PODCAST · society
Fresno's Best
by Jordan Mattox
An interview podcast highlighting interesting people doing important work in Fresno.https://linktr.ee/fresnosbest
Episodes
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Elizabeth Camarena and Linda Renland, People on the Move Film Series
How do you change the way a community talks about immigration? Elizabeth Camarena and Linda Renland think one answer is a great documentary with a side of pupusas. In this episode of Fresno’s Best, Jordan talks with two founders of the People On The Move Film Series. It’s a volunteer-run series...
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Alexa Teal Green, Director of Engagement and Events at KVPR
Alexa Teal Green grew up in Fresno, left for UC Irvine, and spent nearly a decade in Los Angeles and the Bay Area working in comedy, tech marketing, and corporate events before COVID brought her home. Now she leads events and engagement at KVPR. She and Jordan talk about: coming back to Fresno…
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Vince Mancini, The Future of Fresno's Food Journalism
Vince Mancini is back on Fresno's Best to talk about food. Vince has been covering food for Fresnoland, and his reporting on Bulle, the city's buzzy new fine-dining spot, set off one of the more heated local food fights in recent memory. He went in to write a review, liked the food, and then...
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Jeff Hammerschmidt, Criminal Defense Attorney and Candidate for Fresno County Superior Court Judge
Judicial elections are some of the hardest races to vote in — nonpartisan, low-information, and easy to skip. In this episode, Jordan Mattox sits down with Jeff Hammerschmidt, a candidate for Fresno County Superior Court judge, to cut through that and get at how he actually thinks. A former…
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Wayne Stonecipher, Founder of Central California Tiki
There's no tiki bar in Fresno — yet — but there's a thriving tiki community, and Wayne Stonecipher was instrumental in building it. Wayne is the founder of Central California Tiki, the group he started around 2018 that has grown from four friends making drinks out of the Smuggler's Cove book into…
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Jose Salazar, Candidate for Fresno County Superior Court Judge and Senior Defense Attorney
Jordan Mattox sits down with Jose Salazar, a senior defense attorney on the major crimes team at the Fresno County Public Defender's Office and a candidate for Fresno County Superior Court judge. Born and raised in Sanger in a family of immigrants, Jose traces his path from Central Valley high...
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Meahgan McCready, Aerial Performer and Instructor and Adjunct Psychology Professor
Meaghan McCready spends half her life suspended in the air and the other half at the front of a psychology classroom — and on this episode she makes the case that the two aren't as far apart as they seem. Host Jordan Mattox talks with Meaghan about her path into aerial arts, from a...
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Cactus Harris, Organist, Keyboardist, Educator, and Dean of San Joaquin Valley chapter of the American Guild of Organists
Organist, conductor, and educator Cactus Harris joins Jordan to make the case that the pipe organ is anything but boring. From teaching himself accordion out of his mother's closet to commanding the 1928 Robert Morton theater organ at Warnors, Cactus traces a winding path through saxophone,...
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Nav Gurm, Candidate for Fresno City Council District 7
District 7 City Council candidate Nav Gurm joins Jordan to make his case ahead of the June 2nd election. A UCLA and UC Davis Law grad who returned home to Fresno against the brain drain trend, Nav lays out his vision for housing, homelessness, public safety, economic development, and city hall...
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Naindeep Singh, Candidate for Fresno City Council District One
Naindeep Singh is running for Fresno City Council in District 1, and he's framing this race as a question of insider versus outsider — a contest of values and integrity rather than the old red-versus-blue divide. Jordan sits down with Deep to talk about what it's actually like to run for council…
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Fernando Macias, GM and Creative Director of Eden Wine Lounge
On this episode of Fresno's Best, Jordan sits down with Fernando Macias, the General Manager and Creative Director of the Eden Wine Lounge, to talk about why Fresno's nightlife has been missing somewhere you can actually hear the person across from you. Fernando opens up about the philosophy…
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Gilbert Quesada, Executive Director of Operations at PM Lounge
In February, Gilbert Quesada opened the PM Lounge — Fresno's first private business and social club — on a bet that the city has a higher-end hospitality appetite nobody's been serving. This week, Jordan is joined by special guest co-host Vince Mancini to sit down with Gilbert inside one of the...
