Restart at Any Age!

From neuroscience student and college soccer player to founder of Temptations Bazaar and curator of the beautiful redwood sanctuary Chez Serendip, Will’s journey of courage, pivots, and deep community healing is exactly what so many of us need right now. In this episode he shares:How COVID cracked him open and led himto choose community over a traditional sales path The magic of saying “yes” to last-minute opportunities The power of “Reconnect & Remember” How to listen to your inner call and start blooming where you’re planted Will moves so gracefully between science & soul, action & intuition, building something beautiful for all of us.   Question for you: Where in your life are you feeling a quiet (or loud) pull toward something different? What would “rooting deep and blooming” look like for you right now? Drop your thoughts below — your story might be the encouragement someone else needs today 💛 Big thanks to Will Barba. Go follow his work @temptationsbazaar and @chezserendip — pure magic happening there. #TemptationsBazaar #ChezSerendip #LifePivot #ReconnectAndRemember #CommunityHealing #SantaCruz #ConsciousLiving

Today we’re taking a different tack , apart from the wonderful programs coming up with the Shakespeare company, we are also exploring the unexpected, behind-the-scenes side of outdoor theatre — all the creative and surprising ways non-actors can help bring Shakespeare to life under the Cedars.

My longest podcast yet — and it was worth every minute! We recorded at the beautiful Chez Serendip in Scotts Valley, our new sponsor and a stunning estate that supports artists and community. I sat down with founder Alisa Sieber-Johnson — former Marine C-130 pilot and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator — who had her life mapped out for the airlines until the pandemic changed everything.  This is a powerful conversation about pivoting when the life that works on paper no longer fits.     #RestartAtAnyAge #ChezSerendip #LifePivot #SecondAct #WomenVeterans #MarineCorps #Podcast

Have you ever gone through a big life change… and quietly wondered: “Where do I belong now?” A move. A retirement. A loss. And suddenly, everything feels different. In this episode, two women share what happened when they found themselves in that exact place—after moving to the mountains of Bonny Doon. What they found next changed everything. Not just a group…  Not just social gatherings…  But real connection, support, and belonging If you’ve ever felt alone in a transition—this conversation is for you.

What does it take to save a species? 🐆 In this powerful episode, I speak with Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, about her groundbreaking work protecting cheetahs—through innovation, community, and an unexpected hero: livestock guarding dogs. It’s a story of courage, reinvention, and what’s possible when passion meets purpose.  Listen now to “Restart at Any Age” #Cheetah #WildlifeConservation #Podcast #StartAgain

When I first interviewed today’s guest, we explored her many lives — barrel racing, triathlons, international nursing with the Indian Health Service, professional theatre in Kenya, coaching basketball in Pakistan, writing about Third Culture Kids in Boston, and even winning national basketball titles at the Senior Games. But this time, she’s back for something entirely different. Now, she’s stepped into the spotlight as a stand-up comedian — proving once again that reinvention isn’t a phase, it’s a way of life. In this episode, we talk about what drew her to comedy after so many extraordinary chapters, what it feels like to start again in front of a live audience, and why humor may be the boldest move of all. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to try something new, this conversation might just nudge you toward the mic, or at least something new!

Today we’re joined by Marcia Sivek, a passionate advocate for cheetah conservation with the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Pivoting from her experience at the time. the journey began in 2017 when she met Dr. Laurie Marker at the Wildlife Conservation Network Expo — a meeting that led her all the way to Namibia as a working guest at CCF’s conservation center. Retired — or thinking about what’s next? In this episode, Marcia Sivek shares how she reinvented herself and found purpose through conservation work with the Cheetah Conservation Fund. We explore how retirees can: • Use professional skills in meaningful ways • Support global conservation efforts • Travel with purpose • Become ambassadors for change Your experience doesn’t expire. It evolves. After years of volunteering with CCF’s Northern California chapter, Marcia now serves on the development team, where she builds relationships with donors, leads outreach efforts, and helps connect new audiences to the mission of saving cheetahs in the wild.

