Best San Diego Magazine Podcasts (2024)

1
San Diego’s Soul Food Lumpia Truck Was Inspired by Cooking in the Panamanian Jungle 56:09

1h ago56:09

56:09

This week’s Happy Half Hour features mother-and-son duo Lia and Spencer Hunter of Lia’s Lumpia. Their come-up story is a fascinating blend of family tradition, cultural preservation, and innovative culinary fusion that began long before the Hunters’ foray into food competition TV. Spencer learned how to roll the thumb-thin Filipino fried and stuffe…

1
Carlsbad's SURFER magazine plans a revival with print 46:10

5h ago46:10

46:10

For decades, SURFER Magazine was called “The Bible” of surf culture. The Carlsbad-based publication went dormant during the pandemic. But now, it’s looking to make a comeback — and expand its reach.

1
Idyllwild Arts Alumni: Maya Osterman-Van Grack, Mirror Image Arts’ Executive Director of Programs 38:55

4h ago38:55

38:55

Maya Osterman-Van Grack is a graduate of Idyllwild Arts Academy and the University of Colorado where she graduated with a focus in applied theater through the Interactive Theatre Project (a theater ensemble utilizing Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to address social justice issues on campus). After graduating from the University of Columbia, Ma…

1
Exploring San Diego's growing food and drink scene 46:15

6d ago46:15

46:15

From Michelin stars to its first James Beard award finalist, the San Diego-Tijuana region’s culinary scene is on the rise. We hear from local food and culture journalists about this dining revolution. Plus, San Diego is a well known beer destination, but it’s becoming known for other drinks too.

1
Idyllwild Arts Alumni: Marisa Hamamoto, Named to People Magazine’s “Women Changing the World.” 40:28

1d ago40:28

40:28

Marisa Hamamoto is a graduate of Idyllwild Arts Academy, and the first professional dancer to be named to People Magazine's “Women Changing the World.” She is a leading authority on disability inclusion and building a culture of belonging, Marisa has been named LinkedIn Top Voice, and has been featured on "Good Morning America", "NBC Today", amongs…

1
The Little Lion’s Chef Learned Everything from Her Grandparents at The Belgian Lion 54:38

2d ago54:38

54:38

If your time spent in OB and Point Loma spans decades, not just years, you likely know all about the Coulon family, proprietors of the well-loved but now-shuttered Belgian Lion. And there’s a good chance that you also know about their granddaughters, Anne-Marie, Jacqueline, and Dominique, who own Point Loma’s The Little Lion, now entering its tenth…

1
The rise of incivility in San Diego politics 46:17

10d ago46:17

46:17

A months-long investigation from KPBS examined the unraveling civic discourse happening at the local level. We hear from the KPBS team who took on this three-part story. Plus, a look into the “extreme” wildfire risk facing the city of Chula Vista.

1
Idyllwild Arts Alumni: Audrey Carver, Curator for the 2023 San Diego Climate Summit 17:01

8d ago17:01

17:01

Audrey Carver is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Idyllwild, CA. She graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University in 2022, with a self-designed major in Scientific Communication. She has had both solo and group expositions in Cuenca (kwen - ca), Ecuador, Palm Springs, Idyllwild, San Diego, and Boston. She has worked as an artist-in-res…

1
Martin Short is the Current Mayor of This Food-and-Drink-Obsessed San Diego County Town 46:55

10d ago46:55

46:55

Martin Short is the Current Mayor of This Food-and-Drink-Obsessed San Diego County Town by San Diego MagazineBy San Diego Magazine

1
How are new immigration rules reshaping the US-Mexico border? 46:10

17d ago46:10

46:10

Earlier this month, President Biden implemented new border restrictions. We examine the impacts these changes are having on the San Diego-Tijuana border region. Plus, star soccer player Alex Morgan of San Diego Wave FC was left off the national team's Olympics roster.

1
Idyllwild Arts Alumni: Jacob Scesney, Critically-Acclaimed Woodwind Specialist for “American Idol” & “The Voice” 34:18

15d ago34:18

34:18

Jacob is a critically-acclaimed woodwind specialist with over 50 chart-topping credits alongside his returning roll as on call saxophonist for “American Idol” & “The Voice” for the past 7 years. Jacob's career spans over a decade, with performances at iconic venues like Wembley Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, Red Rocks, and more. He recently contributed…

1
Meet the Man Responsible for Light Beer's Craft Comeback 52:14

17d ago52:14

52:14

This week, Troy and Jackie are joined by Doug Haster, master brewer at Mission Valley’s Puesto Cervecería. Hasker goes way back with beer in this town–he moved to San Diego in 1998 to head brewing at Gordon Biersch’s then-Mission Valley location and stayed until Biersch sold its operations to Puesto in 2019. Not ready to hang up his skates, he stuc…

