Do you have the pink “donor dot” on your driver’s license? Do you know why you should? April is Donate Life Month and there’s an organization in southern California that’s dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. That organization, OneLegacy , serves more than 200 hospitals, 10 transplant centers, a diverse population of 20 million donors and families across SoCal and waiting recipients across the country. In this episode of SoCal Voices, One Legacy’s Public Education an...
Apr 18, 2024•20 min
Schelo Doirin Collier is all about helping Black women become strong investors. Her organization, Black Women Invest , started as a small social media group and has grown into a national community of more than 14,000, including chapters in Southern California. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Schelo talks about Black Women Invest’s holistic approach to financial wellness, and how the organization empowers Black women — whether new or seasoned investors — to secure their financial futures and bui...
Apr 04, 2024•24 min
Her Sisters Keeper Foundation provides a safe space for women in SoCal’s Inland Empire to recover from major setbacks or simply reset from the daily stress in their lives. In this episode of SoCal Voices, founder and executive director Kimberly Wallen shares the experiences that led her to create her organization and how she helps empower women to live their best lives. Like the episode? Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show? Leave a 5-Star review on Apple Podcasts Support...
Mar 21, 2024•17 min
The killing of George Floyd at the hands of police focused the world’s attention on the problem of police abuse and misconduct in ways that few other cases have. In the US, the murder of Floyd renewed calls for police reform and led to calls to abolish policing as we know it. Maintain the status quo, some said, and policing will continue to cause more harm than good. Others worry that dismantling the police will lead to anarchy. What can be done in the realm of “public safety” so that everyone i...
Mar 07, 2024•26 min
The 2024 Presidential Primary is underway in California and voters are navigating a range of issues as they make decisions on candidates and propositions. From debates about the age of the likely presidential candidates to the war in Gaza, voters have a lot to consider. How will they vote? In this episode of SoCal Voices, Keri Then, Area 5 Trustee for the Riverside Community College District, returns to the podcast to offer some insight on some of the current issues voters are considering, and s...
Feb 29, 2024•34 min
The second episode in our series on Black History and Music spotlights T he Center for African Diaspora Sacred Music and Musicians at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The Center is known as the preeminent site for the study and preservation of music of the African Diaspora. In this episode of SoCal Voices the center’s director, ethnomusicologist Oghenevwarho Gabriel Ojakovo, shares what inspired him to study music in its social and cultural contexts, helps us understand the intersec...
Feb 22, 2024•24 min
As Black History Month 2024 gets under way in Southern California, the Riverside Philharmonic will present two special pieces in a performance on February 24: Negro Folk Symphony, by the late African American composer William Dawson, and Concerto Cinematique, by Los Angeles composer and violinist Chris Woods. In this episode of SoCalVoices, Chris shares his perspective on a range of topics including his journey with the violin, how classical and jazz music inform his creative expression, the imp...
Feb 08, 2024•28 min
Conventional wisdom says that your personal wealth often has to come at the cost of your personal values — that you have to sell out. Financial advisor Marie Thomasson of Modern Assets says it is possible for your investments to align with your personal values, even if you identify as a political progressive. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Marie shares how she landed in the world of financial advising, who the investment system truly serves, how to find socially conscious financial institution...
Jan 25, 2024•43 min
In a marked change from the racial reckoning that occurred in 2020, some have declared that DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) is dead. Is it? Where exactly are we with DEI initiatives? In this episode of SoCal Voices, Jonathan Dumas, an organizational psychologist, leadership and career coach, and host of the podcast Highly Visible & A Little Misunderstood , pushes back on the notion that DEI is finished, and shares his insights about his own experience helping companies and individuals ...
Jan 11, 2024•28 min
Jackie Gutierrez is Founder of Women Kick Balls — an independent, one-woman multi-media company aiming to elevate the standard of soccer media. She’s living her dream as a journalist and content creator, interviewing professional players from the National Women’s Soccer League and the US Women’s National Team. Somehow, she also finds time to provide media and marketing services to soccer organizations and athletes. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Jackie talks about her passion for soccer, how s...
