In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose and Impact , host Bret Schanzenbach , President and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Galina Marcus , founder and CEO of the San Diego Art Directory , to explore her journey from Moscow to San Diego and her mission to elevate the region’s art scene. Galena shares her backstory, growing up in cosmopolitan Moscow and moving to the U.S. in 2015 to marry her husband, a San Diego native she met—unexpectedly—on LinkedIn. With a creative...
Aug 28, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce CEO Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Lisa Carroll, president of Number Crunching, Inc., to explore her unique career path and specialized expertise in uncovering financial deception. Lisa shares her journey from humble beginnings in accounts payable and receivable to becoming a sought-after Certified Fraud Examiner. Initially recognized for her knack for unraveling messy financial records, she found her calling when an attorney asked her to testify i...
Aug 22, 2025•28 min
Ever wondered how the digital marketing landscape is transforming with the rise of AI? Or how video content is reshaping client engagement? In episode 154 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I sit down with Gwen Beren, the brilliant mind behind Illuminus Marketing. This episode is a treasure trove of insights as Gwen shares her fascinating journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success. Gwen, a Rancho Penasquitos native, takes us through her educational journey at the Savannah C...
May 05, 2025•31 min
Ever wondered how a career in industrial engineering can lead to a thriving podcast empire? Or how breaking into Apple's supply chain can take over two years of relentless dedication? Join me, Bret Schanzenbach, as I chat with Jim Miller, the mastermind behind Bold Leadership Stories Media. From his roots at Cal Poly to navigating the world of technical sales with giants like 3M and Hewlett Packard, Jim’s journey is a rollercoaster of perseverance and innovation. Discover how the pandemic cataly...
Apr 21, 2025•32 min
Ever wondered how a life-threatening wildfire could inspire a thriving business? In episode 152 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact podcast, I sit down with Rachel Arbuckle, the remarkable owner of 2000 Paces Photo Organizing. From her childhood as a Navy brat, through her service as a neuropsychiatric technician, to her entrepreneurial journey, Rachel shares her fascinating story and the pivotal moment that led to the creation of her company. Join us as we explore how Rachel transforme...
Apr 07, 2025•37 min
What role did women's clubs play in shaping modern society? How did the Women's Club of Carlsbad leave an indelible mark on their community over the last century? Dive into episode 151 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact podcast, where I, Bret Schanzenbach, have the pleasure of chatting with Kae Gernandt and Edith Broyles from the Women's Club of Carlsbad. We're celebrating the club's rich history as they gear up for their 100th anniversary in 2025. From advocating for road safety and e...
Mar 24, 2025•32 min
Ever thought about ditching your routine for an adventure halfway across the globe? In episode 150 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach chats with Ian Scott and Kathy Steffen about the transformative power of travel. Ian, President and Chief Architect of Discovery at Quest Voyager, recounts his journey from an electrical engineer in the UK to a travel industry leader. Meanwhile, Kathy, the Director of Fun at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, shares how group travel pro...
Mar 10, 2025•28 min
Ever wondered how a musician's journey from a small town led to a thriving business in the heart of San Diego? In episode 149 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I sit down with the dynamic Chris Swimley, owner of Machine Print Shop, to uncover his incredible story. From the highs of record deals to the lows of band breakups, Chris's tale is one of resilience and reinvention. Join us as Chris shares his transition from the music industry to mastering the art of merchandise and graphic de...
Mar 03, 2025•32 min
How do you balance career ambitions with family life? What role does networking play in business success? Join me as I dive into these questions and more with Laura Bashore, franchise owner of Team Referral Network San Diego, on this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact. Laura's journey from Clovis to San Diego is nothing short of inspiring. With a rich background in career coaching and a passion for community, Laura's story is a testament to the power of networking and entrepreneurs...
Feb 24, 2025•26 min
Are you ready to dive into the unknown and explore the world of impactful conversations? Welcome to Episode 147 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact," where we unravel stories that matter. This week, we have a special guest, Stephanie Issa, joining us to illuminate her journey and share her insights. What happens when passion meets purpose? How does one navigate the challenges of making a real difference in their community? Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of stories ...
