Beyond The Fog Radio

Beyond The Fog Radio presents our most exciting episode yet: an interview with former U.S. representative and current Oakland mayoral candidate Barbara Lee, in partnership with KALW! KALW (91.7 FM) is the oldest public radio station in the Bay Area, and it hosts a program called "Bay Made" which spotlights local creators and businesses. Ben Trefny is KALW's Executive Producer, and he kindly invited us on Bay Made to record our interview with Congresswoman Lee at KALW's event space in downtown San Francisco. On January 15, in front of a live audience that included former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, Carolyn Tyler, and other community leaders, we launched into an in-depth look at Congresswoman Lee's life and career — her start in the Bay Area, her experiences in Washington D.C., and her goals as a mayoral candidate for Oakland. Many, many thanks to Ben Trefny, David Boyer, David Kwan, and Charles Lighthouse of KALW for helping us to reach a wider audience; to Congresswoman Barbara Lee for being our gracious guest; to everyone who came to the KALW event space on January 15; and to all of our listeners, partners, sponsors, and supporters! This was a tremendous occasion for us all, and we could not have made it happen without you.

Happy New Year! Thank you for supporting Beyond The Fog Radio over the past four years. We're excited to announce our new project: the Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School Podcast! Students from Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School in Bayview-Hunters Point, San Francisco, will host their own podcast, produced by Beyond The Fog Radio. The content will reflect their school experiences, and students will design the logo, website, name, and even compose their own theme music. The first episode launches Wednesday, February 19, 2025 — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Thank you for your continued support, Susan, Jae, Michaela, and our new Education Co-Host, Gregory Fischer

This year’s Holiday Special, we’re announcing our partnership with students at Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School in San Francisco. This week, we teamed up with the 6th-grade boys from Mr. Matthews’ advisory class to co-host. Jae, Michaela, and the boys sat down with Ryan Stagg, co-owner of Bernal Bakery. During COVID, Ryan and his partner Danielle Banchero baked bread at home and used a pulley system to deliver it to customers in a basket. Four years later, their pandemic project is now a thriving bakery in Bernal Heights with spots at local farmers' markets. We had a blast with Ryan, Danielle, and the students at Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School. Tune in to hear about Bernal Bakery’s journey, through the questions of our talented and bright young students. Meet Ryan Stagg — and introducing the students of Willie L. Brown Jr. Middle School! Happy Holidays!

Huckleberry Youth Programs began in 1967, as a means to protect and help troubled and runaway teenagers who would otherwise be arrested and jailed. The organization began out of Huckleberry House in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, and more than fifty years later, it has expanded north into Marin County. To address the problems that these young people face, Huckleberry starts with the individuals — learning who they really are, rather than immediately trying to put them into categories. This approach allows Huckleberry to more effectively use its resources to be a force for good. Doug Styles is the current Executive Director and CEO of Huckleberry Youth Programs. Born and raised in San Francisco, Doug wanted to understand how people interacted within an ever-growing multicultural world with an unequal distribution of resources. After over ten years at Huckleberry, Doug remains committed to helping the at-risk youth of San Francisco, Marin, and beyond. We were honored to hear Doug's story in his own words, and learn about how he continues to positively impact the lives of young people and their families. For more information about Huckleberry Youth Programs, visit www.huckleberryyouth.org Meet Doug Styles!

Foreign Cinema, a unique dining gem in San Francisco's Mission District, has delighted guests since 1999 with its California-Mediterranean cuisine and nightly outdoor film screenings. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, it also regularly hosts musicians, artists, and creatives. Co-owners and chefs Gayle Pirie and John Clark, celebrated figures in San Francisco's culinary scene, have earned multiple James Beard nominations. Their story is one of passion—for each other, San Francisco, and food. What better way to honor Foreign Cinema’s 25th anniversary than a Thanksgiving Day special with Gayle and John? Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Meet Gayle Pirie and John Clark!

In the late 1960s, as young people flocked to San Francisco, Dr. David Smith responded by opening Haight Ashbury Medical Clinics (HAMC)—the first free medical clinic in the U.S., built on the belief that health care should be a right, not a privilege. Two years later, Walter Littrell founded Walden House in the same neighborhood to support homeless youth facing substance use challenges. Today, Walden House provides mental health and addiction treatment across California, including programs within prisons and reentry services. In 2011, David and Walter combined their missions, merging HAMC and Walden House to create HealthRIGHT 360, a national model for accessible community healthcare. Tune in to hear David and Walter's powerful stories and the impactful work their organizations have done for their communities. Meet Walt Littrell and Dr. David Smith!

In the latest episode of our World of Nonprofits Series, we welcome Scott Lan, CEO of Cameron House, an organization with 150 years of history serving San Francisco’s Chinese community. Originally a girls' home protecting young Asian immigrants from the Yellow Slave Trade, Cameron House now offers services like counseling, domestic violence intervention, youth programs, leadership development, and more. With 20 years of experience in education and workforce development, Scott plays a key role in its success. Tune in to learn about his work with Cameron House and the organization’s vital place in the history of Asian immigrants in San Francisco. For more information about Scott Lan and Cameron House, please visit: https://cameronhouse.org/about-us/history/ Meet Scott Lan, CEO of Cameron House!

