Episode six originates from the Budget Cafe in San Luis Obispo, or SLO as the locals call it. SLO is home to California Polytechnic State University and a ton of science-minded brainiacs hell bent on changing the world. But first, I was a little confused when I discovered there was an actual cafe in town called "Budget." That word is fine when you're renting cars, buying blinds or flying to Vegas--but a food place? I had to go there to check it out and met feisty owner, Rhonda Mayeda, a former schoolteacher who now specializes in creating Asian twists to traditional diner food. If you want to learn more, you can find it here:
Budget Cafe
3121 S Higuera St. #160
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401
805-543-5024
www.budgetcafeslo.com
Why was I in SLO? To shoot a feature story for the CBS science and educational series I produce, "Innovation Nation" (Saturday mornings) with correspondent, Alie Ward, who also hosts a mega podcast called "Ologies." She agreed to be a guest on my podcast and shares her backstory growing up a feral child in the wilds of Sacramento, fascinated with bugs, microscopes and cow patties. Odd? Yes, but it paid off. Alie also reveals struggling with finding her true path and learning that failure is the ultimate key to success--something we all need to remember. Learn more about Ologies and Alie here:
www.alieward.com
Finally, I met an old-timer who's been a regular at the Budget Cafe for fifty years! He was also a NCAA Division 1 referee and shares some stories standing in the middle of gridiron chaos every Saturday.