Santa Rosa-based author Scott Lipanovich discusses his Jeff Taylor mystery series and his highly anticipated new novel, West County. Scott delves into his creative journey, sharing how a high school creative writing class sparked his passion and how the unique landscapes and culture of West Sonoma County became the perfect backdrop for his mysteries. The conversation explores Scott's writing process–the challenges of plot development and the inspirations behind complex characters like the transformed PI-turned-doctor Jeff Taylor, the mysterious Edwina Siba (inspired by Armstrong Woods redwoods), and the local "West County ecosystem" they inhabit. Hear how real-life Sonoma County locations, such as Ives Park and the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, are woven into his fictional world, and get a sneak peek at Scott’s upcoming projects.

The setting of the novel West County got us inspired to find a beer that mirrors the book's natural scenery. Look no further than "Giant Lands," a West Coast Double IPA from Fieldwork Brewing Company. In addition to Fieldwork being a Bay Area staple, it also ties nicely to local Sonoma County news, as the brewery recently opened a new outpost in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa. Giant Lands, at 8.5% ABV, is a "big" brew perfect for December, featuring significant pine, grapefruit, and tangerine aromas that evoke the feeling of exploring the redwood forests depicted in the novel. 

Featured Guest:

Scott Lipanovich

Featured Beer:

Fieldwork Brewing Company’s Giant Lands

Books by Scott Lipanovich

• The Lost Coast (July 2021) 

• The Golden Ceiling (July 2022) 

• Sky Lake, (July 2023)

• West County

Real-World Locations in Sonoma County

• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (Guerneville, CA)

• Ives Park (Sebastopol, CA)

• Luther Burbank Experiment Farm (Sebastopol, CA)

• Sunspot (formerly Ocean Song)

• Sebastopol Center for the Arts (Sebastopol, CA)

• Calder Street (Sebastopol, CA area)

Where to Purchase West County

• Poet’s Corner Bookshop

• Copperfield’s Books
  

Gather, a new home goods boutique in Sebastopol, is redefining retail. The brainchild of  co-owners, Erin Hillmer and Jen Koelemeijer, Gather goes beyond retail by creating a community hub, focused on teaching the practical arts–gardening, cooking, preservation, fermentation, and the fiber arts–while providing all the best tools and products to engage in these endeavors. The name "Gather" perfectly encapsulates Erin and Jen’s mission to build a vibrant community-cum-retail space that invites people in to learn the craft and how to use the tools needed to perform the practical art. Their aim is to provide a vibrant space to shop, get inspired, and share your learn, bringing community together and energy and excitement back to downtown

Gather aims to counteract e-commerce trends by fostering hands-on learning and social connection, offering a "third space" where people can develop self-sufficiency, de-stress from technology, and share knowledge of traditional crafts like visible mending, natural dyeing, and sourdough baking. Their shop, named the best new business in 2025 by the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes high-quality, durable tools and locally sourced products while providing an extensive, seasonally curated class schedule taught by local artisans. They also offer free community events like monthly "Handmade & Homegrown Happy Hours" and weekly fiber circles.

Inspired by the discussion of the practical arts and fermentation, the Craft Beer Concierge reflects on the meticulous process of home brewing lagers, highlighting them as a challenging yet rewarding first project for homebrewers. He features 3 Disciples Brewing, a Santa Rosa-based operation founded by homebrewers-turned-pros James Claus and Matt Penpraze. He features the "Let There Be Light" Czech Pilsner, a crisp, 5% ABV beer with light herbal and spice notes from Saaz hops, which is perfect for enjoying in the current Sonoma County weather. 

Featured Guests:

Erin Hillmer 

Jen Koelemeijer

Featured Beer:

3 Disciples Brewing, Let There Be Light

Resources Mentioned in the Interview:

• Gather website: The primary source for their class schedule, product offerings, and general information about the store.

• Gather Brick & Mortar Location: 122 N. Main Street, Sebastopol, CA

• Specific Workshops/Skills: Mentioned classes include natural dyeing, felted items, hand-poured candles, botanical bitters, miso fermentation, sourdough, cheesemaking, broom making, fire cider, and beginning and advanced knitting.

