The Happiest Place in America Podcast: Happiness |

I hope you enjoy this fun interview I did with Blake Andrews of SLOtography for our Happiness is Art month. Find out how this local boy first found his calling for photography serendipitously after winning a Kodak camera at 16 from a McDonald's Monopoly Scratcher in the newspaper (ironically a place he was never allowed to go). From there his business has taken off and SLO couldn't be a luckier place to have someone like Blake around to take all those light, fun, and beautiful pictures of local events, our beautiful surrounding scenery, and to be available to us to help capture our special occasions.   To hire or hang out with Blake, visit him at his at his awesome studio on Broad St., caddy corner from the Lincoln Deli. He would love for you to stop by and say "hello". Tell him you heard him on the Happiest Place in America Podcast. And to reach him virtually, find him at all the links below.    E-mail Instagram Facebook   Local Recommendations: Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Open Space Cambria Pines Harmony Cayucos San Simeon Beach Montana de Oro SLO Pride Festival Lincoln Market & Deli Whalebird Kombucha The Refinery Salon   Local Art & Music Recommendations: Utility Box Art Project Art After Dark via dei Colori (formerly known as I Madonnari) Concerts in the Plaza Fremont Theater   Local Artists to Check Out: James Lester - photographer Dustin Wise - videography   Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy!  The post PODCAST: Happiness is Art and Blake from SLOtography appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

Driving along Madonna Rd. you might notice nothing but urban development. But if you look a little closer, tucked way back behind the strip mall, you will see 28 acres of agricultural land. This is SLO City Farm, land that the City of San Luis Obispo has protected from urban development in an effort to maintain agricultural production and educational programs. Central Coast Grown is the local non-profit that manages this land and promotes this mission.   I'm excited to bring your this interview with Central Coast board member Steven Marx as a belated bonus episode to our food month in July. We talked to many local food artisans in July who were all very adamant that we support our local farmers and food systems. Central Coast Grown's main mission is to just that. Steven and I discuss in depth how modern day society is separated and alienated from their connection to food, from cooking and eating to buying and growing due to the agricultural industrial system. There is a need to reinvigorate small farming and connect the general public to these processes.    This need exists for many reasons but I want to leave you with a quote from Steven that highlights the importance these processes have for our happiness. "We live in a culture that is so consumer oriented and the consumer is really divorced from the producer, and that means that the product and the reward is just half there really in its essence because it's production and consumption that go together. And I think food is the place where this becomes so dramatic. Whether it’s (DIY) deodorant or fixing your own plumbing or working on your house, all that stuff is a counter to alienation, where you are separated from your surroundings. You get a sense of happiness from that. Sometimes its very arduous, it’s very tough, a lot of frustration and risk is involved in making those connections, which is certainly true with any kind of farming. When we get to the point where we have choices of what we do with the time in our life, that becomes really essential." I highly suggest you check out Central Coast Grown's website to see all the great things going on and follow them at the links below:   Central Coast Grown - Instagram & Facebook Tickets for Celebration of Summer Harvest Dinner           Local links: Green Gold Organics Javier Magana and Red Barn Farms SLO Farmer's Markets Julia's Juices Michael Huggins United Way of SLO Rotary Club of SLO SLO Community Foundation   Books & Movies: Grapes of Wrath The Circuit Cajas de Cartón (Spanish version of The Circuit) Gaining Ground - a documentary   Other links: Urban Tilth in Richmond, CA Alba in Salinas, CA   Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Food and Central Coast Grown appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

  On this week's episode of The Happiest Place in America Podcast, learn about how the support of the San Luis Obispo community has turned Kirsten Finberg's name of her business into a misnomer. Little Red Hen brings delicious sourdough breads and breads of the week to local farmer's markets and other famous food stops. But Kirsten's journey to living out her dream as a local bread baker and food artisan has been opposite to that of the Little Red Hen who found no help when baking the bread, only when it came to eating it. Although Kirsten also finds many people interested in helping her to eat the bread she has met numerous local good samaritans along the way to support her on this journey which proves once again that this community is so special in it's continuous support of helping local businesses and people thrive.   To learn more about the Kirsten and Little Red Hen, follow her or get in contact with her at the links below:   Facebook Instagram E-mail     Local References: Eclair Bakery  Rooster Creek Tavern Ash Management Company Rutiz Farmily Farms Sweet Pea Bakery The Station Wine Bar Morro Bay Farmer's Market at Spencer's Market Avila Valley Barn Esther's Garden Cal Poly Viticulture Program Big Sky Cafe Corbett Canyon Thursday Downtown SLO Farmer's Market Tuesday Grange Hall Farmer's Market Ruby Rose Julia's Juices Good Tides Organic Bistro   References: San Francisco Baking Institute Bread Baker's Guild of America Cottage Law in California Grain Craft Mill in Tennessee Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Food and Little Red Hen appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

