Dr. Robert Hill’s story is one of challenges, failures, successes and the importance of attitude above everything else.  His life’s mission is to inspire others to greatness and in this interview we discuss where that came from and how he uses it as Dean of Student Services at Glendale Community College.  This is a great story with drops of wisdom speckled throughout.   Today we’ll get to hear about:

• How Robert’s mom, the first black educator in Orange County, got results and respect with her no-nonsense but loving approach.
• His unconventional methods which focus on results and people rather than being worried about ‘drawing inside the lines’.
• How he helped one of his students whose mother died and the impact it had on that student’s life.
• What it was like having to wait for a heart transplant.
• Why quitting is the worst thing you can ever do.

For information discussed in this podcast:

Dr. Hill’s mobile number:  480-371-4381

Glendale Community College website

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Anyone who thinks that librarians are boring or that working in a library would awful – can’t be talking about the Glendale libraries or their director, Cindy Cleary.  With 38 years experience in libraries Cindy has seen almost 4 decades of changes. She shares what she’s seen as well as some of her exciting and interesting experiences.  The Glendale Central library’s recent renovation makes it one of the most cutting edge in more ways than you can probably imagine – Cindy will go into that in much more detail.   Today we’ll get to hear about:

• The bad-breathed librarian in NY state who ignited Cindy’s love of reading and libraries.
• Cindy’s path through accounting, The Price is Right and the Brand Library to her current position as director.
• Why the Central Library has become popular with teenagers.
• What services, programs, facilities and equipment the Central Library has to offer.
• How YOU can benefit from what the Glendale libraries have to offer.

For information discussed in this podcast:

Library Administration office number:  (818) 548-2030

Central Library address:
222 E. Harvard St.
Glendale, CA  91205

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Dr. Anthony Morovati has worked in many aspects of the health care professions and has determined that a scientific approach, with all types of doctors working together for the patient benefit, is the best direction for any doctor to take.  From years of study and experience treating patients, he’s developed his own unique, non-invasive way to successfully eliminate the cause of pain.  In addition, he helps athletes not only with injuries but also in attaining peak performance.   Today we’ll get to hear about:

• Dr. Morovati’s past experience working at Cedars Sinai and Urgent Care clinics and how that has helped him in his Chiropractic career.
• The different ways pain comes about and the different types of non-invasive treatment needed to address both of them.
• Going beyond the standard Chiropractic methods.  Using cutting-edge technology to get superior results.
• What biomechanics is and why it is key in pain management and sports medicine.
• How his approach with athletes helped a Boston Marathoner beat her best time by 10 minutes and win a bronze medal.
• How he is spearheading a movement to bridge the gaps between the medical profession and Chiropractic.

For information discussed in this podcast:

Dr. Morovati’s website

Morovati office number:  (818) 500-8484

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Apple pie.  Banana cream pie.  Key Lime pie.  If I continued with the list of pies you can get at The Pie Bar, there’s going to be at least one or two that will get your mouth watering.  Laurie Gray is the mastermind behind The Pie Bar and now she’s expanding from Long Beach to Glendale.  Making pies is her life’s passion and she not only makes great pies but has brought in some innovations that are very smart.  Today we’ll get to hear about:

• Exactly when Laurie knew that this was what she was going to do the rest of her life.
• How she got started out of her home with a ‘cottage food license’.
• What step she took to expand from her home to more varieties of pies and larger quantities.
• Great advice on making crusts and fillings.
• Her “Cutie Pie” and “Pie Shots” innovations.

For information discussed in this podcast:

ThePieBar website

The Pie Bar Glendale phone number:  (818) 696-2144

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Golf courses and country clubs have an image of being for the wealthy, the privileged, for the elite.  Not so at the Chevy Chase Country Club and golf course.   When Nick, Vatché and Esteban spoke with me last, in episode 11, we talked about the journey they took in restoring the “Jewel of the Canyon” and their vision for it.  Now we get to talk again but this time we dive into their innovative approach to both the golf course and country club models.  Uber has innovated in the transportation industry and Airbnb in the hotel industry.  Maybe it’s time for some innovation in the golfing and country club industry.  Decide for yourself.   Today we’ll get to hear about:

• All the exciting events and happenings since our last conversation.
• Why the Chevy Chase Country Club golf course is unique amongst Southern California courses.
• What do golfers comment so frequently on the greens being better than other courses.
• The innovative approach at CCCC regarding the use of the outdoor spaces for more than just golf.
• The swim team and its competitions.
• Other innovations such as Foot Golf, Paint n Sip, Music night, etc.

