Airing first on KSVY 91.3 in Sonoma, Hello Sonoma! is my way of paying tribute to the amazing people
Exciting new episode coming soon!
Thank you Congressman Mike Thompson for sharing a bit about your life and career.
Thank you to KSVY’s Francisco Kilgore for hosting me in studio today to discuss my work in Congress. We appreciate your work to build bridges, inform and entertain our community in Sonoma!
Roy Tennant has written many exciting chapters in his life book. 📚
As a renown librarian educator, a white water river raft guide, and a pioneer in the early internet age, he has been able to teach and learn both indoors and outside.
He is just as familiar with the south rim of the as he is with the digital library systems at UC Berkeley and the California Digital Library.
In this episode, we talk about Roy's connection to Sonoma as a steward of the Sonoma Overlook Trail (Sonoma Overlook and Montini Preserve Trails) and its parallels to his deep knowledge appreciation for the Grand Canyon, his journey in library sciences, the impact of his teaching and the legacy of his teachers.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3qjatMG
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3C1fBaY
KSVY Sonoma
Daniel Sonnenfeld is a uniter.
He brings together the & Hearing communities, the + & straight communities, and the & luddite communities, with a kindness that everyone remembers and an emphasis on having fun.
His journey through technology has emphasized this ability, leading engineering projects at Apple, and at Oracle and Salesforce to ensure the products so many of us take for granted are usable for people with various needs.
He's opened doors for people at every stage, blazing the trail for those who follow in his footsteps.
In this episode we talk about Daniel's work to make digital tools more accessible, his upbringing on three continents, his linguistic abilities, and how he caught the computer bug (not the kind that needs fixing).
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3osyJM7
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IGXTxi
KSVY Sonoma
Long before his Broadway debut, Eric Jackson was drawn to the theater. 🎭
Whether it was the grandeur of the stage, or the songs of Sondheim, Eric knew that was where he was meant to be.
After playing on broadway and on tours across the country, he has since moved backstage, helping weave connections between the stage and the community.
In this episode, we talk about Eric's journey to find his dream, his thoughts once he got there, and the many ups and downs behind the curtain that brought him to where he is today.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/45vcxlb
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3qi2sb1
KSVY Sonoma
Pat Meier-Johnson Art Is a wonderful member of the community and a fantastic artist!
I was lucky enough to interview her and to hear more of her story. It's always lovely to see her art.
Beyond Sonoma episode! 🚀
(But with a picture from the overlook trail)
Yasser Arwand and I have known each other since we lived and worked in Amman, Jordan in 2017.
As colleagues we collaborated on conferences, projects, and exchange programs and I've always admired Yasser's ability to connect with and inspire people. In this episode, Yasser inspired me as he shared some of the incredible accomplishments he's had in Afghanistan, including initiatives to help empower women, build entrepreneurship and build youth capacity.
Since then, he has come to settle in the United States – a place he had always wanted to come to for a masters degree – through unforeseen circumstances. When Kabul fell in August of 2021, Yasser had to escape, leaving his family and packing only a single backpack with one change of clothes. Stick around to the end of the interview to hear both his uplifting story and harrowing journey.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Zk4Hqc
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3np2D2L
Sonoma
Kate Bruno is extreme-ly cool. 🤙
Whether it is behind the counter at her family's local restaurant, or behind the drums of her punk rock band, Kate takes her craft to the extreme, doing everything possible to ensure customers are well fed and happy, and shredding the cymbals to give her fans have something to jump around to.
But even when she was catching waves teaching surfing in Mexico or skating down Sonoma's biggest hills, Kate is most extremely herself.
She brings her delightful positive attitude to everything she does, helping others feel comfortable, happy, and heard.
On her Sonoma radio show, It's All About You, she talks to people from all over Sonoma as they share music that highlights aspects of their lives. In this episode, we got to turn the tables and talk a little bit about Kate and her many adventures, stories, and lessons.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/43x5sic
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45sLgQ6
Sonoma
Molly Spencer made a career out of creating flower arrangements; organizing nature's beauty into organic attractive compositions. 💐
Since then she's been a dance teacher, a mother, and a friend to so many – but through her role as engagement director at the Sonoma Community Center, she goes back to her florist roots, pulling pieces of 's people, history and art into bouquets for the community to enjoy.
Having grown up in the valley, her town knowledge is incomparable – going back to the days when Green Day and Primus played in Andrew's Hall (tickets were $5).