Go Ahead and Tell Me! Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tenzin Chogkyi — meditation teacher, compassion trainer, and longtime community educator — as we explore how it’s never too late to live with purpose, get involved, and make a meaningful difference. Drawing from decades of Buddhist practice, modern psychology, and hands-on service work — from international teaching to prison programs and local volunteer efforts — Tenzin offers practical wisdom for cultivating compassion, emotional balance, and sustainable engagement in today’s world. This special event will focus on finding purpose later in life, especially after 60, and discovering ways to contribute to our communities with heart, resilience, and joy. Whether you are curious about meditation, looking for inspiration in a new life chapter, or seeking meaningful ways to serve, this conversation will offer insight, encouragement, and practical ideas you can begin using right away. Come ready to reflect, learn, and leave inspired.

On Go Ahead and Tell Me, host Susan Douglas explores how later chapters of life can become a time of reinvention, creativity, and purpose. This week, she talks with Dr. Deborah Bronstein and Lesley Harris of the Santa Cruz Symphony about leadership, inspiration, and the Symphony’s exciting upcoming season — including Amadeus with Charles Pasternak — and their decades-long commitment to music education. Tune in for a conversation about music, community, and what’s possible at every stage of life.

What happens when two artists are shaped by Africa—and connected by a coastal town in California? On this episode of Go Ahead and Tell ME!, host Susan Douglas brings together Mary Collis, a Kenyan abstract painter and child of Africa, and Michelle McClune, a Santa Cruz local whose journey from veterinary science to wildlife art was deeply shaped by Kenya. They talk about art as expression and advocacy, conservation and community, finding your voice at any stage of life, and the lasting impact of Africa. One was born into Africa. One found Africa and was forever changed. Both tell their  story through art. Listen now and join the conversation. #GoAheadAndTellME #MaryCollis #MichelleMcClune #AfricanArt #WildlifeArt #ArtAndConservation #Kenya #SantaCruzArtists #CreativeJourneys#Abstract Art

The Artistic Director of Santa Cruz Shakespeare returns to talk about what’s ahead — including plans for 2026 — and for the first time ever, he shares a special plan out loud that’s never been announced before .  If you love theatre, bold ideas, and exclusive reveals, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.  Listen now and join the excitement! #GoAheadAndTellMe #SantaCruzShakespeare #CharlesPasternak #TheatreTalk #ExclusiveReveal

This episode we sit down with Joe & Gayle Ortiz, the husband-and-wife team behind the iconic Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria in Capitola. For more than 45 years, they’ve filled our community with incredible food, unforgettable pastries, and the kind of warmth that keeps people coming back generation after generation. In this episode, we talk about:  How Gayle’s began in a tiny 800-sq-ft space  Their commitment to everything scratch-made  The passion and work behind building a local institution  Community, resilience, and what keeps them inspired  What’s next for Gayle’s after four and a half decades If you love a great origin story — and you love great food — you won’t want to miss this conversation.   #GaylesBakery #CapitolaCA #SantaCruzEats #LocalLegends #PodcastLife #BakingStories #CommunitySpotlight #SupportLocal #FoodLovers #Area831 #SmallBusinessSuccess #BakeryLife

From blockbuster films like Zodiac, Transformers, and The Pursuit of Happyness to the hit TV series Brooklyn 99, Ryan “RJ” Allen and David Mong have seen it all. Now, these two industry veterans are bringing their decades of on-set experience to the coast of Santa Cruz — as the founders of HWY 17 Studios, a state-of-the-art production facility offering three fully customizable stages for film, events, and creative experiences.In this week’s episode of Go Ahead and Tell Me!, RJ and David share with Susan and Denise: Their early careers working on major Hollywood sets  The friendship that began on San Andreas  How they built a studio during a pandemic  The vision behind HWY 17 Studios’ Studio A, B, and C   Their partnership with the Santa Cruz Film Festival and their mission to make Santa Cruz a creative hub for filmmakers and storytellers If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a studio from the ground up — or what’s next for California filmmaking outside of LA — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Learn more about the studio: https://www.hwy17studios.com Follow: @hwy17studios #HWY17Studios #SantaCruzFilm #FilmProduction #CaliforniaFilmmakers #BehindTheScenes #Podcast #FilmmakingCommunity #DuMoProductions #SantaCruzFilmFestival #CreativeHub #MadeInSantaCruz

