Succeeding in the TV Industry and Staying Grounded Through Family and Community

Hello everyone. I am Reena Vokoun, the host of Your Power Move by PassionFit, which is a new wellness podcast. And the focus of this podcast is on health and wellness and personal and professional development. It's going to be available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify, and it will be in both video and audio formats. So feel free to subscribe, rate, and review, and tell your family and friends. This is my very first guest episode, and I am so lucky to have not only one, but two amazing guests. Um, these two are powerhouses. Uh, they're dear friends. I honestly adore them both. Um, I'm going to introduce first Ashley Jacobs. She is a multi-Emmy award-winning host of Fox 5 San Diego's The Localist SD. Which is an entertainment and lifestyle TV show that I have the honor of being a part of as a monthly health and wellness guest with her. She hails from Toledo, Ohio. She's a Midwesterner just like myself, and she has lived from coast to coast as a news anchor and reporter over the last 15+ years. She's also an amazing mom, and she is newly engaged to the love of her life, which is so exciting. And she was also recently named Best Anchor in San Diego by San Diego Magazine. She is passionate authentic, so approachable, and so fun to work with. And I can't wait for you guys to hear more about her and learn more about her background. And I also want to introduce you to Aida Soria, who is the amazing executive producer of Fox 5 San Diego's The Localist SD, another wonderful woman that I have the honor of working with and who I also consider a dear friend. She graduated from San Diego State University, um, with a degree in communications, and she worked for KUSI, which is now part of Fox 5 5 San Diego, and she moved over to the morning show and is now again the executive producer. She is also, a fun fact, an amazing DJ who plays Latin music, hip-hop. I follow her on social media and she's so exciting and fun and truly loves her family and has a heart of gold. So everybody, please give a warm welcome to Ashley and Aida. Hello, ladies.

Thank you. That was amazing. I don't think anybody's ever said such nice things about us.

Oh, well, I mean it straight Straight from the heart. And I'm just so excited to talk to you both today. So I'd love for you both to tell our listeners and our viewers a little bit about your backgrounds, your career journey, your life journey, anything that you want to share. And either of you can start.

Okay, well, I'll go first. And before we get into that, I mean, since you mentioned her impressive DJ setlist, I'd like your listeners and viewers to be the first to know she's recently expanded to country music now too. She's got a great catalog that she's building. With her help.

So I love it.

It's fun. Um, gosh, where do we begin? Um, I grew up in Ohio, Northwest Ohio specifically. Um, and I really kind of thought that's where I'd always be. And it was my career that got me out of Ohio. And, um, I settled in the South hosting, uh, and anchoring TV newscasts for a while. And that was really interesting because like, I just— my world was so small. Like, growing up, I always thought I would live, work, and start a family in Ohio. And getting that first job opportunity to leave Ohio, like, really opened up my whole world and eventually catapulted my career out here to California, which became a goal. And, um, we'll kind of probably get into some of those pivotal years and experiences as we go. But I mean, that's the short of it. I spent the first 21, 22 years of my life in Ohio, and now the second half of my life has been spent in other areas. And I've learned so much and met so many great people.

I love it, and I can understand being from the Midwest. I think that is kind of a common thing, is you think you're going to stay where you grew up because a lot of people do. But I think it's fantastic that you ventured out. And how would you describe your, you know, news reporting and anchoring career versus what you're doing today with The Localist SD as a host?

So there's a lot of similar— there's some common denominators, but they're so different in nature. So I was a news anchor and military correspondent when I was in the South. So that was when I was working in Savannah, Georgia. Then I was a morning news anchor in Wilmington, North Carolina. And then when I came out here, also, like, on the news side of things. And so what sets being a journalist apart from being a TV host is that you can't have bias in any way when you're a journalist. You know, when you're an anchor or a reporter, producer, guest booker for a newscast, you can't share your opinions. A lot of journalists do, which they shouldn't, but, um, you're not supposed to. So I'm like, you have to be totally unbiased. Um, when you're a TV host, it's a little more gray. Like, I mean, because we have people on and we want to promote their businesses. Nothing gives us more joy, I think, than seeing a business succeed after they've been on our show. Like, we're really getting behind the guests on our show and trying to find ways to support them and get our community to rally around them as well. So I think The skill sets are the same. You have to be comfortable on camera, you have to be smart, you have to be curious, you have to be confident, empathetic in both news and hosting. But I would say those are kind of like the key differences. What do you think, Sets?