  Virginia Marum is the creator of Vert Foods. As a personal chef, Virginia has created a program where you can order weekly nutrient dense meals. Think of it as your weekly CSA box with pre-prepared food. 70% of her food is sourced locally, 100% is sourced from local businesses, and 100% is organic.    On this week's episode of The Happiest Place in America you will learn all about Vert Foods and the different ways you can learn about nourishing your body with abundance, especially the abundance of organic produce here on the Central Coast. By following Virginia, not only can you receive beautiful, nutritious meals but you can take workshops to be empowered to cook your own nutrient dense meals and join her Facebook group where she shares fascinating research all all things food related, including how food porn is actually good for us. I hope you enjoy this episode which is a true celebration of food and the importance it holds for us in loving, nourishing, triggering happiness, as well as teaching us how to slow down...if we let it.    To learn more about Virginia and Vert Foods, check out the following links.   Vert Foods - Facebook   General References: Copper Metal Toxicity America's Top Chef Diet Cults by Matt Fitzgerald Heritage Chickens Burma Superstar - Bay Area restaurant Fuse BOX - Bay Area restaurant The Second Brain by Michael Gershon The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman Hippocrates In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honore The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama         Local References: Central Coast Celiac's Grange Hall Rutiz Family Farms Pozo Organic Farm Branch Mill Organic Farm Ruth's Herbal Remedies Slow Money San Luis Obispo Lightshare in Santa Margarita Noor Foundation   Local Recommendations: SLO County Farmer's Market Association Core Dance Company Meet and Make 805 Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School Bang the Drum Brewery SLO Natural Foods Co-op Baileyana Winery Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards Morro Bay Bike Park SLO Skate Park   Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Food and Vert Foods appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

  Did you know there are 20 local Farmer's Market throughout SLO County every week? At least one per day and as many as 5 on Saturdays? We are so so blessed. And Kendra Aronson, owner of Kendra Aronson Creative Studio and author of the San Luis Obispo Farmer's Market Cookbook knows it and wants to share it with the world. She wants to share with you the stories of our local farmers, chefs, restaurant and cafe owners who work tirelessly to support our wondrously plentiful food system here on the Central Coast. She wants to share with you amazing seasonal recipes created by these people that can help inspire you to shop locally, eat locally, and eat seasonally. She does it so well in her beautiful cookbook that I highly suggest you check out.    Listen to these week's episode to learn about how Kendra turns food into happiness. And if you want to connect with her, find her at the below links.   SLO Farmer's Market Cookbook - Retailers, Events Kendra Aronson Creative Studio - Instagram   Local Links & Recommendations: Edible San Luis Obispo Thomas Hill Organics - to open in SLO Foremost Wine Co. The Station SLO Public Market - slated to open late 2016 Len Collective The Hatch The Palm Theater - specifically $5 Palm Mondays   Related Links: Tony's Jacal - Kendra's family's Mexican restaurant in San Diego San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace Barnes & Noble Santa Barbara Public Market Healdsburg Shed   Related Farmer's Market Cookbooks: San Francisco Ferry Plaza Santa Monica Los Angeles Davis North Bay Portland Pike Place in Seattle The post PODCAST: Happiness is Food and the SLO Farmer’s Market Cookbook appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

July is food month here at The Happiest Place in America Podcast and I can’t think of a better person to bring on for our inaugural episode than Chef Jensen Lorenzen from The Larder Meat Co. He shares with us the details of his new endeavor, a subscription to get locally sourced meat delivered straight to your door. The Larder Meat Co. is such a great addition to our community since we have so many great local farms. But before Larder there was a huge disconnect to being able to access the meat from these farms for our own home cooked meals. Now you can and if you are interested in signing up, check out the links below.   Beyond learning more about The Larder Meat Co., it was such a pleasure speaking with Jensen. His perspective and advice on how we should interact with our food, whether it is locally sourced, organic, GMO free, or not, is invaluable. He says if it is not the norm in your family to cook at home, start simple. Cook one meal at home a month and enjoy that food together. To fully take advantage of the communal aspect of food, sharing a meal, and the happiness that it can cultivate, his advice is to stop what you are doing and be present during your meal. And of course add a little wine to loosen everyone up and have a great time. This formula helps people to walk away from the table with "more than just a full belly." As we discuss, a shared meal is important for children to learn skills for basic social interaction, for adults to maintain those skills, to cultivate community, and help boost your mood.    To learn more about The Larder Meat Co. and Chef Jensen Lorenzen, check out their websites and social media links:           The Larder Meat Co. - Instagram Jensen Lorenzen - Instagram               Local Farm References: Winfield Farms in Buellton - Mangalitsa Pig Farm Rinconada Dairy in Santa Margarita - Christine & Jim Maguire Swan Family Angus in Templeton - Rex & KC Swan  Animal Husbandry   Local Recommendations: Montana de Oro Old Saloon Trail (some locales found in this article about the Stagecoach Trail)  - Old Cayucos Tavern, Sweet Springs Saloon, Pozo Saloon, Cold Springs Tavern in Santa Barbara Sunset at Pismo Beach Big Sur   Other References: Dr. Casey Berkebile The Cass House Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Food and The Larder Meat Co. appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

