Hello Sonoma!

Few towns are lucky enough to have a bookstore like Readers' Books in Sonoma. Founded in 1991 by Lilla and Andy Weinberger, the store now welcomes visitors from all over the world to browse its shelves. Though there are many stores that sell books (both on and offline), Readers' has truly become, as it says on their characteristic bookmark, "a gathering place for book lovers of all ages." On the eve of their 30th anniversary, we peek behind the curtain to speak with some of the people that make Readers' so special. 

Yasser Arwand has been my friend since we lived and worked together in Jordan in 2017. In his home country of Afghanistan, he founded a non-profit organization aimed at empowering young people with the skills they need to improve their communities. Though Yasser had always planned to advance his career with a masters program in the United States, he came unexpectedly to the US this year after a long and circuitous journey out of Kabul. He brought in his backpack only his computer, one change of clothes, and some food and water; with these ingredients he is hoping to start a new life. This may be a new setting, but Yasser is still dedicated to his original goal of peace building while inspiring young people to achieve their potential. In this episode, hear about what he has accomplished already and what he hopes to achieve.

If you are interested in helping him on this new journey, please visit bit.ly/yawelcomefund to learn more.

Homelessness is a challenging issue in any city. In Sonoma, articles about vulnerable people have often been featured in local newspapers and social media, but rarely do personal stories make it to the front page. In this episode, I talk with Louis and Giulia, who graciously agreed to tell me more about experiencing homelessness. I found both interviews to be both tragic and inspiring, but they highlight the importance of humanizing our neighbors who are going through a tough time. 

Bruce Irving admires the craft. Since his time on This Old House, he developed a deep appreciation for the small touches that make humanity special. In his book, New England Icons, he carefully describes the history and art that makes New England building unique. The same philosophy applies to living life, where Bruce advocates for finding interesting things and sticking with them, and in getting off the rails to explore what is meaningful in life. 

Emily Irving was steadily on the path towards prescribed success in the academic world. After completing her undergraduate at Williams, she was working through her PhD at Harvard studying equity in business. To all those who knew her it looked like success, but something didn't feel right. In this episode, we discuss what that truly felt like and what happened once she listened to that voice. We discuss the merit of following one's own path rather than one which impresses everyone else. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

Debby Irving spent the first few chapters of her life outside Boston in a town not so different from Sonoma. After a long career in non-profits she decided to pursue a masters degree where she ended up exploring the roots of her upbringing in an unexpected and illuminating way. The discoveries she made informed her award-winning book, "Waking Up White," which chronicle her journey towards a better understanding of race in America. In our conversation we discuss some of the history of discrimination in America, the challenges we all face, and some enlightening possibilities for self-discovery and improvement.

In this episode, we have conversations with two of Sonoma's city council members, the Mayor, Madolyn Agrimonti, and Vice Mayor Jack Ding.

Madolyn Agrimonti has dedicated much of her life to public service. As twice mayor of both Daly City and Sonoma, she played a leading role in shaping her community in the face of serious challenges. In this episode, we discuss her upbringing, and the impact she's had on Sonoma both from city council and the Women's club. 

Jack Ding's arrival to the city council came first with a long journey to the United States from China. He grew up just outside Shanghai before immigrating to the US where he would eventually get an MBA and start a local tax company on Broadway. We talk about what it was like to reeducate yourself in a new country, start a new business, and eventually become the first Chinese city council member in Sonoma's history. 

 Located just outside Dubois, Wyoming (perhaps the most remote town in the lower 48 states), the Bitterroot Ranch lies just beneath the Absaroka mountain range in an idyllic valley stocked with cows, sheep, llamas, cutthroat trout, and even wild horses. Bayard Fox, its founder, has run the ranch with his family for more than 40 years. Perhaps most interesting, though, is Bayard's journey to the ranch which includes a stint with the CIA, an adventure as a crayfish fisherman in the Solomon Islands, and journeys throughout the world on horseback. In this episode, Bayard talks a little bit about what makes the ranch so special while sharing some of the stories that have enlivened his several illustrious careers.

The story of wine in Sonoma Valley didn't start with Agoston Haraszthy, but the legacy he left behind helped build the valley into what it is today. On this episode, Bartholomew Park's resident historian, Frank Pope, shares some of Sonoma's lesser known history on the path towards the popular tourist destination that draws wine lovers from around the country. From Native American planters to a young Hungarian immigrant who shaped the valley to the important role of Chinese laborers, Frank brings these tales to life with his vast expertise and lively storytelling.

Kathy King came to Sonoma in 2011 as a consultant for Sonoma Overnight Support with vast fundraising and non-profit experience. 10 years later, she leads the helm of the organization as it has grown to meet the needs of Sonoma Valley. In this episode, we hear a little more about what drove Kathy to get to where she is, her long-held belief in doing what's right, and the challenges she faced that made her stronger. 

In lieu of a second guest, I play some rock music, both new and old, in the latter half of the show. Featured are Sour Widows, The Byrds, Rodriguez, Dora Jar, and the great Willie Nelson. I hope you enjoy.