🎥 Behind the Scenes: Rotary’s 2026 Rose Parade Float — The Magic of Teamwork Step inside the Irwindale float warehouse with Paul Ward and get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Rotary brings a Rose Parade float to life! In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, we meet members of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee as they put the final touches on Rotary’s largest float yet—a bold, colorful design featuring an African safari / jungle animal theme and Rotary’s message to the world: “Unite for Good” and “The Magic of Teamwork.”

From the professional mechanics and construction to the hundreds of volunteers adding floral detail by hand, this is what it truly takes to create parade magic—and why Rotary’s presence on this global stage matters.

✅ In this episode:

• Why Rotary participates in the Rose Parade (and what it does for Rotary worldwide)

• How the float is designed, built, and decorated

• How Interact youth get involved and earn service hours

• Funding, sponsorships, and ways clubs can support the float • Where to see the floats up close after January 1 👥 Featured Guests

• Wade Nomura — Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee (Past Chair)

• Raghada Khouri — Committee Member

• Nancy Filkins — Committee Member / Floral & Float Design Background

• Mary Lingua — Camarillo Rotary Club (Interact youth involvement)

🙏 Sponsored by Pathway Escrow — proud sponsor of On the Road with Paul Ward.

📍 Filmed On Location: Irwindale, California (Rose Parade float build site)

📌 Connect with Paul Ward Paul Ward — Home & Ranch Team (Keller Williams West Ventura County) 📞 (805) 479-5004 | ✉️ paul@homeandranchteam.com

👍 If you enjoyed this episode:

• Subscribe to the channel

• Share with a Rotarian (or someone who should become one!)

• Drop a comment: Have you ever helped decorate a float?

#RoseParade #RotaryInternational #UniteForGood #CommunityService #OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #Camarillo #Volunteer #ServiceAboveSelf #PathwayEscrow

• 00:02 — Sponsor shoutout + inside the Irwindale float warehouse
• 01:35 — This year’s message: Unite for Good + Magic of Teamwork
• 01:57 — Float concept reveal: African safari/jungle animals
• 03:38 — How floats are built: pros handle mechanics, volunteers bring it to life
• 04:45 — Raghada: “Rotary is the best-kept secret” (and why the parade helps)
• 06:58 — Nancy: floral design, committee involvement, and fresh flower plans
• 08:45 — Funding breakdown + how the float is supported each year
• 10:31 — Post-parade viewing + float tours and education for the public
• 11:12 — The International Presidents Summit (service org leaders together)
• 12:38 — Mary: Interact students, service hours, and how youth participate
• 14:13 — How the design gets chosen (renderings → finalists → final pick)
• 17:56 — Why Rotary does it: public image + millions of viewers worldwide
• 20:06 — Rotary pins, collectors, and how the committee is organized
• 22:37 — Wrap-up + Paul’s promise to keep spreading the good word of Rotary

Join Paul on a Farm Talk edition of On the Road with Paul Ward as he visits Deep Creek Mushrooms, a compact urban mushroom farm in Apple Valley, California that’s growing roughly 400 pounds of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms every week out of a 1,400 sq ft warehouse.

Levi and Kalynn Mobley share how a simple hobby turned into a full-time mushroom operation: from early experiments in a spare bedroom to cashing out their 401(k)s and moving into an industrial space. Along the way, they unpack the real work behind mushroom farming—twice-daily harvests, seven days a week—and why fresh mushrooms have such a short window to get from farm to plate.

The episode dives into the world of adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps—how they support brain health, gut health, energy, and inflammation—and what to look for in quality supplements in a market dominated by bulk imports. You’ll also hear how Deep Creek Mushrooms helps home gardeners grow their own fungi with countertop grow kits and then recycle spent blocks into rich, mycelium-packed soil for tomatoes, pumpkins, and herbs at home.

Whether you’re a foodie, small farmer, gardener, or just mushroom-curious, this conversation offers a practical, down-to-earth look at what it takes to grow fungi for a living.

