Podcast Stockton Live!

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Last Saturday, we took the show on the road with our first Podcast Stockton Live at the Taste of San Joaquin / Way Out West BBQ Championship. It was another awesome year for this event with tons of great food and music. Stockton's own Smokin' Yankees took home 3rd place in pork and ribs, 8th in brisket, 1st place (by one point) in the People's Choice category and 3rd place overall! Congratulations Smokin' Yankees!

Rod was not able to join us so Gabriel stepped in as fill-in co-host. With Manny running sound, we were joined by our usual guests, Wes Rhea, Lowell Tuckerman and Jon Remington. We also did a trivia segment and gave away some great prizes to one lucky audience member. We also did an interview with Ric Gilbert from Way Out West BBQ Championship.

We were not able to record the audio from the live show but we did capture a little video and Manny did the editing and production... thanks guys!

Also check out pics from our show here.

Big thanks to Emily from the Downtown Stockton Alliance for giving us the opportunity to do our show live.

Gabriel, Manuel, Jon, Lowell, Matt

Gabriel, Manuel, Jon, Lowell, Matt

On July 3, 2010, we did a live version of our show at the Taste of San Joaquin and Way Out West BBQ Championship. In the video I kept calling it the "2nd annual...". It was actually the 3rd annual Taste of San Joaquin and the 2nd annual Way Out West BBQ Championship.
part 2 of 2 On July 3, 2010, we did a live version of our show at the Taste of San Joaquin and Way Out West BBQ Championship. In the video I kept calling it the "2nd annual...". It was actually the 3rd annual Taste of San Joaquin and the 2nd annual Way Out West BBQ Championship.

The 19th Annual Trivia Bee

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On Friday evening, Rod and I, along with our friend Fred, participated in the 19th Annual Trivia Bee put on by the Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County. While this was my third time competing in this event and Fred's second time, it was Rod's first Trivia Bee. This years event, the first to sell-out, was held inside the A.G. Spanos Center at University of the Pacific after many years at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium.

We arrived shortly after noon to claim our tables on the stage and in the audience. The prime spots went first to the teams that were able to set up early. We set up shop on the back row, which was perfect since I was afraid my hat would block someone from being seen by the audience.

After eating a great dinner catered by Angelina's, we went to the top deck for pictures. While we were waiting in line, we met the threesome with the Stockton Rotary team. After a few minutes, we figured out why one them looked familiar: he was one of the men that stands behind the goal at the Stockton Arena and hits the buzzer when there's a score.

The teams took the stage shortly after 7 PM and were introduced one by one. Then, the hard work began. The first question asked what suspense film maker inspired a Lady Gaga song. I don't know much about Lady Gaga but guessed at the right answer: Alfred Hitchcock. Needless to say, we went crazy celebrating the fact we were 1 for 1. Our fans out in the audience (Linda, Dawn and Flower) also cheered us on. The next 29 questions were not as easy. Most of the time, only one of us knew the answer to each question. At the end of round one, we had amassed 17 points. More than half, and one more than the couple of teams in last place!

The second round proved to be much more difficult with more questions about movies and literature. We only answered 9 of 30 correct for a total score of 35. The Friends of the Library team won the competition with a total of 65 points. Our only goal for the night was to not end up in last place. Thankfully we did better than last place.

We got a chance to talk to other Bee goers such as city council members Susan Eggman and Dale Fritchen, Vice Mayor Kathy Miller, Public Information Officer Connie Cochran, Foundation Executive Director Susan Spracher, SBDC Director Gillian Murphy, Record Editors Mike Klocke and Don Blount, Sheriff Steve Moore, Dwight Richards and many more.

The spirit award of the night, however, has to go to the local high school teams. There were teams from a few local area high schools but the teams represented by St. Mary's, Lincoln and Stagg were energetic and excited to be competing. We sat next to the St. Mary's team and had a great time getting to know them. One of the students had learned, as we were in the middle of competition, that he was accepted to UCLA. Fred snuck a note the master of ceremonies and an announcement was made, to thunderous applause. Later, when we asked him if was going to go there, he said, "No, I want to go to Stanford."

Kudos to the Library & Literacy Foundation staff for putting on another fantastic Trivia Bee. Congratulations to the Friends of the Library team for taking home the Bobblehead Bee trophy.

Click here for the pictures we took at the event.

We will be back in 2011.

Podcast Stockton on News 10

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Rod and I had our second television appearance in as many weeks yesterday. Last week, Anne Makovek from News 10 came to the Outback Studios to learn more about Podcast Stockton. This morning, they ran the story, "Podcast Stockton Shines Light on Good in Stockton". You can also click here for just the video. We were thrilled to, once again, have the opportunity to share Podcast Stockton with more people.

