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.

In this special milestone episode, we’re honored to return to the waveside with Bill Kellogg, President and Director of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. Bill shares the Club’s storied history and his family’s enduring legacy—spanning generations—as stewards of its iconic oceanfront grounds.

We dive into the Club’s rich tradition, from its early development and distinctive architecture to its role in hosting world-class tennis events and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both members and the broader community.

Bill also gives us an exciting look at one of the Club’s newest community contributions: the 4th of July Drone Show. In partnership with the La Jolla community, this stunning aerial display will light up the night sky with a safe, innovative, and environmentally friendly celebration of Independence Day—free for all to enjoy from La Jolla Shores.

Tune in to Episode 50 and celebrate La Jolla’s past, present, and future through the lens of Bill Kellogg and the iconic institution his family helped shape.

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Woolery, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity in La Jolla. With nearly 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, Ed has become a trusted advisor for homebuyers and real estate professionals alike. His commitment to honesty, transparency, and personalized service has earned him a stellar reputation in the community.

Ed shares insights into the ever-evolving mortgage landscape, offering valuable advice for those looking to purchase or refinance a home. We also discuss his involvement in the local community and his passion for helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams.

Join us as we explore the world of home financing with Ed Woolery, gaining a deeper understanding of the mortgage process and the importance of working with a dedicated professional.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned La Jolla artist Concetta Antico, whose rare gift of tetrachromacy allows her to see up to 100 million colors. Known as “The Color Queen,” Concetta’s vivid, impressionistic paintings offer a stunning glimpse into a world most of us can't even imagine.

From her gallery, The Salon of Art, Concetta shares how her unique vision transforms everyday scenes into vibrant masterpieces, and how she uses her gift to inspire creativity and connection in the La Jolla community.

In this episode, we sit down with Carl Blackburn, the founder and owner of C. Blackburn Jewelers, a distinguished boutique located in the heart of La Jolla. With over 15 years of experience, Carl has established himself as a master in custom jewelry design, specializing in vintage-inspired pieces that draw from Art Deco and Belle Époque styles.

Carl shares his journey from working alongside his father in the estate jewelry business to becoming a renowned designer and gemologist. He discusses his meticulous design process, which includes hand sketches, CAD modeling, and the use of rare gemstones to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings and heirloom pieces.

Beyond crafting bespoke jewelry, Carl is also known for his expertise in buying and selling estate pieces, including items from prestigious brands like Cartier and Tiffany. His commitment to transparency and personalized service has made C. Blackburn Jewelers a trusted name in the La Jolla community.

Join us as we explore the artistry and dedication behind Carl Blackburn's work, and discover how his passion for fine jewelry continues to shine in La Jolla.

In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of aerial entertainment with Jeff Stein, founder and CEO of Drone Studios. Jeff, an engineer and licensed drone pilot since 2016, has been pioneering drone light shows as a modern alternative to traditional fireworks. His work combines technical precision with artistic creativity, transforming the night sky into a canvas of synchronized lights and animations.​

Jeff discusses the inspiration behind Drone Studios, the environmental benefits of drone shows, and the meticulous planning involved in orchestrating these aerial performances. He also shares insights into the first-ever drone show in La Jolla, a 30-minute spectacle featuring 500 drones that captivated audiences with patriotic imagery and storytelling.​

Join us as we explore how Jeff's passion for technology and art is lighting up the skies and redefining community celebrations.