Best Sonia Costa Podcasts (2024)

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29: Ken Turnage Responds to “Bully Boss” Accusations 1:14:46

2M ago1:14:46

1:14:46

On this episode, I chat with Ken Turnage regarding the “bully boss” accusations within the Antioch Unified School District. With a third-party investigator agreeing with District findings, Turnage is now willing to speak on what had actually transpired. Turnage shares his thoughts on the bond, the work environment, and changes within the department…

1
28: Amy Tilley Talks Downtown Brentwood Coalition 1:02:56

2M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

On this episode, I chat with Amy Tilley, executive director at the Downtown Brentwood Coalition. She provides an update on latest happenings downtown, upcoming events, new businesses and what the coalition is up to. We also reminisce over what it was like just a few years ago and compare it to today which includes a lot of teamwork and collaboratio…

1
27:Julie Craft Talks Very Mulberry U-Pick and More 42:10

3M ago42:10

42:10

On this episode, I chat with Julie Craft of Very Mulberry Farm in Brentwood. If weather holds up, the 90-acre Very Mulberry farm U-Pick kicks off May 1 at 501 Hoffman Lane, Brentwood CA. Craft shares what is new for the 2024 season, how technology is helping them grow and how they are now having Mulberry’s placed in local retail stores. Also, due t…

1
26: Sonia Ledo Runs for Assembly District 15 1:25:04

3M ago1:25:04

1:25:04

On this episode, I chat with Sonia Ledo, candidate for State Assembly District 15. She is female and a Latina, supports the 4th of July, and who offers a fresh perspective on a variety of issues from accountability with the State budget, homelessness, crime, senior and youth services, and simply using common sense for solutions versus creating unin…

1
25: Bryan and Michele of Serendipity Cellars 1:19:49

3M ago1:19:49

1:19:49

On this episode, I chat with Bryan and Michele of Serendipity Cellars give an update on the winery, share some stories of how they got into the industry, a rundown of upcoming events... then the fun happens as we get into the shenanigans of Bryan, a tale of sangria, and fun things over the year--nope, not giving much away, you have to listen. Upcom…

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24: Kevin and Tawnya Talk East County Living and Other Shenanigans 1:31:03

3M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

On this episode, a chat with Kevin and Tawnya Erickson on the creation of East County Living and the goal to highlight local business, help with marketing. However, with good intentions, it went sideways and we talks about a variety of things, some silly and with a local feel. We get into hangovers, local events, wine, ContraCosta.news and much mor…

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23: Norma Talks Wicked Salsas 1:01:32

3M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

On this episode, we talk Salsa with Norma Muhlenbruch, owner of Norma’s Wicked Salsas. She shares her journey from a single jar to launching a business selling close to 350 jars a week. She highlights the salsa idea came from her weight loss journey of wanting some flavor in her diet to keep her on track. We also get into the impacts of inflation, …

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22: CEO Ryan Maltbie Talks BBQGrills.com Journey 1:34:42

4M ago1:34:42

1:34:42

On this episode, I chat with Ryan Maltbie of BBQGrills.com. He shares his journey from $600 in his bank account to now being ranked No. 91 on the 2024 Inc. Regionals: Pacific list of the fastest-growing private companies in America! We get into how he started the e-commerce company and the need to tackle fear and take risks. However, its not like h…

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21: Tamara Steiner Talks Clayton Craziness 1:10:23

4M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

On this episode, I chat with Tamara Steiner of The Clayton Pioneer on what in the world is going on with the City of Clayton which has become a total clown show. A city manager has left, other staff not far behind, they sabotaged the Clayton Business & Community Association, and refuse to place some items on the agenda. We also get into the trollin…

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20: Mary Knox Talks Domestic Violence 58:15

4M ago58:15

58:15

On this episode, Mary Knox, a longtime prosecutor with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office joins me to talk domestic violence. Knox shares some insights on domestic violence and what is needed to move forward in cases. In Contra Costa County, there have been several fatal incidents recently related to domestic violence. She shares why victi…