Yeah, I mean, ditto to everything that she said. It is very similar, but we do have the more freedom to really just project more of the image that we want to happen for our clients and for our guests.

Yeah, that, that's a huge difference, and that does make a lot of sense. And Naida, I'd love for you to share a little bit about your background with everyone and kind of how you got to where you are today.

Well, as you guys were mentioning, I'm, I am one of those people that never left. I'm a, I'm a third generation San Diegan. I have a ginormous family, as you had mentioned. I am obsessed. There's I have 27 first cousins on my dad's side alone. And so the majority of us, I think all but 2 live in San Diego still. So there's really not a place I go where I don't run into a family member. Like, literally, I'm like, that's my tía, that's my cousin. We've been on shoots and shit like that.

She's not exaggerating.

Yeah.

I mean, we'll be, like, driving, and we were literally, like, merging on the freeway, and she, like, rolls down the window, hey, that's my cousin. And I just keep going, hey, bye. We see her family everywhere.

Everywhere.

In a good way. Yeah.

And it's funny, I feel like they are my greatest news source. And I think that's honestly why I ended up in TV. Like, you know, so third generation San Diegan. I love San Diego so much. And we— our family truly takes advantage of the beauty that the city has to offer. So I made a decision very early that I never wanted to leave. Even to Los Angeles. San Diego is my home. And, and so when, when I was young, trying to decide what did I want to do, I think to be, to be able to provide and share stories that are important to the community, but also like realize that that community includes my personal friends and family and to be the one to share the news, whether it's good news or even the bad news that needs to happen. It is. It is a joy. It is a privilege. And it's a big responsibility. You know, it is a responsibility. And that was— nothing proved harder more so than during COVID era, you know, trying to make sure that there was not only just hourly updates, but like sometimes minute updates. And so I think, you know, I've been doing this for over 20 years now. And so There's never a day that repeats itself though, too, which I really enjoy about this job. So yeah, I'm native San Diego. I went to a small little all-girl high school. We both went to little all-girl schools, her in Ohio, me OLP here. Went to San Diego State, got the job pretty immediately after college at KUSI, and then here I am.

Oh, well, you two are the perfect pair. And honestly, I love hearing your perspective on San Diego, Aida. I absolutely understand why you would be third generation born. I think you have You know, an upbringing in such a beautiful tropical place. I think that's probably why Ashley and I left the cold weather in the Midwest to come to the West Coast. So I get it. My family and I, we've only been here 4 years, but we are here to stay. And I really loved your passion about the community of San Diego, and I really think it shows both what you do personally with your family and friends and also professionally what you bring to Fox 5 and to The Localist SD. And I think that community feel is super important, and I think that's what makes not only the show but the city of San Diego stand out. So thank you for that. Yeah, and I would love to ask you both a little bit about challenges because as much as we've, you know, all have, you know, these different backgrounds, you two have such amazing backgrounds going from different places and having all of these different excitements and changes in your career. Obviously, it doesn't come without hard work and sacrifice. So if you both could share any challenges that you might have faced along the way and how you overcame them.

Yeah, um, I'll, I'll take this one first if that's okay. And before we jump into this question, just to kind of go back to our backgrounds and why I think we are the perfect pair, especially for the show The Localist. Um, so The Localist SD, for people who haven't seen it, it's just all about things to do in San Diego, businesses to support, people like yourself to meet, experts in different, um, areas. And I think what makes us special for the show and why the show has been insanely successful is because she did grow up here and I moved here as an adult. And before coming to this show, I was like the morning feature girl at a competing station. And so I really got to know the city like from a new perspective. And our show is all about finding hidden gems. So it's kind of cool because she might know about like a certain area in Barrio Logan or something in Chula Vista that like she's known about because she's third generation. And then I kind of get to see it through fresh eyes and like our show is just all about finding these hidden gems.. So it is like a really interesting dynamic to have. Like, I mean, I'm not a newbie anymore, but somebody who grew up here, um, and then I've been here, what, 14 years now? Um, so that was a side note, an asterisk, if you will.

