The Claremont Life
Ryan Zimmerman
Casual chats with Claremont people about their connection to the city, Claremont in general, and random topics. Get to know some incredibly interesting Claremont residents in a laid back, and fun environment!Season 1 will be a 10 episode series. I hope to be posting a new episode every 1-2 weeks! Check back often!
Episodes
Sal Medina, Packing House Wine & Claremont Council member- Episode 31
Welcome to The Claremont Life Podcast, a lifestyle podcast dedicated to the people, businesses, stories, and experiences that make Claremont such a special place to call home.In this episode, we sit down with Sal Medina, owner of Packing House Wines, Claremont City Councilmember, trained sommelier, and one of the community’s most recognizable local business owners.Sal shares the story behind Packing House Wines and his path into the wine industry, including the experience and knowledge that led him to become a trained sommelier. We talk about what it takes to build and operate a small business and the role that independent businesses play in shaping the character of Claremont.The conversation also goes well beyond wine. As a longtime and active member of the community, Sal brings a unique perspective on Claremont, both as a business owner and as someone who serves the city on the Claremont City Council.Whether you know Sal from Packing House Wines, his work in the community, or his role on the City Council, this episode offers an opportunity to get to know the person behind it all and hear his perspective on business, wine, community, and life in Claremont.The Claremont Life Podcast brings you conversations with the business owners, educators, artists, civic leaders, longtime residents, and other local voices who help tell the story of Claremont, California.
Missy & Victor of Magnolia Bistro
I got to sit down with Missy and Victor, the duo behind one of Claremont’s favorite restaurants. My co-host, Rosemary Boone (aka Miss Claremont), joined me as we dove into their journey — from how they got started to what it’s really like running a restaurant in Claremont.
John Neiuber, Active Claremont Resident and Martini Connoisseur
In this episode of The Claremont Life, John Neiuber talks about Village South, Claremont Heritage, and his love for Martinis.
Episode 28 - Steve & Rena Juliar of Evolve Distilling
Rosemary Boone joins me again as co-host with a sit down with the owners of Claremont's Evolve Distilling! Steve & Rena are a husband/wife team with a passion for spirits and they share how it all came to be and their amazing cocktails.
Episode 27 - Tony Ferguson, Principal of Society House
Tony runs a boutique PR group called Society House and worked with artists from Beyonce to Nas, as well as NBA greats Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and more. We met at The Claremont Club and he was just the most personable guy with an interesting background.
Episode 26 - Ryan Storath & Edwin Guembes of Mozwell
Awesome conversation with the owners of one of Claremont's newer restaurants, Mozwell! I was joined by Rosemary Boone "Miss Claremont" as my co-host and the four of us had a great time talking about how they got started, restaurants in Claremont, and some fun and new things these guys are doing to stand out!
Episode 25 - Nona Tirre with State Farm & Claremont Rotary
A rising star in Claremont, Nona is the current president of the Rotary Club of Claremont, an active insurance agent with State Farm in Claremont, and the 2024 recipient of Leila Ackerman Award for Community Service as awarded by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce.
Episode 24 - "Miss Claremont"
Very fun time getting to know and chat with Rosemary Boone, AKA "Miss Claremont." She's a true Claremont devotee. We dive into her background, how her blog came to be, and what it's all about.
Episode 23 - Randy Lopez of The Claremont Chamber of Commerce
Randy has become somewhat of a Claremont celebrity. Known throughout the city by so many, and deeply involved in the happenings around town. He's the Executive Director of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, a regular MC at various community events, and just a great guy.
Real Estate Sessions - 1
First edition of Real Estate Sessions, where I take a break from chats with Claremont folks to share interesting or helpful info related to the Claremont real estate market, or broader real estate related topics.
Episode 22 - Rob Oliva of Stay Gold Barber Shop
Chat with barber and owner of Stay Gold. An awesome barber shop in the Claremont Village… also where I get my hair cut.
Episode 21 - Carolyn Zimmerman of Z's Bees
It's been nearly a year off from podcasting, but I'm kicking things back off again! In the debut episode back I sit down with my mom, who is a beekeeper in her free time along with my dad. We have some fun and talk bees, honey, and the like.
Episode 20 - Jennifer Stark: Claremont Council Member & Candidate
Jennifer is a Claremont native with a family that has been deeply rooted in Claremont for multiple generations. We dive into her background, and the travels took her out of Claremont, as well as what brought her back.
Episode 19 - Jed Leano: Claremont Mayor & City Council Candidate
Great convo with Jed Leano, our current Mayor and councilman, to learn more about who he is on a personal level, his connection to Claremont, and a bit of his background.
