Laguna Talks: Recent Episodes
KX FM
Laguna Talks is Billy's hour in-depth interview with the opinion leaders, politicians, business people, artists and all manner of interesting people who make up the diverse and vibrant city of Laguna.
Hip-hop legend and filmmaker Ice Cube calls in to announce the highly anticipated fourth Friday movie and his groundbreaking "Every Day's Friday" celebration event. From NWA to Hollywood mogul, Cube discusses his incredible crossover success, the creative process behind the beloved franchise, and how he's turning Friday into an annual fan convention experience.
Fuel (Families United for Education in Laguna) Board Members Newth Morris amd Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal unpack the firing of School Superinendent Jason Glass and turmoil at the Board.
Join host Billy Fried for an in-depth conversation with Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff as he discusses the city's financial challenges, innovative solutions like becoming a charter city, and his vision for sustainable growth. From parking enforcement automation to cannabis revenue potential, Kiff shares candid insights about managing one of California's most unique coastal communities while balancing preservation with progress.
Mayor Mark Orgil joins host Billy Fried to discuss Laguna Beach's strategic priorities for 2026, including the potential transition to a charter city, revenue challenges with flat tourism income, and critical infrastructure needs. The conversation covers everything from cannabis dispensary possibilities to Mission Hospital's planned closure, offering residents insight into the city's decision-making process and future planning.
City Councilwoman Sue Kempf joins host Billy Fried for an in-depth discussion about Laguna Beach's current projects and future priorities. From the exciting promenade construction beginning today to fire safety initiatives and economic challenges, Sue provides insider insights into the city's operations and her vision for maintaining Laguna's unique character while addressing modern challenges.
On this episode I speak with Newth Morris, Laguna resident, Entrepreneur, Venture Capatilist and family man. Newth is a passionate advocate for education reform in Laguna through the FUEL (Families Unified for Education in Laguna) organization.
Lindsay Spindle is the Board Director and President of the Samueli Family Philanthropies, which gifted $11 million this year to over 100 Orange County mom-profit. Lindsay talks about the process and impacts made to Orange County.
Laguna Talks open with our monthy check in with 5th District County Supervisor Katrina Foley, followed by musician, composer and multi-instrumentalist Matt Costa, talking about the past weekend's Coast Film Festival, his set at the Irvine Bowl, and his jam with Jack Johnson and friends.
Jiake is an entrepreneur who founded Outer Furniture in 2019 to create a new brand in outdoor living spaces. He shares his origin story as an immigrant growing up in Alabama who moved to Silicon Beach (Santa Monica) and began his start-up career.
Our monthly convo and update with Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, on what the County is doing to improve the quality of life for its residents.
County Supervisor Katrina Foley gives her monthly update on County news and improvements, followed by new Sound Spectrum owner James Wilcox talking about the reopening of our iconic record store.
John is a longtime Ad Agency veteran Creative Director who developed the iconic Radical Origins film series for Laguna's Visitors Bureau. He loves Laguna so much he left his day job to take the role of Chief Stewardship Officer to help the Visitors Bureau redirect their message to visitors on responsible behavior to help mitigate the problems that occur from over-tourism. He describes his mission here.
Mike is one of the partners of this iconic locals hangout that is poised to reopen. Mike tells us of all the barriers the city had imposed.
Veteran Artists Jorg Dubin and Louis Longi discuss how to bring back creative vitality to Laguna.
Diane Armitage is a nationally renown restaurant consultant and a gives us a rundown of the restautrant scene here in Laguna.
Hans "No Way" Rey is a legendary mounatin bike who began as a trials rider in Europe, and later moved to America to take up mounatin biking. Over his 40 year career he's become one of most influential athletes in the sport.
Denise DiNovi is a Hollywood Producer who grew up in Laguna Beach, and still calls it home. Denise shares her favorite songs from her youth, and how they impacted her life.
Writer and podcast host of "Writers on Writing" and writer, political activist and PR consultant Barbara McMurray joined us on Takeover week to share their thoughts on the election, and life in Laguna.