For information discussed in this podcast:

For tours and membership information:  Althea Rowe, Director of PR and Membership – (818) 246-5566 or althea@chevychasecc.com
Chevy Chase Country Club Website
Chevy Chase Country Club Facebook Page
Chevy Chase Country Club Instagram Page

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The Antaeus Theatre Company has been around for about 25 years but has only been part of the Glendale community for a little over a year.  One of the three artistic directors at Antaeus, Kitty Swink, has deep ties to the L.A. acting community and wonderful stories to share.  She’s able to give a perspective of the relationship actors have with each other as well as the connection they have with their audiences.  Which is even deeper and more unique at Antaeus.   Today we’ll get to hear about:

• How Antaeus was formed and why it is an actor-driven company.
• How every interaction can be important, even ones that seem like they are trivial.
• All that Antaeus has to offer – performances, classes and community outreach.
• The special program that helps at-risk children and young adults using the power of story.

For information discussed in this podcast:

Antaeus website – info on performance schedules, Academy classes, tickets, members of the ensemble and more!

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Bringing years of valuable experience from the private sector to help manage key divisions related to development in Glendale, Phil Lanzafame is incredibly knowledgeable about Community Development. As Director of that Department he oversees Planning, Building and Safety, Neighborhood Services, Economic Development and more. In this fascinating interview we discuss how these areas affect Glendale residents in many ways, how it all works and what to do when you feel your progress is stopped.   Today we’ll get to hear about:

• What each of these divisions do and how it all fits together.
• What homeowners, contractors and developers can do to make the design review and permitting process go as smoothly and quickly as possible.
• How to deal with an unpermitted room when buying or selling a home.
• What Economic Development does to help businesses and the overall community.
• Who to contact when you can’t make any progress.

For information discussed in this podcast:

Phil Lanzafame’s office: (818) 548-2140
Phil’s email address: PLanzafame@GlendaleCA.gov
Erik Krause – Deputy Director of Planning
Jan Bear – Building and Safety

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Last year we saw horrendous fires all over California and even nearby.  Glendale escaped last year’s fires but it made us more aware that we need to be prepared in case we aren’t so lucky this year. Or next year.  Or at some point in the future.  As Glendale’s fire chief, Greg Fish is tasked with make sure Glendale’s firefighters are able to help and protect us.  He has their back so that they have ours.  As a strong believer in education and prevention he takes every opportunity possible to share what he knows about preparing for a possible fire.   Including this podcast.  Today we’ll get to hear about:

• The 3 zones of landscaping for your yard including the good plants and the bad ones.
• Preparing your home inside and out (including what to do with your curtains).
• What to do if you are trapped inside your home in the middle of a fire.
• How to get certified to help during natural disasters.
• What you need to know about home fire extinguishers.

For information discussed in this podcast:

GlendaleFire.org
GlendaleFire.com

PulsePoint app info

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The Glendale Centre Theatre has been a destination since the 1960s but did you ever wonder how it all started?

For anyone who’s enjoyed a performance at the theatre, has been curious about the theatre, was a part of a show, and for aspiring actors and actresses of all ages – there’s something in this interview you’ll enjoy.  With both the producer/manager and one of the cast of the current production – we get to find out all about the theatre itself and the musical West Side Story.   Today we’ll get to hear about:

• The origins of the Glendale Centre Theatre and the early plays based on the National Enquirer stories.
• How the design of the theatre gets the audience more involved in the performances (including answering the phone?).
• What the upcoming shows will be.
• How theatre helps people with struggles in their own lives.
• The messages behind West Side Story.
• How anyone, at any age, can audition for a part.

Glendale Centre Theatre website

Box office phone number:  (818) 244-8481

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This is a fascinating and entertaining interview.

Armen Chakmakian was born in Glendale and has lived his whole life here (except when touring with Cirque du Soleil or Roger Hodgson from SuperTramp).  He loved the Glendale he grew up in and shares some of his favorite memories, favorite eateries as well as some history of Glendale that you’ll enjoy.  Plus get Armen’s recommendations for 2 great places to eat and what to eat there.

You’ll also get to hear about his music career which began in preschool and continues to grow and evolve.  He shares stories about waiting to use the studio in Marvin Gaye’s wife’s house in Burbank, a near catastrophe when playing for Cirque du Soleil, starting his own music label, his #1 debut, Malcolm in the Middle, advice for aspiring musicians…..and more     Today we’ll get to hear about:

• How Armen’s music career started and how it evolved.
• What to order at Pecos Bill and Mario’s.
• When Glendale became more known for its restaurants and why.
• What Armen learned from some exceptional people who befriended him.
• Advice for aspiring musicians including how to deal with rejection.
• Why regular computers don’t quite cut it for recording and what he’s done to fix that.

Armen’s website
Heavy Digital Audio site

Ceremonies on cdbaby

Caravans on cdbaby

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