1
19: Hanna Malak of the American Red Cross 1:00:33

4M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

On this episode, I am joined by Hanna Malak, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the organization's Northern California Coastal Region, American Red Cross. I am also joined by Brian Oftedal who serves on the Advisory Fire Commission for Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. We talk about the importance of giving blood, their smoke alarm pro…

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18: Ron Bernal Runs for Mayor of Antioch 1:13:30

4M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

On this episode, former Antioch City Manager and mayoral candidate Ron Bernal talks about his campaign and his vision for the city. His motto is change begins today and government people can trust by unifying the city, the people and the area. Bernal shares crime is by far the number one topic and needs to be addressed. He also shares the need to h…

1
17: Instant Reaction to California Primary With Allen Payton 47:24

4M ago47:24

47:24

On this episode, Allen Payton of the Contra Costa Herald joins me to discuss the California Primary Elections, specifically those impacting the residents of Contra Costa County. After Tuesdays results, Antioch City Councilmember Mike Barbanica will square off against Pittsburg City Councilmember Shanelle Scales-Preston for County Board of Superviso…

1
16: Marisol Rubio Runs for State Senate District 9 1:32:17

5M ago1:32:17

1:32:17

On this episode, I chat with San Ramon City Councilmember Marisol Rubio who is running for State Senate District 9. Rubio has a nice background which led her to where she is today in advocating for under-served communities, seniors, those with disabilities and in the healthcare industry. With her science background, she highlights how she takes a p…

1
15: Shanelle Scales-Preston Runs for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor 39:35

5M ago39:35

39:35

On this episode, I chat with Pittsburg City Councilmember Shanelle Scales-Preston who is running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for District 5. She has worked in congress since 2021 with former Congressman George Miller and now Mark DeSaulnier. She also was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018. In this episode, we touch on he…

1
14: Christopher Cabaldon Runs for Senate District 3 1:12:07

5M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

On this episode, I chat with Christopher Cabaldon on running for State Senate District 3, a seat currently held by Bill Dodd who terms out. Cabaldon is 22-year mayor for West Sacramento and is an advocate for the Delta. He also served as Vice Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. We talk education, insurance, mental health, Prop 4, gun s…

1
13: Kevin Wilk Talks Antisemitic Speech During Walnut Creek City Council Meeting 50:01

5M ago50:01

50:01

On this episode, a chat with Walnut Creek City Councilmember Kevin Wilk who was subjected Tuesday night to an antisemitic rant with a man attacking Jews and stating “white power” during public comments. While at the microphone, his shirt was exposing a swastika. We get into several other incidents which Walnut Creek has had occur, along with neighb…

1
12: A Chat With California Gleamin 1:04:54

5M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

On this episode, I chat with Sarah Christine of California Gleamin in downtown Brentwood who started off as a Mobile Wellness Spa & Boutique and has officially expanded into two locations. After launching in 2020, Sarah shares how she expanded to offer a variety of health and wellness services with a atmosphere of vintage nostalgia—services include…

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11: Wanda Wallis Runs for State Assembly District 11 1:12:30

5M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

On this episode, I chat with Wanda Wallis who is running for California State Assembly in District 11. Wallis is a realtor who has had enough in the direction California is heading and wants to bring it back closer to the middle. We talk crime and Proposition 47 (Prop 47), education, bringing conversations back to the kitchen table with family valu…

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10: Vivian Shares her Boondoggies Journey 47:36

5M ago47:36

47:36

On this episode, I talk Boondoggies! I chat with Vivian Treff about her journey from waitress to Queen of the Ween with launching a hot dog cart to finally a restaurant in downtown Brentwood. The business is now for sale as her family is moving to Texas, however, we relive her challenges, her successes to wanting to give back to the community. She …

1
09: Karen Mitchoff Runs for California State Assembly 1:37:54

5M ago1:37:54

1:37:54

On this episode, I chat with former Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor Karen Mitchoff who is running for California State Assembly in District 15. We talk about a variety of issues from Proposition 47, public safety and the overcorrections in Sacramento. We jump into homelessness and housing with the insane amount of money spent, senior servic…

