56. Benjamin Saffold - March 29, 2011

Welcome to Podcast Stockton. If you're new here, Podcast Stockton is the show all about the great life in Stockton, California. We don't need no stinking lists! There are a lot of great people and a lot of great stories in our city and we love sharing them both. In this episode:

There's lots to do at the Stockton Libraries. Check out the events at the Stockton San Joaquin County Public Library. Barnes and Noble also offers story telling.

Stockton is a sports town! The Stockton Thunder are in the post season again! The Stockton Ports are gearing up for opening day! The Stockton Wolves are coming!

Benjamin Saffold

An interview with Benjamin Saffold. His resume is filled with Stockton involvement. He currently does Marketing, Outreach and Events at Gospel Center Rescue Mission, an organization providing shelter and services to Stockton's homeless community since 1939. He is also part of the The New Life Project Stockton which is holding the public debut of their CD on Friday, April 8, 2011. Benjamin also serves on the boards of the Stockton Arts Commission and The Friends of the Fox, as well as many other charitable and arts organizations. You can find Benjamin on Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

55. 83 Seconds in Beta - March 22, 2011

Welcome back to Podcast Stockton. Two years ago today, Podcast Stockton episode 000 was released into the wild! And after our longest absence ever, we're back. In this episode:

Our take on the Forbes list.

83 Seconds intimate beta.

Broadcasting Sunshine at the San Joaquin International Film Festival.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

54. Alice van Ommeren - October 7, 2010

Welcome to Podcast Stockton, featuring an interview with local history enthusiast, Alice van Ommeren.

In this episode:

The Amazing Fist reaches its funding goal. Adam Messinger is one amazing step closer to publishing his first full length comic thanks to over 100 backers on Kickstarter.com.

Sports update with Lowell Tuckerman

A review of Clear's ClearSpot and Rover Puck. WiFi on the go is available in Stockton. With several product and service options, Clear has a strong showing in the mobile wifi service in Stockton.

Stockton Thunder take the ice! Tomorrow, the Stockton ECHL franchise takes the ice in a pre-season bout against Ontario. Next Friday, they meet up again in the Thunder homer opener of the regular season.

Did you miss the Tweetup? Follow @StocktonTweetup on Twitter to hear about the next one!

An interview with Alice van Ommeren, author, local history enthusiast and instructor. After purchasing a vintage postcard from a local antique shop, Alice set forth to publish Stockton in Vintage Postcards. Alice, a former board member of the Stockton Cultural Heritage Board, is now teaching Stockton’s Golden Era, an extension course at Pacific, running for 5 weeks starting Oct. 14.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

Links The Amazing Fist on KickstarterThe Amazing Fist on FacebookRover Puck by Clear

ClearSpot 4G Stockton Thunder Sons of Thunder Alice van Ommeren on Facebook Pacific Extension Courses

Stockton History on Facebook Stockton Historic Landmarks San Joaquin Historical Society Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Stockton Vintage Postcards on Facebook

Carrie Underwood at the Arena

At the last minute, and thanks to the Downtown Stockton Alliance Facebook post about available tickets, my wife and I decided to take our daughters to the Carrie Underwood concert. We got to our seats in section 212 just before 7:30 and just before Sons of Sylvia took the stage. The Clark brothers from Virginia opened up with Led Zeppelin's Rock and Roll.

They entertained as the audience filed in and even played a short "bluegrass picking" tune that didn't seem to be a big hit with the crowd but, as a bluegrass and newgrass fan I enjoyed it.

Billy Currington took the stage later in the night and the opened with "How County Boys Roll". The ladies seemed to go nuts every time his face (and his curls) showed up on the video screen at either side of the stage.

The crowd noise level went up when he performed "People are Crazy", especially during the "... beer is good" part. He closed his set with my personal favorite "Good Directions".

Underwood took the stage a little after 9 with "Cowboy Casanova".

After a couple of songs she told the crowd that she likes to learn about the cities where she performs by looking at Wikipedia. She asked, "you guys have an Asparagus Festival?" and the fans cheered! She said they celebrate Okrafest back in her home town of Checotah, Oklahoma.

She performed favorites like "Wasted", "Some Hearts", "Temporary Home", "All American Girl", and " So Small". After walking off the stage, she returned in the bed of a blue pickup truck (complete with "Carrie" on the tailgate) and was hoisted above the audience while she sang John Denver's hit, "Country Roads". Judging by the crowd, "Undo It", with it's chunky and distorted resonator guitar rhythms, was certainly a favorite.

Carrie Underwood, Stockton Arena

Underwood took a few breaks to talk to the audience and told of how she grew up singing everywhere. The Arena got louder with every mention of American Idol. She said that if her life hadn't turned out the way it did she would've likely still been singing, maybe even at the Asparagus Festival. I always enjoy it when artists talk to the crowd and she seemed to do so often and comfortably.

My favorite performance of the night was "Jesus Take The Wheel" with a few lines from "How Great Thou Art" at the end. She sang it masterfully and was full of emotion. I also think that, besides the very end of the show, the crowd was at its loudest at that point.

