@chateua

The conversation emphasizes the necessity of speaking out against injustices and the importance of unity in striving for a more inclusive America. It highlights the risks of silence and the need for collective progress towards a nation that serves all its citizens, regardless of their background.

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Introduction: In this latest episode of Meet Me in Napa, host Jeremy Jackson welcomes Eric Jones, a candidate running for Congress in California's Fourth District. This engaging conversation reveals Jones's personal journey, his commitment to local issues, and his vision for a brighter future.

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In this episode, host Jeremy Jackson speaks with Mona Leonardo from the Michael Leonardo Foundation about her son Michael's tragic death due to fentanyl poisoning. Mona shares Michael's vibrant life, the circumstances surrounding his death, and the impact it had on her family. She discusses the dangers of fentanyl, the importance of education and awareness, and the foundation's mission to prevent similar tragedies. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the role of parents in educating their children about drug safety.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mona Leonardo and Her Story
02:12 Michael's Life and Legacy
05:15 The Tragic Loss of Michael
09:29 Understanding Fentanyl and Its Dangers
12:38 The Impact of Loss on Family
20:46 Creating a Foundation for Awareness
28:38 Community Engagement and Education
33:24 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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Join host Jeremy Jackson as he interviews Dr. Doug Yaris, a dentist and wine enthusiast, about his journey from dentistry to the wine industry in Napa Valley. They discuss the founding of Hope and Grace Winery, the influence of family legacy, and the vibrant Napa Valley community.

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Summary

In this episode of Meet Me in Napa, host Jeremy Jackson interviews Justine Ocelia, a Filipino winemaker who shares her unique journey from pursuing a medical career to discovering her passion for winemaking. Justine discusses the cultural expectations she faced from her immigrant parents, the resilience she developed throughout her career, and the importance of community support in launching her own wine label. She also highlights the significance of her wine blend, Pamelia, which symbolizes her family's involvement in her winemaking process. In this engaging conversation, the speaker shares their journey into winemaking, highlighting the influence of family, cultural pride, and the challenges faced as a small producer. They discuss their recent feature in Forbes, the importance of building connections within the culinary world, and their aspirations for expanding their brand both domestically and internationally. The conversation also touches on the representation of American wines abroad and the speaker's vision for the future of their wine label.

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In this episode of Meet Me in Napa, host Jeremy Jackson welcomes Talia Suggs and Courtney Summers, two women who have made significant strides in the wine industry. They share their personal journeys into the world of wine, the challenges they faced, and the importance of representation in Napa Valley. The conversation highlights their experiences in the apprenticeship program through the Rasion Project, their culinary backgrounds, and the creation of the Cookout, a community event aimed at celebrating diversity in the wine industry. Talia and Courtney discuss the evolution of the Cookout, its impact on the community, and their aspirations for the future.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Journey
01:14 Talia's Path to the Wine Industry
03:00 Courtney's Culinary Background and Transition to Wine
07:08 The Apprenticeship Program Experience
10:01 Finding the Right Program and Connection
13:37 Expectations vs. Reality in the Wine Industry
15:40 Hands-On Experience in the Vineyard
17:02 Exploring the Wine Industry Journey
19:37 The Birth of the Cookout Event
24:20 Creating Community in the Wine World
29:41 Empowering Future Generations
32:16 Elevating Culinary Traditions

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Summary

In this episode of Meet Me in Napa, host Jeremy Jackson interviews Fiona Windorf, a Pilates instructor and studio owner. Fiona shares her journey from growing up in Ukiah to moving to Napa, her transition from working in a Michelin star restaurant to teaching Pilates, and the importance of proper training in the Pilates community. They discuss the differences between Pilates and other forms of exercise, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the supportive community in Napa Valley. Fiona emphasizes the significance of doing research when choosing a Pilates instructor and shares her aspirations for the future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fiona and Her Journey
02:36 Fiona's Background and Move to Napa
05:31 Transitioning from Restaurant to Pilates
08:28 Understanding Pilates: History and Techniques
11:15 Pilates vs. Other Fitness Practices
14:17 Fiona's Path to Becoming a Pilates Instructor
15:51 The Journey to Pilates Training
19:06 The Evolution of Pilates: Traditional vs. Non-Traditional
23:12 Understanding the Costs of Pilates
24:51 Transformative Effects of Pilates on the Body
26:56 Clientele Insights: Why People Choose Pilates
28:15 The Resurgence of Pilates Popularity
31:08 The Importance of Continuous Learning
31:48 Balancing Motherhood and Business Ownership
34:14 The Journey to Owning a Pilates Studio
35:20 Life Beyond Work: Family and Fun
38:00 Advice for Aspiring Pilates Practitioners
38:53 Dreams and Aspirations: What If Money Was No Object?
40:09 Community and Connection in Napa Valley

