Best The San Diego UnionTribune Podcasts (2025)

1
Sabrina Goosby comes from a long line of community builders 34:42

3y ago34:42

34:42

Sabrina Goosby's family moved to San Diego in the late 1800s and were among the first Black families to move to the area. In the spirit of giving back, Sabrina has been an advocate for foster children for more than 30 years.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Dr. Natalie Rodriguez teaches students and learns from patients 32:43

3y ago32:43

32:43

Dr. Natalie Rodriguez is the associate director of the Student-Run Free Clinic, which treats underserved communities in the region. Dr. Rodriguez’s family emigrated from Cuba, and she’s a first generation college graduate that took a nonlinear path into medicine. In this interview, she talks about how her upbringing shaped her as a doctor and how s…

1
Jim and Carmen Beaubeaux have lived on the road since 2016 38:54

3y ago38:54

38:54

Jim and Carmen Beaubeaux have living in an Airstream trailer since 2016, traveling around the United States using the 4-3-2 model: Drive four hours, stop by 3 p.m. and stay for at least two weeks.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Anthony Pretto grew up at Kobey's Swap Meet 28:10

3y ago28:10

28:10

Working at his family’s swap meet, Anthony Pretto has come across some pretty great finds.As a kid, he collected Pokemon cards and Beanie Babies; as a newlywed, he and his wife furnished their home with antiques; and most recently, he scored two 8-foot-tall nutcracker decorations to adorn his front door at Christmastime. The price tag? A steal at $…

1
Happy holidays from Name Drop San Diego 0:32

3y ago0:32

0:32

Happy holidays, y'all!By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Deacon Jim Vargas knows respect and resilience go hand in hand 19:29

3y ago19:29

19:29

Deacon Jim Vargas is the president and CEO of Father Joe's Villages. In this interview he shares his path to becoming ordained, what he's learned working with people in need and where he plans to go next.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Nonprofit executive Lisette Islas starts her day with a dance party 35:10

3y ago35:10

35:10

Lisette Islas is the chief impact officer at MAAC, an anti-poverty nonprofit here in San Diego. MAAC helps locals with housing, education, upward mobility and more. Lisette is a true community champion and really believes in paying it forward.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Kaci Brown brings her Kumeyaay ancestors back home 36:07

3y ago36:07

36:07

Kaci Brown is a member of the Barona band of the Kumeyaay Nation. She's an archaeologist and a community contributor at the U-T, where she’s written about lessons we can all learn from Native culture. She has an incredible life story, beginning with a milk carton ad.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Drag icon Amber St. James on confidence and coming out 35:39

3y ago35:39

35:39

Amber is a nonbinary drag queen who incorporates social justice themes and commentaries into their art.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Expert horticulturist Ari Novy says it's OK to kill plants 33:26

3y ago33:26

33:26

Ari Novy is the president and CEO of the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. He is an expert horticulturist and a fourth generation florist.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Astronomer Lisa Will studies the stuff between stars 32:15

3y ago32:15

32:15

Dr. Lisa Will is a professor of astronomy and physics at San Diego City College and she’s also the resident astronomer at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. She oversees not one but two planetariums, and just generally loves everything related to space and sci-fi.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Chef Lan Thai approaches food as medicine 30:39

3+ y ago30:39

30:39

Chef Lan Thai AKA Chef Lando is the owner of the Enclave restaurant at JuneShine Ranch in Scripps Ranch, where she cooks farm-to-table Asian fusion cuisine.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Brian Hu, professor and professional movie watcher 34:16

3+ y ago34:16

34:16

Brian is an associate professor of film at San Diego State University and the artistic director of the San Diego Asian Film Festival, which basically means he gets to watch movies for a living.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, first Latina mayor of National City 42:35

3+ y ago42:35

42:35

Mayor Sotelo-Solis is the first ever Latina to hold her position. She’s a third generation resident of National City and a proud poli-sci graduate of UC San Diego. Plus, she has really amazing style. We’ll talk about that, as well as family, life philosophy and -- I totally wasn’t expecting this -- but zombie apocalypse escape plans.…

1
Brit Bennett, NYT bestselling author of 'The Vanishing Half' 28:45

3+ y ago28:45

28:45

Brit Bennett is the author of "The Vanishing Half," about twin sisters from the South who choose to live in two different worlds, one black and one white.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Dr. Susan Bukata, chair of Orthopaedic surgery at UC San Diego 36:51

3+ y ago36:51

36:51

Dr. Bukata is one of only four women to hold this position in the United States.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Lisa Easterly, CEO of the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence 26:36

3+ y ago26:36

26:36

Lisa Easterly is the CEO of the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence, which promotes innovation and excellence in the region's cyber community. We talked about jobs, diversity in the industry, and of course about Lisa.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Joaquin 'Quino' McWhinney, singer of 'Baby I Love Your Way' 32:56

