The Chronicle
Jeremy Troupe-Masi
Source
- Through The Grapevine | Culture + HospitalityCo Host· podcast
Recent
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Who Will Shape the Future of the Livermore Valley? | Nancy Mueller Calhoun
This week on Through the Grapevine , we sit down with Nancy Calhoun Mueller —a fifth-generation Livermore Valley rancher, agricultural advocate, and steward of a family legacy that stretches back to the 1850s. Nancy shares the story of growing up on the land, the challenges facing modern agriculture, and why she believes the future of the Livermore Valley depends on more than preserving open space—it depends on supporting the people who work it. From regenerative ranching and local food systems to agritourism, education, and community partnerships, this conversation explores what it will take to ensure agriculture remains a vibrant part of our region for generations to come. Together, we ask a simple but powerful question: If agriculture helped build the Livermore Valley, what responsibility do we all share in protecting its future? Whether you're passionate about food, wine, hospitality, conservation, or simply love calling the Tri-Valley home, this episode is an invitation to think d
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
TTG Is Back With The Downtown Pour Collective
This week on Through the Grapevine , we sit down with Nick Martinez, founder of Downtown Pour Collective , to explore a fresh approach to strengthening Livermore's hospitality community—one intentional visit at a time. After nearly two decades in the restaurant industry, Nick has seen firsthand the challenges local businesses face, from rising costs and staffing shortages to the impact of slow weekdays. Instead of accepting those challenges as the new normal, he created Downtown Pour Collective, a members-only community designed to connect locals with the restaurants, wine bars, breweries, and tasting rooms that make downtown Livermore such a special place. In this episode, we dive into the inspiration behind the concept, why becoming a "regular" matters more than ever, and how small, intentional choices by local residents can have a lasting impact on the businesses that give our community its unique character. It's a conversation about hospitality, entrepreneurship, and what it truly
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
New Kidz On The Block | Vine Farm Ridge
This week on Through the Grapevine , we welcome Brad and Ally Kurtz of Vine Farm Ridge—Livermore Valley’s newest winery making big moves on the first ridge above the valley floor. Brad returns to the show with Ally joining for the first time, and together they share the bold vision behind reviving a neglected 14-acre site, discovering its hidden potential, and replanting it to build a vineyard that honors both California heritage and Mediterranean tradition. From head-trained field blends to the historic Blind Boss Vineyard, the Kurtz family is carving their own path and pushing the region forward. If you’re curious about the next generation of Livermore wine and the people determined to shape its future, this episode is a must-listen. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
From Law Enforcement to Cookies with Butter & Batter
This week, Savannah and I sit down with Lisa Corti , owner of Butter & Batter Cookie Bar in Livermore. After 16 years in law enforcement, Lisa found healing and creativity in baking — turning it into a business that now serves her community in new and meaningful ways. We talk about her journey, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and how Butter & Batter has become both a passion and a platform for connection.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Brewing Community with Grounded Coffee
This week, I sit down with Holly and Eric Kung, the heart and soul behind Grounded Coffee in Livermore. We talk about what inspired them to open their shop, the magic of the “third space,” and how they measure the real impact of community. From sourcing local to giving back, Holly and Eric are proof that coffee can be a catalyst for connection. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Vintage with a Vision: Best Budz Take on Downtown
In this episode, we sit down with sibling duo Ali & Addison Westbrook , the passionate owners behind Best Budz Vintage — downtown Livermore’s freshest new shop and a bold statement in sustainable style. More than just curating killer pieces from the ‘60s through the ‘90s, Aly and Addison are on a mission to fight fast fashion , raise awareness for conscious shopping , and create a collaborative hub for the community. We talk about the inspiration behind Best Budz, their love of all things retro, and what it means to step into the role of Livermore’s newest downtown ambassadors. Tune in for fashion hot takes, sibling banter, and a fresh perspective on how style, sustainability, and small business can intersect beautifully. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal @bestbudzvintage on Instagram Open Thursday - Sunday in Downtown Livermore
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Sip Around The World with David Haubert
Yo we are back in the studio with special guest Alameda County District 1 Supervisor - David Haubert & his assistant Lindsey Knight. David and his team have been working hard to put together the world's first Global AV,A consisting of over 10 regions from all over the world from Croatia, to Chinon, to South America. After a few months of inception the Livermore Valley is hosting their first event for the Global AVA at the Martinelli Center. June 21st - from 2PM - 5PM, we invite you to join us for a one of a kind event that will give you a chance to taste wines from all over the world. By people much like us here in the Livermore Valley, family-owned, community-oriented craftsman & women. David and Lindsey were kind enough to offer our listeners a special promo code giving you $10 off your ticket to the event! Use PROMOCODE: WINES10 You can find tickets at: https://www.lvwine.org/event/12629/sip-around-the-world Join us for a great day bringing together world regions here in our home -
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Good Mornings with Joanne Tan
Welcome to Good Morning Maxwell! Your Premier Event Spaces in the Bay Area Nestled in the heart of Northern California, Good Morning Maxwell offers inspiring event venues in Livermore , Pleasanton , Brentwood , and Castro Valley . Our spaces are designed to connect families, friends, creatives, local artists, and the community, making every occasion truly special.In this episode, we are joined by owner Joanne Tan of GMM as she takes us through her journey of life and small business ownership. For about the past year no,w Joanne has been a TTG partner in helping us bring to life our fresh R.I.S.E. movement here in Livermore. Tune in now for a great episode with a business you definetley want to know about!
