Central Valley Podcast

We only recorded this episode because we finally had a babysitter for both kids… and realized we haven’t actually sat down and talked, like really talked, since our Christmas baby was born. Two under two will humble you. In this episode, we catch up in real time. We talk about what going into labor was actually like, how life has shifted since adding another little human to the mix, and why we’re...

This episode gets a little… Stranger than usual. We’re joined by Phoenix for one of the most unhinged and hilarious conversations we’ve had yet. We dressed up as Steve, Dustin, and Will from Stranger Things and basically let Phoenix run the show. We somehow end up breaking down what 6–7 actually is, what adults really do all day, and Phoenix gives us his brutally honest take on taxes, mortgages, a...

This week it’s just me, catching y’all up on what life has been like lately and a recap of this year. I talk about opening the studio, feeling more down than usual this year, and just moving slower overall. I even talk about how I became a retired teachers.. lol andwanted to find financial security for my family. I discussed sticking with my dreams, not giving up, and double downing on everything....

In this episode, I’m joined by Hushee, the founder of Joy Tea Bar, a mobile pop-up tea stand that’s been serving up handcrafted matcha, chai, and fruit teas all around the Merced area. In just their first year, they’ve built a solid following and a real sense of community. We talk about how Joy Tea Bar got started, what it’s been like diving into entrepreneurship, and what the whole journey means...

In this episode, I sit down with Marine Corps veteran and author Matthew Brunnemann to talk about his time serving in Afghanistan and the story behind his book WAR BUSINESS: The Hired Guns of Helmand Province. Matthew spent over 500 days on the frontlines in Helmand Province, one of the most dangerous regions of the war, where every acre was fought for and every mission came at a cost. We dive int...

In this episode, I’m joined by Eddie, the owner and founder of My Guy Market, a New York bodega-style sandwich shop right here in Fresno, CA. We catch up on life and business, talk about the trip to New York I won with him and his business partner Floyd, and share stories like old friends do. This is Eddie’s second time on the podcast, and it was great connecting again with a fellow entrepreneur I...

This week, we sit down with musical artist and rapper Danny V for a deep dive into his journey. From his roots in Watsonville to making big moves in the music scene. We talk about his recent oldies-inspired hit "My Baby" , what growing up in Watsonville truly means to him, and the special role East Lake has played in his life. Danny also shares how he linked up with the Underdawgs, the creative en...

This week I sat down with Brian Boucher, owner of Midstate CrossFit and former flight paramedic, to talk about the upcoming Raz N Health Fitness Festival going down September 20th at The Tarmac in Atwater. If you don't know its a fitness event where you run through historic planes at Castle Air Museum. We also dive deep into Merced, the changes happening, what it could be, and how we build a stron...

On this episode, we sat down with Jaron, the founder of Dustbowl Champion. They are a dark wave band from Clovis, CA. They're currently on their Law and Order Tour, hitting cities across the U.S. with their goth vibe and moody sound. We talked about how the band came to be, what inspires his music, and the current state of music and concerts . We also had to get into Jaron’s love for the Yankees a...

In this episode, I sit down with Malachi to talk about his journey through music and life. We dive into how he’s accomplished so much in such a short time, the battles we face within ourselves, and what it was like performing on NPR’s Tiny Desk. He shares what he’s learned from being around artists like LaRussell, how he views the world, and why his love for Merced runs deep. Check out this real,...

In this episode, I chop it up with Stockton’s own Daddex — rapper, dad, and real one. We get into his story: coming up in music, choosing sobriety, balancing fatherhood, and what it really means to rep the Central Valley. It’s honest, it’s raw, and it’s a reminder that growth isn’t always pretty—but it’s worth it. We talk about how far the 209 has come, the grind behind the bars, and why doing it...

In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Lindsey Diele, to talk about two wild things we’ve taken on lately: building out Studio 99 from scratch and her running 200 miles from LA to Vegas as part of The Speed Project. We dive into the behind-the-scenes of launching a creative space from the ground up, the challenges of starting a business as a couple, and the mindset it takes to push your body 20...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dustin and Darcey—two UC Merced students and the some of the founders of Merdead Entertainment.(  @merdead  @dustinxmyhre @alex.darcyyy)We actually just crossed paths about a week ago, and I’ve always wanted to have someone from UC Merced on the podcast, so the timing felt right. These two are building something really different out here and wanted to change the narr...