3+ y ago32:56

32:56

Today's guest is Joaquin McWhinney, AKA Quino, the singer behind the 1994 hit "Baby I Love Your Way." His band, Big Mountain, formed in San Diego in the '80s and that song took them to the top of billboard charts and all around the world.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Cody Hooven, COO of San Diego Community Power 32:56

3+ y ago32:56

32:56

Cody Hooven is the COO of San Diego Community Power, which just inked a big deal with San Diego County to purchase its power. In general, she is a problem solver, champion of the environment and lover of the outdoors.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Joel John Roberts, CEO of People Assisting the Homeless 26:04

3+ y ago26:04

26:04

Joel is the CEO of PATH, also known as People Assisting the Homeless. He lives in downtown San Diego and over the past 25 years has grown a small Los Angeles transitional living home into a statewide operation serving more than 140 communities.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Beth Demmon, beer and cider expert 32:37

3+ y ago32:37

32:37

Beth Demmon is a San Diego-based freelance journalist who writes about beer and cider. She’s had a bunch of amazing bylines including Playboy, Vice, Thrillist, Eating Well and the Union-Tribune’s very own Pacific Magazine.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Maya Reddy, founder of Queer Asian Social Club 48:06

3+ y ago48:06

48:06

Maya Reddy is the founder of Queer Asian Social Club, a San Diego-based collective that promotes Asian/Pacific Islander/Southwest Asian and Desi visibility.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Shawn VanDiver, co-founder of the Truman Project's SD chapter 36:11

3+ y ago36:11

36:11

Shawn is a Navy veteran and the co-founder of the San Diego chapter of the Truman National Security Project. He's hyper involved in San Diego and sits on several boards including the San Diego Convention Center, and the public policy committee of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Mitch Silverstein, ocean protector and San Diego Surfrider manager 34:15

3+ y ago34:15

34:15

Mitch is the San Diego chapter manager of the Surfrider Foundation, a volunteer-driven organization that protects our beaches and oceans. Under his leadership, the group advocates for clean water, beach access, limiting plastic consumption and more. Mitch himself has been mostly single-use plastic-free since 2008.…

1
Minh Lê writes children's books about family and creativity 35:52

3+ y ago35:52

35:52

Minh writes picture books and comics and is a childhood policy expert for the federal government. He’s the award-winning author of Drawn Together, Lift, The Perfect Seat, The Green Lantern Legacy and Let Me Finish, one of NPR's best books of 2016. He recently moved to San Diego with his wife, who is from here, and their two sons.…

1
Margaret Leinen, director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography 38:46

3+ y ago38:46

38:46

Margaret Leinen joined UC San Diego in 2013. In addition to directing Scripps, she's been the vice chancellor and the dean of marine sciences.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Fernando Z. López, executive director of San Diego Pride 33:46

3+ y ago33:46

33:46

Growing up in El Centro, Fernando Zweifach López Jr. never thought they'd end up as the executive director of San Diego Pride, an organization with a mission to create a world free of prejudice and bias. But looking back, the trajectory makes perfect sense.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Bobby Rubio, Pixar artist and writer-director of 'Float' 42:08

3+ y ago42:08

42:08

San Diego native Bobby Rubio grew up going to Comic-Con and loving comics. Now he creates his own and works as a story artist for Pixar.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Toni Atkins, California Senate President Pro Tem 27:38

3+ y ago27:38

27:38

Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins is one of the most influential politicians in California, and she got her start here in San Diego. On this episode, she discusses LGBTQ rights and her own coming out story, her SB 9 housing bill and why she loves Dolly Parton.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Rafael Payare, music director of the San Diego Symphony 35:35

3+ y ago35:35

35:35

Rafael Payare, music director for the San Diego Symphony, has conducted orchestras all over the world, but his approach always remains the same, no matter the location. "I go all in, or nothing -- completely," Payare said.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Composer Lei Liang's inspiration comes from Tiananmen Square, under the sea 41:30

3+ y ago41:30

41:30

Award-winning UC San Diego composer Lei Liang was just a teenager when he participated in the now-infamous 1989 pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, but the experience still influences his life.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Ken Layne, journalist, author and founder of Desert Oracle 48:26

3+ y ago48:26

48:26

Ken Layne is behind Desert Oracle, a zine, radio show and now book by the same name.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali Comfort BBQ 37:22

3+ y ago37:22

37:22

Shawn Walchef's efforts to make Cali Comfort BBQ a digital-first restaurant paid off during the pandemic and now he's opening up shop at the new Barrio Food Hub.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Nan Sterman on why gardening is good for the soul and the planet 36:20

3+ y ago36:20

36:20

Whether you’re a new or seasoned gardener, a houseplant fanatic or just someone who wants to grow basil on your windowsill, our guest this week has wisdom to share. She’s a botanist, a sustainability activist, a garden designer and a journalist with bylines in Sunset Magazine, the LA Times, Better Homes and Gardens and more.…

