Living in Santa Barbara

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes at Santa Barbara Humane (or SB Humane for short), where they're doing so much more than just rescuing animals - they're building a compassionate community. I sit down with Kerri Burns, CEO of SB Humane, who has spent the last seven years transforming SB Humane into a model for animal welfare and community support. From their dedicated staff of veterina...

The White Buffalo is a sacred symbol in Native American culture representing hope, renewal, and a balanced relationship between humans and nature. Today, it reminds us of our responsibility to take care of the planet and ourselves. By following its message, we can make more sustainable choices, recognize how everything is connected, and work toward a healthier future for all. In this episode, we t...

One of the best things about living in Santa Barbara is the incredible access we have to the film industry through the Santa Barbara Cinema Society. As members, we get to see films before they’re released, attend exclusive Q&As with filmmakers, and even meet them in intimate settings—something nearly impossible elsewhere but effortless here. In this episode, I’m joined by fellow Cinema Society...

Uni is often described as an acquired taste, but for those who appreciate it, it's a true delicacy. Santa Barbara is renowned for producing some of the finest uni in the world and you can find it locally, but it is also shipped across the country and internationally, earning a spot in the top kitchens around the globe. Harvesting this prized delicacy is not easy, it's sustainably hand harvested by...

Living in Santa Barbara opens the door to meeting some truly incredible people, like Brittni Raflowitz. The town's unique mix of community, culture, and connection creates opportunities to cross paths with individuals who are not only talented but also deeply inspiring. It's through Santa Barbara's welcoming social fabric that I was introduced to Brittni, a rising star in international show jumpin...

What holds the power to help us overcome trauma and unlock our highest potential? In this episode, my colleague Billy Mandarino shares his transformative journey, including how a satori - a moment of enlightenment - changed his life and revealed the practice of living in the present. Discovery how this philosophy inspires him to guide others in overcoming trauma, cultivating greater awareness, abu...

Santa Barbara is a place where you can see exactly where your food comes from, meet the people who raise it, and explore the vibrant world of sustainable agriculture. One of our hidden gems is The Cultured Abalone, a clean, sustainable farm dedicated to raising abalone—a rare delicacy prized in many cuisines. With wild abalone harvesting banned in California for decades, farming is now the only wa...

The waters off Santa Barbara are full of adventure and fresh catches, and no one knows it better than Tony Voltaggio, owner and captain of Santa Barbara Sport Fishing Charters. From a local kid with a passion for the ocean to a seasoned captain, Tony takes us through his journey, shares what makes his six-person charters special, and gives us the inside scoop on Santa Barbara’s vibrant fishing sce...

Diver deeper into the realities of commercial diving in California with Jeff Baldwin, an experienced diver who's seen it all - from abalone diving at the shark-ifilled Farallon Islands to sea urchin diving off the shores of Santa Barbara. Jeff discusses the challenging environmental shifts, policies and politics impacting his livelihood and those of his fellow divers.    Kathy Henry Soth...

Join my friends and I for a quick impromptu dinner conversation. It was a fun, heartwarming exploration of our different cultures, our unique experiences and how we create community through it all. Thank you for listening! Santa Barbara is a true mecca of creativity and culture. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and family. I’d also be grateful if you cou...

In this episode, I welcome Brett Hunter the musician whose sky-high range left the judges on the Voice stunned when they turned around to see who it was. Known for his infectious performances with his amazing musicians, Brett’s talents don’t stop there. Join us as we talk about hist latest projects, including the Riviera Culture Club, his passion for connection, his love for music, and his inspira...

How does your vote shape the future of our community? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Johnson, CEO of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, to take a closer look at two key California propositions and explore how the could impact our state and Santa Barbara. This conversation isn’t about politics, it’s about making thoughtful decisions and understanding how propositions on the ballot c...

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Gocong, a former NFL linebacker whose life took an unexpected turn from the high-pressure world of professional football to the quiet, introspective space of an artist’s studio. After a career-ending injury, Chris found a new path in art, discovering surprising similarities between the intense battles on the football field and the creative process of painting...

