Episodes
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Santa Barbara Talks: Santa Barbara Talks: Congressional Candidate Bob Smith drops GOP, talks immigration, energy, SpaceX
Bob Smith, 24th Congressional District candidate, talks with Josh Molina about changing his party registration, immigration, education, fire safety, energy, back story. Smith is trying to unseat Salud Carbajal. Joshua Molina is a journalist and community college instructor. He creates dynamic...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Alexander 'The Grateful' Stoeber talks Santa Barbara City Council
Santa Barbara's Alexander Stoeber looks to upset the system in Santa Barbara's District 6, in his bid for Santa Barbara City Council. Stoeber, a Realtor, shares his poignant story of rising from homelessness and breaking the cycle of a rough upbringing. He offers his views on State Street, the…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Meet Ari from Visionari Content, Santa Barbara's No. 1 Social Media Star
EXCLUSIVE FILMED AT KIVA CO-WORK! Ari from Visionari Content has taken Santa Barbara by storm and has emerged as Santa Barbara's top social media star. In this episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina, I sit down with Ari from Visionari Content for an amazing conversation about…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Devon Wardlow talks housing, State Street, Ebikes, City Council candidacy
Santa Barbara Planning Commissioner Devon Wardlow talks about her plan to run for Santa Barbara City Council, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Wardlow, who graduated from Santa Barbara High School, offers her views on housing, State Street, rent stabilization and…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Former News-Press reporter Dawn Hobbs talks Michael Jackson verdict, career
On the 21-year-anniversary of the Michael Jackson trial and verdict, former News-Press reporter Dawn Hobbs recalls her time covering the high-profile trial. Hobbs covered every day of the trial in Santa Maria. In this episode of Santa Barbara Talks, Hobbs explains how she was assigned the story,...
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Remembering Loretta Redd; Who is Instagram's Visionari?
Josh Molina talks about his memories of Loretta Redd; Also, a possible collaboration with Instagram's Visionari, in this Josh-only podcast. Josh reported on Loretta in various capacities over the years and he shares some of his thoughts on her. Also, Josh is talking with Visionari about being a...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Jason Dominguez talks running for Santa Barbara City Council
Explore Jason Dominguez's vision for Santa Barbara, his background, and his approach to local governance as he campaigns for District 4 City Council. This interview covers key community issues like housing, fire safety, State Street, and rent stabilization. In this episode: Jason's personal…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Ryder Christ, Santa Barbara's Street Interviewer, talks with Josh Molina
Santa Barbara Talks: Ryder Christ, Santa Barbara's Street Interviewer, talks with Josh Molina about his transition from News Director at KEYT to man-on-the-street interviewer. Christ opens up about his questions, his character, his approach, his dress, his style and what he learned from John...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Mayor Randy Rowse cancels re-election bid; who will be the next mayor?
Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse won't run for re-election afterall, opening the race wide open for council colleagues Eric Friedman and Kristen Sneddon. Wendy Sims-Moten is also in the contest. Josh Molina talks about what led up to Randy's departure and what happens next on the road to the...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Daily Sound Founder Jeramy Gordon talks newspaper, faith, family, new book
Jeramy Gordon started a newspaper in Santa Barbara at the age of 23 years old. For the next seven years, the paper emerged as such a popular media source that expanded with the launch of the Montecito Messenger. In this podcast, Gordon talks about running the newspaper as a young entrepreneur, in...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Meet Betsy O'Brien, influencer behind The Bets Life podcast and social media
Betsy O'Brien is the host of TheBetsLife podcast, and has crafted a vibrant platform where she focuses on women, business, fashion, fitness and culture, while living her "best life." The Montecito native opens up about her life, her business and what she loves about Santa Barbara. Joshua Molina…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Christian Alonso: Why Supporting Democratic Candidates Is Critical—Even in Non-Partisan Local Races
In this episode: The role and responsibilities of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party Why local races matter and how party involvement influences election outcomes Challenges of down-ballot races and voter engagement techniques The significance of endorsements in local elections, including...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Documentary Filmmaker Daniel A. Nelson talks 'Are You My Brother? '
Daniel A. Nelson talk about his compelling, moving documentary "Are You My Brother?" and his many other works, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Nelson go this start as a journalist at Santa Barbara City College, serving as sports editor of The Channels. He freelanced...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Traveling to China, Japan, Rent Control, Paseo Nuevo, With Oscar Gutierrez
Santa Barbara City Councilman Oscar Gutierrez chats with Santa Barbara News-Press Editor Joshua Molina about why he supports a rent stabilization ordinance in Santa Barbara. He also explains why he backs the plan to build housing at Paseo Nuevo. Gutierrez recently took trips to Japan and China…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Why Top Boss Gets $40,000 Annual Increase in 30 Minutes
Santa Barbara City Administrator Kelly McAdoo receive a $40,000 pay increase in salary and compensation. I break down the contract and explain the factors that led up to this and the problems with perception. McAdoo now makes $353,576 annually — and that's just her base.
