Write Up The Coast – Step-In! Stories

Live from FOG Design+Art Fort Mason Center, San Francisco — January 2026For two days, I roved the halls of FOG Design+Art with a microphone — listening.Artists. Gallerists. Collectors. First-time visitors. A security guard. Conversations at the bar. Reflections between booths.This episode is a mosaic of those voices.Not commentary about the fair — but the feeling inside it. The risk, the pressure, the beauty, the curiosity, and the quiet exchanges that happen in the spaces between.Recorded live. Produced and edited after.Write Up The Coast — bringing people back to people, one voice at a time.for more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Lynn Hershman Leeson, an Art:21 honoree, for a conversation that moves well beyond a traditional art interview.Recorded live in the studio, the discussion unfolds naturally—guided less by chronology or critical frameworks than by curiosity and presence. We talk about memory, identity, personas, technology, resilience, recognition, and the long arc of a creative life, allowing the conversation to follow its own course rather than a prepared agenda.This is not a survey of work or a career retrospective, but a listening-forward exchange shaped by reflection and lived experience. A reminder that some conversations are most meaningful when they remain open, unforced, and attentive to what emerges in the moment.Recorded live in Lynn Hershman Leeson’s studio., San Francisco, CAHosted, recorded, and produced by Mark Sanford Gross.for more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

On New Year’s Day—the first day of 2026—Write Up the Coast set up the Step-In Story Booth at The Sea Ranch Lodge, on the rugged northern edge of California’s Sonoma Coast.Set at the entrance to the Lodge, the booth drew people in by curiosity rather than invitation. Some were gently nudged to step in; others arrived entirely on their own. One at a time, they recorded a two-to-three-minute, stream-of-consciousness response to a simple New Year’s prompt, offered just before entering:What is something you’re leaving behind, and what is something you’re taking with you?There was no preparation and no performance. Each person spoke in their own voice, in the moment, without names. Those voices were later woven together in this podcast—just a moment of sharing, held in sound.Credits Music: Still Blue Quartet stillbluequartet.comProduced by Mark Sanford Gross Gualala, CaliforniaWrite Up the Coast — Step-In Story writeupthecoast.com [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

This episode is a tribute to Claudia Altman Siegel, recorded live on the night of the gallery’s closing celebration at Altman Siegel in San Francisco on November 20th, 2025.Amid the noise of the evening, a quiet space was carved out. Through the Step-In Story Booth, voices stepped in to speak — offering reflections, stories, and sentiments shaped by years of shared attention, conversation, and care. The voices are left unnamed, not to obscure identity, but to center listening.The episode begins with Claudia alone, before the room filled, and ends with her again — laughing.Produced by Mark Sanford Gross for Write Up the Coast.This is not an ending but a listeningfor more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

A straightforward conversation with Vanessa Ignacio, founder of Ignacio Health Services here on the Mendonoma Coast. In this no-frills episode, we talk honestly about the urgency of understanding your health-care options for 2026, what decisions need to be made now, and how to stay focused in a system that can feel overwhelming.Vanessa breaks down the essentials—what to watch for, what to prepare, and how to navigate your coverage—with the clarity and calm guidance our community depends on. And while this conversation is rooted in the needs of our local Mendonoma community, Vanessa’s words of wisdom and practical direction apply to anyone, anywhere, trying to make sense of their health-care choices.This is clear, practical information for all of us—delivered simply, directly, and without frills.If you find this episode helpful, please share it with a neighbor or friend. Our community stays strong when we pass knowledge forward.for more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