Yes, I like it.

Um, but when it comes to challenges in this career, being on the on-camera side of things, you get a thick skin very young. I mean, like, I really grew up in TV. I got my first TV job when I was 22 years old. And everything from having a news director tell you why you didn't get a particular job, or if you miss something, getting yelled at in front of an entire newsroom. Because to Aida's point, it's a responsibility, especially on the news side of things. And it's a very subjective business. I mean, your look matters. And it's one of the few industries where you can be turned away because of your physical appearance, or you can be told to cut your hair, or you can be told to lose weight. I mean, there's literally in some contracts, like one of my contracts, I had a disfigurement clause where if I became disfigured for any reason, like they could just get rid of me. Like, I mean, so it's an interesting business. You get a really thick skin because not only are your peers within the industry really judging you a lot, but viewers are as well. I mean, people will email in about what I'm wearing sometimes and I'm like, well, why does it matter? It doesn't, but it's a subjective medium. I mean, if people don't like what they see, they will change the channel. And so I got a thick skin very young. And then also I've just leaned into my authenticity of myself. I don't try to go out there and look like a supermodel every day because I'm not. And actually, when I had an agent when I was moving out to California, my agent, she just flat out told me, she's like, you're not drop dead gorgeous. And I was like, oh, thanks. And she was like, you're girl next door pretty. And she's like, that's a great quality to have. It makes you relatable. So I was like, okay, I guess I'll just lean into being the girl next door, which is what I am anyways. I don't look at myself any different from anybody walking down the street. She also told me, I was in my early 20s, she's like, you need to get Botox or cut bangs. And I was like, I'm not ready to commit to bangs, so I guess I'm gonna start investing in Botox. So that's like a challenge that you go through this industry. Um, and then also another one, and you might agree with this one too, especially when you're on the news side of things, is being able to compartmentalize things. Like, I mean, I've seen horrific things that nobody should ever have to see, like awful crime scenes, awful car accident scenes, and seeing that and being able to like put that in one compartment and then go home to my kids and ask how their day was and greet them with open arms. So it's challenging not to let things bleed into your personal life and vice versa. I went through an awful divorce a few years ago. All I was supposed to be San Diego's fun feature girl going down water slides, and I would quite literally cry in between live shots, make it look better, and then tell everybody about the new thing to do at Legoland. So, um, those are challenges that come with this industry from my perspective, um, which I've managed to I think managed pretty well over the years. But I think that's something people don't really think about. They think this is a really glamorous job. There are a lot of perks that come with it, but I would say it's far from glamorous.

Yeah, go ahead, Aida.

I think going back to the responsibility part, yes, you do see things that are very harsh to see that you would only assume perhaps police officers and so forth would see. But it is our responsibility to share that news. It is our responsibility to make sure that it is accurate and that is correct. We do not want to make mistakes. We do not want to give misinformation. So it is very stressful. And whether you are behind the camera and you want to make sure that all the facts are straight for your on-air person to speak correctly, or if you're doing production, you want to make sure that there's no spelling mistakes. We get emails about those. Every single mistake is out for the viewers to see and to criticize, and with good reason. I understand that. Definitely, you know, our— what's the word I'm looking for? Just—

I know I'm trying to anticipate to your responsibility or technology.