On today's episode I interviewed Shawna Battaglia, lead singer of Captain Nasty, a local 9 piece funk band that sure knows how to bring the party. Shawna shares with us a bit about our tight knit, supportive music community here on the Central Coast and about her work with her dance, fitness, and creative studio Ignite Movement Studio in Morro Bay.    Shawna says she is "“jazzed on connecting creativity with community. It promotes healing, togetherness, love, promotes enjoyment and happiness.” We totally agree. If you are looking for more excuses to shake your bootie to promote more healing, togetherness, love, enjoyment, and happiness in your life, I highly suggest you follow Shawna around on her many creative endeavors (links below). Whether you are shaking your bootie at a Captain Nasty concert or in one of her Shakti Flow classes, you are bound to find your bliss.    Captain Nasty - Instagram, Facebook Ignite Movement Studio - Instagram, Facebook Ignite Her Fire - Instagram, Facebook Ignited Voices Shakti Flow Classes with Shawna   Upcoming Captain Nasty Shows: July 7, 2016 at the new SLO Brew Sept 2, 2016 at Concerts in the Plaza Sept 17, 2016 at Beaverstock   Local Bands & Musicians: SLO Brew Good Medicine Presents The Tipsy Gypsies Moonshiner Collective Proxima Parada Zongo All Stars Wordsauce & The Sauce Pot Samba Loca   Local Music Education: Cuesta Music Department and Jazz Program The Drum Circuit Samba School Inga Swearingen The Turkey Buzzards The Mother Corn Shuckers   Local Venues, Festivals, and Music Events: Summer of Samba Avila Blues Festival Tooth & Nail Winery Concerts in the Plaza Big Surreal Festival Beaverstock The Siren, formerly The Fuel Docks and Happy Jacks Live Oak Music Festival Concerts at Avila Beach Resort   Other Musicians: Trombone Shorty Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings   Other Local References & Favorites: Bello Mundo Cafe Brickhouse BBQ Morro Bay Whale Watching Yoga Village Big Sur SLO Botanical Gardens  Local wineries Black Hill Trail Hike in Morro Bay California Juggling Clubs, including Atascadero   Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post Podcast: Happiness is Music and Shawna from Captain Nasty appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

On this week's episode as we dive further into Happiness is Music we interview Todd and Korie Newman from Good Medicine Presents. Although Todd and Korie's music production company was named after their gorgeous ranch in Cayucos where I interviewed them, Good Medicine Ranch, it also easily describes the effects that live music can have on all of us. And thanks to Todd and Korie we are all benefitting from some major good medicine with the eclectic array of concerts they produce throughout the Central Coast weekly.    Making their way into the music industry after they bought SLO Brew in 2005 on a romantic whim, they have found that the secret sauce to attracting big name musicians to the area is through building solid relationships with these musicians and then the beauty of our area and the spirit of our community often draws them back. And Todd and Korie are grateful that this area is full of people and venues interested in bringing community together which allows them to do their thing. What keeps it exciting is that there is such a variety of people with all tastes and interests so they get to produce shows of all genres. As Korie says, "“There are so many different people, walks of life, that we all live here together and we make this place go. We are all making that wheel spin. It’s so special.”   I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed making it. Check out Good Medicine Presents and check up their line up of concerts coming up at the links below:   Good Medicine Presents - Facebook, Instagram Buy tickets: Boo Boo Records - locally ticketfly.com - online   Related links and local venues: SLO Brew Tooth & Nail Winery Fremont Theater The Cliff's Resort Sea Venture Resort Madonna Expo Center Treana Wines The Graduate The Grange Vet's Hall in Cayucos Re:Fined Distillery Tap It Brewing Company   Musicians mentioned: Phil Vassar Shooter Jennings Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Shook Twins Captain Nasty Mother's Tavern   Upcoming Concerts: Donovan Frankenreiter - Tap It Brewery, 6/21/16 Cash'd Out - Tap It Brewery 6/24/16 Matt Costa - Tap It Brewery 6/25/16 Gregory Alan Isakov with the Ghost Orchestra - Fremont Theater, 8/11/16     Personal references and recommendations from Todd & Korie: Marian Regional Medical Center Lucia Mar School District Cal Poly Cayucos Pier SLO Regional Airport The Cliff's Resort Free Concerts Concerts in the Plaza Mid State Fair Shine Cafe Morro Bay - Surfing and Bike Path Wine Tasting Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post Podcast: Happiness is Music and Good Medicine Presents appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