Meet the voice of Podcast Stockton Sports

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For five episodes now, a young man has been bringing you the highlights from the Stockton sports scene on Podcast Stockton. We now realize that we pretty much threw him at you with no ado. Allow us to correct that mistake by formally introducing you to the voice of Stockton Sports....Lowell Tuckerman. Lowell is a product of the bay area and has, as of September of 2009, began to call Stockton his home. He comes to us by way of the Delta College Radio and Television department where he has hosted a sports talk program since his arrival in the spring semester of 2008.

During his tenure as the end-all-be-all of the Delta sports talk scene Lowell has made regular guest of such prominent bay area sports writers as the beat writers for the San Francisco Giants, the Oakland A's, and the Golden State Warriors. He has also played host to Damon Bruce of KNBR fame and even had the opportunity to interview Gary Radnich on his own show. And last but certainly not least he has chatted poker as well as life with ESPN's World Series of Poker analyst Norman Chad.

Lowell Tuckerman is for real folks. You can still find him roaming the airwaves of Delta College's Internet radio station iDPower on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2pm until 4pm.

Over the course of his stay at Delta, Lowell has earned two certificates in both radio and television while adding an Associates Degree in Communications with a concentration in Radio. He remains at Delta to finish his general education classes on his way to transferring to a four-year University.

According to Lowell he is enjoying his time as a member of the Podcast Stockton crew and is thrilled to be a part of what he calls a "legit operation." He has appreciated the opportunity to work with myself and Matt stating that being on this show has made him "proud of Stockton and proud to be part of the Podcast Stockton team."

Lowell is looking to take his Podcast Stockton experience as well as his time at Delta to move up the ladder of the sports talk world. "I would like to someday be a sports talk show host in a big market like LA, New Orleans or Miami, and while I may be doing radio now, don't get me wrong, I would love to do some television as well."

Please join us in welcoming Lowell Tuckerman to the Podcast Stockton family. We look forward to our continued partnership and appreciate the great things he has done for us thus far.

Miserable?

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Forbes Magazine issued it's list of America's Most Miserable cities today. Stockton is no longer at the top of the list. We were displaced by Cleveland, Ohio. Besides being the TV home for the Drew Carey show, and home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the NBA Cavaliers and NFL Browns, Cleveland can now lay claim to being atop a list it would likely rather not be.

I do not dispute the methodology used by Forbes for this annual study. I think it is important to examine taxes, crime rates and commute times. What I do not understand, though, is the adjective (or better put, label) miserable.

If miserable is to be in a state of misery and misery is great unhappiness, I think it is impossible for an entire city (or, in actuality, all of its residents) to be miserable. That is too wide a net to cast over a quarter-million people.

I do not discount our crime rate, unemployment or taxes. Those are all very serious matters that need our attention. Those characteristics, however, do not define who we are as a city. Stockton is full of loving and caring people that care deeply for their neighbors. Podcast Stockton was born from last year's Most Miserable list. Over the last year I have become more convinced that Stockton is full of positive people, people that wake up everyday wanting to do good. We are hard-working, chip-on-our-shoulder, charitable, family focused people that don't beat ourselves up for being on a national magazine's naughty list. Each week on Podcast Stockton, we strive to bring you the positive stories of our town and hope that you enjoy listening to them as much as enjoy doing them. Throughout 28 episodes, we realize more than ever that Stockton is not miserable.

Thank you Stockton.

The picture above is of my youngest daughter playing in the water at McLeod Park in downtown Stockton. It was taken on September 16, 2001. Even though the world was falling apart all around us, she seemed to be having a lot of fun that day. If you'd like to see the rest of the miserable time we had at the park that day, click here.

Enough misery. I think it's time to go the Haggin Museum for the 3rd Thursday event.

Come Join Us At The Trivia Bee

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We are excited to be attending the 19th Annual Library & Literacy Foundation Trivia Bee on Friday, March 12. Rod and I will be competing against other local groups and have a seat open at our table. So, are you good at movie trivia? This year's theme is Lights, Camera, Literacy so we assume it will be movie trivia.

The Library & Literacy Foundation is one of our favorite local organizations and are thrilled to help their cause. We want to make a big splash (not a belly flop) at this year's event.

We have already paid the registration fee and have an extra ticket for our teammate to bring a guest, so there's no cost to join us.