She brought Sons of Sylvia back on stage and performed the duet "What Can I Say" from her 2010 release Play On. She payed homage to The Grand Ol' Opry when she performed "I Told You So" with Randy Travis on video.

She closed her set with a very loud "Last Name" before coming back for an encore with "Before He Cheats" and "Songs Like This".

We were all glad we went. It was an awesome show. Great music and theatrics! I'm no fashion expert but Underwood looked exquisite, especially in the dress that lit up. Our daughters had a great time and there seemed to be a pretty diverse cross section of music fans there. I even spotted Thunder President Dan Chapman and United Way of San Joaquin CEO Andy Prokop. I've not yet seen how many tickets were sold but it looked to be just short of being sold out.

This show, and last week's Snoop Dogg / Ice Cube show, are exactly what make Stockton great!

53. Jeff Gamboni - September 23, 2010

Welcome to Podcast Stockton, featuring an interview with Jeff Gamboni, President of Stockton Beautiful. In this episode:

Pacific students use their skills to make cardboard and duct tape float. The University of the Pacific's annual Engineering Cardboard Regatta is once again taking place at the Kjeldsen Pool. Students are challenged to make, and float in, boats made entirely of duct tape and cardboard. To find out more about this event, which takes place October 1st at 2:30pm visit their information page (link below). Want to see them in action? Check out the video from last year's regatta.

Sports update with Lowell Tuckerman

Stockton tweeps unite once again for STU #3. The third installment of the Stockton Tweetup will take place Wednesday, September 29 from 5:45 PM to 8:00 PM at the Lexington Hotel in Downtown Stockton. Be sure to invite your non-social media friends to the party...maybe you can convert them!

Roll out the barrels! It's time for Oktoberfest on the Mile. Get out the lederhosen and grab the stein, Oktoberfest is coming back the Miracle Mile Thursday, September 30th. Enjoy the live entertainment as well as the food, and of course, the beer.

What's new on ClosetGoodies.com

An interview with Jeff Gamboni, President of Stockton Beautiful. Next week, on September 29, Stockton Beautiful and the Downtown Stockton Alliance are hosting TREEmendous at Sass to raise funds to plants trees in downtown Stockton. Tickets are still available for $25.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

Links Cardboard Regatta at Pacific 10/1 Video from the 2009 Cardboard Regatta Stockton Tweetup #3 info@StocktonTweetup on Twitter Oktoberfest on the Mile 9/30 ClosetGoodies.comStockton BeautifulTREEmendous at Sass 9/29

52. The Amazing Fist - September 9, 2010

Welcome to Podcast Stockton, featuring an interview with the creative team behind the comic book, The Amazing Fist. In this episode:

Rod returns to Podcast Stockton. Now that the Ports regular season has come to a close, Rod is back in the co-pilot seat and ready to fill you in on how his first season as the Director of Fun and Games/On-field emcee went down as well as fill you in on the Ports amazing second half turnaround.

Sports update with Lowell Tuckerman

Get back to shape with Rod and Gold's Gym. Gold's new permanent home is now open and waiting for you to get in and "Know Your Own Strength." Located at 1822 E Hammer Lane, the new facilities are a great place to get going on your 2010 goals to get back in shape...just like Rod is doing.

Manny Montes talks to Mario from Silver Back Clothing and Serious Ink about the Revival at Chitiva's this Friday. Get your tickets online at serioussilverback.ticketleap.com/the-revival/. Tickets are also available at X Spot and El Camino Tire.

What's new on ClosetGoodies.com

An interview with Adam Messinger, Matthew Farnsworth, and Frank Stone, creators of the comic book,The Amazing Fist. Matt talks to the men behind a new comic book, the Amazing Fist, and how they are using Kickstarter.com to get financial backing.

Couple more things...

The date for Stockton Tweetup #3 has just been announced. The event will beheld on September 29, 2010 at the Lexington Hotel in Downtown Stockton. For more information, follow Stockton Tweetup on Twitter, or at the website.

If you are interested in backing The Amazing Fist go to their Kickstarter site to learn more.

High school football is back in full swing and Rod and the newly reformed Valley Sports Network crew are looking for schools who want Internet radio coverage of their Friday nights. Contact the show if you know anyone who might be interested.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

51. Chris Freeman, City Librarian - August 27, 2010

Welcome to Podcast Stockton, featuring an interview with Chris Freeman, City Librarian.

This week's show is co-hosted by Chris Kotsoglou. Read his blog and follow him on Twitter.

In this episode:

Catch up time with Chris the Greek. Chris is more than half-way through Stockton's Biggest Loser. Read about all of the other contestants here.

Sports update with Lowell Tuckerman

Lincoln Center Live and Miracle Mile Night. On back-to-back nights, Stockton had two awesome events. Car shows, live music, great food - these two events did not disappoint. In its second year, Miracle Mile Night, organized by friend of the show, Greg Bahr, grew by a few blocks, two stages, and a handful of cars. Port City Marketing Solutions brought back the very popular Pin Up Girl competition and even brought out a surprise special guest to kick off the event.