We have this computer thing, you know, and usually technology is able to help us, but it only saves so much, there's still responsibility on the human side. And that's really what gives each station its own characteristics, its own personality. And so we value that. But we want to make sure that we stay true to ourselves, stay true to our identity, share the correct information and share it within reason. And it's just hard. You know, when we first started 20 years ago, the getting into the news business was super, super hard and it still continues to be, but for different reasons. As throughout these 20 years, the industry has gotten smaller. We've seen the rise of social media. People who did not go for school, they don't necessarily learn the ethics of journalism, are now our straight competitors about getting information out there. And then there's the AI. And so So we didn't have as much technology 20 years ago, and now we do. But it's also— it is hard. It is competitive on going against— I'm just trying to make sure that what we're reading and what we're putting out there, it is correct. And that responsibility, I would say, to me, is the biggest hurdle.

Wow.

I mean, I really appreciate both of your honesty and your authenticity in the personal and professional challenges that you have faced in this business. You're right, it's not easy. And I really have a lot of respect respect for both of you for taking, whether it's the criticism or the challenges of social media, you know, dropping news first, or even the crimes and the tough things that you have to see every day, to be able to handle all of that for 20-plus years and to still be as positive and empathetic and caring and energetic as you both are. I mean, I just, I respect you guys in a whole new way. So I really appreciate you sharing that, and I think it really goes to show that it is a tough business, but if you, um, you know, have the right intentions and you keep perspective, you can really continue to thrive and succeed, which you both have done. So thank you for sharing that. And I think, you know, I'd love to, you know, listen to what you both have to say about, you know, if you had to pick one pivotal year in your life— and I know there could be many— but if there's one that really stands out, what year would that be and why? And feel free to whoever wants to start.

You want to go first this time?

I don't know the answer.

You go first. Let me think about it. I know. I was thinking about that when you sent that question over. And I think it's a great question. I hope that you ask like all of your guests that question because I think it's really an interesting one. I have a couple. Um, one of the most pivotal would be when I say when I moved to South Carolina. So I moved to South Carolina when I got my first, um, well, it was actually my second job, but my first job out of Ohio. Um, that was pivotal because I'm like I said, I mean, it just opened my eyes to there's this whole world out there. There's new friends to be made, there's new people to meet, there's so many different— like that kind of really started getting me curious about food for the first time because I had typically only eaten at like small like chain restaurants or like mom-and-pop shops in Ohio. So like that really got me to become like a little bit of a foodie. Um, definitely going through a divorce was a pivotal year. I found, um, like that like I had a lot of challenges to overcome. I had two very young kids, um, so that really caused me to like kind of just step it up in a lot of areas of my life. And then I mean, gosh, just like both years that I went through pregnancies, I guess. The world is so much more than you and your significant other. Like, once you're responsible for another life, like, that's crazy. It changes your perspective on anything. So if it's fair to give like 3 pivotal— 4 if you count both kids— 4 pivotal years, those would be mine.

Those are big ones, definitely. And Aida, what about you?

I was thinking about it and I honestly still feel like the COVID year, like for so many people, we just had to put things in perspective. You know, at that point I had been doing news for 15 years and it really kicked my work into high gear. I was literally working like 18-hour days trying to make sure I was— I was working remotely, but there's very limited people here at the station. I was responsible for putting all the guests daily. We would have anywhere from 6 to 10 guests a day trying to get out information immediately about closures, whether it's your school or transportation or work or anything, you know. And so I was just working like 18 hours a day and I definitely got burned out that year. And I think it was at the end where like after a few months, like so many people, I feel people were either overworking or they weren't working at all. And I was like, I need to find something else. And I was like, but it was hard because I love this job so much. You know, like I had said, it was this deep-rooted sense of responsibility and privilege of like, what can I do that can, can continue to be within the industry, can continue to share people's stories, but not have the burnout effect of having the heavy burden of the daily news. You know, a lot of people tell me all the time, I either don't want to watch the news, it's, it's too sad, it's too heavy, you know. And so when this opportunity came up to do the lifestyle show, to do something fun and to give people something positive and not so heavy, like take a break from the heaviness, uh, again, I felt that was my purpose and a great privilege to be able to ride people to go out and explore new beautiful things that they hadn't thought of before, you know. Now we don't take We're not going to take for granted of having parties and going out and going to school because we had lost those privileges for such a long time. So to come out on the other side of COVID to have a job where we're able to share all the positive things, to share people's stories. So I think that COVID of just like, this no longer serves me. This is what I want to continue to do. At least professionally, that was a big shift for me.