In This Episode: What an urban mushroom farm looks like inside a small warehouse Why Deep Creek grows gourmet varieties instead of standard button or portobello How lion’s mane supports cognitive function, focus, and gut health What makes mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps adaptogenic The real day-to-day workload of harvesting about 400 pounds of mushrooms per week Why high-quality mushroom supplements matter—and how Deep Creek keeps their process transparent How at-home mushroom grow kits work and how spent blocks become “super soil” for the garden Where you can find Deep Creek Mushrooms locally and how to order their extracts and kits online

Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & episode intro 01:00 – Inside an urban mushroom farm in Apple Valley, CA 02:15 – Gourmet vs. supermarket mushrooms: why Deep Creek grows 16+ varieties 04:30 – Lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail & cordyceps: adaptogens explained 10:20 – Who buys mushrooms vs. who buys supplements 14:00 – From hobby to business: cashing out the 401(k) and going all-in 19:20 – The truth about farming fungi: constant harvests & short shelf life 24:30 – Grow kits, home mushrooms, and turning spent blocks into garden gold 27:00 – How to connect with Deep Creek Mushrooms & final thoughts

Connect with Deep Creek Mushrooms 🌐 Website & Online Shop: DeepCreekMushrooms.com 📱 Social: Instagram & Facebook – search “Deep Creek Mushrooms” 🛒 Find them at local farmers’ markets and select grocery stores in Southern California

Connect with On the Road with Paul Ward 🎥 Subscribe for more episodes: On the Road with Paul Ward 📧 Contact Paul & The Home and Ranch Team: 805-479-5004 | paul@homeandranchteam.com

🌎 Real estate & rural living resources: www.homeandranchteam.com #DeepCreekMushrooms

#OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #FarmTalk #MushroomFarm #LionsMane #Reishi #TurkeyTail #Cordyceps #UrbanFarming #SmallFarm #FarmToTable #AppleValley #LocalFood

Get ready to experience one of California’s most vibrant weekly traditions — Palm Springs Village Fest!

🌴 In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, we explore how a small idea 33 years ago became one of the largest, longest-running street festivals in the U.S. 🎤 Guest: Nicholas Gonzalez, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Palm Springs 🎥 Host: Paul Ward, The Home & Ranch Team 💚 Sponsored by: Opus Escrow

Stroll through 3–4 blocks of art, live music, food, and fun — meet passionate vendors like Soap by Malta Design, Redmond Weaving, and Crush Crush Cookies, and see how VillageFest strengthens the Palm Springs community every Thursday night, all year long.

⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 — Intro: Welcome to Palm Springs VillageFest 00:34 — How it all began 33 years ago 01:07 — Vendor stories & local creativity 03:05 — 150+ vendors, thousands of visitors each week 04:49 — The jury process: how vendors get selected 08:30 — How the city runs VillageFest every week 11:19 — Economic impact for downtown Palm Springs 13:06 — Vendor success stories (like The Heyday) 14:31 — Advice for other cities 15:46 — Beyond VillageFest: Parks & Rec programs 16:08 — American Idol’s connection to VillageFest 16:30 — How to visit + where to learn more

🌟 If You Liked This, Watch Next 🎥 The Road to the Rose Parade: Behind the Blooms 🎥 Celebrating Mental Wellness: Inside Ventura County’s Festival 🎥 Laps, Laughs & Legacy: The Hap Rapp Track Meet 🎥 Pedalers Fork: Where Bikes, Brews & Bites Collide 🎥 Strumming Through Life: The Sierra Drummond Story

🗺️ Learn More 🌐 Visit: VillageFest.org 📸 Follow: @VillageFest (Facebook & Instagram)

🏡 Presented by: www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com 👉Contact Paul Ward: www.homeandranch.com p. 805-479-5004 e. paul@homeandranchteam.com

📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.

In this inspiring episode, Paul Ward sits down with regenerative farmer, chef, entrepreneur, and author Mollie Engelhart. Mollie shares her journey from running vegan restaurants in Los Angeles to building Sovereignty Ranch in Texas, where she’s pioneering regenerative farming, hosting events, and building a community rooted in faith, food, and family.

