Discover La Jolla

In this episode, Jim sits down with Jake Hunter, the COO of Tourmaline Builders, to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of custom home building in La Jolla. From the initial "yes" that shifted their business from spec homes to bespoke masterpieces, to the integration of AI and tech on the job site, Jake shares the unfiltered reality of what it takes to build a legacy on the coast. Wheth...

What happens when the world’s top medical institutions hit a dead end? In this episode of Discover La Jolla, we sit down with Jeff Sternberg from KOI Wellbeing to uncover the technical reality of naturopathic medicine. Jeff’s journey through a complex Cushing syndrome diagnosis revealed a massive "data gap" in traditional allopathic care. We’re moving beyond the "herbs and tree bark" stereotypes....

In this episode of Discover La Jolla, host Jim McInerney sits down with local legend and world-renowned surfboard shaper, Tim Bessell. With a career spanning over four decades, Tim shares his incredible journey from shaping his first board at age 13 to becoming a global name in both the surf and art industries. In this episode, you’ll learn about: The Early Days: How Tim’s grandfather, an aerospac...

The Village like you’ve never seen it before. 🏛️🌊 On this episode of Discover La Jolla, we are peeling back the curtain on the 92037. I’m joined by the definitive expert on our town’s heritage, Chas Dye from La Jolla Walking Tours. We aren't just talking about the views. We’re diving into the "secret" history, the architectural legends, and the historic landmarks you walk past every single day wi...

The Blue Water Film Festival is back in San Diego this March 19-22, 2026! In this episode, we’re sitting down with festival director Greg Reitman to go behind the scenes of our 7th year. We’re diving into everything from feature documentaries and animation to impactful indigenous stories. What’s making a splash this year? We’re curating a global lineup of about 30 films that empower our youth to u...

AI Surgery in La Jolla? Is AI the future of your "Glow Up"? In our latest episode, Dr. Roya Kohani of Reviva Med reveals how they are using California’s first Lipo AI to make treatments safer and more precise. Inside the Episode: The AI Edge: Discover how AI-assisted technology is redefining jawline precision. Medically Supervised Weight Loss: The truth about GLP peptides and long-term wellness. E...

In Episode 65 of Discover La Jolla , we sit down with Diane Kane , President of the Association for the City of La Jolla. Diane brings a deep background in urban planning, architectural history, and community advocacy as she helps lead conversations around La Jolla’s future and the potential path toward cityhood. With years of experience in land use, transportation, and historic preservation, Dian...

In Episode 64, we sit down with Marshall McInerney , son of longtime La Jolla real estate icon Jim McInerney, for a heartfelt and personal journey through what it was like growing up in this extraordinary coastal community. Marshall shares stories from his childhood bike rides through hidden neighborhood paths, long days at the beach, local traditions, and the small-town charm that has shaped gene...

In this episode, we chat with Chris Magill , the owner, certified general contractor, and lead home inspector at Aztec Property Inspections, a top-rated inspection company based in San Diego. Chris founded Aztec in 2004, bringing his background as a contractor to deliver thorough, honest, and high-quality inspections. Chris explains how Aztec uses cutting-edge tools—like infrared cameras, moisture...

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Vincenty , a senior leader at Life Time , the luxury health-club and wellness brand based in La Jolla. Life Time’s La Jolla location offers an all-in-one experience: a top-tier fitness floor, group classes, spa services, and a healthy café. Daniel shares his perspective on how Life Time La Jolla blends the functionality of a gym with the elegance of a resor...

In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Brady , the operations lead at Harvest Eco-Salvage, a company deeply rooted in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. With years of experience in asset recovery and eco-salvage operations, Brian brings a keen focus on turning reclaimed materials into renewed opportunities. Brian will share how Harvest Eco-Salvage contributes to the La Jolla/San...

In Episode 60, we welcome back Ann Kerr , Chair of the beloved La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival , one of the community’s most cherished annual traditions. Ann shares the rich history behind this festive event, which brings together residents, local organizations, and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in true La Jolla spirit. From the dazzling floats and marching bands to cla...

