How Much Do You Tip? JRP0084
This is such a confusing topic. How much should you tip? Who do you tip? What are the rules? What are your standards? Why does tipping seem to happen in the shadows? How are tips distributed amongst the staff? I share numerous examples of...
Jennifer Klein, Music, Synanon, JRP0083
Jennifer Klein joined us to talk music, Poway, Synanon and so much more. We discussed her organic creation process and capturing her emotions in song. Jennifer shared her experience making her first music video at her Poway home for her song “Lean into...
Elizabeth Warren OMG, Dem Debates, JRP0082
We break down the Democratic Presidential Debate on October 15, 2019 with a special spotlight on Elizabeth Warren. In my opinion, Warren had a terrible night. She was dishonest, deceptive and ungrateful. This podcast covers wealth inequality, wealth...
Poway Protesters, Trump vs Anti-Trump, JRP0081
A Pleasant Valley Sunday in Poway? Not so for the Poway Protesters. A very vibrant, positive group of political activists have been protesting against President Trump in Poway for 2.5 years and now the Pro Trump group has taken over the corner across the street....
The Elections are Rigged, JRP0080
The elections are rigged, broken, warped, distorted. Pick your descriptor. It is anything but a fair, open and democratic process. Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard just called out the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for working in...
Butte, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, JRP0079
A whirlwind 2-week trip that included themes of civil rights, liberty and equality. A journey taking in the sweet sounds of country music, blues, jazz and rock ‘n roll. A personal tour that experienced the expanse of Big Sky Country and the narrow alleys of Bourbon...
David Leland, Padres 2019 Wrap Up, JRP0078
Our favorite sports analyst, David Leland, joined me to break down the San Diego Padres 2019 season. We discuss the manager vacancy and candidates we’d like to see get the gig. Then we break down the entire roster, discuss player performance, propose a...
Big Stone Lodge Poway, PUSD Finances, JRP0077
The Big Stone Lodge is a big part of the history of Poway and is now about to be demolished to make way for Low Income Veteran’s Housing. We explore the history of this building, the potential of making this area a park, veteran’s issues, and community activists...
Gig Economy, 1 Year Anniversary, JRP0076
The California state government has radically changed the rules of the gig economy. Definitions of contractors and employees have changed, supposedly to offer benefits to the worker. But really, who wins? We follow the money and look at the entities...
San Diego Housing, Work from Anywhere, JRP0075
We explore the history of San Diego housing development over the course of the last 40 years and how we ended up in this housing crisis. It was interesting to retrace our memories of development in the 70s, 80s and 90s as communities in Mira Mesa, Rancho...
Chick-fil-A, Trump, Free Speech, Free Trade, JRP0074
Chick-fil-A had their grand opening in Poway and the city is buzzing. People love CFA’s chicken. Powegians have a new restaurant to enjoy. There are smiling faces and neighbors meeting neighbors at the big event in town. City leaders are there...
Secrets to Ordering a Custom Car, JRP0073
Interested in ordering that custom car of your dreams? We learn the hidden secrets and what happens behind the curtain when you place a custom car order with a dealership. Corvette enthusiast, Pete Neild, and San Diego’s favorite car guy, Mike Polite, joined us...
San Diego State Aztecs Football 2019 Preview, David Leland, JRP0072
David Leland joined me to break down the San Diego State Aztecs 2019 football season. We take a close look at Rocky Long’s squad, go through the schedule and predict the outcome of each game. We also highlight many of the Aztecs including Kyrie Woods, Matt...
Poway School Bond, Santee Granny Flats, JRP0071
A Half Billion Dollar Poway School Bond and Santee’s efforts to make Granny Flats easier and less expensive to build are the topics in episode #71 of the John Riley Project. What? Another huge school bond in Poway? We discuss the recent survey to Poway...
San Diego Climate Change Demonstration, JRP0070
In this podcast we look at three hot topics in San Diego County: San Diego Climate Change/Green Energy, Oceanside Housing and the San Diego County Republican Party. We start by examining the City of San Diego’s “Climate Change Demonstration Project” to put solar...
San Diego Sports Super Fan, David Leland, JRP0069
San Diego Sports Super Fan, David Leland, joined us for an amazing conversation about the teams and personalities in our local sports community. Leland, a Poway resident with a strong social media presence, combined incredible recall of statistics with...
15 Reasons People Voted for Trump, Steve Dow, JRP0068
Rancho Bernardo author, citizen and independent voter, Steve Dow, joined us to discuss his new book: 15 Reasons People Voted for Trump in 2016 and Why These Don’t Apply in 2020. We traced his roots growing up in New Jersey, reliving the 1985 Villanova Wildcats NCAA...
