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Farm Talk with Paul Ward
By Paul WardSociety & Culture
Farm Talk with Paul Ward episodes
- Why This Tiny Horse Brings Joy to Thousands Every Single Year | On the Road with Paul Ward
A rescued miniature horse connected to Daryl Hannah helped inspire a mission of joy, healing, and connection. In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, Sanaa Pharayra shares how Romeo Roadshow is bringing mini horses to children, seniors, memory care communities, and others who need a lift.
From Romeo’s rescue story to visits with critically ill children and seniors, this is a heartwarming look at the power of miniature horses to comfort, connect, and bring smiles wherever they go.
In this episode:
* How Sanaa Pharayra began working with Daryl Hannah’s horses
* The rescue story behind Romeo* Why Romeo stood out immediately* How Romeo Roadshow was born* Building a custom van for miniature horse outreach* Visits with critically ill children at The Painted Turtle* Working with seniors and memory care participants* Meeting Ziggy, Romeo’s mini horse partner* Why miniature horse outreach may continue to grow* The emotional impact of animal connection in community settingsSubscribe for more conversations featuring inspiring people, local stories, community leaders, and unique journeys from across California and beyond.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:09 Meet Sanaa Pharayra and Romeo Roadshow00:48 How Sanaa got started with mini horses02:45 The story of Romeo05:18 Building the custom mini horse van06:46 Romeo’s first outings in public07:32 Bringing joy to children and communities10:03 Visits with seniors and memory care programs16:56 Romeo and Ziggy’s personalities18:22 The future of mini horse therapy and outreach23:42 How Romeo Roadshow is funded27:03 What’s next for Romeo Roadshow27:45 Where to learn more🐴 Learn more and support the Romeo Roadshow:
• Website: https://romeoroadshow.com• Instagram: @RomeoRoadshow🏡 A special thank you to our amazing sponsor:
• Pathway Escrow: https://pathwayescrow.com/CONTACT PAUL WARD:
805-479-5004www.homeandranchteam.com🔔 Don't miss an episode!
Subscribe to On the Road with Paul Ward for more incredible local stories and community highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@OntheRoadwithPaulWard
#RomeoRoadshow #TherapyHorse #MiniatureHorse #PaulWard #DarylHannah #LocalHeroes #CommunityStories
29 min - Inside the 2026 Rose Parade Float Build | Rotary Behind the Scenes
🎥 Behind the Scenes: Rotary’s 2026 Rose Parade Float — The Magic of Teamwork Step inside the Irwindale float warehouse with Paul Ward and get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Rotary brings a Rose Parade float to life! In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, we meet members of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee as they put the final touches on Rotary’s largest float yet—a bold, colorful design featuring an African safari / jungle animal theme and Rotary’s message to the world: “Unite for Good” and “The Magic of Teamwork.”
From the professional mechanics and construction to the hundreds of volunteers adding floral detail by hand, this is what it truly takes to create parade magic—and why Rotary’s presence on this global stage matters.
✅ In this episode:
• Why Rotary participates in the Rose Parade (and what it does for Rotary worldwide)
• How the float is designed, built, and decorated
• How Interact youth get involved and earn service hours
• Funding, sponsorships, and ways clubs can support the float • Where to see the floats up close after January 1 👥 Featured Guests
• Wade Nomura — Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee (Past Chair)
• Raghada Khouri — Committee Member
• Nancy Filkins — Committee Member / Floral & Float Design Background
• Mary Lingua — Camarillo Rotary Club (Interact youth involvement)
🙏 Sponsored by Pathway Escrow — proud sponsor of On the Road with Paul Ward.
📍 Filmed On Location: Irwindale, California (Rose Parade float build site)
📌 Connect with Paul Ward Paul Ward — Home & Ranch Team (Keller Williams West Ventura County) 📞 (805) 479-5004 | ✉️ [email protected]
👍 If you enjoyed this episode:
• Subscribe to the channel
• Share with a Rotarian (or someone who should become one!)
• Drop a comment: Have you ever helped decorate a float?