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08: Mike Barbanica Runs for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor 1:11:26

5M ago1:11:26

1:11:26

On this episode, I chat with Antioch City Councilmember Mike Barbanica who is running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for District 5. Being a former police officer, we talk public safety, blight, homelessness and the need to have data and metrics available to see if what we are spending money on is working. We touch on some items withi…

1
07: Jelani Killings Runs for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor 1:23:10

6M ago1:23:10

1:23:10

On this episode of the Contra Costa News Podcast, I chat with Jelani Killings. He is a Pittsburg City Councilmember (former Mayor) running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor in District 5, currently held by Federal Glover. We talk a variety of issues from government accountability, public safety, economic development to homeless and mental…

1
06: Dirk Zeigler On Why California Insurance Rates Are Skyrocketing 1:09:00

6M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

On this episode, I chat with Dirk Zeigler of Zeigler insurance who shares his thoughts on why California insurance rates of home, auto and other types of insurance will skyrocket. Insurance is supposed to be boring until you need it, but not anymore with rate increases, laws and other shenanigans that is going to hit everyone's wallets due to the m…

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05: Sean McCauley Gives Project Status Updates and More 1:19:23

6M ago1:19:23

1:19:23

On this episode, I chat with Sean McCauley, a entrepreneur and a real estate redevelopment developer on a variety of issues facing East Contra Costa County. From dealing with politicians in an election year, negativity on social media, to updates in downtown Antioch, the Delta Cinemas Movie Theater in Brentwood to a status update with Deer Ridge Cl…

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04: The Speakeasy Baking Co Heads to Food Network 42:23

8M ago42:23

42:23

On this episode, I speak with BrieAnna of The Speakeasy Baking Co about her experience on the Food Networks Christmas Cookie Challenge – “A Very Country Christmas”. We talk about how she got into baking, why cookies cost so much and plenty more. Christmas Cookie Challenge - Thursday, December 14th at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network “A Very Country Christ…

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03: Oakley Chamber of Commerce Relaunched 55:38

8M ago55:38

55:38

On this episode, I chat with Oleksii Chuiko and his vision with the newly re-launched Oakley Chamber of Commerce which returns after a 2-year hiatus. This vision includes not being a “tired” and your traditional fathers chamber of commerce, but something new and helpful. The chamber of commerce previously ceased operation in May 2020 due to low mem…

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02: Too Much Bad Real Estate Advice Floating Around 1:02:56

8M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

On this episode of Contra Costa News, you ever get the feeling you are getting bad real estate advice such as date the rate and marry the house? Or it always seems like the best time to buy? I sit down with husband and wife team Nate and Tracy Nelson to dispel this bad real estate advice. What is going on with real estate in Contra Costa County. Im…

1
01: Goodbye WTF California Hello Contra Costa News Podcast 48:02

9M ago48:02

48:02

On this episode, I join Ken Turnage for one last time as we get closure on the WTF California Podcast and explain what happened. For old time sake, we talk about a few items rubbing us the wrong way locally and in the state. The new podcast will be launching in November. Thanks again for all the memories and support. For more information, www.contr…

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25. Dheandra Nicolette - Manifesting your dream career, creating a powerful vision board and ignoring viral trends to solidify your brand and social presence. 51:00

2+ y ago51:00

51:00

Dheandra Nicolette is a marketing professional, entrepreneur, and host of The Manifest Daily Podcast. She’s spent her first few years working at amazing companies in their marketing departments learning the ins and outs of leveraging social media to achieve business goals. She’s worked alongside amazing thought leaders at major brands such as TripA…

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24. Sonia Ashok - Channeling rest and self-care daily to be more productive, forging your own career path and collaborating with other women to foster a community. 40:14

3y ago40:14

40:14

Dr. Sonia Ashok is a Career + Leadership Coach and the founder of Connective Coalition, a community to empower women in the workplace. She is a physician who pivoted into health policy and then tech startups. Her experiences navigating career advancement and toxic environments as a minority woman inspired her to support others in climbing the ladde…