This premiere episode of Write Up The Coast Writers begins with a simple idea: what happens when people pause—just for a moment—and follow the nudge to say something from the heart?Fifteen voices from around the world responded to the prompt “The thank-you that lingers.” No overthinking. No polishing. Just two minutes, a spark, and whatever rose to the surface.You’ll hear reflections from Hong Kong to Budapest to California. Some speak in their own voices; others are read by volunteer storytellers. Together, they form a tapestry of gratitude—casual, reflective, mysterious, and deeply human.This project is part of the broader Write Up The Coast mission: keeping people connected through storytelling, one prompt and one voice at a time.Thank you for listening. And thank you to every contributor whose words linger long after they’re spoken. for more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Date: October 27, 2025 Recorded live at Surf Market in Gualala, this Step-In! episode captures spontaneous stories from shoppers and passers-by at the meeting point of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.Step-In! set up just outside Surf Market, where Sonoma and Mendocino counties meet on the Mendonoma Coast in Northern California — a place you won’t find clearly marked on any map. On the hinge between Halloween, Daylight Savings, and Election Day, random voices of community stepped into the booth to reflect on light and dark, time shifting, and change.These are their voices. This is Step-In!Thank you to Surf Market, the Independent Coast Observer and all the voices for coming together for this episode.for more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Date: October 11, 2025 Recorded live at the Catharine Clark Gallery in San Francisco, this premiere Step-In! episode captures the project’s debut — visitors stepping forward to share spontaneous reflections surrounded by art and community.Step-In! begins its journey at the Catharine Clark Gallery in San Francisco — a space already alive with creativity, dialogue, and attentive listening. Inside this installation by artists Lenka Clayton, Nanci Amaka, and Katherine Vetne, visitors stepped into the Story Booth, one by one, and shared whatever rose to the surface in the moment. No script. No rehearsal. Just presence — a voice, a breath, a thought caught in real time.This first episode captures the spirit of Step-In!: spontaneous story-sharing as a gentle act of community-making. These recordings were gathered live at the gallery and will become part of a growing sound tapestry of everyday voices — weaving together strangers, place, memory, and the courage of “showing up” with our words.One voice at a time. One community taking shape.Music by max b.For more about Step-In! and upcoming pop-ups, visit writeupthecoast.comfor more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Date: October 22, 2025Recorded live inside The Record in Point Arena, this Step-In! episode invites locals to pause between aisles and share their stories, blending everyday moments with honest reflection.Thank you to Paul, Kim, and Mak at The Record — located at 265 Main Street in Point Arena — for opening both their space and their spirit to the very first Step-In! gathering held there. And thank you to everyone who stepped inside the booth, hesitated for a breath, and then chose to speak from where they truly were in the moment. These October-season nudges opened the door to memories, fears, childhood shadows, playful ghosts, and quiet truths — the kinds of stories that sit just beneath the surface until someone gently invites them forward. All spoken out alone in a small booth on-the-spot in the middle of a crowd and all the noise.In your quiet moment, how would you respond to one of the nudges?This episode was produced and hosted by Mark Sanford Gross.music by max beldnerfor more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Date: October 18, 2025 Recorded live at the No Kings Rally in Gualala, this Step-In! episode gathers voices from the crowd — neighbors, riders, and wanderers pausing amid celebration to speak from the heart.Step-In! is a roaming, pop-up recording booth gathering everyday voices in everyday places--the grocery store parking lot, the farmers market, a gallery opening, a quiet restaurant courtyard, or a town sidewalk.  People step in without preparation or script, speak from the moment they're in, and leave behind a living pulse of community.These are not interviews-they are offerings.Reflection instead of performance.Spontaneity instead of polish.Presence instead of perfection.Each recording becomes a small window into what it feels like to be human right now, in this shared place and time--one person, one voice, one moment.Together, these voices become a collective portrait of community-one voice at a time building connection and belonging. Hosted by Mark Sanford Gross, founder of Write Up the Coast.Look for the booth around town and when you do, STEP-IN!visit: writeupthecoast.comfor more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Recorded live at The Sea Ranch Lodge, this special episode features acclaimed writer Paul Lisicky in conversation with host Mark Sanford Gross. Against the breathtaking backdrop of where redwoods meet the ocean, Paul reflects on his latest book, Song So Wild and Blue: The Music of Joni Mitchell, and on what it means to be a writer — and a human — in today’s world. Recorded live July 9, 2025, The Sea Ranch Lodge, CaliforniaEpisode Description In this Write Up The Coast “In Conversation” event, host Mark Sanford Gross sits down with New York–based author Paul Lisicky to discuss his newest book, Song So Wild and Blue: The Music of Joni Mitchell. Their conversation, recorded live on June 19, 2025, at The Sea Ranch Lodge, flows from Joni’s artistry to the craft of writing, teaching, and the lifelong search for meaning through words.Beyond the event itself, Paul joined the local literary community for a reading at the Four Eyed Frog Bookstore, then shared a quiet coffee chat with Mark under the redwoods before departing. Their exchange captures both the depth and warmth that define the Write Up The Coast experience — connection through authentic conversation.A special thank you to The Sea Ranch Lodge for hosting this event and to local musician Pam Powell for her dulcimer music featured in the episode.For more on Paul Lisicky, visit paullisicky.net. For more on Write Up The Coast, visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Recorded live amid the music and laughter of Chief Sullivan’s Irish Bar in San Francisco, this episode captures an unforgettable evening with The Irish Newsboys. Host Mark Sanford Gross joins the band for a spirited conversation woven through song, story, and community — a celebration of art, joy, and the shared rhythm that connects us all. Recorded live June 28, 2025, San Francisco, CaliforniaEpisode Description As co-host of a global reading project of James Joyce’s Ulysses, Mark Sanford Gross often finds himself immersed in Irish voices — but few moments rival the energy of this live encounter in San Francisco. At Chief Sullivan’s Irish Bar, home to the legendary Irish Newsboys, the atmosphere is electric: a fusion of traditional melodies, laughter, and the unmistakable camaraderie of the crowd.In this episode, Mark sits down with The Irish Newsboys to talk — and feel — the pulse of Irish music in America. The conversation unfolds in real time, surrounded by the sounds of a community alive with rhythm, memory, and joy.For anyone visiting or living in the Bay Area, catching The Irish Newsboys at Chief Sullivan’s is more than a night out — it’s a celebration of cultural spirit and connection that lingers long after the music fades.For more information, visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

In this special crossover episode, Write Up The Coast joins forces with KGUA-FM’s benchmark program, “Peggy’s Place,” hosted by the First Lady of Native Radio, Peggy Berryhill. Together, Peggy and Mark Sanford Gross talk about the evolving influence of AI and the enduring power of community storytelling as “Peggy’s Place – The Podcast” prepares to launch. Recorded live March 26, 2025Episode Description Peggy’s Place has long been a cornerstone of Mendonoma radio—where Southern Mendocino and Northern Sonoma Counties meet and community voices thrive. Now, the beloved show is expanding into the podcast world: Peggy’s Place – The Podcast: Where You Want It, When You Want It!This preview episode, produced in collaboration between KGUA-FM and Write Up The Coast, features Peggy Berryhill in conversation with Mark Sanford Gross. Their discussion—first aired live on KGUA-FM 88.3 Gualala on March 24, 2025—explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative expression while reaffirming the irreplaceable human voice at the heart of storytelling.For more information, visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Join Write Up The Coast host Mark Sanford Gross and San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Tara Duggan for an unscripted conversation that flows from the page to real life. Part of the “In Discussion” series, this episode explores how journalism, community, and everyday stories intersect along California’s coast and beyond. Recorded live March 16, 2025 in Gualala, CaliforniaEpisode Description In this installment of Write Up The Coast’s “In Discussion” series, host Mark Sanford Gross sits down with San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Tara Duggan for an open conversation about the stories that shape our daily lives. The exchange ranges from the craft of journalism to the human connections that make community storytelling vital.Tune in to Write Up The Coast—where we weave community through shared stories and genuine dialogue, amplifying the raw and real voices of people everywhere.For more information, visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