#RoseParade #RotaryInternational #UniteForGood #CommunityService #OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #Camarillo #Volunteer #ServiceAboveSelf #PathwayEscrow
Timestamps / Chapters- 00:02 — Sponsor shoutout + inside the Irwindale float warehouse
- 01:35 — This year’s message: Unite for Good + Magic of Teamwork
- 01:57 — Float concept reveal: African safari/jungle animals
- 03:38 — How floats are built: pros handle mechanics, volunteers bring it to life
- 04:45 — Raghada: “Rotary is the best-kept secret” (and why the parade helps)
- 06:58 — Nancy: floral design, committee involvement, and fresh flower plans
- 08:45 — Funding breakdown + how the float is supported each year
- 10:31 — Post-parade viewing + float tours and education for the public
- 11:12 — The International Presidents Summit (service org leaders together)
- 12:38 — Mary: Interact students, service hours, and how youth participate
- 14:13 — How the design gets chosen (renderings → finalists → final pick)
- 17:56 — Why Rotary does it: public image + millions of viewers worldwide
- 20:06 — Rotary pins, collectors, and how the committee is organized
- 22:37 — Wrap-up + Paul’s promise to keep spreading the good word of Rotary
24 min - Inside Goat Mountain Recording: Pat & Susan Kearns’ Desert Music Studio
In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, Paul visits the remote desert outpost of Goat Mountain Recording, home to musicians and audio engineers Pat and Susan Kearns. Nestled on five acres in Landers near Joshua Tree, the Kearns family has created a purpose-built recording studio unlike anything else in Southern California — complete with zero 90-degree corners, custom architectural design, and a quiet desert backdrop that shapes their sound.
Pat and Susan share how they built this dream studio from the ground up, how gentrification pushed them out of Portland, and how they transformed their move to the desert into a thriving creative hub. From recording and mixing to mastering and audio restoration, Pat’s decades of experience merge with Susan’s artistry, musicianship, painting, and their shared love of “Western Folk,” the unique genre they’ve coined to describe their sound.
We dive into their latest album Together and Alone, their songwriting process (including how melodies often “bubble up from the subconscious”), the stories behind standout tracks like “Charlie,” and the inspiration they draw from the desert’s solitude, landscapes, and creative community.
Pat also reveals what it’s like hosting the Z107.7 Local Music Showcase, highlighting and connecting musicians across Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Wonder Valley, and beyond. And Susan gives us a peek into her visual art practice, including her participation in the annual Highway 62 Open Studio Art Tours, her expressionist desert pieces, and the lively fusion of art and music that happens when musicians join her shows.
Whether you love music creation, desert culture, or behind-the-scenes creative life, this episode paints a vibrant picture of two artists building something extraordinary together.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
0:00 – Welcome to On the Road + introduction to Pat & Susan Kearns0:35 – Pat explains his role as an audio engineer and multi-discipline sound creator 1:04 – Building their acoustically engineered studio in Landers with architect Ignacio “Nacho” Moreno1:56 – Why the studio has no 90-degree corners or parallel walls3:22 – The leap of faith: leaving Portland, gentrification, and starting fresh in the desert4:08 – Susan encourages Pat to pursue audio full-time5:32 – How selling everything opened the door to Goat Mountain Recording6:52 – Running a destination recording studio & keeping clients despite moving off-grid7:31 – How the desert influences Pat’s work and the artists who visit8:52 – Their album Together and Alone — concept, recording, and analog effects 9:28 – What is “Western Folk”? Understanding their signature genre10:06 – Finding truth in Old West imagery, desert landscapes & classic films11:21 – Writing “Charlie” from subconscious inspiration and notebook fragments 14:13 – Do lyrics or melodies come first? Pat and Susan’s collaborative process 15:12 – “If a Cowboy Goes to Heaven” — melodies that arrive out of nowhere15:31 – Touring, booking shows, and the cross-country run16:19 – Indie on the Move: how they book venues and find the right rooms17:05 – Why Western Folk isn’t honky-tonk — and why punk crowds love them 17:27 – Pat’s radio show on Z107.7 & spotlighting local talent19:10 – What defines the “desert sound”? Its mystery, diversity, and influence20:30 – Community connection: emails, friendships & weaving musicians together 22:19 – Matching artists intentionally on air to spark collaboration24:04 – LIVE performance of “Two…” from Pat & Susan’s set24:42 – Susan’s desert artwork & the expressionist painting she created for the album25:18 – Highway 62 Open Studio Art Tours & the local art community 26:27 – How art shows turn into music gatherings27:12 – Susan’s standup bass journey & choosing between electric & upright28:33 – How Pat & Susan began performing together30:13 – Their daily practice routine & making music a shared lifestyle31:04 – Final reflections + thank you to our sponsor, Opus EscrowRelated Episodes:
Desert Dreams: The Palms, Wonder Valley’s Artistic OasisMusic, History & Magic: The Story of Tiny Porch Concerts at Peter Strauss Ranch Vines, Wines & Good Times at Cornell Wine CompanyConnect with the Kearns Family:
www.thekearnsfamily.bandcamp.com/Contact Paul Ward:📞 805-479-5004🌐 www.HomeAndRanchTeam.comHave ideas for future episodes? Drop a comment! For real estate needs in Ventura County, reach out anytime.
