Episodes

June 3, 2024

Molding Future Leaders at Military School

Hey there, listeners! Have you ever wondered what it takes to shape the leaders of tomorrow? Or how a military school experience can impact a young man's life beyond just preparing him for armed service? Well, you're in for a treat with Episode 117 of the "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact" podcast! This time around, we sit down with an exceptional guest, Lieutenant Colonel Roland Miraco, commandant of cadets at the prestigious Army Navy Academy. Roland isn't just a decorated military veter...
May 27, 2024

Designing Dreams in Carlsbad

Ever wondered how a graphic design guru shapes our visual world and impacts our local community? In episode 116 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact podcast, I, Bret Schanzenbach, dive into the colorful life of Naila Sfeir, president of Calder Eames Design and a dedicated board member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. From a high school print shop to the corridors of Sony Electronics, Naila's journey is a masterclass in evolving passion into a thriving career. But what happens when ...
May 20, 2024

Flight Path to Finance: Darcy's Journey

Are you ready to dive into a story of service, transition, and financial wisdom? In episode 115 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," we have the pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Darcy Wolfe, a certified financial planner at Edward Jones and a dedicated board member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. From her early days in the Northwest to attending the U.S. Naval Academy with dreams of soaring the skies, Darcy's journey took an unexpected turn when her vision impeded her fl...
May 13, 2024

Empowerment Blooms in Green Dreams

Are you ready to be inspired by a tale of resilience, empowerment, and global impact? In episode 114 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I, Bret Schanzenbach, have the absolute pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Tara Tharani Jayaratnam, founder of Green Dreams Women. From the trials of a civil war in Sri Lanka to the classrooms of Harvard, Tara's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. How did an engineer turn into a champion for women's rights and social responsibility? And wh...
May 6, 2024

Balancing Wealth and Purpose with Jackie Mazur

Are you ready to take control of your finances but don't know where to start? Ever wondered how financial experts balance their professional success with personal fulfillment? In episode 113 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," we dive deep with finance guru Jackie Mazur, president of Guide My Finances, who's revolutionizing the way we think about money management. Jackie's journey from San Diego State University to becoming an adjunct professor and a financial trailblazer is nothing sho...
April 29, 2024

Fitness Empire to Franchise Guru

Are you ready to be inspired by a story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of a pivot? In episode 112 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, we sit down with Liberty Bernal the unstoppable force behind MVRK Partners. Liberty isn't just any entrepreneur; she's a fitness industry veteran who's been flexing her business muscles since she helped launch the first Curves franchise in California 26 years ago. From there, she built her own fitness empire, Liberty Fitness, and watched i...
April 22, 2024

Entrepreneurial Journeys: Ken's Story

Hey there, Carlsbad community and beyond! Are you ready to dive into the stories of local leaders and game-changers? This is your host, Bret Schanzenbach, and you're tuning into episode 111 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact." Today, we're unpacking the journey of a true entrepreneurial force, Ken Aurigemma, founder and owner of Strategic Business Alliance. Ever wonder what fuels the fire of a successful entrepreneur? Or how someone transitions from serving as a Coast Guard aviation navig...
April 15, 2024

Financial Trailblazer: Catherine Magaña's Journey

Are you ready to dive deep into the world of finance and find out how one woman is changing the game for female empowerment in the industry? Welcome to episode 110 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact! I am your host, Bret Schanzenbach, and today we're sitting down with the phenomenal Catherine Magaña, managing partner of WWM Financial. Catherine's journey is nothing short of inspiring—from her early days learning the ropes in a male-dominated field to launching Savvy Woman Wealth Managemen...
April 8, 2024

Making Waves with Film: The Blue Water Story

Hey, ocean lovers and film aficionados! Are you ready to dive deep into the world of environmental storytelling? In episode 109 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I, Bret Schanzenbach, chat with the visionary Greg Reitman, CEO and founder of the Blue Water Institute. Have you ever wondered what it takes to start a film festival? Or how a history major turned tech guru finds his true calling in the kelp forests of Catalina Island? Greg shares his incredible journey from tech to the big ...
April 1, 2024

Brewing Change in Carlsbad

Are you ready to be inspired by a story of growth, community impact, and a touch of hops and history? Tune in to Episode 108 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, where your host Bret Schanzenbach chats with the remarkable Chris Cochran, the new director of operations for the Carlsbad Chamber Community Foundation! In this episode, we dive into Chris's journey from being one of the pioneering forces behind Stone Brewing's rise to a top ten brewery in the U.S. to managing an aquaponic farm th...
March 25, 2024

Ep. 107 Marine to Marketer: Aaron's Local Impact Leap

Hey there, Carlsbad community! Are you ready to dive into the world of entrepreneurship and the power of local impact? In episode 107 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact," I, Bret Schanzenbach, have a riveting chat with the dynamic Aaron Gobidas, the brains behind GoBeRewarded. Ever wondered what it's like to leap from the discipline of the Marine Corps into the wild ride of entrepreneurship? Join us as Aaron shares his serendipitous stumble into the Chamber of Commerce that unexpectedly ...
March 18, 2024

