How does your vote shape the future of our community? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Johnson, CEO of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, to take a closer look at two key California propositions and explore how the could impact our state and Santa Barbara. This conversation isn’t about politics, it’s about making thoughtful decisions and understanding how propositions on the ballot could shape our community tomorrow. If you are feeling ambiguous about the voting process, perhaps this conversation will provide some more clarity and inspire you to take action.

Thank you for listening! Our goal is to bring you thoughtful, thought-provoking content. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and family. I’d also be grateful if you could rate the show—hopefully with 5 stars!—on the homepage. Your feedback and comments are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks again!

Kathy Henry
Village Properties
1250 Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805-637-4400
Kathy@KathyHenry.net
DRE: 01403548

Music by Pala "Seagull Surfing". Guitar solo and rearrangement by my son, Maddox Henry.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Gocong, a former NFL linebacker whose life took an unexpected turn from the high-pressure world of professional football to the quiet, introspective space of an artist’s studio. After a career-ending injury, Chris found a new path in art, discovering surprising similarities between the intense battles on the football field and the creative process of painting.

We dive into his story of transformation—how he dealt with the mental and physical toll of head trauma, found relief in creative expression, and built a growing passion for portrait painting. Along the way, Chris shares his thoughts on resilience, mental health, and the importance of always learning new things.

This is an honest and reflective conversation about reinventing yourself, the challenges of modern life, and how art became a way for Chris to heal and evolve. Join us for a compelling dialogue that weaves together his past as a professional athlete with his present as an artist and family man.

You can view Chris’s art and find his contact at:

www.ChrisGocong.com

Or on instagram @chrisgocong

Thank you for listening! Santa Barbara is a true mecca of creativity and culture. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and family. I’d also be grateful if you could rate the show—hopefully with 5 stars!—on the homepage. Your feedback and comments are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks again!

Kathy Henry

Village Properties

1250 Coast Village Road

Santa Barbara, CA 93108

805-637-4400

Kathy@KathyHenry.net

DRE: 01403548

Music by Pala, “Seagull Surfing.” Guitar solo and rearrangement by my son, Maddox Henry.

Santa Barbara has gained a fresh creative force with the arrival of figurative artist Jansson Stegner. Having relocated from New York about five years ago, Jansson is known for his distinctive Mannerist figures and unique exploration of power and gender dynamics. His recent works now incorporate the local landscapes of Santa Barbara, marking an evolution from the imagined settings of his earlier pieces. In this episode, we uncover Jansson’s artistic journey from his roots in Minneapolis to New York, and now
to Santa Barbara.

You can explore Jansson’s work on:
• Instagram: @JanssonStegner
• Website: JanssonStegner.com
Or through the following galleries:
• Nino Mier Gallery
• Sorry We’re Closed Gallery

Thank you for listening! Santa Barbara is a true mecca of creativity and culture. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and family. I’d also be grateful if you could rate the show—hopefully with 5 stars!—on the homepage. Your feedback and comments are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks again!

Kathy Henry
Village Properties
1250 Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805-637-4400
Kathy@KathyHenry.net
DRE: 01403548

Music by Pala, “Seagull Surfing.” Guitar solo and rearrangement by my son, Maddox Henry.

Reflecting on how this podcast has evolved—what began as a side project has turned into something much more meaningful. From grit and passion to connection and community, the conversations I’ve had have truly opened my eyes to the importance of human interaction.

A recent experience gave me a firsthand look at how disconnected we’ve become, but a simple, spontaneous moment demonstrated just how transformative a small gesture—like saying hello—can be. In this episode, I’ll take you through this recent experience and why they reinforced the core message of this podcast: that life is richer when we connect, share, and engage with one another.

Join me each Tuesday as we explore these opportunities for reflection and connection. Hopefully, it will inspire you to reach out and build those same bridges whether you are living in Santa Barbara or not. Let’s grow this movement of meaningful connections together!

