Step into the world where horses heal and community thrives. This week, we’re talking with Becca Knopf, the dynamic program manager behind the magic at Square Peg Foundation Sonoma —a nonprofit that’s redefining what belonging looks like.

From retired racehorses to neurodivergent youth and adults, Square Peg creates a space where every story matters (tails included).

Becca opens up about her roots, her personal journey of growth, and becoming a part of Square Peg, the organization’s celebrates being part of the new documentary Rescued Hearts, which beautifully captures the life-changing bond between humans and horses. Gallop along with us and discover the beatiful story of Square Peg Foundation .

In this episode, we catch up with Spencer DeSylva, Sonoma’s own Trashion Icon, who once globe-trotted through the fashion capitals of London and Manchester, earned a degree in Fashion Marketing, and landed a job with, yes- the Philip Treacy. Between a pandemic and Brexit, Spencer found themselves returning to the States wondering what was next.

Enter Trashion Fashion Sonoma. From outreach, education, social media, taking the runway by storm and holding a year-long artist residency that’s chock full of entertaining, dazzling and informative YouTube videos.

Every Trashion season, Spencer is a part of Trashion and divides their time with their business' Vignette du Vin, creating fashion illustrations using wine as the medium and also being an integral part of Professionals with Pride, Sonoma County's first LGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce.

We talk about using trash as the fashion medium, the dangers of consumerism and what it takes to live an unapologetically extravagant life in the arts. And trust us—reading about Spencer is one thing, but hearing them? That’s a runway moment of its own.Come for the couture, stay for the charisma. Spencer DeSylva is the moment.

This week on the pod, we sat down with a true community legend: Manuel Merjil, a connector of many and all-around cultural spark plug. Born and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, forged in San Francisco, and bloomed in Sonoma Valley, Manuel’s journey is anything but ordinary. From teaching citizenship classes, part founder of three magazines, and building community bridges for the latino, LGBTQ, theater and art communities - his story is a vivid mural of resilience, joy, and pure corazón.

We’ll talk about his upcoming honor at the 2025 Sonoma Community Center Muse Gala celebrating opportunity, unity and community. Tune in for a love story, inspiration and a true humanitarian who believes in the power of positivity.