In this episode we have the extraordinary pleasure of speaking with Tam and Susan O'Conner Fraser,  You may know  them as Santa Cruz Voice hosts for " Think Local First” they are a dynamic duo whose lives have been anything but ordinary. From Tam’s childhood traveling with the circus in Kansas City, Missouri, to Susan’s grounded upbringing in Pittsburg, California, their paths converged in high school on the set of a school musical—and the rest is history. Together, they’ve built a 46+ year media and production empire, working with global networks like Discovery, Travel Channel, Military Channel, and National Geographic Television. Their work spans television specials, corporate communications, branding, event production, and social media strategy. Along the way, they’ve been committed to giving back, serving on non-profit boards, and supporting local initiatives. In this episode, we explore how their unique backgrounds shaped their creative journey, the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the secrets of a lifelong partnership, and exciting projects on the horizon, including their upcoming multi-platform media venture, ‘All About Pets.’ Get ready for an inspiring conversation full of stories, insight, and laughter!"

Have you ever felt a song move through you — not as performance, but as prayer? In this week’s episode of Song as Medicine, we sit in circle with the luminous Heather Houston, singer, composer, and founder of Sisters in Harmony. Together we explore how song becomes healing, how harmony weaves community, and how the voice itself can open the heart’s doorway. 💫  Heather shares:  The moment she realized the voice could be medicine The story behind her album Prayers for the Water  How women’s voices in harmony awaken courage and remembrance  A live closing blessing — a chant for the healing of the Earth It’s a conversation filled with stillness, sound, and spirit — an invitation to remember that your voice is sacred.  Learn more about Heather’s music and retreats at heatherhoustonmusic.com. If the episode moves you, please share it with someone who needs to be reminded of their own song. Together, we keep the circle singing. #SongAsMedicine #HeatherHouston #SistersInHarmony #SacredVoice #SoundHealing #MysticalPodcast #WomenWhoSing #MusicAsPrayer #Chant #ConsciousMusic

What happens when you mix Puccini with a pint? You get Opera on Tap!  Lori Schulman and Jordan Best, the powerhouse duo behind the Santa Cruz Opera Project — the company that’s redefining what opera looks (and sounds!) like on the Central Coast. Hear how a 3-hour parking-lot conversation turned into a thriving company, why they believe opera is for everyone, and how their latest project is bringing arias to breweries — and joy to new audiences. Expect laughter, passion, and a few surprises — including what opera pairs best with your favorite craft beer.  Listen now  and visit SantaCruzOperaProject.org for showtimes and tickets. #SantaCruzOperaProject #OperaOnTap #GoAheadAndTellMe #SantaCruzArts #SupportLocalArtists #OperaIsForEveryone #WomenInTheArts #CraftBeerAndCulture

Get ready for a powerhouse conversation with two of Santa Cruz’s most iconic entertainers — John Michael, the dynamic frontman and vocal impressionist behind The John Michael Band, and Otis Coen, the multi-talented musician known for his soulful blend of rock, Motown, and blues. With careers that span decades, both artists have lit up stages across California and beyond — sharing the spotlight with legends, building loyal followings, and creating music that speaks to the heart and soul. In this episode, we dive into their journeys, their influences, and what it means to keep the spirit of live music alive in today’s world. From unforgettable performances to stories from the road, this one’s packed with heart, humor, and raw musical passion.  Tune in for insight, laughter, and maybe even a few surprise songs. #SantaCruzMusic #JohnMichaelBand #OtisCoen #RockAndSoul #PodcastInterview #LiveMusic #MusiciansJourney #BayAreaArtists #SupportLocalMusic

Two award-winning sommeliers, John Haffey and Ryan Cooley, traded Michelin stars for ocean air and opened Vin Vivant — Capitola’s newest wine bar where world-class bottles meet coastal ease. In this 54-minute interview, we dive into their journey from the precision of Aubergine to the freedom of building their own vision — a place where wine feels alive, not intimidating. Expect stories of risk, craft, community, and a few unexpected pairings (think curiosity + courage). 🎙️ Grab a glass, settle in, and meet the minds behind Vin Vivant — where every pour tells a story.