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Sandra Celedon, Candidate for California Assembly District 31
Sandra Celedon is the President and CEO of Fresno Building Healthy Communities and a lifelong resident of California Assembly District 31. The daughter of Mexican immigrants who began their lives in the U.S. as farm workers, she grew up in Calwa, graduated from Roosevelt High, and earned her…
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Deidre Adams and Rosalina Nunez, Candidate for Fresno County Judge
Seven seats are open on the Fresno County Superior Court bench this June — the largest judicial shakeup in recent memory for a system that touches almost every resident, usually on their worst day. Jordan sits down with two of the candidates running for Seat 6: Rosalina Nunez, a 16-year family…
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Minkah Taharkah, Multidisciplinary Artist, Land Steward, and Environmental Justice Advocate
In this episode, Jordan sits down with Minkah Taharkah — multidisciplinary artist, land steward, and coordinator for the California Farmer Justice Collaborative — for a wide-ranging conversation about food, equity, and what it means to put down roots in Fresno. Minkah traces her relationship with...
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Maria Pacheco, Mayor of Kerman and Candidate for Fresno County Supervisor District 1
In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco, who is now running for Fresno County Supervisor, District 1. Drawing from her lived experience growing up in poverty, raising children as a young parent, and navigating social services firsthand…
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Ariana Martinez-Lott, Community Organizer and Candidate for Fresno City Council District 7
In this episode of Fresno’s Best, Jordan Mattox sits down with Ariana Martinez-Lott—community organizer, District 7 city council candidate, and longtime advocate for neighborhood-driven change. Ariana shares how her background in child development, her family’s immigrant experience, and her early...
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Zach Ocegueda, High School Tennis Coach and Private Instructor
In this episode of Fresno’s Best, Jordan Mattox sits down with tennis coach Zach Ocegueda for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of tennis in Fresno and what it takes to grow as a player. Zach shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing accessibility, repetition, and building confidence…
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Miguel Arambula, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative and Co-Owner of Moses McQueens
Fresno’s Best host Jordan Mattox sits down with Miguel Arámbula, executive director of the San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative, for a wide-ranging conversation about housing, entrepreneurship, and the future of downtown Fresno. Miguel shares how his early experience rehabbing homes and…
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Linda Furnas, President of the Fresno County University of California Master Gardener Advisory Board
Gardening is one of the most practical ways to reconnect with the land we live on—and in a place like Fresno, where climate, water, and ecology are constant topics of conversation, it can also be a civic act. In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Linda Furnas,...
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Francisco E. Alvarez, President and Senior Instructor at Tai Chi Center of Fresno
On this episode of Fresno’s Best, Jordan Mattox sits down with Tai Chi instructor Francisco E. Alvarez to explore the discipline, philosophy, and lineage behind one of Fresno’s longstanding martial arts communities. Inspired as a child by Bruce Lee’s appearance in The Green Hornet, Francisco…
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Ian Ashby, Certified Master Arborist and Consultant
Today we’re talking about something that quietly shapes our daily lives in Fresno—our trees. From the ones lining our streets and shading our homes to the big, aging oaks that define entire neighborhoods, trees are one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of our city. My guest today...
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Evan Nebeker, Event Organizer, Co-Founder of Grizzly Fest, and Founder of Grand Rising Sober Parties
What does it really take to build community in Fresno — and why does alcohol sit at the center of so many of our public spaces? On this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Evan, entrepreneur and founder of Grizzly Fest, to talk about food, festivals, sobriety, and the…
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Paris Gaines and Dr. Chris Telesmanic, Recover Lab
What does “recovery” actually mean — and why does it matter so much for how we live, move, and age? In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Paris Gaines and Dr. Chris Telesmanic, Doctor of Physical Therapy, from Recover Lab — a Fresno-based recovery and wellness studio...
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Luke Hoekstra, Executive Director of the Kings River Land Trust
In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Luke Hoekstra, Executive Director of the Kings River Land Trust, for a wide-ranging conversation about one of the Central Valley’s most important—and most misunderstood—natural resources. Luke shares his favorite Fresno...
