Mostly Banter - Beverly Hills

Jenny Factor, acclaimed poet and Beverly Hills native, shares her journey from a unique childhood to Harvard and beyond. In this compelling conversation, she reflects on her lifelong passion for poetry, the mentors who shaped her path, and her mission to connect through the power of words. From growing up near iconic landmarks to teaching poetry to scientists, Jenny’s story is one of creativity, community, and finding beauty in communication.

Rose Derhy, owner of Victorian Rose in Beverly Hills, shares her remarkable journey from Israel to Los Angeles. In this heartfelt conversation, she reflects on building a unique boutique business, fostering personal relationships with her customers, and navigating life with resilience and optimism. From her humble beginnings importing Israeli crafts to establishing a fashion destination in Beverly Hills, Rose's story is one of passion, community, and perseverance.

Sam Jagger, General Manager of The Maybourne Beverly Hills, explores his journey from England to Los Angeles sharing insights into premier hotel management and what makes The Maybourne a standout destination in global hospitality.

Join us in this episode as we banter with the remarkable Ruby Davids, founder of Sweet Angeles Bakery & Cafe. From her roots in Armenia to building a thriving bakery in Beverly Hills, Ruby shares her inspiring journey. We dive into her family’s European dessert recipes, her early days in Washington, D.C., and the leap to opening her bakery on Rodeo Drive. Ruby also opens up about her personal life, the challenges of being a single mom, and her mission to bring quality desserts to the community. This episode is a sweet and heartfelt story of passion, resilience, and delicious success!   

In this episode of the Mostly Banter Podcast, host Michael Moline chats with Nooshin Meshkaty, an accomplished aerospace engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Nooshin shares her journey from Iran to Beverly Hills and her path to a successful career in computer science and aerospace. She discusses her work on major NASA projects, the impact of technology and artificial intelligence, and the importance of security in today's world. The conversation also touches on her deep ties to the Beverly Hills community and her efforts to mentor the next generation. 

Cindee Rood shares her inspiring journey of bringing clean water to Malawi, Africa. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and the impact of her nonprofit, Formidable Joy, as she works to provide life-saving resources to some of the world's most impoverished communities.

In this episode of Mostly Banter, Michael Lushing dives into the complexities of real estate in Los Angeles, with a particular focus on Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. He shares insights on the evolving retail landscape, the impact of emotional decisions in leasing, and the challenges facing brick-and-mortar businesses in a digital age. Michael also recounts his experiences with visionary developer Rick Caruso, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Caruso’s unique approach to community engagement and property development. Whether you're interested in real estate, urban development, or the changing face of iconic neighborhoods, this episode is packed with thoughtful analysis and engaging stories.

Join us in this episode as we banter with the remarkable Bobbe Joy Dawson. From her unique upbringing in the heart of the entertainment industry to her illustrious career as a Beverly Hills makeup artist, Bobbie shares captivating stories and insights. We dive into her early days, her ventures in the cosmetics business, and her experiences working with some of the most iconic figures in showbiz. Bobbie also opens up about her personal life, her late husband Mitch, and her role in the Beverly Hills community. This episode is a fascinating journey through Hollywood's golden years, brimming with nostalgia and wisdom.

In this episode, join Michael and Noah as they dive into the fascinating legacy of The Tokens, best known for their timeless hit, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Noah shares personal stories about his father and uncle, original members of the band, and their musical journey spanning over six decades. The conversation covers the band's history, their contributions to music, and their influence across generations. Listeners will also hear about Noah's own experiences as a drummer, public servant, and performer, blending his passion for music with his commitment to education. Discover how The Tokens' music transcends time, and get a sneak peek into the exciting projects they are working on to continue the legacy. Tune in for an engaging mix of music history, personal anecdotes, and insights into the enduring power of a great song.

In this special episode, we sit down with Dr. Sara, a dedicated dentist with a unique background in engineering. Dr. Sara shares her remarkable journey from building structures to building smiles. She opens up about her personal challenges, including her transition from engineering to dentistry, moving to a new country, and balancing her career with family life. Discover how her passion for preventive care and a holistic approach to dentistry led her to create a one-of-a-kind dental practice focused on patient comfort and wellness. Dr. Sara's story is not only inspiring but also a testament to resilience and dedication. Tune in to learn about the experiences that shaped her career and the philosophy that drives her practice today.