• Community Events: Ongoing events such as Handmade & Homegrown Happy Hours, fiber circles, and produce swaps were highlighted as ways to connect with the local community.

How jazz, history, and live performance come together at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival — with Marcus Shelby.

Jazz is more than music — it’s a way of telling American history. In this episode, Marcus Shelby, composer, educator, and artistic director of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, joins the show to explore how history, storytelling, and live performance shape his work.

Marcus shares his path from engineering student to bandleader, composer, and educator, and explains why studying legends like Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn is essential to understanding jazz today. He discusses how historical narratives — from Harriet Tubman to the Negro Leagues — influence his compositions, and why jazz remains a powerful lens for social justice and cultural memory.

The conversation also previews Marcus’s upcoming performance of the Harlem Nutcracker Suite at the Raven Theater on December 20, along with insights into the Winter Jazz Festival and early plans for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival’s 2026 season.

The episode closes with a reflective tasting from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, featuring Brother Thelonious Abbey Ale from North Coast Brewing Company — a jazz-inspired Belgian-style ale that pairs perfectly with thoughtful listening.

🎷 Perfect for jazz fans, live music lovers, and anyone curious about how music and history intersect in Sonoma County.

Featured Guest:

Marcus Shelby

Resources Mentioned in the Interview:

• Healdsburg Jazz Harlem Nutcracker Suite performance at the Raven Theater 

• Healdsburg Jazz Festival

• Healdsburg Jazz Winter Festival

• Wynton Marsalis

• Duke Ellington

• Billy Strayhorn

• Ledisi

• Count Basie

• Harriet Tubman

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Negro Leagues

• Prison Reform

• Thundercat

• Miles Davis, Kind of Blue

Featured Beer:

Brother Thelonious Abbey Ale

Acclaimed celebrity chefs Crista Luedtke and Duskie Estes discuss their impressive culinary journeys and their shared passion for community-focused initiatives. The conversation delves into their experiences as competitive chefs, their commitment to sustainable, local farming and seasonal ingredients, and the challenges of culinary entrepreneurship. They share stories about their long-standing friendship, forged through charity events like the Chef's Cycle rides for No Kid Hungry and cooking for first responders during the 2017 Sonoma County fires. The chefs also offer insights into judging cooking shows, the dynamics of the Sonoma County restaurant scene, and offer several excellent local dining recommendations. Listen in as they discuss Thanksgiving meal planning, wine pairings, and their current project of preparing 7,500 meals for Guy Fieri's annual community Thanksgiving event.

In this segment, the host breaks from tradition to review a classic Belgian beer that is perfect for the Thanksgiving table: Saison Dupont. This traditional "season" beer, originally brewed for farm workers in southern Belgium, is described as having high effervescence and notes of pepper and lemon, making it exceptionally food-friendly. The host recommends pairing the rustic Saison Dupont with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes, from charcuterie boards to dark meat turkey, gravy, and vegetable sides, noting the common pairing advice to "go Belgian" when in doubt. For those seeking a local alternative, the host also suggests Russian River Brewing's Robert.

Featured Guests:

Chef Crista Luedtke

Chef Duskie Estes

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Black Pig Meat Co Visit the Black Pig Meat Co website for more information on their pasture-raised pork products and ethical farming practices.

• Boone Eat & Drink Explore the menu and plan your visit to chef Crista Luedtke's restaurant in Guerneville, California, on the Boone Eat & Drink website.

• Sonoma County Fairgrounds The location for the annual Thanksgiving meal project can be found on the Sonoma County Fairgrounds official website.

• Sonoma County Farm Trails Learn more about local farms and supporting the community's agricultural system through the Sonoma County Farm Trails organization.

• Guy Fieri Foundation, Thanksgiving Turkey Smokeout 2025

• Guy’s Grocery Games

• Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives

• Single Thread

• Boon’s Brussels Sprout Recipe

• No Kid Hungry Find out more about the charity and the Chef's Cycle event.

• Recommended Sonoma County Dining Spots Check out dining options for Lo & Behold, Cyrus, Sonoma Pizza Co, Purple Pacyderm-Whamola Weiners, Three Cultures Kitchen, Guerenville Taco Truck, Tita’s Cuisine Taco Truck, and Quail & Condor.

