Podcast Stockton

TuneStruck Singing Podcast Stockton, recorded April 2010

Welcome to Podcast Stockton, episode 106. For this episode, we pulled out some highlights from a couple of our past shows.

On this episode of Podcast Stockton, we feature a great interview with Brandon Piasecki. Brandon is a high school chemistry teacher at Stockton Collegiate in downtown Stockton, but that barely scratches the surface of who Brandon is and what he does in Stockton. Brandon PiaseckiPhoto by Shannon Lea Rock As a talented musician, and using the name Mista P, Brandon created some impressive YouTube videos to help teach chemistry principles to his students. He also recently released an EP, Touch The World, recorded at Press Recording Studio in downtown Stockton. The proceeds from which will go toward his Grace Notes Music Project to give local students the chance to record music in a professional recording studio. As the hype man for Channel Brewing, Brandon helped get the Kickstarter campaign off the ground and helps put on events for the brewery. Brandon is also a member of Little Free Library Stockton and is the host of the Third City Podcast. Follow Brandon on Instagram @mrp_chemistry and Twitter @mrp_chemistry. This week, we welcome back an old friend of the show, Gabriel Reyes, as co-host. A talented local artist and former podcaster himself, Gabriel has co-hosted a number of Podcast Stockton shows in the past. It's great to have him back on the show! Gabriel recently took part in the Upside Down art show at Empresso, featuring local art based on the Netflix series "Stranger Things". The music for episode 105 is "Collide Someday" from Brandon's new EP, Touch The World. Check out the whole EP at brandonjames209.bandcamp.com. We also played a sample of "What's the Table For?", the video is a must-see!

Sharing the positive stories about people in Stockton has long been the goal of Podcast Stockton but we are far from the only ones doing that. Driven by his faith as a Christian and his love for Stockton, Peter Powers started Positive Perspective Stockton magazine two years ago.  Peter Powers Positive Perspective Stockton is a high-quality, full-color magazine that, just as the title suggests, highlights positive people and stories in Stockton. Peter's faith, along with his love for Stockton, drives him to publish the magazine, a definite labor of love. Peter is proud to consider his product a faith based magazine but acknowledges that not all of the articles in each edition are specifically Christian. Not being content with simply telling the stories of the positive side of Stockton, Peter plays an active role in creating more positive stories himself. He recently partnered with Calvary First Church on The Kelley Project to open Heroes Park, a needed community park on Kelley Drive. Positive Perspective Stockton is published 6 times per year and are available free throughout Stockton. In addition to making the print edition available for free, the magazine is also available online. Hockey is back in Stockton! The Stockton Heat return to the Stockton Arena for their second season. This season they will be introducing a new goal song and they want us fans to help them pick a song. Visit their website before Wednesday to cast your vote!And the next time you're at a Heat game, look for Podcast Stockton's own "Hot Rod" Villagomez working another season with the between play entertainment crew. 

N. Tyler YoungPhoto by Jim Snyder Local cyclist, Tyler Young, is the leader of the Great Ride Series bike rides from Stockton's Performance Bicycles in Lincoln Center. More than just a cyclist or ride leader, Tyler is one of the most well known cyclists in Stockton. His dedication to his riders is unparalleled. He started cycling again just a few years ago and used it to lose weight and get back in shape. Since then, he has used his passion for riding to encourage people all over Stockton to get out on their bikes.Every Saturday, Tyler leads a ride from the Performance store. A family-friendly ride that often gets up to 50 riders, Tyler takes his fellow cyclists through north Stockton neighborhoods and on to the Calaveras bike path before heading to University of the Pacific and the turn-around point at Starbucks on the Miracle Mile.  “He doesn’t care if you’re slow or fast, he just wants you to be there.” — Kiel Penrod, local cyclist To get an idea of what Tyler means to local cyclists, I spoke with a few of his riders, Kelly Rose, Kiel Penrod and Karen Jordan, during a recent Saturday morning ride.  “I push myself to show up because of Tyler. This has become a big part of my life.” — Karen Jordan, local cyclist Tyler's impact on local cyclists is clear. Talk to any of his riders and they will tell you he is the reason they continue to get out on their bike. Tyler has a ride for all cyclists, no matter what "tribe" they belong to. His Saturday rides have every level of cyclist, from families riding with small children to die-hard lycra-clad road cyclists. He also leads a weekly mountain bike specific ride and a Sunday road bike specific ride of varying distances.Be sure to check out his ride schedule on Meetup and look for him and the rest of his riders on Strava. Here's a video from a recent Saturday ride.Follow Tyler on Instagram, @roguefreeman. The music for episode 103 is "Calaveras Super Highway" by Michael Klooster & Ernest B. Mancuso, featuring Justin Anderson. There is a new podcast in town, Fat City Establishment. Their first episode was released last week and focuses on Stockton politics. Stockton needs more independent voices and we are excited to have a new show in town. Congratulations to Fat City Establishment on their inaugural show. Listen and subscribe on Soundcloud and iTunes.