You may know him as the developer of cutting edge retail properties The Camp, The Lab, and the Packing House, but recently Shaheen retruned to his chilhood love of music, and spent much of the pandemic writing songs.Today he debuted several of them from his brand new album, a mix of ethereal world music inspired during his sabbatical in Croatia and Turkey.
Laguna Beach Fire Chief spends the hour talking about his fire and emergency services career, and fire safety issues in Laguna Beach.
Hallie is the former Executive Director of Laguna Canyon Foundation and is running for Laguna Beach City Council
Alex is the youngest person ever elected to the Laguna Beach City Council. But don't judge this ambitious public servant by his age. Alex talks about his first few months on Council, and the projects he is passionate about.
Laguna Talks with Connor Johnston and Nima Alipour, co-sponsors of the new Laguna Beach Ballot Initiative to bring a legal cannabis dispensary to Laguna.
Steve formed his iconic Southern California band Honk in 1970 and 51 years later is still playing (on occasion), along with his wife, Beth. They recently played the Coach House to a rousing ovation. Steve also scored 30 MacGillivray Freeman IMAX films, opened a martial arts studio in Irvine, plays with the Laguna super band 133, and is a great storyteller. We went well over the allotted 1 hour for this interview.
Ex Laguna Mayor Paul Freeman doesn't hold back in his assessment of what has gone wrong with the remodel and restoration of Hotel Laguna.
Meet Jonathan Tufano, my predecessor here at KX radio with the weekly 6pm show "Deep Cuts." Jonathan is also an e-commerce specialist and cannabis entrepreneur who divulges the state of the industry.
Doug is the author of The Sprout Book, a comprehensive guide to sprouting at home and improving your health and wellbeing through these wildly nutritious foods.
Wendy & Ronny Barry lost their teenage sons tragically 24 years ago, but as Tibetan Buddhists they believed their boys would be reborn. Through an arduous search for clues, and adherence to Buddhist doctrine, they found them reincarnated as a girl in Florida, and a boy in India. And spent the next couple of decades being a positive force in their new children's lives. They just published a book based on their journey, "From One Life to the Next." This is their remarkable story.
Ariel is a producer and actress starring in MacGillivray-Freeman's latest IMAX film, "Into America's Wild." An indigenous Native American from Alaska, Ariel's family became the focus of Discovery Channel series, "Flying Wild in Alaska." She now wants to turn her focus on Laguna and develop content here.
Shohreh Dupuis is the Assistant City Manager of Laguna Beach. Her long career in city government has brought her to the city she loves. Shohreh shares the things she's most proud of, and the big challenges ahead.
Homegrown talent Lindsay Rosales is the chef / owner of Nirvana Grille. During the early days of the pandemic she noticed many grocery shelves were bare. So she leapt into action, launching a food co-op where she brought food to the community through her suppliers. Now she is helping a longtime customer with a apple / pear farm who cannot harvest his fruit because of the shutdown. So Lindsay sprang into action again and is now bringing his fruit to the community - a win/win for all.
Brotherhood of Eternal Love member Ronnie Bevan was one of the most prodigious smugglers of Afghanistan hashish in the 60's and 70's. His breathtaking exploits are detailed in his memoir Brotherhood Hashish. Ronnie and his loving wife (and sometimes accomplice) Wendy joined us for a lively conversation on smuggling, LSD, the real Brotherhood (correcting many of the myths), and their storied time in Laguna Beach.
Laguna's most prominent multi-media artist Jorg Dubin is known for his broad array of sculpture, metal works, ceramics, pottery and painting. Never one to shy away from political statements, Jorg was recently invited to submit works for a pandemic related art commission. He we discuss the unusual results, and the state of art in Laguna.
Billy Fried interviews Congressman Harley Rouda live on the Promenade for a special episode of Laguna Talks.
