In this weeks, captivating episode of the Benicia voice podcast myself Ruben and the crew sit down with web designer, Dahlia and Benicia magazines Mary hand to talk about an upcoming exciting AI event in town!

We hope you all enjoy this episode and remember to check out all of our other episodes that are available for your listening, and of course remember to stay subscribed so you never miss an episode.

And with that, we hope you enjoy the show.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-master-class-tickets-1207894528049

Welcome to another episode of *The Benicia Voice*, where we bring you stories, insights, and conversations that matter to our community!

Joining our esteemed host, Ruben and executive producers Andy and Bart, are representatives from Toastmasters International: Mary Bustamante, Linda Stewart, and Helen Karr.

These dynamic women are here to share the incredible benefits of Toastmasters—a global organization dedicated to helping individuals develop their public speaking and leadership skills.

Toastmasters International has been empowering people for nearly a century, offering a supportive environment where members can practice and refine their communication abilities. Whether you're looking to improve your confidence in front of an audience, become a more effective leader, or simply meet like-minded individuals who are committed to personal growth, Toastmasters has something for everyone.

In this episode, we'll continue our discussion from Episode 71 where we discuss the many ways Toastmasters can help transform your life, from overcoming the fear of public speaking to enhancing your career prospects. We'll also explore the unique experiences and success stories of our guests, who have seen firsthand the profound impact of being a part of this remarkable organization.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by the power of words and the possibilities that come with mastering the art of communication!

https://www.toastmasters.org/

In the this episode of the Benicia Voice host Ruben talks to Ken Sarna, the President of the Board of Directors for The Coach Sarna League non-profit sports league.

Please support this fantastic organization at their upcoming Crab Feed which is on Saturday, 1st February, 2025 at the Vallejo Vets Hall. Tickets are still available, call Ken on (707) 334-2961, also on the their website https://www.thecoachsarnaleague.org/

What are the benefits of sports for kids? It can help improve their physical health and fitness, as well as their coordination and motor skills. Additionally, participating in sports can help kids develop important social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Sports can also be a great way to relieve stress and improve mental health.

Starting January 2025, The Benicia Voice will be bringing you a complete schedule of all the live music and other events held at Lucca Beer Garden in Benicia.

Lucca Beer Garden is THE premier venue for live music in Benicia. With FREE (yes, it is FREE, with no strings attached ha ha!) live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The venue has a diverse and entertaining live music schedule featuring world class musicians playing all your favorites, and singer-songwriters playing originals.

The tented Beer Garden is designed for all-year round live music, and the outdoor heaters keep you cozy if you're not keeping warm by dancing!

Host Ruben Brunt talks to Deb and Chris about the live music schedule for February, and you are going to want to follow this podcast every month.

In this episode of The Benicia Voice podcast, host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson talk to Ryan Sarna, the founder and chief coach of The Coach Sarna League.

The Coach Sarna League is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) public non-profit named in honor of longtime local coach, athletic director, and Notre Dame football player Ed "Coach" Sarna.
In the spirit of Coach Sarna, it is The Coach Sarna League's commitment that anyone who wants to play will indeed play regardless of their financial ability. They offer scholarships to every child who needs one and have yet to turn away a family due to finances.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR MLS GO WINTER LEAGUE AND NFL FLAG SPRING LEAGUE The Coach Sarna League,

Vallejo, California 94590

Phone: 707-316-3029

Email: TheCoachSarnaLeague@gmail.com

In this wrap-up of 2024, Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt looks back at many of the interesting and entertaining podcasts during the past 12 months.

Ruben's guests this year included Mayor Steve Young who was reelected in 2024, Lionel Largaespada, Christin Gilpin-Hayes, Trevor Macenski, Benicia City Manager, Mario Giuliani, Peppino D'Agostino, Nicholas Jackson, Dalia Viador, Bob Berman, Bob Joslin.

In this episode of The Benicia Voice we meet Benicia resident Pat Toth-Smith, and we talk about her book 'Wild Among Us - True adventures of a female wildlife photographer'.

It is a fascinating podcast, and we talk with Pat about her passion for photographing Bears, Mountain Lions, Buffalo, Wolves, Moose, Wild Horses and Bald Eagles throughout her travels on the highways and wilderness areas of North America.

https://tothsmithphotography.com/

In this episode of the Benicia Voice, host Ruben Brunt talks to his guests from The Fiestas Primavera Crew, Sheri, Roz, and Mario, about the upcoming fundraiser at Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore taking place on Saturday December 14th, 4-7 pm.

Tickets are available to buy in advance from Ethnic Notions Gallery:

https://www.facebook.com/ethnicnotionsartgallery/

Or you can come along on the day.

The Fiestas Primavera festival has combined with The Benicia Diversity Festival and represents an opportunity for all communities to unite in an energetic celebration of change and renewal, to learn about our history and the history of human migration, and to honor a culture which has contributed significantly to making Benicia what it is today.

Taking place on April 5th 2025 in Benicia, we will feature a diversity of music, dance performances, art, cuisine and other cultural presentations that explore Mexico and Latin America’s rich cultural heritage and history and the ancestral roots of California.