This week we met Dr. Pegah Faed, the newest CEO of Safe & Sound, an SF-based non-profit organization that partners with communities and families to prevent and reduce the impact of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Before joining, Pegah was Executive Director at First 5 Marin, leading efforts in policy, program development, and social change. She’s also helped shape strategies for First 5 Los Angeles. Pegah has a deep commitment to equity, having worked closely with Mayor London Breed on the "Our Children, Our Families Council." With degrees in Public Health from UC Berkeley, USC, and Loma Linda University, Pegah is dedicated to creating healthier, more just communities. Tune in to hear about the incredible work of Safe & Sound and how Pegah is helping her community thrive. For more information about Dr. Pegah Faed and Safe & Sound, visit https://safeandsound.org/ Meet Dr. Pegah Faed!

This week, we’re joined by fifth-generation San Franciscans Beth Purcell and John Kohler. Beth, influenced by SF’s hippie movement, left at 16 to live in a school bus in Oregon. She later studied midwifery and lived off-grid in Hawaii before settling in Santa Cruz. Now a well-known artist, Beth enjoys making art, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. John Kohler kept his roots closer to home. He’s spent 30 years in Bay Area education and is an active member of the SF Historical Society. Now living in Oakland, John enjoys family time, cooking, and showing friends around his home city. Tune in to hear how 5 generations of San Franciscans influenced the lives of these wonderful natives! Meet Beth Purcell and John Kohler!

Emily Winston grew up enjoying New York’s famous H&H Bagels. After moving to the Bay Area in 2010, she missed the bagels she loved and was devastated when H&H Bagels closed. Determined to recreate the bagels she longed for, Emily spent five years perfecting her recipe. Encouraged by friends and family, she eventually opened Boichik Bagels in November 2019. Since then, Emily’s bagel business has grown to six locations around the Bay Area, along with a factory, with more expansion planned. Emily takes pride in using premium, organic ingredients and ensuring her staff is well-compensated and receives full benefits. Fun fact: her first shop in Berkeley was also the original location of the Bay Area’s famous Noah’s Bagels! Tune in to this special episode where we hear about Emily’s story and how she turned an old childhood memory into the Bay Area’s newly beloved bagel. For more information about Emily and Boichik Bagels, please visit: https://boichikbagels.com Meet Emily Winston of Boichik Bagels!

This week, we invited former ABC News anchor Carolyn Tyler as a guest host to interview the Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr. about the upcoming 2024 election and the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. The Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr. is the first Black and longest-serving Speaker of the California State Assembly, and the first Black Mayor of San Francisco. He made a significant impact both in the Assembly, where he authored groundbreaking bills, and in San Francisco, where he oversaw major changes. Brown, now 90, met Kamala Harris 30 years ago when she was an Alameda County prosecutor. Vice President Harris, born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley, is one of many national leaders from the San Francisco Bay Area. Tune in as we explore why this region has produced so many influential political figures with Carolyn Tyler and Willie Brown.

We close our History of the Bay Area LGBTQ Community Series with internationally famous Drag King, Leigh Crow. A gender-bending cabaret singer, Leigh gained notoriety as the world’s first female Elvis Impersonator, Elvis Herselvis. Her 30-year performance career includes Drag shows, independent films, stage musicals, rock bands, music videos, documentaries, and performance art of every kind. Today, Crow is fulfilling a lifelong fantasy starring as Captain Kirk in the drag-heavy “Star Trek Live” at The Oasis in San Francisco. We are thrilled to finish the Bay Area LGBTQ Community Series with this living legend. Tune in for a unique take on LGBTQ History through the lens of Leigh's vibrant career. For more information about Leigh Crow, please visit: https://dragkinghistory.com/1988-present-elvis-herselvis/ Meet Leigh Crow!

Native San Franciscan Roberto Ordeñana has over 25 years of experience investing in LGBTQ communities. Previously, he was the Deputy Executive Director of the San Francisco LGBT Center, developed nationally-recognized HIV prevention initiatives with the STOP AIDS Project, and volunteered extensively on various San Francisco community boards and city commissions — including the San Francisco Arts Commission, where he served as President from 2019 to 2022. Roberto is now the Executive Director of the GLBT Historical Society, tasked with establishing a permanent home for its archives, exhibitions, and public programs. The Board of Directors believes his leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion will be pivotal in launching a capital campaign and supporting the society's mission to collect, preserve, exhibit, and make accessible materials and knowledge that promote understanding of LGBTQ history, culture, and arts in all their diversity. Beyond The Fog Radio met with Roberto at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in the Castro. There, we learned about the extensive work that he does in collecting, preserving, and exhibiting, LGBTQ history — making it more accessible so that everyone can learn from the past and carry the knowledge into the future. For more information about the GLBT Historical Society and its Museum, visit www.glbthistory.org . Meet Roberto Ordeñana!

