Conejo Valley Visionaries

This episode was recorded during our first-ever Neighborly x Conejo Valley Visionaries "Meet Your Neighbors" event! DM the word "Neighborly" to ⁠@ConejoValleyVisionaries on Instagram⁠ to get early access to tickets for our next one. Thank you to all of our partners and panelists:Neighborly  @beneighborly Gaby Dalkin  @whatsgabycookin   @dalkinandco Dominick DiBartolomeo  @thecheesestoreofbeverlyhi...

Wondering what’s really happening with the Downtown Thousand Oaks development? You're not alone — and we’ve got answers. Akbar Alikhan , Deputy City Manager of Thousand Oaks, returns to address the most pressing community questions about the city's future. What will the new downtown look like? When is construction actually starting — and finishing? Will it turn Thousand Oaks into another S...

In today's episode, you'll hear from our community-nominated season 4 guest, Dr. Bieta Kia, PT, DPT of Bieta Kia Physical Therapy in Westlake Village. In their nomination for Bieta, one listener wrote, “she is amazing and life-changing for so many.” Bieta is a physical therapist who takes a total body hands-on approach to addressing dysfunction. Bita shares her journey into physical therap...

Did you know that one of the pioneers of the West Coast graffiti movement lives right here in Thousand Oaks? Yep — that’s right. This week’s guest is none other than Risky . In this very special — and very visual — episode, Risky invites us inside his massive art compound right here in the Conejo Valley. Trust me, this one is a true feast for the eyes, so if you can, I highly recommend watching it...

We’re bringing back a fan favorite from Season 2 featuring Collin and Vicki, the husband-and-wife team behind Moody Rooster and Moody Market & Provisions in Westlake Village, CA. If you love fresh, locally sourced food, warm community vibes, and inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, this episode is for you! In this replay, you'll hear how Collin and Vicki met, what brought them to the Conejo...

In this episode, hear from Jeff Bozz and Mekela Swing, two of the co-founders of the Pickleball Athletic Club (PAC) in Thousand Oaks, CA. Jeff and Mekela share how their passion for entrepreneurship and the rising pickleball trend led them -- and 3 other longtime friends -- to open an indoor pickleball club that's quickly becoming a hub for players of all ages and skill levels in the Conejo Va...

Today, we're joined by Molly Chester, co-founder of Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark and a leading voice in regenerative agriculture. In this episode, Molly shares her path from culinary student to farmer and how restoring soil can restore so much more -- our food systems, our health, and our connection to each other. From cookbook writing to compost, from managing people to nurturing ecosystems...

We're replaying one of our most popular episodes with Gaby Dalkin of What's Gaby Cooking and Gaby's at Neighborly in Westlake Village, to make a special announcement. After the incredible response to our Female Founder Series event in March, I've teamed up with Neighborly to bring you more in-person opportunities to connect and get inspired. And of course, try some delicious Neighb...

"Just do it." Not just a Nike slogan—but the exact mindset that motivated today’s guest, celebrity event stylist and floral designer Sarah Z , to launch Sarah Z Events in 2011, and later bring her creative vision to life with the opening of XO Bloom in Westlake Village in 2015. In this episode, Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her journey—from dreaming of being a party planner to building a thr...

When you search for the best Italian deli in Los Angeles , Italia Deli in Agoura Hills consistently ranks at the top. A family-owned institution since 1981, Italia Deli has become a beloved staple in the Conejo Valley for its authentic Italian flavors, old-school charm, and unwavering commitment to quality. In this episode, we sit down with Marisa DeFalco , one of the four siblings helping run Ita...

When you think about the businesses that truly define the Conejo Valley, which ones come to mind? For me, Tarantula Hill Brewing Company is right at the top of that list. Today on Canago Valley Visionaries, I'm joined by CEO John Edney. John is one of the visionaries behind Tarantula Hill, the first brewery to open in Thousand Oaks, and now a name that's become synonymous with community, c...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month , we're revisiting one of our most impactful episodes — a must-listen conversation with Marina Edelman , licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Edelman Counseling in Westlake Village, CA. Whether you're navigating relationship stress or just want to feel more connected, Marina shares practical, therapist-approved strategies you can u...

