Hello Sonoma!

When Olga first went in Nepal more than 35 years ago, she expected to be setting off on a challenging trek through the Himalaya. Little did she know that this walk in the mountains would mark the beginning of a new life journey that has since helped her educate, nourish and save tens of thousands of Nepali Children. Her background as a lawyer in the California Supreme Court and a young adventurer who traveled alone throughout the United States helped her to see the bigger picture when she founded the Nepal Youth Foundation to improve the lives of countless Nepali families. In this episode, we talk about her journey to Nepal, how the she helped outlaw the practice of child slavery, and her philosophy on making a difference.

You may have heard Squire Fridell's voice or seen his face if you were watching TV anytime in the 90s and early 2000s. Having starred in over 3,400 television commercials (the most, perhaps, of anyone ever), Squire's personality lights up any room, or in this case any vineyard. Having retired from his time in the spotlight as Ronald McDonald and the face of the Toyotathon for almost 30 years, he now makes wine under Glen Lyon and Two Amigos labels in Glenn Ellen. In this episode we talk about his acting career, his love of wine, and his fun-filled approach to life and wine.

Connor Vickers is a burgeoning voice in cinema. He got his early start in Sonoma and, after years spent honing his craft, he recently came back to tell a local story through his first feature length film: Tell Mama Not to Worry. The movie takes place in Sonoma and features two characters with opposing views of their hometown – the kind of voices many locals might have of wherever they're from. In this episode, we discuss finding this sense of home, Connor's knowledge of film and skateboarding, and his inspirations in the craft of storytelling.

Roger and Diana Rhoten are known throughout the community as beacons of joy, creativity, and fun. Quite possibly Sonoma's only true celebrities, the duo has left an impact on thousands of young Sonomans through their work at the Theatre (Including Roger the Magic Man and Witchie Poo), summer camps, and ropes courses. In this episode we talk more about their origins and how they came to hold such a special place here.

The Sebastiani Theatre is one of the Plaza's most iconic buildings and the heart of Sonoma's cultural scene. With live performances, youth camps, and, of course, cinema, the theater helps bring our community to life. But none of this would be possible without Roger and Diana Rhoten. For more than 30 years, the duo have made this Sonoma historic building the cherished cultural hub we know today. In this episode, we discuss how the Rhoten's began their journey and how things have continued to evolve over the years. 

Tune in for a part 2. next week where we talk about the Rhoten's many talents.

For 30 years, Readers' Books has been a "gathering place for booklovers of all ages." In this episode, I talk with two people who help make Readers' so special, Rosie and Barbara Hall. 

Rosie is the event coordinator and children's book buyer whose knowledge of literature goes back to studying Dickens in college, and who takes great care in finding and recommending excellent books for children of all ages.

Barbara heads Readers' social media and local author's section, bringing to life Sonoma's many stories through books. Besides the bookstore, she is also a classically trained pianist, and an avid sportswoman who plays both Tennis and Pétanque. 

Erin Hill Freschi and Jessica Fudim went to Kaniv, Ukraine in 1989, teenagers sent as emissaries for peace. At the height of the Soviet Union, these exchanges were seen as a unique chance to break through media borders and make connections with the people that the news had made feel so far away. In this episode, Erin and Jessica share stories and memories from their experience, reminding us how important friendships can be in connecting horrifying images of war to the humans experiencing it. 

Visit givebutter.com/sistercities_kaniv to learn more about our relationship to our first sister city, and how to donate should you choose to.

Sofia is a seeker. Throughout her burgeoning journalism career, she has covered stories as varied as Wyoming's Brain Drain and disappearing forests in New Mexico in an effort to find the truth and reveal some of our country's diversity. Her journey has taken her to countless neighborhoods and homes throughout the west, interviewing people affected by everything from the Clean Water Act to fading native languages. Her love of America's mountain country is also informed by many journeys exploring the outdoors, including hiking 100 miles solo through the Uintas and even time spent in Patagonia. In this episode, we discuss her relationship to nature, her curiosity for storytelling, and her dedication to sharing the truth.

Charlotte is a community builder. Through her new role as Executive Director of Sonoma's Community Center, she aims to build an inclusive environment that welcomes Sonomans from every walk of life. Her PhD in Anthropology taught her to investigate and celebrate the diversity of the human experience, and her international upbringing in the Netherlands offers a unique perspective on American culture. In this episode, we discuss connecting with Sonoma's history, how to uplift marginalized community members, and lessons to teach our kids on how to view the world.

After many years as a Hollywood costume designer, now Kristen Anacker is focused on giving other artists the tools they need to succeed. While art covers many media, the central tenet of creation can sometimes founder without a greater vision. Through The Artist Conference Network, Kristen helps artists attain their dreams that might otherwise escape them. In this episode, we discuss the mechanics and origins of the conference, as well as Kristen’s own diverse and exciting life (including hitchhiking travels), connections between costumes and identity, and her foray into a new novel-writing experience.