Wally Bee and Steve Smith are two longtime members of the Oakland Gay Men's Chorus, the "Pride of the East Bay." Originally the Oakland-East Bay Gay Men's Chorus, its mission statement is "giving voice through song to a community where everyone matters." O.G.M.C., for short, has been an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit since 2006, and is a member of the Gay And Lesbian Association of Choruses. Wally joined the Chorus in the fall of 2010, and has since held multiple roles within it — including Chair of Membership & Production, Vice President, and President of the Board of Directors as of 2024. An Oakland resident for 16 years, Wally has embraced the Bay Area as his adopted home, and regularly seeks local community partners to further the mission of the chorus. In addition, he has also composed several pieces of music inspired by the love and support of O.G.M.C. Steve joined O.G.M.C. in 2006, and now serves as Governance Committee Chair, helping the Chorus craft a successful post-Pandemic revival. Outside of the Chorus, he has worked with other performing arts organizations since 1975, putting his Master's in Developmental Theater to good use. More recently, Steve served on the board of the Landmark Heritage Foundation, managing a $350K grant to improve and maintain the Berkeley City Club. Today, the Oakland Gay Men's Chorus has expanded to include bi, female, trans, nonbinary, and even straight male singers. With the help of Wally and Steve — along with its many other members — the Chorus will no doubt continue to foster community and spread Pride in Oakland and the East Bay. For more about the Oakland Gay Men's Chorus, visit www.OaklandGMC.org . Meet Wally Bee and Steve Smith!

For over two decades, Chef Tyler Florence has shared his unique culinary vision around the globe. He's trained with top chefs in NYC, hosted popular shows on the Food Network, owned multiple restaurants, received multiple Michelin Stars, and published 17 cookbooks, including his newest publication, American Grill.Florence’s influence extended to the Bay Area in 2008 with his Mill Valley kitchen retail store, The Tyler Florence Shop. In 2009, he opened his first signature restaurant, The Empire Plush Room, at the new Hotel Vertigo in SF. One year later, Florence opened Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco's Financial District and the historic El Paseo in Mill Valley. Florence also owns SF's Michelin Star restaurant, Miller & Lux.Chef Tyler Florence is a force of nature. He creates delicious meals and strives to do right by others, driven by a generous heart. Despite his tenure as a Food Network Star and his success in elevating American cuisine, Florence’s true purpose is to bring people together to enjoy, laugh, and celebrate. His natural generosity of spirit made this interview one of our favorites to date.Meet Chef Tyler Florence!

In honor of Juneteenth, we’re excited to re-release our 2020 episode with Rev. Amos Brown, President of the NAACP San Francisco Chapter and Civil Rights Leader! Also a historian, Rev. Brown shared with us his extensive knowledge of African American history in the U.S. and San Francisco's Fillmore neighborhood. Tune in to hear our fascinating discussion! For more information about Rev. Brown, please visit: https://naacp.org/people/rev-amos-brown

Barbara Tannenbaum is an award-winning journalist and author who writes essays on arts and culture for top publications like the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. She also creates content for museums such as the Oakland Museum of California and the California Academy of Sciences. Barbara once served as Vice President of the Castro District’s Rainbow Honor Walk, celebrating LGBTQ pioneer activists. An activist herself, she’s now a strategic advisor for the Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza, working to make it a welcoming community space in the Castro. Tune in to hear our inspiring conversation with Barbara about her work and the History of the Castro. For more information about Barbara, please visit: https://barbaratannenbaum.com Meet Barbara Tannenbaum!

Sister Vish-Knew is one of the founders of the Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence, a nonprofit activist organization originally based in San Francisco. Hailing from Iowa, Sister Vish-Knew produced the first Midwest Gay Pride Conference back when the entire state of Iowa had only three gay organizations, three gay bars, and two student groups. Sister Vish-Knew also formed a traveling drag performance troupe in Iowa City called the "Sugar Plum Fairies." Shortly after, Sister Vish-Knew moved to San Francisco and — together with a few other friends in nuns' habits — founded the Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence. Since then, the organization has grown worldwide, with chapters all over the world championing LGBTQ+ rights and promoting joy through activism. In May 2024, Michaela, Jae, and Susan had the privilege of speaking with Sister Vish-Knew about the origins, accomplishments, and longevity of the Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence. Meet Sister Vish-Knew!

Introducing Fog Horn, a new segment on Beyond the Fog Radio! Here, we'll share exciting new places and spotlight cultural events in the San Francisco Bay Area. For our debut, we're joined by documentary filmmaker Marlene "Mo" Morris to discuss her film "From Here/From There" (De Aquí/De Allá), premiering May 3rd, 2024, at DocLands Film Festival in San Rafael. Mo is a former BAVC MediaMaker Fellow and CINE Golden Eagle Award recipient whose award-winning work has been broadcast on networks like PBS. Mo’s background as an immigration attorney informs her unique filmmaking perspective. In "From Here/From There," Mo highlights the high-stakes urgency of immigration reform through the story of DOCCA recipient Luis Cortes Romero, whose journey ultimately leads to a victorious outcome in the Supreme Court. Welcome to Fog Horn!

This week, we feature Fred Rogers, former owner of the popular bar The Elephant Walk, along with guest host Gerard Koskovich, Historian at the GLBT Historical Society. The Elephant Walk, located in the Castro, was known for hosting disco star Sylvester in the 70’s and 80’s and serving daily brunch until 3:00 pm. It was a sanctuary as the rapidly transitioning neighborhood became a hub for the LGBTQ+ community. After Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone's assassination, The Elephant Walk became ground zero for the ensuing White Night Riot, thrusting the bar and the city of San Francisco into the national spotlight. Tune in to hear our conversation with Fred and Gerard about the Castro's history and The Elephant Walk's fascinating story during these troubling times. Meet Fred Rogers and Gerard Koskovich!