Nov 30, 2023•28 min
The California Festival is a two-week state-wide celebration of new music from across the globe. Music directors of the LA Philharmonic, San Diego Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony envisioned this event featuring compositions from compelling and forward-looking composers. On November 19, the Inland Empire will be represented at one of the festival’s concerts by none other than the Riverside Philharmonic. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Riverside Philharmonic conductor Tomasz Golka discuss...
Nov 16, 2023•25 min
Susan Partovi’s colleagues call her “The Skid Row Doctor.” She’s a leading expert on street medicine who has treated hundreds of the most underserved patients in Los Angeles — substance users, and people experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness. On this episode of SoCal Voices, Dr. Partovi opens up about her unique approach to providing healthcare to some of southern California’s most vulnerable people. Hear Dr. Partovi describe why she pursued medicine as a career, the circumstances ...
Nov 02, 2023•34 min
Terrance Stone is a southern Californian committed to steering young people away from the life that cost him much of his precious youth. He spends his time helping students discover their personal worth and true-life purpose as Founder and CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, an organization the state of California recognized as Non-Profit of the Year in 2022. In this episode of SoCal Voices, he shares how he went from gang member to CEO and how he helps young people realize their ...
Oct 19, 2023•25 min
Mary Vensel White is President of the Orange County branch of the California Writer’s Club, an English and writing professor, an editor, and author. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Mary shares insights about her latest novel, Things to See in Arizona, a teen coming-of-age story about the adventures of Tuesday and Cristian as they make their way through this unique teen coming-of-age story. Support the show
Oct 05, 2023•25 min
In her book, The Struggle for the People’s King: How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement, Hajar Yazdiha, an assistant professor of sociology at USC, outlines how decades-long efforts to sanitize the civil rights movement perpetuate injustice and threaten America’s multicultural democracy. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Professor Yazdiha discusses her book, and the life experiences that fuel her passion to help bring about positive changes in society. Support the show...
Aug 24, 2023•26 min
Actor, director and show creator Jeneen Robinson has been recognized as Best Woman Filmmaker at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival for her TV series, “I’m 13 Yo!” — a hip-hop coming-of-age comedy about the adventures of a 13-year-old boy who constantly tests the patience of his mother. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Jeneen shares inspiring insights about her artistic journey. Support the show
Aug 10, 2023•26 min
Mary Kennedy is an actor and comedian who has appeared in film, TV and stage roles. She played the “New Fiona” character in Season 7 of Showtime’s Shameless, and performs at some of LA’s most popular comedy clubs. When she’s not performing, she coaches and teaches young actors and comics. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Mary discusses what led her to comedy, her experience working on Shameless, her thoughts on the actor/writer strike and her future project “bucket list.” Support the show...
Aug 03, 2023•21 min
Twillea Evans-Carthen has a servant’s heart. She is University Ombuds Officer at Cal State San Bernardino, an active member of a number of community organizations, and serves on the board for the Inland Ivy Foundation and League of Women Voters San Bernardino. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and much more. Well-known in SoCal’s Inland Empire for lifting people up and getting things done, Twillea is living her best life through service. In this edition of SoCal Voices, she sha...
Jul 27, 2023•28 min
With over a decade of teaching experience, educator LaTina McGhee-Simmons saw that many girls in her classroom lacked confidence. She launched Daughters of Promise — a program that helps instill a greater sense of value, resilience and purpose in young girls. In this edition of SoCal Voices, LaTina discusses the impact her program has on participants and how their positive transformation impacts her life. Support the show
Jul 13, 2023•20 min
Melody C. Miller is the filmmaker behind the multi-award winning documentary “California’s Forgotten Children.” The film focuses on the complex issue of child sex trafficking through the lens of survivors. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Melody discusses what inspired her to make the film, what people should and shouldn’t do if they suspect someone is being trafficked, and the ongoing work needed to help protect children from exploitation. Support the show...