A huge thank-you to our sponsor OPUS Escrow. Supporting OPUS ESCROW helps keep On the Road with Paul Ward thriving and on the move.
32 min - Deep Creek Mushrooms: How an Urban Farm Grows 400 Pounds of Mushrooms a Week
Join Paul on a Farm Talk edition of On the Road with Paul Ward as he visits Deep Creek Mushrooms, a compact urban mushroom farm in Apple Valley, California that’s growing roughly 400 pounds of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms every week out of a 1,400 sq ft warehouse.
Levi and Kalynn Mobley share how a simple hobby turned into a full-time mushroom operation: from early experiments in a spare bedroom to cashing out their 401(k)s and moving into an industrial space. Along the way, they unpack the real work behind mushroom farming—twice-daily harvests, seven days a week—and why fresh mushrooms have such a short window to get from farm to plate.
The episode dives into the world of adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps—how they support brain health, gut health, energy, and inflammation—and what to look for in quality supplements in a market dominated by bulk imports. You’ll also hear how Deep Creek Mushrooms helps home gardeners grow their own fungi with countertop grow kits and then recycle spent blocks into rich, mycelium-packed soil for tomatoes, pumpkins, and herbs at home.
Whether you’re a foodie, small farmer, gardener, or just mushroom-curious, this conversation offers a practical, down-to-earth look at what it takes to grow fungi for a living.
In This Episode:
What an urban mushroom farm looks like inside a small warehouseWhy Deep Creek grows gourmet varieties instead of standard button or portobello How lion’s mane supports cognitive function, focus, and gut healthWhat makes mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps adaptogenicThe real day-to-day workload of harvesting about 400 pounds of mushrooms per weekWhy high-quality mushroom supplements matter—and how Deep Creek keeps their process transparentHow at-home mushroom grow kits work and how spent blocks become “super soil” for the gardenWhere you can find Deep Creek Mushrooms locally and how to order their extracts and kits onlineTimestamps 00:00 – Welcome & episode intro
01:00 – Inside an urban mushroom farm in Apple Valley, CA02:15 – Gourmet vs. supermarket mushrooms: why Deep Creek grows 16+ varieties 04:30 – Lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail & cordyceps: adaptogens explained10:20 – Who buys mushrooms vs. who buys supplements14:00 – From hobby to business: cashing out the 401(k) and going all-in19:20 – The truth about farming fungi: constant harvests & short shelf life24:30 – Grow kits, home mushrooms, and turning spent blocks into garden gold 27:00 – How to connect with Deep Creek Mushrooms & final thoughtsConnect with Deep Creek Mushrooms
🌐 Website & Online Shop: DeepCreekMushrooms.com📱 Social: Instagram & Facebook – search “Deep Creek Mushrooms”🛒 Find them at local farmers’ markets and select grocery stores in Southern CaliforniaConnect with On the Road with Paul Ward
🎥 Subscribe for more episodes: On the Road with Paul Ward📧 Contact Paul & The Home and Ranch Team:805-479-5004 | [email protected]🌎 Real estate & rural living resources: www.homeandranchteam.com #DeepCreekMushrooms
#OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #FarmTalk #MushroomFarm #LionsMane #Reishi #TurkeyTail #Cordyceps #UrbanFarming #SmallFarm #FarmToTable #AppleValley #LocalFood
30 min - Palm Springs Village Fest: California’s Best Street Fair | On the Road with Paul Ward
Get ready to experience one of California’s most vibrant weekly traditions — Palm Springs Village Fest!
