Unpacked In Santa Cruz
"Unpacked in Santa Cruz" is a homegrown podcast hosted by Michael Howard that dives into the lives, stories, and salty moments of people who call this coastal community home—or have been shaped by it in some way. Whether it's a deep conversation with local surfers opening up about mental health, or a peek behind the curtain of someone who started a one-of-a-kind food spot right here in town, every episode brings something real.
You’ll hear from folks who found healing behind the lens, built businesses from scratch, or chased massive waves thanks to a lifetime spent around our local waters. These aren’t just interviews—they’re conversations that reflect the heart and soul of Santa Cruz. Raw, reflective, and rooted in community, Unpacked in Santa Cruz brings local voices to the surface.
Episodes
55 episodes
Episode 56: Natalie Wegrich: The Journey From Childhood Dreams to Jewelry Entrepreneur
A quiet retail revolution is unfolding in Santa Cruz, and Natalie Wegrich of Toasted Jewelry stands at its forefront. From the mountains of Scotts Valley to the beaches of Pleasure Point, Natalie's entrepreneurial journey captures the essence o...
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1:03:23
Episode 55: Brady Muller: From Volleyball Courts to Racing Cars: One Man's Search for Peace in America's Most Beautiful Town
The beautiful, coastal paradise of Santa Cruz, California hides a complex reality beneath its postcard-perfect veneer. In this raw conversation, longtime local Brady Muller pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to call this tourist dest...
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1:39:33
Episode 54: Breaking the Silence: Men Talk Depression: Jack Akrop, Neal Kearney, Nick Borelli
What happens when four men from the Santa Cruz surf community strip away their tough exteriors and speak honestly about depression? This raw, powerful conversation breaks new ground as host Michael Howard and guests Jack Akrop, Neal Kearney, an...
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2:08:27
Episode 53: Cam Meyers; Bread & Belonging: A Chef's Journey Home
What happens when a chef decides to break away from the late-night restaurant grind and bring high-quality, seasonal food directly to the people? For Cam Meyers, it meant creating Melrose Cafe, a "parking lot restaurant" that's transforming the...
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1:06:23
Episode 52: Nick Borelli: Finding Peace Behind the Lens After Years in the Shadows
When Nick Borelli paddled out on his boogie board in 1980s Santa Cruz, he instantly became an outcast in a culture that prized standing on surfboards above all else. "If you boogie boarded, you were persona non grata," host Michael Howard expla...
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1:28:50
Episode 51: From Baseball to Big Waves: Jack Akrop's Evolution Into The Art of Life
When Jack Akrop paddles out at Mavericks or charges massive waves at Jaws, he's drawing on lessons learned from a lifetime spent in and around Santa Cruz waters. But his path to becoming a respected big wave surfer wasn't the typical grom-to-pr...
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1:21:52
Episode 50: Steve Schwinn: From 14 Schools to 1 Coastal Haven: A Furniture Man's Tale
When Steve Schwinn first visited Santa Cruz as a child, surfing at Four Mile Beach with his older brother, something clicked. Despite moving fourteen times throughout his youth—from Texas to the Netherlands to Minneapolis, through various Calif...
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1:00:52
Episode 49: Joe Schirmer: The Stakes Are Higher Than You Think: The Mission to Transform Our Food Systems
What does a competitive surfer from Santa Cruz's Midtown have to do with revolutionizing our food systems? Everything, as it turns out. In this riveting conversation, Joe Schirmer—owner of Dirty Girl Farms and lifelong Santa Cruz l...
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1:44:26
Episode 48: Moana: The Coffee House Connection: How Small Communities Shape Our Lives
What happens when you leave behind the only life you've known to rediscover yourself? Moana's journey from Los Angeles to the shores of Santa Cruz reveals how changing your environment can transform your understanding of who you are.Gro...
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1:03:36
Episode 47: Chris Yeh: Balancing Innovation and Humanity
Chris Yeh, our talented guest and coding virtuoso, shares his personal journey from the burgeoning computer science department at UCSC to becoming a notable figure in the tech world, all while maintaining his roots in the vibrant Santa Cruz com...
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1:11:15
Episode 46: Nick Mari, From Wyoming to Santa Cruz, With a Few Stops In Between: A Journey of Recovery, Introspection, and Empathy
What happens when a small-town Wyoming upbringing meets the vibrant chaos of Utah's EDM scene? Join me and my guest, Nick Mari, as we explore this intriguing intersection and uncover a journey marked by trials and triumphs. From adapting to con...