The first time I ever found real studied and researched proof that community and positive social interactions were in fact impactful to our health and happiness, I did a big old happy dance. Finally I had cold hard facts to back up something I had felt and believe to be true for so long. The book that provided this for me was Mind Over Medicine by Lissa Rankin. A book that I high suggest you check out if you are interested in the mind/body connection to healing.    Today I share with you some of my favorite takeaways from the book, in particular those that are specifically about the impact of community and social interactions. We talk about the physiological responses, some of my favorite stories and studies from the book, as well as suggestions to create and foster more community and positive social interactions in your life.   To learn more about the author Lissa Rankin, check out her website here. And you can buy the book Mind Over Medicine on Amazon here.   And just a sidenote...this is my first non-interview episode. It was haaaaard, I'm not going to lie. There was a lot of editing so please forgive some of the choppiness but I will work to improve for the future. Until now, I think I will stick with the interviews. :)     Related links: Roseto, PA and Dr. Wolf's Study - Google "Roseto Pennsylvania Study" for many more articles Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam Books by Brené Brown   Past episodes that were mentioned: Dr. Casey's Episode Mayor of SLO's Episode Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Mind Over Medicine Book Report appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

There were two events that made it essential that our music month would be June, one was Concerts in the Plaza which started last week, and the other... Live Oak Music Festival!   This family festival full of fun, peace, love, dirt, eclectic music, camping, and of course music takes place every Father's Day weekend under a canopy of gorgeous oak trees at Live Oak Camp in the Santa Ynez mountains. KCBX, Central Coast Public Radio, is our host every year as they raise money through the festival to fund their operating expenses throughout the year. This year they invite you out this Friday, June 17th through Sunday, June 19th for a lineup of some amazing musicians that they have worked tirelessly throughout the year to secure.   I spoke with Marisa Waddell, the Booking and Program Coordinator for Live Oak Fest as we pondered the secret sauce that goes into making this event a true representation of the basic spirit of happy community for which San Luis Obispo is famous. Whether it is the eclectic spirit of activities and music that appeal to a wide range of people, young and old, or the basic philosophy of the camp to live by the golden rule, we can all be assured that once we leave Live Oak after another amazing year, we are inspired to live lives with a smile and generous spirit towards those with which we share not just our city but our world too.    Also stay tuned at the end for a bonus interview with Che Miller of the local band The Mother Corn Shuckers who gives us his veteran advice for how to best enjoy the festival.   Best advice from Che: "Bring lots of beer!" Best advice from Marisa: "Come with an open heart, friendly face, and make friends with people around you in the campground."   To learn more about the KCBX, Live Oak Music Fest, and this years line up. Check out these links:   KCBX - Facebook, Twitter Live Oak Music Fest - Facebook, Twitter   Live Oak Reference Links: Frank Lanzone  - General Manager Chris O'Connell - Music Director (1987-1995) Strawberry Music Festival  Biddle Regional Park, San Luis Obispo Live Oak Camp, formerly Camp San Marcos   Some Live Oak 2016 Musicians: Candelaria African Guitar Summit Mike & Ruthy Band Wynonna and the Big Noise - NPR First Listen James McMurtry California Honeydrops Jay Farrar Trio - anniversary of Son Volt album Trace Sarah Jarosz   Local Recommendations: Los Osos Cayucos Dog Beach Frankie & Lolas Mission Plaza Downtown SLO SLO Museum of Art Novo - best patio in the county, by the creek North County Wine Tasting Studios on the Park - Paso Robles Mistura - near Paso Robles Golf Club Windows on the Water in Morro Bay Avila Beach Cal Poly Pier Bon Temps Creole Cafe on Railroad Square SLO Jazz Festival Festival Mozaic   Links from Che's Interview: The Mother Corn Shuckers Junior Brown Art by Colleen Gnos - artist of this year's festival artwork Joe Craven Foxx & Rice Presqu'ile Winery Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Music and Live Oak Music Fest appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