Hans "No Way" Rey is a renowned international mountain biking legend who calls Laguna home. He discusses the recent influx of riders on our local trails and what the city can do to make it safer and better for all stakeholders.
Councilwoman Sue Kempf is the architect of the Forest Avenue Promenade, the temporary closure of our "Main St" to cars. She discuses how it all got done, and what we hope to achieve for the town.
He built nearly 50 homes during the sixties in Laguna. Meet master mid-century architect and builder Lamont, still practicing into his 90's.
Ilona Martin was a Lost Child during World War 2, grew up in orphanages, and came to America alone to study journalism. From there she took a succession of jobs, finally landing in Orange County with a thriving clothing manufacturing business. This is her story.
First term Assembly woman Cottie is making incredible things happen for her 74th district, including fire mitigation, student loan forgiveness, coastal defense over rising tides, addressing homelessness, and helping us get a desalinization plant in Dana Point. Fina out everything she's up to.
Activist Rita Conn joins us to promote the "Light the Way for Change" (to create a kinder, gentler world) event on May 19 (needed now more than ever). Followed by artist Bella Longi, daughter of Louis, on her 10 year odyssey to see her dad's dream of an artist live/work complex come to fruition.
Three female cannabis advocates join us to discuss how it has helped their patients with life threatening illnesses. Our guests include Caroline Rustigan-Bruderer of K-Line & Company, plus Earth Alchemy founders and partners Justine Amodeo and Suzanne deCarion
Toll Road activists Michelle Schumacher, Pete Van Nuys and Kathy Ward (San Clemente council woman) discuss the festering problems with the Transportation Corridors Agency and the pressing need to abolish it.
Chris Prelitz is a green builder, founder/President of Transition Laguna, and a leader in the green movement. Here are his ideas to make Laguna greener.
He's the talk of the town with his ambitious plans to re-open Hotel Laguna, re-imagine the Holiday Inn and Royal Hawaiian, and quite miraculously re-open the movie theater. Meet Mo Honarkar.
Meet the guys behind the subversive write in campaign City Council and what they have planned for the future. It may surprise you.
Hasty is the VP of Laguna Creative Ventures, the team behind The Hive, Seven Degrees, Art Affair, Tivoli Terrace, Terra Restaurant, The Heisler Project and the Cleo Project. Learn about her family's acquisition of these historic properties, and their plans for the future.
Fresh off his surprise win in the election, political neophyte and firebrand Peter Blake tells us how he will convert words into action.
Elizabeth Turk is this year's conceptual artist behind Art in Nature's Shoreline Project, where 1,000 volunteers will dance with LED umbrellas at Main Beach. Listen to her vision.
He's in the last 5 days of a bruising battle for Congressional District 48. Learn what Harley's been doing, and where he's hopefully headed on Nov. 6
The controversial PAC sets the record straight on who they are and what they support. Featuring Michael Ray and Doug Cortez.
Tyler Russell chats with Judie Mancuso about her decision to run for City Council again and everything important to her this time around.
City Council Candidate Paul Merritt's two-long discussion with Ernest Hackmon live on KX FM 104.7.
Bhaktifest founder Sridar Silberfein calls in to talk about the upcoming 10 year anniversary of this transformational yoga festival in Joshua Tree, CA
Meet City Council Candidate Ann Christoph, a landscape architect and past council member.
Longtime gallery owner Peter Blake has thrown his hat into the City Council race. He's "mad as hell, and not gonna take it anymore." Listen to his impassioned platform on this edition of "Laguna Talks."
Meet Alon Blatt and Inbal Sikorin, from Laguna Wood's new medical clinic focused exclusively on cannabis for seniors, NiaMedic. Learn about how cannabis is being used to treat all kinds of illnesses.
Five term City Councilwoman Toni Iseman announces her unprecedented run for a 6th term and lays out her agenda in this episode of "Laguna Talks."
Meet Jason Farris, who for the past 10 years has worked at the temporary homeless shelter as the community outreach officer for the Laguna Beach Police Department. Perhaps no one has a more intimate understanding of the homeless problem, and gotten to know them better.
