Join Phil from the Redwood Empire podcast with friend Michelle Miller, a former teacher turned magazine publisher transforming local communities. After 25 years in education, Michelle made a bold COVID-era career pivot to launch West and East Petaluma Living magazines through Best Version Media. This conversation explores her journey from personal crisis to professional reinvention, Petaluma's unique character, and hyper-local media's power in building stronger communities. Michelle shares candid stories about overcoming depression, finding her 'Plan B,' and discovering her life word: 'brave.'

Guest: Michelle Miller

Former educator turned magazine publisher who spent 25 years teaching in Sonoma County before launching West and East Petaluma Living magazines through Best Version Media. Montgomery High School alumna, deeply rooted in Petaluma community, serves on Petaluma Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee and member of Petaluma Polka Dots networking group.

Chapters

00:00 - Reconnecting Old Friends: Phil introduces Michelle Miller, former Montgomery High classmate, now publisher of Petaluma Living magazines

01:30 - East vs West Petaluma Divide: Geographic divisions, zip codes, and friendly rivalry between town sides

03:00 - Teaching Through Crisis: 25-year teaching career, COVID struggles, remote learning challenges

08:00 - Rock Bottom and Recovery: COVID illness, depression, divorce, deciding to 'rock Plan B'

15:00 - Discovering Best Version Media: Serendipitous Craigslist find leading to career change

22:00 - Economics of Local Business: Supporting local businesses, community money circulation

35:00 - Growing Up in Sonoma County: 1980s Santa Rosa memories, Montgomery High, area changes after fires

45:00 - Magazine's Mission: Celebrating local businesses, highlighting community members, positive approach

55:00 - From Fear to Brave: Personal mantras, life word 'brave,' facing daily business fears

65:00 - Generational Differences: Gen X independence vs modern helicopter parenting

75:00 - Community Connections: Local networking importance, chamber involvement

Business Mentions

**Best Version Media** - National magazine company with 250+ local publications

Website: https://bestversionmedia.com/

**West Petaluma Living** - Community magazine covering west Petaluma

Website: https://bestversionmedia.com/publications/west-petaluma-living/

**East Petaluma Living** - Community magazine covering east Petaluma

Website: https://bestversionmedia.com/publications/east-petaluma-living/

**Exchange Bank** - Community bank serving Northern California since 1890

Website: https://www.exchangebank.com/

**Petaluma Chamber of Commerce** - Local business organization

Website: https://petalumachamber.com/

Key Quotes

> "Plan A got blown out of the water... So I need to fucking rock Plan B."

> "My word for life is brave, because I sit in fear so often and you know what brave is? Looking fear in the eyes and still taking steps forward."

> "You are enough. I'm enough of a friend, I'm enough of a daughter, I am so enough for me, and I'm so enough for my kids."

> "Think globally, act locally - when you think of your business, a local business with a rich local community, think locally and act locally."

Call-to-Actions

**NEWSLETTER:** Sign up for West or East Petaluma Living magazine

**SOCIAL:** Follow the Redwood Empire podcast for more Sonoma County stories

**PRODUCT:** Support local Petaluma businesses featured in Michelle's magazines