May gray has drifted away and so far there is not a bit of June gloom in sight. The weather is warm and summer is upon us. And you know what that means?    CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA!   Here at the Happiest Place in America Podcast we strategically decided to focus on our local music scene and it's link to community happiness in June because two of our favorite local music events take place this month, Live Oak Music Festival who we will have on next week and Concerts in the Plaza which happens every Friday throughout the summer but kicks off in June.   I was thrilled to speak with Jennifer di Santo and Vanessa Martinez, Promotions and Special Events Manager and Coordinator at the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association. These women work tirelessly for at least half of the year to bring us this truly local's favorite event. They gave us a bit of a behind the scenes look at what goes into creating this summer long series and what we have to look forward to for this 21st season of Concerts in the Plaza. We also explored our own ideas about why the event promotes the greatest community atmosphere and so much happiness along with it.    Vanessa says that San Luis Obispo is a place where "you get a chance to catch up and catch your breath and just be mellow. A great environment to just decompress." Well I would say the same is true for Concerts in the Plaza. So a big thank you to Jennifer, Vanessa, and the Downtown Association for giving us the perfect space and event to do just that.    This Friday is the kick-off with Young Dubliner's playing. So hurry on down to the Plaza after work. Bar opens at 5:00pm and music starts at 5:30pm. Hope to see you there!   To learn more about the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association, Concert's in the Plaza, and this years line up. Check out these links:   SLO Downtown Association Concerts in the Plaza - find lineup here Downtown Association Facebook Concerts in the Plaza Facebook   Related links: Farmer's Market Mission Plaza Firestone Walker Brewing Company Pizza Solo SLOtography Coastal Community Builders SLO Holiday Parade and Santa's House in Mission Plaza   Local music venues: Fremont Theater Vina Robles Amphitheater   Local bands: Young Dubliners Diego's Umbrella The Tipsy Gypsies Cuesta Ridge Zongo All Starts The JD Project Babylon Rockers Damon Castillo Band The Mother Corn Shuckers Sam Sharp Band Bear Market Riot   Studies about the link between happiness and music: http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/music-and-happiness2.htm http://elitedaily.com/life/beautiful-connection-music-health-happiness-efficiency/976882/ https://www.psychologies.co.uk/music-makes-you-feel-better   Local Recommendations: Kreuzberg Coffee Company Shell Beach Ridge Hike Chamisal Vineyards Scout Coffee, specifically the Scout Cookie Bob Jones Trail Baileyana Winery Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Music and Concerts in the Plaza appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

For our last week of Happiness is Community I wanted to interview a handful of people from one of the most important sectors of our population...children. Children make up close to 20% of our population in San Luis Obispo, which isn't surprising since this place is known as sort of a mecca for raising families. Many adults here have lived somewhere else at one time or another, or if they haven't they have traveled and seen many different places. I know, personally, those trips and those times living outside of San Luis Obispo, although wonderful, always just solidified that San Luis Obispo was this very special place with a certain soul that didn't exist elsewhere. But upon doing this episode, I wondered if kids, most of whom have never lived anywhere else, saw San Luis Obispo the same way as adults do.  I was also interested in what issues they noticed about San Luis Obispo, what they thought maybe wasn't so kid friendly about the town, and what they felt was missing in the town. Kids can be so honest and simple with their perspectives and I thought if they had something to say, whether positive or negative, it could be truly valuable. I also asked them about their contentment living here, if they would prefer to live somewhere else either now or in the future. Knowing that these kids, if they stay, will eventually become our workforce, our voting population, our city government, etc. I think it is fascinating to explore what standards and expectations they have of this city that they will want to uphold in the future. After all, we adults set the example, and if we are setting a good example of community vs isolation and healthy living vs a sedentary lifestyle in front of the tv, we can feel better about the standard of living that our children will adopt and advocate for.   So take a listen to this episode to find out if we are setting that example, and if there is anything more we can do to continue to support a happy and healthy environment for our children, and our children's children, and our children's children's children. SLO KID'S FAVORITE SPOTS & ACTIVITIES: Concerts in the Plaza Sunshine Donuts AYSO Youth Soccer League Baseball League - Junior Giants Ravine Waterpark SLO Children's Museum SLO Parks & Recreation San Luis Coastal Unified School District Downtown SLO The post PODCAST: Happiness is Community – The Kid’s Episode appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

Today we explore the social connection and how community plays a part in our health and ultimately our happiness. To help us learn more about this we invited Dr. Casey Berkebile onto the podcast to walk us through the bodies' physiological responses to social interactions and human connection.      Dr. Casey is a naturopathic doctor practicing in the Bay Area. She has practices in both Berkeley and Los Gatos. As a naturopathic doctor she enjoys the ability to continuously think outside of the box when helping to heal her patients. Although she is able to prescribe traditional western medicine, she understands the mind/body connection and uses acupuncture to also help heal her patients holistically.      Dr. Casey was my doctor when I lived up in the Bay Area and I still contact her often for advice. Not only is she incredibly skilled at practicing medicine but has an amazing ability to break down concepts, medical conditions, and treatments in a way that is easy for everyone to understand. If you are looking for a local naturpathic doctor who practices holistic medicine there are several in the area, check out Dr. Zoe Wells here in San Luis Obispo.   Next week we will be discussing the key concepts and takeaways from the book Mind Over Medicine by Dr. Lissa Rankin as we dive further into the connection between community,  health and happiness. I really enjoyed having Dr. Casey on the show to solidify these ideas and explain to us the physiological reactions to community so thoroughly and understandably.    We are so blessed in San Luis Obispo because there is a huge amount of community engagement, social connection and community pride.   To learn more about Dr. Casey Berkebile and read her truly insightful blog, check out her website here.    Wondering what the difference is between Naturopathy and Homeopathy? Check out this handy video:   Related links: Naturopathy vs. homeopathy Apis or Bee Venom The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner Ikigai - word for "life purpose" in Japanese Happy Chemicals - Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin, Endorphins Psychoneuroimmunology Mind Over Medicine by Lissa Rankin Brené Brown Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: How Social Connection Increases Happiness! appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