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
The Importance of Community | Todd Utikal
In this week's show we got to sit down with Todd Utikal. Owner and operator of Sidetrack Bar + Grill in Pleasanton,CA. Todd shares how his experiences pushed him to open Sidetrack. From travel agent, auctioneer, broker, to civic ambassador. Todd gives us insight on how he has always been driven to give more than he takes and the bounty that it has bestowed upon him and his community. He gives us insight on what is it like to open a restaurant from scratch alongside his late friend and mentor Skip Hinsley and what the legacy of Scoozi bread has meant to him since! Tune in now for another great episode with Team TTG.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
The Curious Travels Of A Foodie
This episode is loaded with fun, storytelling, laughter, and Wine! You heard it right, it has been too long since Team TTG has opened up a bottle of vino during the podcast. Chef Debbie Casey of Chef Debbie Meal Prep Service is in the studio with us, taking us through her 'Curious' journey as a publisher, teacher, world traveler, foodie, and now big league Chef helping to feed the Tri-Valley. From chicken feet to baked potatoes we talk all things food. Tune in now for another great episode bringing you closer to another mover and shaker here in the Livermore Valley.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Balanced Livermore Chiropractic | Hannah Berglund
In this episode, Hannah Berglund takes us through her journey from small business dreamer to small business owner. Sharing what sacrifices had to be made so she and her husband Nic could one day become business owners. Hannah & Nic stumbled upon Livermore in 2017 and immediately fell in love with his small-town charm. Since opening its doors in 2022, they have quickly climbed the ranks as one of the top Chiropractic & Rehabilitation practices in the city. Hannah is not shy about taking us through some of their most challenging times as small business owners. While also sharing many of her favorite Livermore Valley todo's be it Story Coffee or pizza at Wingen Bakery. Join us for a great converstion with Mastermind Alum Hannah Berglund!
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Wine Country Inn Developer | Michelle Boss
In this episode, TTG is joined by Hospitality Entrepreneur & Real Estate Developer Michelle Boss. She owns the new Livermore Valley Wine Country Inn and is hoping to break ground soon. This 30-room boutique is a much-needed wine country acquisition that can help drive some amazing new tourism here in the region. Michelle takes us through her professional journey and shares what it has taken to get her to this point. Michelle also joined us for our first Masterminds sessions at Good Morning Maxwell and shared her takeaways. Join us for another great conversation with Team TTG.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Masterminds Recap | In The Studio With JTM
Join JTM as he takes on this Mastermind Recap solo bolo! It is a one man show today! No energy, and no fun lost though. Tune in now for updates on local news, events going on here in the Livermore Valley as well as a full recap on the first R.I.S.E. Masterminds held at Good Morning Maxwell.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Generational Business with Meadowlark Dairy
After three generations and over 100 years in business, Livermore is excited to announce that Meadowlark Dairy is headed our way! Slated to open this summer, the historic Meadowlark Dairy is opening its second location here in the heart of Downtown Livermore. We are joined by third-generation owner Jesse Takens as he takes us through the history and inception of 2.0. Please help us welcome Jesse and the Meadowlark family into Livermore and share this episode with everyone you know. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Unpacking D.E.I. - Real Talk With Team TTG
Team TTG ventures a bit outside our normal conversation today. Feeling the weight of some rather polarizing national headlines. We felt the need to unpack some feelings with one another. Since taking office, our new administration has come on strong, targeting Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Making it the scapegoat for many of America's current socioeconomic downfalls. While at the core, we aim to galvanize meaningful conversations around the Tri-Valley Hospitality space, we are also human and sometimes need to talk about some real things that affect us all. We are not looking to save the world with this conversation, but we hope it may open the door for you to do some of your unpacking. This conversation also allows us to advocate for more local civic duty in your town, wherever that may be. National media is the noise meant to keep us distracted and misinformed. We firmly believe that making an impact in your community is the best next step for those fighting for change. And we try a
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
R.I.S.E. Masterminds & Local News
Team TTG is back in the studio since their enormous R.I.S.E. Bankhead Theater event and is excited to chat about what is next. R.I.S.E. Masterminds is an in-person follow-up giving us the chance to sit down on a more intimate level and continue to create a community and a critical mass of small business entrepreneurs to help us move the needle and operationalize our success. We share some exciting local happenings from businesses to look out for and Tri-Valley Restaurant Week as well as SF Beer Week which run Feb 21st - March 2nd. Tune in now as we spark back up a year of meaningful conversation centered around hospitality & culture.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
