Épisodes

  • From Classroom to Content: A Food Influencer's Journey

    From Classroom to Content: A Food Influencer's Journey
    Sep 1 2025
    In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Pam talks to Vince Vasquez, a teacher-turned-food influencer known as "The Taste Bud." Vince explains how his passion for food, particularly comforting, nostalgic dishes like Filipino and Hawaiian food, led him to start posting his home cooking during the pandemic, which quickly resonated with people and grew into a full-time career. He highlights the power of social media to help small businesses and details the challenging and time-consuming work of being a content creator. He also touches on the financial side of being an influencer, discussing how income is generated through brand partnerships, monetization programs, and other ventures like merchandise and cookbooks. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the ethical responsibilities of influencers, with Vince explaining that he only posts positive reviews and avoids publicizing negative experiences to protect businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    25 min
  • The Business of Wine

    The Business of Wine
    Aug 27 2025
    In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Pam discusses the state of the wine business with guests Norm Peters of Silver Oak Winery and Don Gibson from Saint Mary's College. They explore how the industry is adapting to new challenges, including shifting consumer tastes and economic pressures. A key takeaway is that wineries, particularly in California, must focus on creating a connection with consumers through authentic storytelling and memorable experiences, moving away from an intimidating, exclusive image. The conversation also highlights the importance of accessibility and innovation, like offering music events and a variety of products, to attract younger generations and ensure the industry's continued success. The guests agree that while challenges exist, the industry is resilient and the Bay Area is starting to "get its vibe back." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    23 min
  • Financial Advisor, Jason Matthews

    Financial Advisor, Jason Matthews
    Aug 13 2025
    In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Pam talks with Jason Matthews of Oakland-based Matthews Financial and Insurance Solutions. Pam and Jason discuss stock market volatility and how to navigate it before talking about retirement and setting up your account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    18 min
  • The Business of TikTok Dance

    The Business of TikTok Dance
    Aug 11 2025
    In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Pam sits down with professional choreographer and dancer GiaNina Paolantonio to discuss how TikTok has changed the landscape for dancers and the music industry. GiaNina shares how she choreographs viral dance trends, how major labels like Billie Eilish's and Nelly Furtado's now use dancers to promote new music, and how these opportunities are creating a new business model for artists. Whether you're an aspiring dancer, a curious music fan, or just someone who's ever wondered how a short dance clip can become a global phenomenon, this episode offers an insightful look into the business behind the art. GiaNina also opens up about the hard work required to succeed, how she handles online negativity, and what it's like to be on a world tour at just 20 years old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    19 min
  • Driving towards an electric future

    Driving towards an electric future
    Jul 21 2025
    In this episode of "Dollars and Sense," Pam Cook and Josh Boone, the Executive Director of Veloz, a Sacramento-based non-profit dedicated to accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles, dive into the financial and environmental benefits of electric vehicles. Boone highlights significant savings, including eliminating gas purchases and drastically reduced maintenance due to fewer moving parts. He acknowledges common "charging anxiety," but talks about how the concern is slowly fading with a growing network of over 8,200 fast chargers nationwide and most Americans living within two miles of a public station. The conversation also emphasizes the increasing affordability and variety of EV models available, encouraging consumers to explore options at ⁠https://www.electricforall.org/.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    19 min
  • The Business of Sports - WNBA's skyrocketing valuation

    The Business of Sports - WNBA's skyrocketing valuation
    Jul 16 2025
    In this episode of "Dollars and Cents," Pam Cook discusses the business of sports with Dr. Rick Lehman, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and a former part-owner of NHL teams. They kick things off talking about the Valkyries and the surge in the WNBA's popularity and rapid growth. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of player recognition and storytelling to build fan engagement and the economic impact of professional sports teams on local cities, boosting businesses and community morale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    20 min
  • Turning 18 - A parent's guide to protecting your finances and your child

    Turning 18 - A parent's guide to protecting your finances and your child
    Jul 14 2025
    In this episode of "Dollars and Cents," Pam chats with financial expert Jason Matthews. Pam and Jason give advice to parents on crucial steps to take when their child turns 18. From the importance of transferring the car title to the young adult's name and securing a separate auto insurance policy for them. Jason also explains why parents should have their 18-year-old establish a will and a healthcare directive. The discussion also covers the significance of encouraging young adults to start investing early through a Roth IRA and emphasizes having honest conversations about what the family can afford for college to avoid crippling debt for both parents and students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    19 min
  • The Future of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge ft. Cesar Zepeda

    The Future of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge ft. Cesar Zepeda
    Jun 23 2025
    In this episode of "Dollars and Cents," Pam Cook has a conversation with Richmond Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda about the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The talk about its deteriorating condition and the urgent need for a replacement. Zepeda advocates for a new bridge and talks about why he believes the bridge has exceeded its functional lifespan and cannot adequately handle modern traffic, especially with the added weight of a bike lane. The conversation also touches upon the equity implications of bridge traffic backing up into Richmond's lower-income neighborhoods and the need for contributions from companies whose heavy trucks frequently use the bridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    21 min