Brave Should Be Spelled with a W(e)– BONUS: “In Conversation, With Nick Pagliochini”

Guest: Jessica Patay

In part two of our conversation with guest Jessica Patay, co-founder of We Are Brave Together, the focus shifts to the organization's development and the personal journey of its members. Jessica shares her experiences in managing the daily challenges associated with her son Ryan’s Prader-Willi syndrome, particularly his never-ending hunger which necessitates a locked kitchen to control food access.

Jessica explains the origins of We Are Brave Together, which was founded in 2017. The organization has since grown to support nearly 2,600 mothers globally, proving the need for a strong support network for caregivers of children with various diagnoses.

The episode also previews a significant upcoming event for the community, the launch of the anthology "Becoming Brave Together." This book compiles 21 stories from different caregivers, aiming to validate and enrich the reader's understanding of the caregiving experience through a tapestry of personal narratives.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences, which Jessica identifies as crucial in providing support and strength to caregivers. This part of the podcast builds on themes from part one, diving deeper into the triumphs and challenges faced by those within the We Are Brave Together network.

Tinseltown Abounds: Egyptians, Streets, Tamales, and One Big Splash!

Get ready for a whirlwind of fun in this episode jam-packed with events to tickle your fancy. Foodies, rejoice! There's Pizza City Fest with its cheesy goodness, the 11th Annual Riverside Tamale Festival, and even a Walk with the Animals event to benefit pet adoption. Feeling artsy? Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA promises a world of pure imagination in a very, very different way, and Puppet Up!'s hilarious marionette shows are sure to leave you in stitches.

Looking for a cinematic adventure? The TCM Classic Films Tour on the Warner Bros. Studio lot takes you behind the scenes of Hollywood magic, and don't forget the Egyptian Theatre's historic charm. Music lovers have a treat with Deadmau5's electrifying performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and cinephiles can catch the entire season with Street Food Cinema's mouthwatering movie nights. And if you're feeling a Pixar punch, The Disneyland Resorts's Pixar Fest is the perfect dose of animation magic! So grab your friends and family, there's something for everyone in and around the Southland this weekend!

There is No “I” in Brave – BONUS: “In Conversation, With Nick Pagliochini”

Guest: Jessica Patay

In part one of this week's "In Conversation" interview, we sit down with Jessica Patay as she tells us about her upbringing and the profound experiences that inspired her to create the powerful non-profit We Are Brave Together. We Are Brave Together aims to support, empower, and provide resources for mothers who are caregivers to children with disabilities, diagnoses, or mental health struggles.

Jessica opens up about being raised in a large, blended family in Southern California. She recalls lively memories like being on the high school drill team and emphasizes how her tight-knit friend group provided invaluable stability and joy amid the chaotic family dynamics. Despite a non-traditional childhood, Jessica's strong bonds gave her a deep well of love and support. Those formative relationships cultivated Jessica's appreciation for community - something that became vital when her son Ryan was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Prader-Willi Syndrome as an infant. Her experiences navigating Ryan's needs ultimately inspired her to found We Are Brave Together in 2017 to uplift and empower other caregiving moms.

Our candid discussion lays the groundwork for part two, where we'll explore Jessica's mission and the vital work of We Are Brave Together in more detail.

Fasten Your Bookmarks - It's a Lit, Grit and Puppet-Filled Ride

This jam-packed weekend is a literary lover's delight mixed with adrenaline-pumping motorsports and Earth Day eco-adventures. From the LA Times Festival of Books to the thunderous Acura Grand Prix races to the whimsical 10th annual Bob Baker Marionette celebration, there's something for every reader, rev-head and puppet fan!

• LA Times Festival of Books - Author panels, celeb guests

• Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach - Thunder Thursday kickoff, racing festivities

• 10th Annual Bob Baker Day - Marionette shows, games, pie fight

• Maurice Sendak exhibit at Skirball Cultural Center

• TCM Classic Film Fest - "Most Wanted" crime movies

• Natural History Museum Earth Day celebration

• LA Zoo "Wild for the Planet"

• Friends of LA River restoration projects

• Cyclovia car-free Venice Blvd

• Paleyfest TV panels

(Full show notes coming soon)

Let’s Raise a Challis, A la Mode – BONUS: “In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini”

Featured Guest: Diane Challis Davy

Diane Challis Davy is a true Laguna Beach local. She graduated from Laguna Beach High School and studied set and costume design with a scholarship from the Festival of Arts in Laguna. Her love for art and performance led her to the Pageant of the Masters in 1980, where she started working in the costume department.