TTG R.I.S.E. From Their Slumber
Welcome Back & Happy New Year SVC + JTM returns from a winter slumber excited to talk about their upcoming event happening January 21st at the Bankhead Theater Of Performing Arts in Downtown Livermore. Sharing exciting news about what you can expect from the event and this year's podcast. As well as answering some questions about what you can expect! Tickets are still live and will also be sold at the door. Don't miss your chance to start the New Year out in style. Did you know that the Bay Area's oldest creamery is coming to Livermore this summer. That is right Meadowlark Dairy will be opening their second location in the heart of Downtown Livermore and the community could not be more excited. Join us for another lap around the sun as we continue to strive to bring together our hospitality industry and challenge the status quo. Together we RISE ayoo!!!!!
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
#EATLOCAL with Foragers Market | 2023 Diablo Magazine Visionary Award
After several months of chasing one another, we are excited to sit down with the two men behind Foragers Market Co. Justin Johal and Harv Singh are the curators of our Livermore Farmers Market, along with San Ramon, Niles Fremont, and West Oakland. Since taking over management of our Livermore farmers, these two have completely revitalized how our community ability to come together and celebrate all that defines #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal In 2023 Diablo Magazine awarded Foragers Market the East Bay Farmers Market Visionary Award. Tune in now and learn more about what it takes to create and manage amazing regional farmers market. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to stay tuned with all our regional happenings.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
TTG 2nd Annual Mixer Announcement!
Come hang out with just JTM on this episode. JTM takes you through some local news and updates. Livermore's second-largest brewery is coming to a close, and there are quite a few vacancies in downtown Livermore. What do you make of it? Once warmed up, JTM dives into some exciting details about TTG's 2nd Annual Mixer. Last year we were excited to host this event at Almost Famous Wine Co. in the Vasco Row Makers District. This year we are leveling up and taking over teh Bankhead Theater for a night you will not want to miss. Tune in and learn more - don't forget to hit that subscribe button and set those notifications to stun. Did you know that TTG has a website? Check us out at www.TTGPodcast.com and sign up for our mailing list and newsletters.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Keep Chasing Faith w/ Faith Alpher
The Thrupple is back in the studio for episode 103 with Faith Alpher A native of Teaneck, New Jersey, Faith Alpher has been delighting audiences for years. A trained actress, comedian, radio personality, wife, mother, and dog-lover, Faith has a remarkable gift for connecting with people of every background. On stage, her larger-than-life personality and willingness to share her life’s experiences openly and honestly, connects audiences not just to her but to each other. A familiar voice on local radio, Faith has been an on-air presence at KKIQ (101.7) and KKDV (92.1) for more than a dozen years. Tune in for another great episode with Team TTG!
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Election Season | Steven Dunbar District 3 Nominee
We are happy to be back after a little end-of-summer break. Lots has happened in the month that we have been away, and we are creeping closer and closer to election season. Join us as JTM sits down for a one-on-one interview with District 3 City Nominee Steven Dunbar. We felt obligated to sit down with a couple of community leaders and learn more about how they aim to impact the Livermore Valley and how they continue pushing the needle for our hospitality economy. To their thoughts on circulation, city growth, and characters of leadership. Stay tuned for our next episode with Author, Comedian, Speaker, and community leader Faith Alpher. Subscribe and set your notifications to stun to stay updated with our latest episodes. And check our new website TTGPodcast.com
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Election Season Session | Kristie Wang City Council Nominee
We are happy to be back after a little end-of-summer break. Lots has happened in the month that we have been away, and we are creeping closer and closer to election season. Join us as JTM sits down for a one-on-one interview with District 4 City Nominee Kristie Wang [W-ong]. We felt obligated to sit down with a couple of community leaders and learn more about how they aim to impact the Livermore Valley and how they continue pushing the needle for our hospitality economy. To their thoughts on circulation, city growth, and characters of leadership. Next week, we will interview District 3 City Council nominee Steven Dunbar. Subscribe and set your notifications to stun to stay updated with our latest episodes. And check our new website TTGPodcast.com
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Episode 100 | Bienvenue Au Spectacle!