What's new on ClosetGoodies.com

An interview with Chris Freeman, Stockton and San Joaquin County Public Library City Librarian. I met with Chris in his office at the Chavez Library in Downtown Stockton to find out a little more about our libraries, how we became a librarian and how Stockton has surprised him. Visit Chris's blog, civillibrarian.com and follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Also visit the library's website at stockton.lib.ca.us and follow the SSJCPL on Twitter and Facebook.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

50. Rick Corduck, Clear Wireless - August 6, 2010

Welcome to Podcast Stockton, featuring an interview with Rick Corduck from Clear.

Wes’s Stockton activities guide. Go to VisitStockton.org to sign up for the weekly events e-mail and follow @Stockton_CA on Twitter and on Facebook. Also visit their awesome blog, ourstockton.com.

This week's show is co-hosted by Manny Montes.

In this episode:

National Night Out.

Sports update with Lowell Tuckerman

Clear announces CLEAR 4G in the Stockton area. I sat down with Rick Corduck, local General Manager of Clear to talk about the announcements made this week. Also check out their coverage map.

What's new on ClosetGoodies.com

A restaurant review of Flip's Burgers. They are open Monday - Saturday 11 am - 8 pm and located at 2503 Waterloo. Join them on Facebook and tell them that Podcast Stockton sent you!

Come out on Saturday, August 7, 10 am at Atherton Park as Team Podcast Stockton plays a re-match against the Stockton Stingrays.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

49. Lee Neves - July 20, 2010

Welcome to Podcast Stockton, featuring a short interview with Lee Neves, the recently appointed Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the California Cougars as well as a return visit from Jared Foster and Leona Marino from Web World Talent.

Wes’s Stockton activities guide. Go to VisitStockton.org to sign up for the weekly events e-mail and follow @Stockton_CA on Twitter and on Facebook. Also visit their awesome blog, ourstockton.com.

In this episode:

This week's show is co-hosted by the voice of Podcast Stockton sports, Lowell Tuckerman.

Congratulations to Rod and Linda on the birth of the beautiful daughter, Keira Page.

A review of Midtown Creperie and Cafe. Visit their website and find them on Facebook and Twitter. If you are looking for a taste of genuine French crepes and other fine French treats, I highly recommend Midtown Creperie.

Sports update with Lowell Tuckerman

A short interview with Lee Neves, the recently appointed Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the California Cougars, Stockton's professional indoor soccer team. The regular season starts in early November and home games are played at the Stockton Arena. Find them on Twitter, Facebook and their blog. Additionally, check out Lee's blog, Valley Sports Spot.

What's new on ClosetGoodies.com

An interview with Jared Foster and Leona Marino from Web World Talent. Are you a singer? Want your shot to win $25,000? Well, it all starts here. Attend Web World Talent's first talent search audition on Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 9 AM to 9 PM. Listen in for the all the details.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod

48. Levi Wells and Clarence Henderson, 83 Seconds - July 16, 2010

Welcome to Podcast Stockton, featuring an interview with Levi Wells and Clarence Henderson from 83 Seconds.

Wes’s Stockton activities guide. Go to VisitStockton.org to sign up for the weekly events e-mail and follow @Stockton_CA on Twitter and on Facebook. Also visit their awesome blog, ourstockton.com.

In this episode:

What's new on the Miracle Mile. Greg Bahr fills in for Rod and fills us in on what's new on the Mile. The Ave and MidTown Creperie have opened. And don't forget, Miracle Mile Night is coming soon. Follow Greg on Twitter @Griffin209 and @MiracleMileNite

Sports update with Lowell Tuckerman

Photo contests sponsored by the Stockton Conference & Visitors Bureau and The Record. Summer is a great time to go out and take some pictures. For tips on getting some great shots we spoke with local photographers Dennis Johnson, Patrick and Kati Giblin, and Manny Montes. Here are some of the shots Patrick mentioned (shopkeeper mopping, Stuff I think is good set, fiddle player). Besides these great photographers, check out Michael Brooking's Flickr and Clifford Oto's blog.

A quick review of Podcast Stockton Live at the Taste of San Joaquin!

What's new on ClosetGoodies.com

An interview with Levi Wells and Clarence Henderson from 83 Seconds. This new social networking (it's not social, it's networking, with a purpose) site is coming soon and Levi and Clarence come into the studio to tell us what it's all about. The two of them are running the company from Stockton, and along with their business partners from southern California, they are looking at making a splash in the online world of social networking.

A few quick things:

Rod and Linda's newest addition, another daughter, is expected to make her arrival any day. The rest of the Podcast Stockton crew is eager for her arrival!

The 2nd Annual Internet Marketing Conference is July 21 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the Stockton Hilton. Tickets are $125. There are only 10 spots left and Mayaco is donating 100% of the proceeds of these final 10 tickets to the St. Joseph's Cancer Center. This year's keynote speaker is Microsoft Executive, Alpa Agarwal.

The Record's editor, Mike Klocke, held a live web chat this afternoon. Besides mentioning Podcast Stockton, Evil Chef Mom and Reclaiming the Title, Mike fielded some great questions from the community.

Until next time, make it great Stockton!

- Matt & Rod