There's a certain magic in finding silver linings amidst trying times, isn't there? That's exactly what our guest, Olivia Rutman, found during her journey navigating from a banking career while being an expectant mom, to founding an innovative platform for parents - KidsCareFinder. Reflecting on her own struggles to secure reliable childcare for her three boys, Olivia's story is a testament to the power of turning personal frustrations into purposeful solutions. Olivia's brainchild, KidsCareFind...
Aug 22, 2023•22 min
Join us as we chat with Ashley Hawkins, Director of Childcare at Bitchin’ Sauce. Discover Ashley's fascinating journey, from her internship at MSNBC to managing childcare at Bitchin’ Sauce, along with her deep-rooted passion for early childhood education. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of Bitchin’ Sauce, from a farmer’s market cult favorite to a nationwide sensation. Hear Ashley's insight on their delicious vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly almond-based dips, including the much-ant...
Aug 15, 2023•22 min
Mission San Luis Rey will be celebrating its 225th anniversary this year. Gwyn Grimes shares the Mission’s best stories - from its history to the gift shop! Join us for an in-depth conversation about Mission San Luis Rey, the largest of California’s missions. From its rich history to its vibrant daily activities, the Mission is an active and truly beautiful place to be. Host to tours, schools, weddings, retreats and so much more, it’s a destination for over fifty thousand visitors a year, and wi...
Aug 08, 2023•22 min
In this intriguing podcast episode, Wade Blair delves into the fascinating concept of "The Why Method," a compelling approach to understanding why people often set goals but struggle to follow through effectively. Drawing from his vast experience and expertise, Wade sheds light on this common challenge faced by many, especially entrepreneurs and business owners. During the interview, Wade shares invaluable tools and tactics that have proven to be effective in transforming time management practic...
Aug 01, 2023•20 min
Today, on the Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact Podcast, Bret Schanzenbach talked with Jill McManigal, the co-founder and executive director of Kids for Peace. Jill shared how Kids for Peace began, how the Great Kindness Challenge has exploded into a global movement, and how schools and companies can become kindness-certified. Visit the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce: https://carlsbad.org Interview Links Click here to become a kindness-certified company! Check out Kids for Peace’s website. Watc...
Jul 25, 2023•39 min
Carolyn Grant, executive director of the Museum of Making Music, joined Bret Schanzenbach on the Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact Podcast. Together, they talk about the power music has to inspire and unite communities, and how the museum is creating innovative experiences so that people’s lives can be enhanced by making music. Contact The Museum of Making Music Website: https://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuseumofMakingMusic Learn more about A Moment to Re...
Jul 18, 2023•27 min
In this conversation with LEGOLAND California President, Kurt Stocks, we discuss what led him from his home in Australia to Malaysia and then to California, and how an experience at LEGOLAND with his son encouraged him to leave his role as a businessman in the health and fitness industry and become a leader at one of the most popular theme parks in the world. Let’s get Social! Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-stocks-68175139 Check out the awesome things going on at...
Jul 11, 2023•24 min
For Carlsbad’s centennial year, hear what the Chamber is doing to promote our businesses and create a wonderful environment for us all to live in and enjoy. Promoting business growth and community impact, advocating for affordable housing, addressing homelessness, and fostering a business-friendly climate – all part of a day’s work for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Listen in as CEO Bret Schanzenbach and Chair of the Board Adam Jacobs discuss how the Chamber collaborates with local businesses...
Jun 27, 2023•46 min
Explore the inspiring work and impactful programs of The Community Resource Center, as they empower individuals and families against homelessness and more. In this episode, discover how the Community Resource Center, under the leadership of CEO John Van Cleef, is making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families across North County. Through their award-winning work, CRC is creating a stronger, more resilient community and turns stories of temporary misfortune into stories of resi...
Jun 20, 2023•30 min
From humble beginnings to CBAD’s “Best Large Business of the Year” 2023 – it’s the inspiring journey of John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating and Air. In this episode, Brett interviews John Stevenson, the founder of John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating, and Air - CBAD’s “Best Large Business of the Year” 2023. They discuss John's journey, how he started his business with just a single truck in 1990 and how he overcame all the challenges the business faced through hard work, perseverance, and a genuine car...
