Tahoe TAP

Ep. 81 - Michelle Aguilar-Ficara - Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival

The Tahoe TAP podcast returns with another look at the Things, Adventures, and People powering life in the Sierra. Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway are back behind the mic, catching listeners up on what’s happening around the basin before turning their attention to one of the region’s most compelling cultural events of the spring.

In this episode, the spotlight is on Michelle Aguilar-Ficara, Executive Director of the Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival, returning April 17–19 at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe. Now in its latest iteration, the festival continues to carve out a unique space in Tahoe’s event calendar — blending adventure, storytelling, and global perspective through a curated lineup of documentary films designed to inform and inspire.

Aguilar-Ficara has spent more than a decade immersed in non-fiction filmmaking, producing stories from diverse cultures and communities around the world. Her work is rooted in the belief that documentary storytelling can build meaningful connections, bridge cultural divides, and spark deeper understanding. That same philosophy drives the mission of the festival, which aims to entertain, enlighten, and engage audiences through powerful real-world narratives.

As a nonprofit initiative, the festival reflects a growing appetite in the Tahoe region for cultural programming that complements its outdoor identity. By bringing globally relevant stories to a local stage, Aguilar-Ficara and her team are helping position Lake Tahoe as not just a destination for recreation, but as a hub for creative exchange and thoughtful dialogue.

On this episode of Tahoe TAP, the conversation explores the evolution of the festival, the role of documentary film in today’s media landscape, and what attendees can expect from this year’s event.

Ep. 80 - Daron Rahlves - Rahlves Banzai Tour @ Palisades Tahoe

The Tahoe TAP podcast is back after a brief hiatus, once again tapping into the Things, Adventures, and People that fuel life in the Sierra. Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway return behind the microphones to reconnect with listeners and share the stories shaping the Tahoe community.

For their return episode, the show welcomes a familiar face and one of the most decorated American alpine skiers of all time: Daron Rahlves.

Over the course of his career on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, Rahlves captured 12 World Cup victories and 28 podium finishes, specializing in the sport’s fastest disciplines — downhill and super-G. He also represented the United States as a three-time Olympian, competing at the 1998 Winter Olympics, 2002 Winter Olympics, and 2006 Winter Olympics.

But this episode focuses less on the past and more on what’s happening now: the return of the Rahlves Banzai Tour, making its long-awaited comeback to Tahoe after a decade-long hiatus. Scheduled for April 10–12 at Palisades Tahoe, the event blends big-mountain freeride terrain with the head-to-head intensity of ski and snowboard cross — creating one of the most adrenaline-fueled competitions in the sport.

Born in Walnut Creek and raised in the mountains around Lake Tahoe, Rahlves grew up skiing the Sierra before becoming one of the fastest American downhill racers in history. One of the defining moments of his career came at the legendary Birds of Prey downhill in Beaver Creek Resort, where he conquered the demanding course three consecutive years, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s premier speed specialists.

In 2001, Rahlves captured the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships Super-G title, a victory that further established him among the world’s elite racers. His accomplishments later earned him induction into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010.

Beyond alpine racing, Rahlves has always embraced life as a multi-sport athlete — winning a World Expert Championship in jet skiing in 1993, competing in extreme skiing events and motocross, and building a long-standing partnership with Red Bull.

On this episode of Tahoe TAP, Rahlves joins the hosts to talk about his legendary racing career, the inspiration behind the Banzai Tour, and why bringing the event back to Tahoe feels like the perfect homecoming for a sport rooted in the region’s big-mountain culture.

Ep. 79 - Bryan Allegretto - OpenSnow

The Tahoe TAP podcast returns with another look into the Things, Adventures, and People fueling life in the Sierra. Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway are back to break down the latest buzz around Tahoe — and with winter anticipation building, this episode couldn’t be more timely.

This week, the show welcomes back one of its rare two-time guests: Bryan Allegretto, better known across the region simply as B.A. A part-owner of OpenSnow and the platform’s trusted California Snow Forecaster, Allegretto is widely regarded as the leading voice in Sierra weather. For many residents and winter visitors, OpenSnow functions as Tahoe’s “snow bible,” making him a key figure as locals begin to wonder whether Mother Nature plans to deliver this season.

Allegretto’s path to becoming one of the most relied-upon snow forecasters in the West is as compelling as the storms he tracks. Originally from South Jersey, he grew up surfing, snowboarding, and chasing the same weather patterns that would later define his career. With more than two decades of experience translating complex meteorological data into clear, actionable forecasts, he has earned a reputation for accuracy, accessibility, and an unmatched passion for powder.

In this episode, Tahoe TAP dives into how B.A. got his start, the tools and models he uses to predict snowfall across the Sierra, and what early indicators are saying about the upcoming winter. Listeners may even get a few of his wildest weather stories — the kind only a lifelong storm-chaser can tell.