Laguna resident and first time candidate for State Assembly Cottie joins us for a lively discussion of what the State Assembly does, and why she's willing to give up the chill life in Laguna for the rigors of Sacramento.
Jennifer is a local attorney and former President of The Laguna Beach Taxpayers Association. She is a staunch fiscal conservative and considering a run at City Council.
Laguna locals Marcella and Chris Dornin bought the historic Coast Inn hotel and bar in 2013 and have been facing down countless challenges to get approval to renovate and re-open the property. This Tuesday they go before the City Council to hopefully win approval and bring the beloved institution back to life. Listen to their […]
Councilman Bob Whalen is tackling his most ambitious and costly project yet – undergrounding the power lines throughout Laguna to mitigate the fire risk. He'll need the community to vote for it and fund it this November. Here are the details, along with other objectives Bob has for the coming year.
In December the California Coastal Commission ruled that Laguna Beach's ban on short term rentals was in violation of the California Coastal Act. So what now? We speak with members of Homeshare 4 Laguna, the short term rental advocacy group who took on Laguna and brought the issue to the Coastal Commission.
Peter Blake is the eponymous gallery owner and Mike a prominent real estate developer. Both are passionate about Laguna and have strong opinions on how it can be improved. Peter hinted at running for City Council in 2018.
Meet Jessica Riegert and Garrett Larson, steering committee members of DSA, and learn about their ideology, strategy, and grassroots efforts for a more just and fair society.
Deva Dwabha is an American woman who ha spent the last 35 years in India rescuing abandoned and abused children. She created Ramana's Garden school to educate the kids and emancipate them into society. Jodi Levine is an Orange County native and founder of Earthroots Field School, a 39 acre parcel in the Cleveland National […]
The last in our 3 part series with Bahkti / Shakti founder Sridar, speaking to us about yoga, devotional chanting, and the importance of transformational festivals in today's world.
Rod is the new Reverend at Laguna's Neighborhood Congregational Church. Originally from Memphis, Rod brings a passion for social justice and inclusion
Listen to these three prominent Laguna artists whose work collectively spans 100 years talk about the state of art in Laguna.
He's the Pope of Trash and self-described "Filth Elder." Meet filmmaker, screenwriter, author, stand-up comic, and visual artist John Waters. He spoke with us about life at 71, his latest book, and the long running Hairspray, which is now playing at the Laguna Playhouse.
Sridar received a transmission 8 years ago to start a transformational festival of yoga, Kirtan, and workshops as a path to spiritual discovery. Today BhaktiFest is thriving with 2 festivals a year and thousands of attendees from around the world at the Joshua Tree Retreat center. Here's his story.
Although he's leaving for Berkeley in July, Erwin came to UCI 10 years ago to build the law school. A First Amendment scholar, he is part of a group that is suing President Trump for violation of the Emoluments clause.
He's taking on 16 term Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher for the 2018 midterm election. Meet Harley Rouda, Democrat from Laguna Beach, and a formidable challenger.
Meet Sridar, the founder of Bhakti and Shakti Fest, transformational yoga festivals in Joshua Tree, CA.
Larry is a past President of the Laguna Chamber of Commerce and an ardent supporter of our vibrant community. Listen to the issues that confront our town.
Dr. Deerheart founded The Heart Way, an organization that helps people who are transitioning into the next life through emotional, spiritual and loving support. This is her journey.
Meet domain broker Kate Buckley, who has already sold over $1 million this year in tiny url's. She's also an award-winning poet who is a finalist for Laguna's first Poet Laureate.
She's a high powered businesswoman who runs Laguna's successful online newspaper Stu News Laguna, and also a singer who is releasing her 2nd CD. Meet Shaena Stabler.
Shaena is the publisher and co-owner of Stu New Laguna, Laguna's only online newspaper. On the side she's a singer / songwriter who just completed her 2nd album.