Jun 13, 2023•25 min
Witness a teacher's profound impact as she becomes a pillar of support & inspiration to her students, leading her to take on a new role as assistant principal. In this episode, we meet Aimee Nava - CBAD’s High School Teacher of the Year 2023! Aimee is a dedicated and beloved Spanish teacher at Carlsbad High School, who creates a safe and supportive learning environment where her students feel comfortable and can thrive at their own pace. She goes above and beyond by attending their extracurr...
Jun 06, 2023•23 min
Kelly Griffin’s mission is to build a kindness-focused classroom, and she does it by creating a culture of compassion. Find out more in this inspired interview. Meet Kelly Griffin of Mission Estancia Elementary School - recently honored as Teacher of the Year - a truly special, passionate, and dedicated teacher who is driven by her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in her students' lives. She discusses her specialization in social and emotional learning programs and the importanc...
May 30, 2023•30 min
It’s the home of award-winning tacos and community giving - hear all about Senor Grubbys' commitment to quality and philanthropy with owner Justin Jachura. Meet Justin Jachura, proud president and co-founder of a batch of burgeoning and delicious restaurants everyone in Carlsbad knows: Senor Grubby's, Grubby's Poke & Fish Market and Los Tacos. The stomach growls in recognition… Senor Grubby’s has played an integral role in the vibrant Carlsbad community and has successfully introduced a uniq...
May 23, 2023•38 min
Discover how Ginger Rabe, a successful Design CEO started her company, the challenges she faced, and her insights on business growth and community engagement. Meet Ginger Rabe, the owner and lead designer of Ginger Rabe Designs, a full-service interior design firm based right here in Carlsbad, California. Ginger has been in the industry for over 20 years and specializes in luxury residential design. Over those years, building trusted relationships with her clients and creating a positive experie...
May 16, 2023•23 min
Crystal Lynn Privett empowers people to live their greatest lives by building new neurological pathways in their brains and changing their mental narratives. She is a renowned subconscious reprogramming expert, energy psychologist, and keynote speaker. Her passion and purpose are in teaching others how to build new neurological pathways in their brains, and how to think, feel, act, and react in a more positive manner so they can live their true and best purpose daily. In this informative and enl...
May 09, 2023•23 min
Andria Taylor, CEO and Chief Talent Officer of TalentXponential, gets into the real nitty-gritty of company culture: how to cultivate it, how to nurture your people and how to see real, tangible, positive outcomes as a result. Company culture is not just about free snacks and a ping-pong table, but rather about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work. It’s about understanding the underlying beliefs, values, and behaviors that drive the ...
May 02, 2023•25 min
For Aaron Byzak, it’s a team effort keeping Tri-City Medical Center at the forefront of technology, innovation & the changing healthcare needs of our community. In this podcast, the Chief External Affairs Officer of Tri-City Medical Center, Aaron Byzak, discusses the current state and future plans for the medical center. Byzak explains that Tri-City has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and investing in innovative technology. Despite it...
Apr 25, 2023•40 min
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company has never sold a day-old strawberry. Hear all about this local institution in a mouth-watering and informative episode with owner Jimmy Ukegawa. The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a local institution in Carlsbad, and for good reason. From the mouth-watering strawberries in the winter and spring, to the endless maze of cornfields and pumpkins in the autumn, there is something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind, special place. Spend some time with owner Jimmy Ukegaw...
Apr 18, 2023•22 min
EcoDirect’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, solar energy to every home. CEO Renee Donaldson explains the ins and outs of how to make the transition. The solar energy industry is in a state of constant evolution and improvement, and it takes an expert to be able to understand and navigate the changes as they happen. EcoDirect’s CEO Renee Donaldson is that expert. In this informative interview, she brings her passion for all things solar and covers a wide variety of topics. As a renewable...
Apr 11, 2023•26 min
Madrid, the Costa del sol, the Rock of Gibraltar and much more are waiting for you in November as the Chamber heads to sunny Spain! All aboard for adventure! This year, the Chamber is proud - and excited - to offer a 9-day trip to Spain, November 8-16, 2023. In this episode, the Chamber’s Director of Fun, Kathy Steffen, gives listeners a sneak-peek at the itinerary, which includes a day at Spain’s world-famous Mediterranean coastline, the Costa del sol, plus visits to Seville, Madrid, the Rock o...