In this episode we talk about her love of which brought her to New York then back to Sonoma, her adventures in Europe as a young solo traveler, and her seemingly boundless courage and optimism she shows to everyone she meets. Miss Molly is a star!
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3LXsmK2
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40DFVCr
KSVY Sonoma
While wearing many hats, Karina Garcia has been her community's voice.
First as a Television executive for TV Azteca , she traveled the finding and highlighting stories.
Now as the community liaison for 's district supervisor and as a part of the Springs Municipal Advisory Council , she is the eyes and ears of Sonoma County and, much like KSVY, the voice of in our government offices.
In this conversation we discuss much more than her official roles, but the ways in which she continues to learn from the people around her, about her passion for travel, and about the countless ways we can inspire and be inspired by getting involved in our own communities.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3TQSEj5
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42CZqN8
KSVY Sonoma
After many years as a Hollywood , now Kristen Anacker is focused on giving other artists the tools they need to succeed.
While covers many media, the central tenet of creation can sometimes founder without a greater vision.
Through The Artist Conference Network, Kristen helps artists attain their dreams that might otherwise escape them.
In this episode, we discuss the mechanics and origins of the conference, as well as Kristen’s own diverse and exciting life including hitchhiking travels, connections between costumes and identity, and her foray into a new novel-writing experience.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3FS7DDx
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3KeVb32
KSVY Sonoma
Dean Biersch has a passion for creating environments that bring people together to enjoy themselves.
First as co-founder of Gordon-Biersch, now as head of and County's Hopmonk Taverns (HopMonk Presents, HopMonk Tavern Sonoma HopMonk Tavern Novato HopMonk Tavern Sebastopol ), Dean has tapped into the spirit of to create fun, relaxing, and unpretentious communities.
He used his experience in the restaurant industry to create top-notch food matched with carefully crafted beer and helped set off the phenomenon all across the United States.
Plus, he and his partner Dan Gordon created the Garlic Fries that now grace ball games in almost every state.
In this episode, we talk about Dean's interest in design, his journey of , and how being open to opportunities can take you to unexpected heights.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/42LGlIz
Or on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FVpGIS
Photo Credit: 📸 Argus-Courier
KSVY Sonoma
Gerardo Diaz is a bridge-builder. 🌉
As the bi-lingual engagement coordinator for the Sonoma Center, he aims to bring Sonoma's community closer together through valley-wide outreach.
Known for his generosity and kindness, he has had a circuitous journey to this role that seems meant for him.
Through uber driving, landscaping or even working at an egg factory, Gerardo developed the skills necessary to connect with people, observe the outside world, and to create beautiful work places for all those around him.
In this episode, we talk not only about Gerardo's abilities, but his passion for fly-fishing, his Mexican roots, and the vision he has for Sonoma – all while enjoying the 2022 World Cup.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zczaf9
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3KcYvMl
KSVY Sonoma
Sofia is a seeker.
Throughout her burgeoning career, she has covered stories as varied as 's Brain Drain and disappearing forests in New Mexico in an effort to find the truth and reveal some of our country's diversity.
Her journey has taken her to countless neighborhoods and homes throughout the west, interviewing people affected by everything from the Clean Water Act to fading native languages.
Her love of America's mountain country is also informed by many journeys exploring the outdoors, including 100 miles solo through the Uintas and even time spent in Patagonia.
In this episode, we discuss her relationship to nature, her curiosity for , and her dedication to sharing the truth.
KSVY Sonoma
Hello Sonoma is hosted by Francisco, a local Sonoman with a passion for telling stories.
He gets to record most of the Hello Sonoma episodes right here in town at Sonoma's radio studio on West Napa. You can tune in every Tuesday at 4pm on 91.3FM!
Just a little while ago he was featured on KQED's show, Perspectives, to share more about what he's learned on this storytelling journey.
Tune in for that two-minute conversation here:
http://bit.ly/40p7hwu
Kathy Witkowicki is someone to look up to.
When she founded the Valley Mentoring Alliance , she couldn't have imagined the depth of the organization's impact.
What she helped create has set the tone for what is possible in her community and beyond, not only influencing hundreds of young people in , but acting as a model for organizations around the country.
In this episode, we talk about Kathy's early , her philosophy, and her current project of bring incredible speakers to our valley.
Tune in here:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3z8bXuF Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40wYnfY
In everything she's done she's put the focus on people – helping them reach their true potential.
