Sonoma Voices with Nada Rothbart

In this episode of Sonoma Voices, host Nada Rothbart interviews Eric Mayer, a biochar producer in Sonoma. Eric shares his background and how he got involved in making biochar, an agricultural product made from woody material that is turned into charcoal and mixed back into the soil. He explains the process of making biochar and its benefits for carbon capture and soil health. Eric discusses his clients, including vineyards, and how biochar is an alternative to burning vineyards. He also shares his love for Sonoma and the strong sense of community in the area.

Podcast Takeaways

• Biochar is an agricultural product made from woody material that is turned into charcoal and mixed back into the soil.
• Biochar serves as a long-term habitat for soil microbes and is a form of carbon capture.
• Biochar is already a viable solution for carbon capture and storage, with 90% of carbon dioxide removal credits based on biochar.
• Sonoma offers a strong sense of community and connection, focusing on regenerative agriculture and local living.

In this episode of Sonoma Voices, host Nada Rothbart interviews Stuart Piontek, owner of Stage Interiors in Sonoma. They discuss the daily business of staging, the role of stagers in home design, and the history and purpose of staging. They also explore the benefits of staging, including fulfilling fantasies and showing scale. Stuart dispels misconceptions about staging and explains the four principles of staging. They discuss the magic and financial benefits of staging and the joy and organic process involved. Stuart and Nada then share their thoughts on the beauty and community of Sonoma.

Takeaways

• Staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by adding furniture, rugs, art, and accessories to fulfill buyers' expectations of what the house should be.
• Staging is a tool to show scale and can make small rooms appear larger in photographs.
• Staging is not about fooling buyers, but about enhancing a home's features and creating a lifestyle story that resonates with potential buyers.
• Staged properties often sell for 6-10% higher prices than properties that are not staged.

Nada is joined by Daniel Harding, owner of The Flight Roasting Co which is bringing sensational coffee at the Friday farmers market in Sonoma. Listen in to hear how coffee brings people together, how Daniel lives his Sonoma life and more.

Nada is joined by Eddie Thornton, author of 'Stolen: Stories from a Violent Childhood'. Eddie shares his life story and motivation for writing the book. Eddie is also now a resident of Sonoma and is enjoying the town's shops, culture, biking and much more. A moving episode.

Nada is joined by Kate Kennedy, the Valley's leading Shakespearean and theatre director. Kate has lived in Sonoma for over 30 years and runs the most vibrant theatre performances of Shakespeare's plays at the Buena Vista Winery. Kate is such an energy and in this episode, she shares some of her love for Sonoma and her work. A must listen!!!!