What happens when a chef decides to break away from the late-night restaurant grind and bring high-quality, seasonal food directly to the people? For Cam Meyers, it meant creating Melrose Cafe, a "parking lot restaurant" that's transforming the Santa Cruz farmers' market scene one focaccia sandwich at a time.

Growing up in Santa Cruz's midtown neighborhood, Cam's culinary journey took her from local restaurant kitchens to the remote wilderness of Alaska, where she spent three years as executive chef at an eco-lodge accessible only by boat. There, faced with limited ingredients, she began perfecting her focaccia recipe – now the foundation of her thriving business back home.

The magic of Melrose Cafe lies in its radical simplicity and unwavering commitment to seasonal eating. Each Wednesday, Cam hand-selects ingredients from local farmers, transforms them into house-made aiolis and pestos on Thursday, mixes up to 150 pounds of dough by hand on Friday night, and rises at 4am to bake everything fresh before market. The result? Sandwiches so good that couples drive from Campbell every weekend just to get them, with lines forming before they're even set up.

Beyond creating delicious food, Cam represents a new generation of food entrepreneurs finding innovative paths between high-end restaurants and fast food. By eliminating the overhead of a brick-and-mortar while maintaining chef-driven quality, she's made truly local, seasonal eating accessible in a way that traditional restaurants often can't. When Cam says "you can buy everything in our sandwich right here at the market," she's not just sharing her sourcing philosophy – she's inviting customers into a more connected food experience.

Experience Melrose Cafe at the West Side Market (Saturdays) and Live Oak Market (Sundays) from 9am-1pm. Just don't ask when the tomato sandwich is coming back – you'll have to wait until they're perfectly in season, and that's exactly as it should be.

When Nick Borelli paddled out on his boogie board in 1980s Santa Cruz, he instantly became an outcast in a culture that prized standing on surfboards above all else. "If you boogie boarded, you were persona non grata," host Michael Howard explains, "the bottom of the totem pole." But this relegation to surf culture's lowest rung gave Nick a perspective few others share—one that would eventually inform his remarkable photography and approach to life.

In this deeply personal conversation, Nick takes us through his journey of growing up in what he calls "the ghetto" of Capitola Shores, where despite limited resources, he found freedom in the water. Through vivid storytelling, Nick reveals how Santa Cruz's notoriously rigid surf hierarchies shaped him, creating both wounds and resilience that would define his path forward. "I knew where I sit and it's been proven to me where I sit," he reflects, describing the often brutal social dynamics at legendary spots like Sewer Peak.

The heart of this episode explores Nick's struggles with depression and substance abuse—how surfing, alcohol, drugs, and food all became escape mechanisms. "I was living in a dark spot by myself and I wasn't telling anybody," he shares with striking candor. His turning point came during time in Boston, where he found both higher education and sobriety, learning to see himself and the world with newfound clarity.

Photography emerges as Nick's ultimate form of expression and healing. What began as an attempt to capture barrel shots and possibly gain acceptance evolved into something far more profound—a way of seeing beauty in moments others might miss. As Michael beautifully observes, Nick's unique viewpoint from a lower, humbler position reveals "a world under us" with "a different essence" that standing surfers never experience.

Listen to this remarkable conversation about finding peace through acceptance, seeing things as they truly are, and discovering art in unexpected places. Whether you're familiar with Santa Cruz surf culture or not, Nick's journey offers universal insights about authenticity, sobriety, and the courage to embrace your own unique perspective.

When Jack Akrop paddles out at Mavericks or charges massive waves at Jaws, he's drawing on lessons learned from a lifetime spent in and around Santa Cruz waters. But his path to becoming a respected big wave surfer wasn't the typical grom-to-pro pipeline story we often celebrate.

As Jack reveals in this vulnerable conversation, he started as "a boogie boarder at the bottom of the totem pole" who was actually terrified of the ocean. His journey weaves through baseball fields at Bellarmine High School, soccer pitches, lacrosse fields, and eventually back to the water where he found his true purpose. Along the way, a pivotal art teacher helped him recognize that his passion for surfing and snowboarding wasn't just recreation – it was a legitimate form of contemporary art and personal expression.