  San Luis Obispo was considered one of 4 of the Happiest Cities in the World by Dan Buettner based on his research with The Blue Zones. Some of the aspects that make these Blue Zones happy areas for their residents are the accessibility to local government, accessibility to the outdoors, and a feeling of belonging within the community. Living in San Luis Obispo we often times take all of this for granted. We feel like the luxury of having all of this at our fingertips is just pure luck. And some of it is. But a lot of it happens to be available to us through the monumental efforts and initiatives that our local city government works tirelessly on and advocates for on our behalf.    Speaking with Mayor Jan Marx this week for our community month was such a blessing. She gave us a behind the scenes look at some of those issues that the community faces and what initiatives and efforts they are putting in place to keep this place wonderful and happy. We focused on many social aspects since this is our community month. In San Luis Obispo "it's a social experience just walking down the street", as Jan mentioned. But sometimes the society that exists amongst the permanent residents and the society of the local college community can be at odds with each other. I loved hearing about the groundbreaking Civility Initiative that is striving to smooth over these contentions with representatives from the local city government as well as Cal Poly and Cuesta. It is initiatives like this that show that our community is willing to think outside the box to create a truly remarkable place to live for all. For more information about other issues, initiatives, and ways to be involved in the local city government, take a listen to this week's podcast and check out the links below.   Click here to follow Jan on Facebook.    San Luis Obispo City Government Links: City of SLO Website City Council Civility Initiative and Respect SLO Student Community Liaison Committee - check out a meeting from 3-5pm, the 4th Wednesday of the Month at City Hall Promotional Coordinating Committee Parks and Recreation Advisory Bodies - Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission Measure Y Tax Mission Plaza Downtown Concept Plan SLO Skate Park   San Luis Obispo orgs and places to check out: Environmental Center of SLO Sierra Club San Luis Obispo Council of Governments History Center of SLO SLO Museum of Art SLO Children's Museum SLO Little Theatre SLO Youth Symphony & SLO Symphony Hospice SLO County Love SLO Rotary Club of SLO Central Coast Grown SLO City Farm Pacific Beach High School Cerro San Luis Hike - aka Madonna Mountain Los Osos Valley Interchange Thursday Farmer's Market Saturday Farmer's Market   Other Links: International Town Gown Conference Dan Buettner, author of Thrive and The Blue Zones Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy!   The post Happiness is Community and the Mayor of San Luis Obispo appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

I am super excited for Community Month here at the Happiest Place in America Podcast where we explore Happiness is Community. We have so many great episodes coming up including Mayor Jan Marx and my naturopath who tells us all about the health benefits, the actual physiological responses, to being part of a community.      Today I interviewed Stephanie Buresh and Chris Blake of Mission Prep who have brought to San Luis Obispo an amazing yearly event, Love SLO, to help strengthen our community by encouraging people to come out and volunteer within it. San Luis Obispo is truly unique in that we have the most non-profits per capita in the state. This, of course, gives us all great opportunities to get out their and give back in whatever way would fit our passion and interests but I also believe it is further proof of the generous spirit and strong community bond this city has. Stephanie explained,   “The happiest place on earth - it only got to be that way because of the people who are a part of it, the people who make up the community. We’re gifted to live in a community where people want to support each other and raise each other up. It’s a gift. Being able to serve in our community is a gift. The biggest thing is to give back to your community and be a part of something great.”   The first annual event took place as a rally in Mission Plaza on March 19, 2016. People of all ages, walks of life, as well as businesses came out to take part in numerous volunteer projects for the day. And Stephanie and Chris are working hard to secure the date for 2017's Love SLO community wide day of service. Make sure to check out their website here and follow them on Facebook here so you can mark it in your calendar as soon as it is announced. As Chris says,    "We all have gifts and talents, we all have things we can give and a lot of different ways we can serve the different people, different groups, and different things in town that need help. That’s the beauty that we get. It’s a gift for all involved. A gift for the people who get to serve and it’s a gift to those who receive.”   Contact Stephanie and Chris here.    Love Our Cities Links: Love Our Cities Organization E-mail Contact for Jeff Pishi, founder of Love Our Cities   Local Links: Mission Plaza Mission College Preparatory High School City of San Luis Obispo J. Carroll San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Prado Day Center Alpha Tree of Life Hospice SLO County Women's Shelter Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter SLO Botanical Gardens EcoSLO Jack's Helping Hand Rita's Rainbows City Farm VolunteerSLO.org United Way of San Luis Obispo   Local Places/Events to Check Out: Children's Day in the Plaza Gus's Grocery Thursday Farmer's Market McLintock's Johnson Ranch Trail Big Sky Luna Red Crux Climbing Center Bishop's Peak Hike The Mountain Air   Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Community and Love SLO appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

