Advertise on podcast: Central Valley Podcast

We only recorded this episode because we finally had a babysitter for both kids… and realized we haven’t actually sat down and talked, like really talked, since our Christmas baby was born. Two under two will humble you. In this episode, we catch up in real time. We talk about what going into labor was actually like, how life has shifted since adding another little human to the mix, and why we’re (probably) done having kids. We also cover how Duffy got skinny, what the future of the podcast looks like, and the wild fact that I truly never thought I’d still be doing this show five years later. It’s chaotic. It’s honest. It’s sleep-deprived.And it’s probably the most “us” episode we’ve done in a while

This episode gets a little… Stranger than usual. We’re joined by Phoenix for one of the most unhinged and hilarious conversations we’ve had yet. We dressed up as Steve, Dustin, and Will from Stranger Things and basically let Phoenix run the show. We somehow end up breaking down what 6–7 actually is, what adults really do all day, and Phoenix gives us his brutally honest take on taxes, mortgages, and why all of it is trash. We also talk Stranger Things, Santa Claus, growing up, and the kind of logic only an 8-year-old can confidently stand on. Pure chaos, accidental wisdom, and a solid reminder to not take life too seriously.

This week it’s just me, catching y’all up on what life has been like lately and a recap of this year. I talk about opening the studio, feeling more down than usual this year, and just moving slower overall. I even talk about how I became a retired teachers.. lol andwanted to find financial security for my family. I discussed sticking with my dreams, not giving up, and double downing on everything. I also touched on the new baby Ozzy coming this December, my retainer clients, and what it’s been like running the studio when things get tough. There’s a little Merced Mall update and shout out, some AI talk, and where my head’s at going into 2026 with personal goals and the new idea I have for the podcast. Plus a big THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER SUPPORTED ME. I truly appreciate everyone still rocking with me through all of it. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by Hushee, the founder of Joy Tea Bar, a mobile pop-up tea stand that’s been serving up handcrafted matcha, chai, and fruit teas all around the Merced area. In just their first year, they’ve built a solid following and a real sense of community. We talk about how Joy Tea Bar got started, what it’s been like diving into entrepreneurship, and what the whole journey means to her. It’s a great convo about chasing your passion and the power of building something that brings people together. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠ Dapper Man (209) 285-2424⁠https://dapper-man.com/⁠@dapperman_centralvalley Be Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott Livesay Valley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350⁠https://www.valleyperformancept.com/⁠ Trans County Title ⁠https://www.transcountytitle.com/⁠ Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshop Cal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Marine Corps veteran and author Matthew Brunnemann to talk about his time serving in Afghanistan and the story behind his book WAR BUSINESS: The Hired Guns of Helmand Province. Matthew spent over 500 days on the frontlines in Helmand Province, one of the most dangerous regions of the war, where every acre was fought for and every mission came at a cost.We dive into his experiences in combat, the brotherhood forged in war, and the lasting impact of those deployments on his life after the Marines. His book isn’t about glory or romanticized heroism. It is a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to be a modern warrior, the sacrifices that come with it, and the struggle of finding meaning once the fight is over. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by Eddie, the owner and founder of My Guy Market, a New York bodega-style sandwich shop right here in Fresno, CA. We catch up on life and business, talk about the trip to New York I won with him and his business partner Floyd, and share stories like old friends do. This is Eddie’s second time on the podcast, and it was great connecting again with a fellow entrepreneur I really relate to. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

This week, we sit down with musical artist and rapper Danny V for a deep dive into his journey. From his roots in Watsonville to making big moves in the music scene. We talk about his recent oldies-inspired hit "My Baby", what growing up in Watsonville truly means to him, and the special role East Lake has played in his life. Danny also shares how he linked up with the Underdawgs, the creative energy behind their work, and what’s next on his horizon. If you’re a fan of authentic stories, hometown pride, and music that blends heart with hustle, this one’s for you. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

This week I sat down with Brian Boucher, owner of Midstate CrossFit and former flight paramedic, to talk about the upcoming Raz N Health Fitness Festival going down September 20th at The Tarmac in Atwater. If you don't know its a fitness event where you run through historic planes at Castle Air Museum.We also dive deep into Merced, the changes happening, what it could be, and how we build a stronger, more connected community. Somewhere along the way, we break down why everything in life is just Applebee’s if you really think about it. This episode has fitness, nostalgia, small-town dreams, and Raz N Health. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

