Just a Good Conversation

Demian Brown graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1997 with a degree in communications, Brown was a four-year letter winner for former Head Coach Al Mistri as a defender for the Titans from 1992-94 and 1996, helping Fullerton to the semifinals of the 1993 College Cup. Over the last 16 years as both an assistant coach and head coach, Brown has helped the Titans to seven Big West regular season titles (2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019), eight conference tournament crowns (2005, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019) and eight appearances in the NCAA Tournament - including a trip to the “Sweet 16” in 2005 a second round berth in 2006 and first round trips in 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019. 

We talk about falling in love with soccer, finding your ACL and learning how to communicate with women. 

John Benton: switching loyalties from GM car culture to the aircooled Porsche world at 23, John Benton has never looked back. His 912, which he still drives today, is a rolling manifestation of all his dreams over the years. That love has translated into the brick and mortar establishment we know today as Benton Performance. A chat with him usually reveals two things; his deep knowledge of all that is aircooled and his genuine interest in helping those who need it.

John Benton: switching loyalties from GM car culture to the aircooled Porsche world at 23, John Benton has never looked back. His 912, which he still drives today, is a rolling manifestation of all his dreams over the years. That love has translated into the brick and mortar establishment we know today as Benton Performance. A chat with him usually reveals two things; his deep knowledge of all that is aircooled and his genuine interest in helping those who need it.

I sit down with Jennifer Bauer to discuss marketing at Intel and the LA Angels to finding her new career in Life Coaching. We dive deep into her 20 Year journey after her mom’s suicide and dealing with covid-19 now and in the future. Jenn has a hiding passion....It's photography! She has traveled to many beautiful places in the world and put together a book "Nature Guides" full of wonderful photos and more. You can find more information about Jenn and life coaching as well as the book at www.jennbauerhealing.com

Eric Sorenson is one hell of a good writer for D1 Baseball and Athlon Sports. You've seen him on ESPN and College Baseball Today. There aren't a lot of guys who dedicate to covering a college baseball nationally, Eric is one of them. We sit down and talk about growing up in the midwest, finding writing and his love of college baseball. If you enjoy a good read and a better laugh check him out on twitter @ Stitch_Head. 

Mel Franks was a sports reporter for the Daily News Tribune and a  public relations representative the California Angels before coming to Cal State Fullerton were he spent the next 32 years the Sports Information Director. Mel was inducted into the Cal State Fullerton Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. Mel Franks was one of the best to ever do it. When it came to relating with the media and keeping track of Cal State Fullerton's athletic achievements throughout the years, no one did it better.

Joseph Mahon has been involved in the restaurant industry since he was 16 years old. Joseph quickly moved through the ranks in the local restaurant scene and enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Joseph's drive and passion landed him working weekends for free in New York City's 3 and 4 star kitchens. Eventually, he earned an intern position at Cafe Boulud with Andrew Carmellini. Upon graduating from school, Joseph was picked from his class to go work in the south of France. Returning to the United States, his passion for food led him back to Cafe Boulud in NYC. Feeling secure in his cooking foundation from Daniel Boulud and Andrew Carmellini; Joseph went on to take positions at Danube and Bouley under David Bouley where he was Chef de Partie. Joseph moved back to California to become Sous Chef of Sona with David Myers in Los Angeles. He was recruited for opening Chef de Cuisine position of the Fairmont Newport Beach and Executive Chef of 208 Rodeo in Beverly Hills.

Joseph went on to become Executive Chef of the now 'infamous' Bastide in West Hollywood. Critics noted his ability to do the simple things very well, maximizing flavors of his ingredients, innovative technique and overall balance on all of his plates. During his tenure, Bastide was awarded Top Food in Zagat with 27 for food. 4.5 Stars for opentable.com, 2.5 stars from the LA Times and Best Restaurant by LA FEAST with a score of 93.

He went on open 'Burger Mondays' at Bastide which turned out to be a huge hit. Joseph was surprised and inspired at the reactions of such a simple dish. Joseph notes, “Every Monday there was at least 2-3 people saying it was the best burger they ever had. At that moment, I knew what I was going to do next”.

Three months later 'The Burger Parlor' was born.

Don Bartletti is Southern California based photojournalist. His 32-year career at the Los Angeles Times and 10 years prior with other San Diego County newspapers took him throughout the United States and around the world for news. Don is a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist dedicated to creating photo essays, videos, exhibits, lectures and guest teaching to promote a greater understanding of causes and consequences of illegal immigration into the United States from Mexico and Central America.

Eric Vallely is a 4th generation Newport Beach resident and he has a huge passion for the ocean. He began surfing at the age of 5 at Blackies, which is located next to Newport Pier. He bought a camera and was determined to figure it out. It took a few years to really begin capturing images the way he wanted and imagined them. He spends time making beautiful images of his hometown of Newport Beach.