Renowned photographer Jim Marshall captured photos of the 20th Century’s most iconic musicians like Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, and many more. From famous shots on stage at major events like Woodstock, to intimate moments with second-to-none access, Marshall’s work is held in private and public museum collections worldwide. He likewise shot over 500 album covers and was posthumously awarded a Grammy for his contribution to the music industry. Marshall met his untimely death in 2010, and his legacy is preserved by his former assistant Amelia Davis and her wife Bonita Passarelli, trustees of his estate. Tune in to this incredible interview that we had with Amelia and Bonita in March 2024. To learn more about Jim Marshall, please visit: https://www.jimmarshallphotographyllc.com/

Kevin Cline originally moved to San Francisco with intentions of returning home to the South after saving money through bartending. However, he quickly fell in love with the city and decided to make it his permanent home. Despite opportunities at iconic establishments like Bix, Cline ultimately preferred a slower pace, leading him to found The Front Porch—a Southern-style restaurant in the Southern Mission neighborhood. The restaurant embodies its name, offering a welcoming and easy atmosphere where patrons are encouraged to linger as if on their own front porch. As Kevin puts it: “We are good people serving good food to good people.” Meet Kevin Cline! https://www.thefrontporchsf.com/

Debi Durst is a versatile performer, director, and producer with extensive experience in improv, theater, and comedy. She’s best known for work in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and has acted with Marin Shakespeare Company, earning her the 2015 BATCC Award. As a proud SF native, Debi successfully renamed the location of Comedy Day in Golden Gate Park to Robin Williams Meadow in 2017. Debi is also a huge SF Giants fan. Will Durst's multifaceted career spans columns, books, radio, TV, acting, voiceovers, and stand-up comedy. He’s renowned for his outrageous wit as one of the nation's top political satirists, being praised by The New York Times as "possibly the best political comic in the country.” Will currently writes a syndicated humor column for various publications including The San Francisco Chronicle, Esquire, and The New York Times. In 2006, Will teamed up with political icon Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. to co-host the award-winning Will & Willie Show. Starting as a weekly radio talk show, the Will & Willie Show has evolved into periodic podcasts, TV, and radio talk shows from iconic venues in San Francisco, featuring insightful and entertaining commentary on the day's news, delivered live and off the cuff by Will and Willie. In December 2022, Jae and Susan had a great time chatting with Debi and Will Durst. Tune in to our hilarious conversation about comedy, politics, baseball and animation. You won’t want to miss hearing from these comedy legends.

Sobia A. Shaikh is a San Francisco-based fashion, travel, and lifestyle Social Media Influencer and Digital Content Creator. She blends her advertising and fashion design background with a passion for cooking, food, and travel, and works with top clients like Valentino, Orlane Paris, and Nestlé. Sobia regularly collaborates with clients in New York and Paris, but stays rooted in her love for San Francisco, where she resides with her husband and two children. Sobia moved to San Francisco to work in fashion with a custom clothing and handbag business after receiving a degree in Advertising & Photography from the National College of Arts in Lahore, Pakistan, her home country. Today, she graces the cover of San Francisco Magazine's latest Fashion Issue, and we are thrilled to share her story. For more information about Sobia, please visit: www.shaikhenandstirred.com Meet Sobia A. Shaikh!

At over 90 years old, Everett Brandon is still an active force for change. After earning a Juris Doctor degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, Everett moved to San Francisco to participate in the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. This immersive program provided him with valuable internships with various San Francisco City departments and institutions. Soon, he embarked on a journey with the NAACP as a field Secretary for the West Coast Region. In the early 1960s, he founded PACT (Plan of Action for Changing Times), a still-thriving non-profit that aids minority students in pursuing college and discovering new career paths. Everett also served as former Public Affairs Officer for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and was Vice-Chair on the Marin City Community Service District Board. In celebration of his 90th birthday, the Marin County Board of Supervisors awarded Everett an official commendation for his activism. Everett is a lifelong civil rights leader, and we were honored to hear how he joyfully continues to serve others in the Bay Area and beyond. Meet Everett Brandon!

George Frederick Gund IV is the President of Gund Real Estate Group and trustee of the George Gund Foundation, and a native San Franciscan. Beyond his professional roles, George finds solace and purpose as a nature photographer, using his lens to bridge people with the roots of real food. Hailing from the Gund Family's legacy in the food industry, George is deeply invested in cultivating this connection. In his trustee role for the family foundation, dedicated to enhancing human well-being and societal progress, George is on a mission to make a meaningful impact in his grandfather's hometown of Cleveland and beyond. What we found most impressive about George is his belief that wealth comes with a responsibility to actively contribute. He doesn't just advocate for donations; he advocates for sleeves rolled up, hands-on service to benefit everyone. Tune in to hear more about George’s incredible work. Meet George Gund IV!

Lori Augustine is the Vice President of the San Francisco International Airport Hub for United Airlines — the first woman to hold this position. She is responsible for the safety and execution of all operations at United's premier international gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Lori served as United’s Vice President of airport operations domestic line stations, in which she was responsible for overseeing all of United's non-hub domestic airports. Lori was recognized in 2023 by the San Francisco Business Times as the Bay Area's most respected and successful LGBTQ+ leader with the Business of Pride Outstanding Voices Award. She is also a founding member of the Western chapter of uIMPACT, United's business resource for women. Upon meeting Lori, one instantly recognizes a leader: strong in presence, yet kind, patient, and sincere. We were honored to meet her at SFO to learn about her meteoric rise and the legacy that she continues to create for those who follow. Meet Lori Augustine!