Feb 17, 2025•25 min
Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform a spontaneous idea into a thriving business? Or how a passion for art can turn a simple donut into a masterpiece? In episode 146 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, I chat with the delightful Renee Bexiga, owner of Get N Go Donuts, who spills the beans on her unique journey from college student to donut entrepreneur. Renee's story is as sweet as her creations. From her college days at San Diego State University to her spontaneous leap into t...
Feb 10, 2025•27 min
What drives a man to leap from a stable corporate career into the world of motivational speaking? How do personal struggles transform into powerful narratives that inspire change? In episode 145 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I sit down with the remarkable Devin Hughes, Chief Inspiration Officer at Devin Hughes Enterprises. Devin unveils his compelling journey from a challenging childhood, marked by struggles with literacy and discipline, to becoming a beacon of inspiration. Discove...
Feb 03, 2025•31 min
How is the Carlsbad Educational Foundation reshaping the future of education? What innovative projects are transforming classrooms today? Join me as I sit down with Laura Pitts, the dynamic CEO of the Carlsbad Educational Foundation, to explore these questions and more. In this episode of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact," Laura shares her inspiring journey from Ann Arbor, Michigan, through her academic pursuits at the University of Michigan and Purdue University Global, to her impactful ro...
Jan 27, 2025•32 min
Have you ever wondered how a chance encounter at a Christmas party could change the course of your career? Or how a former dressmaker from New York found his calling in financial advising amidst a market crash? In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I had the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Lippman, who shares his fascinating journey from the bustling streets of New York to the welcoming embrace of Carlsbad. Andrew's story is one of remarkable adaptability and resilience. He ...
Jan 20, 2025•25 min
Ever wondered how a simple cake can transform a child's life? In episode 142 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I dive into this heartwarming topic with the incredible Cari Yuen, San Diego County ambassador for Cake For Kids. From her roots in Hawaii to a dynamic career in Silicon Valley with tech giants like Boeing and Amazon, Cari's journey is nothing short of inspiring. But it's her current mission that truly captivates. After relocating to Carlsbad for a purposeful sabbatical, Cari ...
Jan 13, 2025•24 min
Have you ever wondered how a childhood interest in finance can transform into a lifelong passion for helping families with special needs? Join me, as I sit down with the remarkable Lily Fallah from Guide My Finances. In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, we explore Lily's fascinating journey from her Southern California roots to becoming a Chartered Special Needs Consultant. Lily's story is truly inspiring. We delve into her career shift from working with financial giants like...
Jan 06, 2025•21 min
What does it take to navigate the ever-evolving world of media and marketing? How does one transition from casting extras in Hollywood to leading marketing at a cutting-edge production studio? Join me as I dive into these questions and more in episode 140 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact." This week, I chat with the dynamic Mary Burt-Godwin, Director of Marketing at Loft 100 Studios. Mary's journey is nothing short of inspiring—from her early days at UC Santa Barbara to casting for iconi...
Dec 16, 2024•32 min
Ever wondered how to transform a team from dysfunctional to dynamic? Or what it feels like to leap from a corporate career into entrepreneurship, akin to skydiving? Join me on this exciting episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, as I sit down with the inspiring Jani Jackson, founder of Develop Your Team. Jani takes us through her fascinating journey from studying English Literature at Cal State Northridge to becoming a leader in team building and leadership development. With roots in N...
Dec 09, 2024•33 min
Ever wondered how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the fitness world? Or how a life-changing event can steer someone into a new career path? In Episode 138 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, I dive into these fascinating topics with Samir Satwah and Ben McCoy, co-owners of the Smart Fit Method in Carlsbad. Samir shares his compelling journey from IT to health coaching after brain surgery turned his life around, leading him to co-own the very gym that transformed his health. Meanw...
Dec 02, 2024•30 min
Welcome to Episode 137 of the "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact" podcast! Ever wondered how a paramedic turned stay-at-home dad could revolutionize plastic recycling? Join me as I sit down with the visionary founder of Plastic Beach, Matthew Clough. Matthew's journey is nothing short of fascinating. From the UK to California, his diverse career path led him to question the massive plastic waste in the motorcycle industry. This curiosity sparked the creation of Plastic Beach, a groundbreaking...