If you're interested, leave us a message at 209-565-3229 or send an e-mail to mail@podcaststockton.com.

See you there!

Many more people make Stockton a special place

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Tonight, I came across this piece written by Mike Klocke, Record Editor. I doubt Mr. Klocke intended to make this a meme, but I'm still going to make my own list and pass out some more holiday cheer.

Rod Villagomez: My fearless co-host of Podcast Stockton. Rod is an animal! Rod started Valley Sports Network and broadcasted the Beep Ball World Series. His motivation? He wanted people all over the world to share in this amazing sport, and to see the brighter side of Stockton. Is there anything this guy won't do? 24 hour web broadcast? Done! Walk the 5k Run & Walk Against Hunger while broadcasting live? Check! Rod is laying the ground work for a Stockton independent media revolution. I am proud to be a part of it and proud to call him my friend!

Andy Pinasco: Fresh! Is there any other way to describe him? Andy gets things stirred up like nobody else. He has a lot of passion about Stockton and he's not afraid to use it.

Wes Rhea: Keeping his loyal flock of internet followers in the know is Wes's gig, and no one does it better. No one markets the city better then Wes and his crew at the CVB. Wes has turned many of us into tourists of our town. Keep an eye out for Stockton Tweetup #2.

Emily Baime: Downtown Stockton still gets a bad rap, but Emily and her team do an awesome job reminding us that Downtown Stockton isn't the same as it was years ago. And thanks to her, I'll never look at pumpkin pie the same.

Dawn Beckwith: My wife is amazing. She, herself with a full-time job and full time family, still finds time to participate in all of the kids' school activities and has the strength to put up with me. I am who I am because of of her.

Slick Diaz: If that is his real name. Slick calls it like he sees it and makes no apologies. Making sure that the folks at the Record dot their Is and cross their Ts, he adds an awesome edge to the blogging community of Stockton!

Michael Fitzgerald, Ian Hill, Tara Cuslidge, David Siders, Christian Burkin and Daniel Thigpen: The Record continues to get a bad rap in some circles. Say what you will about this group but it is me that plays in their sandbox. They bang out their craft with heart and get big props from me for doing so!

Jennifer Boylan and David Vigil: Along with the rest of the Stockton Stingrays and volunteers like David, Chuck and Connor, these guys introduced me to an amazing community within our community. They taught me that the world can be a beautiful place, even if you can't see it. I have learned so much about our blind and visually impaired community from these guys. Bringing the NBBA World Series to Stockton was no small feat. They worked their tails off and pulled off an amazing event. Getting to know them and their team has been one of my highlights of 2009. Stockton! Stingrays!

William Story: I finally had the chance to meet the great Mr. Story, the SJDC instructor that has quietly been helping students get started in media careers for years. A man of few words, he cares deeply about this community and his students. As we explode is 2010, know this: Story had a hand in the foundation.

Gabe & Devin: Podcasting brings awesomeness and these guys have a formula of awesomeness times 2! I dig seeing the world through there shows. I will always be thankful for their support of our show.

Sophoan Sorn: You might thing that world-class film festivals and Stockton go together like "lounge acts and the Titanic" (to steal a quote from another person on this list), but you'd be wrong. Sophoan is a class act!

Manuel Montes: No, he does not own Manny's, but if he did, he'd put one at the 12th hole at Swenson so we wouldn't have to jump the fence to go to Quick Stop. I "met" Manuel on Twitter and then on the golf course. Since then, I've discovered just how cool this guy is!

Jon & Christie Remington: They were tired of seeing ads for hookers on Craigslist so they started their own site, Closetgoodies.com, a family-friendly place to sell the stuff you don't want and pick up some great deals on stuff other people don't want. This husband and wife duo want to make this world a better place for their young daughter, one ad at a time. Spend 10 minutes with them and you'll catch their passion.

Fred & Flower Hagele: My wife and I met the Hageles years ago during a rough time in my life. Their friendship couldn't have come at a better time. I love these guys and don't tell them nearly enough. This family doesn't get "airplay" but they should. They care immensely about the lives of others and never stop giving.

Greg Bahr: Putting on entertaining events like the Miracle Mile Night is the kind of thing that gets Greg up in the morning. He cares about a lot of things and puts a ton of energy into bringing people together. His dedication for the Neighborhood Renaissance Program gives me hope we'll see it expanded in Stockton.

Bill Ries-Knight: Some people wander around looking for people to victimize. Bill wanders Stockton in real life and in the on-line world, looking for people to help. Stockton is better for Bill being here.