Adrian Burrell is a rising media artist, storyteller, and writer. His upcoming book "Sugarcane and Lightning" is a visual story of his family’s journey from Louisiana to Oakland during the Great Migration. Using photography, film, installation, and experimental media, Burrell’s work delves into issues of race, class, and intergenerational dynamics through collective storytelling. A thoughtful, intelligent, and warm young man, Adrian’s work is receiving well-deserved attention from organizations like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and San Francisco Magazine — for which he was the December issue’s cover star! Please enjoy our interview with Adrian, recorded on his grandmother’s porch this January. Meet Adrian Burrell!

Welcome to Season 8 of Beyond the Fog Radio! We start our first series, Local Heroes, with poet, writer, media producer, and activist Nina Serrano. Born during the Great Depression in New York City’s Latino and immigrant communities, Nina’s deep appreciation for these cultural connections profoundly shaped her life. Along with a background in theater, anthropology, and international peace activism, Nina's career is a profound blend of the arts and Latinx-American human rights activism. Nina has published award-winning poetry collections and produced TV, plays, and films in the U.S. and Cuba. While raising her family, she taught writing and theater classes and still holds storytelling workshops in senior centers and elementary schools in the Bay Area. Nina's commitment to human rights, peace, and social justice is evident in her creative work, which always seeks to inspire change, courage, and deeper love. Check out Season 7, Episode 3, where we interview Nina’s children, Valerie and Greg Landau. Meet Nina Serrano!

Peter Quartaroli is the proud owner of the classic San Francisco seafood restaurant Sam’s Grill. Founded in 1867 by Irishman and oyster farmer Michael Bolan Moraghan, Sam's Grill is the fifth oldest restaurant in the country. Originally called “M. B. Moraghan’s,” the restaurant featured a classic San Francisco menu with Moraghan’s oysters as its headliner. It was later renamed Sam's Grill by owner Sam Zenovich, a change that has endured for over 100 years. Sam’s Grill has always maintained its beloved seafood specialty despite its many owners. Also an actor and producer, Peter is the heart behind the restaurant’s status as a traditional gathering place for San Francisco's iconic figures. His warm and charming personality ensures that every visitor feels like the most important person in the room. Thanks to Peter, Sam's Grill remains a cherished "clubhouse" for local SF legends. For more information about Sam’s Grill, please visit the restaurant website. Meet Peter Quartaroli of Sam’s Grill!

Have you ever wanted to know what being a firefighter is like? In this week’s episode, we learn about the San Francisco Fire Department from two delightful, socially dedicated firefighters: Michie Wong and Shon Buford. A retired Fire Marshal, Michie took SFFD to a new level of security and sustainability. With keen expertise in code interpretation and intracity collaboration, Michie's work was a beacon for urban accessibility and safety. Shon Buford has a hand in social impact for SFFD as Assistant Deputy Chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He’s also the first African-American President of the Firefighter's Union and was the Captain of Engine 25, which happens to be where we had our interview! Learning from Michie and Shon was a joy. They love their work so much that we felt inspired to join the Fire Department ourselves. We hope you feel the same after tuning in this week. Meet Michie Wong and Shon Buford!

This week, we explore the esteemed lives and careers of Joanne Hayes-White and Greg Suhr, two San Francisco natives and long-time friends with a deep and impactful commitment to their communities. Joanne, the first female and longest-serving Chief of the San Francisco Fire Department, championed diversity and inclusion by notably increasing the representation of women and minorities in her department. She values motherhood as her greatest life accomplishment. Greg, a 4th generation San Franciscan and lifelong rugby player, served as the 42nd Chief of Police for the San Francisco Police Department, emphasizing youth empowerment through mentorship and education. Even in retirement, he remains dedicated to uplifting the city's youth. His rugby passion remains just as strong. We had the pleasure of interviewing Joanne and Greg on the SF Embarcadero this October. Tune in to hear about the lives and legacies of these exceptional San Franciscans. Meet Joanne Hayes-White and Greg Suhr!

Doug Dalton is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Future Bars, a venture that has restored 12 of San Francisco’s historic bars, making them into some of the top venues for the city’s vibrant cocktail culture. With locations like Bourbon & Branch, a Prohibition Era speakeasy turned password-required bar & lounge with its very own cocktail class, Doug beautifully captures the spirit of each sophisticated thematic bar experience through a love of history and entertainment. An eclectic entrepreneur, Doug has also had careers at tech companies like Sprint and Netscape as Lead Engineer, and at cosmetics companies like Gloss.com and Estée Lauder as Chief Technology Officer. Wherever he goes, Doug adds vitality and prosperity to the world around him. We are thrilled to share our conversation with him at his newest Future Bars location, the Dawn Club. Meet Doug Dalton!