Marshall has been involved in most of the high profile, contentious projects in Laguna lately, including all the rooftop restaurants that are currently under fire. Here's how Marshall navigates the system.
Ron "Ron I" Pringle is the lead singer for Laguna reggae legends World Anthem, and Cody is a serial entrepreneur. These besties bring wisdom, spirituality and irie to Laguna!
Meet Ivan Spiers, owner of Laguna's Mozambique and Sky Loft, two of the most happening restaurants in town. Both feature live music nearly every night of the week, and both offer rooftop dining. Listen to Ivan's extraordinary journey from Durban, South Africa to Laguna, via London, and his years in the music and apparel businesses.
On December 27 5 boys from Laguna High School drove to the home of an African American classmate and threw a watermelon at his door, followed by one of the boys allegedly spewing a racial epithet. Cathleen Falsani is the young man's mother. This is her story of truth a reconciliation.
After 3 years of development, the Ranch Laguna Beach Resort just opened what might be the coolest boutique hotel on the plant, cut deep into the canyon, with golf, spa, restaurants and an amazing chill vibe. Listen to visionary Mark Christy and GM Kurt Bjorkman reveal the manifestation of a dream.
Paul has spent a lifetime in local, national, and international politics. He served as an aid to Presidential candidate Gary Hart, served two terms as mayor of Laguna, and traveled the Middle East, African and Asia as a member of the State Department. Here's his thoughts on the recent Presidential election.
Measure KK is on the ballot this week, which would overturn a 2009 prohibition and allow for up top 2 dispensaries in town. In this lively round-table we hear from opponents and advocates of the Measure (including the sponsor) so you can decide.
Bob is running for his 2nd term. Listen in on how he thinks the 1st term went, and what he wants to do the second time around.
1st time candidate Judy Mancuso dropped by to tell us why she is running, and what she can do differently.
Laura is the first female Chief in Laguna Beach history. 18 months into the job she shares how she's doing.
Boaz Shonfeld is an Israeli entrepreneur and longtime Laguna resident. Here's his journey through life, and the 2016 Burn!
Meet Internet entrepreneur and OC native Neel Grover, former CEO of Buy.com and now Founder / CEO of user generated video site Indi.com, where talent is democratized.
Laguna Beach is in the process of banning all short term vacation rentals. Passion is running high on both sides of the argument. Jason Vogel and Carl Kikerpill founded HomeSharing4Laguna to advocate for sensible legislation to allow limited short-term rentals. This is their story.
Is OC quickly becoming VR Alley? First there was Oculus, an Orange County startup that sold for $2 billion to Facebook after just 3 years. Now there's Laguna Beach's NextVR, makers of virtual reality content and software. They're in the midst of closing their Series B round, valuing the company at a whopping $800 million. […]
Jessica's great, great grandmother Adele was murdered, along with her best friend, in Laguna Beach in 1930. The police ruled it a murder / suicide by Adele. Through copious research, Jessica is out to prove it was a double homicide perpetrated by someone else, and is writing a book about it.
Naples born Alessandro Pirozzi brings authentic Italian cuisine to Laguna with his two restaurants, Alessa and Mare. The young chef now has three restaurants (Pirozzi in Corona del Mar), with a fourth on the way. Find out how he does it, and the secret to Italian food.
Orange Sunshine documents the rise of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, the most notorious smugglers of hashish and cannabis in the mid sixties, from right here in Laguna Beach. They also manufactured over 100 million tabs of LSD, not for money, but to turn the masses onto the mind-expanding possibilities of the drug. Listen to how William […]
Meet first time novelist and Dana Point resident Kim Hooper, who just published People Who Knew Me, about a New Yorker who, under duress from family, flees the city after the tragedy of 9/11, changes her identity, and starts a new life. Published by St Martin's press.
