NO. 75 -- ANDREA BARBER | Hawkins Officiating

BRIAN KATZ knew he wanted to write a book the day he retired in November 2021. After 40+ years in the world of basketball, Katz found a way. to honor his former players and his family. Thus "A Season More Traveled" was born and by the looks of it, this book is truly a deep and unique look into life as a basketball coach. 

HOST STEVE BUZZARD on Brian Katz "When we did our first podcast back in December of 2021, Brian was still fresh out of retirement. To see him almost three years later in a place where he can experience the joy of his family and former players, I simply think he deserves it.

Our Connection | Brian and I go way back to his days of coaching at Center High School. I was the point guard for Christian Brothers, who scored 12 points in the first half against his Center team that featured former NBA player Rich Manning. Apparently I was too cocky. Coach Ron McKenna benched me and I didn't see the floor again.

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Brian Katz

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GRAHAM HONIG is in a small group of people that are responsible for me getting into the PODCAST space. Graham and his wife Nicole are a young family starting their life in Rancho Murieta. They have one child with another on its way. Graham is a Sacramento guy! And that is what makes this conversation so fun. 

HOST STEVE BUZZARD on Graham Honig "I love knowing young people like Graham. I have watched this kid grow up and he is a tremendous young man who 'gets it.'  This conversation was so fun because it was just that ... a conversation!"

Our Connection |  I have known Graham and his family since he was a youngster roaming the halls at St. Ignatius School. Everything came full circle when I had the opportunity to be the DJ at Graham and Nicole's wedding in September 2020.

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Graham Honig

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CHEYENNE SIMON is not like any other dog groomer. She is a specialist that knows her craft very well. Now how she got to be one of the most sought after dog groomers in Sacramento was a very unorthodox journey. And that is the beauty of her story. Get ready to get educated about dog grooming. There are a lot of things that Cheyenne unpacks for us in today's episode.

HOST STEVE BUZZARD on Cheyenne Simon "When I take our dog Minnie to see Cheyenne, I have a full peace that she will be taken care of when she is there. That speaks to the professionalism, the quality, and the care Cheyenne exudes in her work."

Our Connection |  We have been taking our dog Minnie to Pampered Paws for quite some time now. In the last few months when I would pick up Minnie, I inquired to Cheyenne about being in the podcast. I am glad she said 'yes.'

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Cheyenne Simon

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

• Cheyenne's Contact Information | 916-254-1069 | shineydoggrooming@gmail.com
• Cheyenne will be happy to take your pet on as a client

DUSTIN HUGHES  is the bullpen catcher for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball. Dustin has lived this life season-in, season-out since 2008. He started with the Sacramento River Cats and then landed his first MLB job with the Florida Marlins. His second team was the Cincinnati Reds before landing in his current destination with the Oakland A's. So what does the life of a bullpen catcher in the MLB look like? Let's find out together

HOST STEVE BUZZARD on Dustin Hughes|  "I am fascinated by this life that Dustin lives. We often think about the players who are on the field, but don't realize there are so many people like Dustin who are critical to the player's success behind the scenes."

Our Connection |  Credit goes to my son Max who told me one day that a father at Sacred Heart School in East Sacramento (where Max works) was the bullpen catcher for the Oakland A's. I am now a part of the Sacred Heart community for one year as the P.E. Teacher and Athletic Director. So it was a no-brainer that I make the connection with Dustin and get him on the podcast to talk about my favorite sport!

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Dustin Hughes

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

• Great Article by the San Francisco Chronicle's Steve Kroner about Dustin and his dad John Hughes, who is a scout for the Oakland A's | Click Here

MICHAEL KNOBBE  is the producer of Experience the Buzz 🐝. But in today's episode, we explore Michael's new adventure called Mikimo's Barbecue and Catering. There are a lot of layers to Michael who is truly an entrepreneur. His 9 to 5 job is at the Apple Store in Arden Fair Mall. He has a tremendous background in cinema and production. He loves heavy metal. And his tattoo count? So many he doesn't remember. Mikimo's has its first event as a business on Saturday, November 4th. Today we learn about this new business to hit Sacramento as well as Michael's story!

HOST STEVE BUZZARD on Michael Knobbe |  "I feel fortunate that Michael and I crossed paths. We have developed a great friendship. He has been a big part of bringing my passion behind my podcast to life."

Our Connection |  A few years ago, I was the auctioneer for a virtual event hosted by Luxe for Life. Michael and his group Apex Studios were hired to do the production. We did it again a year later for Del Dayo Elementary School. When Michael moved to Sacramento, he became the producer of Experience the Buzz and First Look. It has been a great partnership!

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Michael Knobbe

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

• Instagram | @Mikimos_Barbecue

EXPERIENCE THE BUZZ has been a tremendous outlet for me on many levels. It has allowed me to get back in the profession I love and grew up with ... broadcasting. It has allowed me to tell the stories of so many great people in Sacramento. ETB has provided me the chance to solidify why I love Sacramento! It's a great place to live!