Davy’s talent and dedication were quickly recognized. She was promoted to Assistant Pageant Director and won the Art Star Artist of the Year Award in 2008. Today, she’s the Director of the Pageant of the Masters, breathing new life into this beloved Laguna Beach tradition year after year.

The Pageant of the Masters, presented by the Festival of Arts, is a unique event that brings famous paintings to life – no, literally, really…to life! Every year, the pageant features a new theme and showcases talented actors, artists, and technicians who recreate iconic artworks on stage. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Laguna Beach!

To learn more about the Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters, and to get tickets to this incredible and dynamic event, please visit, https://www.foapom.com/

Unleash Your Imagination! Stars, Science, and a Symphony of Bugs!

Southern California is turning up the volume this weekend! Calling all TV fanatics - PaleyFest LA brings your favorite stars to the Dolby Theatre for interviews and show discussions (think Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon!). Need a cinematic adventure? The Academy Museum's "In the Midnight Hour" series throws a cult classic film fest, featuring outrageous flicks like Rocky Horror.

Music lovers rejoice! Goldenvoice Presents April explodes with concerts across LA, with artists like Blur, Hatsune Miku, and Taking Back Sunday taking the stage. Craving something more intimate? Catch “Lemur Mom,” a hilarious one-woman show about raising a child with autism. And of course, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicks off this weekend! Weekend 1 is sold out, but snag passes for weekend 2 and experience the brand-new Quasar stage.

Last Call and Free 99 features a few unique twists. Imaginology at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, the Blacklight Bug Fest in Riverside, or if you prefer your garden related activities in the day light hours, check out Gardenfest in San Clemente. That’s just a few things to wet your whistle! Get out there this weekend, explore, and report back to Nick Pagliochini about it!

She Says “Lemur Mom,” But I Say “Lionhearted!” – BONUS: “In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini”

Featured Guest: Megan Dolan

Megan Dolan is a woman that has seen and experienced a lot. In her early years divorce and a cult were just the name of the game. Bouncing back and forth between homes and families, she and her brother learned to navigate a lot. As time passed, Megan found her footing in the performing arts and cheerleading – two activities that helped distract her from the challenges of life, but also helped to develop her views on the world. College came, and with is sororities and drinking which lead to new challenges and connections to the world. Softball and a handsome stud eventually added themselves to the mix, and then wedding bells and kids. Autism, ADHD, and so much more have lead Megan down the path of sharing her stories through a Ted Talk, an incredible one woman show, and taking pen to paper for an upcoming anthology of other incredible women just like herself.

Buckle up! You’re in for laughs, tears, tangents, and stories galore! Learn more about Lemur Mom on Sunday, 14 April 2024 at the Curtis Theatre in Brea – get your tickets here - and We Are Brave Together’s upcoming book, “Becoming Brave Together.”

April Showers Bring “the Force,” Jokes, Art, Movies, Rowing and Corgis!

It’s a jam packed episode of This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini for this week’s installment. Final glimpses of Easter and egg hunts in Arcadia, laughs in Malibu & Santa Monica, film fests on the eastside of LA and Hollywood, delectable treats and eats in Pasadena, and the return of a faire from days gone by…just to name a few of the 14 events recommended to start out This Weekend!

Last Call and Free 99 features support for Palestine, Encyclopedia Commedia, art reframed, beer, the nature of gender, corgis at the beach, and a day at the docks!

Don’t forget to see what Nick Pagliochini is up to by checking in with him on social media @NickPagliochini & @ThisWeekendWithNick, as well as getting show notes and more details at ThisWeekendWithNick.com.

