The 209 Journey Podcast

In this episode of The 209 Journey Podcast , I interview Xochitl Loza , Publisher of Macaroni KID Modesto & Mountain House-Tracy-Manteca . Xochitl shares her story of moving from the Bay Area to the 209, her unforgettable experience being part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade , and her time working behind the scenes as a sound engineer in theater . We also talk about her journey to becomi...

(Episode recorded back in April 2025) Guest: Chelsie Webster, CEO of Modesto Children's Museum Host: Aster Summary: In this episode, Aster interviews Chelsie Webster, CEO of the Modesto Children's Museum. Chelsie shares her unique journey from working in science museums in Ohio to leading the creation and growth of a world-class children's museum in Modesto, California. The conversation explores t...

In this episode, we interview Danny Avila, the owner of Flight Nutrition in Modesto, CA. Danny shares his journey of moving to Modesto with his family and the inspiration behind launching his business. From protein shakes and energizing refreshers to waffles and power bowls, Flight Nutrition offers a variety of nutritious options for the community. We discuss opening day, how the menu came togethe...

In this special on-location episode, we chat with Tyanne & Henry Penado and Joffre Roberts, the founders of Black Orchid Brewery in Modesto, CA. They share their journey from the Bay Area and LA to the heart of the 209 , detailing what led them to open their brewery in Modesto and how they chose the perfect spot. From their unique craft beer selection to the exciting events they host (and plan...

In this episode, we interview Will DeBoard, Co-Owner of Modesto’s newest independent bookstore, Bookish, located in the historic Roseburg Square. Will shares stories about growing up in Hughson, CA, including the unforgettable moment he scored a soccer goal during an earthquake. He also talks about his time as an English student at MJC, his career at the Modesto Bee, and how his wife and him start...

Brittney Nunes is back to host this special episode featuring an inspiring conversation with Joseph Magnelli, the passionate owner and founder of Defiant Baking Company. Joseph shares his incredible journey to Lodi, CA, and how he got into the craft of baking bread. From making bread to firing up mouthwatering pizzas, Joseph discusses the origins of his business, the creative process behind his ba...

In this exciting debut episode featuring Brittney Nunes as the newest member of The 209 Journey Podcast team, she interviews Matt Jones, owner of Honest Acre Farm. As a first-generation farmer who never imagined life on a farm, Matt shares his inspiring journey into agriculture without the typical farm club background. He dives into the innovative world of vertical farming, the diverse produce gro...

In this episode, we sit down with Mariana Bejar, the owner of Cafecito Mio , a mobile coffee business that’s taken the community by storm. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, Mariana reflects on how witnessing her family’s ventures influenced her own career aspirations. Fast forward to 2022, when the dream of Cafecito Mio was born, and by January 27, 2024, she was serving her first cup of joy....

In the season premiere, Luis' sister, Aster, joins the podcast team to interview him about his podcasting journey over the past few years. Discover more about the host and producer of The 209 Journey , Luis Urbano, as he shares insights into how he began podcasting, the podcast's goals, his favorite interviews, advice for aspiring podcasters, and much more! Watch & subscribe to some of the epi...

In this episode, I interview Veronica Gover, owner of Corazon Desserts, a custom cookie business based in Merced, CA. Veronica shares the inspiring story of her journey from Leon, Guanajuato to her new home in California’s 209 region, and how she unexpectedly found her passion for baking—despite not even enjoying it at first! From humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after cookie artist, Veronic...

In this episode, we sit down with Maria Madrigal, the inspiring owner of Salsa by Mary , a vibrant salsa business she launched just last year. Maria opens up about the early challenges of getting her business off the ground, from navigating the world of small business ownership to the obstacles she faced trying to bring her delicious, homemade salsa to a wider audience. She shares the story of her...

In this episode, I interview Julia Cardona, the owner of Julia Elizabeth: Clothing & Emporium in Stockton, CA. Julia shares her journey from attending the University of the Pacific, where she pursued a major in Communications, to becoming an entrepreneur and starting her business. She also talks about Julia Elizabeth's brick-and-mortar business that just opened recently and where online you ca...

In this episode, I interview Orlando "Zeps" Molina, the author of the hip hop children's book series, Rhymosaurs . Growing up in Brooklyn and later moving to Stockton, Zeps shares his inspiring journey from freestyle rap enthusiast to published author. He takes us back to his early days, discovering the art of rhyme and rhythm in the streets of New York, and how that passion led him to a...