Larisa is a dynamic singer/songwriter who transitioned from pop to inspirational Kirtan music after 9/11 effected her. She is now one of the leading performers in this call and response devotional music, and can be seen live at the upcoming Shakti Fest in Joshua Tree. Listen to Larisa perform live with Benj Clark from her […]
Barbara Odanaka is a 50+ mother who also happens to love skateboarding. She formed the group Skate Moms and Sisters of Shred. They have their annual Skate-o-Rama each May in Orange County, and it draws hundreds of moms from around the country and the world. Listen to their passion and mission to spread the joy […]
Join author and journalist Cathleen Falsani as she discusses her 2nd trip to Nepal since the earthquake a year ago, and her work as a faith based writer exploring grace among public figures (she interviewed Barack Obama about faith before he became President), in pop culture, and within ourselves in the human condition.
A few years back, Laguna born and bred Mark Christy bought the historic Ben Brown's golf course and Aliso Creek Inn. After a rather irrational legal challenge, Mark has persevered and is about to re-launch a unique resort experience deep in the canyon called Laguna's Yosemite. Listen to his awesome vision to preserve the history […]
Jonathan has had a stunning 34 year career at LCAD as art teacher, dean, and now president, who has seen the college evolve into a premier international art school. Listen to his vision for the future, and how he will make LCAD the Julliard of art schools
Firebrand Media is Laguna's local media giant, publisher not only of our hometown newspaper (The Independent), but also its monthly glossy magazine (Laguna Beach Magazine). Firebrand also publishes a number of other magazines around the country, and builds websites for its clients. Find out what's fuels this little media company that can.
What a career. Dion has been in the 60's movement as the accidental artist. He knew Tim Leary and the Beats, was in San Francisco for the summer of love, and was in Laguna with the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, all the time making his progressive art, which he still shows after 50 years at […]
Charlie is a veteran fighter pilot who served in Vietnam and later ran missions during the Iraq war. Now he's organizing Laguna's 50th Patriot's Day Parade.
Meet Laguna's 4th Greeter, the tireless Michael Minotoli and hear why he is so committed to waving to motorists in Laguna.
Debra just released her first book, "Change Your Movie, Change Your Life," a heartfelt approach to overcoming personal tragedy and living a rich, full, and happy life.
Join local community activists Sam Goldstein and Bill Hoffman as they propose changes to Laguna's streets, including Congestion Pricing Systems, aka motorist tolls for entering our town, and turning Forest Ave into a pedestrian plaza.
Join a panel of esteemed architects, friends and colleagues as they remember this modern master, including Anders Lassater, Gregg Abel and Ed Lohrbach.
We interview Shallom Berkman, co-founder of iconic Urth Caffe, which recently opened its first Orange County location in the historic Cottage building.
Meet 5 Laguna burners who attended this year's festival, and gain riveting insights from first-timers Geoffrey Godot and Meschi Schmidt, and veterans in the game Chris Prelitz, Jerry Bloch and Giada Fried.
Jodie Gates is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Laguna Dance Festival. She was recently named Associate Dean of the USC School of Dance. Listen to her journey, love of dance, and why it's important for Laguna.
Meet Clay Berryhill, Laguna local, tech entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the brains behind 133, the Laguna Beach super group of all-star players that only Clay could pull off. Tune in to hear his ambitious plans for the greatest band that never was. 133 is "the road to Laguna."
Meet local Laguna wood worker Von Aronson, an artist who is bringing ecstatic dance back to Laguna.
Meet the Kelp Lady. aka Nancy Caruso, the amazing and tireless marine biologist responsible for our kelp resurgence, the wonderful Kelp Fest, and her newest effort to restore our long extinct abalone population. Wow.
Join locals Andrew Soliz and Carrie Woodburn as they discuss how to be resilient in times of emergency, from natural disasters to supply shortages to disruptions of the grid. They explain how to come at it from a place of calm and security.
Meet Laguna fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse and learn about Laguna's current fire risk, what we have done to mitigate it, and what's left to do. Plus get Jeff's take on our water crisis, and what it takes to be a fireman or woman.