In this episode, we sit down with Hillary Linderman, the artist and entrepreneur behind Rabbits and Oaks, a brand rooted in the pride, beauty, and identity of the Conejo Valley. From her early dreams of becoming a writer to her professional path in copywriting, design, and ultimately handcrafted art, Hillary shares how nature, nostalgia, and community inspired her to build something truly meaningf...

I'm thrilled to introduce Visionaries , a new series within Conejo Valley Visionaries. With this new series, we'll be expanding our lens to include conversations with nationally and globally recognized brands, bringing a fresh perspective for starting something on your own or exploring new ideas. Whether you're local to the Conejo Valley or tuning in from across the globe, I hope you e...

Cristina answers listener questions, recaps her favorite advice, and offers a sneak peek at what's next. Episodes referenced: Gaby Dalkin https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KuOeI5H6F4kn1nwwKUj0q?si=2wjK-_10Rq-nPx134yjiLw Jonathan Woodward https://open.spotify.com/episode/7e50Vkp521RU8byySKwvXc?si=20EeKlDNRKCD-Eew4ptUvg Emily Capretta https://open.spotify.com/episode/7v1SwxO7Zp2QXfyHEWWn3X?si=Fs...

In this special episode, we take you inside our inaugural live event, Conejo Valley Visionaries Live Female Founder Series, held on March 24th at Hub 101 in Westlake Village. This remarkable evening in honor of Women's History Month brought together a vibrant community eager to support and celebrate the incredible women making waves in our local business scene. Join us as we revisit the energy...

In today's episode, you'll hear from Guddy Wit, an interior designer and functional organizer based in Thousand Oaks, CA. We dive into Guddy's transition from a corporate career to launching her own business, the importance of functionality and design, and the challenges of being a female entrepreneur. Plus, Guddy shares her best tips for creating a relaxing home environment and making...

This week we held our inaugural Conejo Valley Visionaries LIVE event, celebrating Women's History Month and the visionary female entrepreneurs in the Conejo Valley. And today, we have a very special episode for you -- three interviews with some of the partners who helped make the event happen. You'll hear from Jonah from VCounty Events, Jenna from Jenna Davis Creative and Marissa who you can find...

I know you are going to love today’s episode.  You’ll hear from Akbar Alikhan, the Deputy City Manager of Thousand Oaks.  We dive into the Downtown Project – an exciting initiative to create a vibrant and thriving downtown area in the City of Thousand Oaks.  Akbar, a Newbury Park native, shares insights into the vision behind the project, including creating a vibrant, walkable space that fosters l...

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Michael McCrary, the founder and CEO of PureSpectrum, the premier market research technology company headquartered in Westlake Village.  Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, Michael has built PureSpectrum from a single desk at Hub 101 into a leader in the data collection industry with more than 200 employees globally. Join us as we dive into hi...

In today’s conversation, we’re joined by Emily Capretta, co-owner of Proactive Sports, a premier training facility in Westlake Village.  Emily takes us through her inspiring journey from aspiring sports journalist to successful entrepreneur, balancing family life with running a thriving business.  She’ll also share her work with California Strong, a nonprofit providing disaster relief and mobilizi...

Today we're joined by Blake and Adelina Brisbois, owners of Engage Therapy in Westlake Village. With their intensive outpatient program serving youth ages 10 to 25 dealing with depression and anxiety, Engage provides evidence-based accessible high-quality mental health care for families. In this episode, we'll dive into their journeys from clinicians to business owners, their approach to s...

In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Jonathan Woodward, the organizer behind the first-ever Conejo Valley Comedy Fest, which takes place February 21st and 22nd.  Jonathan shares how his love of comedy, his marketing background, and support from his wife led him to create the unique event. We'll discuss the business side of organizing a large-scale festival, including community engagement, fami...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Gaby Dalkin – New York Times bestselling author, chef, entrepreneur, and the mastermind behind What’s Gaby Cooking? After over a decade of sharing California-inspired recipes and effortless entertaining tips, Gaby is bringing her culinary expertise to Westlake Village with the grand opening of her first restaurant, Gaby’s , in the Neighborly Food Hall. Join us a...

In this solo episode, I reflect on Conejo Valley Visionaries' growth in 2024 -- including landing in the top 20% of Spotify’s video podcasts! -- my gratitude for every guest, and listener, and my vision for the podcast in 2025. I offer 3 podcast resources for goal setting, including: Life with Marianna: Strategies for Effective Goal Setting, Vision Boards and Healthy Habits for the New Year 2024 H...