🌴 In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, we explore how a small idea 33 years ago became one of the largest, longest-running street festivals in the U.S.
🎤 Guest: Nicholas Gonzalez, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Palm Springs🎥 Host: Paul Ward, The Home & Ranch Team💚 Sponsored by: Opus EscrowStroll through 3–4 blocks of art, live music, food, and fun — meet passionate vendors like Soap by Malta Design, Redmond Weaving, and Crush Crush Cookies, and see how VillageFest strengthens the Palm Springs community every Thursday night, all year long.
⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 — Intro: Welcome to Palm Springs VillageFest
00:34 — How it all began 33 years ago01:07 — Vendor stories & local creativity03:05 — 150+ vendors, thousands of visitors each week04:49 — The jury process: how vendors get selected08:30 — How the city runs VillageFest every week11:19 — Economic impact for downtown Palm Springs13:06 — Vendor success stories (like The Heyday)14:31 — Advice for other cities15:46 — Beyond VillageFest: Parks & Rec programs16:08 — American Idol’s connection to VillageFest16:30 — How to visit + where to learn more🌟 If You Liked This, Watch Next
🎥 The Road to the Rose Parade: Behind the Blooms🎥 Celebrating Mental Wellness: Inside Ventura County’s Festival🎥 Laps, Laughs & Legacy: The Hap Rapp Track Meet🎥 Pedalers Fork: Where Bikes, Brews & Bites Collide🎥 Strumming Through Life: The Sierra Drummond Story🗺️ Learn More
🌐 Visit: VillageFest.org📸 Follow: @VillageFest (Facebook & Instagram)🏡 Presented by:
www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com👉Contact Paul Ward:www.homeandranch.comp. 805-479-5004📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.
18 min - Debunked by Nature, Regenerative Farming & Building a Texas Ranch #MollieEngelhart #FoodAsMedicine
In this inspiring episode, Paul Ward sits down with regenerative farmer, chef, entrepreneur, and author Mollie Engelhart. Mollie shares her journey from running vegan restaurants in Los Angeles to building Sovereignty Ranch in Texas, where she’s pioneering regenerative farming, hosting events, and building a community rooted in faith, food, and family.
They dive deep into:
🌱 What regenerative agriculture really means🏡 The cultural and practical differences between farming in California vs. Texas 📖 Mollie’s new book Debunked by Nature and how nature never lies💪 Masculinity vs. femininity, resilience, and lessons from motherhood🥩 Why “Food is Medicine” and the movement changing how we think about health and nutrition This conversation is full of wisdom, real-life stories, and practical takeaways for anyone interested in food, farming, family, or building a purpose-driven life.🔗 Learn more: Mollie’s ranch:
https://sovereigntyranch.comMollie’s New Book: https://debunkedbynature.com👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of On the Road with Paul Ward.
⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction & welcome back to Mollie Engelhart
1:00 – Moving from California to Texas: new freedoms and challenges3:00 – What is regenerative agriculture? Soil, grazing, and working with nature5:00 – Building Sovereignty Ranch: hotel, restaurant, brewery & farm programs7:30 – Cultural contrasts: food, faith, family, and community in Texas vs. California 9:00 – Mollie’s new book Debunked by Nature: lessons from the farm11:00 – From vegan chef to regenerative rancher: a personal transformation13:30 – Masculinity, femininity, and resilience: stories from motherhood & farming 17:00 – Biggest takeaways from the book: “Nature doesn’t lie”19:00 – Comfort vs. discomfort: raising resilient families & future generations24:00 – Teaching kids farm skills & challenging modern parenting norms25:00 – Preview of the upcoming “Food is Medicine” conference28:30 – Other Sovereignty Ranch events: Confluence & Divine + Dangerous30:50 – Where to find Mollie online & how to support the ranch32:30 – Closing thoughts & thank you👉Contact Paul Ward:
www.homeandranch.comp. 805-479-5004📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.
