Discover La Jolla

In Episode 64, we sit down with Marshall McInerney, son of longtime La Jolla real estate icon Jim McInerney, for a heartfelt and personal journey through what it was like growing up in this extraordinary coastal community.Marshall shares stories from his childhood bike rides through hidden neighborhood paths, long days at the beach, local traditions, and the small-town charm that has shaped generations of La Jollans. He reflects on the deep roots his family has in the area and how those connections helped shape his appreciation for La Jolla’s rich history, from its early neighborhoods and landmark buildings to the community leaders who helped make it what it is today.With a unique perspective that blends family legacy, local pride, and lived experience, Marshall gives us an intimate look at the La Jolla most people never see the La Jolla of families, friendships, traditions, and stories passed down over decades.Join us as Marshall brings the history of La Jolla to life through memories, heritage, and the beauty of growing up in one of California’s most iconic coastal towns.

In this episode, we chat with Chris Magill, the owner, certified general contractor, and lead home inspector at Aztec Property Inspections, a top-rated inspection company based in San Diego. Chris founded Aztec in 2004, bringing his background as a contractor to deliver thorough, honest, and high-quality inspections.Chris explains how Aztec uses cutting-edge tools—like infrared cameras, moisture meters, and drones—to inspect properties and provide detailed, easy-to-understand reports.We also explore Aztec’s core mission: protecting clients’ investments by uncovering hidden issues before they become expensive problems. With a strong local reputation and over a decade of feedback, Chris shares stories from his clients, common pitfalls homebuyers face, and advice for making smart, informed decisions in real estate.Join us for a conversation about craftsmanship, trust, and the value of doing your homework when buying or selling a home.

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Vincenty, a senior leader at Life Time, the luxury health-club and wellness brand based in La Jolla. Life Time’s La Jolla location offers an all-in-one experience: a top-tier fitness floor, group classes, spa services, and a healthy café.Daniel shares his perspective on how Life Time La Jolla blends the functionality of a gym with the elegance of a resort creating a space where fitness, community, and wellness come together. He discusses the importance of inclusive programming that serves both serious athletes and wellness seekers, as well as the role of their Signature Group Training classes in building connection and accountability.We also explore the broader vision for Life Time’s “healthy way of life” brand in the San Diego region: how the La Jolla club reflects that mission through top-tier amenities, nurturing wellness beyond just exercise.Tune in for an inspiring look at how Daniel and his team are shaping the future of health and wellness right here in La Jolla.

In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Brady, the operations lead at Harvest Eco-Salvage, a company deeply rooted in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. With years of experience in asset recovery and eco-salvage operations, Brian brings a keen focus on turning reclaimed materials into renewed opportunities.Brian will share how Harvest Eco-Salvage contributes to the La Jolla/San Diego region’s circular economy—recovering, repurposing, and redirecting materials to minimize waste while supporting local design, construction, and creative industries. Through his work, we learn about the challenges of managing salvage operations, the benefits of sustainability for homeowners and businesses, and how the company makes a tangible difference for our community and environment.Join us for a fascinating conversation on how one business is helping redefine “waste” as a resource and how La Jolla is part of that story.

In Episode 60, we welcome back Ann Kerr, Chair of the beloved La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, one of the community’s most cherished annual traditions.Ann shares the rich history behind this festive event, which brings together residents, local organizations, and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in true La Jolla spirit. From the dazzling floats and marching bands to classic cars, community groups, and special performances, the parade captures the magic of the season along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street.She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to organize such a massive community effort—from coordinating volunteers and sponsors to ensuring every detail shines bright on parade day.Tune in to hear how the La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival continues to unite the community through joy, tradition, and holiday cheer—thanks to the dedication and leadership of Ann Kerr and her incredible team.

In this episode, we feature Karen Roque, the Director of Sales & Operations for the Jim McInerney Real Estate Team in La Jolla. With over a decade of experience in real estate, title and escrow coordination, and office management, Karen plays a crucial role in ensuring transactions run smoothly, contracts are compliant, and clients receive exceptional service. Karen shares her behind-the-scenes perspective on handling complex oceanfront and luxury residential deals in the San Diego market. She discusses how her operational expertise, attention to detail, and problem-solving mindset help the team deliver consistent results and support both buyers and sellers effectively. Join us for a revealing look at how the wheels of a top-performing real estate team turn featuring one of the people who keeps it all moving.

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Moore, Executive Director of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting our region’s firefighters, lifeguards, and first responders.Wendy shares how the Foundation steps in to provide vital resources and funding where city budgets stop—supporting equipment needs, training programs, wellness initiatives, and community safety outreach. She also talks about their visionary efforts to develop a Health & Safety Wellness Center designed to care for first responders with services like cardiac and cancer screening, physical therapy, nutrition programs, and mental health support.We explore the Foundation’s impact across the community through wildfire preparedness events, youth education, and strategic partnerships that strengthen safety, resilience, and public awareness.Join us as Wendy offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation uplifts those who protect us and how La Jolla and the greater community can play a role in their mission.

