In The Mood For California

Jeff Hull is an Oakland-based American artist and producer known for creating large-scale participatory experiences that blend storytelling, performance, and real-world environments. He is the founder and director of Nonchalance, a studio focused on immersive experiences and “pervasive play,” developing projects such as The Jejune Institute (2008–2011) and Latitude Society. The Jejune Institute was later documented in the film The Institute (2013). Hull is also the creator of Oaklandish, a cultural street art and apparel project through which he produced over 100 public events, led community initiatives, and founded the Oakland Innovators Awards. In film and television, he has worked as a writer and producer, including serving as a consultant and executive producer on AMC’s Dispatches from Elsewhere, while also creating immersive podcasts and directing branding and entertainment projects. More recently, he created The Cortège (2025), an immersive theatrical experience in Los Angeles exploring transformation, loss, and collective experience. Today, Jeff will share with us what it truly means to create not just art, but experiences — how imagination becomes something we can step into, feel, and remember. He will take us into his journey, his process, and the deeper intention behind his work. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Andrew Miliukoff was born and raised in Los Angeles in a musical household, studying classical piano with his mother and rock guitar with his older brother. His parents were part of the White Russian community — émigrés who fled post-revolutionary Russia, loyal to the Tsar and devoted to preserving their traditions in exile. After graduating from Cal State LA, Andrew toured with Ray Charles before becoming a studio musician and later a film editor, working on projects for Budweiser, Mattel, and Ford. He founded Fireball Films, specializing in commercial editing and music scoring for clients such as McDonald’s, In-N-Out, Gwen Stefani, and the Pussycat Dolls, and has since directed and edited campaigns for Toyota, Zynga with Snoop Dogg, and various PSA projects. Based in Los Feliz, Andrew continues freelancing while running his own post-production suite. Passionate about creativity and exploration, he spends his free time traveling to far-flung places—Colombia, Mongolia, Bhutan, even North Korea—while continuing to compose and produce music. Today, Andrew will share what it felt like to grow up between two worlds — carrying the stories and values of his Russian heritage while finding his own path in Los Angeles. ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Kim Krizan is an American writer, actress, and educator best known for originating the story and characters in the Before trilogy with her writing on Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004), the latter earning her Academy Award and Writers Guild nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay. She first emerged from the independent film scene in Austin, appearing in Slacker, Dazed and Confused, and Waking Life. Beyond film, Krizan is the author of Original Sins and Spy in the House of Anaïs Nin, where she explores identity, creativity, and the inner lives of women through both writing and archival research. Based in Los Angeles, she teaches screenwriting and creative writing, and continues to mentor writers through her online class, The Magic Hour, fostering a deeply intuitive and human approach to storytelling. Kim will share what it was like growing up in Tustin—a place with quiet roots and a deep sense of history—and how Southern California, with its unique blend of landscapes, cultures, and imagination, shaped her early sense of storytelling and her creative voice. https://www.patreon.com/cw/kimkrizan www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Shelley Callahan is a strategic marketing executive and growth-focused brand builder with over 20 years of experience transforming B2B brands across life sciences, healthcare, technology, and financial services. As Senior Director of Marketing Operations at Maravai, she leads the digital and technology roadmap that powers scalable growth across multiple brands. Previously, she drove major marketing transformations at Enlyte and Advanced Particle Therapy, helping launch multimillion-dollar solutions and global initiatives in collaboration with leading healthcare institutions. With an MBA and a passion for building high-performing teams, Shelley combines data-driven strategy, creative storytelling, and empathetic leadership to inspire trust, accelerate growth, and elevate brands to category leadership. Today, Shelley invites us into her world, sharing both her inspiring marketing approach and what it feels like to call La Jolla home—the energy, the charm, and the unique spirit of this coastal haven. ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Barry Shimelfarb is Founder of Carmel Retreats and Steward of Cuddle Doon. In 2019, as a single father raising twin boys, Barry was diagnosed with advanced cancer. Multiple surgeries and radiation left him weak, unable to swallow, and facing a grim prognosis. During this time, the family’s historic Carmel cottage became his refuge. Planting lavender, walking the shoreline, and resting beneath the ancient oak trees became rituals of hope. Supported by his community, Barry found strength not only to endure but to heal. Two years later, his doctors declared him cancer-free. Out of gratitude, Barry transformed the cottage into a sanctuary for others. Today, Cuddle Doon welcomes guests who are navigating illness, grief, burnout, or simply seeking renewal. Known as the “Lost Cottage of Carmel,” it carries the legacy of its builder, Eliza Yocum, a pioneering educator and spiritual thinker whose home became a gathering place for artists and seekers in the 1920s. Barry sees himself as the cottage’s steward, carrying forward its history of restoration and inspiration. Through Carmel Retreats, he offers deeply personal, boutique stays and initiatives like Postcards of Healing, gifting free retreats during gaps in the calendar to those in need. Barry’s Mission: “My purpose is simple: to help others thrive. Healing isn’t just about medicine. It’s about place, community, and feeling truly cared for.” Today, Barry will share his story and give us a glimpse into what it’s like to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea—its vibe and its inspiration! Website: https://www.carmelretreats.com/ Postcards for Healing: https://www.carmelretreats.com/postcards Instagram @Carmel.Retreats, https://www.instagram.com/carmel.retreats/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/carmelretreats ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Hamlet Ayvazian is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, Guided Imagery Facilitator, Life Coach, and Teacher, specializing in fears, phobias, anxiety, pain management, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, tinnitus, habits, and addictions. A Certified Handwriting Analyst and Honors graduate of the Nationally Accredited Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Hamlet combines Western psychology with Eastern wisdom to help people transform their lives. His lifelong fascination with human behavior drives his work, guiding others toward clarity, healing, and personal empowerment. Today, Hamlet will take us on a journey through his life in Valencia and the experiences that shape his life and work. ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Katharine “Kat” Kramer is an award-winning actress, producer, and founder of Kat Kramer’s Films That Change The World—a film series that spotlights movies and documentaries raising awareness of vital social issues. The daughter of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kramer and actress Karen Sharpe-Kramer, and godchild of Katharine Hepburn, Kat has built her own legacy on stage and screen. She’s starred in acclaimed one-woman shows and won awards for her performances as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker and Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank. As an activist and artist, Kat uses her voice to champion human rights, animal welfare, and environmental causes. She established the Hunt for Humanity Award to honor “actorvists” making a global impact and recently launched the #SHEroesForChange Festival and podcast. Her film credits include Turnover, Mother’s Day Memories, Fate’s Shadow, and the Netflix documentary Call Me Kate. She was honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Luxury Oscar Gala. Kat also serves on the advisory boards of the LA Press Club and the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival and continues to create projects that inspire compassion, inclusion, and positive change. Please visit www.KatharineKramer.com and www.KatKramersFilmsThatChangeTheWorld.com In this episode, Kat will share the vibe of her own Los Angeles — her story, her inspirations, and the legacy she continues to build through meaningful cinema. ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Meet Claire Strofield, founder of End of Life Concierge Beverly Hills and a compassionate guide for life's most profound transition. With a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med and five years as a cytotechnologist at the Southern Hemisphere's largest private pathology laboratory, Claire brings both scientific understanding and deep humanity to end-of-life care. Her journey has been beautifully varied—from teaching elementary school in London to executive search in biotech (earning top consultant honors at every firm), recruiting exceptional talent across EMEA and the US. But it's her personal story that illuminates her calling: this year, she released a memoir about the precious time spent with her little brother before his passing from cancer when they were children. A natural storyteller, Claire has written for theatre, penned novellas and spec scripts, and is currently working on two novels alongside building her death doula practice. In this episode, she shares what brought her to Los Angeles and how a life rich with diverse experiences has shaped her approach to helping families navigate life's final chapter with grace, dignity, and peace. To learn more about Claire's services or connect, reach out to End of Life Concierge Beverly Hills www.endoflifebh.com ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Ashley Archer Tindall is a film Director, Producer and Writer. She connects individuals’ stories with contemporary public conflicts and policy debates through documentary filmmaking and fiction scriptwriting. In addition to her independent feature documentary “27 Months: Journeys in the Peace Corps,” she has produced documentaries for National Geographic Television, HBO and PBS. She runs Film Archer, an educational production company that produces content for major universities and non-profits. She has a Masters in Public Policy from the Luskin School of Public Affairs at UCLA and a Masters in Documentary Film from Stanford University. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago. She was raised in the San Gabriel Valley and now calls Long Beach home with her chill husband and rambunctious dog. Director IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2479957/ Today, Ashley will share her story and give us a glimpse into what it’s like to live in Long Beach—its vibe and its inspiration! ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Adrian Grand is a Los Angeles–based photographer who captures both people and pets with warmth and authenticity. Born in Ukraine to a Ukrainian mother and a Cuban father, Adrian brings a unique cultural perspective to his work, blending sensitivity, curiosity, and an eye for connection. Now living in Chatsworth, he draws daily inspiration from the Valley’s rugged landscapes and the creative spirit of LA. Adrian’s photography is about more than images—it’s about presence and memory. Whether photographing families, individuals, or beloved animals, he aims to reveal not only what is seen, but what is felt. His work preserves the love, joy, and bonds that make life meaningful, turning fleeting moments into timeless keepsakes. https://www.adriangrandphotography.com/ Today, Adrian will share his unique journey and give us a glimpse into what life in Chatsworth truly feels like! ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Jennifer Herrera is a Los Angeles–born writer, speaker, and educator devoted to emotional mastery, conscious leadership, and the healing of inherited patterns. She hosts the podcast Heal Your Part, a space for honest conversation, self-inquiry, and the kind of personal healing that ripples outward into collective change. With over two decades of experience studying human behavior and supporting leaders across industries, she now guides high-achieving women in reclaiming their self-awareness, creative power, and capacity for meaningful wealth. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing is the gateway to deeper purpose, and that everyone deserves to live in alignment with their soul’s truth. https://www.jenniferherrera.com/ https://www.instagram.com/healyourpart/ ----- www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Song Yi Jeon, a South Korean singer and composer, weaves modern jazz harmony and odd meters with lyrical, memorable melodies. Trained in classical composition in Graz and jazz vocals in Basel and at Berklee, she became the inaugural Quincy Jones CJ&E Fellow and a Billboard Endowed Award recipient. She has performed at major venues and festivals worldwide—Blue Note NY, Bimhuis Amsterdam, Moods Zürich, Jarasum Jazz Festival—collaborating with artists like Guillermo Klein, Jeff Ballard, and George Garzone. Her releases include Movement of Lives (2018) with her quintet and HOME (2022) with guitarist Vinicius Gomes, praised with 4.5 stars by Downbeat Magazine, and most recent album came out in July 2025 featuring a nonet with Korean traditional percussion music. She was selected as a Rolex Arts Initiative Protégé for 2023-2024 working under the mentorship of five-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves. In today’s conversation, Song Yi will share how her global journey, mentorship, and devotion to improvisation continue to shape her voice as an artist and as a human being, and how performing in Los Angeles inspires her connection with music and audience alike. https://www.songyimusic.com/ https://www.rolex.org/rolex-mentor-protege/current-pairs/music/dianne-reeves-and-song-yi-jeon https://songyijeon.bandcamp.com/album/the-earthy-suites www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Billy Riback (born in Montreal, Canada) is a veteran comedian, writer, and producer whose career spans stand-up, hit sitcoms, and family television. After moving from Montreal to Los Angeles, he built a reputation as both a sharp comedy writer and a trusted producer. He was a consulting producer on Home Improvement for over 120 episodes and wrote for shows including Murphy Brown, Thunder Alley with Ed Asner, and Buddies, Dave Chappelle’s first series. For Disney Channel, he worked on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, The Suite Life on Deck, Hannah Montana, and Wizards of Waverly Place, shaping the humor of a new generation. As a stand-up, Billy appeared on television more than 50 times and spent 15 years teaching comedy to children ages 5 to 15. Today, he runs Waiting For Good Dough, a production company with 28 comedy films and 12 pilots in development, dedicated to creating family-friendly, escapist comedy for TV and your, hopefully phone-free, friendly neighborhood theater. Today, Billy will share his view of Los Angeles and how moving here transformed his creative outlook! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Aengus James is an award-winning television and film producer, director, and cinematographer whose work blends powerful storytelling with a passion for community. He has created and led acclaimed documentaries and features including After The Murder of Albert Lima, Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer, Inheritance, Crestone, and American Harmony. His projects have premiered at major festivals and earned critical praise for their emotional depth and authenticity. Beyond filmmaking, Aengus is the co-founder of Little City Farm, a 7,500-square-foot regenerative urban farm in Los Angeles that serves as both a source of fresh food and a creative gathering space. Through both his media work and his farm, he champions sustainability, creativity, and the power of stories—whether told through film or grown from the ground up. Today, Aengus shares his Los Angeles journey and the wonder of creating a farm where few would expect one—right in the middle of the city! https://www.littlecityfarmla.com/ https://www.instagram.com/littlecityfarmla/ www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Dr. Nils W. Lambrecht, MD, PhD is a distinguished Clinician-Scientist, Professor of Pathology, and accomplished medical educator with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and translational research. Based in Southern California, he serves as a surgical pathologist at the VA Hospital in Long Beach and is the Associate Dean of Curricular Affairs at the American University of Health Sciences. Dr. Lambrecht’s expertise spans endocrinology, gastroenterology, and molecular biology, with a research portfolio that includes 45+ peer-reviewed publications and international presentations. Deeply committed to advancing medicine in underserved communities, he is leading the development of an accelerated, community-oriented medical curriculum that integrates basic science, clinical excellence, and humanistic care. In addition to his scientific and academic work, Dr. Lambrecht is a devoted father and passionate photographer, drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy, creative spirit, and ever-changing coastal light of Venice, California—a place he proudly calls home. Today, he is offering a personal glimpse into what it truly feels like to live there. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Ashley Anne is a passionate curator of all things vintage. With a thriving Instagram community of 27K followers, she shares her love for vintage fashion, beauty, dancing, and lifestyle — bringing the glamour of bygone eras into the modern day. She also leads Ashley Anne and The Carnations, a dynamite swing jazz band that channels the golden age of Hollywood with a repertoire spanning 1920s–1960s Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Latin, and Rock 'n' Roll. Known for their authentic vintage look, feel, and sound, the band is the resident act aboard The Queen Mary and performs regularly at iconic venues across Southern California, including Disneyland’s Club 33, the Grand Californian Hotel, Chateau Marmont, the Hollywood Roosevelt, and Spago. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ashleyannecarnations Band Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashleyannecarnations/ Vintage lifestyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyanne.vintage A full concert at Agua Caliente covering the history of Jazz in Palm Springs: https://youtu.be/fIp68JOFyWw Today, Ashley shares not only her journey and passion for all things vintage, but also what it’s like to live in Anaheim—a city rooted in history, shaped by immigrant dreams, and forever transformed by imagination. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dion Ramos found his voice early—singing in his church choir by fourth grade. Music became his passion through high school and college, where he spent most of his time in the music building and student government. It was during this time, as a standout vocal student helping others, that he discovered his love for teaching and coaching. Though classically trained, Dion expanded into musical theatre, performing across Southern California for over 15 years. One of his most iconic roles was portraying the King at Medieval Times. He has also graced major stages, including a performance at the Hollywood Bowl and the 1984 Olympic Opening Ceremonies. His talents led him to TV and film, where he quickly stepped into the role of First Assistant Director—a perfect blend of artistry and leadership. Over his 30-year career, Dion has acted with legends like Cyd Charisse, directed pageants, produced stage events, and coached countless performers in finding their power on stage. In his next chapter, he’s returning to the spotlight—as a motivational speaker—empowering others to take center stage in their own lives. Today, Dion shares his journey from singer to stage leader — and what it feels like to live in Torrance, a city that quietly pulses with creativity, diversity, and a deep love for the arts! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Originally from Tasmania, Australia, Catherine Joy is a composer, music producer, community leader and educator. She's received multiple awards and nominations including best score for the doc Gold Balls, an ASCAP Composers Choice Award nomination for Naughty Books and the David Raksin SCL Emerging Talent award for Home Is A Hotel. She has scored a number of Romantic Comedies for Reel One Entertainment including Love Gala, Luckless in Love and Romantic Rewrite, two thrillers for Lifetime, and composed additional music for the recent Dalai Lama documentary Wisdom of Happiness, and projects from Disney, Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Sony, Discovery and History channel. One of her favorite projects to date was scoring a Sesame Street Letter segment. Catherine has also has been lead orchestrator and produced scoring sessions for acclaimed projects such as the Oscar-winning A24’s Minari, Universal Pictures’ Speak No Evil, The White House Effect, The Problem With People, UNTOLD on Netflix, Hulu’s Death and Other Details, HBO’s Edge of the Earth and most recently the new JJ Abrams Apple TV series Presumed Innocent. Catherine is the founder and CEO of Joy Music House, a full service score production company. She was the President of the Alliance for Women Film Composers from 2021-2023 after being part of the leadership from 2016, and now serves on the Advisory board. She is also on the Early Career Committee for the Society of Composers & Lyricists and she is Adjunct Faculty for the NYU Steinhardt Screen Scoring Masters program. Website: https://www.catherinejoymusic.com/ https://www.joymusichouse.com/ Instagram: @cathjoymusic LIsten on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/26Vw5AFxPh1cWsWwodSxUk? Today, Catherine opens up about her path as a composer — and how her life and work have become part of Los Angeles’ ever-unfolding soundtrack! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Christine Dickson is an international speaker, mentor, and transformational guide who has spent over a decade helping people break free from toxic relationships and reclaim their power. With over two decades of lived and professional experience, Christine has guided hundreds of individuals out of cycles of addiction, abuse, and generational trauma. She’s known for walking beside her clients through life-changing transitions, offering fierce compassion and 24/7 support when needed. Her clients describe her as an anchor—helping them break patterns, set boundaries, and reconnect with their children, their calling, and their confidence. Through her signature Path to Freedom Method, Christine empowers clients to rise stronger, build unshakable confidence, and step into a life of purpose and potential. Her holistic approach—combining one-on-one work, group coaching, and transformational retreats—creates powerful shifts through deep inner work and real-world breakthroughs. Christine’s passion is deeply personal. Having overcome her own history of codependence, toxic relationships, and almost losing her life, she’s spent the last 20+ years rewriting her story—and now helps others do the same. Whether she’s hosting retreats, mentoring clients, or tending to her ranch and animals, Christine is living proof that it’s never too late to choose freedom and joy. Contact info: [email protected] www.christinedicksonmentor.com https://www.facebook.com/ChristineDicksonOnThePath/ Instagram: onthepath_mentor LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christine-dickson Today, Christine will share with us her story and what it feels like to live in Lake View Terrace! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Born on Halloween with two different colored eyes and the last name Bible, Karie always stood out. Raised in suburban Fort Worth, Texas, she knew early on she was destined for something different—and classic Hollywood films lit the path. Karie made the move to Los Angeles in 2000 and have worked behind the scenes at HBO, Miramax, and for an agent, eventually finding a long-term home at a box office reporting firm since 2009. Karie's love of film history runs deep. In 2002, she launched monthly tours at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where she shares stories, debunks myths, and helps people see classic stars in a new light. That same year, she founded FilmRadar, an e-newsletter dedicated to repertory and revival cinema in L.A., now carried on by a friend. Karie has co-authored Location Filming in Los Angeles and Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays, and during the pandemic, she launched Hollywood Kitchen, a show blending vintage recipes and film history through interviews with authors, collectors, and fellow film lovers. Karie lives in a mid-century modern apartment, wears and collects vintage clothing, and enjoys gardening, axe throwing, travel, and making jello. More at: www.hollywoodkitchenshow.com Today, we’ll hear a personal journey through Los Angeles and the storied grounds of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, as Karie will share her unique connection to the city and the legends who rest there. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Keith Bush is a gifted pianist and lifelong musician whose music speaks directly to the soul. With over 25 years of experience, he has performed at fine resorts, art shows, music festivals, and with orchestras across the country. Raised in Montecito, California, Keith’s connection to the piano began at age two. Described as a genius savant, he blends masterful technique with deep emotion, creating performances that are both powerful and intimate. He leads his own orchestra, teaches, and cultivates meaningful musical relationships. Guided by his philosophy “Love Always Wins,” Keith’s life and music are rooted in his love for God, people, and the healing power of sound. Today Keith will share with us what it was like to grow up in Montecito! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Experienced and respected in theater from coast to coast, Robert Yacko is known as a remarkably versatile actor & singer, equally at home in Repertory, on Broadway and in front of a camera. An admitted character actor from his early years, and blessed with a rich, lyric baritone of effortless range, he has garnered epithets for his work that lean from "raucous" and "hilariously deadpan" all the way to "emotionally intense" and "broodingly dark". Robert starred in the Los Angeles Premieres of Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George and Chess, the West Coast Premieres of Legacy of Light and Romance, Romance, and debuted a Bernstein aria never heard before in performance in The Bernstein Peter Pan. Robert has had the honor of sharing the stage with luminaries such as Carol Burnett, Leslie Uggams, Herschel Bernardi and Carl Reiner, and has had the great fortune to work under the direction of the great Jerome Robbins. He can also proudly count himself as one of Cyd Charisse's dance partners. After 53 years of a rich life in the theatre, he is still hungry for the next creative adventure. Website: https://robertyacko.com/ Blog stories: https://robertyacko.com/blog YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yackorama Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yackorama/ Today Robert will help us explore the quiet elegance and creative spirit of Toluca Lake! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Stephen McGhee’s experience includes a career in financial services, advanced degrees in consciousness, health and healing, and more than thirty years advising leaders on personal, professional and planetary change. Stephen has done just about everything one can in the leadership space—keynote speaking, strategic planning, running board meetings, creating culture change and more. He is an entrepreneur, author and film maker, and he has led experiential leadership cohorts like climbing Mt. Aconcagua and class five white water excursions on Rio Futaleufú in Chile. Stephen’s personal journey has revealed a universal truth: leadership isn’t just about achievement—it’s about personal sovereignty. This combination creates the true bottom line: mastery in leadership and mastery in life. Stephen currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Veronica, and his family. https://www.mcgheeleadership.com/ https://www.facebook.com/stephen.mcghee.3 Today, Stephen lends his voice to the story of resilience, sharing how he found strength, meaning, and a new beginning in the wake of unimaginable loss during Pacific Palisades fire. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Linda Santiman is a fiber artist, as well as a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has lived in Los Angeles for almost 25 years and calls it home. Linda works with felt and embroidery and specializes in mid-century modern miniature house sculptures that make up the Linda Felt Village. She has had her work shown in galleries in Los Angeles and Palm Springs. She is currently working on sculptures that honor the architecture of Los Angeles. Today, Linda will share how she brings mid-century modern homes to life using the simplest materials, showing us how entire communities can be crafted from felt, thread, and imagination! Linda Santiman’s websites: www.lindafeltvillage.com www.lindasantiman.com IG: lsantiman Facebook: Linda Pinda www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Heather Eastwood and Ruslan Abaev are recent Altadena residents and first-time homebuyers. They both grew up in Los Angeles, in the San Fernando Valley—Heather as an LA native with childhood roots in Hawaii, and Ruslan as an immigrant from post-Soviet Russia. Having lived in LA for the past 32 years, Ruslan now considers it home. Both work in STEM—Heather as a scientist and Ruslan in IT (Information Technology). After years of searching for a special place to call home, they finally found it in Altadena. They were drawn to its natural beauty, community spirit, and unique character. Heather’s love for wildlife and Ruslan’s appreciation for mountain life made Altadena the perfect place for them to settle. Today, Heather and Ruslan will share their story of resilience and triumph as they overcame the devastation of the Eaton Fire. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin Turnbull has always been drawn to history, storytelling, and the golden age of Hollywood. After moving to Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, he worked as a private tour guide, sharing the city’s storied past, and deepened his expertise through historical guiding with the Los Angeles Conservancy and time on the Warner Bros. movie lot. Inspired by his love for classic cinema, Martin turned to writing, bringing Hollywood’s past to life through Hollywood’s Garden of Allah series—a nine-novel saga set between 1927 and 1959 at the legendary Garden of Allah Hotel. He continues to write historical fiction, capturing the glamour, ambition, and behind-the-scenes drama of old Hollywood, ensuring its magic endures. Please check out Martin’s website: https://martinturnbull.com/ Today Martin will take us on a very special journey to the golden age of Hollywood! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Robert DeLaurentis, the “Zen Pilot,” is an aviation speaker, author, and pilot with over 2,400 flight hours. He holds multiple flight ratings, a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and has flown to 53 countries across all seven continents, including solo crossings of the North and South Poles. A seasoned real estate investor, Robert built a portfolio of 300+ San Diego rental units over 28 years, starting with a single condo in 1990. His journey inspired Flying Thru Life, a book on business, aviation, and personal success. He owns Innorev Enterprises, Inc., managing residential and commercial properties. He holds an Accounting degree from USC and a graduate degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. A former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, he served for 14 years before retiring in 2003. https://flyingthrulife.com/ www.poletopoleflight.com Robert will share with us his spectacular journey and his favorite place in California! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Diana von Welanetz Wentworth’s life is woven with threads of love, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of connecting people. Born in Beverly Hills, she became a New York Times bestselling author, television personality, and influential community leader, guided by passion, perseverance and an unwavering belief in the power of community and joy. The author of ten award-winning books, including Send Me Someone: A True Story of Love Here and Hereafter, Diana co-authored Chicken Soup for the Soul Cookbook, part of a series that has sold over 500 million copies. She and her late husband, Paul von Welanetz, hosted The New Way Gourmet on Lifetime (1983–1985), blending food and connection. In 1985, she and Paul joined a documentary project in the Soviet Union with figures like Dennis Weaver and futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard, fostering grassroots dialogue. This inspired them to found The Inside Edge Foundation for Education, a pioneering platform for transformative speakers that helped launch the careers of Jack Canfield, Dr. Barbara DeAngelis, Dr. Susan Jeffers, and Louise Hay. Diana’s introspective “Quantum Questions” have guided her path, leading to her first cookbook and a 15-year culinary career. Beyond writing, she offers online courses, coaching, and “Tea With Diana” sessions, using joy as her guiding principle. A spokesperson for NuCalm, Diana has continually reinvented herself, overcoming loss and finding wisdom in adversity. Inspired by Rumi and Pema Chodron, she embraces surrender, joy, and transformation. Her mantra, “Joy is my compass,” invites others to trust in life’s limitless possibilities. www.DianaWentworth.com Diana will share with us her remarkable journey and what it feels like to live in Thousand Oaks! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Frank Roller is the visionary Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Placesofhealing.com, an innovative online resource dedicated to transformative travel and wellness. His platform serves as a gateway for travelers and wellness seekers to discover unique destinations centered around holistic healing practices, connecting them with practitioners, wellness experts, and their inspiring stories. Driven by his passion for exploration and an insatiable curiosity for the unknown, Frank established Places of Healing to empower others on their journey to well-being, making it effortless to locate destinations that offer not just relaxation but personal growth and profound transformation. Frank’s journey to launching Places of Healing was paved by decades of experience in the creative industry. His extensive background as Principal at GlamPR, a production company he has led since 2000, solidified his expertise in art direction, production management, and creating compelling visual narratives for global brands. At GlamPR, Frank excelled in delivering comprehensive production services, from art buying to celebrity endorsements, building an extensive network of industry professionals and crafting tailor-made solutions for high-profile clients. His experience there laid the foundation for the storytelling approach that is now central to Places of Healing. Through Places of Healing, Frank aims to inspire others to explore new cultures, engage with healing traditions, and meet storytellers who resonate with their journey. He believes that travel, at its essence, goes beyond physical exploration; it’s an inward journey of self-discovery and connection with the world’s inherent beauty. Frank will share with us his creative journey and what it feels like to live in Hollywood Hills! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Alexey Steele is an award-winning visual artist with a background of the Russian representational school. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, he began art training at an early age in the studio of his father Leonid Steele, a renowned Soviet Union artist. Alexey attended the prestigious Surikov Art Institute of the Soviet Academy of Arts in Moscow. He moved to Los Angeles in 1990. Mr. Steele is best known for his large-scale figurative works in oil and on paper, portraiture, and plein-air landscapes. His works have been commissioned, exhibited and recognized throughout California, Europe, and Asia. He is also the founder of the critically acclaimed “Classical Underground,” a classical music and visual art project and of the Award Wining “Love My Neighbor” project in the difficult and long marginalized neighborhood in the City of Carson, California. In 2019 Alexey Steele had been appointed the first Artist Laureate of Culver City, California. Please check out Alexey Steele’s website https://alexeysteele.com/ Alexey will share with us his journey and what it feels like to live and create art in Los Angeles! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

John Mullican is a Los Angeles native, born and raised in Santa Monica Canyon, a graduate of Emerson College, Boston, and for the past 30 years has worked as a true Los Angeles hyphenate as a WGA writer, an actor, an agency Art Director, and a studio advertising Creative Director for the Walt Disney Company, 20th Century Fox, Viacom and Paramount Pictures. His feature film documentary about his artist father’s life, “Finding Lee Mullican," can be found on Vimeo and for the past 4 years has been managing and directing his mother’s posthumous career, artist Luchita Hurtado. This year, John’s autobiographical play “In the Unlikely Event of an Actual Emergency,” after a sold out workshop production, officially opened at the Hudson Theatre, Hollywood, this past September for a 6 week run, and will now be seen this spring in New York City, at the Chain Theatre Mainstage, midtown Manhattan, as part of the New York Fringe Festival, from April 2 to April 20, 2025. John will share with us his journey and what it feels like to live in West Hollywood! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Ramin Mortazavi has worked in film and television for nearly three decades. The son of a media mogul who founded the Sepas Film Awards in Iran, Ramin was destined for a career in entertainment. After earning a B.A. in Broadcasting from Arizona State University in 1997, he interned on shows like Entertainment Tonight and The Leeza Gibbons Show and worked on the film Freeway. This led to producing commercials, including for The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. In 2000, he associate produced the indie film 21, which won Kodak's Best Picture at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. His brother, Joubin Mortazavi, an Emmy-nominated editor for Survivor, wrote and produced the film. In 2002, Ramin transitioned to post-production, freelancing as an editor on hit shows such as Punk'd, Pimp My Ride, The Hills: New Beginnings, Siesta Key, Shahs of Sunset, Botched, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Orange County, and Vanderpump Rules. His work on Vanderpump Rules season 10 earned the show two Emmy nominations, including one for Ramin in Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program. Ramin will share with us his journey and what it feels like to live in Malibu Lake! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Elise Mallove’s connection to natural and plant-based healing began in early childhood, despite it being neither accepted nor practiced in her family. She was drawn to flowers, often picking them, hugging them in the privacy of her room, and even eating them. In her early twenties, Elise moved to Los Angeles and soon found a small shop specializing in natural skin and body care. Stepping into that shop felt like a profound awakening for her, and she spent every spare moment there until she was eventually hired. This led her to become a licensed aesthetician focused on natural skincare. It was through her practice that she met her husband, a holistic MD, and together they shared a journey in holistic health for 25 years. Her flourishing skincare practice shifted when she lost her office space. This coincided with her move to Topanga in 1988, where she realized she was burned out from giving so much of herself. She spent several years running her husband’s office until she felt a renewed calling to help others. She went on to study flower essence therapy, craniosacral therapy, and trained as a hospice volunteer. With COVID, Elise decided to close her practice and retire as she was approaching 70. She now spends her days happily in her cozy treehouse, finding peace and joy in observing nature, especially her “neighbors” — the birds and squirrels. Though she and her husband divorced after 25 years, they remain close friends. Today, Elise continues to craft flower essences for friends in need, but her greatest joy comes from savoring the simple pleasures of her life in Topanga — moments she looks forward to sharing with us! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Leslie Stevens, of Scots-Irish and Norwegian descent, grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her mother, an English teacher passionate about women’s rights, and her father, a left- handed baseball pitcher and businessman, instilled in her a love for learning and tenacity. An athlete from an early age, Leslie competed in Junior Olympic gymnastics until age 11, when her family moved and she shifted her focus to dance, acting, and choir. Leslie made her Broadway debut at 17 as the ingénue lead in La Cage Aux Folles and soon after joined NBC’s Search For Tomorrow as a contract player. She has since built a multifaceted career in theater, film, and dance, originating roles on Broadway, including Anne in La Cage Aux Folles and performing alongside Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria. Her passion extends to writing and education; she collaborates with LA Opera’s Education Department, creating original librettos for young audiences. In addition to her on-stage work, Leslie has appeared with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Dayton Ballet, and she has performed in notable productions like An American in Paris, Grumpy Old Men, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Chicago. Offstage, Leslie finds joy in poetry, pie, and the occasional hamster. She lives with immense gratitude for her husband, Forrest, and continues to embrace new projects and roles with heartfelt dedication. Leslie will share with us her journey and what it feels like to live both in Pasadena and Los Feliz! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Meet Kateryna Mykytiuk, a creative force who started her journey at 12 with her first published article. By 15, she released a poetry collection and by 16, was working in television, becoming the youngest journalist to interview Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports. Her career highlights include managing PR for Eurovision winner Jamala, creating projects for Edinstvennaya magazine’s charity foundation, and co-producing the award-winning show Vse Bude Dobre, which ran for 12 seasons. At 19, Kate earned international press credentials, interviewing top talent for high-profile TV projects. She later became an editor for The Cube alongside Maksim Chmerkovskiy and led STB’s Internet Projects Department, transforming it into a top digital destination for female audiences in Ukraine. Beyond traditional media, Kate developed a content production methodology, delivered masterclasses, and mentored young leaders through AIESEC. Recognized among Ukraine’s "Top 11 Successful Women," she holds prestigious awards, including first place at Intel ICEF. Six years ago, Kate moved to the U.S. and became a sought-after content creator, collaborating with brands like Kim Kardashian, Zendaya, Netflix, Clinique, and Warner Brothers. She also launched a successful flower delivery business serving Malibu and Beverly Hills. Through her educational platform, Almighty Content, she teaches media professionals how to harness technology in content production. Kate’s journey is a testament to fearless creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, blending artistry, strategy, and passion in everything she does, and leaving a legacy of connections, growth, and beauty. Kate will share with us her journey and what it feels like to live in Calabasas! https://theflowers.la https://www.instagram.com/mikituka https://katemykytiuk.com/ https://almighty-content.com www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today, we’ll experience Los Angeles featuring an interview with incredible Ryan Dusick! Ryan Dusick is a registered therapist, coach, speaker, founding drummer of Maroon 5, author of the book “Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery,” and host of The Harder to Breathe Podcast. His life has been a winding road from aspiring pop star with anxiety, to heartbroken alcoholic, to thriving mental health survivor and messenger of hope in recovery. Founding the group Kara’s Flowers in 1994 with best friends Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Mickey Madden, Ryan and his bandmates worked tirelessly for a decade before the group changed its name to Maroon 5 and finally recorded its first multi-platinum album Songs About Jane. Multiple hit songs, two Grammy awards, and 20 million albums sold later, Ryan found himself suffering and without direction, when his career as a performer came to an end, just as it was taking off. After years of struggling with physical and mental health challenges, Ryan finally overcame in 2016, when he began his journey of recovery, culminating in a new life path full of meaning, purpose and fulfillment. While adding a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University to his bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA, he decided it was time to write his story, in hopes of helping others who might see themselves in his personal struggles. Now working as a mental health professional and advocate, Ryan is spreading the message that recovery is possible, and astounding things can come with it. Websites: https://www.ryandusick.com/ Linktree - https://linktr.ee/ryandusickofficial BenBella Books Author Page - https://benbellabooks.com/authors/dusick-ryan/ Amazon Book Page - https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding- Recovery/dp/1637742339/ WWSG Speaker Page - https://wwsg.com/speakers/ryan-dusick/ Psychology Today Therapist Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/937599 Social Media: IG - @ryan_michael_dusick Podcast IG - @hardertobreathepodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RyanDusickOfficial LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-dusick-26460894/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.m.dusick Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/RyanMichaelDusick/ X / Twitter - @DusickRyan Brag List - UCLA – Bachelor of Arts Degree in English - Pepperdine University – Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology - Maroon 5 album Songs About Jane – 2x Diamond status (20M records sold internationally) - Maroon 5 – 2x Grammy Awards winner (Best New Artist 2005 and Best Pop Duo or Group Performance for “This Love” 2006) - Maroon 5 – 2x Billboard Music Awards winner (Digital Artist of the Year 2004 and Top Hot Adult Top 40 Track for “This Love” 2004) - Maroon 5 – 3x MTV Video Music Awards winner (Best New Artist in USA, Europe, & Latin America 2004) - Maroon 5 – 2x BMI Awards winner (Songwriter of the Year 2004 and Most Performed Song 2004) - Maroon 5 – 2x World Music Awards winner (Pop/Rock Group of the Year 2004 and World’s Best-Selling New Group of the Year 2004) - Maroon 5 – 2x 1 Billion Streams on Spotify (“This Love” and “She Will Be Loved”) - Maroon 5 – 6x Billboard Top 40 hit songs (“Harder to Breathe”, “This Love”, “She Will Be Loved”, “Sunday Morning”, “Makes Me Wonder”, and “Won’t Go Home Without You”) - Maroon 5 album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long – 5x Platinum internationally – Musical Director Ryan Dusick will take us along on his journey as he shares his life story, navigating the highs of fame with Maroon 5 and the personal challenges of mental health and healing, all shaped by the vibrant energy of Los Angeles. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today, we’ll experience Vroman’s Bookstore featuring an interview with indomitable Joel Sheldon! Joel Vroman Sheldon III is the owner and president of Vroman’s Bookstore, one of California’s largest and oldest independent bookstores, located in Pasadena. A graduate of Occidental College with a degree in psychology, Joel was a standout football player, earning Small College All-American honors. Joel met his wife, Jil, at Occidental, and they have two children who also graduated from the college. While still an avid supporter of Oxy football, Joel has dedicated his career to property development and running Vroman’s. As Joel is preparing for his retirement, Vroman’s is currently in search of a new owner to continue its legacy. A passionate community leader, Joel has served on the Occidental College Board of Trustees and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Advisory Council. Through Vroman’s Gives Back program and his personal efforts, he remains committed to supporting local causes and fostering a spirit of philanthropy. Please check out Vroman’s website: https://vromansbookstore.com/ or better stop by the legendary store at 695 E. Colorado Blvd Pasadena! Joel will take us along on his journey as he shares his life story and what it’s been like to steward Vroman’s Bookstore through the years! www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today, we’ll experience Simi Valley followed by an interview with remarkable and inspiring Steve Strope! Steve Strope’s journey to owning Pure Vision Design, a renowned hot rod and muscle car fabrication shop in Simi Valley, California, is a story of passion, perseverance, and