Even though Jenny-Faye Klooster and her family moved from Stockton four years ago, her ties to Stockton run deep. She is a multi-generation Stocktonian now living in Southern California but still considers Stockton her home.A fixture on the Miracle Mile, Jenny-Faye first worked at, and then eventually owned and operated San Francisco Floral. Jenny-Faye Klooster After moving, Jenny-Faye started a blog, The Swearing Mom's Guide to Life, what she calls, "A menagerie of opinions and ideas of lifestyle and social relevance through the eyes of a potty mouthed Mama". Her blog is well-written and full of wonderful food and drink recipes. But its biggest draw is the personal stories and opinion pieces. On a recent visit to Stockton, Jenny-Faye sat down with Matt. Before they started the official interview, Jenny-Faye made a drink, one that she had recently featured on her blog, a Hard Cherry Limeade. Jenny-Faye also began releasing videos, showcasing some fun cocktails. Honey Lavender Lemontini, The Ginger Greyhound and Blackberry Bourbon Smash have been very popular. Amongst the recipes are some very personal posts, such as The Fattest Girl in the Room and A Villain, a Mom and Two Little Boys.Follow the blog at swearingmom.com and on Facebook at  facebook.com/theswearingmom. The music for episode 102 is "Brand New Revolution" by Icarus Jones.

Stephen Bentley, a deacon at Saint John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Downtown Stockton recently opened HUB, Helping Urban Bicyclists. A lifelong cyclist and twenty-year resident of Stockton, Stephen has spent years helping the homeless and near homeless members of our community. Episode 101 of Podcast Stockton is hosted by Susan Spracher and Rod Villagomez.  HUB's Deacon Stephen Bentley at a recent Full Moon Riders ride around Downtown Stockton Before opening HUB, he would occasionally help people in need by fixing a bike chain or flat tire but he had bigger goals. He set out to open a bike shop downtown that would serve the often forgotten members of our community. HUB opened in April and, with the help of volunteers and generous donations from the community, he has been able to provide people in need with bike repairs and, in some cases, their own bikes. Stephen talks with Podcast Stockton's Matt Beckwith about why he started HUB and what it means to be able to provide this service to the people of Stockton. HUB is always accepting donations of bikes, bike parts and cash. They are located at 131 E. Miner Street, just east of El Dorado Street. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and on Wednesdays from 1 PM to 4 PM. Get more information on HUB and read some of the stories about the people they've helped on their Facebook page facebook.com/STOCKTONHUB.Stephen is also a very talented comic artist and write the daily comic strip, Herb and Jamaal. Matt and Stephen talk about the work involved with hand-drawing and lettering a daily comic strip and if Stephen identifies more with Herb or Jamaal. You can read the daily comic strip at gocomics.com/herbandjamaal. The music for episode 101 is "Lakeshore Drive (Guitar Jazz Version)" by Stockton based band, Pushers & Thieves. Find them on Facebook and ReverbNation.

Welcome to season three of Podcast Stockton! Our entire team is back and we all are excited to bring you more of the people and the stories that make Stockton great! Visit Stockton CEO, Wes Rhea For our 100th regular episode, we are very happy to be joined again by Wes Rhea, CEO of Visit Stockton. We are all thankful for Wes  and his incredible supporter of Podcast Stockton since the early days!Episode 100 is hosted by Susan Spracher and Rod Villagomez.Matt and Wes discussed what has changed in Stockton, and with Visit Stockton, in the past two-and-a-half years since the last time he was on the show. They also discussed the bold, new Visit Stockton logo, why it's important to also market Stockton to people in Stockton - "The number reason people visit a community is to visit friends and family", the progress in Downtown Stockton, some upcoming events and more.There are always so many fun things to do in Stockton and Wes and his team work hard to organize the area's best events calendar. Don't forget to sign up for the weekly Visit Stockton newsletter, you won't be disappointed. Some upcoming key events:Stockton Beer Week Brew Fest, September 11, tickets on sale nowStockton Beer Week, September 16-25 Stockton Arts Week, October 14-23NCAA Women's Division 1 basketball, March 24-27, 2017Follow Visit Stockton on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and their website, VisitStockton.org.Thank you, again, to Wes Rhea for all of your support through the years, for your tireless dedication to presenting Stockton in a positive light, and for being our guest for episode 100. Music for this episode, "I Told You I Love You, Now Get Out" courtesy of Wendi Maxwell. Visit her website wendimaxwell.com and follow Wendi Maxwell and Tres Hot Jazz on Facebook. 