33 min - From Oppression to Opportunity: Arkady Milgram’s American Dream
Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode, Paul Ward sits down with Arkady Milgram, a former Soviet citizen who risked everything to pursue freedom in America. Arkady shares his journey from growing up under communist rule to becoming a successful financial planner in California. Along the way, he reflects on the emotional moments of leaving his homeland, building a new life from scratch, and reuniting his family. His story is a heartfelt reminder that freedom comes at a cost—and with limitless opportunity.⏱️ Timestamps + Topics
00:05 – Welcome from Paul Paul introduces Arkady Milgram, a Russian immigrant who built a life and career in America.00:51 – Meet Arkady Milgram Arkady shares his gratitude and excitement to tell his story.01:22 – Life in the Soviet Union Arkady describes his childhood under communist propaganda and his early curiosity about the West.02:59 – Cracks in the Narrative Discover how an American magazine article helped shift Arkady’s understanding of the U.S.05:01 – The Dream of Leaving Learn how Arkady used Israel’s “family reunification” program as a legal route to escape.07:40 – The First Step to Freedom Arkady recalls the emotional moment stepping off the plane in Vienna—and realizing he was free.09:14 – Stateless in Italy He explains the three-month transition in Rome, applying for refugee status in the U.S.11:32 – Arriving in Los Angeles With support from distant relatives and Jewish organizations, Arkady begins his new life in LA.13:41 – His First Job in America From unloading furniture in Hollywood to biochemistry work, Arkady dives into American work life.15:35 – From Biochemistry to Business Why Arkady transitioned from lab work to entrepreneurship—and how he started a travel agency.17:34 – Discovering Financial Planning Arkady finds his true calling helping others navigate personal finance through education.20:25 – How to Reach Arkady He shares his phone number and open-door policy for financial conversations—no pressure, just help.23:28 – Reuniting with Family Hear the emotional story of how he brought his parents and extended family to the U.S.26:12 – A Love Letter to America Arkady closes with powerful reflections on freedom, family, and what it means to be American.📞 Contact Arkady Milgram:
www.milgramfinancial.comPhone: (818) 919-2461 Calls only — texting uses a different number due to compliance.Email: [email protected] 2801 Townsgate Road Suite 320, Westlake Village, CA 91361👉Contact Paul Ward:p. 805-479-5004www.homeandranchteam.com📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.
**Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. Milgram Financial and Insurance Services, LLC is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. 790 E Colorado Blvd, Ste 710, Pasadena, CA 91101, (626) 639-1900 CRN202808-9197265. **
28 min - From Grapes to Giraffes: Ronnie Semler’s Malibu Wines Story
📍 Guest: Ronnie Semler – Founder, Malibu Wines & Beer Garden & Saddlerock Ranch
📍 Location: West Hills, CAWatch Full episode HERE
Join Paul Ward On the Road with Ronnie Semler, the visionary behind Malibu Wines & Beer Garden and Saddlerock Ranch. In this inspiring interview, Ronnie shares how he transformed a fire-ravaged Malibu ranch into a thriving vineyard, animal sanctuary, and destination experience featuring estate-grown wines, exotic animals like zebras and giraffes,
and one-of-a-kind events. From surviving the Woolsey Fire to expanding into a Texas safari adventure, Ronnie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and creating joy for visitors from around the world. 🍷🦒
⏱ Episode Timestamps
00:06 – Welcome & Introduction
Paul welcomes Ronnie Semler, founder of Malibu Wines & Beer Garden, and introduces the historic West Hills location.00:47 – The Historic Building
Ronnie shares the colorful history of the Alamo-style structure, once home and stables to silent film star Francis Lederer.02:06 – Acquiring the Property
A chance hospital visit leads Ronnie to purchase the building and transform it into a thriving wine and beer garden.03:21 – Estate-Grown Wines
An overview of Semler’s estate wines grown at Saddlerock Ranch and the varieties they produce.04:54 – The Birth of Saddlerock Ranch
How a devastating 1978 Malibu fire led Ronnie to purchase and rebuild the ranch, eventually expanding to 1,000 acres.07:07 – From Avocados to Grapes
After losing crops to frost, Ronnie transitions from avocados to vineyards—discovering grapes use far less water.08:25 – First Tasting Room
The humble beginnings of Malibu Wines, starting with small sales that grew into massive weekend crowds.09:42 – Exotic Animals & Unique Experiences
Saddlerock Ranch becomes known for its zebras, bison, alpacas, llamas, and even a giraffe named Stanley.10:45 – Surviving the Woolsey Fire
Ronnie recounts evacuating over 150 animals and losing more than 100 structures, but saving every life.11:54 – Rebuilding & Recent Challenges
The difficulties of rebuilding post-fire and the added heartache of his son’s recent loss in the Palisades fire.12:57 – Life After Malibu
Expansion to Texas, moving exotic animals, and preparing to launch a safari business in Brock, TX.14:22 – Growing Great Grapes
Ronnie’s philosophy on vineyard care—from soil quality to irrigation—and the key to great wine.15:31 – Current Vineyard Operations
Replanting efforts in Malibu, now totaling around 50 acres and producing for tasting rooms in CA & TX.16:07 – Family in the Wine Business
Two of Ronnie’s daughters now play key roles in the Texas wine operation and club management.17:16 – Beyond Wine
Malibu Wines offers yoga, pizza, jewelry making, candle workshops, and more for visitors.17:49 – Limited Public Access to the Ranch
Some activities continue through wine hikes, movie shoots, and special approvals.19:18 – Chumash Indian History
The ranch holds a significant archaeological site with ancient cave paintings, shared with schools and visitors.21:12 – Why Texas?