1
Idyllwild Arts Alumni: Andre Real, "Spirit of the Jimmys" Award-Winner 20:58

23d ago20:58

20:58

At Idyllwild Arts Academy, we have the privilege of watching our talented students soar to new heights. Musical Theatre major Omar Andre Real did just that—and on a Broadway stage—at the 2023 Jimmy Awards, a renowned national theatre competition known as “the Tonys for teenagers.” Performing on behalf of Idyllwild Arts among 95 other student nomine…

1
Javier Plascencia Talks Michelin Stars and the Caesar Salad's 100th Anniversary 1:04:15

23d ago1:04:15

1:04:15

We’ve got a Happy Half Hour double-header today: chef Michael Vaughn, who is coming up on his first year at the helm of La Jolla’s iconic Marine Room, and also Baja-based superstar Javier Plascencia, whose under-a-200-year-old-oak tree restaurant Animalón just got a Michelin Star. Both chat philosophy, process, and their cooking histories, and as a…

1
Deep-Fried Delights at the San Diego County Fair 34:09

26d ago34:09

34:09

For podcasts like Happy Half Hour, events like the fair are basically our Christmas. Yeah, we love the rides, the activations, the camaraderie, the merriment. But to be totally honest, we’re here for the food. Dip us in corn batter and fry us. Dust some powdered sugar on our heads. Load us up with fatty, drippy, sloppy, sweet and salty goods. This …

1
San Diego Mag's Chef of the Year + His Truffle Hunter 1:22:09

30d ago1:22:09

1:22:09

Truffles are food gold, one of the world’s most famous ingredients. Musky, lovely, funky, delicious, expensive, and fickle as hell. Why do some of them taste like cardboard? Did you know you can grow very good ones in the U.S., but that it might take over a decade to yield your first “crop”? On this episode, we pay a visit to San Diego Magazine’s 2…

1
Idyllwild Arts Alumni: Estefania Gonzalez, Soloist, Teatro de la Ciudad, Playa Del Carmen 22:43

1M ago22:43

22:43

Tryana, an 18-year-old daydreamer, songwriter, and performing artist, recently graduated from the Idyllwild Arts Academy with the class of 2024. From the age of 8, she's been honing her craft, taking piano lessons and immersing herself in the musical theater community. Her love for diverse genres, including Mexican music, Italian anthologies, pop, …

1
High-profile bills making their way through the state legislature 46:15

1M ago46:15

46:15

California state lawmakers are moving ahead on a series of high-profile bills, all while negotiating the state’s budget deficit. Then, changes may be coming for how San Diego handles cases of political misconduct and corruption.

1
San Diego’s King of Produce 1:23:54

1M ago1:23:54

1:23:54

He got fired. He sold fruit out of a postal truck. He slept near the citrus. Then he and his family became the backbone of the restaurant culture in San Diego. The wild, never-give-up story of Bob Harrington, his brothers, and Specialty Produce.By San Diego Magazine

1
Long-running 'Fat Leonard' case hits new roadblocks 54:20

2M ago54:20

54:20

Last week, five former officers tied to the "Fat Leonard" corruption scandal had their felony convictions overturned because of misconduct by prosecutors. What does that mean for the future of the case?

1
Travis Hammond and How to Get Involved in the Home Brewing Community 28:53

1M ago28:53

28:53

This week, John is joined by Travis Hammond, Grand Master Beer Judge and Award-Winning Home Brewer. They discuss local breweries and home-brew clubs, tasting Travis's crafts, and upcoming brewery competitions. To learn more, https://quaff.org/ JohnOlsen.Santee@Gmail.com To contact John Olsen, 619-855-1151 John@TheSanteeGuy.com JohnOlsen.com John Ol…

1
San Diego asks CDC to investigate cross-border pollution's public health impacts 45:54

2M ago45:54

45:54

This week, San Diego leaders asked state and federal agencies to investigate the effects of cross-border pollution on public health in the region. Then, we discuss efforts at Southwestern College to address concerns of racial discrimination on campus in recent years.

1
Inside an Icon: Top of the Market 1:07:02

2M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

This week’s Happy Half Hour takes place from one of the best perches in all of San Diego: Top of the Market. It’s a fully windowed and partially outdoor restaurant, separate and with a more fine dining or special occasion bent than its counterpart downstairs, the equally beloved and lauded Fish Market. To our front are sprawling views of Coronado a…

1
Miriam Raftery and How the East County Magazine Serves Our Communities 29:40

2M ago29:40

29:40

This week, John is joined by Miriam Raftery, editor of the East County Magazine. She shares the range of information that this online news source provides (both existing and upcoming), how you can subscribe, and how you can support them. To learn more, https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/ To contact John Olsen, 619-855-1151 John@TheSanteeGuy.com Joh…

1
A plan to restore Mission Bay wetlands 48:30

2M ago48:30

48:30

San Diego City Council approved a plan to restore coastal wetlands in parts of Mission Bay. Then, California state legislators are pushing for sober housing options for unhoused Californians. Plus, it has been 10 years since a tragic mass shooting near Santa Barbara. A new investigation looks into what lessons have been learned.…

