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Branching Out with The Acorn Newspapers
Branching Out is a weekly podcast expanding on the stories published in the Acorn Newspapers. Reporters and editors will discuss the impact of the stories they report and delve deeper into the issues affecting their communities.The Acorn Newspapers cover the communities of Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley and Moorpark.
Episodes
171 episodes
Tackling the Mental Health Crisis: An interview with Lori Woodley-Langendorff
In this week's episode of Branching Out, Lori Woodley-Langendorff joins host David Lopez to discuss the mental-health crisis that has increased in magnitude since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Woodley-Langendorff heads up All It Takes, wh...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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19:46
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Subtracting fuel from the fire: Oak Park Fire Council shares how to protect life and property
In this week's episode of Branching Out, Doug Wilson and Jay Fernandez chat with host David Lopez about ways the Woolsey Fire inspired a group of Oak Park community members to create the Oak Park Fire Safe Cou...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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24:49
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There's a snake in my boot: Who you call when snakes have you rattled
Kenny White, the owner and operator of St. Patrick's Rattlesnake and Rabbit Fencing Solutions joins Branching Out this week. Starting out his career with a fear of snakes, White and Branching Out producer David Lopez discusses how to manage lif...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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24:59
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Girls' Flag Football begins
In this week's episode, Acorn sports editor Eliav Appelbaum and Branching Out host David Lopez discuss the kick-off of CIF's newest sport, girls' flag football. Read Appelbaum's full preview in print and online.
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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30:49
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PIZZA PARTY: An interview with Slice House by Tony Gemignani Thousand Oaks president Mychael Margott
In this week's episode of Branching Out, producer David Lopez is joined by Mychael Margott. The president of Thousand Oaks' newest pizzeria, Slice House by Tony Gemignani, chats with Lopez abou...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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24:12
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Pigskin Preview
In this week's episode of Branching Out, Acorn Sports Editor Eliav Appelbaum and Branching Out producer David Lopez discuss the upcoming issue of the Pigskin Preview. Hear Appelbaum's take on some of the area's best teams as the pair discuss sp...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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42:09
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Acorn Update: City of Calabasas wants more peace officers and the PetSmart overcharging settlement
In this week's episode of Branching Out, Acorn reporter Eamon Murphy joins David Lopez to discuss a pair of recent stories he wrote. The City of Calabasas city council has been debating how to better protect its residents from smash and grabs a...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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23:50
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Beer and community: How the Kiwanis TO Brewfest supports the next generation
In this week's episode of Branching Out, host David Lopez is joined by Brian McMahon of the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks to discuss the upcoming Brewfest. In its 11th year running, the annual event benefits the Kiwanis' efforts in the communit...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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15:19
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A Thanksgiving tradition returns: Discussing the return of the Turkey Day Dash
In this week's episode of Branching Out, David Lopez is joined by Kyle Jorrey, Sean Rendineo and Janelle Achenbach. The trio are leading the charge to bring the Turkey Day Dash back to the Conejo Valley this year. Learn more about the history o...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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23:23
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Spejcher murder case: Meeting Chad
In this week's episode, we learn a little about Chad O'Melia, the victim in a 2018 homicide which has yet to make its way through the courts to a trial. Read Becca's story in print this Saturday. Background
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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20:26
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CSUCI grad inspired by mom’s connection to state hospital
Spooner Greenbird was a child, and her mother was a patient at what was then Camarillo State Mental Hospital. Visiting hours had ended, so her mom stood on a bathroom sink and said hello through the bars of a window while Greenbird was lifted i...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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22:24
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Being your own boss: A discussion with Arsenal Comics and Games owner Timmy Heague
Join producer David Lopez and Timmy Heague as they discuss the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, they'll share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and secrets to success. Get read...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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38:07
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A discussion with new Acorn reporter Eamon Murphy
In this week's episode, David Lopez sits down with Acorn newcomer Eamon Murphy. They'll share their insights on the importance of hyper-local journalism and the role of the journalist in a rapidly evolving world. <...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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24:48
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Navigating Breaking News: A discussion with Becca Whitnall about how journalists handle emotional events
Branching Out producer David Lopez sits down with Thousand Oaks Acorn editor Becca Whitnall to discuss this month's tragic crime spree that claimed the life of Wesley Welling. Wesley Service Update (From
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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27:15
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Cold Cases Cracked
Reporter Makena Huey and editor Becca Whitnall discuss VCSO arrests in what was, until recently, considered cold cases. The sheriff's office used the same technology they did when helping to solve the Golden State Killer case.
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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23:47
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The struggle is real and deadly
Pat Montoya and Aliza Nichols of Not One More speak with Simi Acorn editor Sylvie Belmond about the fentanyl crisis and what their nonprofit does to raise awareness about drug addiction, prevent overdoses and assist people who struggle w...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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45:20
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Help yourself and others, join a local service organization
Bill Klepper, a financial industry professional, is a longtime member of Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise. He is also the past president of the group and is involved with the Simi Valley Police Foundation. Jose Martinez, owner of Mission Burrito in ...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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30:00
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A discussion with Calleguas Municipal and Triunfo Water and Sanitation District
Drought or no drought? With near-record rainfall this year, what's the real story? On Branching Out, the experts talk about water, and where the next few months are headed.Branching Out:Find us on
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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30:09
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Saying goodbye to Kyle Jorrey: Looking back on a career in journalism
For the last 13 years, Kyle Jorrey has been the editor of the Thousand Oaks Acorn. In this week's episode, Jorrey sits down with Branching Out producer David Lopez to discuss his time at the Acorn and some of the highlights from his editorial c...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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1:05:58
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Saving Seconds to Save Lives: Talking with a Stroke Treatment Pioneer
Dr. Asif Taqi, one of the country's leading experts in stroke neurology, sits down to talk about his path into medicine and his groundbreaking work in the field of stroke treatment. Medical director of neurosciences at Los Robles hospital...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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1:04:17
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Changing of the Guard: Interview with Supervisor Jeff Gorell (Part 2 of 2)
Jeff Gorell joins Branching Out to discuss his road to becoming a Ventura County supervisor. Gorell was elected in November to represent District 2. Branching Out:Find us on Twitt...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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38:06
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Changing of the Guard: Interview with Supervisor Jeff Gorell (Part 1 of 2)
Jeff Gorell joins Branching Out to discuss his road to becoming a Ventura County supervisor. Gorell was elected in November to represent District 2. Branching Out:Find us on
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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40:18
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Agoure to Agoura: An interview with historian Andy Ludlum
Rustlers, hustlers, and cowboys: Ventura County historian Andy Ludlum discusses our community's colorful past. Link: Read Ludlum's BlogBranching Out:
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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36:36
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Stick with it: An interview with drum line instructor Bill Garcia
Thousand Oaks High School percussion instructor Bill Garcia joins David Lopez to discuss all things drumline. With the season kicking off in February, Garcia breaks down drum line culture and offers an education on the indoor marching event.
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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40:53
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