Central Valley Podcast

Welcome to the NEW Central Valley Podcast!We're switching things up a bit. Instead of just sitting down and talking with people, we're getting out of the studio, hanging out with our guests, and getting a firsthand look at what they actually do. Whether it's athletes, business owners, artists, or just interesting people from around the Valley, the goal is to tell their stories, have some fun, and probably put myself in some situations I have no business being in.For our very first episode, we're heading to Oakdale to hang out with professional MMA fighter Buddy "Braveheart" Wallace!We talk about how Buddy got into MMA, his time training at Oakdale MMA, his longtime coach Tom, and what it's like dedicating your life to fighting professionally.Then, for some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to try it myself. Buddy takes me through some training where we stretch, hit the bags, work the mitts, and eventually get into the cage to see how long I can survive against an actual professional fighter. And because apparently that wasn't enough, I also let him punch me as hard as he can.So yeah, pretty solid way to kick off the new show.Hope you guys enjoy the first episode! We've got a lot of cool stuff planned, and I'm stoked to finally share this new format with everyone.

We only recorded this episode because we finally had a babysitter for both kids… and realized we haven’t actually sat down and talked, like really talked, since our Christmas baby was born.

Two under two will humble you.

In this episode, we catch up in real time. We talk about what going into labor was actually like, how life has shifted since adding another little human to the mix, and why we’re (probably) done having kids. We also cover how Duffy got skinny, what the future of the podcast looks like, and the wild fact that I truly never thought I’d still be doing this show five years later.

It’s chaotic. It’s honest. It’s sleep-deprived.And it’s probably the most “us” episode we’ve done in a while

This episode gets a little… Stranger than usual. We’re joined by Phoenix for one of the most unhinged and hilarious conversations we’ve had yet. We dressed up as Steve, Dustin, and Will from Stranger Things and basically let Phoenix run the show. We somehow end up breaking down what 6–7 actually is, what adults really do all day, and Phoenix gives us his brutally honest take on taxes, mortgages, and why all of it is trash. We also talk Stranger Things, Santa Claus, growing up, and the kind of logic only an 8-year-old can confidently stand on. Pure chaos, accidental wisdom, and a solid reminder to not take life too seriously.

This week it’s just me, catching y’all up on what life has been like lately and a recap of this year. I talk about opening the studio, feeling more down than usual this year, and just moving slower overall. I even talk about how I became a retired teachers.. lol andwanted to find financial security for my family. I discussed sticking with my dreams, not giving up, and double downing on everything. I also touched on the new baby Ozzy coming this December, my retainer clients, and what it’s been like running the studio when things get tough. There’s a little Merced Mall update and shout out, some AI talk, and where my head’s at going into 2026 with personal goals and the new idea I have for the podcast. Plus a big THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER SUPPORTED ME. I truly appreciate everyone still rocking with me through all of it.

The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by Hushee, the founder of Joy Tea Bar, a mobile pop-up tea stand that’s been serving up handcrafted matcha, chai, and fruit teas all around the Merced area. In just their first year, they’ve built a solid following and a real sense of community. We talk about how Joy Tea Bar got started, what it’s been like diving into entrepreneurship, and what the whole journey means to her. It’s a great convo about chasing your passion and the power of building something that brings people together.

The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠

Dapper Man (209) 285-2424⁠https://dapper-man.com/⁠@dapperman_centralvalley

Be Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott Livesay

Valley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350⁠https://www.valleyperformancept.com/⁠

Trans County Title ⁠https://www.transcountytitle.com/⁠

Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshop

Cal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by Hushee, the founder of Joy Tea Bar, a mobile pop-up tea stand that’s been serving up handcrafted matcha, chai, and fruit teas all around the Merced area. In just their first year, they’ve built a solid following and a real sense of community. We talk about how Joy Tea Bar got started, what it’s been like diving into entrepreneurship, and what the whole journey means to her. It’s a great convo about chasing your passion and the power of building something that brings people together.

The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠

Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalley

Be Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott Livesay

Valley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/

Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/

Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshop

Cal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by Hushee, the founder of Joy Tea Bar, a mobile pop-up tea stand that’s been serving up handcrafted matcha, chai, and fruit teas all around the Merced area. In just their first year, they’ve built a solid following and a real sense of community. We talk about how Joy Tea Bar got started, what it’s been like diving into entrepreneurship, and what the whole journey means to her. It’s a great convo about chasing your passion and the power of building something that brings people together.

In this episode, I sit down with Marine Corps veteran and author Matthew Brunnemann to talk about his time serving in Afghanistan and the story behind his book WAR BUSINESS: The Hired Guns of Helmand Province. Matthew spent over 500 days on the frontlines in Helmand Province, one of the most dangerous regions of the war, where every acre was fought for and every mission came at a cost.We dive into his experiences in combat, the brotherhood forged in war, and the lasting impact of those deployments on his life after the Marines. His book isn’t about glory or romanticized heroism. It is a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to be a modern warrior, the sacrifices that come with it, and the struggle of finding meaning once the fight is over.

The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by Eddie, the owner and founder of My Guy Market, a New York bodega-style sandwich shop right here in Fresno, CA. We catch up on life and business, talk about the trip to New York I won with him and his business partner Floyd, and share stories like old friends do. This is Eddie’s second time on the podcast, and it was great connecting again with a fellow entrepreneur I really relate to.

The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

This week, we sit down with musical artist and rapper Danny V for a deep dive into his journey. From his roots in Watsonville to making big moves in the music scene. We talk about his recent oldies-inspired hit "My Baby", what growing up in Watsonville truly means to him, and the special role East Lake has played in his life. Danny also shares how he linked up with the Underdawgs, the creative energy behind their work, and what’s next on his horizon. If you’re a fan of authentic stories, hometown pride, and music that blends heart with hustle, this one’s for you.

The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]