In this episode, I interview John Bos, owner of Dutch Hollow Farms, for an inspiring conversation about his family's journey from the Netherlands to California in pursuit of the American dream. John shares how his family first settled in the state to start a dairy farm, and eventually found their way to Modesto, where he grew up surrounded by the rhythms of farm life. He gives us a glimpse into ho...

In today's episode, Rachel Hernandez, a current Councilmember and mayoral candidate for Riverbank, CA, offers an insightful look into her journey in politics and her deep commitment to the community. Rachel talks about her experience on the City Council, including her pivotal role in securing COVID-19 RAD Funds for Riverbank, has prepared her to take on the mayoral role. She shares her passion for...

In this inspiring episode, I talk to Nancy Singh, the owner of Fancy Bagels in Patterson, CA, to explore her incredible journey from Guanajuato, Mexico, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the Central Valley. Nancy shares how she started Fancy Bagels, a recently opened breakfast & brunch restaurant in Patterson, CA. She also gives us a glimpse into her past business ventures, the lessons...

Wake up and smell the coffee! Today's episode is an inspiring conversation with Erik Justo, the co-founder of Atwater's very own Coffee Dudes Co. From his journey relocating from the Bay Area to the 209, to the story behind building a local coffee business, Erik shares the highs, the challenges, and what’s next for Coffee Dudes. Whether it's morning, noon, or night, this episode is the perfect pic...

In today's episode, I interview the owner/CEO of Valley Allergy + Wellness in Stockton, CA, Deborah Chan! She talks about how she got into the field, starting Valley Allergy/Wellness, success stories, and more! Follow Valley Allergy + Wellness at: https://www.valleyallergywellness.com/ https://www.instagram.com/valleyallergywellness/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091973934108 Watch &a...

Today's interview is with the owner and instructor of Seon Do Martial Arts in Escalon, Matthew Norton! He talks about where his passion for martial arts came from, how Seon Do started, the two martial arts offered at Seon Do (Korean Karate/Brazilian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), future business plans, and more! Follow Seon Do Martial Arts at: https://www.instagram.com/seondomartialarts/ https://www.facebo...

On this episode I interview the founder of LadyBubs Studio, Brittney Nunes! She talks about her interest in animation, working for Disney, her return home to Modesto, how LadyBubs Studio got started, the services that LadyBubs Studio offers, and more! Follow LadyBubs Studio at: https://www.instagram.com/ladybubsstudio/ https://www.youtube.com/@ladybubsstudio https://www.facebook.com/ladybubsstudio...

On this episode I interview Sebastian Saldana, the owner of one of Stockton's most unique arcades, Arcade Replay! He talks about how he got into video games, how the business started, future business plans, and more! Tune in to the video version of the podcast on YouTube or Facebook to see a tour of Arcade Replay and the different arcade machines that you can find there. Follow Arcade Replay at: h...

On this episode of the podcast, I interview two guests, the co-founders of 209 Run Club, Alfredo Cazarez and Christian Perez! They talk about how the running club started, share running stories, the events that 209 Run Club has had, and more! Follow 209 Run Club at: https://www.instagram.com/209runclub/ https://linktr.ee/209runclub Watch & subscribe to some of the episode interviews at: https:...

On this episode I interview the host of The Briller Project Podcast, who's also a photographer, writer, & speaker, Nico Belasco! He talks about how his podcast started, the podcasts he helps produce, his writing/photography career, and more! Follow Nico at: https://www.instagram.com/nicobelasco/ https://www.instagram.com/thebrillerproject/ https://www.instagram.com/nicobelascophotography/ Watc...

Today's episode is an interview with the owner of Blame the Flame Candle, a premium candle & wax melts business in Modesto, Esparanza Vargas! She talks about how she got into making candles, the start of the business (including how the name was decided), future business plans, and more! Follow/Purchase Blame the Flame at: https://www.blametheflame.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Blametheflamecan...

On this episode I interview Michelle Hensley, owner of Lodi's Ceramics Studio, Meet the Maker! She talks about how her interest in the ceramics world came about, starting Meet the Maker, the ceramics available online & at the studio, the ceramic classes offered, and more! Follow Meet the Maker at: https://www.lodiceramics.com/ https://www.instagram.com/meetthemakerlodi/ https://www.facebook.co...