Ep. 78 - Amy Ohran - Palisades Tahoe

The Tahoe TAP podcast is back, tapping into the Things, Adventures, and People fueling life in the Sierra Nevada. Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway return to the studio to share stories and voices from around the basin, catching listeners up on what’s happening across the Tahoe region.

In this episode, they sit down with Amy Ohran, President & Chief Operating Officer of Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley — one of the most storied ski resorts in the United States. The conversation explores both her personal journey in the industry and the evolving legacy of Palisades Tahoe itself.

Ohran joined Palisades Tahoe in September 2024, bringing nearly 35 years of experience in the snow sports industry, much of it rooted in the Tahoe and Western mountain communities. Before stepping into her current role, she served as Vice President & General Manager of Northstar California, and spent two decades with POWDR, including two years as VP & GM of Woodward Mountain Centers and eight years as President & GM of Boreal Ridge Corp.

Her career also includes 16 years at Mt. Bachelor, where she held multiple leadership positions such as Director of Staff & Skier Services and Director of Ski & Ride School — experience that helped shape her reputation as a thoughtful, people-centered mountain operator.

Beyond resort leadership, Ohran is deeply involved in the broader ski industry and the Tahoe community. She serves on the boards of the National Ski Areas Association, Tahoe Fund, and North Tahoe Community Alliance, and has been a member of the Ski California Board Executive Committee since 2018, including a term as Chair from 2019–2020.

In this episode, Tahoe TAP takes listeners inside the decision-making, collaboration, and vision required to lead one of the country’s most iconic mountain destinations — and what that means for the future of winter sports, local communities, and the Tahoe region at large.

Ep. 77 - Dan Healy - Sierra-at-Tahoe

The Tahoe TAP podcast is back, offering listeners their inside look at the Things, Adventures, and People that keep Tahoe’s mountain spirit alive. Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway return behind the mics to share the latest stories and voices shaping life around the lake — and with ski season on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be better for their latest guest.

In this episode, the duo sits down with Dan Healy, a seasoned ski industry leader and the newly appointed Vice President and General Manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe, as the resort gears up for its November 28th opening.

Healy’s mountain story runs deep — spanning three decades in snow sports and resort operations. His career has taken him from directing children’s programs at world-class destinations like Beaver Creek and Crested Butte, to managing ski school operations at Sugar Bowl, and later, serving as Vice President of Recreational Services at Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah.

Notably, Healy’s connection to Sierra-at-Tahoe goes way back — he previously served as the resort’s Director of Snowsports, making his return to the mountain a true full-circle moment.

Now leading Sierra into a new chapter, Healy brings with him a wealth of operational experience and a passion for nurturing both the guest and employee experience. On this episode, the conversation covers everything from resort recovery and community spirit to the innovations shaping the coming winter season.

Ep. 76 - Jackie Calvert - Visit Truckee Tahoe

This week, the spotlight shines on Jackie Calvert, Executive Director of Visit Truckee-Tahoe, who’s helping guide the town’s vision for sustainable tourism while preserving the authentic mountain charm that makes Truckee special.

Calvert, a longtime Truckee local and proud Sierra Nevada College graduate with a degree in Ski Business & Resort Management, brings a rare mix of resort expertise and community-first leadership to the role. Before stepping into her current position in 2024, she spent more than a decade at Palisades Tahoe, where she helped lead digital and destination marketing strategies that cut vehicle traffic and boosted carpool, rideshare, and park-and-ride participation — proving that smart tourism can also be sustainable.

Under her direction, Visit Truckee-Tahoe continues to champion a balanced approach to growth — supporting local businesses and residents while maintaining the natural beauty and small-town feel that define the region.

In this episode, Mike and Rob sit down with Jackie to explore how visitor strategies are evolving across mountain destinations, what it takes to maintain a healthy balance between tourism and community life, and what’s next for Truckee-Tahoe as it navigates the challenges of growth, stewardship, and sustainability in the Sierra.

Ep. 75 - Steve Teshara - Sustainable Community Advocates

Welcome back to Tahoe TAP - the podcast spotlighting the Things, Adventure, and People that make life in this blue-and-green paradise so extraordinary. Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway are back with another episode packed with local insight, regional updates, and a conversation you won’t want to miss.

After catching listeners up on what’s unfolding around the lake, the duo welcomes a guest who’s practically woven into the fabric of Tahoe itself:

Steve Teshara — advocate, strategist, and one of the most deeply respected leaders in the basin.

If there’s a saying about someone “being around the block,” Steve’s been around the entire lake a few times. Since moving to Tahoe in 1973, he’s played a leading role in nearly every major regional initiative—from economic development to transportation, forest health, watershed restoration, and policy advocacy.