This week, we’re kickin’ it with Offline Comedy! It's a stand-up comedy show that’s poppin’ up all over the Central Valley in the weirdest, dopest spots you can imagine.(@offlinecomedy @andrewnosrati @marcuspeverill)Started by Stand Up Comedian Andrew Nosrati, Offline Comedy throws secret shows in places like laundromats, laser tag arenas, bookstores, and most recently… our studio. No phones....

In this episode of the Central Valley Podcast, I sit down with Shamoot Kishore, a Senior Agent at Redfin and debut author of Wonderland . Shamoot and I first connected a few years ago on Instagram when he shared a fascinating remote viewing experiment with me, sparking ongoing discussions about conspiracy theories. Now, we’re finally bringing those conversations to the podcast! In this four-hour e...

In this episode, I’m joined by Congressman John Duarte. I was pretty excited when his team reached out, asking to be on the podcast—I mean, how often does a U.S. Congressman ask to join your show? Naturally, I couldn’t say no! We dive into a conversation about who he is, what he stands for, and how he’s been representing the Central Valley in Congress. It’s a great opportunity to hear directly fro...

In this episode I am joined by Manny Flores, the creator of Barz on Wheels. Manny lives in Bakersfield, California and is a photographer, videographer, and an overall really talented dude with unique perspectives. In this episode we talk about how Barz on Wheels came to be, the path that lead him to become a videographer, and what it is like creating content in todays day and age. I had an absolut...

In this episode, Duffy and I dive into the latest happenings across the Central Valley. From the alligator sightings in Stockton and Fresno City's cancellation of ArtHop, to the scandals at Buhach Colony, we cover it all. It was a blast catching up with my co-host, and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did! The Dopest Sponsors: Marcus Rodriguez (Central Valley Real Estate Agent)...

In this episode I am joined by the owner and bar manager of Bella Luna. Bella Luna is an Italian restaurant in downtown Merced know for its energy, excitement, and sophistication with genuine hospitality. We sit down and have a few cocktails, talk about the history of the restaurant and where it is today, and we even found Duffy's long lost twin Billy. This episode is full of laughs and excite...

In this episode I am joined by owner of Midstate Crossfit, Brian Boucher. In this episode Brian and I talk about how he ended up in the Central Valley, why he loves the area, and how we think it could do better. We also talk about his time as a flight paramedic and how that led him to become passionate about getting people healthy. We discuss an event he is putting on called the Raz N' Health...

In this episode of Central Valley Podcast we time travel back in time to hear a bit about the United States Founding Fathers. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, and Amelia Earhart all make appearances and share how far America has come and the importance of the 100th episode. We sit back look at where the podcast started, how far we come, and the...

In this episode Duffy and I pose as Highway 99 construction workers in order to inform the public why it has taken over 10 years. We got to sit down answer fan questions, talk to people who called in, as well as goofed around and looked back at how far we've come. It's a great fun episode where Duffy and I got the chance to have our first solo pod since episode 23. The Dopest Sponsors: Mar...

In this episode I am joined by the Host of the Bring the Juice Podcast, Frank Dalena. Bring the Juice is a gritty sports podcast that interviews athletes and discusses how an elite mindset can apply to chasing greatness and your everyday life. We sit down and talk about how Bring the Juice came to be, Frank's history as a Bulldog, how he almost went to the olympics, as well as what makes the C...

In this weeks episode we sit down and chat with some of the boys over at Third Hour Collective (@thirdhourcollective). Joel Aguilar is a local artist native to the Central Valley and you may have even seen some of his murals. Earvin Mendoza is a local photographer and videographer who highlights the community and area through his work. We sat down and got fully domed and talked about how they link...

In this episode I am joined by Veronica Camp and Charlie Lippert (@charlie_lippert @veronicacamp49) They are the owners of Five Window Beer Company, California Seltzer Company, and the founder of the Central Valley Brewfest. We sit down and talk all about how their companies came to be, our new collaborative drink the Mango Jalapeno Seltzer, and laugh and get off topic a lot. The Dopest Sponsors:...