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23. Rubina Ahmed Haq - The best kept secrets to freelancing, "tweaking" as the new budget setting and understanding your financial position. 52:13

3y ago52:13

52:13

Rubina Ahmed Haq is a personal finance expert. She says she lives at the intersection of journalism, finance, and public speaking. Rubina’s passion for all things money started at a young age and was shaped by her parents. Their money-saving ways stuck and built the foundation for her work today. For twenty years she’s been reporting news and stori…

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22. Becca Slaughter - Surviving the night shift, finding your purpose outside your profession and starting all over again. 35:03

3y ago35:03

35:03

Becca Slaughter has spent the majority of her career working as a TV producer for a large news network morning show in Oklahoma. Though, her passion for her job soon diminished as she realized there were never enough hours in the day to get everything done and that she was becoming more and more consumed by her 9 - 5. She mentions everything in her…

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21. Megan Walker - Why we need more women in positions of power, finding your ideal workplace and the balancing act of work and personal life. 27:26

3y ago27:26

27:26

Megan Walker is a former elected member of London City Council (1994-2000) who recently retired as the Executive Director of the London Abused Women’s Centre (1997-2021). She is a feminist abolitionist who advocates for systemic changes to end male violence against women. Megan was Canada’s North American lead during the United Nations Beijing, Eur…

1
20. Yaa Birago - Successfully breaking into an already booming industry, how to gain brand awareness without a marketing budget and leveraging your passions to build your business. 39:45

3y ago39:45

39:45

Yaa Birago is a mentor, IT professional, workshop facilitator, philanthropist, and the founder of FemmeBnb. Think of AirBnb but strictly for women! Essentially, vacation rentals by women for women. Yaa holds a B.A degree in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Windsor but her passion for technology, women and children advancement has le…

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19. Jass Stupak - Changing your mind about your career, being realistic and logistical about taking your passion full-time and turning consistency into a routine. 39:24

3y ago39:24

39:24

Jass Stupak is a certified nutritional practitioner who specializes in bloat and anti-fungal cleansing. From her own health issues, she was dealing with chronic bloat. She began to do a lot of research on her health concerns and started to see huge improvements after adding in tiny practices like lemon water and magnesium. She started her Instagram…

1
18. Get to Know Me + The Top 3 Career Lessons I Learned from Female Founders 18:22

3y ago18:22

18:22

Welcome to my first solo episode of Her Defined. In this episode, I want to share more about myself and my goals and visions for the future of this podcast. I talk about everything from: PODCAST UPDATES: 1:18 DEFINING MOMENT OF THE WEEK: 5:56 3 CAREER LESSONS I LEARNED FROM FEMALE FOUNDERS: Susie Cave - 9:07 Connie Cornelius - 12:24 Melanie de Boer…

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17. Lori Nestore - Learning for your brain type, finding a business partner that compliments you and working smarter not harder. 38:56

3y ago38:56

38:56

Lori Nestore is the co-founder of Tuel Skincare and Berodin Wax. She is a cosmetologist, an aesthetician, a waxing specialist, and a highly sought after educator who lives in California. She was first recognized for her superiority in waxing treatments and training 30 years ago and continues to lead the American waxing world today. Nestori now shar…

1
16. Victoria Lyons - Normalizing women carrying condoms, crowdfunding like a pro and creating a powerful brand of influence. 27:18

3y ago27:18

27:18

As an experienced advertising creative, Victoria believes in the power of brands to make a difference in the world. She began her career when she moved to New York City to intern at various advertising agencies. She had to move back to Canada during quarantine last year. With more time at home, Victoria brainstormed the idea for Slipp. And this yea…

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15. Erika Berthelot - Scrappy and savvy, learning the business as you go and knowing when to ask for help. 30:43

3y ago30:43

30:43

Erika Berthelot grew up in a remote northern community in Winnipeg. She did a brief 2-year stint in university for business and is a veteran nail tech of nearly ten years. At the beginning of the pandemic, she began experimenting with different cuticle oil formulations, a product she wished her clients would use more often. After a few prototypes o…