Ep. 106 Empowering Carlsbad's Female Innovators with Tamina Madsen

Hey, Carlsbad community! Are you ready to dive into the stories of local changemakers and innovators? This is your host, Bret Schanzenbach, and you're tuning into episode 106 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact. Ever wondered what happens when the worlds of law, entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment collide? Well, today's episode features the incredible Tamina Madsen, Community Director at Hera Hub Carlsbad, who's here to spill the tea on this unique blend! Tamina's journey is nothing ...
March 12, 2024

Ep. 105 Fintech Frontiers with Travis Chrisman

Hey there, Carlsbad community and beyond! Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of fintech and discover the heart behind local business success stories? Well, buckle up, because episode 105 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact is here to take you on that journey! I'm your host, Bret Schanzenbach, and in this episode, I sit down with the remarkable Travis Chrisman, president of Coastal Pay and a true San Diego native. Ever wondered what it takes to transition from web design in hi...
March 4, 2024

Ep. 104 Securing Your Home's Future in Carlsbad

Hey there, Carlsbad community! Are you ready to dive deep into the world of real estate and discover the secrets of protecting your property investment? In episode 104 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I, your host Bret Schanzenbach, am thrilled to sit down with the dynamic duo from Ticor Title, Alonzo Castro and Michele Denys! Ever wondered what title insurance is and why it's absolutely crucial for your peace of mind as a homeowner? Alonzo, a seasoned pro with a heart for service, and...
Feb. 26, 2024

Ep. 103 Compassion in Action: Luis Peralta's Journey

Are you ready to be inspired by a story of passion, purpose, and making a real difference in the lives of seniors and children? Welcome to episode 103 of the Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact podcast! I'm your host, Bret Schanzenbach, and today we're diving into a heartwarming journey with Luis Peralta, the CEO of Caring Transitions of Carlsbad, La Jolla, and Temecula. Ever wondered what it takes to pivot from a career in finance and special education to entrepreneurship? Luis and his wife m...
Feb. 19, 2024

Ep. 102 Carlsbad Kindness: More Than Real Estate with JR Phillips

Are you ready to dive into the heart of Carlsbad's real estate scene and discover the secret sauce to blending business with community service? In episode 102 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I, Bret Schanzenbach, have a heart-to-heart with the remarkable JR Phillips, President of Phillips & Company Real Estate and Chair of the Board of Directors. JR spills the beans on his transition from a globetrotting wholesale business owner to a homegrown real estate maestro, all to keep communit...
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Feb. 12, 2024

Ep. 101 Flavors Collide at Mas Fuego

Are you ready to ignite your taste buds with a culinary adventure that fuses the fiery flavors of Latin cuisine with the bold tastes of Korean fare? In episode 101 of Carlsbad: People, Purpose, and Impact, I, your host Bret Schanzenbach, dive into the sizzling world of Mas Fuego, Carlsbad's latest dining hotspot! Join me as I chat with the dynamic duo behind this gastronomic gem: General Manager Mark Gomez, a seasoned veteran with a 50-year legacy in the restaurant biz, and Chef Jeffrey Manila,...
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Nov. 27, 2023

Ep. 100 Carlton Lund: Co-Founder of Lund Team Real Estate Firm

A licensed Broker since 1980, Carlton is the backbone of the team. Carlton leads negotiation, strategic planning, and the team's promotion community service projects.  These special projects have created community goodwill in the areas the team...
Nov. 20, 2023

099 Stephanie San Antonio: Founder & President of SSA Insurance Services

Stephanie founded SSA Insurance Services in June 2013 with a passion and goal of elevating the benefits experience for employers and their team members. She brings over 20 years of experience in the industry to her clients, including starting and...
Nov. 13, 2023

098 Sharla Fagan: Owner/Founder Of Shear Karma

Sharla has been in the salon industry for almost 30 years, a Certified Emotional Intelligence Life Coach and Soul Healer. Her purpose is to help others with their self-love, love for others, inner strength, and giving gratitude to everything they are...
Nov. 6, 2023

097 Kevin Sharrar: From Kevin Sharrar Realtor - Sharrar Builds Community

Kevin is a seasoned professional with over 11 years of experience in the residential real estate industry. Throughout his career, he has assisted numerous individuals in buying and selling properties, earning a reputation for his expertise and...
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Aug. 22, 2023

096 Olivia Rutman: From Banker to Childcare Innovator - The KidsCareFinder Story

There's a certain magic in finding silver linings amidst trying times, isn't there? That's exactly what our guest, Olivia Rutman, found during her journey navigating from a banking career while being an expectant mom, to founding an innovative...
Guest: Olivia Rutman
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Aug. 15, 2023

095: Meet Ashley Hawkins - Director of Childcare at Bitchin' Sauce

Join us as we chat with Ashley Hawkins, Director of Childcare at Bitchin’ Sauce. Discover Ashley's fascinating journey, from her internship at MSNBC to managing childcare at Bitchin’ Sauce, along with her deep-rooted passion for early childhood...
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Aug. 8, 2023

094 REPLAY: After 225 Years, Learn Why Mission San Luis Rey is King of the Missions

Mission San Luis Rey will be celebrating its 225th anniversary this year. Gwyn Grimes shares the Mission’s best stories - from its history to the gift shop!
Guest: Gwyn Grimes