Conejo Valley Visionaries

Conejo Valley Visionaries
  • 4.8 (22)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Conejo Valley Visionaries is a weekly audio and video podcast that highlights the founders, CEOs, and leaders behind the businesses you love in the Conejo Valley. From restaurateurs and coaches to sommeliers and retailers, each episode offers candid conversations about their journeys—how they started, the challenges they’ve faced, and their vision for the future. You’ll also get practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. Plus, enjoy exciting weekly giveaways! Want to share your own story? DM us on Instagram @ConejoValleyVisionaries.

  1. 1D AGO

    Best of Conejo Valley with Tyler Cusick

    We're back with another Best of Conejo Valley mini episode! Tyler Cusick, founder of Westlake Yoga Co., shares his favorite local restaurants, bars, coffee shops and more in and around Agoura Hills, Westlake and Thousand Oaks. Let me know if you agree with his picks on Instagram @conejovalleyvisionaries Tyler's original episode is ranked in the Top 5! Listen to it here if you haven't yet: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V2WhXUfVeYyIlqBz3m8xy?si=mRkJZp0JRuS_V9jpuTBNZA Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Westlake Yoga Co. ⁠here⁠ If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send us a DM - we are always open to guest nominations! This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

    6 min

  2. MAY 15

    Mouse Rawk, artist and co-owner of Outline Studios in Newbury Park, CA

    This week on Conejo Valley Visionaries, Cristina sits down with Mouse Rawk — Thousand Oaks artist, muralist, graffiti creative, and co-founder of Outline Studios in Newbury Park, CA. Raised in the Conejo Valley, Mouse shares how his passion for street art and graffiti evolved into a full-time creative career designing murals, custom artwork, and large-scale visual projects throughout Southern California. Local listeners may already recognize his signature artwork from Five07 Coffee, where his designs can be found on the walls and even on the to go coffee cups. The conversation explores what it’s really like building a career as a local artist in Thousand Oaks, navigating imposter syndrome, and creating opportunities for creatives in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley art scene. Cristina and Mouse also talk about the future of public art in Thousand Oaks, the importance of creative community, and how his new Newbury Park studio could become a hub for local artists, collaboration, events, and inspiration. If you’re interested in the local art scene, entrepreneurship, creative careers, mural art, graffiti culture, small business stories, or the people shaping Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, and the greater Conejo Valley community, this episode is for you. This episode was filmed inside Mouse’s studio, so be sure to watch the full video episode for an inside look at his artwork, creative process, and studio space. Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Mouse Rawk ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people. If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to conejovalleyvisionaries@gmail.com - we are always open to guest nominations! This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

    36 min

  3. MAY 7

    Carly and Zack Weaver of Conejo Valley Run Club

    In this episode of Conejo Valley Visionaries, host Cristina Dennstedt sits down with Carly and Zack, the founders of Conejo Valley Run Club—a fast-growing running community serving the greater Conejo Valley. What started as a personal need while training for a marathon quickly turned into something much bigger. Carly, new to running and looking for connection, noticed the lack of a local run club in Thousand Oaks after experiencing one in nearby Ventura. Instead of waiting for one to exist, she built it herself. Today, Conejo Valley Run Club is more than just a place to run—it’s a welcoming, supportive fitness community where locals from Westlake Village, Newbury Park, and Agoura Hills come together to move, connect, and stay accountable. Whether you’re a beginner runner, training for your first marathon, or just looking for a social run club near you, this group is redefining what community fitness looks like in the Conejo Valley. In this conversation, Carly and Zack share how they grew the club from a small meetup into a thriving local movement, how they intentionally create an inclusive environment, and their vision for the future of running in Thousand Oaks and beyond. If you’re searching for things to do in Conejo Valley, local fitness groups, running clubs near Thousand Oaks, or ways to get involved in your community, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insight. Tune in to hear how one idea turned into a powerful community that’s changing how people connect, stay active, and show up for themselves across the Conejo Valley. Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Conejo Valley Run Club ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people. If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to conejovalleyvisionaries@gmail.com - we are always open to guest nominations! This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

    39 min

  4. APR 24

    Lori and Justin Pecikonis, JRP Design & Remodel

    In this episode of Conejo Valley Visionaries, host Cristina Dennstedt sits down with Lori and Justin Pecikonis of JRP Design and Remodel to talk about building a life and business together—right here in the Conejo Valley. The conversation also dives into the realities of sustaining a business for over 25 years, from refining internal processes to adopting technology in a way that truly supports growth. It’s an honest, practical look at what it takes to build something that lasts. If you’re an entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—this episode offers grounded insights and real-world perspective you can actually use. Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with JRP Design & Remodel ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people. If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to conejovalleyvisionaries@gmail.com - we are always open to guest nominations! This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

