New To I Heart Costa Mesa? Start Here.
Welcome to I Heart Costa Mesa! A five-year creative collaboration and labor of love on behalf of...
Read More
Author: The Mesa Maven
Holland Nielson: Zero Waste
On this episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast, we talk trash with local mom, community organizer, and zero-waste advocate – Holland Nielson. Check it out!
Read More
Lisa Castetter: Framewerk Imaging
On this episode of the podcast, we welcome Founder + CEO of the Teen Leadership Foundation, Lisa Castetter, to the studio! Castetter is paving the path to adulthood for teens aging out of Orange County foster care. Not content to just help these young adults become functional, she’s setting her sights on shaping them to become the next generation’s leaders. As part of her vision – and buoyed by her background in the apparel industry – Castetter recently launched Framewerk Imaging here in Costa Mesa. It’s a local print shop that’s employing former foster youth…
Read More
From Surf To Suits: The Grotto Menswear
Growing up, Matt Scord’s favorite suit was a wetsuit. At every opportunity, he and his best friend, Nick Meade, would break away from life at Irvine High School to hit the waves in Newport Beach. “Before we got our driver’s license, we’d take the bus,” said Scord. “But once we could drive, we spent every free moment down in Newport.” As they’d surf, they’d cook up all sorts of dreams. One was the idea of someday starting a business, together. Eventually, high school ended. Then came college, careers, marriage. But there was something from those early, saltwater days that Meade and Scord couldn’t quite shake: co-founding a brand of their own…
Read More
Just Desserts: Arenas Dream Cakes
It started as a side hustle. 13-year-old Joana made a batch of cupcakes from a boxed cake mix – and sold them, unfrosted, throughout the neighborhood for 50 cents a piece. She sold out. She made more, and sold out again. The entrepreneurial seeds were sown. Today, Joana Arenas is grown, married – and still selling cupcakes. Her confections have grown up, too. (Cupcakes are now scratch-made in a variety of flavors, fully frosted, with toppings worthy of winning any Food Network bake-off.) This is the story behind Arenas Dream Cakes, a Westside bakery…
Read More
AmeriEstate: Take On Trust
We are all about celebrating life here in Costa Mesa. But tending to our end-of-life affairs? Um, raincheck! It’s hard enough to wrap our heads around the inevitable, much less our wallets. Making financial decisions now – in preparation for old age and beyond – is an issue we’d rather avoid completely, thank you very much. That’s a common, and very human, response to the topic of wealth after death, says Greg Reese, President & CEO of Costa Mesa-based AmeriEstate Legal Plan…
Read More
Podcast Season 4: That’s A Wrap!
Can you believe it? Another season of the I Heart Costa Mesa Show podcast in the books! In this wrap-up episode, co-hosts Brandy Young and Erin Huffstutter talk about their personal takeaways from each episode in Season 4. Thank you for listening, Costa Mesa!
Read More
No Place Like Om: Home Yoga
Westside Costa Mesa has always been a dynamic part of town – but these days, it’s changing by the day. A new coffee shop, MoonGoat Coffee, recently opened. Semi Tropics Wines is in the works. Genuine Property Management just renovated a 5,000-square-foot warehouse off Placentia Ave. The hum of activity, and quickening pace of investment, runs like a soundtrack for the ‘West of Harbor’ set. Home Yoga OC – emphasis on ‘om’ – is part of this new life and livelihood infusing Westside Costa Mesa..
Read More
From TMZ to Ag3ngy: Kristin + Trevor Antunez
On this episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast: We first connected with Kristin Carter Antunez – and her husband / business partner, Trevor Antunez – when we dropped a stack of I Heart Costa Mesa stickers at their office. When we discovered the cool things they were doing across all their businesses: digital marketing at AG3NCY, broadcasting via twitch.tv, gaming representation thru BITxBIT, and custom in-ear musician monitors made at One Custom Audio – our curiosity took hold! If you’re into video games, digital media, online communities – or just love listening to how the minds of entrepreneurial people work – check out this creative, Costa Mesa couple!
Read More
Grant Broggi: The Strength Co.
On this episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast: U.S. Marine, and former White House Intern, Grant Broggi, wants to whip all Costa Mesans into shape! Broggi is the founder and owner of The Strength Co. – a strength-training gym here, off Newport Blvd., based on the Starting Strength philosophy. We talk about Broggi’s time in the military, the importance of fitness, why strength-training is for everyone, why you definitely need a standing desk – and, of course, our mutual love of Costa Mesa. You’ll feel stronger just *listening* to this episode… check it out!
Read More
Marc Perkins: Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets
On this episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast: Marc Perkins, co-founder of the Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets, wants to make Costa Mesa’s streets more walkable, bikeable and, basically, as hospitable as possible for car-free use. We talk about the current state of Costa Mesa’s streets, things that are improving – or could be improved – from his cyclist-eye view, and ways that interested Costa Mesans can get involved. If your favorite way to heart Costa Mesa is on foot, via skateboard, or by bike, you won’t want to miss this latest episode. Check it out!