The discussion takes unexpected turns as Jack opens up about his struggles with depression, ADHD diagnosis, and finding healing through giving back to others. His recent big wave expeditions to Portugal, Ireland, Hawaii, and Mavericks – including some spectacular wipeouts that gained significant media attention – taught him valuable lessons about preparation, intentionality, and accepting failure as part of growth.

What emerges most powerfully from this conversation is Jack's commitment to sharing ocean knowledge through his business, Central Coast Waterman. In an era where increased beach access has created new safety challenges, his mission to educate both kids and adults about proper ocean safety and surfing etiquette serves a vital community need.

Whether you're a surfer, a parent considering water sports for your child, or simply someone interested in how finding purpose can transform mental health, Jack's story offers inspiration and practical wisdom about the healing power of the ocean and the fulfillment that comes from helping others experience it safely.

When Steve Schwinn first visited Santa Cruz as a child, surfing at Four Mile Beach with his older brother, something clicked. Despite moving fourteen times throughout his youth—from Texas to the Netherlands to Minneapolis, through various California cities, back to Texas, then to Cleveland and Rhode Island—Santa Cruz exerted a magnetic pull that would eventually make it his permanent home.

In this deeply personal conversation, Schwinn shares the winding path that led him to establish Iron Horse Furniture in Santa Cruz, continuing a family business that began in 2002 in a small East Bay storefront. What makes his story particularly remarkable is how the business not only survived the 2008 recession but emerged stronger, setting the foundation for his eventual move to Santa Cruz.

The furniture world serves as a fascinating lens through which to view both design evolution and community dynamics. Schwinn discusses the shift toward "quiet modern"—a blend of Japanese-influenced natural elements with contemporary lines—and how Santa Cruz, with its appreciation for quality craftsmanship, has embraced this aesthetic. His observations about modern furniture reveal deeper insights about home, comfort, and the spaces we create for ourselves.

Perhaps most compelling is Schwinn's candid reflection on what it means to belong in Santa Cruz—a place that requires commitment and where leaving often means not being able to return due to prohibitive housing costs and the tight-knit community structure. "I just remember treading lightly," he says about his early days here, "I've never wanted to act like anything was owed to me." This sentiment resonates with anyone who has tried to establish themselves in a close-knit coastal community.

As Santa Cruz undergoes significant changes, with wealthy remote workers buying second homes and shifting neighborhood dynamics, Schwinn offers a perspective grounded in optimism and community connection. His expanding business now creates more local jobs while maintaining the values that made it successful. For anyone who loves Santa Cruz or wonders what makes this coastal town so special despite its challenges, this conversation offers illuminating insights from someone who chose to make it home.

What does a competitive surfer from Santa Cruz's Midtown have to do with revolutionizing our food systems? Everything, as it turns out.

In this riveting conversation, Joe Schirmer—owner of Dirty Girl Farms and lifelong Santa Cruz local—takes us on his remarkable journey from riding waves to cultivating some of the region's most sought-after organic produce. But this isn't just a career change story; it's a window into how our food systems shape everything from personal health to community resilience.

Joe reveals why he chose to dive into organic farming precisely when conventional agriculture was abandoning Santa Cruz County—a decision that seemed counterintuitive but proved visionary. With natural storyteller's flair, he unpacks how Santa Cruz became the unexpected birthplace of the organic certification movement that would eventually transform global agriculture. "This is a movement that started in Santa Cruz," Joe explains, "which is amazing... these rules and regs were written right here and now, globally, these rules and regs started here."

The conversation moves seamlessly between nostalgic surfing tales to urgent discussions about food security, agricultural economics, and the hidden forces shaping what ends up on our plates. Joe offers practical wisdom for navigating farmers markets, understanding seasonal eating, and making healthier food choices without breaking the bank. He challenges listeners to reconsider how we think about value in our food system: "To me, a dollar on ultra-processed food is a dollar wasted."

Beyond the practical aspects of farming and food, this episode touches on something deeper—how reconnecting with our local food systems might just be the antidote to the disconnection and hopelessness many feel about our collective future. Joe's perspective as both a farmer and a father offers a refreshing optimism grounded in practical action and community connection.