Thanks again!
Kathy Henry
Village Properties
1250 Coast Village Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805-637-4400
Kathy@KathyHenry.net
DRE: 01403548

Send us a text

Join us as we uncover the stories behind the places, people, and businesses that shape the beautiful city of Santa Barbara.

I'm kicking off the Funk Zone series with one of the Funk Zone's most exciting new additions: **Assemblage**—pronounced the French way. The Funk Zone is Santa Barbara’s most vibrant neighborhood for shopping, dining, and entertainment, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to one of the most unique spots to discover your next treasure.

Assemblage is more than just a vintage store—it’s a community, a philosophy, and a creative movement. Curated by visionary Henry Castelo, Assemblage brings together a dynamic mix of vintage finds, reclaimed treasures, and local art, all with a deep commitment to sustainability and storytelling. But behind the curated displays and carefully selected pieces is Henry’s own journey of transformation.

Join us as we explore how Henry changed his life and started following his passion for renewal, creativity, and connection, and how he is inspiring Santa Barbara to rethink the way we consume, create, and connect.

To get more information on or visit Assemblage:

Assemblage
111 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
https://www.instagram.com/assemblageinthefunkzone/

Thank you for listening! Santa Barbara is a true mecca of food and culture, and this podcast is just one piece of our town's diverse tapestry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and family. I’d also be grateful if you could rate the show—hopefully with 5 stars!—on the homepage. Your feedback and comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Thanks again!

Kathy Henry
Village Properties
1250 Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805-637-4400
Kathy@KathyHenry.net
DRE: 01403548

Music by Pala "Seagull Surfing". Guitar solo and rearrangement by my son, Maddox Henry.just another offering in the diverse tapestr of our town. If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and share with your friends and family. Also I would appreciate it if you could rate this show hopefully with 5 starts :-) on the home page of the show. Your comments are also very much appreciated.

Music by Pala "Seagull Surfing". Guitar solo and rearrangement by my son, Maddox Henry

Send us a text

It’s more than just the Funk Zone—it’s a story of vision, creativity, and community transformation.

In Part 1 of our series on the dynamic Funk Zone in Santa Barbara, we sit down with Sherry Villanueva, founder and managing partner of Acme Hospitality. Discover how Acme took an underutilized area of Santa Barbara and turned it into a thriving destination for arts, culture, and connection. Sherry takes us through the beginnings of this now-famous neighborhood, Acme's mission to create a unique culinary and social destination, the creation of the iconic restaurant The Lark, and the development of other beloved spots that have defined both the Funk Zone and Acme Hospitality.

Tune in for an episode filled with inspiring insights into Acme's success story and their commitment to community, excellence, integrity, originality, and hospitality.

For more information on Acme Hospitality and their establishments, please visit

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/acmehospitalitysb?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Website:
https://www.acmehospitality.com/

Restaurants:
The Lark
https://www.thelarksb.com/
Lucky Penny Puzza https://www.luckypennysb.com/
Helena Avenue Bakery
https://www.helenaavenuebakery.com/
Santa Barbara Wine Collective
https://www.santabarbarawinecollective.com/
Notary Public
http://www.acmehospitality.com/notary-public/
Pearl Social Lounge
https://www.pearlsocialsb.com/
Loquita
https://www.loquitasb.com/
La Paloma Cafe
https://lapalomasb.com/

Coming soon:
La Vaquera

Hotels:
Azure Sky
https://azureskyhotel.com/
Holbrooke Hotel
https://holbrooke.com/
National Exchange Hotel
https://www.thenationalexchangehotel.com/


Thank you for listening! Santa Barbara is a true mecca of food and culture. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and family. I’d also be grateful if you could rate the show—hopefully with 5 stars!—on the homepage. Your feedback and comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Thanks again!

Kathy Henry
Village Properties
1250 Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
805-637-4400
Kathy@KathyHenry.net
DRE: 01403548

Music by Pala "Seagull Surfing". Guitar solo and rearrangement by my son, Maddox Henry.just another offering in the diverse tapestr of our town.