Smack dab in the middle of Stockton Beer Week, in this week's episode Susan and Matt talk with Lauren Sage, a bartender at The Abbey Trappist Pub, and beer blogger at Beer Up Your Life.True Beer Geek Lauren Sage Lauren talks about the craft beer movement in Stockton and the rest of California. She also brought along some great California brews for us to sample:Dust Bowl's Hobo PilsnerSudwerk's Dry Hop LagerRussian River Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada Beer Camp's Yvan the Great Belgian-Style Blonde21st Amendment Brewery Brew Free or Die IPALauren works at The Abbey Trappist Pub which has been on the Mile for three years. With eight beers on draft and around 70 different bottles on hand - many of which a from brewers within an hour and a half drive from Stockton - there is a beer there for every type of drinker.She worked alongside other brewers and the crew at Dust Bowl Brewing to help create Stockton Session, a hoppy red ale available just during Stockton Beer Week. Lauren also helped organize some Stockton Beer Week events like the beer and macaron pairing last weekend (sorry if you missed that one!).Don't forget to come to The Abbey on Saturday for the Local's Only Beer Fest. Follow @beerupyourlife and @theabbeytrappist on Instagram. Stockton Beer Week is still here!From August 22 - 31, the team at Visit Stockton bring us so many opportunities to celebrate beer in Stockton during Stockton Beer Week. There are great events scheduled from Friday through next weekend. Visit stocktonbeerweek.com for all the details.

Leading up to Stockton Beer Week, in this episode, Matt and Rod sit down with Steve Altimari, President and Brewmaster of High Water Brewing.Beer Steve Altimari, President and Brewmaster of High Water Brewing. One of the best things about doing an interview with a brewmaster is, well, the beer. Steve brought some of his beers in to the Outback Studio for us to sample while we talked. We opened the show with Hop Riot IPA and then moved on to Hop Logic, Aphotic Imperial Porter, and then ended with High Water's best-selling brew, and a favorite of Matt's, Campfire Stout.Career ChangeSteve started as a home-brewer while working in information technology and then eventually attended America's Brewers Guild at UC Davis before working at Stockton's El Dorado Brewing Company which he eventually bought and turned into Valley Brewing Company. He eventually sold Valley Brew and is now a full-time brewer.High Water Brewing beers can be found all over Stockton. On the Mile, you can often find a selection at Mile Wine Company and The Abbey Trappist Pub. You can also find High Water bottles at BevMo, S-Mart and even more retailers. Learn more about High Water Brewing at highwaterbrewing.com. Stockton Beer Week is back!From August 22 - 31, the team at Visit Stockton bring us so many opportunities to celebrate beer in Stockton during Stockton Beer Week. There are great events scheduled from Friday through next weekend. Visit stocktonbeerweek.com for all the details.

In this episode, Greg and Matt sit down with local comedian and comedy show promoter, Reggie "Thuggdork" Galindo."I can do this" Reggie "Thuggdork" Galindo Before getting on stage for the first time in San Jose in 1997, Reggie saw a comedian perform at a festival "I can do this". Even after doing shows locally and out on the road, Reggie doesn't consider himself a comedian. He enjoys doing comedy but doesn't necessarily identify with the title. As an addict in recovery, Reggie tells some personal stories of what his road has been like. After some time performing comedy, Reggie started promoting shows and found that he could successfully bring in the crowds to see other comedians as well.Thuggdork is hosting Comedy BASH 2 at Empire Theatre next Friday, July 25. There are still tickets left, but get yours now before they are all sold out. Call to get your tickets.

In this week's episode, Matt interviews Tim Viall. After moving to Stockton 23 years ago to work for the Record, Tim went on to work for the Chamber of Commerce, was the first Executive Director of the Downtown Stockton Alliance, and after 10 years, recently retired as the Executive Director of the Emergency Food Bank.Busy In Retirement Tim Viall Tim has remained busy in the community, serving as a board member for the Friends of the Fox Classic Movie Series and San Joaquin Bike Coalition. Tim has also completed the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program. Last year, Tim started a travel blog, Little Places I Know, where he writes about his trips throughout the country. His travel blog is now featured as a Record Community Blog. Tim has also written several pieces that have appeared in the travel section of the Record's Sunday newspaper (his recent article about Redding).Tim can be reached by e-mail at tviall@msn.com. Stockton on another listStockton is no stranger to lists of all kinds. In fact, Podcast Stockton started, more than 5 years ago, as a response to our city being named to a list that I won't bother naming. Throughout the years, Stockton has appeared on many different lists, most of which are probably just designed to get website views for the companies making the lists. Last week, there was a lot of buzz about Stockton being named home to the country's hottest women. 

