Michael Zucchet is one of those guys who listens more than he talks, and his calm and thoughtful demeanor has served him well at the poker table and at the negotiating table.

Zucchet oversees the City of San Diego’s largest labor union as General Manager of the San Diego Municipal Employees Association. 

In addition to his day job, Michael is one of San Diego’s leading political minds, frequently called on for his strategic advice and recommendations. He’s also a fierce poker player, enjoying rare success in Vegas. Michael also serves as a San Diego Port Commissioner.

He’s married with two kids and he and his family reside in Ocean Beach. It’s his family life, he says, that’s the priority and it may not have been if his political career did not take an unexpected turn.

Michael has seen a lot in and around City Hall over the years. He discusses local politics, poker, leadership, work-life balance, his wife and kids, and much more with Juan and Tony on the latest episode of Dear San Diego.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest's First Impression
00:01:20 - Podcast Overview
00:05:29 - Guest's Background and Personal Life
00:10:29 - Balancing Work and Family
00:13:36 - Career Aspirations of the Guest's Son
00:14:33 - World Series of Poker Win
00:15:12 - Endurance and Emotions
00:16:31 - World Series of Poker Experience
00:19:42 - Poker and Life Skills
00:26:50 - San Diego Municipal Employees Association
00:29:59 - Discovering Local Politics
00:31:08 - Partisanship in Politics
00:33:22 - Changing Dynamics in Politics
00:36:43 - Impact of Media and Public Perception
00:41:18 - Political Endorsements and Races
00:46:26 - Political Race Predictions
00:47:45 - Impact of National Politics
00:48:33 - Personal Lifestyle Choices
00:49:36 - Daily Habits and Routines
00:59:33 - Closing Remarks
01:01:12 - Michael Zuchett's Leadership Style
01:01:39 - Getting to Know Michael Zuchett
01:02:10 - Unique Woodworking Family
01:03:19 - Zuchett's Political Insights
01:03:40 - Conclusion and Gratitude

<a href="https://www.sdmea.org/union/staff/michael-zucchet/">Michael Zucchet</a> is one of those guys who listens more than he talks, and his calm and thoughtful demeanor has served him well at the poker table and at the negotiating table.
Zucchet oversees the City of San Diego’s largest labor union as General Manager of the San Diego Municipal Employees Association. 
In addition to his day job, Michael is one of San Diego’s leading political minds, frequently called on for his strategic advice and recommendations. He’s also a fierce poker player, enjoying rare success in Vegas. Michael also serves as a <a href="https://www.portofsandiego.org/people/board-port-commissioners/michael-zucchet">San Diego Port Commissioner.</a> 
He’s married with two kids and he and his family reside in Ocean Beach. It’s his family life, he says, that’s the priority and it may not have been if his political career did not take an unexpected turn.
Michael has seen a lot in and around City Hall over the years. He discusses local politics, poker, leadership, work-life balance, his wife and kids, and much more with Juan and Tony on the latest episode of Dear San Diego.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest's First Impression 00:01:20 - Podcast Overview 00:05:29 - Guest's Background and Personal Life 00:10:29 - Balancing Work and Family 00:13:36 - Career Aspirations of the Guest's Son 00:14:33 - World Series of Poker Win 00:15:12 - Endurance and Emotions 00:16:31 - World Series of Poker Experience 00:19:42 - Poker and Life Skills 00:26:50 - San Diego Municipal Employees Association 00:29:59 - Discovering Local Politics 00:31:08 - Partisanship in Politics 00:33:22 - Changing Dynamics in Politics 00:36:43 - Impact of Media and Public Perception 00:41:18 - Political Endorsements and Races 00:46:26 - Political Race Predictions 00:47:45 - Impact of National Politics 00:48:33 - Personal Lifestyle Choices 00:49:36 - Daily Habits and Routines 00:59:33 - Closing Remarks 01:01:12 - Michael Zuchett's Leadership Style 01:01:39 - Getting to Know Michael Zuchett 01:02:10 - Unique Woodworking Family 01:03:19 - Zuchett's Political Insights 01:03:40 - Conclusion and Gratitude

Dear San Diego is a public affairs podcast with personality.