Photo Credit: 📸 Sonoma Speaker Series
KSVY Sonoma
Maite Iturri is an incredible community leader! So excited to see her sharing her insights, experiences, and efforts with more local organizations.
Dr Nancy Dome leads with compassion, whether as CEO and co-founder of Epoch Education, Inc , or as a longtime educator, she strives to see beyond what people present to reveal who they are.
Throughout her own journey first in and public , then into the private sector with her company, she has endeavored to "transform how we talk about differences," bridging knowledge gaps, and encouraging engaging in tough conversations.
Her book, "Let's Talk About Race," not only offers stories about how differences can affect us, but also protocols and suggestions for how to acknowledge and mend gaps between us.
In this episode, we discuss Nancy's experiences as an educator, a professional athlete, and a leader, and her own journey in and Montana
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3K9BnOF
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42NX3XS
Sonoma
Michael Acker's create stunning and surprising new perspectives on the world around us.
In a society that so often values far-off travels and worldly issues, Mike's art draws us in to our own backyards, fostering wonder for our communities and local environments.
Beyond physical , , and , Mike's media include databases and museum curations to tell the often unknown stories of Sonoma's , sparking curiosity and interest in what may be everyday, but he argues is not mundane at all.
In this episode, we talk about why it is so important to pay attention, how art can give value to new perspectives, and how we are all a part of history.
Photo Credit: 📸 Sonoma Index-Tribune
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/42b4EiX
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Fn1wqF
KSVY Sonoma Sonoma Community Center
Martín Gobbée's restaurant experience has taught him that a good venue breeds community.
As the Taub Family Outpost's general manager, he draws from his many skills learned in New York City's restaurant industry, Chicago's improv scene, and his acting acumen to foster a community space on the plaza.
From World Cup matches to behind the scenes magic, Martín has brought the best of his experiences to .
In this episode we talk about the influence his parents and family had on him growing up, the unparalleled training he had at Mario Batali's restaurants, and his first dream to become an in both Chicago and New York – we even talk about the incredible "just-by-chance" moments that led him to meet his lovely wife, and the ultimate improv evening that brought him to Sonoma!
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zcQQra
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42NrgWW
Sonoma
Our sister city in Italy is a wonderful friend to Sonoma!
Please don't forget to say Hello to this stellar delegation, including a few people interviewed on this program.
You can find those interviews here: https://www.hellosonoma.org/sister-city-project
We are anxiously preparing to welcome an 8-member delegation from Greve in Chianti! Join us at Sonoma City Hall as Mayor Sandra Lowe officially welcomes Greve Mayor Paolo Sottani and the entire delegation on Saturday, April 22 at 11 am. We hope to see you there. 🇺🇸🇮🇹
Kathleen Hill may be known in Sonoma as the Sonoma Index-Tribune's long-time Food and Wine Editor, but her vast experiences go far beyond the realm of food.
As a young Corps intern, she convinced her boss to take the team to the National Mall to listen to Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech.
As a student at the Sorbonne, she skipped classes to work at the Cordon Bleu.
As an author, she's written more than 40 books on everything from local events to dictatorships in the Philippines -- she was even called a good cook by the master Julia Child herself!
Listen to Kathleen talk about this and more on this episode of Hello Sonoma. It was a treat to have her on the show.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3lKKUSW
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40mROwH
KSVY Sonoma
Maite Iturri is undeniably a community leader.
What started out as an serendipitous turn into the field, has since become a stage for leading communities through tough times and seeing far into the future.
As a teacher, Maite led with love, always seeing her students not only for the kids they were, but for the people they could be.
As principal of El Verano School, Maite ensured the community was involved in the campus whether through after-school activities or public events and classes.
She encouraged teachers to do their best and worked to remove barriers to their success.
Since then, she has taken on a systems level view, not only in the educational field, but as a co-founder of which has provided thousands of delivered groceries to families throughout .
In this episode we talk about some of Maite's motivations, the ways in which education has shaped her life, and the people who have helped make her who she is.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/40msAi8
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/40E8kbl
Photo Credit: 📸 Sonoma Index-Tribune
KSVY Sonoma
Elliott Burdin is a connecter.
Whether it be through the stories he tells with his videography, the people he's met both in town and on his travels, or his cultural connections to Paris and Sonoma, Elliott helps connect people to new ideas, friends, and opportunities.
