Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact

Bret Schanzenbach
  • 5.0 (9)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Carlsbad Chamber Podcast is a podcast dedicated to connecting San Diego North County leaders in business, education and civic engagement. Join us every week as we talk with people dedicated to all aspects of our quality of life and are dedicated to leaving a lasting impact.

  1. From Hockey Rinks to Wealth Management: JP Witkop’s Journey to Carlsbad

    5D AGO

    From Hockey Rinks to Wealth Management: JP Witkop’s Journey to Carlsbad

    In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach welcomes JP Witkop, Vice President at Raymond James & Associates. JP shares his journey from Rochester, New York to Carlsbad, California, including his background as a collegiate hockey player and how those connections helped launch his career in financial advising. He discusses his transition from research and corporate finance into building his own advisory practice and now leading the Carlsbad office for Raymond James. The conversation highlights what sets Raymond James apart, including its advisor-first culture, flexible business models, and strong emphasis on independence and entrepreneurship. JP also discusses the firm’s growth strategy on the West Coast and its commitment to community engagement in Carlsbad. Additionally, JP shares insights into his evolving focus on helping business owners navigate exit planning, leveraging Raymond James’ investment banking and wealth management capabilities. Whether you’re a business owner, financial professional, or Carlsbad local, this episode offers valuable insight into leadership, growth, and building a meaningful career. Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted you Carlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTube Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

    29 min
  2. Building with Intention: Laurie Barron on Digital Strategy, WordPress, and Creative Business

    APR 9

    Building with Intention: Laurie Barron on Digital Strategy, WordPress, and Creative Business

    In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach welcomes Laurie Barron, co-founder of Pursu Agency, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, digital strategy, branding, and the evolving world of web development. Laurie shares her unconventional path from accounting and IT to UX, creative agency work, and eventually building Pursu Agency with her longtime business partner, Betsy. Along the way, she reflects on how her background as a collegiate swimmer and coach shaped her work ethic, discipline, and standards. The conversation dives into what makes a strong brand foundation, why growth-driven websites matter, how user experience influences digital success, and where AI fits into modern marketing. Laurie also explains why WordPress remains such a powerful platform when set up properly, and why businesses need more than just a pretty website—they need clarity around audience, messaging, and long-term goals. This episode is a great listen for business owners, entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone thinking about how to better position their brand online. Topics covered include: Laurie Barron’s career journey from accounting to digital creative work The founding story behind Pursu Agency Why branding and strategy should come before website design How user experience and SEO work together Thoughts on AI tools in marketing and web development Why WordPress still matters The importance of client education and long-term partnerships A personal look at Laurie’s fitness background and her new rescue dog Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted you Carlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTube Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

    29 min
  3. The Future of Senior Care in North County with Liam Dunfey of Assisting Hands

    APR 2

    The Future of Senior Care in North County with Liam Dunfey of Assisting Hands

    In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach welcomes Liam Dunfey, President of Assisting Hands of Carlsbad, for a thoughtful conversation about aging, caregiving, and the resources available to families across North County. Liam shares his journey from Massachusetts to California and how a career in fundraising and healthcare led him into the aging services field. After 15 years of working with older adults in a variety of leadership roles, he made the leap into business ownership to help more seniors remain safely and comfortably in their homes. Together, Bret and Liam discuss what non-medical home care really means, why companionship is such an important part of caregiving, and how services like help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication reminders can preserve dignity and quality of life for older adults. They also talk about common myths surrounding hospice, the emotional realities families face when dementia and Alzheimer’s enter the picture, and how many people are unaware of the local, state, federal, and veteran-related resources that may be available to help. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone caring for aging parents, planning ahead for a loved one, or simply wanting to better understand the growing senior care landscape in Carlsbad and beyond. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows! Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted you Carlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTube Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

    30 min
  4. The Real Cost of Chasing Gold: Shane Fisher and the Mission of American Paragons

    MAR 26

    The Real Cost of Chasing Gold: Shane Fisher and the Mission of American Paragons

    In this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Shane Fisher, founder of the American Paragons Foundation, to talk about Shane’s remarkable athletic journey and the mission he’s now pursuing to support Team USA athletes. Shane shares how a lifelong obsession with the Olympics led him from youth sports to tennis, then into track and field, the decathlon, and ultimately the USA bobsled team. Along the way, he experienced firsthand the financial strain that many elite athletes face while training and competing at the highest level. The conversation explores the often-overlooked reality of Olympic and Paralympic athletes: many earn very little, shoulder major training expenses, and must balance demanding schedules with work and financial uncertainty. Shane explains how those experiences inspired him to launch American Paragons Foundation, an organization focused on helping Team USA athletes build careers, find financial stability, access mentorship, secure flexible employment, gain media exposure, and connect with supportive communities. It’s a powerful conversation about performance, identity, sacrifice, and building better systems for the athletes who represent the United States on the world stage. Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted you Carlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTube Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