Episode 18 - Char Miller of Pomona College
Great and informative conversation with Pomona College Professor, and author, Char Miller. Char is an environmental historian and a brilliant guy. We dive into some pretty interesting things about the early days of Claremont, what he loves about it now, and the current water crisis that is affecting the state, as well as us here locally.
Episode 17 - Aundré Johnson: Claremont Resident & City Council Candidate
Chat with Aundré Johnson to learn more about him, his connection to Claremont, and what motivates him to run for city council.
Episode 16 - Rebecca Hamm: Local Artist & Educator
One of my absolute favorite local artists! She is also super supportive of our community, and has lived in Claremont for nearly her entire life. We talk about her process for making art that is ever evolving, her ties to the city, her work with the Tierra Del Sol Foundation and more!
Episode 15 - John Solana and Brad Owen - Claremont Restauranteurs
John Solana and Brad Owen are behind some of Claremont's most successful and greatest restaurants, and they aren't done yet. Find out how they got started, what makes their approach different, and what's in store for their Claremont restaurant ambitions!
Episode 14 - Marnie Clarke of The Cheese Cave
Cool chat AT The Cheese Cave with owner/operator Marnie Clarke! We talked all things cheese, and how this unique shop is a special experience to have right here in our own Claremont Village.
Episode 13 - Victoria Sancho Lobis of The Benton Museum at Pomona College
Victoria Lobis is the new Director at the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College! She has a very rich background in art history, is a Claremont resident, and at the helm of the very large, very beautiful and amazing, Benton Museum here in the Claremont Village.
Episode 12 - Peter Weinberger of The Claremont Courier
Sit down with the CEO/Publisher of The Claremont Courier, Peter Weinberger. The Courier is a Claremont institution and an amazing local city newspaper that has been run by the Weinberger family since 1955, but has been in existence serving Claremont since 1908! In an era where print media is struggling to remain relevant, The Courier has a path forward to hopefully ensure its success for many years to come.
Episode 11 - Steve Gerali of Sanctuary Coffee
Sat down with the director of Sanctuary Coffee. A Claremont non-profit Coffee Shop serving up a great environment to drink good coffee, work and socialize, all while supporting some amazing charitable causes.
Episode 10 - Amy Barrett: Local Filmmaker
Very fun episode chatting with Claremont resident, Amy Barrett. Amy went from journalist to filmmaker, and has made several short and feature length films. We had so much fun making this episode!
Episode 9 - Devon Hartman of CHERP
Convo with very long-time resident and community pillar, Devon Hartman. Devon was one of the founders of Hartman Baldwin and has since gone on to start CHERP and Claremont Locally Grown Power solar company, now CHERP Solar Works.
Episode 8 - Ray Lantz of The Diamond Center
Sit down with the owner of The Diamond Center located in The Village. Interesting info about the back end of the diamond buying process, fine jewelry and watches, and general conversation about life in Claremont from another Claremont local.
Episode 7 - Rhino Records with Aaron Kenyon
Very interesting discussion with long-time manager of the famous Rhino Records. Aaron talks about how Rhino Records got it’s start and has endured in a time where streaming music is commonplace, by carving out a niche and offering a special experience for those who truly appreciate good music! What is good music you ask? Tune in and find out!
Episode 6 - Claremont Real Estate Market On Fire
Holy Cow! Claremont's Real Estate market is going absolutely nuts. In 15+ years in the business I've never seen anything remotely close to what we are experiencing right now. Is it good? Is it bad? What is causing this to be the hottest seller's market we've ever seen? Listen and find out!
Episode 5 - Megan Yvonne-Devlin of The Claremont Club
I sit down with the new general manager of The Claremont Club! You’ll hear how the club was saved, and what the future holds for this Claremont institution! Megan is also now a Claremont homeowner and excited to be a part of our city!
Episode 4 - Paul Steffen of Wheeler Steffen Sotheby's & Community Leader
In this episode I speak with lifelong resident, Paul Steffen. Paul is the owner of several local businesses, and has been heavily involved with many organizations in town including, but not limited to, Claremont Rotary the Claremont Community Foundation and more!
Episode 3 - Joey Medeiros of Nuno's & Euro Cafe
Fun chat today with Joey Medeiros. Long time local and owner of The Euro Cafe & Nuno’s Bistro & Bar. As an immigrant to this country, his family have become staples in the community for their delicious food with a European flare.
Episode 2 - Keith Strenger of Pepo Melo
This episode I speak with the owner of Pepo Melo. An ambitious entrepreneur who is growing the brand, while preparing to launch additional businesses in Claremont!
Episode 1 - Emily Moultrie of Claremont Craft Ales
Listen to my discussion with the Co-Owner of Claremont Craft Ales! We talk about the awesomeness that is owning a brewery, some interesting facts about beer and the beer making process, and some background on the woman behind the can.
The Claremont Life Introduction
Welcome to The Claremont Life Podcast!