This week, we interviewed the quintessential San Francisco sibling duo, Greg and Valerie Landau. Greg is a music and video producer, educator, and historian with 8 Grammy-nominated albums. Valerie, a Harvard-trained expert, specializes in innovative teaching and AI-infused education tools. Their lives were shaped by the influential 1960s and 70s in San Francisco as they grew up in The Mission District and Noe Valley. As children of poet-activist Nina Serrano and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Saul Landau, Greg and Valerie were influenced by the city’s political upheaval as it became one of the most progressive cities in the U.S. Their parents' dedication to humanitarian causes like the civil rights, anti-Vietnam War, pro-choice, and gay rights movements, left an indelible mark on Greg and Valerie. These values continue to shape their work in education and the arts, and we’re eager to share their stories with you on Beyond the Fog Radio. Meet Valerie and Greg Landau! Learn more about Greg Landau at https://greglandau.com/mystory Learn more about Valerie Landau at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_Landau Learn more about Nina Serrano at https://estuarypress.com/nina-serrano-homepage/ Learn more about Saul Landau at https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/12/arts/saul-landau-maker-of-films-with-leftist-edge-dies-at-77.html

Wendy Shew, a San Francisco native with immigrant parents from China, is the founder and Executive Director of the international non-profit organization Building Education (BE). The loss of Wendy's mother early in life motivated her 25-year journey in social impact work. After an early career in aviation, she embarked on a six-year global journey where she taught in rural Thailand and mentored girls in India. Wendy founded BE in 2017 to aid earthquake-affected schools in Nepal, rebuilding four schools and supporting over 600 students. BE has also brought water systems and energy to impoverished communities, initiated a hydroponics project, and aims to uplift rural villages in collaboration with local partners. Aside from her philanthropic work, Wendy is an ultramarathon runner, mountain trekker, fashion enthusiast, and model. Her lifelong inspiration is her father, whose resilience in the face of single parenthood taught Wendy grace, courage, and a strong work ethic. For more information about Wendy and Building Education, please visit: https://www.bebuildingeducation.org/ Meet Wendy Shew!

Have you ever wondered what it was like to grow up in the 1920s? Our guest this week knows, as she was born in 1923! Anne Marie Bosque Collins was a mother of nine children, an SFUSD primary grade teacher, and a San Francisco Native. Anne’s childhood days were spent in the avenues of the Sunset/Parkside District where she played street hockey, rode go-karts, slid down the sand dunes, and watched the construction of new houses. The Prohibition, Great Depression, and World War II shaped her coming of age. After graduating from San Francisco College for Women, Lone Mountain, Anne married T. Gregory Collins. She raised their 9 children and grandchildren through the many cultural phases of San Francisco, embracing every moment along the way. Her children’s friends became her friends, and she was the first person with whom everyone wanted to share their good news. Anne adored dancing, spending time with children, and continually learning about people around her. In her retirement, she spent time in Europe and joined the Peace Corps. She embodied life-long learning and an open-minded San Francisco spirit. On August 1st, after 100 years of life in the city of her birth, Anne Marie passed away quietly at home. We feel so lucky to have been able to learn from her before she died and will treasure our interview for a long time to come. This episode is a tribute to her. In memory of Anne Marie Bosque Collins April 1923 — August 2023

Our guest is on the cover of San Francisco Magazine’s STYLE issue this week— and for a good reason. Rachel Skelly is the Creative Director and visionary behind CAST Jewelry, a fine jewelry company with a mission to revolutionize the jewelry shopping experience. Through uniquely designed packages and colorful creations, CAST inspires and captivates its customers. Rachel's success at CAST Jewelry stems from her graphic design background and experience in leading multiple start-ups. She and her Co-Founder, Eric Ryan, craft a well-designed customer experience and collaborate with female jewelry designers and artisans worldwide to carve out CAST's niche in the fine jewelry market. CAST Jewelry can be found in Marin County’s Corte Madera shopping center. For more information about CAST Jewelry, please visit: https://castjewelry.com/pages/about-us Meet Rachel Skelly!

Lina Ghanem is the Founder and Director of Saba Grocers Initiative, a non-profit that sources fresh produce from marginalized farmers in Northern California and delivers it to underserved neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area. Funded by the State of California Soda Tax, the initiative partners with African American and Arab immigrant corner store owners to provide affordable fresh produce to their communities, countering the prevalence of unhealthy items like cigarettes, alcohol, chips, and soda. We were honored to sit down with Lina to learn about her inspiring organization. Tune in to hear how Saba Grocers Initiative is continuing to expand its impact on the Bay Area’s corner store communities! Meet Lina Ghanem! For more information about Lina and Saba Grocers Initiative, please visit: https://sabagrocers.org/about/

This week we’re breaking from our Health, Wellness, Food, and Drink Series to present a captivating special episode with Joe Goode — an exceptional choreographer, educator, writer, director, and actor. He is also a revered master teacher whose summer workshops and teaching residencies attract artists worldwide. Joe is the Founder of Joe Goode Performance Group, a critically acclaimed, globally touring dance and theater company. Through Joe Goode Performance Group, Joe crafts pieces that effortlessly weave dance, spoken word, music, and visual art. His latest creation, "As We Go," delves deep into the complexities of aging — embracing middle and older age, life, and mortality with profound beauty and sensitivity. The performance is currently running at the SF Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. For more information about Joe Goode and his latest work, please visit: https://joegoode.org/ Meet Joe Goode!