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Santa Barbara Talks: The Los Angeles Dodgers in 30 minutes
Journalist Josh Molina talks about his love for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and how this year was bittersweet. He recalls his memories from childhood and describes what being a Dodger fan really means to him. Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the...
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Santa Barbara Talks: The Cruisery Owner Aron Ashland talks Ebikes, Cars and State Street
Santa Barbara's outspoken Aron Ashland, owner of The Cruisery, talks State Street, ebikes, cars, retail, restaurants and much more in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Ashland has been a vocal critic of Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse. He has followed all of State…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Can Strong Towns SB's Sullivan Israel Save Santa Barbara's State Street?
Sullivan Israel, the leader of Strong Towns SB, joins Josh Molina for an extended conversation about cars, bikes, housing and the future of State Street. Israel is strong advocate of keeping downtown closed to vehicles, amid pressures to re-open the street to cars. Israel, a 25-year-old urban...
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Santa Barbara Talks: No Kings in 30 Minutes
Journalist Josh Molina talks about his experience covering the No Kings rally in Santa Barbara and offers some analysis on the event.
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Santa Barbara Talks: Can Placer.AI Data Save State Street?
Robin Elander, executive director of the Santa Barbara Downtown Improvement Association, talks about re-opening State Street to one lane of cars, as part of a grand vision for State Street. Elander explains how Placer.ai data tracks pedestrian activity. She says that fewer people are returning to...
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Santa Barbara Talks: State of Santa Barbara Schools in 30 Minutes
The Santa Barbara Unified School District State of Schools held by the Santa Barbara Education Foundation met on Thursday morning. Here's some of my thoughts and highlight's of the event. Check out the full story in Noozhawk on Saturday. The bottom line -- test scores are up and Superintendent...
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Santa Barbara Talks: 'Under the Cover of Darkness' City Council Meeting in 30 Minutes
Josh Molina breaks down the Santa Barbara City Council meeting and the controversy over transparency of the rent stabilization ordinance. Councilmember Meagan Harmon said it crafted "Under the Cover of Darkness," and she wants a stronger, better ordinance.
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Santa Barbara Talks: Rent Control in 30 Minutes
Journalist Josh Molina breaks down the controversy over the proposed rent control/stabilization ordinance leading up to Tuesday's Santa Barbara City Council meeting. Two members of the council, Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon have drafted a proposed ordinance and the council will decided...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Paseo Nuevo in 30 Minutes
Journalist Josh Molina kicks off a new series of talking Santa Barbara in 30 minutes. Today Josh dives into Paseo Nuevo and the latest with the plan to dramatically overhaul the iconic Santa Barbara mall. Josh talks about the original plan, how it changed and the controversy over housing, retail...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Ben Romo Talks Housing Crisis, Relaunch of News-Press, National Divisiveness
Josh Molina interviews Ben Romo about the housing crisis and what can be done to build more affordability in Santa Barbara. Romo also talks about how he and a team saved the archives of the Santa Barbara News-Press and have led an effort to relaunch the historic newspaper. Joshua Molina is an...