A True Californian at HeART – BONUS: “In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini”

Featured Guest: Mark Hilbert

Mark Hilbert, born in New York but growing up in California since three months old, has a passion and drive for innovation and storytelling. After a successful engineering career where he invented a device to improve air conditioning efficiency, he became a real estate investor. His true passion blossomed in 1992, when he and his wife Janet fell in love with California Scene paintings while decorating a home they bought together in Palm Springs. And as is said, the rest is history. This has led to a 30+ year lover affair with all things artistic in the Golden State, and they have amassed a collection of over 3,000 pieces, and that collection continues to grow!

Their love for art and dedication to artists and creations made in and about the state of California have truly turned into a lifelong commitment to collecting and sharing this incredibly special and dynamic collection with the world. The Hilberts collection depicts California's beauty and everyday life in many special and unique ways. They believe art is a powerful teaching tool, so they founded and funded the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University in Orange. This museum isn't just a place to see art – it's a place to experience it - where stories come alive! And now, let our host, Nick Pagliochini, bring to life the backstory of Mark Hilbert and how he became a steward of the Golden State and how his passion for art and life can be felt in every interaction with him, and he with the world.

To learn more about the Hilbert, please visit their website where you can make that ever-important “Free 99” reservation and enjoy your “This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini” dreams to your heart’s content.

“The theater, the theater, what happened to the theater?” Car Culture, Comedy, WonderCon, Peeps & More!

Lucky #13! Spring has sprung, kids are enjoying a break, and thus outside of Bunny related activities, it’s a little quiet in and around the southland this weekend as folks are getting in a little travel, but don’t think our host, Nick Pagliochini, doesn’t have a few things lined up for you between Ventura and San Diego.

This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini takes us to theatres around LA, Orange County, and a very special one in San Diego for Theatre Week and the Centennial Celebration of an incredible institution. LA’s car culture, takes center stage, with a solid dose of jazz, and comedy goes to the dogs, and cats, and guinea pigs… Wonder what’s happening in Orange County? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

Last Call and Free 99 celebrates Ephemeral Monuments and moments, a Peep Show and a hippity, hoppity visitor to Southern California. Hop to it, and enjoy!

Sesame Place San Diego is Turning a Telly (Monster) rrific Two Years Old with Allyson Sevedge (SPECIAL EDITION: In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini)

Once upon a time, in sunny San Diego, there was a splashy water park named Aquatica. In 2022, there was a magical Big Bird-sized transformation! Sesame Street's furry friends like Elmo and Abby Cadabby flew in, turning the park into a land of sunny days and laughter. With rides, shows, and everyone's favorite characters, Sesame Place San Diego has become a super Sesame Street celebration! Now, get ready for a second birthday bash fit for the Count himself – ha, ha, ha, ha!

Allyson Sevedge brings the magic! As Entertainment Manager at Sesame Place San Diego, she creates unforgettable live shows and keeps the fun flowing. From her stage-managing days to now leading the Creative Show Operations team, Allyson's passion for entertainment shines through. She's all about making memories that last a lifetime for guests of all ages!

Allyson has such a love for all things Sesame Street and Sesame Place San Diego, and works to make every guest’s experience incredible, and every ambassador’s day a magical one. Join us as we chat about her past, her experiences, her passions, and what you can expect this year at Sesame Place San Diego during their “Telly (Monster) rrific Two” year!

To learn more about Sesame Place San Diego, please visit: https://sesameplace.com/san-diego/

You can also enjoy a “Sunny Day!” by checking out these links: https://sesameplace.com/san-diego/events/elmos-eggstravaganza, and https://sesameplace.com/san-diego/dining/dine-with-elmo-and-friends

#SeaWorld60: There’s So Much More to Sea with Tyler Carter (SPECIAL EDITION: In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini)

In 1964, SeaWorld San Diego splashed onto the scene with a dream: to connect people with the wonders of the ocean. From a few dolphins and sea lions, it's grown into a vibrant world of shows, thrilling rides, and fascinating animal encounters. But SeaWorld's heart has always been in rescue. Countless seabirds, seals, and even whales have found a safe haven here, getting expert care and a second chance at life in the wild. Today, the park keeps its eyes on the future, with innovative shows and a focus on conservation, inspiring millions to be ocean stewards. It's a place where learning and fun meet, and the journey towards a brighter future for our seas begins.