We close our series on Health, Wellness, Food, and Drink very fittingly with Dr. Brad Jacobs, an MD, integrative and functional medicine doctor, and Founder of BlueWave Medicine. He is a renowned leader in the fields of integrative medicine and corporate health and is a seasoned physician, educator, and health innovator. As the Executive Director of BlueWave Medicine, Dr. Jacobs focuses on preventative care by merging conventional medicine with bodywork, acupuncture, massage, psychotherapy, yoga, personal training, health coaching, and more. Simply put, he goes beyond traditional symptom relief to find the root cause of his patients’ dis-ease, empowering them to regain sustainable balance in their lives. We were thrilled to be able to hear about his work, as he is revolutionizing Western medicine for the betterment of humankind. For more information about Dr. Brad Jacobs and BlueWave Medicine, please visit: https://www.bluewavemedicine.com/brad-jacobs-md-mph Meet Dr. Brad Jacobs!

Hooman Khalili, an artist, filmmaker, and former radio talk show host from the Bay Area, is creating murals in Israel to support Iranian women as they protest the violence and arrests that they are facing by their government. He has created five beautiful murals across Israel and one in the United States; his goal is 18 in total. Born in Iran and raised in San Mateo, California, Hooman has had a successful career in film, including voicing a character in the movie Cars and working as a morning radio talk show host for Alice Radio 97.3 FM. Hooman also worked for the Sarah and Vinnie morning show, conducting red carpet interviews at events like the MTV Awards, the Grammies, and the Sundance Film Festival. He is the creator of OLIVE, the first full-length feature film shot entirely on an iPhone. It received critical acclaim and qualified for the Academy Awards. To learn more about Hooman Khalili and his incredible global mural project, please visit: www.hooman.tv Meet Hooman Khalili!

More yoga, please! Moryoga is the hub for all things yoga by David Moreno, the internationally renowned yoga professional with over three decades of teaching experience. David offers weekly online and in-person classes, one-on-one sessions, somatic fitness, mentorship, and teacher training. With a dance background, a passion for music, a sense of humor, and a deep commitment to student well-being, David has become a beloved yoga instructor worldwide. He hosts global retreats of day- and week-long durations, beautifully merging meditation and diverse yoga styles into his transformative programs. David lives in a Sausalito houseboat with his partner Bill and teaches yoga in Berkeley. His daily practice revolves around happiness and mindfulness. We're excited to share our conversation with him in this week’s episode! For more information about David Moreno, please visit: https://moryoga.com/ Meet David Moreno!

Ben Davis is the CEO and Founder of Illuminate, a non-profit that illuminates the San Francisco Bay Area with light-based public art. Established in 2011, Illuminate first collaborated with artist Leo Villareal to create The Bay Lights, a 1.8-mile-wide light sculpture on the Bay Bridge. The project gained immense popularity, generating half a billion media impressions and boosting the regional economy by over $100 million annually. Illuminate has continued to thrive as it creates art installations that celebrate San Francisco's pride. Ben and his non-profit’s work honors both the city and country's history with tributes to Harvey Milk, George Flloyd, Juneteenth, Pride Month, the Summer of Love, and more, all spreading messages of love and hope to millions of people through the brilliance of light. Ben will be honored on July 22nd at an event hosted by San Francisco Magazine to showcase the city’s resilience under pressure during challenging times. For more information about Illuminate, please visit: https://illuminate.org/ Meet Ben Davis!

ZAK WILLIAMS is the co-founder and CEO of the mental health company Prepare Your Mind (PYM), which he established with his wife Olivia June Williams. When Zak lost his father, Robin Williams, to suicide, his own mental health struggles went into overdrive. The work Zak and his wife did to restore his mental health then fueled the couple’s desire to help others with their mental wellness. For two years, Zak and Olivia worked with food scientists and neuroscientists to develop safe, natural and effective mental wellness supplements that help “prepare your mind” to produce the naturally occurring neurotransmitters that help you feel like yourself. Zak is also an active mental health advocate, working with nonprofits and professionals in order to help our society integrate mental hygiene practices into daily life. Through PYM, Zak promotes self-care while working to end the stigma around mental health. For more information about Zak Williams and PYM, please visit: youcanpym.com --- DR. RAGHU APPASANI is a first-generation Indian-American integrative psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neuroscientist, mental health advocate, author, social entrepreneur, and amateur chef. He is the founder of The Minds Foundation, an NGO in India that fosters and advocates for mental wellness and accessibility worldwide. He is also at the forefront of mental health research, as he is currently an Addiction Psychiatry Fellow at the University of California San Francisco, where he and his team treat mental illness using psilocybin. He has also completed the MAPS MDMA Psychotherapy Program as a Health Equity Scholar. Dr. Appasani goes outside of the norm for doctors in his field, meeting his patients where they are (quite literally) to make very comprehensive assessments. From living situations, daily practices, personal history, and more, Dr. Appasani learns all aspects of who his patients are, and guides them in developing slow but life-changing habits that bring them out of mental crisis and into sustainable stability. Raghu is a one-of-a-kind human being. He is dedicated to transforming mental health on a global scale, one human at a time. For more information about Dr. Raghu Appasani, please visit: raghuappasani.com --- ANDREJ HOSTYNEK is a sound healer and artist working at the Living Edge. Andrej’s Living Edge is the interface where the manmade meets the wild, and where the feral and transitional commune with and influence the fullest possible spectrum between the wild and the domestic. Through the boundless modalities of sound, touch, and movement, Andrej seeks to be both a bridge and an ambassador towards the symbiotic and mutual appreciation in our current culture of competition and hyper-polarization. Andrej was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995 and has since been navigating his own cycling emotional and mental health challenges through the direct experience of measurable healing, while simultaneously developing his own healing arts and movement practices. Sound, touch, and movement have opened the portals and pathways to the playground, the classroom, the laboratory, and the sanctuary of nature as part of Andrej’s lifelong healing journey. For more information about Andrej Hostynek, please contact: [email protected]