Apr 04, 2023•12 min
New Haven Youth & Family Services CEO Doreen Quinn shares the challenges and triumphs of helping young adolescent boys restore their dignity and self-worth. The staff at New Haven Youth & Family Services play many roles in the rehabilitation of troubled boys - therapist, behavioral coach, parent partner and crisis counselor – but more than any other, they play the role of champion. Under the guidance of CEO Doreen Quinn, the boys feel cared for, have a sense of belonging and are equipped...
Mar 28, 2023•27 min
Chocolate makes everybody happy, and with 21 different unique and custom flavors, Chuao Chocolatier has lots of ways to share the joy. A delectable episode! Meet Michael Antonorsi, the Chief “Joy Activator” at Chuao Chocolatier, whose inspiring success story is happening right here in Carlsbad. From a modest start as a little shop on the 101 selling bon bons and truffles, to a manufacturing powerhouse recognized as a Top 10 Chocolatier in North America by Dessert Professional Magazine, the story...
Mar 21, 2023•27 min
They are the charity that funds other charities. Get to know The Carlsbad Charitable Foundation, and hear how they do it all with Chair Justin Peek. Carlsbad is a beautiful place. In fact, it’s paradise. But even in paradise, we still have all the same issues of human financial need you see across the country. The Carlsbad Charitable Foundation has made it their mission to celebrate Carlsbad, invest in it, and look after as many people as they can while improving the lives of those living here. ...
Mar 14, 2023•30 min
Freedom Window Cleaning enjoys a spotless reputation, and with good reason. Lupe and Kolan Hairston’s team clean with pride and add new life to your windows. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Clean. Kolan and Lupe Hairston have built a company dedicated to brightening people’s days, Freedom Window Cleaning. Hear their inspiring story in this candid interview, as they share the good, the bad and the ugly of keeping their company going during covid, the necessity of pivoting, and how they never let go of the beli...
Mar 07, 2023•36 min
Get to know CBAD’s Non-Profit of the Year, 2022 - The San Diego Food Bank. Join CEO Casey Castillo to learn about all the good they do for our families in need. We all experience storms in life, and The San Diego Food Bank is there to help and support families in need. Last year, they distributed 40 million pounds of food in San Diego County. This year they are expected to do the same. That’s a lot of food! How do they do it? CEO Casey Castillo gives us the full inside story of a remarkable orga...
Feb 28, 2023•26 min
For Kim Wakefield, teaching Spanish has always been much more than simply teaching a language. It’s teaching another culture in a very open and passionate way. An appreciation of other cultures is something Kim Wakefield grew up with, and it’s something that has informed her teaching for over 25 years. Being open to other cultures - and the way people do things - has brought an international flavor to her Spanish classroom and an experience for her students like no other. The recipient of the Ca...
Feb 21, 2023•16 min
I Love a Clean San Diego leads and inspires our community to actively conserve and enhance the environment through example, outreach and local involvement. Learn the fascinating history behind I Love a Clean San Diego – from its humble beginnings 69 years ago, and how their work has grown from a “War Against Litter” to a county-wide environmental crusade. Executive Director Steve Morris covers, in fascinating detail, all the myriad of things they do to bring awareness and inspire engagement in o...
Feb 14, 2023•21 min
Photography by Melanie Robertson with hair and makeup by Rosanna Nykanen together capture the essence of their HS Senior subjects in breathtaking ways. We’ve all heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”, but a memorable portrait of your high school senior that really captures their true personality - or a heartfelt and genuine Mother-Daughter portrait - those pictures are priceless. And they are the specialty of Melanie Robertson Photography. Hear the inspiring story of how she and...
Feb 07, 2023•26 min
Hear the inspirational story of Rory Graham, his life, legacy, and the Foundation founded by his mother, helping to inspire the young men of Army & Navy Academy Good role models are hard to come by. For the young men of the Army & Navy Academy, the legacy of Rory Graham has proven to be just that. One of their own, Rory graduated in 3 years with honors, became a minister, traveled all over the U.S. to high-risk areas and planned to start a church in North County. But his life was tragica...
Jan 31, 2023•19 min
Associate Publisher Chris Kydd gives the inside scoop on The Coast News, from its colorful history and commitment to our community, to its brave new future. Archiving local history. Connecting people with their local government, their neighbors, and their community. Being a credible platform they can go to for real information. These are the core beliefs of The Coast News, our beloved local paper. In this fascinating interview, soon-to-be-publisher Chris Kydd recounts the paper’s humble beginnin...
Jan 24, 2023•21 min
