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Larry Goldberg's life story reads like an adventure novel, spanning from protest movements in 1970s New York to pioneering renewable energy and internet infrastructure in Humboldt County. This wide-ranging conversation reveals how a philosophy major from Queens found himself sailing a square-rigger through the Caribbean, studying at Jerusalem's Holocaust museum, and eventually transforming Northern California's energy landscape.

At just 20 years old, Goldberg crewed on the ship used in the movie "Hawaii," sailing through the West Indies during the early days of reggae music before joining what he affectionately calls a "hippie ship" bound for Grenada. These formative adventures sparked a lifelong pattern of seeking meaningful challenges and embracing change—a philosophy he articulates as "Do what you can with what you've got, where you are, in the time you have."

After completing his MBA at Humboldt State with a focus on alternative energy (one of the earliest such programs on the West Coast), Goldberg established Northern California's first municipal solar utility in 1979. When Reagan-era policy changes eliminated crucial tax credits, he pivoted to energy efficiency work across eight counties before founding North Coast Internet in 1994—Humboldt's first internet service provider. His subsequent tech support business grew to serve CompUSA nationwide before the dot-com crash forced another reinvention.

Throughout these professional evolutions, Goldberg's commitment to community service remained constant. His 30-year involvement with the Redwood Alliance helped successfully decommission Humboldt Bay's nuclear power plant, while his 29 years in Rotary International (where he recently became president of Southwest Rotary) exemplify the organization's motto: "Service above self."

Today, Goldberg continues his solar energy work as a consultant with Six Rivers Solar while pursuing his passion for documenting local music through video recordings of regional festivals—a project he shares annually at his "Best of the Fests" gathering. His story demonstrates how adaptability, service, and finding joy in collaborative projects creates a life of purpose and impact.

Want to discover how your passion can become your purpose? Join us for this inspiring conversation with one of Humboldt County's most innovative community leaders.

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About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

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What if the secret to fatherhood isn't found in parenting books but in knowing who you are and what you truly value? Scott Hammond, author of "Everyday Dad," joins Pete Ciotti on The Grit Podcast to explore how intentional parenting transforms both fathers and children.

This candid conversation cuts through parenting platitudes to address the real challenges modern dads face. Between demanding jobs, financial pressures, and technology competing for children's attention, many fathers feel the system is rigged against meaningful family connection. Yet Hammond offers a revolutionary perspective: these challenges can become opportunities for growth when approached with what he calls "maverick grit."

The discussion weaves through powerful insights about breaking generational cycles, speaking life into your children, and finding balance without compromise. Hammond vulnerably shares how he healed an estrangement with one of his children through authentic empathy rather than quick fixes. Pete reflects on discovering that some of his most meaningful connections with his teenage son happen in unexpected moments—like during a round of golf neither had initially prioritized.

Both men challenge the cultural narrative that success means accumulating possessions rather than nurturing relationships. "Show me your schedule or your checkbook," Hammond suggests, "and I'll show you your priorities." This practical wisdom grounds the conversation in actionable steps rather than abstract ideals.

Whether you're a new father figuring out where to start, a seasoned dad navigating the teenage years, or someone simply interested in the intersection of parenting and personal growth, this episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance for the journey.

The conversation closes with a powerful reminder that reverberates beyond parenting: what if your best years aren't behind you, but still ahead? For fathers ready to approach parenting with intentionality, courage, and presence, this possibility isn't just hopeful rhetoric—it's an invitation to transformation.

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!

Send us a text

John Ash's remarkable journey unfolds like a masterclass in reinvention. Born in Vallejo during WWII while his father served overseas, John's early years in Detroit's golden era—when Motown was thriving and the city bustled with over two million people—laid the foundation for his adaptable spirit.

When directionless after high school, John's photography hobby became his professional gateway when the Navy recognized his talent. As a combat photographer during Vietnam, he captured aerial reconnaissance from aircraft carriers, witnessing the heart-stopping drama of fighter jets landing on deck at night. This unique vantage point—being part of history while documenting it—seems to have instilled in him a lifelong ability to both participate in and shape the communities around him.

The conversation reveals how pivotal moments redirected his life course. While organizing concerts with then-unknown bands like Pink Floyd as a student leader at San Diego State, John lived communally with fellow campus influencers. Yet his true calling emerged during a Ford Foundation experiment studying student leaders, where a Berkeley professor's architectural insights triggered what John calls an "epiphany" about his future. Boston Architectural College followed, launching a distinguished career that would eventually bring him to Humboldt County following a 6.2 earthquake in 1992.

Perhaps most inspiring is John's physical transformation—quitting a two-pack-a-day cigarette habit at 38 and progressively building from short runs to completing the Canadian Ironman triathlon. This same determination fueled community initiatives like founding the Explore North Coast Kayak Association, introducing locals to hidden natural treasures in their own backyard.

From designing the Sequoia Park Skywalk that transformed zoo attendance from 40,000 to 180,000 visitors, to writing his psychological thriller novel "The Road to Oracle," John embodies continuous growth. When asked about his desired legacy, his answer is profoundly simple: "That he spent his whole life learning how to love." Subscribe now to hear more stories of remarkable community members shaping Humboldt County's past, present and future.

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!