Meet local designer, builder, and Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce President Gregg Abel. Gregg is a longtime force for good in town, a renown tastemaker with a California Craftsman sensibility. Gregg's father Chris was one of the leading mid-century architects in Orange County, and Gregg has taken the family baton and run with it.
Meet Dave, the featured columnist for the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot community paper. Dave has a unique take on our town, and writes weekly about his keen observations and the quirky people who make up our town.
Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot's only full time columnist David Hansen joins the show to talk about the writer's process, and how he dreams up such colorful stories about our town.
Meet longtime Laguna local and all-around great character Bucky Baker expound on his recent, unfortunate incarceration. A fascinating and candid look at our prison system and whether it really functions to rehabilitate the incarcerated.
Listen to Ronnie expound on his 25 years with his epic band World Anthem, as well as bodysurfing the wedge, growing up in Laguna, and being a force for good in town.
Meet 12 term (that's right 24 years) Planning Commissioner Norm Grossman. You would think that would make him stale, but think again. Norm is fresh, topical, and wanting to move Laguna forward.
We got a surprise visit when Mayor Bob Whalen stopped in and spent the next 90 minutes talking about his agenda for the coming year. It's ambitious, and we love it!
Meet longtime Planning Commissioner and City Council candidate Rob Zur Schmiede expound on what he will do for Laguna if elected.
Meet newcomer city council candidate and lifelong resident Michele Hall talk about her vision for bringing a new generation of leadership to our town.
Meet the candidate for City Council, running as an Independent on the slogan "Laguna is a Masterpiece." Find out what he means and what he wants to do.
Meet the irascible Grossman – a one issue candidate who wants to overhaul the Laguna Beach Police. Find out why.
Meet 4 term City Council woman Toni Iseman, in the midst of her campaign for an unprecedented 5th term. Find out what makes Toni ticks.
Spend the hour with the multi-generational Bloch family, habitual attendees to Burning Man, the arts gathering in the Nevada desert. Scion Jerry is a 59 year old attorney from Laguna Niguel. His daughter Danielle and her boyfriend Christo also attend. Find out the allure of this festival to so many people as they share their […]
Meet the master musician, songwriter, troubadour, radio DJ, and maybe the funniest, most irreverent guy in town. Hear his back story, including the early days of his career in England, his battle with drugs,and how Laguna turned his life around
Meet the Native American Andrew Soliz, who teaches the Lakota Indian traditions, including ceremonial sweat lodges. Andrew also teaches at-risk youth how to be good men, dances at Sun Dance, and is an accomplished wood worker and artist who shows at the Sawdust.
Meet the co-owner of Bluebird Canyon Farms, Laguna's only urban farm. Scott and how wife Mariella are dedicated permaculturists who beautifully restored 15 fallow acres in the heart of Laguna and are now producing organic, bio-dynamic food. Besides vegetables, they also have chickens, and apiary, hydroponics, and are keen to open their property to the […]
He's the Michael Jordan or Kelly Slater of his sport, the greatest mountain biker of his generation, 19X MTB champion and MTB and BMX Hall of Famer. USA Today calls him "Undisputedly the best all-around world class cycling athlete." And he lives here in Laguna. Meet Brian Lopes.
Friendship Shelter's Board member Barbara McMurray and Executive Director Dawn Price discuss the proposed permanent supportive housing project in the canyon.
In the wake of the traffic bicycle death of John Colvin, we talk with 2 bike advocates, Max Isles and Tamara Hlava and decide on the spot to for, Livable Streets Laguna.
He's worked for entities as disparate as Gary Hart, the Dalai Lama, and the Montage. He's a two term Laguna Beach City Councilman, and he travels to war-torn countries for observation missions funded by the US government. Is he CIA? Find out here!
Spend the hour with Supernova "Nick I" Hernandez, Laguna's favorite singer, songwriter, musician, big wave surfer, humanitarian, founder of Common Sense band, and always the coolest guy in the room. Plus we jam a few songs together.