Yeah, those are all both for both of you, very important pivotal years. And I think it's very relatable to everybody listening in or viewing here, you know, whether it's pregnancies, divorce, going through COVID, moving to a new city and, you know, experiencing the challenges of figuring things out when there's uncertainty in the world. It's hard. And, you know, I think that you both really came through on the other side of it. And I do think it can give you a lifelong perspective. And yeah, I think 2020 for a lot of years is a pivotal year because none of us ever faced anything like that in our lifetime. So I appreciate you both sharing about that. And it's definitely something I think for everybody to reflect on what that pivotal year is in your life and what did you learn from it and how did it help you come out the other side? So, you know, as you guys both know, we did a segment on it on The Localist SD on the Your Power Move by PassionFit and that concept, which is what this podcast is about as well, in addition to learning about everybody's stories And power moves are those things that we can do when we're feeling exhausted and burnt out or fearful, or, you know, you both, you know, talked about some of the challenges that you have faced. Um, and so I'm curious if either of you have something that you do, it can be personally or professionally, whether it's around your health and wellness in your career with your families and relationships, but what are some examples of those first steps that you might take to really help shift your mindset and your energy and your motivation so that you can keep going even on those days when you're feeling down and out.

I will say I think of you every single morning ever since we did that segment because, um, throughout the summer I got out of like my workout habit routine just because the kids weren't in school. So like if I could get to work early, I would, or if I could hit snooze on the alarm for a couple seconds, I would, because we didn't have that much of a structure. And working out is really important for my sanity, and I totally got out of that habit. And so after we did our segment, shortly after that I started like, I was like, I'm doing my power move and just, just it's that first step, right? So I started setting my alarm. So now I'm like back into that 4:45 wake up time. Like I get up, I hit the gym and I just feel so good every day. And like I'm finally like back into that stride. Like now I'm waking up before my alarm goes off, but it's all because of like you're just that first step to take. So that's been a big big one that's like more recent that I'm doing is just like setting the alarm. Like, as long as you just set the alarm, that's your first set and puts that intention out there. Um, but I mean, over the years, um, I've just like— I mean, I've always really like leaned on my faith. Like, I've always kind of looked at my faith as like my power move, because no matter what is going on, whether for me it's turning on like a Christian worship song in my car, or if it's turning off the radio and like saying a prayer, or just pulling up a Bible verse like that is kind of like what I lean on. And like, I look at my power move for everything because it's something applicable no matter what. If I'm stressed about work or something in my personal life or anxious about something with the kids, like, that's something to me I can always lean on no matter what it is. And it's just a little thing, like, it doesn't cost money and it's a quick little thing to like, just like that healthy kind of little reset. So those would be I love that.

I really, I think that that's very powerful. And you're right, it's something your faith, you can take that with you anywhere you go. It's customizable for everybody, whatever works. And I love that our segment helped you to get those workouts back in. That makes me so happy.

Always.

I know. We love it. We love it. I always say I like, she's the easiest guest. I don't gotta worry about Reena.

Oh, I love being in studio with you both too. It's such a fun time. Experience. I look forward to it every month.

Oh, good.

And Aida, what are you— I want to say, Aida, I feel like music might be something in your power move, but I don't want to speak for you.

Yes.