In Episode 57, we welcome Kim Kelly and Carol Kaplan, the creative minds behind Everything Creative Designs, a San Diego-area staging and design firm serving La Jolla and its surrounding communities.Carol Kaplan, the Founder and Creative Director, has built a reputation as a staging and redesign expert. With over a decade of experience, she leads the team in helping homeowners, sellers, and real estate agents present their spaces at their absolute best. Her design aesthetic often brings vibrant color, thoughtful layout, and market-savvy staging strategies to the forefront.Kim Kelly works closely with Carol, contributing her talent in staging, redesign, and the meticulous attention to detail that helps homes show well and sell faster. The duo specialize in home staging, interior redesign, color consulting, and furniture selection. Their approach is both artistic and pragmatic—balancing beauty with market appeal.In our conversation, Kim and Carol share how they collaborate from concept to execution, how they tailor design to each property, and what makes staging in La Jolla unique. They’ll also talk about some of their proudest projects and how design can help homes not just look beautiful—but tell a story.Tune in for an inside look at how Everything Creative Designs blends creativity, strategy, and community impact in every space they shape.

In Episode 56, we welcome Ron Jones and Mike Mazaika, the duo behind La Jolla Insiders, a local media platform dedicated to showcasing the stories, history, and hidden gems that make La Jolla truly unique.Ron, a La Jolla resident for more than 40 years, brings a wealth of experience from his background in radio, television, and live events, including hosting La Jolla Concerts by the Sea for nearly two decades. Mike, after a distinguished career in aerospace engineering and executive leadership, has turned his passion toward community storytelling and highlighting the cultural richness of La Jolla.Together, they created La Jolla Insiders to go beyond the typical tourist perspective—sharing authentic stories of the people, places, and traditions that define this coastal gem.Join us as Ron and Mike share their favorite discoveries, memorable conversations, and the inspiration behind their mission to help everyone experience La Jolla like a true insider.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeny Dawson, founder of Zen Soul Balance, La Jolla’s holistic wellness brand focused on the integration of yoga, sound healing, mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork.Jeny shares how her mission deeply influenced by her personal story and her sister Olivia’s experience with cerebral palsy led her to create Zen Soul Balance, a space where people from all walks of life can begin their holistic healing journey. She holds multiple certifications (Yin yoga, Hatha, sound facilitation, holistic health coaching, etc.), and works closely with healthcare providers and nonprofits to bring wellness programming to underserved communities. You’ll hear about how she blends practices like therapeutic stretching, sound baths, restorative yoga, and breathwork to help people calm their minds, release tension, and reconnect with themselves. Jeny also discusses her outreach work—how she’s offering free and low-cost wellness events, and her vision for building resilience and joy through community-centered wellness.

In this episode, we are honored to feature Mary Coakley Munk, co-founder and President of the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans.Mary and her late husband, Dr. Walter Munk, started the Foundation in 2017 to carry forward his remarkable legacy of oceanographic exploration, scientific discovery, and devotion to the marine environment. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing ocean science, promoting earth science education, and championing ocean conservation. Mary shares her personal journey from moving to La Jolla Shores in 2000, engaging deeply with the local community, and founding Friends of La Jolla Shores, to helping launch impactful projects such as educational plazas in public parks, bronze sculptures, and playgrounds. These efforts reflect her passion for preserving public spaces and raising environmental awareness in creative, tangible ways. Join us as Mary discusses the Foundation’s current work: field-trips and outreach for youth, partnerships in conservation (including initiatives for the “Mobula munkiana” ray), educational projects around Lake Altaussee, and how her leadership seeks to engage people of all ages in caring for our oceans. It’s an inspiring conversation about vision, legacy, and action in La Jolla and beyond.

In Episode 53, we shine the spotlight on Neil O’Connell, Executive Director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, San Diego’s storied hillside tribute honoring U.S. veterans from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts.A retired Marine Sergeant Major with 33 years of service, Neil brings a deeply personal dedication to his leadership at Mt. Soledad. Since joining the Memorial Association in 2012 and later serving as Board Chair and CEO (2018–2021), he’s shepherded over 80 ceremonies annually, enhanced educational programming for school groups, and grown memorial visibility and membership under his current executive stewardship Under Neil’s leadership, the Memorial earned the San Diego Nonprofit Achievement Award, a testament to its mission-driven excellence in honoring military heritage He also spearheaded the launch of new youth-oriented field trips and STEM workshops designed to connect future generations with veterans’ stories.Join us as Neil shares how the Memorial balances solemn remembrance with community engagement—through ceremonies, plaques, educational outreach, and volunteer-driven care of plaques and grounds. Discover how this La Jolla landmark continues to serve as a beacon of service, sacrifice, and civic pride under his thoughtful direction.