Jun 29, 2023•22 min
Kimberle Smith Austin is a business growth, communications and lifestyle strategist who helps corporations and businesses experience life at the next level. She is a sought-after speaker and coach, and author of Millions of Possibilities: Taking Your Ideas from Inspiration to Monetization . In this episode of SoCal Voices, Kimberle shares her thoughts on the real meaning of success and how to achieve true balance in our lives. Support the show...
Jun 15, 2023•36 min
Bibi Pirayesh is an educational therapist based in Los Angeles. For 15 years her work has focused on helping children, families, and schools better understand the unique needs of kids with learning disabilities. More recently, her work has shifted toward the fight for the learning rights of kids in LA, where children's educational experiences are directly linked to their socio-economic status. On this edition of SoCal Voices, Bibi shares her views on learning disability as a social justice issue...
May 11, 2023•26 min
Kevin Roth is firmly rooted in American folk music history. As a singer-songwriter and dulcimer player, he rose to international fame in the 1970s and 1980s recording albums and collaborating with other folk artists, including the legendary folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary. He was riding high on success when his life changed dramatically. Diagnosed with melanoma, he had to figure out a way to not just survive but thrive. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Kevin discusses his journey from musician ...
Apr 20, 2023•30 min
As part of Earth Month activities this April, cities across the nation can show how water-wise they are by participating in the Wyland Foundation’s National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Wyland Foundation President Steve Creech provides details about the Mayor’s Challenge and how water conservation efforts are key to keeping the environment clean and safe. Support the show
Apr 06, 2023•35 min
Courtney McKenna is an LA-based artist and marketer on a mission to help society shift into a healthier and happier collective. She’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs unlock their full potential and stand in their power. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Courtney shares how she channeled all the fears and challenges she faced while pursuing her goals in marketing and music. Her story may help inspire others to overcome fear and pursue dreams. Support the show...
Mar 23, 2023•28 min
Amani Roberts is a successful DJ, music producer, podcaster, educator, business pro and author of the book DJs Mean Business . In this edition of SoCal Voices, Amani speaks with host Angela Ross about blending art with savvy business strategy, the life experiences that inspired him, the hard work required to reach goals, the importance of having mentors and supporters, and the importance of paying it forward. Support the show...
Mar 09, 2023•28 min
A self-described “Urban Polymath,” Flobo Boyce has been entertaining audiences for over 15 years. He’s a comedian, author, master of ceremonies, DJ, and owner of the digital network Knew Amsterdam Entertainment. In this episode of SoCal Voices, you’ll hear Flobo share his wit and wisdom and how he persevered through challenges to accomplish many entrepreneurial pursuits. Support the show
Feb 23, 2023•21 min
As a teenager, Rosalyn Carter gave birth to a baby girl who was soon adopted by another family. Both the baby and Rosalyn went on to live fulfilling lives apart from one another. Then, many years later, they reconnected. These days the mother-daughter duo host the I Found Her podcast which chronicles their reunification journey and serves as inspiration to many. Support the show
Feb 09, 2023•26 min
From its broadcast center on March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, the American Forces Network (AFN) ensures that “a touch of home” reaches US military personnel stationed overseas. The service provides radio and television news, entertainment and sports programming as well as critical worldwide, regional and local command information to US service members across the globe. In this special “On the Road” edition of SoCal Voices, host Angela Ross speaks with AFN sports programming specialist Jason ...
Jan 26, 2023•17 min
Los Angeles has an ample supply of radio stations but historically only a few have been real standouts. One of them is LA staple KIIS-FM. On this edition of SoCal Voices, Paul Joseph or PJ as he’s known, shares how he got into radio, how he started working with the great Rick Dees, and what he believes the radio industry needs to do to stay viable in the future. Support the show
Dec 08, 2022•30 min