Fewer regulations and a different way of life fuel Ronnie’s enthusiasm for his Texas ranch.21:19 – How to Visit
Malibu Wines is open 7 days a week in West Hills, CA. Info at malibuwines.com.22:02 – Closing
Paul thanks Ronnie for sharing his incredible journey from rebuilding after fires to creating unique wine and safari experiences.Related Episodes:
Guardians of the Wild: Dr. Laurie Marker’s Mission to Save the Cheetahs
Strumming Through Life: The Sierra Drummond Story
📍Malibu Wines:
23130 Sherman WayWest Hills CA 91307818-578-4146👉Contact Paul Ward:homeandranch.comp. 805-479-5004📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor:
Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.23 min - A New Vision for Ending Youth Homelessness
Episode Summary:
Paul Ward visits Mesa in Ojai, California—a 10-acre citrus farm that’s home to an innovative community tackling youth homelessness. Guest Dan Parziale, co-founder of Mesa, explains how this transitional housing project supports vulnerable 18–24 year olds with holistic services, beautiful tiny homes, and a deep sense of community. Discover how Mesa is changing lives by replacing shelters with opportunity, healing, and hope.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction
Paul introduces Dan Parziale and the mission behind Mesa Farm.00:30 – What is Mesa?
Dan explains how Mesa began and what the 10-acre farm provides for its young adult residents.01:41 – Who Mesa Serves
A look at Mesa’s participants—many experiencing or at risk of homelessness—and how they are referred.02:44 – A Spirit of Connection
Why collaboration, beauty, and community are essential parts of Mesa’s model.03:39 – It Takes a Village
Dan shares how community members—from realtors to volunteers—play an active role in residents’ success.04:33 – What’s Required of Residents
Minimal mandatory activities, but plenty of engaging opportunities including filmmaking and natural building.05:26 – Film, Farming & Pizza Ovens
Hands-on learning in the arts and agriculture, from shooting short films to selling tangerines.06:28 – Rethinking Housing Environments
Why Mesa is beautiful by design—and how that impacts healing and outcomes.07:35 – Early Transitions & Support
Mesa’s first residents have already started moving out, with rental assistance for the next stage of life.08:34 – Why Mesa Was Created
Dan and co-founder Kyle Thompson wanted to flip the script on how we support at-risk youth.09:58 – Breaking the Poverty Trap
How Mesa’s design philosophy focuses on dignity, restoration, and upward mobility.11:00 – How Mesa is Funded
Mesa began with a state grant and continues through a mix of government and private support.11:29 – Replicating the Model
Mesa’s approach can—and should—be expanded to other communities facing youth homelessness.12:20 – Meaning Behind the Name “Mesa”
A table to gather at. A plateau to launch from.13:03 – Dan’s Background
From Ojai to LA to Haiti—Dan’s unique journey to nonprofit leadership.14:30 – Preventing Lifelong Homelessness
Mesa works upstream to catch youth before long-term homelessness becomes a cycle.15:51 – The Financial & Human Cost
Investing early in young people saves resources—and lives—down the line.16:50 – A Smarter Approach to Homelessness
Prevention, beauty, and opportunity drive lasting impact.18:35 – Volunteering at Mesa
Gardening, cooking, teaching art—Mesa thrives on community support.19:29 – The Joy of This Work
Dan reflects on the honor and hope that comes from working with young adults at a turning point.20:35 – Remembering Who You Are
Helping youth reconnect with their identity and potential.21:20 – Inside the Tiny Homes
Tour the beautifully furnished 270 sq ft homes with mountain views, art, and personalized music.23:16 – Why Design & Dignity Matter
Personalized homes help participants feel welcome, safe, and valued.24:48 – Why Private Space Matters
Tiny homes provide dignity and safety that communal shelters can’t.25:09 – How to Get Involved
Mesa is building a volunteer portal and welcomes people to share their skills and passions.26:29 – Website & Social Media
- 🌐 www.mesafarm.org
- 📷 Instagram: @mesafarm
- 👍 Facebook: Mesa Farm
27:08 – Final Thoughts
Dan shares why Mesa’s model is exciting, replicable, and ready for a broader movement.📢 Related Episodes:
One Vet at a Time: Inside the Vince Street Veterans House with Angel EcheverriaUnveiling Humanity through Compassion, Hope and a Costume👉Contact Paul Ward:
homeandranch.comp. 805-479-5004📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor:
Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.📌 Subscribe to On the Road with Paul Ward for more stories of innovation, impact, and inspiration.