In this episode, we feature Karen Roque, the Director of Sales & Operations for the Jim McInerney Real Estate Team in La Jolla. With over a decade of experience in real estate, title and escrow coordination, and office management, Karen plays a crucial role in ensuring transactions run smoothly, contracts are compliant, and clients receive exceptional service. Karen shares her behind-the-scene...

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Moore , Executive Director of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting our region’s firefighters, lifeguards, and first responders. Wendy shares how the Foundation steps in to provide vital resources and funding where city budgets stop—supporting equipment needs, training programs, wellness initiatives, and community safety o...

In Episode 57, we welcome Kim Kelly and Carol Kaplan , the creative minds behind Everything Creative Designs , a San Diego-area staging and design firm serving La Jolla and its surrounding communities. Carol Kaplan, the Founder and Creative Director, has built a reputation as a staging and redesign expert. With over a decade of experience, she leads the team in helping homeowners, sellers, and rea...

In Episode 56, we welcome Ron Jones and Mike Mazaika , the duo behind La Jolla Insiders , a local media platform dedicated to showcasing the stories, history, and hidden gems that make La Jolla truly unique. Ron, a La Jolla resident for more than 40 years, brings a wealth of experience from his background in radio, television, and live events, including hosting La Jolla Concerts by the Sea for nea...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeny Dawson, founder of Zen Soul Balance, La Jolla’s holistic wellness brand focused on the integration of yoga, sound healing, mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork. Jeny shares how her mission deeply influenced by her personal story and her sister Olivia’s experience with cerebral palsy led her to create Zen Soul Balance, a space where people from all walks of...

In this episode, we are honored to feature Mary Coakley Munk, co-founder and President of the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans. Mary and her late husband, Dr. Walter Munk, started the Foundation in 2017 to carry forward his remarkable legacy of oceanographic exploration, scientific discovery, and devotion to the marine environment. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing ocean science, promo...

In Episode 53, we shine the spotlight on Neil O’Connell, Executive Director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, San Diego’s storied hillside tribute honoring U.S. veterans from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts. A retired Marine Sergeant Major with 33 years of service, Neil brings a deeply personal dedication to his leadership at Mt. Soledad. Since joining the Memorial Asso...

In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Yanke , the founder and principal designer of Westbourne Studio, a boutique interior design firm based in San Diego since 2020. Alex brings a refined, California-inspired aesthetic to residential projects, blending organic materials, rich patinas, and minimal contemporary forms to create relaxed yet layered interiors Alex explains how he collaborates with arch...

In this special episode, we sit down with Lauren Lockhart, Executive Director of the La Jolla Historical Society (LJHS), a passionate advocate for preserving and celebrating La Jolla’s rich coastal heritage. Lauren shares her inspiring journey in the cultural sector from her early work in San Diego’s contemporary art institutions to spearheading public art initiatives at the airport and how these...

In this special milestone episode, we’re honored to return to the waveside with Bill Kellogg, President and Director of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Bill shares the Club’s storied history and his family’s enduring legacy—spanning generations—as stewards of its iconic oceanfront grounds. We dive into the Club’s rich tradition, from its early development and distinctive architecture to its...

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Woolery, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity in La Jolla. With nearly 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, Ed has become a trusted advisor for homebuyers and real estate professionals alike. His commitment to honesty, transparency, and personalized service has earned him a stellar reputation in the community. Ed shares...

In this episode, we sit down with renowned La Jolla artist Concetta Antico, whose rare gift of tetrachromacy allows her to see up to 100 million colors. Known as “The Color Queen,” Concetta’s vivid, impressionistic paintings offer a stunning glimpse into a world most of us can't even imagine. From her gallery, The Salon of Art, Concetta shares how her unique vision transforms everyday scenes into...

In this episode, we sit down with Carl Blackburn, the founder and owner of C. Blackburn Jewelers, a distinguished boutique located in the heart of La Jolla. With over 15 years of experience, Carl has established himself as a master in custom jewelry design, specializing in vintage-inspired pieces that draw from Art Deco and Belle Époque styles. Carl shares his journey from working alongside his fa...