Unpacked In Santa Cruz

Discover the remarkable journey of Michael Rodriguez, a visionary in the brewing industry, as he shares his courageous family history and his passion for jiu-jitsu and rugby. From escaping Cuba to pioneering new brews in Santa Cruz, Michael's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a love for sports that transcends cultural barriers. Uncover the rich tapestry of experiences that have shap...

What happens when a podcast becomes your lifeline out of depression and into resilience? Join us as I sit down with my producer, Brian Upton, to recount a transformative year where the humble microphone served as a powerful tool for self-discovery and community connection. Through our dialogue, we reveal the peculiar yet profound impact of podcasting on mental health and the importance of being tr...

Marriage as a spiritual journey, the unique bond of limbic resonance, and the complexities of modern parenting—these are just some of the topics that Stacey Upton and I explore in this thought-provoking episode of the "Unpacked and Naked Podcast." As a producer and co-host of the "Broken Tiles" podcast, Stacey brings a wealth of insight to our conversation, drawing from her own...

Growing up amidst the waves of Pleasure Point, Neal Kearney's journey from a working-class family to a respected figure in the surfing and writing communities is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as Neal shares how he navigated the challenges of the local surfing scene, the pivotal moments that led him to become a skilled surfer, and the unexpected health hurdles that reshaped his path. Alo...

What if you’ve been missing out on a simple practice that could fill the spiritual gap in your life? Join us at the Pointside Beach Shack in Santa Cruz as I reconnect with Michael to unpack the transformative power of Transcendental Meditation (TM). We share how the eclectic vibe of Santa Cruz has shaped our lives, influencing both the surf and business communities, and how TM has provided a spiri...

Can consciousness itself be the original sin? Join us for a profound discussion as we unravel this and other complex theological questions with our special guest, Collin Brown. We delve into the nuanced interpretation of sin and evil in Christianity, from their original languages to their evolution through translations. Reflecting on Paul's words in Romans and the story of Adam and Eve, we ch...

What if the secret to a more fulfilling life lies in the waves of the ocean and the silence of the mind? Join us as we take a nostalgic journey back to 1988 with my longtime friend Mick Yankus, a key figure in the surf industry and a pioneer at O'Neill's OFX office. We reminisce about our evening surf sessions and how Mick's creative genius helped shape the iconic surf logos and wet...

Have you ever wondered how a client-professional relationship can evolve into a deeply meaningful friendship over two decades? Join me as I sit down with my dear friend Michael Painter, reflecting on our 24-year journey from business meetings to heartfelt conversations. We reminisce about Michael's fascinating life in Santa Cruz, his ministry background, and his experiences coaching baseball....

Ever wondered what it takes to sustain a marriage for 36 years and raise adult children with grace? My good friend Jen Selden joins us on the Unpacked and Naked Podcast to share her unique insights and personal experiences. We get real about the rollercoaster ride of long-term relationships, from the intricate dance of communication to the bittersweet emotions of family milestones. Jen's cand...

What does it mean to truly hope, and how can we grasp its full depth within a biblical framework? Join us on the Unpacking Naked Podcast as we sit down with Colin Brown to decode the powerful and nuanced concept of hope in Christianity. Promise yourself a deeper understanding as we dissect the exact meanings of pivotal terms found in the Bible, using well-known stories like Ruth and Naomi, the tri...

What happens when a tech veteran turns real estate dynamo? Join us as we sit down with our dear friend Walter Stauss, who shares his fascinating journey from the tech trenches to the real estate market. Walter reflects on how helping families find their dream homes has brought a new sense of fulfillment, contrasting sharply with his previous tech roles. We dive into the emotional waves of parentho...

Ever wondered how seagulls and divine love are connected? Picture this: Colin Brown and I reminiscing about seagull chaos in Santa Cruz, only to transition into an enlightening conversation about agape love, a concept deeply rooted in scripture. After a brief personal reflection on the necessity of stepping back from the relentless media noise, we dig into how love, both secular and religious, is...