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14. Tianna McFarlane - How to combine passion with persistence to get what you want. 27:20

3y ago27:20

27:20

In this episode, we're learning how to combine passion with a whole lot of persistence to get what you want! Tianna McFarlane aims to revolutionize the way people shop for bandages. In summer 2019, Tianna was looking for an adhesive bandage that matched her skin tone. Unable to find one she set out to create her own. Enter Heal in Colour. Tianna’s …

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13. Darlene Gahite - How to endure and enjoy the process of growing your business. 43:36

3y ago43:36

43:36

In this episode, we're learning how to endure and enjoy the process of growing our businesses. Founded in August 2020 by Darlene Gahite, SYSTM is a professional home organizing service based in Toronto, ON. Darlene works together with the everyday millennial by organizing spaces inspired by intentional living, functionality, and clean lines. The ma…

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12. Nuria Madrenas - How to gain exposure for your brand or business. 37:26

3y ago37:26

37:26

In this episode, we're learning how to gain exposure, whether that be for our business or brand or if it's to promote ourselves. Mrkt Gallery is an online gallery dedicated to works by female artists. It was founded in Toronto, Canada by Nuria Madrenas in 2019. As an artist herself, Nuria recognized a gap in the market to provide female artists wit…

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11. Ivana + Antonia Juric - How to find success through discomfort. 31:14

3y ago31:14

31:14

In this episode, we're learning how to find our success through our discomfort. Ivana and Antonia Juric are sisters and founders of Leo and Co. Bakery, an inclusive, baking company in the GTA area that specializes in delicious, handcrafted, allergen-friendly baked goods and healthier alternatives to traditional pastries and bakeshops. Growing up, I…

1
10. Calene Glousher - How to push past your limits and achieve your goals. 50:58

3y ago50:58

50:58

In this episode, we're learning how to push past our limits and achieve our goals. Calene Glousher is a certified lash tech, lash extension educator, professional makeup artist and certified nail technician. She values networking with people of all different backgrounds and building a connection with her clients. In 2019, she was working at a salon…

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09. Celina Caesar-Chavannes - How to find your voice. 42:24

3y ago42:24

42:24

In this episode, we're learning how to find our voice. Celina Caesar-Chavannes is an equity and inclusion advocate and leadership consultant, and a former Member of Parliament who served as parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and to the Minister of International Development. During her term as an MP, Celina advocated for people…

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08. Jessica Zagari - How to set yourself apart through perseverance. 37:27

3+ y ago37:27

37:27

In this episode, we're learning how to set ourselves apart through perseverance. Jessica Zagari has over 10 years of experience in Communications in the fashion and beauty industries. She's managed integrated communication strategies and programs including public relations, events, content, social media and influencer campaigns on diverse brands su…

1
07. Teri Canestraro + Sarah Singleton - How to know your worth and trust your gut. 54:41

3+ y ago54:41

54:41

In this episode, we're learning how to understand our worth and trust our intuition. Sarah Singleton & Teri Canestraro launched Females Who Side Hustle back in January 2019. A community to support, educate and empower those who hustle. Females Who Side Hustle also referred to as FWSH is rooted in having open conversations, shared experiences and ce…

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06. Rebecca Freed + Sheridan March - How to make your own way and not accept the norm. 35:16

3+ y ago35:16

35:16

In this episode, we're learning how to make our own way and not accept the norm. Rebecca Freed and Sheridan March are two best friends based in Los Angeles who are dedicated to navigating the world of beauty and wellness together. After losing their jobs during the pandemic last year, they put their heads together to launch SELFISH, a self-care des…

1
05. Victoria D'ariano - How to improve social media engagement and measure your success with Instagram. 37:29

3+ y ago37:29

37:29

In this episode, we're learning how to improve social media engagement and measure your success with Instagram. Victoria D’ariano is the epitome of true strength and dedication. She is one of the hardest working people I know and is always trying to help others. An athlete all her life, Vic swam competitively for 12 years. When she decided to stop …

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Sonia Costa Podcasts

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