Go Ahead And Tell Me

Podcast#121 Gayle and Joe Ortiz talk 45 years of the institution known as Gayle's

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

Podcast #120 From Hollywood Sets to Santa Cruz - The story behind HWY 17 studios with RJ Allen and David Mong

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

Podcast # 119 Tam and Susan O'Conner Fraser much more than Radio hosts!

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

Podcast #118 We welcome Heather Houston — a singer, song weaver, and founder of Sisters in Harmony, whose voice carries the waters of remembrance and healing.

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

We speak with Lori Schulman and Jordan Best the Co-Founders and Co-Artistic Directors of the Santa Cruz Opera Project, a company that believes ‘Opera is for Everyone.’

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

Podcast #116 Two Rock Titans of Santa Cruz John Michael & Otis Coen

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

Podcast #115 🍷 From Aubergine to Vin Vivant — A Conversation in Every Pour

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

Podcast #114 We talk to Christie Licker founder of Caroline's Thrift shop, which she named after her daughter who died

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

Podcast#113 Tina Quick Serial Careerist and Hobbyist

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

Podcast #112 An interview with Christophe Bellito of Toadal Fitness

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