What a pleasure to spend a warm Monday morning out at the SLO Botanical Gardens with Debbie Hoover, Operations Director and Lindsey Collinsworth, Educational Director. There were birds chirping, lizards scurrying, and squirrels darting around all the beautiful plants and buildings that make up our local Botanical Gardens.      If this is the first you're hearing of the SLO Botanical Gardens, you are in for a real treat. Even if it is not the first you are hearing of it, I think you will be pleasantly surprised to find out about all the ways you can get involved and help out our local gardens. And what do you get out of it? Well as Lindsey mentioned, spending time gardening and out in nature has been proven to help not only focus and concentration but an array of other maladies as well, such as your vision, dementia, physical strengthening, Vitamin D deficiency, etc. And as a member you get awesome discounts at the Botanical Gardens Bi-Annual Plant Sale, discounts in their gift shop, as well as discounts at a number of other Gardens throughout the country. How cool would that be as a gift?           Get Involved with the SLO Botanical Gardens! No matter what your interest, there is something for you at the Botanical Gardens. Anything from cooking, art, gardening, hiking, etc. Follow the links below to find out about some of the awesome ways to be involved.   Events Membership Volunteer Opportunities Kids' Summer Camp Building Rentals Gardens Educational Opportunities Donations - In Kind or Monetary   Lindsey, Debbie, and I all encourage you to go out and check out the Gardens. As Lindsey said, stop by and say "hi" when you are there and tell her you heard about the Garden through the Happiest Place in America podcast. And I highly suggest their buildings as a great venue to host an event. They are beautiful and sustainable and of course have a gorgeous setting.   To be in touch with Lindsey and Debbie you can contact them via e-mail or on the Garden's Facebook here and Follow them on Instagram here!   Lindsey - education@slobg.org Debbie - business@slobg.org   Local Businesses & Organizations: Souza Construction, Inc. Sage Ecological Landscapes Jim Patterson - 5th District Supervisor and member of SLO County Fire Safe Council CAL Fire Pacific Wildlife Care Transitions Mental Health and Growing Grounds VolunteerSLO.org   Local Places to Check Out: Leaning Pine Arboretum at Cal Poly Nipomo Native Garden Montaña de Oro Hikes - Valencia Peak and Bluff Trail Concerts in the Plaza Art After Dark Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade at Christmas Novo Restaurant & Lounge  (suggestion for Salmon Bisque) Shine Café in Morro Bay Edna Valley Frozen Yogurt (a few faves are Snofari and Yogurtland) SLO Museum of Art   Other links: American Public Gardens Association Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens The Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Bird Programs Ethnobotany The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner "Plant blindness" per Richard Louv   Look out for these plants blooming currently blooming locally: Elder Tree Matilija Poppy Mustard Plant   Follow us:  Happy Blog | Happy Shopping | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy!   The post PODCAST: Happiness is Nature and the SLO Botanical Gardens appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