creativity. Raised in Apalachin, New York, Strope’s path to success had many twists and turns, including playing in his band, Twist of Fate, for eight years in the Triple Cities area. His love for music played a pivotal role in shaping his creative approach to car building. After moving to California over two decades ago to pursue a career in the hot rod industry, Strope faced an early setback when the company he planned to work for went out of business. However, through a series of chance meetings, he secured a job in a hot rod shop, which became the foundation of his career. His breakthrough came when Hot Rod Magazine spotted his beloved '67 Chevy El Camino and featured it, marking the realization of his dream to be in a magazine. At Pure Vision, Strope and his small team craft award-winning, trendsetting cars inspired by fictional stories, with unique engines and designs that evoke emotion. His success has led him to work with celebrities like Jay Leno and co-host the YouTube podcast Car Guy Confessions with Jeff Smith and Cam Benty, where they explore the intersections of cars, BMX, and music. Please check out Pure Vision Design website: https://www.purevisiondesign.com/ www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today, we’ll experience Nat King Cole’s life in Los Angeles featuring by an interview with incredibly talented Eddie Wakes! From Walt Disney Theatrical to “La La Land”, Eddie has turned heads when he sings. Eddie’s life as a singer is the stuff movies are made of: from performing at the Super Bowl as a youngster, to being discovered years later singing on the street in Los Angeles by Hollywood A-listers, to performing for and with legends. That’s because when Eddie sings, he turns heads. As Academy Award winning director Damien Chazelle says, “You don’t hear many voices like his today. Rich, delicate and effortlessly beautiful.” Eddie’s Wakes vocal style is reminiscent of another time. Eddie has a velvety, wide range baritone that doesn’t sound like other contemporary singers today. He gets rave reviews. He’s a “tremendous singer” says Elvis Costello. Eddie hails from Topeka, Kansas. Within his own family, a lineage of musical prowess served as his guiding light. He sang with his eight brothers, his father was a pastor and a phenomenal singer – Lionel Hampton asks him to sing with his big band – and Eddie, in turn, honed his skills in the vibrant crucible of church and school talent showcases. Eddie says, “I associated my love for music with my love for family. It was the covalent bond that defined, really, how I saw myself, my family, my community.” Eddie continues, “Who were my great influences growing up singing? Well, my older brothers, and of course, the countless icons who influenced them: Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hartman, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, even James Brown. Now with management, an agent and a record label in place, Eddie’s about to embark on his most ambitious project to date in support of his debut album, “Street Singer”. Backed by a world-class quartet, Eddie will tour extensively, domestically and abroad. https://www.eddiewakes.com/ Instagram @eddiewakes www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today, we’ll experience Villa Aurora featuring by an interview with amazing Mary Mallory! Mary Mallory is an author, lecturer, and historian who focuses on early film and Los Angeles history. She is the author of four books, blogger for the LA Daily MIrror, and has written for such publications as American History magazine, Toluca Lake magazine, Discover Hollywood, Noir City magazine, Women Film Pioneers Project, and the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. She has lectured at 12 branches of the Los Angeles Public Library, Hollywood Heritage Museum, Pasadena Museum of HIstory, Poster House, and UCLA’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Twitter: mallory_mary Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-mallory-a582409/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mary.mallory.7 www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today, we’ll get a glimpse of the captivating history of the people who have shaped Los Angeles, followed by an interview with wonderful Susan Pomeranz! Through 40 years of being a marriage and family therapist, Susan knows there are no cookie-cutter therapies that can be applied overall to human beings. She draws from a vast array of skills and has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Neurobiology of Addiction, Gestalt Therapy, Art and Movement Therapy, Psychoneuroimmunology (the mind-body connection), Mindfulness, as well as hold certifications in Yoga, Tai-Chi and Qigong (medical martial art). She works with adults and specializes in life-transitions, stress reduction, removing creative blocks, helping care-takers achieve balance, as well as addictions in behaviors such as attachments to food, negative thinking, social media, and unhealthy relationships. Her life is dedicated to helping people create joyful, loving, and fulfilled lives. This is her purpose and deepest passion. Susan believes in the human spirit and in everyone's natural ability to heal themselves. Please check out Susan’s websites: susanpomeranz.com https://www.theholisticcounseling.center/holistic-therapists Publications Author - Open your heart and say AHHH; Stories and Observations from a Frizzy- Haired Therapist, 2008 Featured columnist, contributing writer and humorist on relationships and human behavior. The Ojai and Ventura Voice, 2006-2008 www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience the history of live theatre in Los Angeles featuring an interview with incredible Christian Telesmar! Christian Telesmar is an educator, entrepreneur and actor on stage and screen, best known for his work in NCIS: LA, the Young and the Restless, and Animal Kingdom on TNT. In theatre, his work has included On the Other Hand, We're Happy by Daf James at Rogue Machine Theatre (named Best Production of 2022 by both the L.A. Times and the L.A. Drama Critics Circle) and the lead role in Radio Golf by August Wilson at A Noise Within theatre (for which he received a 2024 NAACP theatre award nomination). He lives in Sherman Oaks, California and is an LA Local Board member of SAG-AFTRA actors union. Instagram @iamtelesmar www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience Los Angeles in the 60s, 70s and 80s featuring an interview with legendary Prince Stash! Stanislas Klossowski de Rola is an Author, Entrepreneur, Actor, Singer, and Music Producer. He performed and worked with various bands including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Vince Taylor & The Playboys, during the Swinging Sixties in London, Rome, Paris, and Los Angeles. Made infamous for his arrest with The Rolling Stones founder, Brian Jones, his engagement to Italian superstar, Romina Power, and for being a fashion icon launching the New Romantic look that was all the rage in the ‘70s, Prince Stash comes from a line of scandalous and very colorful figures in his ancestry. Prince Stash currently spends his time between his Italian castle, Californian beach house, and other exotic international locations. www.princestash.com Instagram: @prince.stash www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience Oakland featuring an interview with remarkable Fanny Ara! Fanny Ara is an internationally-sought after and award-winning choreographer, performer and instructor. Her most dedicated worldwide fans especially credit her as one of the driving forces of flamenco today; an artist excelling in the full spectrum of flamenco, from the most traditional to the avant-garde. Fanny has been an invited artist in national and international festivals and has toured extensively in Canada, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and throughout Europe. She has been distinguished since 2006 with nominations from the Isadora Duncan Dance Awards in the categories of Most Outstanding Individual Dancer, Most Outstanding Music, Ensemble, and Individual Performance for her project, Juncal Street, and Best Ensemble for her work with the San Francisco Opera in La Traviata. New York’s Vilcek Foundation also awarded Fanny a prestigious finalist prize for “Creative Promise in Dance” in 2012. Fanny’s versatility in the art form of flamenco is manifested in her many artistic works. As Philip Gardner said of her performance at the Joyce Theater in New York City “My newest love is Fanny