Last week, the Board of Directors for the Stockton Asparagus Festival issued a press release announcing that the 2014 festival, the 29th, was it's final festival. Matt, Susan, Rod, and Greg sat down to talk about what might have happened, and the memories they will cherish. They also had the chance to hear from Podcast Stockton listeners as well as interview Doug Wilhoit and Wes Rhea.So Long Old Friend The signature dish, deep-fried asparagus It really is hard to believe that after 29 years our signature event is no-more. The Asparagus Festival has meant so much to each of us at Podcast Stockton. When the news broke about its end, we wanted to capture our thoughts, and the thoughts of some of our listeners.We couldn't contain all of the Asparagus Festival talk into just one episode, so we cut it down to two episodes of around 50 minutes each. We are honored to have you join us for this very special episode. You can listen to both episodes below, from iTunes, or Stitcher.In the first part, Jennifer Boylan opens up with her thoughts. Later, we hear from Chris Kay. Rod had the chance to ask a couple of Stockton residents, Barbara and Roger, their thoughts on the festival. We also heard from Bill Loyko, Eric Johnston, Jenny Klooster, Melissa Wyman, and Don Maszewski.In the second part, Greg talks with Doug Wilhoit, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Chamber of Commerce and Asparagus Festival board member. Matt sits down with Wes Rhea, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Stockton and Asparagus Festival board member. Lastly, we hear from Tim Nunes.Here are some pictures of some of the last few years - 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2011 eating competition.On behalf of the Podcast Stockton team, both past and present, thank you to Kate Post, Wes Rhea, and the rest of the Board of Directors of the Stockton Asparagus Festival. It is our mission to highlight the great life in Stockton, and for 29 wonderful years, you did just that. We are also very thankful for the support you gave to us since our humble beginning in 2009. When we asked for tickets to give away to listeners, you responded. Every time we asked for interviews, or press access, you granted it with a smile. We did our best to highlight the amazing work you and the hundreds of volunteers do every year and we are truly grateful for the opportunity you gave to us to cover the festival. Stockton is a better place because of each of you that made the Asparagus Festival happen. We have no doubt that our city is better for you and for it, and Stockton will shine even in its absence, even though, for now, as we mourn. Thank you.To our listeners, what will you miss most about the Asparagus Festival?

In this week's episode, Matt and Greg are joined in studio by musician Michael Klooster.Still Very Stockton Michael Klooster While many people will recognize him as the keyboardist with Smash Mouth, in Stockton, Michael Klooster is much more. Although he and his wife, also a  Stockton native, and their two sons recently moved to southern California, he has maintained deep ties to the Stockton music scene. Michael has worked with many local bands including Snap Jackson and the Knock On Wood Players, and The Mundaze. He is in town working as a guest producer at a University of the Pacific summer program. He is also in town to perform.Next week, his solo project, Klooster, is playing at The Whisky Barrel along with The Mundaze and Letter Blue. The show is on Tuesday, June 17 at 8 PM.This summer, he and the rest of Smash Mouth will be joining Uncle Kracker, Sugar Ray, and Blues Traveler on the Under The Sun Tour.Michael brought his left-handed baritone ukulele and was joined by Klooster guitarist Stanley Raquel on "Give Them A Show" and "I'll Move On". 

This week, Matt and Rod sit down with Marquis Harris from Marquis Entertainment. Entertainer Marquis Harris Starting his entertainment career organizing and hosting shows in Tracy, Marquis soon found himself performing in bands, hosting fashion shows and emceeing events throughout the area.A love for basketball brought Marquis to the University of Montana Western on a full-ride scholarship. After college, Marquis returned to Tracy and shortly thereafter, Stockton, where he has made his home ever since.Since 1989, Marquis has been building a very successful DJ and entertainment business. He and his team have performed at countless weddings and corporate events, as well as regularly hosting karaoke at local bars. For more information on Marquis Entertainment, call him at 209-951-1982, visit marquisentdjs.com, or find him on Facebook. Learn the steps to Superman Glide by watching this video, or text "supermanglide" to 55469.