1
Trying The Best Food at Petco Park with Don & Mud 59:32

2M ago59:32

59:32

This week we got out-broadcasted on Happy Half Hour, and we couldn’t be more honored to pass the torch, to, as Troy dubbed it, “the best monosyllabic baseball broadcast duo in the major leagues.” The crew went to Petco Park ahead of the start of the Padres/Rockies series to chat with the voices of the franchise, Don Orsillo and Mark Grant (the Fria…

1
Dustin Trotter Shares the Updates Coming to Santee 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

This week, John is joined by City Councilman and Vice Mayor, Dustin Trotter! They discuss the projects that Dustin has spearheaded and overseen in his time in office, the infrastructure work the city has been putting in, and the exciting (and highly anticipated) things that we have coming to Santee. To learn more, Santee Hometown Heroes Banner Prog…

1
Student journalists' role in telling story of UCSD encampment 48:00

2M ago48:00

48:00

College campuses have become a focal point for protests against the war in Gaza, and student journalists have been vital in telling the stories behind the protests. Plus, we get an update on recent KPBS reporting on the Imperial Valley.

1
Darcy Shares How Expressions Dance Movement & Dance Got to Be An Award Winning School 29:16

2M ago29:16

29:16

John is joined this week by Darcy Fagerwold, owner of Expressions Dance and Movement and 2023 Santee's Favorite winner. She joins John to discuss the start of EDMC, the new Non-Profit Arts Foundation that she and Tim Staump are launching, and more! Town Center Amphitheater Friday, May 24th at 5:30pm Santee Street Fair Saturday, May 25th from 10am t…

1
Michelin's Sommelier of the Year is Serving Wine at a Bistro in North Park 1:13:29

2M ago1:13:29

1:13:29

Did you know one of the country’s most celebrated sommeliers lives and works in San Diego? It’s true! This week, we welcomed Coco Randolph of Black Radish and San Francisco’s Californios to the Happy Half Hour podcast. Randolph is new-ish to town, having moved here about a year and a half ago from San Francisco, where she helped her family run two …

1
The impacts of long border wait times 47:38

3M ago47:38

47:38

Border wait times across the San Diego-Tijuana region are high, impacting people’s quality of life and the regional economy. Plus, a Congressional investigation is now underway into the millions of dollars in fees Frontwave credit union collects from young marines in overdraft fees.

1
San Diego Broadcast Legend Chris Cantore and Sushi Icon Tyler Mars Launch Omakase-and-Vinyl Pop-Up 1:00:17

2M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Sometimes, it’s the most fun to chop it up with friends. And when your friends include legendary sushi chefs and top DJs, all the better. This week we brought to Happy Half Hour Chris Cantore, a former voice across San Diego’s radio airwaves, and his long-time buddy, North County sushi chef Tyler Mars. Troy goes way back with the duo, having been b…

1
Dr. Baranski and Helping Santee's Students Excel 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

This week, John is joined by Dr. Kristin Baranski, Superintendent of the Santee School District! They discuss how the school has evolved through COVID, how well our students have continued to grow and achieve compared to the county, and the extracurriculars that the students have available to them. Stop by to see the student art display at the Sant…

1
Jordan Howlett: 40 Million Followers, a Collab with Kevin Hart—All from His Kitchen in Oceanside 1:33:33

3M ago1:33:33

1:33:33

Jordan Howlett just needs a minute. Give him that, and he’s liable to have you hooked. Thanks to his highly recognizable, signature mirror-selfie videos, Howlett (San Diego Magazine’s cover star for our 2024 Best Restaurants issue) has amassed upwards of 30 million followers across his social channels by sharing fast food hacks and wisdom with dead…

1
How food and community are helping a San Diego neighborhood recover from floods 46:30

3M ago46:30

46:30

In the months after the January floods, San Diego's Shelltown community has come together to help those who were impacted. Plus, the EPA announced new federal limits on forever chemicals in drinking water. We hear what it means for California.

1
Feeding San Diego Rescues 1.2 Million Pounds of Food a Month 1:07:02

3M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

This week’s Happy Half Hour extra special guest is a longtime friend of San Diego Magazine, Feeding San Diego. If you tune into our channels, this fantastic organization probably doesn’t need much of an introduction. And if you’re lucky, you would have caught Troy emceeing their gala last month (in a sequin jacket, of course).But for the uninitiate…

1
Councilwoman Laura Koval and Keeping Santee Up to Date 52:30

3M ago52:30

52:30

This week, John is joined by Laura Koval, Santee Councilwoman, to discuss the construction of the Santee Community Center, see what businesses are coming to Santee, and more! Town Hall with Laura Koval Tuesday, June 16th from 6-7pm To learn more, MySantee App To contact John Olsen, 619-855-1151 John@MissionRealtyGroup.com John@TheSanteeGuy.com John…

1
Fletcher spent campaign funds to fight sexual assault claims 46:40

3M ago46:40

46:40

Former San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher used campaign funds to pay for his legal defense against sexual assault and harassment allegations. And California is spending billions of dollars on homelessness. Is it working?

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