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB Catching Up Episode

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Experience the Buzz will continue to tell the stories of amazing entrepreneurs, small business owners, and personalities in Sacramento. It's been hard to let this much time go between episodes. We will get the ETB train back on its tracks. Thank you for supporting the podcast and the stories we are able to share.

MAUI is a beautiful destination for thousands of families who want to experience paradise and the "Aloha Spirit." My family and I (my wife, three kids, my oldest son's wife, and our granddaughter) made the trip to Maui during the first week of August. The first few days were as expected. Beautiful. Relaxing. On Tuesday August 8th, the day started with no power. What would happen from there would be something we as a family have never experienced and would change us forever. Today, I share that story.

I took the time on the flight back to try to write down as much as I could about what had happened. While today's talking story is about our experience, at the forefront are those that lost their lives, lost loved ones, lost their businesses, and essentially have had to start over wondering what happened and how did this tragedy happen so quickly.

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Genelle Smith

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We should all find a way to help Maui. That can be done different ways. Through organizations. Through prayer. I encourage you to do your research and find what works best for you. Those who have enjoyed a stay in Hawaii on any of the islands know how much it means to us in terms of making memories. The people of Hawaii deserve our support however we can give it to them. Mahalo 🤙🏼

GENELLE SMITH is the Executive Director of the Wellspring Women's Center for located in Sacramento. Genelle has a heart for people which explains why she has been a part of Wellspring since 2009. It has grown immensely since its inception in 1987 with over 200 people passing through the doors on a daily basis. The mission is simple: "“nurture the innate goodness and personal self-esteem of women and their children and to do so within an atmosphere of hospitality with dignity and love.” I know you will enjoy today's conversation.

HOST STEVE BUZZARD on Genelle Smith |  "Genelle and her staff are truly doing God's work. In our conversation, you can feel the love that Genelle has for what she does and sense the impact that it is making in our community."

Our Connection |  I have had the honor of being the auctioneer for "Taste of Hope," which is Wellspring's Annual Auction they hold every year.

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Genelle Smith

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

• Website | WellspringWomen.Com

MONDAY - FRIDAY:
Nutritious To-Go Meals served from

8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
To any woman and/or her child 
1:00 – 4:00pm 
The center is open by appointment only and to program participants. 

Address:
3414 4th Avenue, Sacramento , CA 95817

BITA RYAN is an award-winning producer for NBC NEWS who has had a front row seat on major NEWS stories that have happened in our country for over 25 years. FIVE Olympic Games. THREE Presidents. 9-11, and major fires in California. That's just scratching the surface. She has worked with News Anchor icons Tom Brokaw, Brian Williams, and Lester Holt. Her career is filled with bucket list items. She even quit at the top of her career to move out to the West Coast,  get married, and raise two kids. But guess what? She's back and better than ever. And today, we get the honor of hearing her talking story!

HOST STEVE BUZZARD on Bita Ryan |  "This was an exciting conversation for me to have and Bita did such a wonderful job sharing the ins and out of her position and what it takes to be the best at what she does. Some things never leave. Hard work. Persistence. Attention to Detail. Bita has it ALL!"

Our Connection |  I have known Bita and her family (husband Matt and children Jordan and Emilia) for almost 15 years. I had the honor of teaching both of her children while I was at St. Michael's Episcopal Day School in Carmichael.

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Bita Ryan

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

• Bita's husband Matt is an amazing dentist in the Sacramento Area. Check out the website | CLICK HERE

MATT LEATHERBY is part of a BIG family! That BIG family is part of the Northern California institution we know as Leatherby's Family Creamery. At Leatherby's, it's all about the generous portions of ice cream at a place where it is all about family and community. With five locations, Leatherby has his touch on all five stores including the recent opening of the Folsom location which has been a HUGE success. Today we take a peek inside of the operations of this first class establishment.

HOST STEVE BUZZARD on Matt Leatherby |  "I have always loved being able to dive in and explore the inner workings of successful businesses like Leatherby's. This conversation was truly more than I expected!"

Our Connection |  I have known Matt and his family for many years. I have also had the honor of being the DJ for the Annual Leatherby's Family Creamery Christmas Party that brings all the stores together for one night to celebrate.

The video version of this episode is ALSO AVAILABLE on YOUTUBE.  Check it out and be sure to SUBSCRIBE (this will allow you to get notified of ALL new ETB episodes as they are released) -- ETB with Matt Leatherby

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

• Website | Leatherbys.Net
• Leatherby's MENU | Click Here
• LOCATIONS
  • SACRAMENTO | 2333 Arden Way
  • CITRUS HEIGHTS | 7910 Antelope Road
  • ELK GROVE | 8238 Laguna Blvd.
  • LINCOLN | 610 Twelve Bridges Drive
  • FOLSOM (just opened Summer 2023) | 2455 Iron Point Road