This week, Matt and Greg sit down with Officer Joe Silva of the Stockton Police Department.Stockton Native, Career Police Officer Officer Joe Silva A career law enforcement professional, Silva grew up in Stockton, attended Stockton schools, including Lincoln High School and Delta College before graduating from California State University, Sacramento with a degree in Criminal Justice. Officer Silva started with the Stockton Police Department in 1996 and worked as an officer and homicide detective before being named the department's Public Information Officer where he is the department's liaison to media outlets. In this role, Officer Silva also oversees the social media sites for the Stockton Police Department.As the Public Information Officer, Silva is typically the voice and face of the Stockton Police Department in local media. On Valentine's Day, however, he became part of the news. Officer Silva was off-duty and dining in a local restaurant when an argument broke out in the bar. Officer Silva moved toward the commotion and saw a man wielding a gun. He held the suspect at gun point until other officers arrived. Keep up with the Stockton Police Department, submit a tip, or learn more about career opportunities by visiting stocktongov.com/police. Also, follow the Stockton Police Department on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The department now has a smartphone app for iPhone and Android.

This week on Podcast Stockton, we ask listeners for their opinion on the state of our city.   On Thursday, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce hosts the 16th annual State of the City. This year's speakers will include our Mayor Anthony Silva, Police Chief Eric Jones, City Manager Kurt Wilson, and Port Commission Chairman Victor Mow. There will surely be a lot of coverage during and after the event. Leading up to that, we asked our listeners to send in their own submissions answering the question, "What is the state of Stockton from your perspective?". We received a lot of great responses.On today's show we hear from:Levi Wells, local photographer (mrmrsphotography.com)Benjamin Saffold, tireless community volunteer and advocate (gcrms.org)Afex209, local artist Ryan Camero, Arts and environmental education advocate, and SJDC student body government memberSofia Colón, StocktonianTom Mondragon, local musicianDavid Garcia, blogger (stocktoncitylimits.com)We appreciate everyone that contributed to today's show. We are sure your comments will resonate with many Stockton residents. We all love our city and are proud call Stockton home and we are honored to share this city with each of you.The State of the City - May 22, 2014Register to vote and get details about the June 3 primary electionBoards & Commissions Openings

This week, Matt talks with Michael Brooking, local photographer and proprietor of Red's, the downtown Stockton coffee shop.Michael Brooking Michael Brooking A lifelong Stockton resident, Mike got bit by the photography bug at an early age and has been shooting pictures ever since. You can view many of his photographs on Flickr and his website.Mike is also the proprietor of Red's, the coffee shop in downtown Stockton. Located at 13 South San Joaquin, Mike serves the downtown crowd mornings, Monday through Friday. More links from this week's episode:anotherlevelcrossfit.comThe Bookstore - a set on Flickr

In this week's episode Matt and Rod talk with Miguel Guillen, the creator of the @stocktonca Instagram account. They also talk about this weekend's Asparagus Festival and the return of Johnny Milford to the airwaves!Miguel Guillen In 2012, Miguel started an Instagram account as @stocktonca. He posted one picture and then ignored it for a while. What he didn't realize then was that he was starting to build a community on Instagram, the social media app and website where users share photos and short videos.The @stocktonca account on Instagram has over 12,000 followers and features photos with the hashtags #stocktonca and #IGersStockton.Miguel recently helped organize Stockton's second Instameet, where Instagram users got together at the Stockton Arena. Join the community at instagram.com/stocktonca.  Asparagus Festival 2014This weekend marks the return of the Asparagus Festival. Matt and Rod talk about the upcoming Asparagus Festival. For more information about the Asparagus Festival, visit asparagusfest.com. Johnny Milford is Back!!!Last September, Matt and Susan sat down with local radio and voice over legend, Johnny Milford for episode 71. Well, we are so excited because last week Johnny returned to the airwaves as Johnny Stockton on Stockton's new country radio station 105.9 The Bull. Listen to him weekday afternoons 2 PM - 7 PM on 105.9 FM.  Visit 1059thebull.com and find them on Facebook.com/stocktoncountry and Twitter @stocktoncountry.

This week Rod catches up with Amanda King and Lucas,  the talented on-air personalities of The Morning Block Party on KWIN 97.7 and 98.3 FM.The Morning Block Party and so much more... As advocates for local youth and sports, Amanda and Lucas are more than just the talented voices on the radio in the morning. They are both truly passionate about Stockton and their listeners and spend time giving back to the community in many ways. Find them on the radio, 97.7 and 98.3 FM, on the Morning Block Party, weekdays from 6 to 10 AM. Also, listen live online at KWIN.com and iHeartRADIO. #GSADOThere's less than one week left of the Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out. Once again, Visit Stockton has put together a growing list of participating restaurants for this great local event as the perfect lead up the Stockton Asparagus Festival. Matt and Susan talk about some of the great choices out there. The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out runs until April 20. Check out the participating restaurants at dineoutstockton.com.