Santa Barbara has gained a fresh creative force with the arrival of figurative artist Jansson Stegner. Having relocated from New York about five years ago, Jansson is known for his distinctive Mannerist figures and unique exploration of power and gender dynamics. His recent works now incorporate the local landscapes of Santa Barbara, marking an evolution from the imagined settings of his earlier p...

Reflecting on how this podcast has evolved—what began as a side project has turned into something much more meaningful. From grit and passion to connection and community, the conversations I’ve had have truly opened my eyes to the importance of human interaction.    A recent experience gave me a firsthand look at how disconnected we’ve become, but a simple, spontaneous moment demonstrate...

In this episode of *Living in Santa Barbara*, I sit down with Jeremy Tessmer from Sullivan Goss, to explore the deep connection between art and community in Santa Barbara. We discuss the city’s rich artistic history and how it has evolved into a vibrant creative hub. Jeremy shares fascinating stories from the gallery’s 40-year legacy, the significance of nurturing local talent, and the unique role...

Step into the funky and creative world of Loveworn, the iconic Santa Barbara boutique where vintage fashion and art collide. Step behind the scenes with Jill Johnson as she shares the heart and soul behind her handmade creations. From vintage denim to the hand-silk screened tees she co-creates with her artist partner Wallace Piatt, you'll discover how Loveworn captures the energy, nostalgia, and u...

Send us a text Join us as we uncover the stories behind the places, people, and businesses that shape the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. I'm kicking off the Funk Zone series with one of the Funk Zone's most exciting new additions: **Assemblage**—pronounced the French way. The Funk Zone is Santa Barbara’s most vibrant neighborhood for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so it’s no surprise that...

Send us a text It’s more than just the Funk Zone—it’s a story of vision, creativity, and community transformation. In Part 1 of our series on the dynamic Funk Zone in Santa Barbara, we sit down with Sherry Villanueva, founder and managing partner of Acme Hospitality. Discover how Acme took an underutilized area of Santa Barbara and turned it into a thriving destination for arts, culture, and conne...

Send us a text In this episode of *Living in Santa Barbara*, we continue with part two of my series on favorite Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara by featuring Azul Cocina, a local gem that brings a refined twist to Mexican cuisine. Join me as I sit down with Chef Manny, the mastermind behind Azul Cocina’s creative dishes. From his humble start as a dishwasher to becoming an executive chef with...

Send us a text Imagine embarking on a sensory journey where reality and fantasy blur, tapping into deep aspects of the human experience. This is the artistry of Kerrilee Gore, the visionary behind *When the Lights Go Out*—an impressive 90-minute dynamic spectacle that fuses impressive aerial acts, sultry dance, live theater, and film, all set to an electrifying soundtrack of underground rock and e...

Send us a text In part one of "My Favorite Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara" series, I'm excited to highlight a restaurant that I highly recommend, El Bajio. This restaurant stands out for its high quality food, incredible flavor, and impeccable cleanliness.  In this episode, I sit down with Rosie Corvera, the daughter of Santos Guzman, who founded El Bajio 28 years ago. Rosie shares the...

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the transformative power of breathwork with Juliet Wilkins and delve into her creative journey behind the last float in this year’s Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade, held on June 22, 2024.  Juliet shares the personal story of discovering the healing arts and the breathwork that has profoundly impacted her life and shifted her mission toward shari...

Send us a text If you’re a surfer, you’ve likely heard of the Surfer's Code.  Meet the man behind the Code, Santa Barbara community member and legendary surfer Shaun Tomson.  In this episode of Living in Santa Barbara, we dive into the philosophy of surfing and how the ocean teaches us about resilience, mindfulness, and community. Shaun shares his journey from Durban, South Africa, to be...

Send us a text Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with John Daly, the dedicated president of The Key Class. For over a decade, John has been mentoring young men, providing them with essential life skills and guidance. As a father of five, John’s extended family includes the many lives he’s touched through his mentorship. John shares his transformative journey from retiring as preside...