Chef Mourad Lahlou is an award-winning chef, restaurant owner, cookbook author and winner of Food Network’s 2009 Iron Chef America. Hailing from Morocco, Mourad’s cuisine is inspired by his mother’s traditional Moroccan recipes and his many childhood visits to the markets with his grandfather. He has opened 3 restaurants in the United States, the second, Aziza, being the first Moroccan restaurant in the country to receive a Michelin Star. His current and eponymous restaurant, Mourad, showcases the newest evolution of his culinary technique, featuring modern dishes with seasonal California-sourced ingredients that references his Moroccan heritage. It received a Michelin Star within a year of opening. Chef Mourad grew up eating every meal with his family. To him, meal time is family time, and his food reflects this loving intimate relationship exquisitely. Mourad Lahlou is a humble, kind and welcoming person. He loves the food from his roots and loves to share his cooking with all. Please enjoy this wonderful interview! For more information about Chef Mourad, please visit: https://www.mouradsf.com/our-restaurant/ Meet Chef Mourad Lahlou!

Josh Donald is the Owner and Co-Founder of Bernal Cutlery, a specialty knife store and service shop in San Francisco’s Mission District. Josh and his wife Kelly Kozak started out sharpening knives in the back of an apartment as a way for the new, broke parents to make ends meet. Today, they have a dedicated crew of unique and knife-savvy individuals with a beautiful store front. Bernal Cutlery carries everything from refurbished antique and vintage knives to handmade culinary knives from around the world. Their passion for cooking goes beyond the blade, too, as they offer an ever-growing collection of cookbooks, pantry items, kitchen tools, and specialty food. They even teach classes on knife techniques and sharpening skills. We were thrilled to learn about the niche world of culinary knives and are proud to help bolster this wonderful small business’ visibility in our beloved city. If you love cooking and culinary knives, then this episode is for you. Enjoy! Meet Josh Donald of Bernal Cutlery! For more information about Bernal Cutlery, please visit: https://bernalcutlery.com/

This week, we wrap up our OGs & Young Guns Series with Amelia Ashley-Ward and Evan Ward, the owners and publishers of Northern California’s oldest Black newspaper, the Sun-Reporter. The paper was founded in 1944 by Thomas C. Fleming and Dr. Carlton Goodlett to give a voice to the growing population of African-Americans in the Bay Area. It quickly became a beacon for Civil Rights activism, and served as a waypoint for prominent Black figures like Malcom X, Muhammad Ali, and the Black Panthers. Even young political figures like Jerry Brown, Willie Brown, and Art Agnos found counsel and inspiration there. An award-winning journalist herself, Amelia has carried on Dr. Goodlett’s tradition with great pride and success. Through the Sun-Reporter, she’s found unique ways to give exposure to the new generation of leaders in the Bay Area’s Black community, helping them improve and enrich countless lives. She intends to pass this important work onto the next generation, as she is now teaching her sons to run the business. We felt that Amelia and Evan closed this OGs & Young Guns Series perfectly, and we hope you think so, too! Meet Amelia Ashley-Ward and Evan Ward! For more information about the Sun-Reporter, please visit: www.thesunreporter.com

This episode of our OGs and Young Guns Series features three incredibly driven and culturally-minded filmmakers: Sophie Constantinou, Sam Ball, and Osinachi Ibe. Sophie and Sam are two of the three Founders of Citizen Film, a non-profit documentary production company in SF. They create compelling documentary stories that bring communities together to engage with each other’s cultures. Osinachi Ibe is an SF-based Nigerian-American Filmmaker who creates intimate, feminine portraits that meditate on the complexities of the spirit, heart, and the divine. She is the current Filmmaker in Residence at SF Film and manages the Mill Valley Film Festival’s equity and inclusion program Mind the Gap. We felt very lucky to hear Sophie, Sam and Osinachi’s inspiring stories. Listen in to get to know them more! Meet Sophie Constantinou, Sam Ball, and Osinachi Ibe! For more information about Citizen Film, please visit: https://citizenfilm.org/about For more information about Osinachi Ibe, please visit: https://www.osinachiibe.com/about

In this unique episode of our OGs & Young Guns series, we invited renowned poets Nia McAllister and Tureeda Mikell to interview EACH OTHER about their experiences as literary artists! The two met at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), a contemporary art museum that celebrates Black culture through a global lens. Nia is the Senior Public Programs Manager at MoAD, and Tureeda recently completed her residency with the museum’s exceptional Poet-in-Residence program. Nia is also a writer and environmental justice advocate working at the intersection of art, activism, and public engagement. Tureeda is a Griot Story Medicine Woman, activist, Qi Gong Energy Therapist, and lyricist; she is the author of "Synchronicity: The Oracle of Sun Medicine." These women are both amazingly intelligent and thoughtful, and we were thrilled to listen to their compelling stories and dialogue as flies on the wall. Meet Nia McAllister and Tureeda Mikell! For more information about Nia, please visit: https://www.niamcallister.com/ For more information about Tureeda, please visit: https://dpwc2020.com/mikell/