Huntington Beach Podcast

The Legacy of Two Brothers Pizza: From Fountain Valley to Huntington Beach

In this episode, we uncover the inspiring story of Two Brothers Pizza, a local favorite that’s become an iconic part of Huntington Beach’s food scene. What began as a small pizza shop in Fountain Valley is now a community hub where memories are made, celebrations happen, and the best pizza in Surf City is served.
Join host Gary Watt as we dive deep into the journey of Brendan, the new owner, who stepped in to save the beloved pizza spot from demolition and transform it into a massive 9,000 sq. ft. hub for locals and visitors alike. Discover the nostalgia, passion, and dedication behind the scenes, and hear from the people who made Two Brothers a lasting piece of Huntington Beach history.
Whether you're a local or just a pizza lover, this episode will leave you craving a slice and appreciating the heart of the community that makes Two Brothers Pizza so special.
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Why Hundreds Brave Huntington Beach's Freezing Waters Every New Year 🌊❄️ | Surf City Splash 2025

Welcome to the Huntington Beach Podcast with Gary Watts, where we dive deep into the stories, events, and people that make Surf City a unique and unforgettable place to live, work, and play.
In this episode, Gary takes you on a personal journey into the icy waters of the annual Surf City Splash—a beloved New Year’s Day tradition in Huntington Beach. It's more than just a swim; it's a celebration of community, resilience, and new beginnings. Whether you're a lifelong local or just visiting, the Surf City Splash is a perfect reflection of the vibrant spirit of this beach town.
Tune in as we explore:
The excitement and adrenaline of the plunge into the Pacific 🌊
The sense of unity and connection that fills the air ✨
Interviews with locals, including the mayor, who share why this event is so special 🏖️
Join us in celebrating the bold, adventurous spirit of Huntington Beach. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with fellow beach lovers. Stay tuned for more stories that highlight everything that makes Surf City the place we all call home.

Pasta Mark: Huntington Beach’s Bold Take on Italian Food | Huntington Beach Podcast with Gary Wat

Welcome to the Huntington Beach Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the rise of Pasta Mark, a bold new pop-up that’s shaking up the local culinary scene in Surf City. Join us as we explore whether Pasta Mark’s innovative approach to Italian food honors tradition or pushes the envelope too far. 🍝🌊
Chef Jeff Mark has made a name for himself with handmade pastas like Lemon Ricotta Ravioli and Traditional Bolognese, combining high-quality local ingredients with Italian techniques. But in a town where food is so deeply tied to lifestyle and community, the big question is: Does Pasta Mark represent the future of dining in Huntington Beach, or is it veering too far from authentic Italian roots?
In this episode, we’ll cover:
The art and passion behind handmade pasta 🍝
The local ingredients that make Pasta Mark stand out
The challenge of balancing tradition with innovation in the kitchen
How Pasta Mark is connecting with Huntington Beach’s vibrant food scene
Whether you’re a pasta purist or someone who loves to see fresh takes on traditional dishes, this episode is for you! Tune in to hear how Pasta Mark is redefining Italian dining in Surf City—and share your thoughts on what makes food truly local.
👉 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow foodies and local supporters!
#PastaMark #HuntingtonBeach #ItalianFood #HandmadePasta #FoodInnovation #LocalDining #SurfCityEats #CulinaryTrends #PastaLovers

Why Huntington Beach is Still the Best Place to Ride a Bike | Huntington Beach Podcast with Gary Wat

In this episode of the Huntington Beach Podcast, we sit down with Misty from Jack's Bicycle Center, a community staple that's been serving Surf City since 1971. We dive into the evolution of cycling in Huntington Beach, discussing everything from traditional beach cruisers to the rise of electric bikes (e-bikes) and scooters.
Misty shares the story of Jack's Bicycle Center, their role in the local community, and how they've become a hub for cyclists of all kinds. Whether you're a local rider or a visitor looking to explore Huntington Beach on two wheels, Jack's has been a trusted destination for generations.
We also discuss:
The growing trend of e-bikes and what that means for cyclists
How biking culture thrives in Huntington Beach
The key differences between electric bicycles and electric motorcycles
Safety, cycling etiquette, and the shared road debate
What makes Huntington Beach the ultimate bike-friendly city
If you’re a fan of cycling, local businesses, or simply want to know what makes Huntington Beach a truly unique place to live and explore, this episode is for you!
Join us as we ride through the heart of Surf City, USA, and explore what makes Jack’s Bicycle Center a beloved local treasure.
Subscribe, rate, and review the Huntington Beach Podcast to stay connected to the stories that make this city unforgettable!
#HuntingtonBeachPodcast #Jack'sBicycleCenter #CyclingCommunity #Ebikes #SurfCityCulture #HuntingtonBeach #LocalBusiness #CyclingLife #ElectricBikes #ExploreHuntingtonBeach #BikeCulture

