Behind every thriving cultural institution lies a story of passion, resilience, and community. For Paige Brodsky, now marking 36 years at Streetlight Records, that story unfolds through decades of music industry transformation that would have shuttered lesser establishments.

"We're the cockroaches of the business world," Brodsky explains with a smile, describing the remarkable adaptability that has kept independent record stores alive through seismic technological shifts. From vinyl's dominance to cassettes, CDs, digital downloads, and streaming, Streetlight Records—now celebrating its 50th anniversary—has transformed each potential threat into an opportunity for connection.

What emerges from Brodsky's journey is a profound lesson in creating community through shared passion. When young fans gather for pre-release listening parties, strangers become friends through their love of an artist. When customers browse vinyl records—some without even owning turntables—they're participating in a multisensory ritual that digital platforms simply cannot replicate. The colored vinyl, gatefold artwork, and warm analog sound represent more than nostalgia; they're artifacts that connect people across generations.

Perhaps most remarkable is Streetlight's ability to respond to its specific communities, with distinct musical preferences between their San Jose and Santa Cruz locations. This local connection, combined with the national network of independent record store owners sharing strategies and support, creates a resilience that corporate chains never achieved.

Join us at Streetlight Records' 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 26th at both locations, featuring DJs, giveaways, and a special book signing of "South Bay Flashback" about San Jose's psychedelic underground. Whether you're a vinyl aficionado or simply curious about how some businesses stay vibrant for half a century, you'll discover how passion makes work feel like anything but.

What happens when an AI pioneer discovers his true purpose lies in building human connections? Piyush Malik's journey from IBM Watson innovator to community builder reveals how technology and spirituality can beautifully intertwine to create meaningful impact.

Our paths crossed through a Pomeranian named Sushi, but our connection deepened through shared values about leadership, wisdom, and purpose. Piyush opens up about his 15-year mindfulness journey that began with watching his grandmother meditate in lotus position as a child. This foundation shaped his approach to technology leadership at IBM Watson and beyond, where he learned to see the goodness in people's souls instead of only their professional capabilities.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through the evolution of AI – from Watson defeating humans at Jeopardy to today's transformative applications. As someone who witnessed AI's commercial birth, Piyush dismisses fears that it will end humanity. Instead, he envisions technology eliminating mundane tasks to elevate our uniquely human qualities: "The future of work will be more human-centric than people expect."

His work transforming the American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin from virtually no gender diversity to chapters with over 50% women leaders demonstrates his commitment to inclusion. This same dedication drives his mentorship of young people, which has grown from annual talks to weekly engagements with students who lack adequate guidance.

It's very interesting to understand Piyush's holistic perspective on success. While technically brilliant, he thinks about being creative again (painting) and recently joined a drum circle to nurture his artistic side. "Embrace your wholeness, bring your whole self to work," he advises, revealing that authenticity trumps perfection in both leadership and life.

For anyone navigating today's rapidly changing technological landscape while seeking deeper meaning, Piyush's wisdom offers a refreshing north star. Follow his journey on LinkedIn and discover how treating failures as "stepping stones to the next big success" might be the reset you've been looking for in your own path.

CONNECT WITH PIYUSH 🎙️Podcast: https://piyushmalik.substack.com/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malikpiyush/

CONNECT WITH RESET 🎙️Podcast: https://www.reset-podcast.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyajlong-RESETLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-with-tonyaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/resetwithTonyaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570923056203

CONNECT WITH TONYA 🚊LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajlong/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyajlongFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonya.j.long/Check out my bestselling book, "AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work" available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/aTBJmEr]. Go to the "AI and the New Oz" website at https://www.ai-and-the-new-oz.com/ to learn more!

#thejourneyisthejob

We’re proud to launch NorCal Narratives, a collaboration I’m co-producing with Daniel Roberts (Station Director at KPCR 92.9 FM) where we’ll spotlight the voices and ideas shaping Northern California’s cultural and intellectual life.

In our debut episode, we sit down with Megan Lambert — author of Eros: The Journey Home, coach, speaker, and founder of the Los Gatos Mama’s Circle. Megan shares her journey from corporate leadership consultant to retreat leader in Bali, to bestselling author and mother of two. Throughout her path, she has explored the deep connection between intuition, desire, and leadership — and how women, especially mothers, can reconnect to their own vitality and creativity.

In the conversation, Megan explains how she learned to follow what she calls the “pulse of aliveness,” leaving behind the familiar when she felt called to Bali despite having no plan. She reflects on why so many women struggle to trust their intuition, the cultural conditioning that teaches self-sacrifice over self-knowledge, and how guilt arises when our authentic desires challenge those expectations.

We also discuss her concept of eros — not merely romantic or sexual, but a life force, a creative energy that animates and colors all of life — and how to reconnect to it, especially after seasons of disconnection. Megan offers insight into her work helping women and mothers feel seen, heard, and supported, through her writing, podcast, coaching, and her in-person Mama’s Circle gatherings.

Her story embodies what NorCal Narratives is about: understanding what people do, why it matters, and how their choices reflect broader shifts in work, art, learning, and community.

Listen to NorCal Narratives on Tuesday at 11am PT on KPCR 92.9 FM and join us as we meet the people and explore the ideas that are redefining what it means to live, create, and connect here in Northern California.