Hosted by veteran communication specialists Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez, Dear San Diego gives newsmakers and others a platform to discuss the big issues of the day, but that’s just the beginning. 

Tony and Juan’s guests share what’s not in their bios, who they are away from work, secrets to success, and more. Tony and Juan also discuss work, home, fatherhood, health and wellness, and youth sports – where the politics can be way more fierce than they are at city hall. 

Tony and Juan met a decade ago while working for dueling mayoral candidates in San Diego. Since then, the two friends have worked together on numerous public affairs, land-use, and issue campaigns. 

Dear San Diego is a public affairs podcast with personality.
Hosted by veteran communication specialists Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez, Dear San Diego gives newsmakers and others a platform to discuss the big issues of the day, but that’s just the beginning. 
Tony and Juan’s guests share what’s not in their bios, who they are away from work, secrets to success, and more. Tony and Juan also discuss work, home, fatherhood, health and wellness, and youth sports – where the politics can be way more fierce than they are at city hall. 
Tony and Juan met a decade ago while working for dueling mayoral candidates in San Diego. Since then, the two friends have worked together on numerous public affairs, land-use, and issue campaigns.

Dear San Diego

Hosted by veteran public relations specialists, Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez discuss the not so obvious talents, attributes, and behaviors of fellow colleagues. Learn what's not in the bios and CV's and what's be the secret to the sauce of their success.

Hosted by veteran public relations specialists, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymanolatos">Tony Manolatos</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-m-hernandez-pisano-3166a275/">Juan Hernandez</a> discuss the not so obvious talents, attributes, and behaviors of fellow colleagues. Learn what's not in the bios and CV's and what's be the secret to the sauce of their success.

Family, Labor, Politics & Poker: A Sit-Down with Michael Zucchet

POLITICO’s Chris Cadelago joined Tony and Juan for a special 2024 Election Episode of Dear San Diego. Chris provided really smart takes on local, state, and national races, and shared some behind-the-scenes info, too. Chris covered the Trump White House and the Biden White House. He is currently working on building a statewide bureau for POLITICO in California, and covering Kamala Harris and her presidential campaign. 

Don’t forget to vote by mail or in person on Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 5! You can register to vote online through Oct. 21 or in person at your polling place on Election Day. Use this polling place lookup tool to find your polling location.

Don't forget to follow and subscribe at OlasMedia.com

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:01 - Introduction to Dear San Diego podcast 
00:04:27 - Chris Cadelago's Career 
00:11:33 - Covering the Trump and Biden White Houses 
00:12:43 - Insights into the Trump White House 
00:14:31 - Shocking Remarks from Former President Trump 
00:17:19 - Presidential Endorsements and Primary Process 
00:19:41 - Harris's Flawless Campaign Strategy 
00:24:28 - The Importance of Economic Plans 
00:26:18 - Trump's Base and Swing States 
00:27:38 - California Politics 
00:29:32 - House and Senate Races 
00:30:56 - Mayoral Races and Ballot Measures 
00:35:54 - News Sources and Digital Media 
00:39:30 - Exploring the San Diego and Texas Political Landscape 
00:40:15 - Insight into the 2020 Presidential Election 
00:41:41 - Predictions for the 2024 Presidential Election 
00:44:37 - Political Dynamics in San Francisco 