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Santa Barbara Talks: We all need to do better on social media in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk
Joshua Molina talks about social media and the danger of attacking people online that you don't agree with and how this was revealed in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk murder. Joshua Molina is an award-winning journalist who creates compelling conversations with dynamic individuals on the…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Eliot Jacobson Talks AI and Climate Change, Europe Freezing and the Sixth Great Extinction
Dr. Eliot Jacobson, retired professor of mathematics and computer science and doomer talks climate change and the state of Earth in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. The two discuss the following topics: Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) collapse The…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Top 10 List: Josh goes to GOP and Dem Party Barbecues
Journalist Josh Molina talks about the Labor Day Barbecue events in Santa Barbara at Tucker's Grove. Here is his TOP 10 list of highlights, memories and moments! Josh Molina is a journalist and college instructor who creates dynamic conversations on the topics of housing, education and politics....
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Santa Barbara Talks: K-Lite 101.7's Catherine Remak, talks radio, music, news, career, Gary Fruin
K-Lite 101.7's Catherine Remak talks about her career as a radio host for music, news and interviews, in this dynamic conversation with Josh Molina of Santa Barbara Talks. Remak discusses changes in radio, how she is remade herself, and why she loves being the familiar and comforting voice in our...
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Santa Barbara Talks: The Death of Journalism in Gaza
Joshua Molina is a journalist who previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News. In this podcast he talks about the loss of journalists in Gaza and what that means for the truth and storytelling. Please hit subscribe on YouTube and visit santabarbaratalks.com
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Santa Barbara Talks: Mina Wahab Talks Journalism, TMZ, Movies, Identity, Telling Stories Her Way
Mina Wahab is a journalist in Santa Barbara who works as a multimedia reporter and anchor for KEYT 3. In this podcast, Wahab reveals what motivates her to find stories and why it is important to tell stories through a diverse lens. She also shares about her past at TMZ, TYT, and her work in...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Josh Calls Immigration Raids that Separate Families Despicable
Santa Barbara Talks host Josh Molina talks the recent immigration raids and their impact on families. Regardless of your views on immigration, illegal immigration or whatever you want to call it, I am comfortable saying, even in my role as a journalist, that I find it despicable that children are...
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Teen Star Winner Naomi Jane Sings and Talks about Her Songs, Career Rise
Santa Barbara Teen Star Naomi Jane performs six songs, Lightning, Tacobell, Passenger Princess, Like Like, Love You, Press Send and Mr. Incognito in this exclusive podcast with Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Naomi Jane explains the stories behind her songs and why she was inspired to write...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Josh Rants About the Dangers of Politicians Suing the News Media
Joshua Molina is a journalist, community college instructor and podcaster who creates dynamic conversations on the most important issues of the day. In this episode Josh talks about the downsides of elected officials suing the news media when they disagree or don't like coverage. He makes a case...
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Santa Barbara Talks: What is 'The Barbara', the new beach club in Santa Barbara
The City of Santa Barbara has launched a beach club. Brian Jones joins Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina to talk about "The Barbara," and what it means for Santa Barbara. The program offers a chance for people to pay a fee to enjoy the beach with a variety of amenities, including towels…
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Santa Barbara Talks: The 1925 Santa Barbara Earthquake and How it Changed Everything
Architect Greg Rech and writer and author Betsy J. Green join Josh Molina for a fascinating discussion about the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and how the community built its way out of. Also visit https://eq25.org/ for the story of the quake and learn more at the Architectural Foundation of…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Teddy Cabugos and Kalon Baird Talk Legalizing Hemp Beverages
Sunstone President Teddy Cabugos and Splash Nano Co-Founder Kalon Baird talk with Journalist Josh Molina about the effort to legalize hemp beverages. Cabugos and Baird have developed a hemp beverage and are working to educate the public and lawmakers about hemp. Learn all about hemp beverages and...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Talking La Cumbre Plaza Housing Projects with Planning Commissioner John Baucke
Santa Barbara City Planning Commissioner John Baucke talks about two La Cumbre Plaza housing projects with journalist Josh Molina, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks. Baucke explains his concerns about a 443-unit project for the Sears side of the plaza. He also offers his views on the...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Keep the Funk SB Ready to Fight 250-Room Hotel at California Coastal Commission
Brittany Zagic and Gareth Kelly join Josh Molina on the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks to talk about their effort to preserve Santa Barbara's Funk Zone. They are fighting against a 250-room hotel proposed for 101 Garden Street. The want the hotel reduced in size or turned into housing to...