Read More
Ed Lee + Wing Lam: Wahoo’s Westside Story
Costa Mesa isn’t just a great place to live, work and play – our city has served as an incubator for some of the country’s most recognizable brands. On today’s episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast, we interview brothers Wing Lam and Ed Lee about co-founding Wahoo’s Fish Taco here in Westside Costa Mesa. We talk about what it was like growing up on the Westside… plus surfing, work ethic, tacos, and so much more!
Read More
Megan + Gregory: Creative Mornings OC
On this episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast: Meet Megan Anguiano and Gregory Skinner, co-founders of Creative Mornings OC. Creative Mornings is a free, monthly, breakfast-lecture series, available to creative (all!) people throughout Orange County. In this interview, we talk about how Creative Mornings OC got started, what it’s all about, and how you can get involved in the next one and harness the power of your own creativity. Check it out!
Read More
Thomas Curran: Moving On West
When Chef Thomas Curran’s much-hyped, Costa Mesa restaurant didn’t pan out, he found himself at a fork in life’s road. Fifty, spent, and yearning to rediscover meaning – after years “head down” in the restaurant industry – he was ripe for a change. So, he shuttered Taco Brat, boxed up his stuff, and flew to the East Coast to embark on a journey few would have the courage or fortitude to take: walk across the country…
Read More
Dean Tompkins: Costa Mesa, Coffee and Cannabis
On this episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast, we catch up with our friend, Dean Tompkins, of Thunderking Coffee. Tompkins is always funny and engaging… and we’re pretty convinced he’s the guy who personally knows every single person in Costa Mesa! In this conversation, we discuss the latest happenings at his local coffee company, his love for his city and, *gulp*, the tricky issue of the newly-legalized cannabis industry. It’s a conversation unlike any we’ve had on the podcast to date…
Read More
Westside Puppy Paradise: Hydrant Pet Hotel
With the dog days of summer squarely behind us – and the busy holiday season soon to come – thoughts turn to travel, visits back home, vacations… and oh, what to do with the fur babies when we go? If your pet-care standards are as high as today’s featured Costa Mesans, we see a Hydrant in your future…
Read More
Local Magician… Brettso The Great!
On this week’s episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast, we’ve got Brett Bolich – who performs all over Southern California as local magician, Brettso The Great! In this interview, we talk about the life of a magician, our local magic scene and, of course, Costa Mesa…
Read More
Kristin Hoang: Newport Mesa Moms
On this week’s episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast, we talk about parenthood and local, family fun with blogger Kristin Hoang of NewportMesaMoms.com. Newport Mesa Moms is a local blog, covering the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach areas, featuring stories, recommendations, activities, an event calendar, and more! We cover everything – and the Brussels-sprouts pizza – in this interview. Check it out!
Read More
Gina Oddo: Center Club Orange County
On this week’s episode of the podcast, we interview Gina Oddo, Club Manager for Center Club Orange County. Center Club – based here in Costa Mesa – is a posh, private club started in 1985 by Henry T. Segerstrom. It began as a place where executive leaders could share interests, unwind, enjoy a drink, and network. These days, it’s grown to become so much more!
Read More
Chef John Park: TOAST Kitchen + Bakery
On this week’s episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast, we’ve got the 2019 Golden Foodie Awards ‘Chef of the Year’ – Chef John Park of TOAST Kitchen + Bakery – in studio to share his Costa Mesa story. Chef Park’s journey of giving and growth will leave you feeling inspired, engaged… and *totally hungry* for his delicious menu…
Read More
Anais Tangie: Cultivating Connections
On this week’s podcast episode, we’ve got Anais Tangie – owner of AT Connections – who is currently working with Triangle Square to bring more vibrancy, community, and culture to “downtown Costa Mesa.” Tangie dreams big, so come along for the ride as we imagine what the future of the city might hold in store…
Read More
Wall Flowers: Aaron Glasson’s Costa Mesa Bloom
Next time you’re driving through the part of town where Harbor Blvd. kisses 19th Street, you might notice that a heretofore nondescript bench alcove, alongside Triangle Square, has received a fresh (and refreshingly floral) coat of paint. The piece – titled ‘Costa Mesa Bloom’ – is the latest in a recent flurry of new murals to hit the City of the Arts. It’s is a beautiful, abstract, showstopper-of-a-mural – designed and painted by acclaimed artist Aaron Glasson…
Read More
Matthew Parsons: Shaka Sauce
On this episode of The I Heart Costa Mesa Show, we spice things up with Matthew Parsons – and his tight-lipped, bottle-wielding sidekick, Leo – to learn all about their local line of hot sauces. You can find Shaka Sauce in restaurants and independent markets all over Costa Mesa. Check out the episode, then give Shaka Sauce a try!
Read More
Jason Holland: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
On this first episode of a brand-new season of the podcast, we dive into the world of performing arts – here in the City of the Arts – with Jason Holland, VP of Community Engagement at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Learn all about the upcoming theater season and more FREE, local events you can enjoy on the Argyros Plaza, here in Costa Mesa…
Read More