In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Yanke, the founder and principal designer of Westbourne Studio, a boutique interior design firm based in San Diego since 2020. Alex brings a refined, California-inspired aesthetic to residential projects, blending organic materials, rich patinas, and minimal contemporary forms to create relaxed yet layered interiors Alex explains how he collaborates with architects and clients from the early stages of remodels or new builds, guiding projects through everything from architectural planning and millwork design to material selection and furniture curation. His design philosophy balances timeless global influences like European antiques and mid‑century pieces with custom lighting, textiles, and artisan craftsmanship, delivering spaces that are both functional and deeply personal.Join us as Alex takes us inside Westbourne Studio’s process and some recent standout projects, including a serene West Village residence in NYC and elegant homes in Rancho Santa Fe. His insights reveal how thoughtful design can reshape the way we live and connect in our spaces especially in coastal communities like La Jolla.

In this special episode, we sit down with Lauren Lockhart, Executive Director of the La Jolla Historical Society (LJHS), a passionate advocate for preserving and celebrating La Jolla’s rich coastal heritage.Lauren shares her inspiring journey in the cultural sector from her early work in San Diego’s contemporary art institutions to spearheading public art initiatives at the airport and how these experiences have shaped her leadership at LJHS Under her guidance, the Society balances honoring historic legacies with embracing contemporary programming.

In this special milestone episode, we’re honored to return to the waveside with Bill Kellogg, President and Director of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Bill shares the Club’s storied history and his family’s enduring legacy—spanning generations—as stewards of its iconic oceanfront grounds.We dive into the Club’s rich tradition, from its early development and distinctive architecture to its role in hosting world-class tennis events and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both members and the broader community.Bill also gives us an exciting look at one of the Club’s newest community contributions: the 4th of July Drone Show. In partnership with the La Jolla community, this stunning aerial display will light up the night sky with a safe, innovative, and environmentally friendly celebration of Independence Day—free for all to enjoy from La Jolla Shores.Tune in to Episode 50 and celebrate La Jolla’s past, present, and future through the lens of Bill Kellogg and the iconic institution his family helped shape.

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Woolery, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity in La Jolla. With nearly 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, Ed has become a trusted advisor for homebuyers and real estate professionals alike. His commitment to honesty, transparency, and personalized service has earned him a stellar reputation in the community.Ed shares insights into the ever-evolving mortgage landscape, offering valuable advice for those looking to purchase or refinance a home. We also discuss his involvement in the local community and his passion for helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams.Join us as we explore the world of home financing with Ed Woolery, gaining a deeper understanding of the mortgage process and the importance of working with a dedicated professional.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned La Jolla artist Concetta Antico, whose rare gift of tetrachromacy allows her to see up to 100 million colors. Known as “The Color Queen,” Concetta’s vivid, impressionistic paintings offer a stunning glimpse into a world most of us can't even imagine.From her gallery, The Salon of Art, Concetta shares how her unique vision transforms everyday scenes into vibrant masterpieces, and how she uses her gift to inspire creativity and connection in the La Jolla community.

In this episode, we sit down with Carl Blackburn, the founder and owner of C. Blackburn Jewelers, a distinguished boutique located in the heart of La Jolla. With over 15 years of experience, Carl has established himself as a master in custom jewelry design, specializing in vintage-inspired pieces that draw from Art Deco and Belle Époque styles.Carl shares his journey from working alongside his father in the estate jewelry business to becoming a renowned designer and gemologist. He discusses his meticulous design process, which includes hand sketches, CAD modeling, and the use of rare gemstones to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings and heirloom pieces.Beyond crafting bespoke jewelry, Carl is also known for his expertise in buying and selling estate pieces, including items from prestigious brands like Cartier and Tiffany. His commitment to transparency and personalized service has made C. Blackburn Jewelers a trusted name in the La Jolla community.Join us as we explore the artistry and dedication behind Carl Blackburn's work, and discover how his passion for fine jewelry continues to shine in La Jolla.

In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of aerial entertainment with Jeff Stein, founder and CEO of Drone Studios. Jeff, an engineer and licensed drone pilot since 2016, has been pioneering drone light shows as a modern alternative to traditional fireworks. His work combines technical precision with artistic creativity, transforming the night sky into a canvas of synchronized lights and animations.​Jeff discusses the inspiration behind Drone Studios, the environmental benefits of drone shows, and the meticulous planning involved in orchestrating these aerial performances. He also shares insights into the first-ever drone show in La Jolla, a 30-minute spectacle featuring 500 drones that captivated audiences with patriotic imagery and storytelling.​Join us as we explore how Jeff's passion for technology and art is lighting up the skies and redefining community celebrations.

In this episode, we sit down with Koa Scott, the dedicated pitching coach for La Jolla High School's varsity baseball team. A La Jolla High alumnus, Koa excelled as a right-handed pitcher and first baseman during his high school years, graduating in 2020.Following high school, he continued his baseball journey at St. Katherine's in North County.Koa shares insights into his transition from player to coach, the challenges and rewards of mentoring young athletes, and his vision for the future of La Jolla's baseball program.Join us as we explore Koa's passion for the game and his commitment to fostering talent within the community.