In my interview with Karen Merriam, Chair of the local Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club, she imparted this priceless little piece of wisdom on me that stood out as something that must be emphasized. She said,    “Our health, our ability to thrive and survive is dependent on the natural world around us. And the health of the natural world around us is dependent on us.”   Boom! That's it! End of story. That's all you need to know. Except that it isn't the end of the story. And there is so much more to know. But the sentiment is powerful. Because there exists a constant struggle in this connection between our health and the health of our world. There exists the potential for loving it to death and the potential to beat it to death. And for this reason we have organizations like the Sierra Club who help give voice to our natural earth in order to protect it and protect our connection to it.    What a profound message Karen shared with me, and so timely as we are just a few days away from Earth Day. I hope you enjoy this episode that will give you a very thorough overview of all the programs that Sierra Club provides and all the issues, both on a national level but even more detailed at a local level, that they work on day after day to maintain the natural beauty that helps lead to the happy community we know and love.   A Few Call's to Action For You:   1. Please sign the petition to establish our local coast as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.    2. If you are interested in becoming a hike leader, contact the local Outings Leader Joe Morris at 805-549-0355. They are looking for hiking and outings leaders, and specifically those interested in working with families.   3. And don't forget to head out to their Open House on June 11th at Tiber Canyon Ranch to learn more about their organization. This would be a great way to find out if this organization would be a good fit for you if you are interested in volunteering. There are opportunities to sit on some of their committees, including the Political and Conservation Committees, opportunities to help with membership communication, as well as many other volunteer roles.   Join the Sierra Club! To join the Sierra Club, whether locally here or anywhere, you must first join the national organization here. They will then have the local chapter reach out to you. To contact our local chapter you can check out their Website, Facebook, as well as their About and Contact Page to find phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Meetings are every other month at Steynberg Gallery.   Sierra Club Related Links: John Muir Biography  Sierra Magazine Sierra Club Trips   Locally Related Links: Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Ready for 100 - 100 Sustainable Cities Santa Lucia Wilderness Machesna Mountain Wilderness Garcia Wilderness Carrizo Plain Santa Lucian Publication - find at local libraries, Linnaea's Cafe, Whole Foods, or become a member to have it delivered Steynberg Gallery Music at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center Big Sky Café   Hikes: Bishop's Peak Machesna Mountain Hike Salmon Creek Falls Hike near Big Sur Lopez Canyon and Big Falls and Little Falls - suggestion to come from Rinconada Trail on Hwy 58 and past the Rinconada Mine Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail   Links to other organizations mentioned: Cleanenergy.org Mothers for Peace Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility Center for Biological Diversity Forest Ethics, now Stand Surfrider Foundation Land Conservancy San Luis Obispo EcoSLO NOAA   Links to books mentioned: Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

A new month and a new topic on the Happiest Place in America Podcast! This month we are talking about how nature, and specifically the fantastic nature found in San Luis Obispo, help to make people happier, healthier, and more balanced.    I had the pleasure of speaking with Robert Cosmos who is the founder and "absentee administrator" for the Central Coast Hiking Group found on Meetup.com. Although he currently resides in the Bay Area we have him to credit for creating such a thriving community of over 1600 hikers who get together for regularly organized hikes throughout the county on a weekly basis. Hiking and being out in nature is something that Robert loves to do as well as study. I encourage you to check out his blog, especially this article, that details how forest hiking makes you happy and healthy.     Check our Robert's blog here for great articles and musings about the benefits of hiking and more. You can find out more about the Central Coast Hiking Group through Meetup.com here as well as sign up to go on one of their well organized hikes.   Local Hikes: Ontario Ridge Trail in Avila Cerro San Luis, aka Madonna Mountain Tequepis Trail near Lake Cachuma Local Recommendations to Check Out: Avila Beach Drive to Lopez Lake Earth Day Events in SLO including Earth Day Fair & Music Festival and Earth Day Food & Wine Festival   Other Links: Shinrin Yoku Thru Hikes of Japan - Shikoku Pilgrimage Visit Walk Japan for info on the Nakasendo Way and Kumano Kodo John Muir Trail Pacific Crest Trail El Camino de Santiago in Spain Words about nature and other concepts that don't exist in English   Follow us: Happy Blog | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Nature and the Central Coast Hiking Group appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.

Cameron Ingalls, local photographer and owner of the Central Coast Wedding Standard will blow you away with his love for this community and his dedication to helping people thrive within it. I am so glad I was able to feature him for our "Happiness is Love" month because not only does he have an extensive knowledge of our local wedding industry being someone who has watched it grow over the last two decades, but he also relays the importance of doing what you are doing with heart. Whether it is the daily actions you take with your work or the interactions you have on a personal level. That is what his mission is for the Central Coast Wedding Standard, his blog and curated list of exceptional wedding industry professionals. With every post he strives to showcase the heart of the vendors as artists and people. If you are planning a wedding here in San Luis Obispo, I can't recommend the Central Coast Wedding Standard enough. There you will really find the best of the best of what San Luis Obispo has to offer. Cameron and his photography can be found at www.cameroningalls.com or at The Central Coast Wedding Standard. Follow both on Instagram @cameroningalls or @theweddingstandard.   Vendors: DJ Malik Mike Thorne Paper Sky Store Rosey Calligraphy April Flowers  Noonan's Wine Country Designs Zest It Up Whisky & June All About Events Mason & Megan Photography Kenneth Morgan Photography   Venues: Holland Ranch Dana Powers House   Place To Take Photos (Engagement or Otherwise): Bishop's Peak Montaña de Oro State Park   Other Links: Boo Boo Records Avila Beach Miracle Miles for Kids Bishops Peak Hike Johnson Ranch Hike Scout Coffee   Follow us: Happy Blog | Happy Instagram | Happy Facebook | Happy Pinterest Contact Us And don't forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of Happy! The post PODCAST: Happiness is Love and The Central Coast Wedding Standard appeared first on Happiest Place in America Blog ????.