We had the honor of welcoming Christy Licker, founder of Caroline’s Nonprofit Thrift Shop in Aptos, to the show. Caroline’s was created in memory of Christy’s daughter and has since become a beacon of generosity, raising millions for local nonprofits that support children and families in need. 💙  You can support Caroline’s mission by shopping secondhand, donating gently used items, or volunteering your time at the shop. Together, we can continue Caroline’s legacy of love and community. #Aptos #Community #CarolinesThrift #GiveBack

What do barrel racing, triathlons, international nursing, professional theatre in Kenya, writing groundbreaking books, winning national basketball titles at the Senior Games, and stand-up comedy have in common? They’re all chapters in the extraordinary life of our next guest. From working with the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma to coaching basketball in Pakistan, acting on stage in Kenya, writing about Third Culture Kids in Boston, and even picking up pickleball and comedy in Durham—she has truly lived a life of curiosity, courage, and reinvention. In this conversation, she shares what it means to be a serial careerist and hobbyist, how one adventure built on the next, and the surprising lessons she’s learned along the way. Don’t miss this inspiring, funny, and eye-opening interview—you’ll walk away ready to try something new yourself!

This week’s Go Ahead and Tell Me: From a single gym in downtown Santa Cruz back in 1997 to six thriving locations today—Christophe Bellito, co-owner of Toadal Fitness, shares his journey of building a community-first fitness brand. We talk origin stories, growth, surviving the pandemic, and the future of fitness. Plus, some fun rapid-fire questions you won’t want to miss! #ToadalFitness #SantaCruz #FitnessCommunity #Podcast

In this episode of Go Ahead and Tell Me we’re joined by Elizabeth Borelli — author, coach, and wellness guide who inspires people to eat well and live joyfully. Elizabeth’s first book, Beanalicious Living, showed us how simple plant-based foods can transform our health. Her newest release, Tastes Like la Dolce Vita, takes us on a journey into the Mediterranean lifestyle — filled with flavor, mindfulness, and a fresh perspective on abundance over deprivation.  We dive into her story, the inspiration she found in Tuscany, and how we can all bring more joy, balance, and connection into our daily lives. #ElizabethBorelli #MediterraneanDiet #LaDolceVita #BeanaliciousLiving #MindfulEating #HealthyLiving #GoAheadAndTellMe #PodbeanPodcast

In this episode of Go Ahead and Tell Me, we sit down with two inspiring women—Susan Lovegren and Theresa Salzburg—who are each creating community and connection in unique ways. Susan, the dynamic leader of a local Meetup group, shares her journey of bringing people together and fostering spaces where authentic conversations and meaningful relationships can flourish. Theresa, an artist, healer, and educator, opens up about the transformative power of creativity, healing practices, and teaching, and how she blends these gifts to inspire and support others. Together, they offer fresh insights on building community, nurturing well-being, and embracing the courage to tell our stories. #Community#Lonliness# Hope#Passion #Leading#Creating

In this extraordinary episode, we sit down with a remarkable 100-year-old native French woman  whose life reads like a gripping novel of resilience, courage, and unexpected love. Born Jewish in wartime France, she escaped the horrors of Nazi occupation, surviving against impossible odds. During the war, she worked with the Free French forces under General Charles de Gaulle,  After the liberation, fate led her across the Atlantic—where she married an American soldier, whom she met in Algiers and began a new life. Her story is one of bravery, identity, memory, and the enduring power of hope. Join us as we listen to a living witness to history. #Endurance #Achieving 100 years #World War II# Being Jewish #Running from the enemy#War time romance# Love with an American in war time