Insta: @ccadelago

Twitter: @ccadelago

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccadelago/

Web main: https://www.politico.com/

Web bio: https://www.politico.com/staff/christopher-cadelago

POLITICO’s <a href="https://www.politico.com/staff/christopher-cadelago">Chris Cadelago</a> joined Tony and Juan for a special 2024 Election Episode of Dear San Diego. Chris provided really smart takes on local, state, and national races, and shared some behind-the-scenes info, too. Chris covered the Trump White House and the Biden White House. He is currently working on building a statewide bureau for POLITICO in California, and covering Kamala Harris and her presidential campaign. 
Don’t forget to vote by mail or in person on Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 5! You can register to vote <a href="https://registertovote.ca.gov/?t=s">online</a> through Oct. 21 or <a href="https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg">in person</a> at your polling place on Election Day. Use this <a href="https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place/">polling place lookup tool</a> to find your polling location.
Don't forget to follow and subscribe at <a href="https://olasmedia.com/shows/dear-san-diego">OlasMedia.com</a>
The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:01 - Introduction to Dear San Diego podcast 00:04:27 - Chris Cadelago's Career 00:11:33 - Covering the Trump and Biden White Houses 00:12:43 - Insights into the Trump White House 00:14:31 - Shocking Remarks from Former President Trump 00:17:19 - Presidential Endorsements and Primary Process 00:19:41 - Harris's Flawless Campaign Strategy 00:24:28 - The Importance of Economic Plans 00:26:18 - Trump's Base and Swing States 00:27:38 - California Politics 00:29:32 - House and Senate Races 00:30:56 - Mayoral Races and Ballot Measures 00:35:54 - News Sources and Digital Media 00:39:30 - Exploring the San Diego and Texas Political Landscape 00:40:15 - Insight into the 2020 Presidential Election 00:41:41 - Predictions for the 2024 Presidential Election 00:44:37 - Political Dynamics in San Francisco 
Insta: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ccadelago/?hl=en">@ccadelago</a>
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/follow?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.politico.com%2F&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Ebuttonembed%7Ctwterm%5Efollow%7Ctwgr%5Eccadelago&amp;region=follow_link&amp;screen_name=ccadelago">@ccadelago</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccadelago/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccadelago/</a>
Web main: <a href="https://www.politico.com/">https://www.politico.com/</a> 
Web bio: <a href="https://www.politico.com/staff/christopher-cadelago">https://www.politico.com/staff/christopher-cadelago</a>

Election Special 2024 - Chris Cadelago

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/d57f2f8a-7bab-4064-9571-ae7c0139f8ec/clips/4f79226a-e4e3-45c5-85fb-b203012f6fa3/transcript

The Padres sensed they had a problem. So they called John Nienstedt, who helped them figure out they should switch to brown jerseys. John brought in models who wore different jerseys to a series of focus groups. Each participant in the room was armed with a dial that they cranked one way for approval and another way for disapproval. John used the dial tests to block debate and strong personalities from influencing the room, he said. The Padres, of course, used John’s research and data to switch from blue to brown uniforms a few years ago.

John has been surveying voters, consumers, fans, and others for decades as head of the company he co-founded in graduate school at SDSU, Competitive Edge Research & Communication or CERC. The information he provides his clients helps them make informed decisions about strategy, marketing, messaging, and more.

John counts some of the biggest names and brands in San Diego as clients, including Mayor Kevin Faulconer, COX and Sempra. Nationally, John and his research firm have worked for Costco, Airbnb, and other leading organizations.

On this episode of Dear San Diego, John discusses his love of family, baseball, and polling. At the end of the show, he shares a funny story with Tony and Juan about Tony’s last name. Stick around for that and more.

Don't forget to Follow and Subscribe at OlasMedia.com

The key moments in this episode are:


00:00:01 - Introduction to Dear San Diego
00:01:06 - Catching Up on Personal Lives
00:03:07 - Work and Business Development
00:05:15 - Personal Health and Wellness
00:08:34 - John's Values and Priorities
00:12:56 - The Impact of Seasonal Play on Performance
00:14:06 - The Real Deal: Over 45 Baseball
00:15:01 - The Intersection of Baseball and Politics
00:16:58 - Public Sentiment on San Diego's Direction
00:19:18 - John's Journey to Becoming a Pollster
00:26:34 - Explaining Ballot Measures vs. Candidates
00:27:30 - The Importance of Research in Decision-Making
00:32:05 - Unique Branding in Baseball Uniforms
00:34:17 - The Power Metrics Approach
00:37:14 - The Role of Newsletters in Lead Generation
00:39:37 - Expectations and Leadership
00:42:23 - Movie Preferences
00:43:03 - Breakfast and Coffee
00:44:45 - Physical Activity and Fitness
00:50:12 - John's Personality and Passion
00:52:05 - Unique Last Name
00:53:01 - Podcast Credits

The Padres sensed they had a problem. So they called <a href="https://cerc.net/our-team/">John Nienstedt,</a> who helped them figure out they should switch to brown jerseys. John brought in models who wore different jerseys to a series of focus groups. Each participant in the room was armed with a dial that they cranked one way for approval and another way for disapproval. John used the dial tests to block debate and strong personalities from influencing the room, he said. The Padres, of course, used John’s research and data to switch from blue to brown uniforms a few years ago.
John has been surveying voters, consumers, fans, and others for decades as head of the company he co-founded in graduate school at SDSU, <a href="https://cerc.net/">Competitive Edge Research &amp; Communication or CERC.</a> The information he provides his clients helps them make informed decisions about strategy, marketing, messaging, and more.
John counts some of the biggest names and brands in San Diego as clients, including Mayor Kevin Faulconer, COX and Sempra. Nationally, John and his research firm have worked for Costco, Airbnb, and other leading organizations.
On this episode of Dear San Diego, John discusses his love of family, baseball, and polling. At the end of the show, he shares a funny story with Tony and Juan about Tony’s last name. Stick around for that and more.
Don't forget to Follow and Subscribe at <a href="https://olasmedia.com/shows/dear-san-diego">OlasMedia.com</a>
The key moments in this episode are:
 00:00:01 - Introduction to Dear San Diego 00:01:06 - Catching Up on Personal Lives 00:03:07 - Work and Business Development 00:05:15 - Personal Health and Wellness 00:08:34 - John's Values and Priorities 00:12:56 - The Impact of Seasonal Play on Performance 00:14:06 - The Real Deal: Over 45 Baseball 00:15:01 - The Intersection of Baseball and Politics 00:16:58 - Public Sentiment on San Diego's Direction 00:19:18 - John's Journey to Becoming a Pollster 00:26:34 - Explaining Ballot Measures vs. Candidates 00:27:30 - The Importance of Research in Decision-Making 00:32:05 - Unique Branding in Baseball Uniforms 00:34:17 - The Power Metrics Approach 00:37:14 - The Role of Newsletters in Lead Generation 00:39:37 - Expectations and Leadership 00:42:23 - Movie Preferences 00:43:03 - Breakfast and Coffee 00:44:45 - Physical Activity and Fitness 00:50:12 - John's Personality and Passion 00:52:05 - Unique Last Name 00:53:01 - Podcast Credits

Padres Uniforms and Persuadable Voters: The Art of Polling with John Nienstedt

Michael Inzunza is running for Chula Vista City Council. He comes from a long line of public servants and political dynamos.

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of his parents’ first major campaign victory. They ran a bilingual campaign as a couple for two local school board seats. They both won, defeating two incumbents. A picture of the couple campaigning at the San Ysidro apartment complex where the family lived is one of Michael’s earliest political memories. 

“Inzunza is part of a family of politicos who were once called ‘The Kennedys of the South Bay’ when his father, Ralph Inzunza Sr., served on the City Council of National City, his uncle, Nick Inzunza, served on the South Bay School District Board, and his older brother, Ralph Inzunza Jr., served on the San Diego City Council,” is how LaPrensa.org puts it. 

Michael has never held elected office. He has, however, built a career as a community advocate, mostly in the educational space, not unlike his parents. He's running for City Council because he believes he can make a difference in the community he loves, where just about everyone knows him and his family.