His postive early experiences coming to Sonoma as a child made him want to try living here as an adult, and though he moved at the height of the pandemic and during 2020's fire season, he's leaped into connecting to the community in various ways - Including Rotary Sonoma Springs
In this episode, we talk about his dual identities as a person and an American, his travels in Russia, and his love of Settler's of Catan, as well as his connections to the air and his aspirations and mentors in the world of .
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3LVYwW4
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FYS3G5
KSVY Sonoma
Elliott Burdin Realty
Kaitie Bailie (pictured right, with her daughter Allyson) is an artist, an open water swimmer, and a bridge builder.
Since she moved to , she's done all three:
🇺🇦🇺🇸 Forging a connection to Sonoma's Sister City in what was then the USSR (now Ukraine), Kaniv (Sonoma Sister Cities - Kaniv)
🖼 Opening an art studio and exhibiting paintings throughout the Valley
🏊♀️Swimming to Alcatraz, Elba, across the Bosphorous, and more
Among her many talents she is a painter, a photographer and a poet, and is she's keen on sharing her work and experiences.
She ran Artifax, a store on the plaza dedicated to showcasing beautiful international artwork and clothing, and throughout her travels she has always kept an open eye on what makes every culture special.
She's also been named Woman of the Year in 2023!
In this episode, we discuss some of her travels, her thoughts while swimming the frigid seas, and her heroes.
Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/40lA3hr
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/42NaKpW
Cities International Sonoma Sister Cities - Kaniv
KSVY Sonoma
Don Landis the Olive Guy is doing all this just for fun.
For the past 40 years he has dived deep into a passion for , learning all their varieties, experimenting with both ancient and modern ways to make them edible at least 4 different ways, and all while educating people about it.
While he doesn't sell his products (he tried it, but it just wasn't enough fun), his knowledge and contagious curiosity is worth far more than any mediterranean appetizer.
In this episode we take a tour of his while learning about the process of preparing olives, we hear about his background as a soccer player and refrigeration expert, and we get advice on how to pursue our own passions with dedication and a love for fun.
Listen to our conversation on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3IXUvPp
Tune in on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3kvLoey
Learn more about: https://www.donsolives.com/bio
KSVY Sonoma
Quite possibly 's only true celebrities, this duo has left an impact on thousands of young Sonomans.
Roger and Diana Rhoten are known throughout the community as beacons of joy, creativity, and fun.
Through their work at the Sebastiani Theatre (Including Roger the Magic Man and Witchie Poo), summer camps, and ropes courses.
In this episode we talk more about their origins and how they came to hold such a special place here.
Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/3FWDhQk
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Zo6gTM
📸 Photo Credit: Sonoma Index-Tribune
Bruno Freijanes is now a civil engineer, strategic planning strategist, and world traveller.
But in 2009, he was a Brazilian exchange student Sonoma Valley High School (Official). He came back in 2022 to visit our town with new experiences having lived in Australia, and traveled throughout Europe and Asia.
I sat down to talk with him for a live interview in our KSVY Sonoma studio. In this episode we talk about the beauty of travel, the differences between big cities like Rio de Janeiro and communities like , and the challenges of finding yourself, all while celebrating the magic of our small town.
Sonoma Valley High School Alumni
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/61KtM2nrvMStXBNwLjKS3T?si=tJI72Dt-RTONtrIbZLPBgA
Dan Blumin you are a star!
The standout moments of the year. Shout out to all the fans on Spotify.
Hello Sonoma!
The journey officially begins, and the first episode is now available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Link in bio.
📍Did you know has 7 sister cities?
Hello Sonoma will be visiting 3 of them:
🇫🇷 - Chambolle-Musigny, France
🇮🇹 - Greve-in-Chianti, Italy
🇭🇺 - Tokaj, Hungary
The goal is to:
🔗 connect people through storytelling
🌉build cross-cultural bridges and friendships across the globe
🔦highlight that interesting people are everywhere if you just ask the right questions.
Click the link in bio to learn more about Sonoma Sister City Association, , and the project itself.
For two months in the summer of 2022, Hello Sonoma! will visit three cities in France, Italy and Hungary, as well as a few more surprises along the way
The idea is to highlight the interesting people and stories all around us; to encourage exploring locally while traveling globally.
After almost 50 episodes in Sonoma, Hello Sonoma! is going on a journey to show that:
~everyone has a story and every story is interesting if you ask the right questions.~
Click the link in my bio to learn more
New episode with Lee Armstrong, co-founder of Images in Motion - Puppets & 3D Print!
Not only did we sit down and chat about the art of and , but I got to have a tour of her studio and to see how with a little bit of magic, some fabric, foam, and feathers can come to life.
