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.
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May 22, 20266 min
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 @conejovalleyvisionariesTyler'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_V9jpuTBNZAConnect with Conejo Valley Visionaries hereConnect with Westlake Yoga Co. hereIf 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.
May 15, 2026Episode 436 min
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 hereConnect with Mouse Rawk hereIf 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.
May 7, 2026Episode 339 min
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 hereConnect with Conejo Valley Run Club hereIf 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.
April 24, 2026Episode 241 min
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 hereConnect with JRP Design & Remodel hereIf 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.
April 10, 2026Episode 11 hr 36 min
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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Event and Participants11:00 Grounding Exercise with Monica Bloom16:39 Panel Discussion on Physical Therapy and Women's Health30:08 Community Engagement and Brand Building37:05 Building Community Connections43:35 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt49:15 Transitioning from Fashion to Interior Design57:07 Creating a Retail Space: Haven01:05:00 Challenges in the Design Business01:22:42 Deciding to Go All In or Quit01:26:55 Finding Balance in Ambition
March 19, 202619 min
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
March 12, 2026Episode 1355 min
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=JacapoConnect with Conejo Valley Visionaries hereConnect with Nonna hereConnect with Sette Sorelle hereIf 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.
March 5, 20261 hr 5 min
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 storytellingWhat it was like covering the Conejo Valley for nearly two decadesThe courage it takes to reinvent your careerHow hospice work changes your perspective on community, service, and humanityKnowing 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 hereIf 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.
February 26, 2026Episode 1146 min
Self-Doubt to Self-Trust: Rewiring Your Inner Dialogue with Erica Spiegelman
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “This is going to be awful” before you even start? Whether it’s launching a new idea, growing your business, or something as simple as blow-drying your hair — negative self-talk has a way of sneaking in.In this episode of Conejo Valley Visionaries, Cristina sits down with Erica Spiegelman — bestselling author, licensed substance abuse counselor, wellness coach, and Westlake Village resident — to talk about how we can actually change the way we speak to ourselves. Through her method, Rewired, Erica shares practical tools for reframing self-doubt, navigating sobriety and wellness shifts, and building a more intentional life.From entrepreneurship to recovery to prison reform, Erica’s work proves that when you change your inner dialogue, you change everything. This conversation is grounding, honest, and filled with actionable takeaways.GET YOUR TICKETS: DM @conejovalleyvisionaries on Instagram to get first access to tickets for our 2nd annual Conejo Valley Visionaries LIVE Female Founders event that will be held at Hub101 in March.Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries hereConnect with Erica Spiegelman hereIf 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.
February 19, 2026Episode 1055 min
You Have the Business Idea… Now What? How to Validate & Launch with Kristin Bell and Desserin Pereyra of Hub101 in Westlake Village, CA
If you've ever had a business idea and wondered, okay, now what? This episode of Conejo Valley Visionaries is for you. Host Cristina Dennstedt sits down with Kristin Bell and Desserin Pereyra, program manager and community manager respectively at Hub 101 in Westlake Village, CA where they support local startup founders. We discuss the importance of validating an idea early, the hurdles almost every entrepreneur faces, from funding to customer acquisition, the power of community and entrepreneurship, and why mindset can be just as important as strategy. Kristin and Desserin share practical tools for those of us aspiring to start a business on our own. It's a real conversation about resilience, mindset, and building something sustainable together. GET YOUR TICKETS: DM @conejovalleyvisionaries on Instagram to get first access to tickets for our 2nd annual Conejo Valley Visionaries LIVE Female Founders event that will be held at Hub101 in March.Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries hereConnect with Hub101 hereIf 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.
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