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@mikecuffe

In this episode of Meet Me in Napa, host Jeremy Jackson welcomes Michael Cuff from Napa Valley Creative Agency. They discuss Michael's journey from his humble beginnings in Minnesota to his experiences in Hollywood and the comedy scene. Michael shares insights into the entertainment industry, the challenges of the wine industry, and the importance of community engagement in Napa Valley. The conversation highlights the intersection of art, marketing, and the evolving landscape of Napa Valley as a premier destination.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michael Cuffe and Napa Valley Creative Agency
01:30 Michael Cuffe's Journey and Background
03:08 The Many Michael Cuffs: A Humorous Exploration
04:19 Growing Up: From Minnesota to Chicago
09:45 Transition to California: A New Chapter
10:38 The Influence of Comedy on Michael's Life
12:15 The Impact of Comedy and Oratory on Society
13:50 Improv Comedy: Early Experiences and Connections
16:40 Performing with Industry Professionals
17:12 From Stand-Up to Improv: A Journey Begins
19:45 The Improv Scene: Connections and Opportunities
23:05 The Hustle of Hollywood: Behind the Glamour
26:04 Navigating the Industry: The Reality of Fame
30:27 The Dark Side of Hollywood: Stories and Reflections
33:01 Transitioning to the Art World: A New Chapter
34:39 Journey to the Bay Area
36:08 The Rise of Street Art
38:32 Documenting the Art Scene
40:12 Banksy's Impact on Street Art
44:02 The Art Market and Its Gatekeepers
46:55 The Changing Landscape of the Wine Industry
52:24 Evolving Trends in Alcohol Consumption
55:14 Economic Challenges and Luxury Perception
59:29 The Future of Napa Valley Tourism
01:02:28 Community and Change in Napa Valley
01:06:56 Vision for the Future: Supporting Creativity

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In this episode of Meet Me in Napa, Chef Leilani shares her inspiring journey from a child in Oakland to a celebrated chef in Napa Valley. She discusses her unique upbringing, influenced by her Chinese and Black grandmothers, and how food became a love language in her family. Leilani reflects on her experiences growing up in 80s Oakland, the vibrant culture, and her eventual transition into the culinary world through catering. She emphasizes the importance of connection and community in her cooking, and how her journey has shaped her identity as a chef. In this conversation, the speakers explore the journey of a chef navigating her career choices, the importance of family connections, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. They discuss the transition from home cooking to commercial kitchens, the impact of catering for major events, and the significance of community support. The conversation also touches on the cultural influence of Oakland and the adaptations required during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, the speakers reflect on the evolution of culture, particularly in the context of food and wine. They discuss the nostalgic elements of past experiences, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the creation of unique dining experiences that celebrate inclusivity and diversity. The dialogue also touches on the racial dynamics in Napa's wine culture and the importance of communication in overcoming misunderstandings. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various themes including conflict resolution, resilience in the catering business, the challenges faced during legal battles, and the importance of community support. They reflect on the unique space they have created in Napa, celebrating diversity and progress in the wine industry while emphasizing the significance of personal growth and living a fulfilling life. In this engaging conversation, Chef Leilani discusses her passion for highlighting women winemakers and small batch producers, emphasizing the importance of fresh experiences in wine tasting. She shares insights on building relationships with winemakers, the challenges faced in the wine industry, and the significance of community support. The dialogue explores the dynamics of business relationships and the need for collaboration and support within the wine community, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment for all winemakers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chef Leilani
05:15 Food as a Love Language
12:14 Transitioning to Catering
19:34 Reflections on Cooking and Connection
23:57 Transitioning to Commercial Kitchens and Catering
29:44 Adapting to Change and Preparing for COVID-19
36:37 Reflections on Growing Up in Oakland
40:53 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic
44:52 The Journey into Wine
48:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Wine Culture
51:54 Overcoming Adversity and Racism
56:40 Cultural Misunderstandings and Communication
58:24 The Journey of Catering and Resilience
01:00:18 Facing Challenges and Legal Battles
01:02:40 Reopening and Community Support
01:04:36 Creating a Unique Space in Napa
01:10:11 Celebrating Progress and Community Engagement
01:13:00 Groundbreaking Changes in the Wine Industry
01:16:49 Living a Fulfilling Life in Napa
01:17:18 Highlighting Women Winemakers
01:18:16 Fresh Experiences in Wine Tasting
01:19:43 Supporting Small Batch Winemakers
01:20:11 Exploring Unique Wine Selections
01:21:12 Building Relationships with Winemakers
01:22:08 Creating Memorable Wine Experiences
01:24:28 The Importance of Community in Wine
01:26:17 Navigating Challenges in the Wine Industry
01:28:42 Opportunities and Relationships in Wine
01:30:33 The Dynamics of Business Relationships
01:32:28 Being a Catalyst for Change
01:34:29 The Power of Communit