They dive deep into: 🌱 What regenerative agriculture really means 🏡 The cultural and practical differences between farming in California vs. Texas 📖 Mollie’s new book Debunked by Nature and how nature never lies 💪 Masculinity vs. femininity, resilience, and lessons from motherhood 🥩 Why “Food is Medicine” and the movement changing how we think about health and nutrition This conversation is full of wisdom, real-life stories, and practical takeaways for anyone interested in food, farming, family, or building a purpose-driven life.

🔗 Learn more: Mollie’s ranch: https://sovereigntyranch.com Mollie’s New Book: https://debunkedbynature.com

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of On the Road with Paul Ward.

⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction & welcome back to Mollie Engelhart 1:00 – Moving from California to Texas: new freedoms and challenges 3:00 – What is regenerative agriculture? Soil, grazing, and working with nature 5:00 – Building Sovereignty Ranch: hotel, restaurant, brewery & farm programs 7:30 – Cultural contrasts: food, faith, family, and community in Texas vs. California 9:00 – Mollie’s new book Debunked by Nature: lessons from the farm 11:00 – From vegan chef to regenerative rancher: a personal transformation 13:30 – Masculinity, femininity, and resilience: stories from motherhood & farming 17:00 – Biggest takeaways from the book: “Nature doesn’t lie” 19:00 – Comfort vs. discomfort: raising resilient families & future generations 24:00 – Teaching kids farm skills & challenging modern parenting norms 25:00 – Preview of the upcoming “Food is Medicine” conference 28:30 – Other Sovereignty Ranch events: Confluence & Divine + Dangerous 30:50 – Where to find Mollie online & how to support the ranch 32:30 – Closing thoughts & thank you

👉Contact Paul Ward: www.homeandranch.com p. 805-479-5004 e. paul@homeandranchteam.com

📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, Paul Ward sits down with Arkady Milgram, a former Soviet citizen who risked everything to pursue freedom in America. Arkady shares his journey from growing up under communist rule to becoming a successful financial planner in California. Along the way, he reflects on the emotional moments of leaving his homeland, building a new life from scratch, and reuniting his family. His story is a heartfelt reminder that freedom comes at a cost—and with limitless opportunity.

⏱️ Timestamps + Topics 00:05 – Welcome from Paul Paul introduces Arkady Milgram, a Russian immigrant who built a life and career in America. 00:51 – Meet Arkady Milgram Arkady shares his gratitude and excitement to tell his story. 01:22 – Life in the Soviet Union Arkady describes his childhood under communist propaganda and his early curiosity about the West. 02:59 – Cracks in the Narrative Discover how an American magazine article helped shift Arkady’s understanding of the U.S. 05:01 – The Dream of Leaving Learn how Arkady used Israel’s “family reunification” program as a legal route to escape. 07:40 – The First Step to Freedom Arkady recalls the emotional moment stepping off the plane in Vienna—and realizing he was free. 09:14 – Stateless in Italy He explains the three-month transition in Rome, applying for refugee status in the U.S. 11:32 – Arriving in Los Angeles With support from distant relatives and Jewish organizations, Arkady begins his new life in LA. 13:41 – His First Job in America From unloading furniture in Hollywood to biochemistry work, Arkady dives into American work life. 15:35 – From Biochemistry to Business Why Arkady transitioned from lab work to entrepreneurship—and how he started a travel agency. 17:34 – Discovering Financial Planning Arkady finds his true calling helping others navigate personal finance through education. 20:25 – How to Reach Arkady He shares his phone number and open-door policy for financial conversations—no pressure, just help. 23:28 – Reuniting with Family Hear the emotional story of how he brought his parents and extended family to the U.S. 26:12 – A Love Letter to America Arkady closes with powerful reflections on freedom, family, and what it means to be American.

📞 Contact Arkady Milgram: www.milgramfinancial.com Phone: (818) 919-2461 Calls only — texting uses a different number due to compliance. Email: AMilgram@MilgramFinancial.com 2801 Townsgate Road Suite 320, Westlake Village, CA 91361 👉Contact Paul Ward: p. 805-479-5004 e. paul@homeandranchteam.com www.homeandranchteam.com

📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.

**Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. Milgram Financial and Insurance Services, LLC is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. 790 E Colorado Blvd, Ste 710, Pasadena, CA 91101, (626) 639-1900 CRN202808-9197265. **

📍 Guest: Ronnie Semler – Founder, Malibu Wines & Beer Garden & Saddlerock Ranch 📍 Location: West Hills, CA

Watch Full episode HERE

Join Paul Ward On the Road with Ronnie Semler, the visionary behind Malibu Wines & Beer Garden and Saddlerock Ranch. In this inspiring interview, Ronnie shares how he transformed a fire-ravaged Malibu ranch into a thriving vineyard, animal sanctuary, and destination experience featuring estate-grown wines, exotic animals like zebras and giraffes,

and one-of-a-kind events. From surviving the Woolsey Fire to expanding into a Texas safari adventure, Ronnie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and creating joy for visitors from around the world. 🍷🦒

⏱ Episode Timestamps

00:06 – Welcome & Introduction Paul welcomes Ronnie Semler, founder of Malibu Wines & Beer Garden, and introduces the historic West Hills location.

00:47 – The Historic Building Ronnie shares the colorful history of the Alamo-style structure, once home and stables to silent film star Francis Lederer.

02:06 – Acquiring the Property A chance hospital visit leads Ronnie to purchase the building and transform it into a thriving wine and beer garden.

03:21 – Estate-Grown Wines An overview of Semler’s estate wines grown at Saddlerock Ranch and the varieties they produce.

04:54 – The Birth of Saddlerock Ranch How a devastating 1978 Malibu fire led Ronnie to purchase and rebuild the ranch, eventually expanding to 1,000 acres.

07:07 – From Avocados to Grapes After losing crops to frost, Ronnie transitions from avocados to vineyards—discovering grapes use far less water.

08:25 – First Tasting Room The humble beginnings of Malibu Wines, starting with small sales that grew into massive weekend crowds.

09:42 – Exotic Animals & Unique Experiences Saddlerock Ranch becomes known for its zebras, bison, alpacas, llamas, and even a giraffe named Stanley.

10:45 – Surviving the Woolsey Fire Ronnie recounts evacuating over 150 animals and losing more than 100 structures, but saving every life.

11:54 – Rebuilding & Recent Challenges The difficulties of rebuilding post-fire and the added heartache of his son’s recent loss in the Palisades fire.

12:57 – Life After Malibu Expansion to Texas, moving exotic animals, and preparing to launch a safari business in Brock, TX.

14:22 – Growing Great Grapes Ronnie’s philosophy on vineyard care—from soil quality to irrigation—and the key to great wine.

15:31 – Current Vineyard Operations Replanting efforts in Malibu, now totaling around 50 acres and producing for tasting rooms in CA & TX.

16:07 – Family in the Wine Business Two of Ronnie’s daughters now play key roles in the Texas wine operation and club management.

17:16 – Beyond Wine Malibu Wines offers yoga, pizza, jewelry making, candle workshops, and more for visitors.

17:49 – Limited Public Access to the Ranch Some activities continue through wine hikes, movie shoots, and special approvals.

19:18 – Chumash Indian History The ranch holds a significant archaeological site with ancient cave paintings, shared with schools and visitors.

21:12 – Why Texas? Fewer regulations and a different way of life fuel Ronnie’s enthusiasm for his Texas ranch.

21:19 – How to Visit Malibu Wines is open 7 days a week in West Hills, CA. Info at malibuwines.com.

22:02 – Closing Paul thanks Ronnie for sharing his incredible journey from rebuilding after fires to creating unique wine and safari experiences.

Related Episodes:

Guardians of the Wild: Dr. Laurie Marker’s Mission to Save the Cheetahs

Strumming Through Life: The Sierra Drummond Story

📍Malibu Wines: info@malibuwines.com 23130 Sherman Way West Hills CA 91307 818-578-4146

📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.