Meet candidate for California Governor and Laguna resident Neel Kashkari and hear his platform for creating more economic prosperity for our state. Plus his idea of a perfect weekend in Laguna.
Spend the hour with this committed environmental and water activist who sees a Laguna future where we harvest our own drinking water, turn poop into energy, and bring abalone back into our waters.
Spend the hour with Billy's daughter Giada as she discusses life in Paris and its multi-modal infrastructure," including the Velib bike share and Autolib car share, plus its abundance of pedestrian plazas and streets. And how all of this can be adapted to Laguna.
Spend the hour with the legendary developer of Costa Mesa's The Lab and The Camp. Learn how this former New York fashion designer migrated west to action sports and Laguna Beach. And how he then pivoted into cutting edge retail centers, including the soon-to-be-open Anaheim Packing House.
Spend the hour with Billy as he rants about Laguna topics and spins copious amounts of Funk!
Meet the new Executive Director of the Laguna Canyon Foundation, Hallie Jones. This hometown hero knew from a young age she wanted to be involved in wilderness conservation. Find out why.
Join 35 year resident and artist Jorg Dubin, one of Laguna's most revered artists. Jorg has worked in every medium – oil, ceramics, sculpture, and has numerous commissioned works of public art around town. Learn his creative process and what he thinks of the Laguna art scene.
Spend the hour with the top grossing documentary filmmaker in the world, Greg MacGillivray and his wife Barbara, of MacGillivray Freeman films. This longtime Laguna couple have produced over 30 IMAX films, and recently started the foundation One World. One Ocean.
Join the Development Director of the Tony Hawk Foundation and learn how skate parks are changing low income communities around the world. Under Kim's tenor,The Tony Hawk Foundation has helped build over 500 parks, and gotten kids off the street and doing something productive.
Spend the hour with retired 31 year City Manager Ken Frank. It's been 3 years since Ken's been in the eye of the storm. Find out what he's been up to, what were his proudest achievements, and where he sees Laguna going.
Meet the Publisher and CEO of the Orange County Business Journal, and hear why his publication continues to buck industry trends and post record profits year over year. Get his take on the future of daily newspapers, community newspapers, and why he loves living in Laguna.
This special hour is spent exploring faith with Pastor BJ Beu, Native American Ceremonial Leader Andrew Soliz, Hare Krishna Temple Priest Vikasananda Krishna Das, and "Behind the Veil" OC Register Columnist Mona Shadia.
Party with the print impresario of Laguna, Firebrand Media owner Allan Simon. Allan tells us why he moved to Laguna, bought the local paper, launched a magazine, bought commercial property, and what he's doing with his prime retail location on Forest Ave.
We spend the hour with the "Worlds Greatest Mountain Biker" (Bike Magazine) to discuss the evolution of the sport, his enduring role in it, and why this world traveler and ambassador of the sport calls Laguna home. Plus the many things we can do to improve Laguna's biking infrastructure and further its reputation as a […]
We spend the hour with this Laguna impresario, real estate developer, and patron of the arts. Hear all the opinions of this irascible fellow who speaks bluntly about life in Laguna. Plus hear about Sam's former life as a go to Hollywood session and studio drummer in the 50's and 60's, from big bands, jazz […]
Join environmentalist and Transition Laguna co-founder Max Isles for a lively discussion on biking, grey water installs, rain water catchment, public spaces, and that shining city on a hill, Portland, OR
More spins including Bootsy Collins, Ry Cooder, Dee Lite, Ohio Players, Michael Jackson and more, plus an interview with Pam Wicks, musical director of Neighborhood Congregational Church
Billy spins world music and talks about the Village Entrance Project, Laguna's Full Moon Drum Circle, Transition Laguna's Harvest Celebration, and more.
On this inaugural show Billy discusses sustainability issues in Laguna, and the role of Transition Laguna. Chris Prelitz is a design/build professional, author of "Green Made Easy," and President of Transition Laguna Beach.