Episode 100 - woohoo. It has taken 5 wonderful years to get to this point and we look forward to many more. Thank you to all those who have supported us. We thought, who better to join us on the podcast than one of our longest-listening supporters than Apolline Augustine aka Apple. Apple is the General Manager at Livermore's acclaimed Wingen Bakery. Born and raised in a small town outside of Paris Apple came to America at a young age with no english under her belt. And has since built herself a life that is nothing short of the American Dream. Come have some fun and get inspired for what is a very fullfilling episode 100 for the TTG Crew!! Love you Apple!
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Food Makes Me Happy & Livermore Valley Wine
This episode is all about food that makes you happy and the wines that we enjoy drinking with them. SVC + JTM hit up the Livermore Valley Interwinery Tasting to check out the 2024 vintage here in the region. We recap wines and people to be excited about, wines of the night, the biggest surprises, and more. JTM then surprises SVC to pair the best wines from the tasting with a few of her favorite Livermore Valley eateries. Tune in for all the latest Livermore Valley Wine Country news and happenings. Be sure to subscribe and join the Tri-Valley's first and only hospitality podcast. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
The Bear | Season 3 Recap
Spoiler Alert - If you have not completed The Bear season 3, consider this your warning. In this episode, Jeremy Troupe-Masi & Savannah Vento-Chun review the highly acclaimed and Emmy award-winning show 'The Bear'. SVC & JTM challenge various reviews while also offering a few of their own and ultimately answer the question. Did season 3 live up to the hype!? Tune in now and find out for yourself. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe and stay up to date with our weekly releases. Next week's episode covers the 2024 Livermore Valley Wine Country Vintage Review.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Livermore's First Fish Bar | Cured
,Join us as we sit down with Frances[Franny] Catano and Joe Tomaszak, the owners of Livermore's very first fish bar. Cured Fish Bar offers up some of the freshest seafood bites within 40 miles, reminding us that while inland, we are a coastal town. In this episode, we sit down and look under the hood at what it took for them to take the leap of faith and go all in on themselves and why they chose Livermore. Fran and Joe are seasoned vets with experience from LA to SF and are excited to offer their style and cuisine to the region. If you enjoy this episode, PLEASE hit that subscribe button, as our voice is only as strong as our following. And be sure to go see Joe & Fran over at Maple Street Plaza.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
Has Tipping Gotten Out Of Control?
The gang is back together, chatting about all the latest Livermore Valley + Downtown News. We also take on the topic of tipping. As so many have felt, tipping has become a significant financial consideration and burden in some cases relative to going out and spending money. We take a stab at dissecting what has caused such an uptick in what is being deemed 'guilt tipping'. Tune in now and let us know if you feel the same.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
TTG Shorts | Livermore Farmers Market - Heart Of Community
Join JTM & SVC for another TTG Short. This new segment allows us to experiment with some creative writing and offerings. In this segment, SVC takes the lead and shares why our Livermore Valley Farmers Market is more than meets the eye. And to her, why the Farmers Market serves as the center of community. We hope that you continue to enjoy these, share our podcast dang it and give us a follow!
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
TTG Shorts | A Tribute To Anthony Bourdain
Come hang out with JTM and SVC as we continue digging into a new segment called TTG Shorts. This series will take you through fun and meaningful reviews of your favorite local businesses. In this episode, JTM takes a heartfelt moment to reflect on the impact that the late Anthony Bourdain has made not only on the industry but also on JTM. We hope you enjoy these new segments. Let us know how you like them and leave us a review! Hit that subscribe button and stay tuned on all TTG happenings.
- podcast· Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality
New Studio Who Dis & Hometown Blues
,,,We are back after a few weeks away from the microphones. While we were away though, Advanced Creative saw an expansion, doubling in size and offering TTG a brand-new recording studio. This is the first time in a several episodes hosts SVC, JTM , & Matt were able to record together as well. We spend much of our discussion catching up, sharing some summer happenings and find ourselves missing home.