No, absolutely. We were one of those households where music always played, whether we're cleaning, whether we're having dinner and there's some soft music. If our family has parties, Growing up, I literally, and actually to this day, I always have like 2 or 3 parties a weekend. So going to parties, and I think that's why I love being a DJ, just because I see how much joy it brings to people. It doesn't matter how upset someone can be. They could walk in with a fuchi face, or you could tell that they're upset. And then as soon as they hear their song, it makes them so happy. And even as a DJ now, last weekend I was I was playing and I played a kind of a slow song. It was Anita Baker. It was at the Hotel Delos. It was beautiful sunset. And this couple got up and danced and they danced the whole song. So I let it play and they looked at me and they're like, "Today's our anniversary. You just made our night." And I was like, and I tell her that, I'm like, it's to bring music is just, it's just so beautiful. It just speaks to people and to volumes. It brings up core memories. And so to always have that, whether it's for myself or to be able to provide that and bring people out of their, bad mood and bring them back into a happy mood and literally physically see the change on their face and their whole expression is really just a good opportunity. In fact, right before, moments before we jumped on, I was playing music and she's like, turn it off. And I'm like, all right.

I love our office is so fun. Like, so to kind of give like your listeners and viewers a little perspective, like a traditional newsroom, everybody's in one room together, like the anchors, the reporters, The producers, everybody's together. When you come into our building, that's the case.

Everybody is together except we have an office on the other side, as far away as possible.

So far. But like, and like, we always joke like, oh, like, it's like we're the kids that got put in the corner. But it's because we're— I think we're pretty loud. We like to listen to music.

Like, I think we both— I know for sure, I mean, I'm pretty sure you both got in trouble for talking too much during school.

Oh yeah. Like every report card, every A+ student my entire life, except I would get like a U for unsatisfactory in conduct. And then, or like a C. The only C I ever got in my life was in conduct because I couldn't keep my mouth shut. It got so bad. Like, she, you know, like they move you away from your friends and like I would talk to anybody. By the end of the year, my desk was facing a window, like looking out the window in the back corner of the class. I'd like turn around and like look at the board And so that's what our office is because everyone comes and talks to us.

Like, but yeah, I love it. So definitely music. And then I think the other thing that I really feel is important for me is at night when I do my prayers, like, I think of all the positive things that happen during the day. I really try to focus on all the good things, all the blessings that I have, and to never take those blessings for granted, whether it's the little things, whether it's the time I get to spend with my parents, or my nieces and nephews, or if it's the opportunity, if we met someone cool at work, just all the little things. And it really just, just makes me— put me at ease before I go to sleep. And I feel so well rested, and I feel excited for the next day, and I don't feel that dread for the next day.

That's beautiful. I mean, I think both of your power moves really go to show whether it's faith, whether it's music, whether it's gratitude, whether it's movement, it really helps to re-energize you both so that you you can both give back. I think that's another theme that I keep hearing is as much as I'm asking you about your own power moves for yourself, you're both also thinking about how that impacts other people around you. Right. And I just, it just goes to show that you two are, you know, very giving, selfless people, and you want to help positively impact other people's lives. And I think that that's the beauty of these power moves is yes, it is for you personally, but when you are at your best and you're feeling strong and you can keep going, even when you were not feeling at your best, it really helps you to get out there and then go out and do things to help others as well. So I think that's awesome. And I'm thinking back about what you're saying about where you were sitting. I remember in the old building you two had your own office, so I haven't seen the new building.

So the structure of our old building, our office was above the studio, so we were all by ourselves. We overlooked the studio. So when the morning show was on live, the floor directors would always have to come up and like You guys, we're on a newscast right now.

It's like high school all over again, right? The teacher scolding the students.

I love it. But as far away as they could from everybody in this building.

Uh-huh.

Oh, that is too funny. Well, so we're, we're in 2025, and I'd love for you guys to kind of look ahead, you know, to 2035. So 10 years from now, where do each of you see yourself?

Oh yeah, that's a hard question. Probably in that same desk from the studio.

Um, maybe I'll graduate to sitting with all the reporters and anchors.

Yeah, it could be an honor to be able to keep sharing San Diegans' stories. I certainly don't want to be retired yet. Like, I mean, I feel like we both have so much more curiosity left in us, so many more people to meet. So I hope I'm still in this industry. And who knows what that's going to look like? I mean, in 10 years, I don't even know if studios like this will be a thing. Like, it might be a whole new digital world. Like, so definitely hope to still be sharing stories. Um, and that's crazy to think my kids, all 5 of them, will be out of the house in 10 years. That's wild to think about. Our youngest will be 20 years old. That's crazy. So hopefully I'm working and traveling.