Today, he serves as Principal of Sustainable Community Advocates, the consulting firm he founded in 2010. But Tahoe residents will recognize his name from a long list of leadership roles, including:

• CEO / Executive Director of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association
• Executive Director roles with the Tahoe Chamber, Tahoe Sierra Preservation Council, and South Tahoe Gaming Alliance
• Key member of “Team Tahoe” in Washington D.C., helping secure federal appropriations for the region year after year

Known for his ability to “connect the dots," Steve has a rare talent for bringing governments, nonprofits, and private partners together to solve complex regional challenges.

In today’s episode, the focus turns to two critical topics shaping Tahoe’s future: transportation solutions and Eastern Placer development planning — and Steve knows these like the back of his hand.

Ep. 74 - Briana Vallejo - Vista Rise Collective

Vista Rise Collective Joins Tahoe TAP to Discuss Rebrand, Advocacy & Community Impact

The Tahoe TAP podcast — hosted by longtime locals and media personalities Mike Peron and Rob Galloway — returns with an intriguing new episode featuring Briana Vallejo of Vista Rise Collective, formerly known as Live Violence Free.

After kicking off the show with a quick rundown of the latest Lake Tahoe happenings, the hosts welcomed Vallejo to talk about the organization’s recent rebrand and ongoing mission to provide support, resources, and prevention programs for survivors of domestic and relational violence.

Vallejo’s connection to the work runs deep. She first joined the organization in 2016 as an Alpine Advocate while finishing her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno — all while holding the title of Miss Lake Tahoe in the Miss America Organization. Just months earlier, she was named 1st Runner-Up to Miss Nevada 2016.

After nearly eight years serving the Alpine County satellite office, Vallejo transitioned to the South Lake Tahoe headquarters as Community Relations Coordinator. Today, she is a driving force behind Vista Rise Collective’s outreach, education, and partnerships across the region.

A survivor herself, Vallejo has used her story to spark change nationwide. Her TEDx Talk, “Preventing Teen Dating Violence from the Inside Out,” propelled her onto stages across the country as a sought-after keynote speaker. Outside of her advocacy work, she resides in Bear Valley with her husband — a local Fire Captain — and their two children, ages 4 and nearly 2.

Listeners can tune in to hear more about Vista Rise Collective’s expanded vision, upcoming community events, and how locals can get involved in supporting their mission.

Ep. 73 - Rob Giustina - On Course Events & Tahoe Games

Welcome back to Tahoe TAP — where Things, Adventure, and People come together to showcase life in the Jewel of the Sierra. Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway are back behind the mic, kicking things off with the latest happenings and fresh stories making waves across the basin.

Then, we dive into a feature that’s been decades in the making: Tahoe Games. This mountain sports festival was dreamed up and brought to life by today’s guest, Rob Giustina, founder of On Course Events.

As the creative force behind one of Tahoe’s most influential event production companies, Rob has shaped the cultural and entertainment landscape of the region. From music and arts festivals to outdoor gatherings and community-driven experiences, his work has become a cornerstone of Tahoe’s lifestyle—blending mountain-town energy with world-class production.

With a passion for connecting people through creativity and experience, Rob continues to push boundaries and elevate Tahoe as not just a destination, but a thriving hub of culture, community, and adventure.

Tune in as we explore the origins of Tahoe Games, the evolution of On Course Events, and how one producer’s vision helped transform Lake Tahoe’s event scene into something unforgettable.

Ep. 72 - Michael Myers - Sierra State Parks Foundation

Welcome back to the Tahoe TAP — the podcast where Things, Adventure, and People shine around the Jewel of the Sierra! Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway are back on the mic with another dynamic episode, this time spotlighting one of the region’s leading voices in conservation and community engagement.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Myers, Executive Director of the Sierra State Parks Foundation, an organization that has been championing educational programs and vital projects across the Donner and Lake Tahoe regions for over 50 years. Myers brings a deep background in nonprofit leadership and a passion for protecting public lands. Before joining the Foundation, he served as Executive Director for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy in Virginia and spent over a decade with Friends of Black Rock-High Rock in Nevada, moving from an AmeriCorps role into executive leadership.

An interpretive naturalist and avid birder, Myers blends fundraising expertise with a true love of the outdoors, making him an ideal steward for Tahoe–Truckee’s treasured state parks. Beyond his professional work, he enjoys exploring the Tahoe and Donner landscapes with his wife and daughter, diving into the area’s flora, fauna, and cultural history. And when the family isn’t adventuring, they’re at home enjoying the company of their two cats, Wayne and Garth.

Tune in as we talk with Michael about the importance of connecting people to nature, the projects shaping Tahoe’s future, and the joy of discovering the wild beauty that makes this place so special.