Interfaith Awareness Week in San Diego, Reverend Drs. Stephen and Abigail Albert, JRP0067
Reverend Doctors Stephen and Abigail Albert joined us to discuss Interfaith Awareness Week here in San Diego County August 11 thru the 18th. During our conversation we shared stories and experiences of people of different faiths coming together and learning from...
Trump Response to Shootings, JRP0066
The Trump response in the aftermath of the El Paso and Dayton shootings was about condolences, condemnation of hate and offering proposals to prevent these incidents from occurring again. But does the Trump response and his recommended policies actually make a...
El Paso, Dayton, Trump Loyalty, JRP0065
We take a long look at the tragedies in El Paso and Dayton where 29 people lost their life. We explore how a flawed philosophy of collectivism and nihilism plays a huge role in these terrible events in El Paso and Dayton. I spend a great deal of time...
8 Immediate Steps Toward Better Health
In this Self Improvement episode, we break down 8 strategies you can put forth to improve your health. Many of the themes discussed include valuing your own life, setting boundaries, letting go, and acceptance. We talk plenty about taking care of yourself first, so...
Send Her Back, Death Penalty, JRP0063
We break down the "Send Her Back" chant, Trump’s tweets that stoke division and fear and explore this topic more broadly within the context of our inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We also get in to the political style of The Squad, a...
Property Rights, Equality Under the Law, JRP0062
In this episode we discuss issues of Property Rights and Equality Under the Law within the context of recent policy proposals from the Poway City Council. In the aftermath of the Poway Chabad Shooting, Mayor Steve Vaus has proposed a revision to the city code to...
Justin Amash, Declaration of Independence, JRP0061
In this episode we cover The Declaration of Independence, Justin Amash’s own declaration of independence from the Republican Party and News & Notes in DC and here in Poway. We start off with Congressman Justin Amash (I-MI) and his statement of leaving the...
Democratic Debate Post Game Show, JRP0060
We break down the first round of Democratic Debate including the candidates, the issues and the debate format. Who has the presidential gravitas? Who is likable? Who delivered on their brand image? Who had a necessary grasp of the policies? I...
Democratic Debates Preview, JRP0059
I love debate night! We break down all 20 Presidential Candidates in the Democratic Debates the next 2 nights this week. I share my top of mind thoughts on each candidate, their policies and profile. I discuss what I am looking for in the Democratic...
Abandoned San Diego, Hidden San Diego, Jessica Johnson, JRP0058
Jessica Johnson joined us to talk about her new book, Abandoned San Diego, that documents hidden treasures found in secret locations around San Diego that walk us through history, culture and nature. It was wonderful to discuss so many of the special locations and...
Entrepreneurism, Poway News, JRP0057
Before we get into the topic of entrepreneurism, we start off our podcast talking about Poway News including Anna Vaus making her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, the City of Poway’s tight budget, Poway Unified School District’s continued financial irresponsibility and...
Universal Basic Income, #BeBraver, JRP0056
Imagine if everyone got a check each month from the government for $1,000. We break down the topic of Universal Basic Income (UBI). We look at the history, the morality, the rationale, the assumptions, the funding sources, the politics and the objectives...
Pete Neild, Mission Across America, JRP0055
Pete Neild shared his incredible adventure traveling cross country fulfilling a promise to his deceased mother. It’s a story of family, childhood memories, Corvettes, America the Beautiful and the special people you meet along the way. Pete’s journey across...
Rory Herrman, Poway Hockey Star, JRP0054
Rory Herrman joined us to talk about his hockey story coming up through the ranks in youth hockey, competing in the highest-level amateur hockey league in the United States and preparing for NCAA Division 1 Hockey. Rory Herrman got the bug to play hockey from...
Mathew Mitchell, Diversity, Inclusion & Equity, JRP0053
Mathew Mitchell joined us for an open conversation on the difficult issues of race, diversity, inclusion and equity. Mathew brings a unique perspective having grown up in the conservative community of Lompoc CA. His father is a black man from Memphis TN,...
Justin Amash, Trump Impeachment, JRP0052
Justin Amash (R-MI) tweeted a rationale for impeachment of President Trump. We break down the entire Justin Amash tweet thread and discuss it within the context of liberty, the Constitution, transparency, accountability, bravery and rule of law. We also discuss...
Long Beach Grand Prix, JRP0051
Pete Neild joined us to discuss thoughts and observations on the Long Beach Grand Prix from a newbie perspective. We recount the Corvette Corral, the great energy from Corvette enthusiasts and General Motors executives sharing stories and taking questions from...
