In Episode 53, we shine the spotlight on Neil O’Connell, Executive Director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, San Diego’s storied hillside tribute honoring U.S. veterans from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts.

A retired Marine Sergeant Major with 33 years of service, Neil brings a deeply personal dedication to his leadership at Mt. Soledad. Since joining the Memorial Association in 2012 and later serving as Board Chair and CEO (2018–2021), he’s shepherded over 80 ceremonies annually, enhanced educational programming for school groups, and grown memorial visibility and membership under his current executive stewardship

Under Neil’s leadership, the Memorial earned the San Diego Nonprofit Achievement Award, a testament to its mission-driven excellence in honoring military heritage

He also spearheaded the launch of new youth-oriented field trips and STEM workshops designed to connect future generations with veterans’ stories.

Join us as Neil shares how the Memorial balances solemn remembrance with community engagement—through ceremonies, plaques, educational outreach, and volunteer-driven care of plaques and grounds. Discover how this La Jolla landmark continues to serve as a beacon of service, sacrifice, and civic pride under his thoughtful direction.

In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Yanke, the founder and principal designer of Westbourne Studio, a boutique interior design firm based in San Diego since 2020. Alex brings a refined, California-inspired aesthetic to residential projects, blending organic materials, rich patinas, and minimal contemporary forms to create relaxed yet layered interiors

Alex explains how he collaborates with architects and clients from the early stages of remodels or new builds, guiding projects through everything from architectural planning and millwork design to material selection and furniture curation. His design philosophy balances timeless global influences like European antiques and mid‑century pieces with custom lighting, textiles, and artisan craftsmanship, delivering spaces that are both functional and deeply personal.

Join us as Alex takes us inside Westbourne Studio’s process and some recent standout projects, including a serene West Village residence in NYC and elegant homes in Rancho Santa Fe. His insights reveal how thoughtful design can reshape the way we live and connect in our spaces especially in coastal communities like La Jolla.

In this special episode, we sit down with Lauren Lockhart, Executive Director of the La Jolla Historical Society (LJHS), a passionate advocate for preserving and celebrating La Jolla’s rich coastal heritage.

Lauren shares her inspiring journey in the cultural sector from her early work in San Diego’s contemporary art institutions to spearheading public art initiatives at the airport and how these experiences have shaped her leadership at LJHS

Under her guidance, the Society balances honoring historic legacies with embracing contemporary programming.