• Recommended Drink Pairings: Iron Horse Sparkling Wine, Russian River Pinot Noirs, Land + Local Shrubs, Sours, Hard Cider, Claypool Cellars Riesling,  Aperture Cellars, Leo Steen Sparkling Chenin

• Tourissimo Chef Cycle–Sardinia

Featured Beers

Saison Dupont

Russian River Brewing's Robert Saison

Inside the Santa Rosa Symphony’s upcoming season — and how classical music can bring a community together.

What role does a symphony play in a modern community? In this episode, Francesco Lecce-Chong, music director and conductor of the Santa Rosa Symphony, joins the show to preview the upcoming season and share his vision for making orchestral music accessible, engaging, and relevant.

Francesco reflects on his journey to the podium, his approach to interpreting scores, and how he builds programming that reaches new audiences — from the Classical Series and Pops Series to the Family Concert Series. He also discusses the Symphony’s deep commitment to music education in Santa Rosa schools, including the First Symphony Project, and why early exposure to live orchestral music matters.

The conversation explores how to get new listeners hooked on classical music, what Francesco still dreams of conducting, and why storytelling, passion, and thoughtful risk-taking are essential to keeping the art form alive.

The episode closes with a clean, contemplative pairing from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, featuring “Holy Hell” Helles Lager from Laughing Monk Brewing — a bright, easy-drinking German-style lager that mirrors the balance and clarity of a well-played symphony.

🎼 Perfect for classical music fans, local arts supporters, and anyone curious about live music in Sonoma County.

Resources Mentioned

• Santa Rosa Symphony: The orchestra led by Francesco Lecce Chong.

• Family Concert Series: The Santa Rosa Symphony partners with the Charles M. Schulz Museum for a concert series aimed at introducing young people to classical music.

• Maestro David Robertson: Conductor and mentor who provided valuable advice to Francesco.

• "First Symphony Project": A four-year initiative by Francesco to commission new symphonies for both the Eugene and Santa Rosa orchestras.

• Mahler's Third Symphony: A significant upcoming performance mentioned by Francesco.

• Richard Strauss's Rosenkavalier: An opera Francesco expressed interest in conducting.

Featured Beer

Laughing Monk Brewery, Holy Hell

Stacey Atchley, the dynamic Executive Director of the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, joins us to discuss the exciting new exhibit, "Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine, and Harry Potter's World." Stacey explains how the exhibit creatively connects Petaluma's local history to broader historical themes and even the magical world of Harry Potter. We learn how the exhibit uses historical objects like herbarium journals and early medical supplies to explore themes of potion-making, monsters, and immortality, making history relevant and enjoyable for all ages. Stacey also provides a captivating look into the museum's mission to preserve local history, foster community connections, and make history more inclusive by highlighting underrepresented voices. We dive deep into the museum's unique role as a non-profit cultural and community hub, housed in Petaluma's first historic landmark—a stunning former Carnegie Library with a beautiful stained glass dome. Stacey also shares details about the museum's upcoming "Mystery at the Museum, A Timeless Gathering" fundraiser event, a Harry Potter-inspired evening of activities, an immersive mystery experience, and themed cocktails. This episode is a must-listen for history buffs, Harry Potter fans, and anyone interested in the power of community storytelling and innovative museum experiences.

We cap the episode with a nod to local Petaluma history and crack open the resurrected Lagunitas Brown Shugga. A cult-favorite strong ale with deep Petaluma roots, this beer quickly became a beloved winter seasonal known for its malty, caramel-sweet flavor. 

Featured Guest

Stacey Atchley, Executive Director, Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

Resources Mentioned

• Petaluma Historical Library & Museum: The central focus of the discussion, a non-profit cultural and community hub in Petaluma, CA.

• "Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine, and Harry Potter's World" Exhibit: The museum's current engaging and educational exhibit.

• "Mystery at the Museum, A Timeless Gathering" Event: The museum's annual fundraiser event scheduled for November 8th.

• Historic Magic Workshop: An all-ages event to learn historic magic tricks. Saturday, November 8, 11 AM–12 PM 

• "Toys Through Time" Exhibit: The museum's upcoming exhibit (details to be announced).