Tyler Carter is the Vice President, In-Park Revenue at SeaWorld San Diego, but more than that, he’s a guest service and experience rockstar with an extensive background in, knowledge of, and hands-on time with theme parks in Southern California. His smile, that’s as bright as the So Cal sun, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the level of drive, passion, and focus he has on and brings to his guests – those walking through the front gate, or working behind the scenes. From delicious dining options to exciting retail finds, Tyler makes sure every visit is filled with fun.  His passion for the park and his team is contagious, and he can't wait to "SEA" you there!

Join Tyler and I as we chat about all things SeaWorld – past, present and future! Don’t forget your poncho, you’re getting ready to grab a seat in the “Splash Zone!”

To learn more about #SeaWorld60 at SeaWorld San Diego, please visit: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/

You can also take a deeper dive by checking out these links: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/60-years-of-seaworld/ ; https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/seven-seas-food-festival/ ; https://seaworld.com/san-diego/tickets/limited-time-offers/ ; and https://seaworld.com/san-diego/animals/the-jellyfish-experience/

That One Night in Downtown Santa Ana - BONUS: “In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini”

Featured Guest: Darcy Staniforth

Nick is really having an EPIC time with these BONUS “In Conversation…” episodes, and this one is no different! It’s his 12th of the year and look at that – we are 12 weeks in! Now, this episode was originally to be a conversation with Darcy Staniforth about her involvement and experience with Haunted OC, the Kellogg House, and the Heritage Museum of Orange County, but if you have learned one thing in the last 11 episodes, no conversation goes quite according to plan, and this interview is no different. Nick will definitely have another sit down with Darcy here in the near future about “all things that go bump in the night” – Halfway to Halloween is just around the corner of course – but please enjoy this “all over the map” chat with this incredible talent and scholar of life – Darcy Staniforth.

Celebrating Mammoths, Orcas, Big Birds, small monsters, and las golondrinas!

The first day of Spring has come and gone, and what does that mean for you? Well, we are almost a quarter of the way through the year, and your kiddos are likely to have visions of egg hunts, baseball, theme parks, and Spring Break on the mind! Let host Nick Pagliochini suggest some ideas of fun things for you to do on your own – a little “me time,” with your special someone, with the kids, and with your extended friends and family!

This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini takes us to a wrap up a snowboarding weekend for the whole family in Mammoth Lakes, CA, down to San Diego for the kick off of the 60th Anniversary of Sea World, Elmo’s Eggstravaganza at Sesame Place in Chula Vista, Adult Night Hikes and Dog Walking Hours, Comedians vs. AI, and so much more!

Last Call and Free 99 start out with SoCal Museums Annual Free-For-All, take us to a Vegan Street Fair, down to San Juan Capistrano for the 64th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado, and several opportunities to hop around Southern California to get an early start on your Easter Festivities!

Romance Can Be Found In Our Own Backyard - BONUS: “In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini”

Featured Guest(s): Jacqui Groseth & Kylie Travis

This week, Nick gallivants off to south Orange County for a visit to Casa Romantica in San Clemente. While there, he was able to chat with co-executive directors: Jacqui (Resource Development and Administration) & Kylie (Operations and Programming) about their lives growing up in Southern California, their educational backgrounds, their individual and shared passions, how they came to “the Casa,” what it means to them, and what they want you to learn about it and experience. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this trip down “…the coast…”

Welcome to the Roarin’ 2020s! May the Luck of the Irish be with YOU!

That statement comes from an incredible woman from the 1920s, with her role in history carrying far more weight and gravity than “This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini” in 2024, yet it is no less relevant for this lil’ podcast. Thank you for being a subscriber!

This week starts with “The Great Gatsby” and ends with a genuine treasure trove of events “…at the end of the rainbow!” Your veritable pot o’ gold for what to do in and around the Southland this weekend, and beyond!