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1:34:20
Episode 45:Rueben Case-Gabbard, From a Soquel Childhood to Santa Cruz's Unique Spirit: A Story of Freedom and Empathy From The View On The Corner
What if the essence of a town could be captured in the stories of its people? Join us as we journey through the heart of Santa Cruz, California, with Rueben Case-Gabbard, the insightful manager of Verutti's Liquor Store. Born at the now-closed ...
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1:04:31
Episode 44: Brennan Howard, From Growing Up, To Building Community, And What It Might Mean To Be A Leader
Ever wondered how a child’s summer program could shape a future leader? In this episode, Michael Howard is joined by his son Brennan Howard, who shares his inspiring journey from a young participant in the Capitola Junior Lifeguards to becoming...
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54:59
Episode 43: Michael Chavez, From Ken's Top Notch Produce to Community Love: Harvesting More Than Just Fruit
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51:25
Episode 42: Caleb Howard and The Waves of Change: A Lifeguard's Journey Back Home
What motivates a lifeguard to return to the sandy shores after years of pursuing a career in clinical counseling? Join us as Caleb Howard shares his incredible journey back to Santa Cruz, where the pull of the ocean waves and the call of family...
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1:07:03
Episode 41: Paul Locatelli, From The Challenges of Being The OG Zoolander, to Triumphs: A Personal Odyssey
What would you do if you found yourself at a crossroads, questioning everything you once held dear? Join us for an intimate conversation with Paul Locatelli as he shares his transformative journey, from growing up in the vibrant community of Sa...
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56:56
Episode 40: Maddy Keith Owner of Pointside Market, Putting the Local in Local
How does a pizza shop employee become a successful entrepreneur in the vibrant community of Santa Cruz? Maddy Keith's story is one of love, resilience, and an enduring commitment to her hometown. Join us as we explore Maddy's incredible journey...
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59:23
Episode 39: Lucas Salles-Cunha, Quicksilver Santa Cruz Director, and Owner of The Rise Collective
Lucas Salles-Cuñha, a multifaceted leader in the fitness and swimming community, joins us to share his extraordinary journey across the United States, leading him to the serene shores of Santa Cruz. With roots in Southern California, a sojourn ...
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1:16:04
Episode 38: Mike Rodriguez From Woodhouse Brewery, Crafting Legacy and Resilience in Life's Journey
Discover the remarkable journey of Michael Rodriguez, a visionary in the brewing industry, as he shares his courageous family history and his passion for jiu-jitsu and rugby. From escaping Cuba to pioneering new brews in Santa Cruz, Michael's s...
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1:03:27
Episode 37: Reboot, With Brian Upton, And The Healing Power of Voices
What happens when a podcast becomes your lifeline out of depression and into resilience? Join us as I sit down with my producer, Brian Upton, to recount a transformative year where the humble microphone served as a powerful tool for self-discov...
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49:34
Episode 36: Neal Kearney: Finding Balance in Turbulent Waters: A Surfer's Tale of Life In Santa Cruz
Growing up amidst the waves of Pleasure Point, Neal Kearney's journey from a working-class family to a respected figure in the surfing and writing communities is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as Neal shares how he navigated the challenges...
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1:39:31
Episode 35: Stacey Upton: Navigating the Spiritual Journey of Marriage: Connections, Growth, and Future Generations
Marriage as a spiritual journey, the unique bond of limbic resonance, and the complexities of modern parenting—these are just some of the topics that Stacey Upton and I explore in this thought-provoking episode of the "Unpacked and Naked Podcas...
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1:04:59
Episode 34:Nathan Mendelsohn: Grit, Grace, and Growth: A Santa Cruz Story
What does it take to balance martial arts, water polo, and surfing in a place as complex as Santa Cruz? Join us as we sit down with Nathan, the main instructor at Claudio Franza's gym, to uncover his compelling journey from training behind his ...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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58:28
Episode 33: Collin Brown: Challenging Sin: A Journey Through Consciousness and Theology
Can consciousness itself be the original sin? Join us for a profound discussion as we unravel this and other complex theological questions with our special guest, Collin Brown. We delve into the nuanced interpretation of sin and evil in Christi...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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1:22:13
Episode 32:Michael Yankaus: Discovering Inner Tranquility: Unveiling the Spiritual Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
What if you’ve been missing out on a simple practice that could fill the spiritual gap in your life? Join us at the Pointside Beach Shack in Santa Cruz as I reconnect with Michael to unpack the transformative power of Transcendental Meditation ...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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1:29:15