Featured Beer

• Lagunitas Brown Shugga

Real ghost stories, haunted buildings, and paranormal legends from Sonoma and Napa Counties.

Is wine country haunted? In this Halloween-inspired episode, seasoned paranormal investigators Devin Sisk and Ellen Macfarlane, co-founders of Napa City Ghosts & Legends Walking Tours, share real ghost stories and local legends from Sonoma and Napa Counties.

Devin and Ellen, who lead ghost walking tours in Napa, Sonoma, and Vacaville, reveal what sparked their fascination with the supernatural history of the region and dive into some of the most compelling haunted locations — from eerie buildings to wineries with lingering spirits. The conversation explores how paranormal investigations work, why certain places hold onto their legends, and the stories that continue to give even seasoned investigators goosebumps.

Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just love a good local ghost story, this episode uncovers the spooky side of wine country hiding in plain sight.

The episode closes with a seasonal tasting from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, featuring Alvarado Street Brewery’s “Nightmare on Alvarado Street” — a dark, pumpkin-inspired ale with notes of nutmeg, clove, and roasted coffee that’s perfect for Halloween listening.

👻 Perfect for fans of ghost stories, paranormal podcasts, haunted history, and Sonoma & Napa County legends.

Featured Guests:

Devin Sisk

Ellen Macfarlane

Ghost Tours

• Napa City Ghosts and Legends Walking Tours: Ghost and historical tours led by Devin Sisk and Ellen Macfarlane. The duo also lead tours in Sonoma and Vacaville.

Haunted Locations

• Sonoma Train Depot: The location of the tunnels where the ghost of Charlie, a young orphan, is said to reside.

• Buena Vista Winery: Identified as the most haunted winery in the area.

• Bartholomew Park: Located in Sonoma and noted for its haunted history.

Sonoma Developmental Center:  An abandoned mental hospital in Sonoma with a reportedly haunted carousel.

• Department of State Hospitals-Napa:A hospital in Napa that is also reportedly haunted.

• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: Mentioned in the legend of the "Rebobs". 

Figures and Legends

• Billy Rowe: A serial killer from the late 1800s, mentioned in a ghost story connected to the Napa courthouse.

• Judge Gildersleeve: A ghost who haunts the Napa County Court House

• Charlie: The ghost of a young orphan said to haunt tunnels in the Sonoma train depot.

• Hungarian Count: The storied founder of Buena Vista Winery, whose ghost haunts its halls.

• "Rebobs": According to a local Napa legend, Rebobs are bioengineered flying monkeys. Half monkey/half robots with wings that live in the trees and attack passersby and travelers.

Tools and Concepts

• Spirit box: A tool used for paranormal investigations to communicate with spirits.

• Dowsing rods: Another tool used during the ghost tours for spirit communication.

• Crystals: Used for a spirit "cleansing”

Featured Beer

Alvarado Street Brewery's Nightmare on Alvarado Street

How family, politics, and empathy collide in a divided America — with award-winning author Beth Macy.

What happens when national divisions show up at your own kitchen table? In this episode, award-winning author Beth Macy joins the show to discuss her new memoir, Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America, a deeply personal story about family, identity, and the growing divides shaping life in the United States.

Beth shares how returning to her hometown of Urbana, Ohio forced her to confront political and religious rifts within her own family, and how those experiences reflect broader trends — from digital radicalization and shifting media habits to the long-term impact of the opioid crisis on rural communities, education, and healthcare. She also reads an excerpt from the book and explains why empathy, curiosity, and listening remain essential tools for bridging cultural and political divides.

The conversation includes behind-the-scenes insight from Beth’s work on the Hulu series Dopesick, exploring how storytelling can humanize complex social issues and create space for understanding.

Inspired by the discussion, host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, reflects on his own hometown roots while enjoying Crooked Goat’s Ibex IPA, celebrating community spaces like HopMonk Tavern and The Punchdown Wine Bar as places where shared experiences still bring people together.

📖 Perfect for readers, fans of Dopesick, and anyone grappling with family, politics, and connection in modern America.