Chris Olps’ Poway Announcement, JRP0050
Chris Olps joined us to make his official announcement as a 2020 candidate for Poway City Council. We covered Chris Olps’ life story his family renting a home near Twin Peaks Rd and Community Rd and then later buying in The Grove. His formative years in Poway...
Pushing Your Way Out of a Comfort Zone, JRP0049
Are you in a Comfort Zone? Many of us will seek refuge from an increasing chaotic life. Life throws us many curve balls in relationships, career, health and many other categories. Often we will retreat to that Comfort Zone. It may be a place, a...
Mighty 1090, End of an Era, JRP0048
(queue the Mighty 1090 Hacksaw voice) Take a walk down memory lane…. We start off discussing the early days of the Mighty 690 as they transitioned from a news station to 2nd all sports radio format in America. Everything must start with Lee Hacksaw Hamilton and...
Chabad of Poway, JRP0047
Poway is still coming to terms with the shock and pain from the shooting at the Congregation Chabad of Poway. In this podcast I share my thoughts on the reactions of fellow Powegians and ideas to move forward positively. We discuss the community rallying in support...
Electric Vehicle Adventure, #SD2ABQ, JRP0046
Driving an electric vehicle through the desert from San Diego to Albuquerque with limited electric charging station infrastructure. Am I crazy? Here’s the complete itinerary of my #EVadventure. #SD2ABQ and #ABQ2SD. Stop #1: Blythe CA Poway to Blythe...
Happy Taxation-is-Theft Day! JRP0045
It’s April 15th and so we celebrate two important events, one good and the other bad. The good news is that we celebrate Jackie Robinson Day in MLB paying homage to one of baseball’s all-time greats and a man of huge cultural significance in American...
Mike Ryan, Football Brain Injury, JRP0044
Michael Ryan joined me to share his incredible story battling for his life after sustaining a brain injury in a high school football game. His story is about facing great challenges and finding the will deep inside to fight and emerge victorious. He retraced his...
Bob Pasela, Restaurateur, Sabuku Sushi, JRP0043
It was an ordinary day when Zeke and I stepped into Sabuku Sushi to have lunch and discuss business. We were not prepared with who we encountered. Sabuku Sushi owner Bob Pasela greeted us at our table with a surge of energy and enthusiasm. He...
Homeless Advocate: Michael Gaulden, JRP0042
We explore the topic of homelessness with Michael Gaulden. Michael is an author, entrepreneur, community activist and advocate for the homeless. His story is remarkable. Michael and his mother grew up homeless from the ages of 7 through 17. They...
Eureka Moments Pete Neild JRP0041
Pete Neild joined us to discuss those life changing inflection points we call Eureka Moments. Part of life can be carefully planned, but sometimes a specific instant or a seemingly tiny decision can have profound effects on your life. That one event, that...
Padres Opening Day JRP0040
It’s Major League Baseball Opening Day. It’s the San Diego Padres Opening Day. Hope Springs Eternal. Today should be a National Holiday. I am fired up; can you feel it? In this podcast I share my thoughts at the conclusion of Spring Training as...
Obamacare Repeal? 2020 POTUS Update JRP0039
Repealing Obamacare? Yes, just days after the Mueller Report was submitted to the Attorney General, the Trump Administration puts their foot on the gas and backs a Texas judge’s ruling to undo Obamacare. Is this a desire to help our healthcare system or...
Believe in Yourself JRP0038
I was inspired by a quote from Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise. That's Star Trek for those of you that aren't hip to the jive. The quote is: "You either believe in yourself, or you don't." This podcast is all about Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of...
Chargers Ex-Girlfriend, Corporate Welfare JRP0037
I was considering a number of topics for today’s podcast, but when I read Nick Canepa’s article today longing for his ex-girlfriend, the San Diego Chargers, I knew I’d have plenty to say. You can check out Nick’s article at this link:...
Journaling JRP0036
Today we explore improving your life, gaining clarity, and achieving focus and purpose all through the practice of journaling. This is all part of my own adventures in my life, my liberty and my pursuit of happiness. During this podcast I share numerous stories about...
Manny Machado, Bruce Bochy JRP0035
In one of the biggest news stories in San Diego sports history, the San Diego Padres have signed Manny Machado to a 10-year, $300 million contract. We break down this deal from all angles. What this means to the Greater San Diego sports community, how this...
Corvette Happiness, Pete Neild, JRP0034
If you love the Chevrolet Corvette, if you love cars or if you simply love a great story that creates so much happiness in the story teller, then this podcast episode is for you. We review Pete Neild’s entire process of acquiring his magnificent Laguna Blue Custom...