“Don't get me wrong, my name, ID and my familiarity with the South Bay really helps. But there hasn't been any member of my family in political office in 20 years. And there's never been an Inzunza elected in the city of Chula Vista. So I sort of really had to start from scratch, so to speak,” he says.

Be sure to Follow and Subscribe at olasmedia.com

00:01:08 - Introduction and Sugar Rush
00:03:27 - Overcoming Challenges
00:09:33 - Family Political Legacy
00:13:05 - Kennedys of the South Bay
00:13:55 - Avoiding Politics
00:14:44 - Civic-Minded Background
00:18:21 - Decision to Run
00:21:14 - Chula Vista's Growth
00:23:48 - Future Development
00:26:19 - Affordable Housing and Market Rate Housing
00:27:05 - Biotech Development in East Chula Vista
00:28:14 - Development in East Chula Vista
00:30:39 - Public Safety and Homelessness
00:36:28 - Tackling Homelessness and Housing Challenges
00:36:00 - Addressing Homelessness in Chula Vista
00:37:30 - Compassionate Approach to Homelessness
00:39:28 - Running for Office and Community Engagement
00:44:29 - Community Bond and Cultural Preservation
00:45:59 - Family Roots and Community Involvement
00:48:49 - Rapid Fire Questions

<a href="https://www.michaelinzunza.com/">Michael Inzunza</a> is running for Chula Vista City Council. He comes from a long line of public servants and political dynamos.
Next year will be the 50th anniversary of his parents’ first major campaign victory. They ran a bilingual campaign as a couple for two local school board seats. They both won, defeating two incumbents. A picture of the couple campaigning at the San Ysidro apartment complex where the family lived is one of Michael’s earliest political memories. 
“Inzunza is part of a family of politicos who were once called ‘The Kennedys of the South Bay’ when his father, Ralph Inzunza Sr., served on the City Council of National City, his uncle, Nick Inzunza, served on the South Bay School District Board, and his older brother, Ralph Inzunza Jr., served on the San Diego City Council,” is how LaPrensa.org puts it. 
Michael has never held elected office. He has, however, built a career as a community advocate, mostly in the educational space, not unlike his parents. He's running for City Council because he believes he can make a difference in the community he loves, where just about everyone knows him and his family.
“Don't get me wrong, my name, ID and my familiarity with the South Bay really helps. But there hasn't been any member of my family in political office in 20 years. And there's never been an Inzunza elected in the city of Chula Vista. So I sort of really had to start from scratch, so to speak,” he says.
Be sure to Follow and Subscribe at <a href="https://olasmedia.com/shows/dear-san-diego">olasmedia.com</a>
00:01:08 - Introduction and Sugar Rush 00:03:27 - Overcoming Challenges 00:09:33 - Family Political Legacy 00:13:05 - Kennedys of the South Bay 00:13:55 - Avoiding Politics 00:14:44 - Civic-Minded Background 00:18:21 - Decision to Run 00:21:14 - Chula Vista's Growth 00:23:48 - Future Development 00:26:19 - Affordable Housing and Market Rate Housing 00:27:05 - Biotech Development in East Chula Vista 00:28:14 - Development in East Chula Vista 00:30:39 - Public Safety and Homelessness 00:36:28 - Tackling Homelessness and Housing Challenges 00:36:00 - Addressing Homelessness in Chula Vista 00:37:30 - Compassionate Approach to Homelessness 00:39:28 - Running for Office and Community Engagement 00:44:29 - Community Bond and Cultural Preservation 00:45:59 - Family Roots and Community Involvement 00:48:49 - Rapid Fire Questions

Preserving Community While Tackling Growth: Michael Inzunza's Vision for Chula Vista

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/d57f2f8a-7bab-4064-9571-ae7c0139f8ec/clips/a964f5c6-4222-474c-a8b5-b1d80138e5c7/transcript

Family, Labor, Politics & Poker: A Sit-Down with Michael Zucchet

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