#MesaFarm #YouthHomelessness #OjaiCA #TinyHomes #CommunitySolutions #OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #DanParziale #SocialImpact #HomelessnessPrevention #VenturaCounty #NonprofitInnovation
28 min - 🌐 www.mesafarm.org
- 🎭Empowering Young Performers Through Theater🎭
Episode Summary:
Paul Ward speaks with Marta Dewey, founder of the Performance Theater for Young Artists (PTYA), a Ventura County-based nonprofit that has nurtured thousands of kids through year-round theater productions since 1999. From shy first-timers to confident leads, Marta shares how theater builds confidence, community, and creativity in youth aged 6 to 19. Discover how this beloved local program blends arts education with life skills — all while putting on fantastic musicals like Matilda and Shrek.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction
Paul welcomes Marta Dewey and sets the stage for her inspiring story.00:37 – How PTYA Began
Marta shares how a one-time school musical grew into a year-round youth theater company.01:46 – A Year-Round Program for All Ages
How the company works: kids audition per production; many grow with the program for years.02:55 – Singing, Acting, Dance, and Tech Theater
PTYA develops young talent across performance and behind-the-scenes skills.03:31 – Recent Production: Matilda the Musical
Over 40 students from ages 7 to 18 performed in the most recent production.04:02 – How Students Find Their Passion
Some join for fun, others for the spotlight — all build confidence and skills.05:06 – Rehearsal Schedules & Community Feel
10 hours per week, tech week before shows, and a close-knit cast culture.06:25 – Costumes & Set Design
Parents and students pitch in to bring each show to life.07:36 – PTYA Alumni Success Stories
One student went on to become an opera singer performing internationally.09:00 – Audience & Performance Space
Typical audience size and how they manage sold-out shows with flexible seating.09:41 – Upcoming Production: Shrek the Musical
Details on the next production and how rehearsals are ramping up.10:22 – Licensing, Scripts & Choreography
How PTYA acquires materials and relies on teen choreographers for fresh ideas.11:20 – Growth Stories: From Shy to Spotlight
Powerful examples of personal growth through theater.13:17 – Funding a Nonprofit Theater Program
How PTYA stays afloat: fundraising, tuition, ticket sales, grants, and scholarships.14:29 – Volunteer-Driven Success
Parents, alumni, and teens fuel the program with their time and passion.15:24 – Performance Frequency & Summer Camp
Four to five shows per year, plus a two-week summer camp with a final performance.16:49 – The Future of PTYA
Marta discusses the program’s continued growth and long-standing community roots.17:17 – Closing & Gratitude
Paul thanks Marta for her decades of dedication and impact.🔗 Learn More About PTYA:
ptya.org3451 Foothill RdVentura, CA 93003p. (805) 302-6441👉Contact Paul Ward:homeandranch.comp. 805-479-5004📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor:
Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.#YouthTheater #PTYA #VenturaCounty #OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #PerformingArts #MusicalTheater #ShrekTheMusical #MatildaTheMusical
18 min
About Farm Talk with Paul Ward
From the publisher's feed
Farm Talk with Paul Ward in Ventura County, CA discusses different aspects of farm living in rural communities in California.