On this episode, we sat down with Jaron, the founder of Dustbowl Champion. They are a dark wave band from Clovis, CA. They're currently on their Law and Order Tour, hitting cities across the U.S. with their goth vibe and moody sound. We talked about how the band came to be, what inspires his music, and the current state of music and concerts . We also had to get into Jaron’s love for the Yankees and all things Aaron Judge. We also talked about his signature bass guitar that has become a staple of the band. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Malachi to talk about his journey through music and life. We dive into how he’s accomplished so much in such a short time, the battles we face within ourselves, and what it was like performing on NPR’s Tiny Desk. He shares what he’s learned from being around artists like LaRussell, how he views the world, and why his love for Merced runs deep. Check out this real, grounded conversation with one of the Valley’s most honest voices. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I chop it up with Stockton’s own Daddex — rapper, dad, and real one. We get into his story: coming up in music, choosing sobriety, balancing fatherhood, and what it really means to rep the Central Valley. It’s honest, it’s raw, and it’s a reminder that growth isn’t always pretty—but it’s worth it. We talk about how far the 209 has come, the grind behind the bars, and why doing it for your fam hits harder than anything else. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Lindsey Diele, to talk about two wild things we’ve taken on lately: building out Studio 99 from scratch and her running 200 miles from LA to Vegas as part of The Speed Project. We dive into the behind-the-scenes of launching a creative space from the ground up, the challenges of starting a business as a couple, and the mindset it takes to push your body 200+ miles through the desert. Lindsey opens up about what motivated her to take on one of the most grueling endurance races in the world, what she learned along the way, and how it’s shaped her perspective on life, limits, and legacy. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by Dustin and Darcey—two UC Merced students and the some of the founders of Merdead Entertainment.( @merdead  @dustinxmyhre @alex.darcyyy)We actually just crossed paths about a week ago, and I’ve always wanted to have someone from UC Merced on the podcast, so the timing felt right. These two are building something really different out here and wanted to change the narrative of the Merdead culture. From throwing events, creating space for artists, and pushing the culture forward in a town that doesn’t always get that kind of energy.We talk about how Merdead started, what it’s like being students while trying to run something real, and just got to know more about Dustin and Darcy's view on the area. Good convo with two people doing the work and repping something new in the Valley.The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

This week, we’re kickin’ it with Offline Comedy!It's a stand-up comedy show that’s poppin’ up all over the Central Valley in the weirdest, dopest spots you can imagine.(@offlinecomedy @andrewnosrati @marcuspeverill)Started by Stand Up Comedian Andrew Nosrati, Offline Comedy throws secret shows in places like laundromats, laser tag arenas, bookstores, and most recently… our studio. No phones. No livestreams. Just real people, real jokes, and real vibes. But Andrew didn’t build it alone. His right-hand man, Marcus Pevrill, has been riding shotgun since the early days. Stand-up comic, hype man, and the dude who’s helped turn these off-the-grid shows into something the whole Valley’s talkin’ about. The Dopest Sponsors: M-Mig Construction(209) 724-9488 ⁠⁠mmigconstruction.com⁠⁠Dapper Man (209) 285-2424https://dapper-man.com/@dapperman_centralvalleyBe Junk Free Merced (Junk Removal Service)(209)-233-1519Scott LivesayValley Performance Physical Therapy (209) 626-5350https://www.valleyperformancept.com/Trans County Title https://www.transcountytitle.com/Vanessa's Ice Cream Shop710 Carol Ave, Merced & 7010 Walnut Ave Winton @vanessasicecreamshopCal Central [email protected]

In this episode of the Central Valley Podcast, I sit down with Shamoot Kishore, a Senior Agent at Redfin and debut author of Wonderland. Shamoot and I first connected a few years ago on Instagram when he shared a fascinating remote viewing experiment with me, sparking ongoing discussions about conspiracy theories. Now, we’re finally bringing those conversations to the podcast! In this four-hour episode, we dive deep into topics like JFK, the Moon landing, 9/11, and much more. Fun fact—the last hour is actually a segment from the middle due to some audio issues we had to work around. Thanks for tuning in this season and for all your support!