In this episode, we talk Lee's history as a puppeteer, her interest in the arts, and the value of diving into something you love.
Listen here:
• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3xbzaKR
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3xdlJdw
• Anchor: anchor.fm/hellosonoma
Incredibly honored to speak with Kimberlee Yolanda Williams and Debby Irving about how our identities inform our experiences.
"In her new book, 'Dear White Woman: Please Come Home', Kimberlee Williams highlights the positive side of sisterhood, the myriad ways in which women of all backgrounds and races can stand up for one another.
She shares about her own experience ***r in many forms, about the intersection of her various identities as a , ***r, woman, and all in a way that is approachable and encourages questions and growth.
In this episode we are joined by Debby Irving, Kimberlee's friend and publisher, to talk about cross-racial , the omnipresence of in America, and the power of true authentic .
More than a couple people have said this is their favorite interview of Kimberlee Yolanda Williams - the most authentic. A lot of that credit goes to Hello Sonoma host Francisco Kilgore, a young white guy, who models the kind of curiosity and humility so needed in these conversations. A great weekend listen.
https://anchor.fm/hellosonoma/episodes/Dear-White-Woman--Please-Come-Home---Discussing-Sisterhood-with-Kimberlee-Williams-and-Debby-Irving-e1f118d
What an honor to get to interview the founder of the Nepal Youth Foundation, Olga Murray, about her incredible work through the foundation, but also her inspiring life journey.
"When Olga first went in more than 35 years ago, she expected to be setting off on a challenging trek through the Himalaya.
Little did she know that this walk in the mountains would mark the beginning of a new life journey that has since helped her educate, nourish and save tens of thousands of Children.
Her background as a lawyer in the California Supreme Court and a young adventurer who traveled alone throughout the United States helped her to see the bigger picture when she founded the Nepal Youth Foundation to improve the lives of countless Nepali families.
In this episode, we talk about her journey to Nepal, how the she helped outlaw the practice of child slavery, and her philosophy on .
“Pretty magical that you were able to bring people together in a time of crisis.” -Francisco Kilgore, host of the Hello Sonoma , in response to Olga Murray’s stories about NYF’s 2015 response in .
Click below to listen to Olga (and NYF's) recent feature in the newest episode of the Hello Sonoma! podcast.
https://nyf.news/hello-sonoma
📸: Alison Wright
New Episode out today! 🎉 Dancing in the Valley of the Moonlight with Gary Saperstein.
Listen here: bit.ly/hellosonoma_GarySaperstein
Gary Saperstein brings people together.
As a co-founder of Out In The Vineyard , Gary has brought together members of the + community to to celebrate the magic of wine country for decades.
But his desire to showcase the beauty of includes a dedication to local community service, enticing travelers through the visitors bureau, and taking tours of friends around the plaza and beyond.
In this episode, we talk about the unique camaraderie that comes from being able to be yourself in wine country, the importance of , and we even recall Gary's first Tea Dance.
What have you been about?
Gene Kilgore is a dreamer and he knows country.
As the author of a best-selling travel guide, "Ranch Vacations," Gene has spent the past 40 years visiting and writing about all over the Americas to share the magic of the west with the world.
In this episode, we discuss what makes this long-standing tradition so special and how families can learn from their time spent in the great .
We also talk about the circuitous journey Gene took before returning to his childhood of making ranches an integral part of his life.
Starting a new ? Take this as a sign to just go for it!
did. Renata Virk has more than a decade of experience in the publishing world.
Her background at and inspired her to create a new periodical in town called an aim similar to Hello Sonoma's: to highlight the people who make what Renata calls the "greatest little town in America."
In this episode we discuss how this project came to be, but also what made Renata so fascinated with storytelling, including her diverse linguistic and cultural background as well as what made her bravely start so many endeavors and what keeps her going.
spent the first few chapters of her life outside Boston in a town not so different from .
After a long career in non-profits she decided to pursue a masters degree where she ended up exploring the roots of her upbringing in an unexpected and illuminating way.
The discoveries she made informed her award-winning book, "Waking Up White” which chronicle her journey towards a better understanding of in America.
In our conversation we discuss some of the history of discrimination in America, the challenges we all face, and some enlightening possibilities for self-discovery and improvement.
Dr. King said back in 1957 that “Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” And that “We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization.”
This conversation with Debby helped advance my education in what we can do to make our world more equitable for everyone. Here’s to a civilization with more love.
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