Yes. And enjoying empty nest life, or what they like to call free bird life. Right.

I'll probably be driving like strangers' kids to school. Just imagine a day where I'm not taking a kid to a school or a sport. So I'll probably be like the crazy old lady. I actually do want— my daughter makes fun of me because I want to be a crossing guard so bad. Like when I'm driving them to school and I see like the retired They're probably somebody's grandma, like, I just think I would be so good at it logistically. Like, I would keep that traffic flowing. I would like say good morning to the kids. Like, I would know everything about— like, I really want to be a crossing guard, but maybe not in 10 years, maybe 20.

Maybe 20. But that's true.

That is—

that's a great retirement job. Keeps you in the community. I bet you'll still be going to Carlsbad football games, Ashley.

Yeah, I'll be the crossing guard.

And she'll probably drag me with her.

Yeah, she would be a good bus driver. We both see— we both want to get back.

When I retire, I want to work at the zoo as a bus driver. There you go. Job working at the zoo in the gift shops. How San Diego is that? So to end my career back at the zoo but drive a double-decker bus, give some behind the scenes.

That's what I'm gonna be so good because she's so good at like— she has so many random facts in there. You would be So good.

At home working on my script, working on my notes. Yeah, I get the— I probably play some music, get the crowd hyped.

But that would—

again, 20 years.

So probably not the inspirational answer your viewers and listeners were hoping for, like, oh, where do you see yourself in 10 years? Driving a bus and helping kids cross the street. I love it.

No, it's, it's fun. And it's, you know, I think everyone want— you know, has to do what's going to make happy. And I will say, in 10 years, the San Diego— well, I'm thinking more of SeaWorld. I was going to say SeaWorld is going to basically be all roller coasters. Who knows, maybe they'll add roller coasters at the San Diego Zoo as well.

Who knows? Yeah, I'm like, we'll, we'll see. I don't know what— shoot, 2035, that's crazy.

That is crazy. Time is flying by. Anything is possible, right?

Qualify for our AA—

no, not yet, not yet, not yet.

Oh, AARP card.

Oh boy. We have covered so many retirement communities on our show too. Like, I'm like excited to age. Like, the places that these people live now, it's not like the old school nursing homes. Like, there are so many amazing communities to retire in in San Diego.

That's right. You guys have— yeah, you know all the hidden gems.

Yeah, for sure. In 10 years we'll be here. We'll see. We don't know a job yet though.

Well, I look forward to it. And then what is something— I know I told everyone about your DJ Aida, but what's like a fun fact about each of you that nobody knows? I know Ashley's got to have something really fun. Nobody knows, or most people don't know.

Um, let's see. I, um, I'm an avid bodysurfer.

Wow. Okay.

The one that I always tell people is I performed in a Super Bowl halftime show when I was in San Diego.

Yeah, I remember. Yeah, really?

I was at San Diego State and they were looking for extras, and so that year was Shania Twain and Sting.

Fun.

They bussed like 200 of us from— and there we were on the floor just going wild and dancing to Sting and Shania Twain. And it was so fun.

That is so fun. See, that's why you're starting to play country music.

Warmed Super Bowl halftime show.

Yeah, we did. Oh, man. I mean, I guess maybe people would be surprised to know that I know all the old school West Coast hip-hop songs, every word. I mean, I've gone skydiving.

There you go, that's exciting. Not everybody can— I've never skydived.

So there was something so cool about like— and there's something so weird about jumping, the, the moment you have to like jump out of the plane, like where it's like, that's like your whole body's like, everything about this is wrong and makes no sense. But then after a while, kind of boring because your face No, the videos are really funny, but you're like strapped to a stranger. Like, by the time you're just coasting, you're strapped like a baby in a little carrier, like, to a stranger. Oh wow, the views are great up here. Like, it's just like—

is it loud?