Ready to transform how you think about your food and its journey to your plate? Listen now, and you'll never look at your local farmers market the same way again.

What happens when you leave behind the only life you've known to rediscover yourself? Moana's journey from Los Angeles to the shores of Santa Cruz reveals how changing your environment can transform your understanding of who you are.

Growing up across various Los Angeles neighborhoods, Moana developed a chameleon-like ability to adapt while secretly yearning for genuine connection. Despite her natural empathy and talent for drawing people out, something was missing. After ending a long-term relationship, she made the bold decision to move to Santa Cruz where her father had lived for over twenty years.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Moana explores her Polynesian heritage and the surprising personality traits she inherited from a father she barely knew growing up. Through reading the writings of her ancestor—the first Tongan missionary—she discovered emotional patterns that resonated deeply across generations, challenging our understanding of how identity forms beyond immediate environment.

Her candid reflections on pursuing acting in Los Angeles expose the disconnection prevalent in an industry supposedly built on human storytelling. The contrast with Santa Cruz's natural rhythms—where stepping outside means immediate access to beaches, mountains, and forests—illustrates how our surroundings shape our mental health and ability to hear our authentic voice.

Now studying to become a nurse at 33, Moana embodies the courage it takes to redefine success on your own terms. Her story reminds us that sometimes the path to self-discovery requires leaving behind the familiar to find spaces where your true self can emerge—whether that's in a small coastal town, a local coffee shop community, or simply in moments of connection with the natural world around us.

Chris Yeh, our talented guest and coding virtuoso, shares his personal journey from the burgeoning computer science department at UCSC to becoming a notable figure in the tech world, all while maintaining his roots in the vibrant Santa Cruz community. We explore his daily commute over Highway 17 and the unique challenges and rewards that come with living in a place known for its laid-back lifestyle, even as it becomes intertwined with the fast-paced tech industry. Chris's story is a testament to the power of choice and passion in shaping one's career and life balance.

Join us as we unravel the history and transformation of computer programming, tracing its journey from the days of DOS and Apple Macintoshes to the interconnected world of cloud computing. This episode offers a window into the relentless pace of technological innovation, a theme that Chris and I reflect on, drawing parallels with other fields where fresh perspectives have revolutionized the status quo. Our discussion on the potential of artificial intelligence stands out as we consider its ability to redefine industries and the surprising solutions it can offer, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of progress.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as we consider the human aspects of technology and how they shape both professional and personal landscapes. From the cultural impact of Silicon Valley on Santa Cruz to the motivations that keep tech enthusiasts like Chris dedicated to their craft, this episode highlights the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach in software development. We also tackle the ethical implications of AI and the balance between technological advancement and the complexities of human interaction, leaving listeners with a hopeful perspective on the future of technology and society.

What happens when a small-town Wyoming upbringing meets the vibrant chaos of Utah's EDM scene? Join me and my guest, Nick Mari, as we explore this intriguing intersection and uncover a journey marked by trials and triumphs. From adapting to contrasting environments like Oklahoma and encountering the unexpected world of underground raves, to confronting the grip of addiction and finding solace in the discipline of jujitsu, Nick's story is a testament to resilience and the human spirit. Through genuine conversation, we unlock the power of connection and community, whether on the jujitsu mats or in the supportive embrace of a gym camaraderie.

Have you ever wondered how the territorial behavior of Santa Cruz surfers compares to Wyoming's laid-back snowboarding culture? Our discussion draws amusing parallels and highlights the challenging transitions between these contrasting worlds. As Nick recounts his experiences within a small town that juggles beauty and danger with a strange sense of safety, we also delve into the nuances of family dynamics and personal self-worth. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of father-son relationships, the quest for acceptance, and the enduring impact of past struggles on present growth.

Nick's journey is one of profound transformation, navigating the precarious path from addiction to sobriety and spiritual enlightenment. We touch on the healing potential of alternative medicines like iboga, offering hope to those battling mental health and addiction issues. Our conversation is enriched with insights into the power of the jujitsu itsaelf, and the community that comes, in fostering self-discovery and resilience. Through shared stories and experiences, we celebrate the strength found in vulnerability and the courage to embrace life's challenges with compassion and understanding.