This episode promises a rollercoaster of emotions as we reflect on the significance of taking breaks to prevent creative burnout and the intimate nature of our podcasting journey, drawing parallels with the therapeutic experience of cutting hair. Get ready for a vibrant discussion about the value of diverse voices and the exciting guests we have lined up for future episodes! Have you felt the prof...

Discover the hidden depths of belief and trust as I'm joined by the profound thinker, Collin Brown, for an exploration into faith's multifaceted nature. Together, we shed light on faith as more than just a religious cornerstone; it's a fundamental part of our daily existence. From the trust we place in the invisible workings of our own bodies to the expectations we have of the peopl...

When you reunite with an old friend, it's like unearthing a treasure trove of shared history and new perspectives. That's the experience I had when Brian Dueck of the Dueck Brothers joined me for a candid conversation that went far beyond a simple catch-up. We explored how rediscovering our bond has played a pivotal role in my mental health journey, and how something as unassuming as &ap...

Have you ever stumbled upon an old yearbook and found yourself whisked away on the wings of nostalgia? That's the journey Kevin Dueck and I, Michael Howard, embark upon in our latest episode, where echoes of high school hallways and the surf of Santa Cruz set the stage for a reunion steeped in reminiscence. We share a laugh over the paradox of the smoking section as a social nexus and the sur...

Have you ever found yourself teetering on the thin line between confidence and arrogance? Join me, Michael Howard, and my insightful guest, Colin Brown, as we tackle the concept of humility, a trait often lauded yet widely misunderstood. From the battleground of high school cross country to the strategic mindsets of Navy SEALs, we explore how humility influences not only our personal perceptions b...

As I sit across from Danielle DeWitt, her stories of transitioning from the Netherlands to the communal heartbeat of the U.S. echo with warmth and wit. Our shared laughter over the 'water in the sponge' debate from our communal living days belies the depth of the connections forged in the trenches of day-to-day life. Join us as we traverse our memories of the coastlands, where the mundan...

As I sat across from Doug Byrd, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who began his journey at 48, it struck me that the transformative power of this martial art extends far beyond physical prowess. We weave through conversations about life's challenges and victories, threading together the parallels between the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu and the strategy of real estate. Doug opens up about his 46...

Ever found yourself at life's crossroads, embracing the tides of change with a mingling of hope and sadness? Michael Howard, here, alongside Collin Brown in a raw exploration of life's transformative chapters, where the power of patience, the significance of time, and the impact of our decisions intertwine. We delve into the dance of emotions, the paradox of grief, and the vitality of ho...

When Daniel Corry and I realized we'd been friends for over three decades, the sheer depth of our shared experiences was staggering. Imagine navigating the highs and lows of the finance world alongside a companion whose life milestones—like marrying on the same day—mirrored your own. In this heart-to-heart, Daniel brings his expertise from Sandhill Capital to the table, sharing tales of ventu...

Have you ever wondered how the bonds we forge with others can be both a lifeline and a mirror to our own mental landscapes? Join us as Michael Howard and Daniel Corry, reflecting on 30 years of friendship, unpack the shifting sands of personal relationships amidst the battle with depression. Their conversation uncovers the adrenaline-fueled escape of big wave surfing, the delicate balance struck b...

Have you ever sat down in the salon chair and found yourself pouring out your life story? That's the kind of bond Lori Corry and I share, a connection that transcends decades and haircuts. In my latest Unpacked and Naked Podcast episode, Laurie, a cherished friend and confidant, joins me to unravel the beautiful complexities of long-standing friendships. We share laughter and near tears as we...

Chapter 12.... This episode takes you on a journey, as we navigate the intricacies of ego, personal thresholds for risk, and the profound lessons served up by life's most formidable challenges. We recount our raw experiences, from the mighty swells of Hawaii's North Shore to the disciplined mats of Jiu-Jitsu, unraveling the threads of growth, community, and self-awareness along the way....

Have you ever found yourself entangled in the intricacies of leadership, faith, and the quest for personal truth? Join Michael Howard and Collin Brown as they share a compelling dialogue on the challenges of church leadership and the pursuit of patience in an ever-changing world. Together, we peel back the layers of our own spiritual journeys, confronting the realities of ministry, the delicate ba...