Episode Summary: Paul Ward visits Mesa in Ojai, California—a 10-acre citrus farm that’s home to an innovative community tackling youth homelessness. Guest Dan Parziale, co-founder of Mesa, explains how this transitional housing project supports vulnerable 18–24 year olds with holistic services, beautiful tiny homes, and a deep sense of community. Discover how Mesa is changing lives by replacing shelters with opportunity, healing, and hope.

00:00 – Introduction Paul introduces Dan Parziale and the mission behind Mesa Farm.

00:30 – What is Mesa? Dan explains how Mesa began and what the 10-acre farm provides for its young adult residents.

01:41 – Who Mesa Serves A look at Mesa’s participants—many experiencing or at risk of homelessness—and how they are referred.

02:44 – A Spirit of Connection Why collaboration, beauty, and community are essential parts of Mesa’s model.

03:39 – It Takes a Village Dan shares how community members—from realtors to volunteers—play an active role in residents’ success.

04:33 – What’s Required of Residents Minimal mandatory activities, but plenty of engaging opportunities including filmmaking and natural building.

05:26 – Film, Farming & Pizza Ovens Hands-on learning in the arts and agriculture, from shooting short films to selling tangerines.

06:28 – Rethinking Housing Environments Why Mesa is beautiful by design—and how that impacts healing and outcomes.

07:35 – Early Transitions & Support Mesa’s first residents have already started moving out, with rental assistance for the next stage of life.

08:34 – Why Mesa Was Created Dan and co-founder Kyle Thompson wanted to flip the script on how we support at-risk youth.

09:58 – Breaking the Poverty Trap How Mesa’s design philosophy focuses on dignity, restoration, and upward mobility.

11:00 – How Mesa is Funded Mesa began with a state grant and continues through a mix of government and private support.

11:29 – Replicating the Model Mesa’s approach can—and should—be expanded to other communities facing youth homelessness.

12:20 – Meaning Behind the Name “Mesa” A table to gather at. A plateau to launch from.

13:03 – Dan’s Background From Ojai to LA to Haiti—Dan’s unique journey to nonprofit leadership.

14:30 – Preventing Lifelong Homelessness Mesa works upstream to catch youth before long-term homelessness becomes a cycle.

15:51 – The Financial & Human Cost Investing early in young people saves resources—and lives—down the line.

16:50 – A Smarter Approach to Homelessness Prevention, beauty, and opportunity drive lasting impact.

18:35 – Volunteering at Mesa Gardening, cooking, teaching art—Mesa thrives on community support.

19:29 – The Joy of This Work Dan reflects on the honor and hope that comes from working with young adults at a turning point.

20:35 – Remembering Who You Are Helping youth reconnect with their identity and potential.

21:20 – Inside the Tiny Homes Tour the beautifully furnished 270 sq ft homes with mountain views, art, and personalized music.

23:16 – Why Design & Dignity Matter Personalized homes help participants feel welcome, safe, and valued.

24:48 – Why Private Space Matters Tiny homes provide dignity and safety that communal shelters can’t.

25:09 – How to Get Involved Mesa is building a volunteer portal and welcomes people to share their skills and passions.

26:29 – Website & Social Media

• 🌐 www.mesafarm.org
• 📷 Instagram: @mesafarm
• 👍 Facebook: Mesa Farm

27:08 – Final Thoughts Dan shares why Mesa’s model is exciting, replicable, and ready for a broader movement.

📢 Related Episodes: One Vet at a Time: Inside the Vince Street Veterans House with Angel Echeverria Unveiling Humanity through Compassion, Hope and a Costume

👉Contact Paul Ward: homeandranch.com p. 805-479-5004 e. paul@homeandranchteam.com

📢 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Opus Escrow — making this episode possible.

📌 Subscribe to On the Road with Paul Ward for more stories of innovation, impact, and inspiration.

#MesaFarm #YouthHomelessness #OjaiCA #TinyHomes #CommunitySolutions #OnTheRoadWithPaulWard #DanParziale #SocialImpact #HomelessnessPrevention #VenturaCounty #NonprofitInnovation