Episode 11, Season 2 of “This Weekend…” covers Great Gatsby Night at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, the LA Marathon, “Cartoon Dissonance” at ArtBarLA in Mar Vista, and After Hours and Piano Quartet at Casa Romantica in San Clemente – just a few of the 13 events covered this week!

Last Call and Free 99 covers all things green in LA, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, as well as parades in LA, art in OC, and classic film screenings in the IE!

When You Wish Upon a Bar, Art and Honesty Will Take You Far - BONUS: “In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini”

Featured Guest(s): Tom “BigToe” Laura & Leonard “L.C.” Croskey

This week, Nick heads to ArtBarLA in Mar Vista to chat with BigToe and L.C. ahead of “Cartoon Dissonance,” a group art show featuring over 30 incredible artists – many that you are familiar with, but don’t even know it! Both Tom and Leonard have incredible backgrounds and stories to share about themselves, their lives, and experiences in Southern California, and how they are truly a part of our lives and we don’t have a clue.

**Colorful language and descriptions of incidents are present in this podcast episode. Listener discretion is advised.**

Boy, oh, Boysenberry! Weekend 10 of 2024! Let’s Go!

It’s genuinely challenging to not want to give my best impression of The Count from Sesame Street – “10! Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah…” can you believe we are 10 weeks into 2024 – and this weekend, it’s time for us to “Spring Forward” on the West Coast for Daylight Saving Time! Please don’t forget!

Episode 10, Season 2 of “This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini” is poppin’ off with the delicious start of the Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, followed by the Sakura or Cherry Blossom Festival in San Diego, and an extra special way to see the stars come out at night for the 96th Oscars!

Last Call and Free 99 celebrates women, art, family, kites, and Nowruz! So much going on this weekend in and around Southern California, and beyond! Tune in and see where the weekend will take you!

From the 50 Yard Line to the Chorus Line - BONUS: “In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini”

Featured Guest: Bren Thor Johnson

This week, Nick sits down for a chat with Bren Thor, an intern turned Associate Producer at the incredible regional theatre company – Musical Theatre West. Now, of course, Bren didn’t make the transition overnight – oh no… He has quite the back story from being an athlete, to working at the “House of Mouse” in Anaheim, CA, to gracing the small screen, the silver screen, and many stages before taking a more active role as a “Wizard of Oz” of sorts – helping MTW from “behind the curtain” to become a company to rival “the biggies!” Join Nick as he talks life, love, and passions with Bren, and how you too can follow your dreams of theatrical grandeur – on the small scale in your own community or even something more akin to the Great White Way!

America’s Finest City…You May Never Leave. Never. Ever.

Episode 9, Season 2 of “This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini” is another busy one starting out in San Diego with Sea World’s Seven Seas Food Festival, and the CRSSD Music Festival, then up to Orange County for Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival as well as the reopened and expanded Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University in Orange, and then it’s Last Call and Free 99 with Whales in Dana Point, una noche con el museo in Riverside, the Nominee Programs at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles ahead of the 96th Oscars on Sunday, 10 March, and a visit with Chauncey from Blumhouse and Lionsgate new film, “Imaginary.” These events and so much more are covered on this week’s installment! Please, tune in!

Full Show Notes:

Seven Seas Food Festival at Sea World San Diego in San Diego, CA

CRSSD Music Festival at Waterfront Park in San Diego, CA

Icon of the Silver Screen - A Captivating Lobby Card Exhibit at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in San Diego, CA

San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Expo at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA

Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University in Orange, CA

First Fridays 2024: From Feelings to Pheromones at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County at Exposition Park in South LA, CA

First Friday La Jolla Art Walk at La Jolla by the Sea in La Jolla, CA

53rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales at Dana Point Harbor in Dana Point, CA

Joyful Flowers: Ikebana Show presented by Ikebana Lessons at Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar, CA

California Bridal & Wedding Expo at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA

O.C. Lantern Festival 2024 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, CA

Nights with the Museum - Frances Vasquez at the Riverside Main Library in Riverside, CA

Nominee Programs Series at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA

Felix Art Fair at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA

Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival near the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA

Frieze Los Angeles at the Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica, CA

Blumhouse presents Chauncey’s Imaginary Playhouse in Los Angeles, CA