Poway Granny Flats, AOC Green New Deal, JRP0033
In this episode we get into two hot issues: Poway Mayor Steve Vaus’ proposal for government subsidized Poway granny flats and NYC Congressperson Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’ proposal for the Green New Deal. At the local level, we break down Vaus’ HOMES (Homes On My Extra...
Caleb Allen, Westview Baseball Coach, JRP0032
I had a great conversation with Caleb Allen talking baseball and how the sport translates into great life lessons. Caleb Allen is the Varsity Baseball Hitting Coach at Westview High School in the Poway Unified School District. Caleb has served in...
Howard Schultz, Super Bowl JRP0031
Is Howard Schultz a viable candidate for President of the United States? Or is he simply a spoiler candidate that has no chance of winning at all? We explore the candidacy of Howard Schultz candidacy from a number of different angles. The reaction from the media and...
Padres Finances Acee Reaction JRP0030
Kevin Acee's article in last Sunday's paper (titled "Look at Padres' books shows debt reduction has team in position to spend") about Padres Finances has created a huge reaction on #PadresTwitter and in the national media. It is was a rare moment where team ownership...
San Diego State of the City, Mayor Kevin Faulconer JRP0029
In this JRP episode we breakdown the San Diego State of the City Address from Mayor Kevin Faulconer. We discuss Faulconer’s proposals to address the biggest issues facing San Diego: the housing crisis and homelessness. I was particularly pleased to...
John Maffei, San Diego Sports Journalist, JRP0028
I was so pleased to enjoy a conversation with San Diego sportswriter legend, John Maffei. John is a 50-year veteran in sports journalism, an athlete, a coach and a major behind-the-scenes person that has made a significant, positive impact in the San Diego sports...
Government Shutdown, Wall, Trump JRP0027
We get into a long list of national news issues including the wall along the southern border, President Trump, immigration policy and the federal government shutdown. We spent time discussing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pay-Go, the Green New Deal, Medicare-for-All and...
Poway Titans Basketball, Padres, Ironman JRP0026
This is the first in a whole series of sports podcasts I plan to share on the John Riley Project. In this episode we talk about Poway Titans highlights and many other topics: Congratulations to Cathedral Catholic on a great football season winning the Southern...
Marian Kim-Phelps: No Place for Hate, JRP0025
I enjoyed showcasing the great work of 3 local leaders (Marian Kim-Phelps, Chris Cruse and Amit Asaravala) and offered my thoughts and commentary on each topic: Dr. Marian Kim-Phelps, Poway Unified School District Superintendent, published a guest column titled No...
Stoneridge Reaction, PUSD Ethics Drama, JRP0024
Reactions to the Stoneridge Development public forum on Dec 12th, Ethics issues with Poway Unified School Board, Patreon controversy, free speech and thoughts & recommendations on the shows I am streaming online. Kevin McNamara stepped up to the stage originally...
Poway Hate Crime, #Tariffman, JRP0023
We review the terrible Poway Hate Crime incident when hoolums spray painted a swastika on a Jewish family's home on the first day of hanukkah. Bravo to Marianna Benedict-Bacilla for organizing a vigil and protest that received significant coverage from local media....
Poway 2018 Election Post Game Show JRP0021
In this JRP epsiode I break down the data and the drama of the Poway 2018 Election for Poway Mayor, Poway City Council and Poway Unified School Board. We step through each race, examine the results, draw conclusions and identity broader themes. I also share my...
Pete Neild #3 Poway City Council Candidate JRP0020
Regis Philbin was on the David Letterman Show 136 times. Pete Neild has 133 more to tie the record. Yesterday I enjoyed having Poway City Council Candidate for District 1, Pete Neild, join me for the third time on the John Riley Project. Pete Neild is a...
Terry Norwood Poway Unified School Board Candidate JRP0019
Terry Norwood joined me yesterday afternoon for pleasant conversation about her campaign for Poway School Board in Area C (mostly Rancho Bernardo). Terry has carved out a unique position in her race. She is the only challenger running against two...
Emily Johnson, Poway Mayor Candidate, JRP0018
I was pleased to have Poway Mayoral candidate Emily Johnson as a guest on the John Riley Project. Emily is young, bright and wants to offer a new perspective for our city. Emily believes it is important for Poway to retain it's country charm and not allow...
Dave Grosch, Poway City Council Incumbent, JRP0017
Poway Councilman Dave Grosch joined me Friday afternoon October 12th for a conversation about important Poway issues, his family history in Poway and a little bit about the MLB playoffs and college sports. Dave is well known and takes great pride in being an...