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SBT with Josh Molina: Housing Leader Explains Why Section 8 Vouchers in Santa Barbara Are Halted
Rob Fredericks, executive director of the Santa Barbara Housing Authority, explains why he is halting new section 8 housing vouchers, the reasoning and who it affects. He also gives an update on the latest Housing Authority developments, including Bella Vista and Jacaranda Court, among others....
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Santa Barbara Talks: Santa Barbara Teen Star Naomi Jane Voigt, Chloe Voit and Kian Strenn Speak Out Against Cuts to Music & Theater
Santa Barbara Teen Star Naomi Jane Voigt, Chloe Voigt, founder of YouthClusive and Kian Strenn, San Marcos High School ASB President, open up about their views on the Santa Barbara Unified School District attempt to cut teacher positions instead of administration. The three talk about the epic...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Meet Sullivan Israel, Santa Barbara's Bicycle Champion
He's only 24, but already, Sullivan Israel is one of Santa Barbara's most influential people. He founded the local Strong Towns SB and has been advocated for safer streets for all types of transportation. Sullivan wants Santa Barbara to move away from planning with a car as the main focus and...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Andy Caldwell Blasts Proposed $58,000 Pay Raise for SB County Supervisors
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors want to increase their pay by $58,000 annually. They are set to vote on the matter Tuesday, Feb. 25. Conservative Andy Caldwell has been vocal about the proposed raise, calling it "obscene." In this podcast he talks with Josh Molina about the pay…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Documentary Filmmaker Leslie Zemeckis Talks the Power of Tell Women's Untold Tories
Storyteller Leslie Zemeckis talks with Josh Molina about her award-winning, women-centered films that tell the lost stories of powerful women in history. Her most recent documentary Grandes Horizontales tells the story of mid-1805s courtesans who accumulated wealth, power and property by breaking...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Peter Lewis Talks Apartment Sale to UCSB, Cost Plus World Market Future
Developer Peter Lewis pulls back the curtain and talks about the blockbuster deal to sell the 81-unit Soltara Apartments in downtown Santa Barbara to UCSB. Lewis explains how the deal went down and why it was necessary to do so. He also talks about State Street housing, downtown, commercial...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Journalist Jerry Roberts Talks Trump, Substack, Local Media Landscape, Roy Lee, Das Williams
Newsmakers with JR editor Jerry Roberts talks about his switch to Substack as a distribution platform in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Roberts explains what the change means, and his vision for the site, created in 2014 with Hap Freund, which provides analysis,...
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Santa Barbara Talks: County Supervisor Das Williams Part 2, Talks Cannabis, Assembly, Sacramento
This is part 2 of a 3-part series with Das Williams, outing Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor. Williams is the longest-serving elected official in the county. He was first elected to the Santa Barbara City Council in 2003. After an unsuccessful bid at re-election in 2024, Williams is...
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Santa Barbara Talks: John Davies Talks Trump, Das Williams, Alejandra Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon
John Davies is Santa Barbara's premiere conservative political mind. He sits down with Josh Molina for an in-depth discussion on conservative politics across the nation and locally and discusses why he believes Trump defeated Kamala Harris in November. Davies, the founder and CEO of Davies Public...
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Santa Barbara Talks: Das Williams Talks City Council Years, Grudges, Failures, Successes (PART 1)
Das Williams joins Josh Molina to talk about the early part of his life and career in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks. Williams explains how his early work for CAUSE, field representative for Hannah-Beth Jackson and campaign manager for the No on Recall campaign against Gail Marshall…
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Santa Barbara Talks: Dr. David Moore Talks Trump, Kamala Harris, Democrats, Gaza
Rev. David Moore sits down with Josh Molina to talk about Trump's victory in the presidential contest, why and how it happened, and what it means for the country. He also shares his thoughts on Democrats, whether they turned their backs on working people, and how the situation in Gaza affected…
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About this show
Award-winning journalist and journalism instructor Josh Molina talks with the most interesting, amazing and influential people on the important topics of the day.
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