. The final extract in this episode (1:10:44) is from the fourth talk in Bangalore 1974, and is titled: Are You Generous in Your Heart? The Krishnamurti Podcast features carefully selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity.  This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust, based at Brockwood Park in Hampshire, UK. Brockwood is also home to Brockwood Park School, a unique international boarding school offering a personalised, holistic education inspired by Krishnamurti's teachings. Please visit brockwood.org.uk for more information. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.

JeepneyTrip
A Tale of Two Ibarras

JeepneyTrip

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 24:59


In a departure from their usual historical musings, Carmina and Patch talk about two modern Filipino-American women who share a last name but are from different decades, backgrounds, and musical genres. Yet they share a singular love for their heritage and history undeniably reflected in their art. In this Filipino-American History Month, Carmina and Patch are proud to feature two Fil-Ams who are sure to contribute to our storied legacy for years to come.Learn more: Vaccine scientist by day, rapper by night: How Ruby Ibarra is defying stereotypes, Ruby Ibarra - Bakunawa ft. Ouida, Han Han & June Millington (Live) Tiny Desk 2025 Winner, Ruby Ibarra - (Official Music Video), Ruby Ibarra Official Website, Rolling Stone: RUBY IBARRA IGNITES NPR'S ‘TINY DESK' CONCERT: ‘THIS IMMIGRANT IS HERE', Ruby Ibarra, 2025 Tiny Desk Contest Winner: Tiny Desk Concert, June Millington, [HIGHLIGHTS] Sky Islands by Susie Ibarra: World Premiere, 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Music: Sky Islands by Composer/Percussionist Susie Ibarra, Susie Ibarra's "Nest Box" performed in Ojai by the composer and Wu Wei, and Susie Ibarra Official Website.Visit https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com. Drop a note at thefiltrip@gmail.com. Thanks to FilTrip's sponsor SOLEPACK. Visit thesolepack.com for more details.See https://www.buzzsprout.com/privacy for Privacy Policy.

Urgency of Change - The Krishnamurti Podcast

‘Drugs don't alter your boredom, a drug doesn't end your sorrow. You may escape for the time being, but there is still sorrow.' This episode on Drugs has six sections. The first extract (2:42) is from Krishnamurti's first talk in Amsterdam 1971, and is titled: Why Do You Take Drugs? The second extract (8:39) is from a discussion with students in Ojai 1966, and is titled: Taking Drugs Is Nothing New. The third extract (17:24) is from Krishnamurti's fourth talk at Brockwood Park in 1971, and is titled: Can Drugs Reveal the Whole of Consciousness? The fourth extract (28:32) is from Krishnamurti's fourth talk in Saanen 1971, and is titled: Dependency on Drugs. The fifth extract (38:49) is from Krishnamurti's fourth talk in Santa Monica 1971, and is titled: Drugs Are an Impediment to Inquiry. The final extract in this episode (55:49) is from the fourth talk in San Diego 1970, and is titled: Live a Beautiful Life Without Taking Drugs. The Krishnamurti Podcast features selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity. This episode's theme is Drugs. Upcoming themes are Goodness & Generosity, Civilisation and Vulnerability. This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust, based at Brockwood Park in the UK, which is also home to The Krishnamurti Centre. The Centre offers a variety of group retreats, including for young adults. There is also a volunteer programme. The atmosphere at the Centre is one of openness and friendliness, with a sense of freedom to inquire with others and alone. Please visit krishnamurticentre.org.uk for more information. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.

Fire and Soul | Real Talks on Self-Love, Spirituality, Success, Entrepreneurship, Relationships, Mindset, Abundance + more

What if awakening isn't about rising higher but softening into the body and allowing life to hold you? In this solo episode, I open up about what it really means to wake down into myself, to build capacity, stay present with what is, and lead from embodied truth in a season of deep change, endings, and new beginnings.Over the past year, I've been walking through profound initiation in my somatic and attachment training, in my relationship with God, in my business, and in my own body through the threshold of menopause. This journey has stripped away illusion and invited me into something far more real: presence over proving, discernment over doing, embodiment over striving.In this episode, I share how God became my business partner, how I'm learning to listen to the living language of my body, and why I've chosen to honor my nervous system's truth even when it means being less visible. I also reflect on the shift from Embody Your Higher Purpose to From Insight to Embodiment and how this new foundation is shaping everything I create and share.Inside this episode, I explore:• Waking down to the body as the true path of ascension• Building capacity instead of chasing courage• How somatics reveals old imprints and restores self-trust• The sacred initiation of menopause and the healing power of homeopathy• Living in a personal Year One within a collective Year Nine• The discernment to share less publicly while expanding inwardly• Why connection with self, Source, Earth, and one another is what truly mattersIf you feel called to join me in this season of embodiment, I'd love to welcome you inside Soul Work Synergy, our living community of Gene Keys and somatic practice. And if you're craving a deeper immersion, we have two final spaces open for Soul Essence, our upcoming retreat in Ojai, California, November 13 to 17.Come home to your body. Let presence be enough. Everything else unfolds from there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The RobCast
Episode 400 LIVE from the Ojai Playhouse

The RobCast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 78:19