    42 min

  5. APR 10

    Conejo Valley Visionaries LIVE: Women Founders Shaping Our Community

    In this special live episode of Conejo Valley Visionaries, we sit down with an inspiring panel of women founders for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build something meaningful. Recorded during our sold-out second annual Female Founders event at Hub 101 in Westlake Village, this conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship—from turning an idea into momentum and building a brand with intention, to prioritizing self-care and leaning on community along the way. Featuring insights from Gacia Laidrey Coffee Roasters, Dr. Rachael Cappuccino, Hilary Linderman of Rabbits & Oaks, Dr. Bieta Kia, and Lindsey Colhoun of Lindsay Colhoun Interior Design and Haven by LCD, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and inspiring perspective for founders, creatives, and anyone building what’s next. If you’ve ever wondered what growth really looks like behind the scenes, this conversation is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Event and Participants 11:00 Grounding Exercise with Monica Bloom 16:39 Panel Discussion on Physical Therapy and Women's Health 30:08 Community Engagement and Brand Building 37:05 Building Community Connections 43:35 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt 49:15 Transitioning from Fashion to Interior Design 57:07 Creating a Retail Space: Haven 01:05:00 Challenges in the Design Business 01:22:42 Deciding to Go All In or Quit 01:26:55 Finding Balance in Ambition

    1h 36m

  6. MAR 19 ·  BONUS

    Behind the Scenes of the Conejo Valley Visionaries LIVE Female Founders Event

    We’re just days away from the 2nd Annual Conejo Valley Visionaries LIVE Female Founders Event, taking place March 24 at Hub101 in Westlake Village, CA! In this episode, host Cristina Dennstedt shares a behind-the-scenes look at the event planning process, what it takes to produce a live experience for female founders, and what attendees can expect from this year's "bigger and better" event. Cristina also answers her most frequently asked question and gives insight into the vision behind Conejo Valley Visionaries. Grab your tickets here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-conejo-valley-visionaries-live-female-founders-series-tickets-1984436369601?aff=BTSPodcast

    19 min

  7. MAR 12

    Jacopo Falleni of Nonna in Westlake Village and Sette Sorelle in Newbury Park

    Cristina Dennstedt sits down with restaurateur Jacopo Falleni, the owner behind Nonna in Westlake Village, CA and the recently opened Sette Sorelle in Newbury Park, CA. Jacopo shares the story of his journey from Florence to New York and eventually California, and how those experiences shaped his approach to hospitality, leadership, and building community through restaurants. Despite joking that his advice to entrepreneurs is “don’t open a restaurant,” Jacopo also reveals why the work becomes an addiction — and how his passion for growth, team culture, and storytelling has helped him build both successful restaurants and a strong social media presence. In this conversation, Jacopo talks about the realities of restaurant ownership, the importance of relationships and resilience, and the drive that keeps entrepreneurs pushing forward even when the industry is challenging. GET YOUR TICKETS: The 2nd annual Conejo Valley Visionaries LIVE Female Founders event will take place at Hub101 in Westlake Village on March 24. Get your tickets to the event here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-conejo-valley-visionaries-live-female-founders-series-tickets-1984436369601?aff=Jacapo Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Nonna here Connect with Sette Sorelle here⁠ If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to conejovalleyvisionaries@gmail.com - we are always open to guest nominations! This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

    55 min

  8. MAR 5

    Kyle Jorrey, former Editor-in-Chief of The Acorn, Executive Director of Hospice of the Conejo

    If you’ve lived in the Conejo Valley for even a few years, chances are you’ve seen the work of today’s guest. For nearly two decades, Kyle Jorrey helped shape local journalism as a reporter and later editor-in-chief of the Thousand Oaks Acorn, documenting the stories, challenges, and moments that define life in the Conejo Valley. After 18 years in the newsroom, Kyle made a surprising pivot—first helping open the Boulevard location of Five07 Coffee Bar & Eatery, and more recently stepping into the nonprofit world as Executive Director of Hospice of the Conejo. In this conversation, we explore: ​The power and responsibility of local storytelling​What it was like covering the Conejo Valley for nearly two decades​The courage it takes to reinvent your career​How hospice work changes your perspective on community, service, and humanity​Knowing when it’s time to turn the page to a new chapterThis episode is about purpose, community, and the people who quietly shape the places we call home. GET YOUR TICKETS: The 2nd annual Conejo Valley Visionaries LIVE Female Founders event will take place at Hub101 in Westlake Village on March 24. Get your tickets to the event here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-conejo-valley-visionaries-live-female-founders-series-tickets-1984436369601?aff=KylePodcastDescription Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to conejovalleyvisionaries@gmail.com - we are always open to guest nominations! This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

    1h 6m
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Conejo Valley Visionaries is a weekly audio and video podcast that highlights the founders, CEOs, and leaders behind the businesses you love in the Conejo Valley. From restaurateurs and coaches to sommeliers and retailers, each episode offers candid conversations about their journeys—how they started, the challenges they’ve faced, and their vision for the future. You’ll also get practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. Plus, enjoy exciting weekly giveaways! Want to share your own story? DM us on Instagram @ConejoValleyVisionaries.

Information

  • Creator
    Conejo Valley Visionaries
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Conejo Valley Visionaries
  • Show Website
    Conejo Valley Visionaries

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