The Writers Episode series opens a new chapter in the Write Up The Coast project — a space where everyday people write, share, and connect through spontaneous creativity. Hosted by Mark Sanford Gross with guest co-host Cris Vail, this first installment captures stories sparked in real time: from planned gatherings to pop-up encounters on the Mendonoma Coast. Recorded live March 4, 2025Episode Description The Writers Episode is a special series within Write Up The Coast, created to highlight the authentic voices of community members who write on the spot — at scheduled events, pop-ups, or chance meetings on the street. As one participant described it, this is “a writer’s non-workshop”: no pressure, no polish, just words from the heart. Hosted by Mark Sanford Gross with guest co-host Cris Vail, this debut episode features original pieces born from everyday inspiration and shared aloud in the spirit of connection.Write Up The Coast is based at the southern tip of Mendocino County, California, and welcomes writers from everywhere. It’s a growing movement to build community through writing — one story at a time.For more information, visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Planning for “what happens to us and where we go” can be one of the greatest gifts we leave our loved ones — yet many of us avoid the conversation. In this gentle, reflective episode, Mark Sanford Gross visits Better Place Forests in Point Arena, California, and speaks with Forest Memorial Manager Gillian Nye about the choices, meanings, and environmental care behind this living memorial landscape. Recorded live February 4, 2025Episode Description Planning for what happens to us — and where we go — when the time comes is a gift we give to those we love. Still, many of us put it off. Modern options and environmental considerations often complicate our decisions. Better Place Forests offers one such alternative. In this episode, Mark Sanford Gross talks with Gillian Nye, Forest Memorial Manager at Better Place Forests in Point Arena, California, about how a forest can become a place of remembrance, renewal, and peace.For more information on Better Place Forests, visit betterplaceforests.com. For more information on Write Up The Coast, visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Inspired by the artist-led organization For Freedoms and its national campaign on civic imagination, this episode explores how art sparks conversation and connection across distance. Hosted by Mark Sanford Gross, it links The Corcoran School of Art installation in Washington D.C. to a Write Now! writing session at The Sea Ranch Lodge, where participants responded to the same provocative prompts that hung on oversized canvases in the gallery. Recorded live January 15, 2025Episode Description For Freedoms is an artist-led organization that uses art as a catalyst for creative civic engagement and dialogue. In October 2024, it began a three-year residency at The Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., launching with the installation Where Do We Go From Here? featuring billboard-sized prompts from its national campaign (forfreedoms.org). From his home base on the Mendonoma Coast, Mark Sanford Gross brought those same questions to a Write Now! gathering at The Sea Ranch Lodge, inviting local writers to respond in real time through story. The episode reveals how a national conversation about art and freedom resonates within a small coastal community.For more information, visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Recorded live during the November Write Now! gathering at The Sea Ranch Lodge, this special episode honors the late Dorothy Allison — author of Bastard Out of Carolina — whose words continue to inspire truth and courage in storytelling. Hosted by Mark Sanford Gross with guest writer and co-host Pam Powell, the episode features original works written on the spot in response to one of Dorothy’s own prompts — a celebration of writing, memory, and shared voices. Recorded live November 9, 2024Episode Description During their November Write Now! gathering at The Sea Ranch Lodge — on the edge of northern Sonoma County — Write Up The Coast writers paid tribute to author Dorothy Allison, who passed away on November 6th. Using one of Dorothy’s own prompts, participants created and read original works written in real time. This episode was produced and hosted by Mark Sanford Gross, with special guest writer and co-host Pam Powell.For more information, visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected] more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Ever had a simple “Hey, did you hear about…” turn into something you didn’t expect? This episode captures those unpredictable moments — spontaneous conversations on the Mendonoma Coast where a casual greeting can open a door to reflection, humor, or surprise. Wind, waves, and real voices make this one raw and real. Recorded live November 5, 2024Chats that start innocently enough—just a friendly, "Hey, did you hear about...?"—and before you know it, you're on the defensive, scrambling for a response? That’s the inspiration behind this short episode. I set out on my usual day, asking random people how they'd handle those unpredictable moments. No script, no plan—just me, a mic, and a few conversations along the way.I apologize in advance for the coastal winds and background noise—you might hear more than just voices in this one—but I wanted to capture the real-time, unfiltered vibe of these interactions. Hope you enjoy the ride!for more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

When Write Up The Coast stepped out into the streets, the question was simple — What matters most? The answers, gathered in real time from friends, neighbors, and passers-by, reveal the heart of the Mendonoma Coast: honesty, reflection, and community, one voice at a time. Recorded live October 12, 2024In Episode #2, Write Up the Coast hits the streets to ask local community members, spontaneously and unplanned, in different spots around town: "What matters most?"Tune in to hear their diverse, heartfelt answers. Thanks for listening. For more information, visit writeupthecoast.com. for more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]

Season 1, Episode 1 — “Marking Time” with Peggy Berryhill A heartfelt reunion between two coastal storytellers — reconnecting on air to reflect on community, creativity, and the journey from KGUA Writers to Write Up The Coast. Recorded live September 28, 2024"Marking Time" produced and hosted by Mark Sanford Gross is a grass-roots podcast series that’s part of The Write Up the Coast Project created by Mark. Join Peggy Berryhill, the legendary voice of KGUA-FM in Gualala, California, as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Mark Sanford Gross about his new initiative, Write-Up-the-Coast. This special episode marks their first on-air reunion since the beloved KGUA Writers' popular weekly morning show wrapped up after nearly five years.Together, Peggy and Mark explore the powerful intersections of storytelling, writing, and community building, discussing how Write-Up-the-Coast aims to connect and inspire writers along the breathtaking northern California coast and beyond. Each episode features highlights of events, recaps, showcased writers, and original stories that celebrate creativity and community.Discover the magic of storytelling and learn how to find your own narrative. "Marking Time" is more than just a podcast; it’s a vibrant celebration of voices and narratives.For more details on Write-Up-the-Coast events, visit writeupthecoast.com. All are welcome.4o minifor more information on Write-Up-The-Coast visit writeupthecoast.com or email [email protected]