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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

What if the secret to a more fulfilling life lies in the waves of the ocean and the silence of the mind? Join us as we take a nostalgic journey back to 1988 with my longtime friend Mick Yankus, a key figure in the surf industry and a pioneer at...

Ever wondered what it takes to sustain a marriage for 36 years and raise adult children with grace? My good friend Jen Selden joins us on the Unpacked and Naked Podcast to share her unique insights and personal experiences. We get real about th...

Have you ever wondered how a client-professional relationship can evolve into a deeply meaningful friendship over two decades? Join me as I sit down with my dear friend Michael Painter, reflecting on our 24-year journey from business meetings t...