Burlingame it’s a Small Town

August is Archive month for my podcast "Burlingame, it's a Small Town," so I'm bringing back one of my top 5 most listened to episodes; my conversation with Paulette Munroe cofounder of the ever popular "Morning Glory" clothing boutique, standing 54 years strong on Burlingame Ave.  Paulette and Mark at the Mic discuss how two Burlingame High School students Paulette and her sister Maureen "Mo" Munroe started their clothing business in 1972 and how it became a SF, Peninsula icon.  Full disclosure:  it was a favorite of mine to buy hippie, trendy clothing for my wife Kathy in the 70's. 

#markatthemic #burlingameitsasmalltown #burlingamehistoricalsociety #morningglory

In this episode Mark at the Mic sits down with John Root,TT long time  Burlingame resident and former General Manager of two of the Bay Area's most iconic arenas and event centers, the Cow Palace located in Daly City and the San Mateo Event Center located in Sam Mateo.  John tell us about the origins of the Cow Palace, the  Grand National Rodeo, various Bill Graham concerts, Roller Derby, the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus, Disney On Ice, Big Time Wrestling and other sporting events.   Make sure you catch his tale of Evil Knieval. John also gives us a look at the 91year old San Mateo County Fair, the Fiesta Fairgrounds and much more.  An entertaining and informative conversation with one of Burlingame's most well known and respected citizens.

#markatthemic #burlingamehsitoricalsociety #burlingameitsasmalltown

John Kevranian the unofficial Mayor Broadway  Burlingame and my top rated guest as views go returns for a second time.  John and his wife Nora have owned the profilic shop for over 30 years.  Mark and John have a lively and informative conversation on the happenings going on and around Broadway Burlingame.  John shares his "wish list" for he and the Broadway merchants. He also recalls his days of coming to America as a 9year old immigrant from Lebannon, not knowing  a word of English.  Have a listen, comment and please subscribe.  

#Burlingameitsasmalltown, #nutsforcandyandtoys #markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety

Disclaimer: This was recorded prior to John stepping down as President of Downtown Broadway Business Association. 

In this episode Mark at the Mic greets new guest and up and coming Baker James Reid featuring his mothers famous coffee cake from his Rustic Nosh Bakery.  James and I met by chance as we were on location at one of the SolMateo Homes on the Signature Kitchen Tour.  Visitors to the home kept raving about the coffee cake and started bringing me samples.  Wow!  Rustic Nosh coffee cake has built a cult following in the Bay Area and can be found at Jame's popup store located in front of Ladera's Hardware store in the Carlmont Shopping Center in Belmont. Drop by and tell James Mark at the Mic sent you.  

#markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety #burlingameitsasmalltown #rusticnoshbakery #jamesreid

Preeti Deb is a two time Emmy Award film maker and creative producer/director known for her impactful short documentary films focused on personal social topics. With over 15 years of experience and an MA in Documentary Film&Broadcast Journalism from NYU she specializes in crafting authentic, emotionally resonant stories that inspire action.  Hew award winning films have helped pass legislation, raised millions for social causes, challenged stereotypes, and preserved powerful histories.  They have been featured on national television, in Times Square, at global film festivals and in intimate private settings.  She and her husband and 2 sons live in Burlingame Ca.

#markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety, #burlingameitsasmalltown

#preetideb 

In this episode Mark at the Mic and Elio D'urzo owner of one of Burlingame's most popular restaurants have a fun and insightful conversation about the beloved Elio and his restaurant Sapore Italiano.  Elio talks about coming to America from Italy at the age of 27 not knowing how to speak English, going to the College of Marin to learn how to speak English while working evenings at his Uncle's restaurant.  The conversation continues with the opening of Saprore in 2001, surviving the Burlingame Ave street closure and the 2020-21 Pandemic.  Along the way Elio managed to open two other restaurants, Sapore Express in San Mateo, and Centro Pizza on Broadway Burlingame.  Elio shares that his only goal was to put his daughter and son through college.  His daughter has graduated from the University of Santa Clara and son will soon graduate from the University of San Francisco.  Elio concludes by giving tribute to his wife for all the support over the years, his amazing staff and his partner John.

Footnote: Elio recently received the Burlingame Lions Club Citizen of the Year award for the 2025.  

#burlingamehistoricalsociety #burlingameitasmalltown #markatthemic #saporeitaliano

Mark at the Mic goes outside the city limits of Burlingame and on tour with the 47th SolMateo Signature Kitchen Tour.  Mark does a remote broadcast from a beautiful home in San Mateo Park.  In this episode Mark interviews several members and followers of SolMateo celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Since 1976 to 2026 SolMateo and its predecessors have raised over 3 million dollars in support of mental health.  

#solmateo #burlingameitsasmalltown #markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety #2026signaturekitchentour

In this episode Mark at the Mic sits down with Gary Doss owner and founder of the worlds only Pez Museum in Burlingame Calif.  From its origins in the 90's to its closing in 2019 Gary takes us on a fun and memorable journey on how he and his wife Nancy started as novice collectors of Pez dispensers morphed into opening the worlds only Pez Museum, not only selling and collecting Pez dispensers, but in addition selling rare collectable toys, banned toys (toys taken off the market) and housing the worlds tallest Pez dispenser measuring over 7ft.  A fun and informative piece of Burlingame History.  #markatthemic #burlingameitsasmalltown #Burlingamehistoricalsociety  https://youtu.be/OpfCjOBxrQM?si=RAvhafUhsFBIeiXk

In this episode Mark sits down with another hidden jewel of Burlingame, Mariko Jesse.  Mariko shares with Mark how she was born in Japan, grew up in Hong Kong and studied art in London at one of the most prestigious art schools in the world. Hint, you will have to listen to the episode to find out the name of the art school.  Her work consists of illustrations for cookbooks, interiors, murals, windows, picture books, maps and lots more.  She has an online sketching and illustration class as well, found on the Creative Bug website. 

This is Mariko's 30th year working as an illustrator.  With over 3 thousand followers and 6 thousands posts on instagram, Mariko must be doing something right.  Please join us for an interesting conversation. 

#marikojesse #burlingameitsasmalltown #markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety #burlingamehillsboroughneighborhoodclub

This episode is also available on youtube, audio only:  https://youtu.be/2JOHNGXZAJQ

In this episode episode Mark at the Mic sits down with Jacquie Cooke long time Burlingame resident and  mother of 3 daughters ages 19,17 and 14.  Jacquie is an elite runner having recently run the Chicago Marathon in 2hrs and 51min. placing 4th in her division.  She is also the Chief Legal Administrative Officer for Weight Watchers.  In her spare time she has coached AYSO soccer for 25 years, served as the President of the Burlingame Mothers Club for 2 years, and also has volunteered for the Burlingame Community Education and the Burlingame Library Foundation.  This past fall she became a mentor for the Women's Coaching Alliance.  Fun Fact: Jacquie completed so many AP classes at Burlingame High School she entered UC Berkeley as a sophomore  

#burlingameitsasmalltown #markatthemic #burlingamehistoricalsociety

#impalaracingteam