Nov 18, 2024•52 min
Ever wondered how a diagnosis can completely pivot your career path? In episode 136 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, I sit down with Ian Walhert, an inspiring ADHD life coach, to explore this fascinating journey. From pursuing mechanical engineering to embracing psychology, Ian's story is a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding pathways life can offer. We delve into his decade-long adventure in Australia, his personal struggles, and how these experiences shaped his mission to supp...
Nov 11, 2024•37 min
Ever wondered how a screenwriter and best-selling author transforms her literary world into cinematic magic? In episode 135 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact podcast, I sit down with the talented Renee Carlino to uncover her incredible journey from the heart of Carlsbad to the big screen. Join us as Renee shares her fascinating Portuguese-American heritage and her early days in San Diego County, where her dreams of working in film evolved into a passion for writing. Discover the grassr...
Nov 04, 2024•24 min
Ever wondered how to turn a heated argument into a harmonious dialogue? Or transform workplace tensions into opportunities for growth? Join me as I sit down with the insightful Scott Silk, founder of Olive Branch Solutions, on this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact. Scott takes us on a journey from Louisville, Kentucky, to the sunlit shores of North County, California, sharing how his disillusionment with traditional litigation sparked a passion for mediation. Discover how Scott’s ...
Oct 28, 2024•20 min
Ever wondered how a simple box of fresh produce can transform lives? Or how a nonprofit born out of the pandemic is tackling food insecurity, nutrition inequity, and sustainability all at once? Join us for Episode 127 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact," where we sit down with the visionary founder and executive director of Plus Box, Wesley Burt. Wesley takes us through his fascinating journey from studying at USC and Northwestern to his diverse career spanning public policy, a presidentia...
Oct 21, 2024•23 min
Ever wondered how a corporate background in process control can lead to a thriving career in the music and digital marketing industries? Or how an office space can transform into a bustling recording studio? In this episode of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact", we sit down with Bob Berman, the dynamic owner and general manager of Amplified Studios and Amplified Studios Agency. Bob's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from New Jersey and spending three decades in Vermont, Bob ve...
Oct 14, 2024•28 min
Ever wondered how a childhood surrounded by tradesmen could shape a successful career in architecture? Or how a simple phrase from a child could inspire the name of an entire business? Join me as I sit down with Benjamin Schaefer, the visionary behind Little Big Design , in our latest episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact! Benjamin’s story is one of passion, resilience, and creativity. From his roots in Ventura County to the bustling Bay Area, and finally settling in sunny San Diego, ...
Oct 07, 2024•24 min
Ever wondered how a farm girl from New Hampshire ends up leading a sustainability revolution in sunny California? Or how surplus furniture can change lives across the globe? In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I sit down with Megan Draper, President and CEO of Furniture Reuse Solutions (FRS), to uncover her incredible journey and the impactful mission of her company. Megan shares her fascinating transition from managing logistics in New England to spearheading environmental...
Sep 30, 2024•21 min
Ever wondered how a digital billboard on a truck could revolutionize advertising? Curious about the cybersecurity measures that can protect your business from phishing and ransomware? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Garry Heppy, a man who has worn many hats—from electronics to media innovation, and now, IT and cybersecurity. Join me as I sit down with Garry Heppy to explore his diverse career path, starting from his early days in Orange County to his pivotal role at Corp...
Sep 23, 2024•27 min
Ever wondered what drives someone to join law enforcement? Or how police officers balance the challenges of their roles with community engagement? In this captivating episode, I sit down with Melissa Zavala and Matt Jensen, dedicated officers from the Carlsbad Police Department and passionate board members of the Carlsbad Police Officers Foundation. Melissa and Matt share their unique paths to becoming officers. From Melissa’s local roots and early inspiration to Matt’s journey from the Midwest ...
Sep 16, 2024•22 min
Ever wondered how a childhood passion for theater can transform into a cornerstone of a community's cultural life? Or how a converted chicken coop and Jazzercise headquarters can pave the way for a thriving arts center? Join us for episode 127 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact," where we sit down with the inspiring Kristianne Kurner, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of New Village Arts. In this episode, Kristianne takes us on a journey from her nomadic upbringing as a Marine Corps ...
Sep 09, 2024•28 min