This week on Go Ahead and Tell Me, we sit down with a fabulous group of Santa Cruz women whose book club is part literary salon, part therapy session, and always a good time. They share where they came from, what they are reading, and how stories (and drinks) have bonded them. #BookClubVibes #SantaCruzStories #GoAheadandTellMe #LadiesMeeting #FunTimes

In this episode of Go Ahead and Tell Me, we sit down with Dr. Michael Franzblau — physicist, educator, and essayist — for a wide-ranging conversation on curiosity, optimism, and the surprising ways science connects to everyday life. From multiverse theory to mindful living, Michael shows us how a life of inquiry can be both rigorous and full of joy.#PodcastInterview #MichaelFranzblau #ScienceCommunication #CuriosityDriven #GoAheadAndTellMe #Optimism Cure # Science Goes to the Movies

Join Dr. Arthur Faygenholtz, renowned Chiropractor and creator of Stick Yoga®, as he delves into the transformative world of movement, mindfulness, and holistic health. With over 35 years of experience in Chiropractic care and a passion for integrating physical and neurological wellness, Dr. Faygenholtz introduces listeners to the innovative practice of Stick Yoga®—a fusion of Hatha Yoga, kinesiology, and bilateral coordination using a simple stick as a tool for enhanced mobility and brain fitness.This episode explores topics ranging from the origins of Stick Yoga® and its applications in rehabilitation and athletic training, to the science behind movement and its impact on cognitive function. Listeners will gain insights into Dr. Faygenholtz's journey from his early days in Brooklyn to becoming a pioneer in natural movement systems, as well as practical advice for incorporating these techniques into daily life. Whether you're a health professional, fitness enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper connection between body and mind, Dr Arthur offers a unique perspective on achieving balance, flexibility, and overall well-being.

 Meet Michelle Martinez Hayward — educator, Tai Chi teacher, world traveler, and natural storyteller. From an Indigenous reservation to classrooms and resorts across the globe, her life is full of movement, insight, and stories you won’t forget. Tune in as she shares a few of them on this week’s episode. #GoAheadAndTellMe #TaiChiWisdom #Storyteller #MichelleMartinezHayward #PodcastGuest #LifeInMotion

In this episode of Go Ahead and Tell Me, we talk with Cindy Hill Ford and Dr. Michelle Bean, co-founders of SoulCare Studio in Aptos, CA — a space where wellness meets soul. They share how their unique backgrounds in trauma-informed therapy and functional medicine led to a powerful vision: blending science, spirit, and community. From ketamine-assisted healing to reiki, movement, and cultural events, SoulCare offers a deeply integrated path to whole-person wellness. Tune in for insight, inspiration, and the story behind this sanctuary for mind, body, and soul. #Wellness #Soulcarestudios #Yoga #Ketotherapy #Reiki #Dance #Chiropractic#Aptos#Mentalhealth#Ketaminewater#Artisangoods

Robin Leah, a former professional dancer turned spiritual guide, discussed her journey from dance to personal transformation in a podcast episode. She emphasized that dance was not just a physical practice but a profound means of self-expression and healing. This experience led her to explore the mind-body connection and the power of manifestation, culminating in her book, The Manifestor Effect. In the podcast, Leah shared insights from her book, which integrates principles of neuroplasticity and energy work to help individuals break free from limiting beliefs and create a life aligned with their true desires. She also introduced tools like guided meditations and daily rituals to support this transformative process. #SelfHelp#Dance Interpretation#Manifesting#Journaling#yoga#Self Guidance

We present Charles Pasternak, Artistic Director #Santa Cruz Shakespeare company, #www.santacruzshakespeare.org/season-2025/ We cover #casting of actors, #Artistic Director's vision, #expanding Santa Cruz Shakespeare company, #Great location at the Audrey Stanley Grove at Delaveaga Park, #Catered Picnics, #Behind the Scenes, #ShakesEDU Education Progam, #Levels of Membership, #Charles reading of Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare, #Charles discusses the fabulous upcoming Santa Cruz Shakespeare performances, #A Midsummer Night's Dream, #Into the Woods, #Pericles, "Master Harold" ...and the Boys