    43 min
  5. Freehab Therapy: Closing the Rehab Gap for Neurological Patients

    MAR 19

    Freehab Therapy: Closing the Rehab Gap for Neurological Patients

    Matthew Eclevia, President of Freehab Therapy, joins Bret Schanzenbach on Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact to share how a local nonprofit is changing access to neurological rehabilitation in North County San Diego. Freehab Therapy is a mobile, pro bono rehab organization designed to fill the care gap many patients experience after discharge—especially those recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and chronic neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, and ALS. Matthew explains why continuity of care (particularly in the first six months) is so important, how insurance authorizations and transportation create major barriers, and why Freehab’s model brings therapy directly to patients’ homes. He also shares the nonprofit’s community-building programs like a hiking group, plus plans for expanded services and future fundraising events. Learn more or get in touch: freehabtherapy.org Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted you Carlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTube Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

    23 min
  6. Connected Hearts in Carlsbad: Creating Deep Friendships in Midlife with Cheryl Dillon

    MAR 12

    Connected Hearts in Carlsbad: Creating Deep Friendships in Midlife with Cheryl Dillon

    On this episode of Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact, Bret Schanzenbach welcomes Cheryl Dillon, founder and CEO of Funderful Experiences and creator of Connected Hearts—a membership community for women in their 50s and 60s in North County (Carlsbad-based). Cheryl shares her path from New Jersey to Chicago to San Diego, her early work in corporate roles and IT recruiting, and how she and her husband Joe became entrepreneurs—first running a children’s cooking school franchise, then launching Equitable Mediation to help couples divorce without lawyers. Cheryl also became a divorce coach, offering emotional support and co-parenting guidance during the process. Now, she’s building something new: a welcoming, confidential community that blends personal growth + meaningful conversation + fun, designed for women who want deeper friendships and a more connected midlife. You’ll also hear about Cheryl’s weekly newsletter, The Uplift, and how listeners can “test drive” Connected Hearts with a one-time guest pass before joining. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows! Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted you Carlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTube Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

    35 min
  7. Beyond the Bottom Line: Building Community Through Corporate Impact

    MAR 5

    Beyond the Bottom Line: Building Community Through Corporate Impact

    Host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Teresa Miller, Founder and CEO of 365 Connect, a purpose-driven 501(c)(3) that helps companies build meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs through employee engagement and volunteerism. Teresa shares her New York upbringing rooted in service, her journey through sports marketing and adaptive sports, and how a parent’s introduction to CSR sparked the creation of 365 Connect. She breaks down CSR’s four pillars (financial, ethical, legal, philanthropic) and explains how 365 Connect primarily supports the philanthropic arm through strategic volunteer programming. A standout example is their work with Home Depot—locally supporting veteran and military initiatives (including Purple Star schools) and nationally leading large-scale community builds like post-disaster renovations in Asheville to create transitional housing for displaced veterans. Teresa also highlights why in-person volunteering “humanizes” impact, boosts employee retention and morale, and strengthens brand trust with customers. Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted you Carlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTube Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

    26 min
  8. LEGOLAND’s Biggest Expansion Yet: Kurt Stocks on LEGO Galaxy and Galactic Coaster

    FEB 26

    LEGOLAND’s Biggest Expansion Yet: Kurt Stocks on LEGO Galaxy and Galactic Coaster

    LEGOLAND California Resort President Kurt Stocks returns to Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact with Bret Schanzenbach to share what’s new, what’s next, and how the resort continues to evolve year-round. Kurt recounts his journey from professional rugby in Australia to leading LEGOLAND Malaysia before arriving in Carlsbad in January 2020—right before the pandemic shutdown. The conversation covers the delayed (but hugely successful) opening of LEGO Movie World in May 2021, plus recent additions like the Ferrari build-and-race experience, Dino Valley, the LEGO World Parade, and Miniland expansions including SoFi Stadium and the new San Diego/Carlsbad cluster. The big headline: LEGO Galaxy, a major new land opening March 6, 2026, featuring the indoor family coaster Galactic Coaster, two additional rides, multiple themed food venues (including the newly reimagined UFO restaurant), new retail/build experiences, and the relocated—and upgraded—Driving School. They also highlight LEGOLAND’s workforce impact, employing 2,000+ people at peak season, and Kurt shares a glimpse into the broader Merlin Entertainment pipeline, including global growth and new IP partnerships. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows! Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted you Carlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTube Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Carlsbad Chamber Podcast is a podcast dedicated to connecting San Diego North County leaders in business, education and civic engagement. Join us every week as we talk with people dedicated to all aspects of our quality of life and are dedicated to leaving a lasting impact.

Information

  • Creator
    Bret Schanzenbach
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved 2021 - 2024 Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
  • Show Website
    Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact