Restart at Any Age!

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

Podcast#111 Elizabeth Borelli on The Mediterranean Diet

In this episode of Go Ahead and Tell Me we’re joined by Elizabeth Borelli — author, coach, and wellness guide who inspires people to eat well and live joyfully.
Elizabeth’s first book, Beanalicious Living, showed us how simple plant-based foods can transform our health. Her newest release, Tastes Like la Dolce Vita, takes us on a journey into the Mediterranean lifestyle — filled with flavor, mindfulness, and a fresh perspective on abundance over deprivation. 
We dive into her story, the inspiration she found in Tuscany, and how we can all bring more joy, balance, and connection into our daily lives.
#ElizabethBorelli #MediterraneanDiet #LaDolceVita #BeanaliciousLiving #MindfulEating #HealthyLiving #GoAheadAndTellMe #PodbeanPodcast

Podcast# 110 Meet Up Group Leader Susan Lovegren and Theresa Salzburg Artist, and Healer

In this episode of Go Ahead and Tell Me, we sit down with two inspiring women—Susan Lovegren and Theresa Salzburg—who are each creating community and connection in unique ways. Susan, the dynamic leader of a local Meetup group, shares her journey of bringing people together and fostering spaces where authentic conversations and meaningful relationships can flourish. Theresa, an artist, healer, and educator, opens up about the transformative power of creativity, healing practices, and teaching, and how she blends these gifts to inspire and support others. Together, they offer fresh insights on building community, nurturing well-being, and embracing the courage to tell our stories.
#Community#Lonliness# Hope#Passion #Leading#Creating

Podcast # 109 Edith Kultein 100 years young!

In this extraordinary episode, we sit down with a remarkable 100-year-old native French woman  whose life reads like a gripping novel of resilience, courage, and unexpected love. Born Jewish in wartime France, she escaped the horrors of Nazi occupation, surviving against impossible odds. During the war, she worked with the Free French forces under General Charles de Gaulle,  After the liberation, fate led her across the Atlantic—where she married an American soldier, whom she met in Algiers and began a new life. Her story is one of bravery, identity, memory, and the enduring power of hope. Join us as we listen to a living witness to history.#Endurance #Achieving 100 years #World War II# Being Jewish #Running from the enemy#War time romance# Love with an American in war time

Podcast #108 The Bookclub ladies of Reading between the Wines

This week on Go Ahead and Tell Me, we sit down with a fabulous group of Santa Cruz women whose book club is part literary salon, part therapy session, and always a good time.
They share where they came from, what they are reading, and how stories (and drinks) have bonded them.
#BookClubVibes #SantaCruzStories #GoAheadandTellMe #LadiesMeeting #FunTimes