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Christopher Reyes, Owner of Clovis We Rock the Spectrum Inclusive Gym
In this episode of Fresno’s Best, Jordan talks with Christopher, owner of the soon-to-open We Rock the Spectrum inclusive sensory gym in Clovis, beginning with a tour of Fresno’s Filipino food scene—including food-truck favorites and the eternal question of when Fresno will finally get a...
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Robert Scott, President of Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society
In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox talks with Robert Scott, President of the Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society and Caltrans environmental specialist, about the surprising richness of succulents and cacti in the Central Valley. Scott explains how his environmental work informs...
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Mona Cummings, CEO of Tree Fresno
In this episode of Fresno’s Best, host Jordan Mattox sits down with Mona Cummings, CEO and Director of Tree Fresno. Mona shares her fascinating journey from serving in the Peace Corps on islands off the coast of Africa to leading international forestry projects in Mozambique, and how those...
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Jordyn Houseworth, Love on Tap Speed Dating
In this episode, Jordan sits down with Jordyn Houseworth, the creative force behind Love On Tap, a unique singles experience bringing speed dating to breweries and venues across California. They dive into the ins and outs of modern romance—how dating apps are changing the game, why in-person...
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Crystal Uyeno and Nayantara Rodrigues, Rooted Heart Yoga
Today we have Crystal Uyeno and Nayantara Rodrigues on the show. They're the co-founders of Rooted Heart Yoga, a 200-hour, all-levels yoga teacher training located here in Fresno. Between these two amazing women, there is so much knowledge and perspective—not only about yoga, the body, and mental...
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Stephen Wilson, President and CEO of the Fresno Philharmonic
Today, we have Stephen Wilson. Stephen is the President and CEO of the Fresno Philharmonic, a gem in our community, and is one of our city's biggest advocates for the arts. Stephen and I had a fantastic conversation covering classical music, of course, but also exploring the arts more broadly....
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Molly DeFrank, Author of Mothering Boys and Digital Detox
Today, we have Molly DeFrank on the show. Molly is a mom to six children and the author of two parenting books, Mothering Boys: 8 Things Your Son Needs From You Before He Turns 10, and Digital Detox: The Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids. Before children, Molly worked as a press aide to Governor...
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Dustin Hail and Matt Denson, Burning Sun Brewing Company
Today we have another edition of our brewery tour through Fresno and Clovis, and we are going to meet Dustin Hale and Matt Denson, the founders of Burning Sun Brewing Company, right on Clovis Avenue in Clovis, California. Burning Sun's Mission Statement: Our mission at Burning Sun Brewing Company...
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Danielle R. Shapazian, Founder and Director of the San Joaquin Valley Bookfest
Danielle R. Shapazian is a registered nurse and writer who lives in Fresno. Her essays have appeared in the Fresno Bee and the Los Angeles Times. She is the founder and director of the San Joaquin Valley Bookfest. We dig into all things books, literary culture, audio vs. print books, keys to...
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James Ellett, Pinky's Pizza
Today, we have James Ellett on the show. James is the pizza genius behind Pinky’s Pizza, my favorite place to get pizza in town. We talk about all the mechanics and minutiae of the world of pizza. Pinky's Hotplate Link Books: Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza Ken...
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Tower Porchfest 2025 with Alleha Navarro, Joshua DeFisher, and Jessica Mendrin
Today, we're gonna be covering my favorite event of the year in Fresno: Tower Porchfest. I have three guests on to tell us more about the event in this particular upcoming Porchfest. The first one is Jessica Mindren, who's the lead organizer of Porch Fest. We also have Joshua DeFisher who is the...
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Ruth Soderlund, Artist and Founder of The Artist Mentorship Project
Today, we have Ruth Soderlund on the show. Ruth is a Fresno artist passionate about building connections within the art community. Her new endeavor, The Artist Mentorship Project kicks off this month, April, 2025. The project aims to link artists of varied skill and professional experience to...
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Dana Pellerin, Owner of South of Shaw Beer Company
Today we have Dana Pellerin on the show. Dana is the owner of South of Shaw Beer Company in downtown Fresno, California on Broadway Street. Not only do they have great beer, but they also have some of my favorite pizza in town. South of Shaw is one of the places that I love to hang out at. If...
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Kat Kavner Woolf, Founder and Co-CEO of Heyday Canning Co.