Ara...the captivating expressive qualities of Fanny’s upper body mesmerized us while her footwork.” dazzled both the eye and the ear...she soared into the upper most echelon of dance artists I have witnessed over the years.” Her latest productions (2019 with 'Tattooed' and 2024 with 'Lilith') as an artistic director, choreographer and dancer were reviewed as a triumph of artistry and self- actualization where the ovation was immediate, standing, vociferous, prolonged” www.fannyara.com www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience Sierra Madre featuring an interview with wonderful John Capoccia! John Capoccia served on the Sierra Madre City Council for two terms, 2012 to 2020, twice as Mayor. John retired in 2011 from AT&T, where he held engineering, managerial and leadership positions over a 27-year career. John is an avid tennis player and all-round outdoors enthusiast. He and his wife Marta have lived in Sierra Madre for 40+ years, where they have raised their three children, Lauren, Joseph and Susan. John now serves as President of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, and serves on boards of trustees for the Sierra Madre Playhouse, the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce, and the Sierra Madre Historical and Preservation Society. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience Franklin Hills featuring an interview with wonderful Charles Papert! Charles Papert is a director and cinematographer, with credits including classic movies such as “American History X” and “Office Space” and episodic series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, “Scrubs” and “Key & Peele”. He was also one of the creators of the 48-hour filmmaking festival concept. He enjoys exploring Los Angeles for its architecture, design and history and hamburgers. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience Canyon Country featuring an interview with amazing Catina DeLuna! Catina DeLuna has been enjoying a successful and varied musical career since beginning to play the piano and sing at a young age. After completing a B.A. in Brazilian Popular Music at the prestigious UNICAMP University in São Paulo, Brazil, she founded two award winning groups: the vocal group Arirê, in which she was responsible for arranging, playing piano, and singing, and the group Serenata Brasileira, playing classic Brazilian songs from the 1920’s and 30’s, in full authentic costume and style. She currently has three independent released CDs available, Na Era de Ouro, from Serenata Brasileira, and Brazilian Accent, her solo debut featuring classic Bossa Nova standards released in Brazil in 2006. In 2015 Catina released her first album in the USA (“Catina DeLuna & lado B Brazilian Project featuring Otmaro Ruiz’) which was nominated for the 58th GRAMMY AWARDS. Additionally, she has recorded many commercial jingles and narrations for national radio and television in Brazil. Since she moved to the United States, she served as visiting scholar at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UofI), was offered a tuition waiver to pursue her Masters Degree in Music at Northern Illinois University and was awarded a grant from the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies at NIU to carry out research on maracatu in Brazil in 2008. After completing her Masters Degree in 2008, Catina moved to Los Angeles where she had the opportunity to teach at several music schools, including Piano-Play Music Systems, USC (University of Southern California), SilverLake Conservatory and LACM(Los Angeles Music Academy). Catina has coached many jazz singers for Brazilian repertoire recording sessions, including internationally acclaimed Kurt Elling. Catina was invited by internationally renowned drummer Peter Erskine to be part of his book The Musician’s Lifeline released in 2019. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience Beverly Hills featuring an interview with incredible Alex Rotaru! Alex Rotaru is an internationally known, multi-award winning filmmaker. A polymath born in Romania, he moved to the US after a successful career in film acting which led to the highest distinction available to Romanian young actors, to pursue a degree in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology - where he graduated at the top of his class with a 5.0 GPA and a degree in Theoretical Physics. Inspired by studying cinema at the Sorbonne in Paris, Alex then switched gears and earned a Film Production MFA from University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. Rotaru's directorial prowess shines in acclaimed documentaries like "They Came to Play" and "Shakespeare High." As a US Department of State cultural ambassador, he has traversed the globe, sharing his expertise and fostering international exchange. Known for eliciting profound emotions from subjects, his work includes collaborations with luminaries like Mona Golabek, Carol Connors, and Valerie Plame. Recipient of the Christopher Award, Rotaru is celebrated for his ability to unearth compelling narratives, as evidenced by his insightful interviews with late literary giants like 2020 Literature Prize-winner, Louise Glück and Poet Laureate of Congress, John Ashbury. Alongside his filmmaking, he remains active in theater; the study of the philosophical intersection of blockchain, AI, communication and entertainment; comparative religion; and writing prose - memorialistic and beyond. He resides in Beverly Hills with his son Max. www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience Whitley Heights featuring an interview with amazing Gaby Santinelli! Gaby Santinelli, born in Manhattan, trained in acting and singing at Interlochen Arts Academy, Northwestern University, and Mannes School of Music. She also trained at the Atlantic Theatre Company in NYC and in the Meisner Technique in London. Living in England for 15 years, she became a dual US-UK Citizen. Notably, she won a Best Supporting Performance Olivier Award for Jerry Springer The Opera and has extensive stage experience including roles in The Phantom Of The Opera and The Black Rider. She has appeared in various operas, including at Covent Garden and Highclere Castle. Her theatre roles encompass Lady Chiltern in An Ideal Husband, Masha in Three Sisters, and Jenny in Company. Film credits include A Summer In Genoa with Colin Firth and Losing Isaiah (Aizeya) with Jessica Lange and Halle Berry. As a studio session singer since 2001, she contributed to Oscar-Winning Soundtracks such as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and La La Land. Currently, she is a Performance Faculty member at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, teaching VoiceOver and On Camera Acting. Additionally, she has coached actors on projects including Skin, The Crown, and The Morning Show. Please check out her website: gabysantinelli.com www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA

Today we’ll feel and experience Bronson Canyon featuring an interview with wonderful Russell Brown! Filmmaker Russell Brown’s body of work includes five narrative features, two full-length documentaries, and a number of well-regarded narrative and documentary shorts. His feature films have opened theatrically in select cities to favorable reviews after playing at more than 270 festivals around the world. His diverse filmography includes Loren & Rose, Mama Laura’s Boys, The 44 Scarves of Liza Minnelli and The Kaleidoscope Guy at the Market. He is known in particular for directing actresses to award-winning and critically acclaimed performances, and has worked with Jacqueline Bisset, Cybil Shepherd, Karen Black, Connie Stevens, Daphne Zuniga, Amber Benson, Joely Fisher, Natasha Wagner and more. Russell is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America and is a Film Independent Producing Fellow. His films are held as part of the collection at the UCLA Film and Television archive. Brown also dedicates a significant amount of time to philanthropic work, and has spearheaded initiatives with the LA Philharmonic, the USC School of Poetry, Harvard-Westlake High School and the Da Camera Society. He is the founder of Friends Of Residential Treasures: Los Angeles — a nonprofit dedicated to bringing people together by celebrating the history and influence of residential architecture. Please check out the website https://www.fortla.org/ www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.korpacheva.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/ Twitter: @InTheMoodForCA