Laguna Talks

Fuel (Families United for Education in Laguna) Board Members Newth Morris amd Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal unpack the firing of School Superinendent Jason Glass and turmoil at the Board. 

Join host Billy Fried for an in-depth conversation with Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff as he discusses the city's financial challenges, innovative solutions like becoming a charter city, and his vision for sustainable growth. From parking enforcement automation to cannabis revenue potential, Kiff shares candid insights about managing one of California's most unique coastal communities while b...

Mayor Mark Orgil joins host Billy Fried to discuss Laguna Beach's strategic priorities for 2026, including the potential transition to a charter city, revenue challenges with flat tourism income, and critical infrastructure needs. The conversation covers everything from cannabis dispensary possibilities to Mission Hospital's planned closure, offering residents insight into the city's decision-maki...

City Councilwoman Sue Kempf joins host Billy Fried for an in-depth discussion about Laguna Beach's current projects and future priorities. From the exciting promenade construction beginning today to fire safety initiatives and economic challenges, Sue provides insider insights into the city's operations and her vision for maintaining Laguna's unique character while addressing modern challenges.

On this episode I speak with Newth Morris, Laguna resident, Entrepreneur, Venture Capatilist and family man. Newth is a passionate advocate for education reform in Laguna through the FUEL (Families Unified for Education in Laguna) organization. 

Lindsay Spindle is the Board Director and President of the Samueli Family Philanthropies, which gifted $11 million this year to over 100 Orange County mom-profit. Lindsay talks about the process and impacts made to Orange County. 

Laguna Talks open with our monthy check in with 5th District County Supervisor Katrina Foley, followed by musician, composer and multi-instrumentalist Matt Costa, talking about the past weekend's Coast Film Festival, his set at the Irvine Bowl, and his jam with Jack Johnson and friends. 

Jiake is an entrepreneur who founded Outer Furniture in 2019 to create a new brand in outdoor living spaces. He shares his origin story as an immigrant growing up in Alabama who moved to Silicon Beach (Santa Monica) and began his start-up career. 

Our monthly convo and update with Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, on what the County is doing to improve the quality of life for its residents. 

County Supervisor Katrina Foley gives her monthly update on County news and improvements, followed by new Sound Spectrum owner James Wilcox talking about the reopening of our iconic record store. 

Host Billy spends the hour talking City news and developments

John is a longtime Ad Agency veteran Creative Director who developed the iconic Radical Origins film series for Laguna's Visitors Bureau. He loves Laguna so much he left his day job to take the role of Chief Stewardship Officer to help the Visitors Bureau redirect their message to visitors on responsible behavior to help mitigate the problems that occur from over-tourism. He describes his mission...

Mike is one of the partners of this iconic locals hangout that is poised to reopen. Mike tells us of all the barriers the city had imposed. 

Veteran Artists Jorg Dubin and Louis Longi discuss how to bring back creative vitality to Laguna. 

Diane Armitage is a nationally renown restaurant consultant and a gives us a rundown of the restautrant scene here in Laguna. 

Fire Chief Niko King updates us with fire safety after the devastating LA fires

Hans "No Way" Rey is a legendary mounatin bike who began as a trials rider in Europe, and later moved to America to take up mounatin biking. Over his 40 year career he's become one of most influential athletes in the sport. 

Denise DiNovi is a Hollywood Producer who grew up in Laguna Beach, and still calls it home. Denise shares her favorite songs from her youth, and how they impacted her life. 

Writer and podcast host of "Writers on Writing" and writer, political activist and PR consultant Barbara McMurray joined us on Takeover week to share their thoughts on the election, and life in Laguna. 

You may know him as the developer of cutting edge retail properties The Camp, The Lab, and the Packing House, but recently Shaheen retruned to his chilhood love of music, and spent much of the pandemic writing songs. Today he debuted several of them from his brand new album, a mix of ethereal world music inspired during his sabbatical in Croatia and Turkey. 

Laguna Beach Fire Chief spends the hour talking about his fire and emergency services career, and fire safety issues in Laguna Beach.

3 term Councilman Whalen is running for a 4th term. Here's his platform.