On The Waterfront with Coach

We're excited to host Rusty and her son, Petey, as we continue our exploration of mult-generational longshoremen families. This is a great episode to tune in to if you want to know more about what its like to grow up on the waterfront.

It’s a Family Reunion! Danny and Jeff Ponce talk with their cousin Coach about good, old Uncle Felo who was instrumental in the development of the Casual Hall. Danny and Jeff tell us what it is like to have 4 generations of longshoremen in the family.

Council Member Tim McOsker, representing the one five district of LA City, joins the podcast to talk about growing up in San Pedro and his path to becoming a representative for the community. We are so thankful to have him join the podcast!

Longshoremen Andy Harris & Robbie O'Connell tell the story of how Channel Street Skate Park was built and fought for. From trespassing with bags of concrete to phone calls with harbor area politicians, Andy and Robbie tell the story of the landmark skate spot.

Coach's Best Friend, Johnny Dileva, joins the podcast to discuss the variety of jobs and equipment the waterfront has to offer. 

The On The Waterfront Podcast crew call witnesses of the containers falling off the ship at ITS: Sean and Ernesto. Sean gives us his account from the crane and Ernesto tells us his experience on the smoke barge. Part of our on going podcast investigation...

Ernie Chavez joins Coach and Marina to talk about being a generational longshoreman and the only steady cruise terminal boss.

Coach and Marina share updates from the waterfront since Season 1 and give a sneak peek into all the exciting things coming up in Season 2! Buddy joins the podcast to give an update on the Casual Process and the team reflects on MCing the Wilmington Holiday Parade!

Coach and Marina talk with Drew Gutierrez and Al Galuppo about being a Gearman on the docks and the strength of our union. Recorded August 22nd, 2025 at the Avalon Arts Cultural Alliance in Wilmington, CA.

Coach and Marina are joined by the Concil District 15's Senior Advisior on Port Affairs, Diane Middleton. Diane has a deep connection to the ILWU and other trade unions while living in the Port of Los Angeles herself. Diane explains how the port operates as a political entity and shares insights into how we can think about the success of the port and longshoremen.

Coach gets to talk to the person behind his favorite restaurant, Los Tres Cochinitos.

Community Spotlight:

Los Angeles County Community Strengths and Needs Assessment

Coach and Marina interview Kevin Salaiz, a COD mentor and coach. They discuss the difficuties and rewards for guiding new COD longshoremen. Kevin's main advice for his mentees as well as all long shoremen is "Get Involved" with our community and great union. Kevin advocates for his Iron Sharpens Iron community.

Recorded July 18th, 2025 at the Avalon Arts Cultural Alliance in Wilmington, CA.

Coach's BFF Bear joins the crew for a chat to discuss his life on the waterfront as a lasher, dispatcher, supercargo, and a previously incaracerated individual.

Recorded May 23rd, 2025 at the Avalon Arts Cultural Alliance in Wilmington, CA.

Marina sits down with Shana and Rick of the Avalon Cultural Alliance to talk about the On the Waterfront Art Exhibit and their experience managing a community center in Wilmington CA.

Visit the Avalon Arts Council: https://www.avalonaca.org/

Donate to the Avalon Arts Council: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-keep-the-creative-center-free-and-thriving

Peter Dever joins Coach and Marina to discuss his experience as a longshoreman and his involvement with the ILWU. Follow @ILWU.Publicity on Youtube and Instagram for information on how to get involved with the ILWU. Recorded May 23rd, 2025 at the Avalon Arts Cultural Alliance in Wilmington, CA.

Coach and Marina sit down with Yolanda Nuhi to discuss dockworking as a woman and retirement as an ILWU member.

Coach and Marina introduce the new podcast - On the Waterfront with Coach.