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From the scorching heat of Red Bluff to the cool, misty forests of Humboldt County, Elle Penner's life journey unfolds like a well-composed jazz standard—full of unexpected turns yet beautifully cohesive. As she sits across from Scott Hammond in her tie-dye dress shirt, Elle radiates the kind of authentic warmth that defines both her professional and artistic lives.

"I love that I get to work hard at things that I feel good about," Elle reflects, capturing the essence of her dual passions. By day, she serves as an adoption social worker, helping families navigate the complex emotional terrain of welcoming new members and honoring each person's unique story. This fulfilling career emerged from her undergraduate fascination with refugee communities and international relations at UC San Diego, where she spent weekends helping families from Burundi acclimate to American life.

The musical countermelody to Elle's social work began in childhood, harmonizing with her siblings Devin and Brianna in what she jokingly calls their "Von Trapp family band." Though this musical thread temporarily faded into the background during her college years and early career, it reemerged magnificently when her brother moved to Humboldt for graduate school. Through a serendipitous "momager moment" at a local gym, the Penner siblings connected with Zach Zwerdling, who recognized their exceptional talent and helped launch several musical projects.

Now fronting the jazz ensemble Young and Lovely, Elle brings both classic standards and reimagined contemporary hits to venues throughout the county. Whether performing at Fieldbrook Winery, the Botanical Gardens, or the upcoming Jersey Scoops Lolita Block Party, her mesmerizing vocals create spaces where community members connect through music. Additionally, her work with Humboldt Musicians for Peace demonstrates her commitment to using art as a vehicle for positive social change.

When asked what she hopes to be remembered for, Elle's answer speaks volumes: "That Elle got us thinking about how we treat anyone we meet." This simple yet profound aspiration underlies everything she does—creating spaces where families feel supported through life's transitions and where audiences experience the transformative power of music. Subscribe now to hear our full conversation with one of Humboldt County's most captivating voices, both on and off the stage.

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About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

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The journey from trailer park to radiation oncology doesn't follow a conventional path, but Dr. Join Luh's remarkable story proves that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary destinations. Born in California but raised primarily in Galveston, Texas after his parents' separation, Dr. Luh shares how his early experiences—including watching his single mother work at a medical center while attending night school—sparked his interest in medicine.

What follows is a fascinating exploration of medical evolution, as Dr. Luh takes us through his education at Texas A&M, his internal medicine training, and ultimately his discovery of radiation oncology. He vividly describes the technological transformation of cancer treatment—from the days of drawing treatment fields on X-ray films with wax pencils to today's sophisticated AI-assisted planning systems that allow for precise "dose painting" of radiation. This technological revolution has fundamentally changed patient outcomes by enabling higher tumor doses without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.

Beyond the medicine, Dr. Luh offers a compelling perspective on practicing in rural Humboldt County, where he's built a life and career spanning nearly two decades. He challenges common misconceptions about rural healthcare, noting that Humboldt had advanced technology like IMRT and PET-CT scanning before some university medical centers. His enthusiasm for the region's extraordinary quality of life—where one can "go fishing, play golf, go surfing, and mountain bike all in one day"—makes a powerful case for rural medicine as not just a career choice, but a lifestyle upgrade.

Considering a move to somewhere with cleaner air, less traffic, and world-class natural beauty? Dr. Luh's story might just convince you that sometimes the most rewarding professional opportunities are found outside major metropolitan areas. Listen now to discover how this radiation oncologist found his perfect match in California's spectacular North Coast.

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!

Send us a text

"The people here are real," explains Mark Ritz when asked why he chose to make Humboldt County his home over two decades ago. This authenticity—coupled with breathtaking forests just a quarter-mile from his doorstep—reflects the heart of what keeps entrepreneurs like Mark deeply rooted in this community behind the Redwood Curtain.

Mark's journey to becoming co-founder of Kinetic Coffee began at Yakima Products, where his expertise in the bicycle industry helped expand the company into new product categories. When Yakima relocated, Mark and his wife Charlie faced a pivotal decision. Looking to their passions—bikes, coffee, and wine—they landed on coffee, recognizing the perfect overlap between outdoor enthusiasts and caffeine lovers. "Bike rides start at coffee shops, stop at coffee shops, and finish at coffee shops," Mark explains with a knowing smile.

Since 2005, Kinetic Coffee has been serving certified organic beans throughout Humboldt County, a commitment Mark feels strongly about given conventional coffee's status as "one of the most sprayed products we drink or eat." Beyond building a successful business, Mark and Charlie have immersed themselves in community service, working as advisors for the Small Business Development Center and with the Arcata Chamber of Commerce.

The most poignant part of our conversation centered on the Kevin Ebbert Foundation, established to honor Charlie's son—a talented musician and mathematician who became a Navy SEAL medic, saving numerous lives in combat before tragically losing his own. The foundation now supports local organizations through an annual golf tournament, continuing Kevin's legacy of service and sacrifice. Mark shared the touching news that SEAL Team 4 recently created an award in Kevin's name, voted on by fellow SEALs—a testament to his lasting impact.

As we wrapped up our conversation overlooking the soon-to-be-completed bay trail connecting Arcata and Eureka, Mark reflected on what he hopes his legacy will be: "I just hope people remember me as someone true to his values, who's done everything he can to leave the world better than he found it."

Looking to support local? Find Kinetic Coffee at markets throughout Humboldt or visit their website. Want to make a difference? Consider participating in or donating to the Kevin Ebbert Foundation's golf tournament on August 8th at Baywood.

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!