Jack & Rita Neary: I don't get in-law jokes. I don't because somehow I was graced with the most incredible in-laws I could've dreamed for. This couple epitomizes charity and are always asking the world, "how can we help". I've learned so much about life from my in-laws and am eternally grateful they didn't kill me when their daughter announced to them that we were a couple.

Tom Mondragon: My friend of many, many years, was the inspiration behind Podcast Stockton. Your fiery spirit has alway inspired me. Thank you, Tom. You rock!

Tony Mannor: Besides running a marketing company, Tony keeps himself busy turning Finnegan's into a place where everyone knows your name.

Tom Moccia: Amassing thousands of subscribers to BuyMeAniPhone.com from his home studio in north Stockton seems to have come easy to Tom. He was the first person to give my podcast project a chance and I will always be grateful for that!

Shawna Richardson: Some people are charitable, some people like to skate in roller derby, Shawna merges the two. Whether it's skating in front of Food 4 Less to motivate passers by to donate to the Stuff the Bus campaign or working an SPCA telethon, Shawna gives and gives and gives. Cross her in a bout and she'll knock you on your rear.

The rest of you fine people of Stockton: The toughest part about putting this list together is knowing that some people that aren't on this list might read it and wonder why they were left off. There are many, many more people I could add to the list. I l look forward to bringing you more stories of awesome people.

Merry Christmas.

Stir Up Stockton

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originally published at mattbeckwith.com

Andy continues to fan the fire he started last week. And it appears that his plan to #stir things up is gaining momentum. Local blogger, SlickDiaz, wrote a well thought out piece on his blog, Reclaiming the Title. Rod has not been silent on the matter, either. On Friday, Ian added his voice to the mix. What we have here is a handful of passionate Stocktonians, wanting to increase communication throughout our communities. How cool is that? Seriously. That is cool!

The What

We have an opportunity to increase communication between city departments, elected officials and the people of Stockton. I don’t know if we’ve been at this point before. I don’t know if we are here now because of technology or because people are just becoming more energized. It is likely both. The web, with current services like Twitter and Facebook, give us the ability to interact with friends and family. It can also give us the ability to interact with our local government.

While I agree that most people don’t trust their elected officials, I do not believe that you need to trust someone to interact with them online. We need an easier way for citizens to get up-to-date information from local government and for these citizens to have tools with which to communicate with the city. Not everyone can (or wants to) attend city council meetings. Writing a letter, and even sending an e-mail, can be arduous. Using Facebook and Twitter is a simpler way.

 

The Who

As it relates to social media consumption, I see three populations in Stockton. Andy, Slick, Rod, Ian and I are in one group - the “veterans”, for lack of a better term. In another group are those that have no access to a computer and may not own a cell phone. The third group is the one I will refer to as the “fringe”. This is the population that may already use the web to get news and may have even visited our city’s website (provided that they remember what the URL is). They may have delved into social media but only to have fun with their friends or keep tabs on their favorite American Idol contestant/judge/host.

The size of the fringe is not insignificant. I would argue that it is the biggest of the three groups. This is the group on which we should be focusing our energy.

We mustn’t forget about that second part of the population: those on the other side of the digital divide. We still need traditional communication channels for this group. We need the smart people in our community to come up with better ways to get this population engaged.

 

The How

We need to reach the fringe. Not to sell them on Twitter or Facebook. Rather, we need to have an open dialog about new ways to communicate with the City. It is our job, as members of the veteran group, to help spread the word to the fringe.

We need to hold social-media town halls. Although I am very much a fan of meet-ups (can’t wait for our first Tweetup!), getting a bunch of veterans together won’t do much to get new participants involved. We can hold how-to sessions at local libraries. We can also do what we’re doing now, talk to our friends, family and neighbors. We can keep stirring it up.

In order to realize any success in this regard, the City of Stockton must officially jump into the mix. They need to start small and identify what departments are best suited for this new medium. The city cannot wait for “enough people” to be in the channel before ramping up their efforts.

To help the city along, the Record must dedicate some space to educating the community about social media. The Record’s managing editor, Dan Blount blogged a simple post recently. Writing about social networking sites, Mr. Blount added,  “As the world expands, it continues to contract through the use of these media.” We need more than a quick blog entry. The Record has the power to get in front of a lot eyeballs. This cause could benefit from that power.

The Question

What else can we do to increase and improve communication amongst the city and its citizens? What ideas do you have? Leave a comment or send an e-mail to matt-at-mattbeckwith.com.

At the end of the day, Twitter and Facebook are awesome tools to start a conversation. We need more conversations in this city and we need more people in the conversation.