
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
Episode 56: Natalie Wegrich: The Journey From Childhood Dreams to Jewelry Entrepreneur

Episode 55: Brady Muller: From Volleyball Courts to Racing Cars: One Man's Search for Peace in America's Most Beautiful Town

Episode 54: Breaking the Silence: Men Talk Depression: Jack Akrop, Neal Kearney, Nick Borelli

Episode 53: Cam Meyers; Bread & Belonging: A Chef's Journey Home

Episode 52: Nick Borelli: Finding Peace Behind the Lens After Years in the Shadows

Episode 51: From Baseball to Big Waves: Jack Akrop's Evolution Into The Art of Life

Episode 50: Steve Schwinn: From 14 Schools to 1 Coastal Haven: A Furniture Man's Tale

Episode 49: Joe Schirmer: The Stakes Are Higher Than You Think: The Mission to Transform Our Food Systems

Episode 48: Moana: The Coffee House Connection: How Small Communities Shape Our Lives

Episode 47: Chris Yeh: Balancing Innovation and Humanity

Episode 46: Nick Mari, From Wyoming to Santa Cruz, With a Few Stops In Between: A Journey of Recovery, Introspection, and Empathy

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

Episode 44: Brennan Howard, From Growing Up, To Building Community, And What It Might Mean To Be A Leader

Episode 43: Michael Chavez, From Ken's Top Notch Produce to Community Love: Harvesting More Than Just Fruit

Episode 42: Caleb Howard and The Waves of Change: A Lifeguard's Journey Back Home

Episode 41: Paul Locatelli, From The Challenges of Being The OG Zoolander, to Triumphs: A Personal Odyssey

Episode 40: Maddy Keith Owner of Pointside Market, Putting the Local in Local

Episode 39: Lucas Salles-Cunha, Quicksilver Santa Cruz Director, and Owner of The Rise Collective

Episode 38: Mike Rodriguez From Woodhouse Brewery, Crafting Legacy and Resilience in Life's Journey

Episode 37: Reboot, With Brian Upton, And The Healing Power of Voices

Episode 36: Neal Kearney: Finding Balance in Turbulent Waters: A Surfer's Tale of Life In Santa Cruz

Episode 35: Stacey Upton: Navigating the Spiritual Journey of Marriage: Connections, Growth, and Future Generations

Episode 34:Nathan Mendelsohn: Grit, Grace, and Growth: A Santa Cruz Story

Episode 33: Collin Brown: Challenging Sin: A Journey Through Consciousness and Theology

Episode 32:Michael Yankaus: Discovering Inner Tranquility: Unveiling the Spiritual Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