1
Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless 35:34

3+ y ago35:34

35:34

Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Taskforce on the Homeless, somehow remains optimistic, despite all the obstacles in the way of ending homelessness in San Diego.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Jesse Agler, lead broadcaster for the San Diego Padres 36:30

3+ y ago36:30

36:30

Jesse Agler joined the Padres organization in 2014 and became the lead broadcaster — working side by side with Tony Gwynn Jr. — this season in 2021.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Andrew Strong, director of the Office of Equity and Racial Justice 32:42

3+ y ago32:42

32:42

Andrew Strong may just be getting started as director of San Diego County's new Office of Equity and Racial Justice, but his family has a history of fighting for racial justice.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Jesse Perez, actor, director, University of San Diego educator 44:07

4y ago44:07

44:07

How can classical theater better reflect modern times and more diverse audiences?That's what Jesse Perez, as director of the The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, has in mind as he teaches and directs Master of Fine Arts (MFA) students.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Tommy Gomes, local seafood advocate and star of 'The Fishmonger' on the Outdoor Channel 35:45

4y ago35:45

35:45

Tommy "The Fishmonger" Gomes is from a San Diego commercial fishing family and is committed to making sure locals eat fish that has been caught off the West Coast, especially in San Diego.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
JoAnn Fields, advocate for Filipinos and other communities of color in San Diego 36:42

4y ago36:42

36:42

JoAnn Fields has been a vocal leader in the new movement to stop hate and violence toward Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. But she's also been a longtime advocate in San Diego County, fighting for better recognition and representation of Filipinos and all communities of color, especially in the South Bay.…

1
Matt de la Peña, New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal winning author 37:40

4y ago37:40

37:40

Matt de la Peña is an author of young adult, middle grade and children's book originally from National City. He's also an SDSU professor and his latest release is "Milo Imagines the World."By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Tina Guo, metal cellist, as in 'heavy metal' plus cello 42:09

4y ago42:09

42:09

Our guest this week is Tina Guo. She’s a classical and electric cellist whose playing has been described as “metal cello." Her epic work has appeared in movies like “Wonderwoman,” and the upcoming "Top Gun: Maverick" as well as video games like "Call of Duty."By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Ron Nehring, Republican Party leader, candidate and spokesperson 40:29

4y ago40:29

40:29

Californian Ron Nehring has a uniquely comprehensive view of the Republican Party over the last 20 years. He's worked in the GOP at every level, chairing the San Diego County Republican Party, chairing the California Republican Party and serving on the Republican National Committee. He also ran for lieutenant governor of California against Gavin Ne…

1
Dean Nelson, writer and expert interviewer, on Oprah's royal interview and more 39:24

4y ago39:24

39:24

Dean Nelson is the founder of the annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea in San Diego. He reacts to the famous Prince Harry and Meghan interview, shares stories from his travels and more.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Kelly Marie Tran, star of Disney's 'Raya and the Last Dragon' 27:43

4y ago27:43

27:43

Kelly Marie Tran is an actress from San Diego who you may have seen in "Star Wars," "Sorry For Your Loss," and other tv shows and films.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Marisa Reichardt, author of YA contemporary novel 'A Shot at Normal' 36:07

4y ago36:07

36:07

Marisa Reichardt wrote "A Shot at Normal," about a teen who sues her parents for the right to be vaccinated, before the pandemic began, but now the anti-vax conversation is all the more timely.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Makeda 'Dread' Cheatom, founder of the WorldBeat Cultural Center 42:40

4y ago42:40

42:40

Makeda "Dread" Cheatom is a San Diego legend. She's the founder of the WorldBeat Cultural Center at Balboa Park. She started one of San Diego's first vegetarian restaurants, The Prophet, in the 1970s. And she's a radio DJ and concert organizer who has spent time with Radiohead, No Doubt, Shaggy, Sublime and more.…

1
Eric Pierson, film studies professor, on what makes movies magical 44:30

4y ago44:30

44:30

testBy The San Diego Union-Tribune

1
Dr. Wilma Wooten, public health officer for San Diego County 32:03

4y ago32:03

32:03

Dr. Wilma Wooten is in charge of San Diego County's COVID-19 response. If you follow local pandemic news, you've definitely heard her name. In this episode, we get to know the personality behind the public figure, including her favorite reggae, the best advice she's ever received and her post-pandemic travel plans.…

1
Roxana Velásquez, director of the San Diego Museum of Art 37:22

4y ago37:22

37:22

Art is about humanity, if you ask Roxana Velásquez, because it teaches us about ourselves and others. In this episode, the director of SDMA talks about her lifelong love of art, her curation philosophy and how she put the Balboa Park museum on an international map.By The San Diego Union-Tribune

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