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.

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