Yeah, at first, but then you're just like chilling. Oh, but I don't know, I don't really feel like I'm such an— I feel like I talk and share everything all the time, like there's no secrets.

There you go. What you see is what you get. That's a good thing. So we're getting closer to wrapping up here. So if you could each think about one key theme or takeaway you would like to leave our viewers and our listeners with, it could be on anything— power moves, anything from your background and your career, or just something funny, whatever it is— what would that be?

I mean, it's gonna— trying to think how to word this so it just doesn't sound like too cheesy, but like, it's just we have this amazing life and you get one shot at it. Like, it's never too late to try something new. There's no stupid questions. Like, honestly, we're here to live life to the fullest. And, um, just to— I listened to another podcast recently, it was like a faith-based one, but like, it's every day that we wake up, there's a purpose for you. Like, God has a purpose for you. So even on your darkest days, like, you're still here. So there's still something that you're meant to be doing. So I think just not getting lost in like the mundane things and like trying something new, especially as we age. Like, the more complacent we get, or the moment you stop moving, or the moment you stop learning, like, you're starting to die. Like, I mean, like, you live each day to the fullest and know that there's a reason that you're waking up every single day.

And I, I think what I have is similar, but to build off of that is We all have amazing, unique life experiences, and your story is worth sharing. And so, so it's— I probably have booked over 30,000 guests in my 20 years of doing, um, you know, as a producer, as a segment producer. It's 30,000. And I can't tell you how many times where I will reach out to the small person to give them an opportunity, to give them a platform, and people are like, oh, You wouldn't want me on TV. My story isn't worthwhile. And I constantly have to convince people why their story is worth telling. So my advice and my recommendation as someone who's booked so many tens of thousands of guests that like, yes, your experience and your life story is worth sharing and you are special and you are unique and it is a something great to be able to share with other people.

I don't know why I recently became obsessed with like this idea of common denominators, and I think about it all the time because I think for so many years our world, our country has been really divided. And so like I've been personally trying to just find like the common denominators within us. Like you may believe one thing, I may believe something else, but somewhere there's something that we all can agree on. And so like I'm just kind of obsessed with finding these common denominators with people instead of like pulling apart, like appreciating people's differences and finding something that brings us all together. Because I think at the end of the day, as a society, we all have a lot more in common than differences, but people tend to harp on differences and negativity somehow.

So yeah, so true. Well, those are great themes and takeaways, I think, for everybody to remember. We're all connected in some way, like you said. We have more commonalities than differences. Everybody's stories matter. We need to keep learning and growing and living our life to the fullest because life is precious and time is fleeting. So I think those are all just amazing takeaways, and I hope that everybody listening and watching can remember that. I just want to thank both of you so much for tuning in. And where can people find both of you? I know everyone should know they can find you on The Localist SD, but, uh, which I highly recommend watching on Fox 5 San Diego. It's live now weekday mornings, so check it out. It's so much fun. But yeah, anything else you want to share about where people can find you guys?

Yeah, so I mean, we're live on Fox 5, 10 AM. And then if you're not a Fox Fiver, you can find us— the episodes re-air on KUSI at 2 PM. So you can always find us there if you prefer that outlet. And then we're both on social media too.

And we're live on the app now too.

Oh yeah, we have this new app. Fox 5 KUSI Now app, and that's really cool. It's like you can watch our show and tons of other shows like 24/7.

Yeah, so you can watch us live. So there's a lot of people who don't have TV, don't worry, they finally got— we just— 2 weeks ago we're live on the app. So check that out, we're keeping up with technology.

There you go. You're going to get more Gen Z viewers for that app, right? Oh well, I will make sure to include all of this in the show notes so people can tune in and find you guys. And again, thank you so much for joining You guys were amazing first guests. You did great.

I'm so grateful. Such a great host.

It's so rare for us.

It's so weird to be on the other side with you guys, but this has been so fun. So I hope you all will tune in to Your Power Move by PassionFit. Again, it's on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Also subscribe, review, and rate, and tell all your family and friends. Stay tuned for another episode soon. Thank you so much.

Take care.