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Summary

In this episode of Meet Me in Napa, host Jeremy Jackson welcomes Chef Sean Massey, who shares his culinary journey from his early days in Oklahoma to his experiences in Napa Valley, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia. Chef Sean discusses his passion for cooking, the importance of camaraderie in the kitchen, and his upcoming venture, the Alleyway Studio Kitchen. He reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career and the cultural insights gained from his travels. In this conversation, Chef Sean MMIN shares his experiences working in various culinary environments, from setting up restaurants in different countries to his time with renowned chef Morimoto. He discusses the challenges faced in different regions, the importance of mentorship, and his transition to working with Dariush Winery in Napa. The conversation highlights the differences in culinary practices, the significance of local ingredients, and the evolution of his career in the culinary world. In this conversation, Chef Sean shares his journey from a young boy in Oklahoma to a successful chef and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the drive to pursue culinary arts, and the impact of cultural identity on his career. Chef Sean also introduces his new venture, Alleyway Studio Kitchen, aimed at providing a creative space for chefs to thrive without the burdens of traditional restaurant overhead. The conversation highlights the evolution of his culinary passion and the innovative ideas he has for engaging with the community. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various themes surrounding the culinary world, personal growth, and community service. They discuss the importance of apprenticeship in the culinary field, the pressures faced by chefs, and the significance of giving back to the community. The dialogue also touches on the aspirations of creating unique culinary experiences and the role of restaurants in supporting those in need. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the journey of self-discovery, the value of experience, and the impact of service on both individuals and communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chef Sean Massey
03:03 Chef Sean's Journey in Napa Valley
05:55 Early Life and Restaurant Beginnings
09:03 Culinary Education and Early Career
11:53 Experiences in Hawaii and Southeast Asia
14:59 Reflections on Life and Culinary Growth
15:11 Culinary Challenges Across Borders
20:14 Mentorship and Growth in the Culinary World
27:17 Transitioning from Morimoto to Dariush Winery
29:49 Navigating Change and New Opportunities in Napa
31:29 The Journey of Mentorship and Growth
32:40 Finding Purpose in Culinary Arts
34:31 The Impact of Environment on Ambition
35:26 Experiencing New Horizons
37:05 The Awakening of Culinary Passion
39:04 Learning the Ropes in a New Environment
40:01 Cultural Awareness and Identity
42:04 The Role of Latino Culture in Culinary Success
43:24 Launching Alleyway Studio Kitchen
46:00 Innovative Ideas for Culinary Engagement
48:14 Exploring Culinary Ventures
49:57 The Value of Apprenticeship
50:27 Embracing Experience and Timing
51:49 Navigating Customer Expectations
54:08 Imagining a Life Without Financial Constraints
56:24 Creating Art and Giving Back
01:00:10 The Importance of Service and Community
01:02:12 Napa's Approach to Supporting the Less Fortunate
01:03:04 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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