Today, we have Kat Kavner Woolf on the show. Kat is the Founder and Co-CEO of Heyday Canning Co, which produces some of my favorite bean products on the market right now. Kat leveraged her experience working in the industry to start Heyday combining beans with amazing sauces and ingedients. We…
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Ryan Parsley and Cody Sturgis, Reborne Brewing Company
Today, we have Ryan Parsley and Cody Sturgis of the Reborne Brewing Company in Clovis, CA on the show. Ryan has called Fresno California his home since he was five years old. He has been married to his amazing wife for 15 years, and they both have two beautiful children. Ryan also, has proudly…
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Innovation Series: Emily Dinino, Founder & CEO of ThermoShade
We are continuing our series highlighting some of the amazing businesses that are supported through the WET Center at Fresno State's Valley Ventures Accelerator program. Today, we have Emily Dinino on the show. Emily is the Founder & CEO of ThermoShade. She spent two years studying the problem of...
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Roque Rodriguez, Filmmaker and Founder of Swede Fest
Today, we have Roque Rodriguez on the show. Roque is a Fresno based filmmaker and creative working to cultivate a vibrant and diverse film community throughout the San Joaquin Valley. After growing up in the rural farming town of Firebaugh, Rodriguez earned his degree in graphic arts from Brooks...
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Manuel Bonilla, President of the Fresno Teachers Association
On today's show, we have Manuel Bonilla, president of the Fresno Teachers Association. We dig into education practice, policy, organized labor, and more in this episode. If you are looking to dig into the weeds of education, this is the episode for you. Fresno Teachers Association Website Books:...
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VA Central California Health Care System Conversation
We have a special episode for you today with some of the leaders of the VA Central California Health Care System. We brought in three knowledgable leaders to discuss the state of this organization and their services. This was recorded at the end of last year, so any Trump administrative moves…
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Alex Van Horne, President of Central Valley Brewers Guild and Co-Owner of Summer Fox Brewing
Today, we have Alex Van Horne on the show. Alex is the president of the Central Valley Brewers Guild and the co-owner of Summer Fox Brewing, one of my favorite breweries in Fresno. I was so excited to record this podcast with Alex! If you really want to nerd out on beer, this is the episode for...
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Josh Huckaby, Owner of Cybersecurity Firm Hoodwink Consulting
Today, we have Josh Huckaby on the show. Josh is the owner of Hoodwink Consulting, a central valley cybersecurity provider. Josh has spent the last six years focused on cybersecurity, which led to him opening up Hoodwink Consulting here in Fresno. They specialize in helping companies understand...
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Innovation Series: Ken Camarco, CEO and President of DMax Plasma
We're beginning a series of episodes with the WET Center at Fresno State. WET stands for water, energy and technology. The WET Center's mission is to empower central Valley's core industries by providing access to cutting-edge resources, innovative research and industry expertise, driving...
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Kellee Williams, Instructor and Owner at Tower Yoga
On today's show, we have Kellee Williams, owner and teacher at Tower Yoga. Kellee is a deeply experienced and knowledgable teacher and practitioner of yoga. We dig into a lot of topics in this conversation. Please enjoy! Tower Yoga Site Books: Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra...
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Lynda Oniah, Founder and Creative Director of StandTallJeans
Lynda Oniah, founder and creative director of StandTallJeans, is a tall woman who faced the challenge of finding stylish, long-enough denim for herself. Driven by this personal struggle and inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit, Lynda transitioned from a successful banking career to...
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Daniel Gonzalez, Senior Program Coordinator at the Youth Leadership Institute
Today, we have Daniel Gonzalez on the show. Daniel is a Central Valley native originally living in the rural community of Easton on the outskirts of Fresno. They are passionate about youth-driven policy change and decision-making, and have a strong commitment to local issues. Daniel is a proud…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Fresno's Best have?
Fresno's Best currently has 210 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Fresno's Best about?
An interview podcast highlighting interesting people doing important work in Fresno.https://linktr.ee/fresnosbest
How often does Fresno's Best release new episodes?
Fresno's Best publishes regularly with 210 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Fresno's Best?
You can listen to Fresno's Best on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Fresno's Best?
Fresno's Best is created and hosted by Jordan Mattox.
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