Featured Guest

Beth Macy

Resources Mentioned

• Books by Beth Macy

• Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America

• Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America 

• Adaptations

• Dopesick (Hulu Series): The award-winning adaptation of Beth Macy's non-fiction book 

• Publications

• The New York Times

• The Atlantic

• News Media

• Fox News 

• Newsmax 

• Organizations

• Braver Angels

• Harm Reduction Coalition

• Bookstores

• Copperfield's Books 

• Authors

• Maggie O'Farrell 

• Geraldine Brooks

• Anna Quindlen 

• Heart and the Lover by Lily King

• The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

• Hometown Beers & Pubs

• Crooked Goat Brewing

• Ibex IPA

• Hopmonk Tavern

• The Punchdown Wine Bar

Tabatha Stewart, a Healdsburg native and a Yale Whiffenpoofs member, discusses the Whiffs upcoming performance at the Raven Theater on October 19th. Tabatha dishes on her journey from local musical theater to joining the oldest collegiate a cappella group in America. She explores the group's history, evolution to become gender-inclusive, and the vibrant a cappella culture at Yale. Tabatha previews the Whiffenpoofs upcoming performance, shares insights about a cappella music's appeal and unique aspects of vocal harmonization, and talks about what it will be like to perform in front of her hometown crowd.

The Hitchcock Film Festival in Bodega Bay is set to celebrate its 11th year, and we’ve got festival insiders Shona Campbell and Dan Sneed to give us all the details. We chat about all things Alfred Hitchcock, including the master of suspense’s filmography, legacy, and artistic style. We learn how the Hitchcock Festival supports the local community and what attendees can expect from the event. We learn about Bodega Bay's connection to Alfred Hitchcock's film "The Birds",  Hitch's visual storytelling techniques, and where to find Hitchcock's Sonoma County filming locations.

The Craft Beer Concierge reviews Russian River Brewing’s Shadow of a Doubt and explains why this is the perfect beer to have in hand while cozying up on the couch to watch your favorite Hitchcock or suspense film.

Featured Guests

Tabatha Stewart

Shona Campbell

Dan Sneed

Resources Mentioned 

• ​Yale Whiffenpoofs
• ​Mory’s Temple Bar
• ​Yale University
• ​Cole Porter
• ​“Anything Goes,” song written by Cole Porter in 1934
• ​“House of the Rising Sun”, an American traditional folk song
• ​
• ​The Raven Theater
• ​Healdsburg
• ​Bodega Bay
• ​Bodega Bay Chamber of Commerce & Sonoma Coast Visitor Center
• ​Bodega Bay Schoolhouse 
• ​St. Teresa's Church

Kathy Witkowicki, CEO of the Sonoma Speaker Series, shares her journey to bring to Sonoma County some of the most dynamic voices in politics, art, science, and sports. Kathy explains how the series has evolved from a political focus to a diverse lineup featuring everyone from musicians like Huey Lewis to sports icons like Diana Nyad and Steve Kerr. She highlights upcoming events, including a conversation with Michael McFaul, the former United States Ambassador to Russia, on October 13th. Emphasizing the intimate setting, Kathy stresses the importance of fostering community dialogue and offering a blend of education and entertainment to provoke and inform the audience on crucial issues. Listeners will also get a sneak peek at upcoming speakers for 2026, including the highly-anticipated appearance of Liz Cheney in January.

Next, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair with Amy Tesconi, a four-year board member. Amy discusses the fair’s rich history, the impact the fair has on local producers, and what attendees can expect. She gives us all the deets on this year’s highly-anticipated wine competition and discusses how the fair supports Sonoma County's agricultural, culinary, and winemaking communities, especially small, family-owned producers. Amy also highlights some of the wine industry's adaptation strategies and ways the fair can stay relevant in a constantly changing world.

Lastly, the Craft Beer Concierge reviews Parliament Brewing’s Kaleidoscope Hazy IPA. This Rohnert Park brewery was recognized by the Harvest Fair 2025. 

Featured Guests:

Kathy Witkowicki

Amy Tesconi

Resources Mentioned

• Sonoma Speaker Series 

• Sonoma Speaker Series Tickets

• Michael McFaul

• Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder  

• Liz Cheney

• Reader’s Books

• Sonoma County Harvest Fair 

• Oliver's Market 

• Bottle Barn

• Andy’s Market

• Shone Farm

• Costeaux French Bakery