Rich Rector on Surf City’s Evolution | Huntington Beach Podcast with Gary Wat

What happens when a small, laid-back surf town turns into one of Southern California's most iconic beach cities? We sit down with Huntington Beach local Rich Rectors to explore the city’s transformation over the past 50 years. From the wooden pier of his youth to today's thriving downtown, Rich shares his personal experiences, memories, and thoughts on what makes Huntington Beach unique. Is Surf City staying true to its roots, or has it become something else? Tune in for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of Huntington Beach.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! We'd love to hear your thoughts about the changes in HB—has it evolved for the better? 🏄‍♀️🏖️
#HuntingtonBeach #SurfCity #CaliforniaPodcast #LocalStories #HuntingtonBeachHistory #SurfTown #RealEstate #BeachLife

Matter of Craft Journey to a Surf City Gastropub | Huntington Beach Podcast with Gary Wat

In this episode of the Huntington Beach Podcast, we sit down with the owners of Matter of Craft, a unique gastropub making waves in Surf City. Jim and Tom share their inspiring journey of launching their business just before the pandemic hit, and how they’ve pivoted and thrived to build a community-focused gathering spot in the heart of Huntington Beach. From soccer sidelines to craft beer aficionados, they reflect on the vision behind Matter of Craft—where great food, quality drinks, and community connections meet.
We dive into the importance of creating spaces that bring people together, the challenges of running a restaurant in the ever-changing world of hospitality, and the unforgettable moments that come with serving the local community. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the unique events and initiatives happening at Matter of Craft, like charity nights, live entertainment, and local sports gatherings.
Whether you’re a local or just a fan of Huntington Beach, this episode celebrates the spirit of small businesses and the people that make this community so special. Plus, we explore the role of big chain restaurants versus local favorites, and what Huntington Beach does best when it comes to fostering a sense of pride and community.
Don't forget to subscribe for more stories about the businesses, people, and places that make Surf City unforgettable. If you're in the area, be sure to visit Matter of Craft and experience the magic firsthand!
Share your thoughts below—what does Huntington Beach need more of? What’s your go-to spot in Surf City? And would you attend community events like these? Let’s keep the conversation going!

Fxck Cancer: Turning Pain into Purpose | Huntington Beach Podcast with Gary Wat

In this powerful episode of the Huntington Beach Podcast, host Gary Wat sits down with Brandon Ward, Executive Director of Fxck Cancer, a local nonprofit born from a deeply personal experience. Founded after the devastating loss of Brandon’s close friend to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Fxck Cancer has become a bold, unapologetic movement dedicated to raising awareness, funds, and supporting those affected by cancer.
Brandon shares the emotional journey of how cancer impacted his community and inspired him to create a space where people could not only fight for a cause but also connect and create change through unconventional fundraising events. From pub crawls in pink tutus to the annual Photos with Santa fundraiser, Fxck Cancer has embraced creativity and boldness, raising both money and awareness in ways that challenge the norm.
Join us for a conversation about resilience, friendship, and how one small action can make a huge impact. Brandon also reflects on what makes Huntington Beach so special and how the community’s laid-back, lifestyle-driven vibe creates a perfect backdrop for supporting such an important cause.
This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the power of turning pain into purpose, and how we can all make a difference in the fight against cancer. Whether you're a local or someone passionate about supporting impactful causes, tune in to hear how Fxck Cancer is changing lives and building a stronger community one bold move at a time.
Key Highlights:
The origin story of Fxck Cancer and its bold, unapologetic name.
How Huntington Beach’s unique community spirit fuels the organization’s success.
Creative and outrageous fundraising ideas that have gained widespread attention.
The importance of local involvement and how you can support Fxck Cancer.
Brandon’s perspective on Huntington Beach as a lifestyle-driven, tight-knit community.
Get Involved:Want to support Fxck Cancer? Visit their website or get involved with their upcoming events like the Photos with Santa fundraiser. Learn how small actions can make a big difference in the fight against cancer.
Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the Huntington Beach Podcast as we continue to spotlight the people, businesses, and causes that make this city truly special!