John Riley Project FAQ & Thoughts JRP0014
A John Riley Project FAQ episode. But first in this solo podcast I want to take a moment to thank those that are watching/listening and the guests that have joined me. I also want to share a range of thoughts about the project and address comments I get from...
Ginger Couvrette Poway Unified School Board Candidate JRP0016
This morning I was pleased to welcome Poway Unified School Board Area B Candidate Ginger Couvrette. Ginger has an incredible track record of volunteerism in our community helping children, athletes, needy families, special needs students and teachers in the...
Kim Garnier, Poway Unified School Board Candidate JRP0015
Poway parent and education advocate Kim Garnier joined me on the John Riley Project Saturday afternoon October 6th. Kim is a candidate for Poway Unified School Board Area B. She and her family have a long history fighting against the corruption in the...
John Carson, Poway City Council Candidate JRP0013
My most recent podcast guest is John Carson, a candidate for Poway City Council in District 1. John and his family have established roots here in Poway and he wants to be a part of Poway's future. He lives in Heritage Hills, roughly behind the Poway Sushi...
Caylin Frank, Poway City Council Candidate JRP0012
Caylin Frank joined me for an enjoyable podcast session where I got to know Poway's newest councilperson. Caylin shared her personal story growing up in Encinitas with two parents that served as deputies with the local sheriff and her mother later earning a seat...
Gaby Dow, Poway Unified School District Parent JRP0011
Gaby Dow joined us for a great discussion about PUSD issues from a parent perspective. Gaby is a business consultant that works in the area where the public sector and technology intersect, so she had some great insight into Poway Unified's technology...
John Mullin, Poway City Council Incumbent JRP0010
District 3 Incumbent, John Mullin, joined me for a podcast conversation Saturday afternoon Sept 29, 2018. We delved into a variety of issues including the Poway Road Corridor plan, the council appointment process, the Cafagna Center, pension challenges and more....
Yuri Bohlen, Poway Mayor Candidate, JRP0009
Yuri Bohlen wants to "Make Poway the City in the Country Again". When Yuri first arrived he shared with me his 5 Point Pledge for Poway which he has in writing and notarized, and which I summarize as follows: 1. If elected, he will ask voters 6 months before the end...
Brian Edmonston, Poway Mayor Candidate, JRP0008
Brian Edmonston is running to be Poway's next mayor and he is ready to lead Poway to an even better quality of life. Brian passionately discussed expanding and upgrading Poway parks, particularly transforming Stoneridge into a public golf course, swim & tennis...
Jon Ryan, Poway City Council Candidate JRP0007
City Council candidate, Jon Ryan, let it rip in a high energy discussion about all things Poway. In his career he's been a fix-it guy. In his personal life, he's a dog rescue guy. Jon applied his fix-it and rescue skills to solve problems in Poway...
Pete Neild #2 Poway City Council Candidate JRP0006
The Return of Pete Neild! Pete makes a second visit to the JRP Podcast Studio to share more of his personal background. As a son of an Episcopal preacher, he learned what it meant to stick to his principles by the example of his father. Pete joined the Navy right out...
Charlie Sellers, Poway Unified School Board Incumbent JRP0005
Can he be blunt? Yes he can! Charlie Sellers talks straight and tells us what's really happening with the dynamics of PUSD and two factions on the Poway School Board. This was an incredible discussion of policy and politics. Charlie did not pull any punches. We...
Tony Russo, Poway City Council Candidate JRP0004
Entertaining and interesting discussion with long-time Poway resident and city council candidate, Tony Russo. Discussion includes Tony's Poway roots as a student at Tierra Bonita Elementary, Twin Peaks and Poway High. Tony shared many stories about his...
Pete Neild, Poway City Council Candidate JRP0003
In-depth conversation with 38-year Poway resident and city council candidate, Pete Neild. Discussion includes Pete's early days in South Poway and later on Candy Cane Lane. We explored Pete's Poway history, family, career in the Navy and as a scientist in...
Poway Candidate Forum, PUSD Finances, Phil Spear JRP0002
Comments on the Poway Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum held on September 13, 2018 at the Poway Community Center. Comments about Poway Unified School District Finances. A closing comment about Poway Legend: Phil Spear RIP. John Riley Project Info:...
Podcast for Poway, Rancho Bernardo JRP0001
Exploring Big Ideas. Inviting guests to join the podcast: political candidates for Poway City Council, PUSD school board, Poway Mayor, local entrepreneurs, community activists, athletes, coaches, superfans, authors, journalists and more. Exploring topics such as...
Join the John Riley Project – Insider’s Group
Our closed Facebook group offers bonus content not available in the regular podcast. Answer a few easy questions to gain access.