Mark Cafferty is the President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), where he leads with a mix of realism, resolve, and heart. In this conversation, he shares his experiences of how his values—shaped family, mentorship, and a belief in equity— continue to guide his leadership today. Under Mark’s direction, EDC has taken a bold stance: inclusive growth isn’t just good policy, it’s a business imperative for San Diego’s future. This Episode: What does it take to ...
Jul 03, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Molly Puryear is the Executive Director of Malashock Dance and a lifelong believer in the healing, connective power of movement. With infectious joy and deep conviction, she champions dance not just as an art form but as a way to be more fully human. Under her leadership, Malashock is expanding the definition of what dance can do for the community. This is demonstrated through SD NeuroDance, a pioneering program blending movement, neuroscience, and care to support individuals living with ALS, Pa...
Jun 05, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Katelyn Woodside is the Executive Director of the VAPA Foundation, a nonprofit bringing transformative arts education into San Diego’s public schools. A classically trained violinist, longtime educator, and nonprofit leader, Katelyn is advancing a bold vision: healing through expressive arts. Her organization’s award-winning proposal will train teaching artists in expressive arts therapy and place them in 25 schools across the county—reaching nearly 5,000 students with creative tools for connect...
May 22, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Pradeep Khosla is the chancellor of UC San Diego and a nationally recognized voice on the evolving role of public research universities. Under his leadership, UC San Diego has doubled in size, broadened its access, and transformed from a "diamond in the rough" into a globally respected powerhouse for innovation, education, and the arts. He spearheaded the expansion of student housing—growing UC San Diego’s housing program into the second largest in the nation—to make college more affordable and ...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Dr. Paula Cordeiro is a trailblazing educator, leadership expert, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of business, nonprofits, and global development. A former dean and founder of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, she’s reshaping how we think about leadership, wealth building, and the power of purpose-driven enterprises. Through programs like the Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship, she’s connecting San Diego to the world and bringing the best of global innov...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Angelina Renteria is the Chief Operating Officer of Indian Health Council, a tribally-run health center serving nine sovereign tribal nations in North San Diego County. With nearly 30 years of experience in health and fitness and two decades in health-focused grant development, she brings deep expertise and cultural insight to her work. Angelina is a passionate advocate for wellness, community voice, and culturally grounded care that meets people where they are. This Episode: What if your doctor...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Grant Oliphant is the CEO of the Prebys Foundation and a longtime leader in philanthropy and social impact. With decades of experience guiding foundations through moments of transformation, he has a deep understanding of how philanthropy can respond to crises, support nonprofit resilience, and advocate for the society we aspire to reach. This Episode: Nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges—from shifting political landscapes and funding cuts to increasing demands for services. With federa...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Chris Appleton is the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy , a pioneering initiative using social prescribing to integrate the arts into healthcare and improve mental well-being. A leader in arts and social impact, his work has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, and NPR . With a background in nonprofit leadership Chris is redefining healing one creative prescription at a time. This episode: What if a doctor’s prescription didn’t lead you to a pharmacy, but to a painting class, a dance performa...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode, Grant sits down with four motivated leaders who are driving solutions to the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Ramon Chairez, Sarah Davidson, Lesly Gallegos-Stearns, and Kapili Pasa are proving that change isn’t just possible, it is already happening through advocacy, environmental education, and community organizing. Their stories reveal deep, personal connections to the estuary, the ocean, and the communities most affected. From respiratory illnesses to economic setbacks and lost o...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Special Series: This season, Stop & Talk is diving into one of San Diego County’s biggest environmental and health emergencies: the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. Through this special series, we hear from doctors, advocates, researchers, and others fighting for clean environments, healthy communities, and real solutions to a crisis that’s been dismissed for too long. This episode: For decades, families in San Diego’s border communities have faced a sewage crisis that threatens their health and...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Season 2 of Stop and Talk brought us stories of resilience, creativity, and community action across San Diego. Hosts Grant Oliphant and Crystal Page welcomed guests who are tackling complex challenges, from reimagining public spaces to strengthening community mental health and fostering economic equity. Each conversation offered a glimpse into the powerful work happening in San Diego County—and the people behind it. In this special season wrap-up, Grant and Crystal revisit standout moments and r...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Thelma Virata de Castro, a Filipinx artist, playwright, and community teacher based in San Diego. Thelma's work delves deep into the human experience, with a unique blend of humor and profound themes. Through her " Cultivating JOY " project—part of the Far South Border North initiative —Thelma empowers writers and audiences to explore their relationships with nature. Thelma shares her journey growing up in Paradise Hills, where her close-knit F...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Carol Dedrich, CEO of Girl Scouts San Diego , joins host Grant Oliphant to explore the evolving role of Girl Scouts in shaping the next generation of leaders. Drawing from her rich experiences as a U.S. Army captain and Girl Scout alumna, Carol shares how her journey is intricately connected to the mission of empowering young women in today’s complex world. She reflects on the similarities between military service and Girl Scouts, where camaraderie, resilience, and community play vital roles in ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this episode of Stop & Talk , host Grant Oliphant sits down with visionary urban planner Omar Blaik, CEO of U3 Advisors , to explore the future of downtown spaces and their potential to serve all community members. Drawing from his extensive experience revitalizing cities like Philadelphia, Omar discusses the role of thoughtful design in fostering connection, empathy, and vibrancy in urban environments. Key to the conversation is San Diego's Civic Center—a six-block area around City Hall—...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this special live episode of Stop & Talk, Dr. Sindy Escobar Alvarez, Program Director for Medical Research at the Doris Duke Foundation , joins host Grant Oliphant. This interview was recorded at a community forum hosted by the Prebys Foundation that explored the evolving landscape of medical research funding and its impact on community health. They discuss the many important issues facing the field, including equity in research, the role of philanthropy in driving innovation, and many ot...
Sep 11, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Dr. Isabel Newton, a distinguished physician-scientist and passionate mentor, whose work is transforming how patients and medical professionals engage with the healthcare system. Her multifaceted career spans research, clinical care, education, and community connection, all rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the same quality of care. The conversation delves into Dr. Newton’s work in patient advocacy, where she empowers indivi...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Amina Sheik Mohamed is a dedicated advocate for health equity and cultural inclusivity. Her incredible work led her to be awarded one of Prebys Foundation’s inaugural Leadership Awards. As the Founder and Director of the Refugee Health Unit at UC San Diego, Amina has been instrumental in championing initiatives that empower immigrant communities in San Diego County. In this episode, she joins host Grant Oliphant to explore the intricate connections between community health and cultural identity....
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode, Stop & Talk host Grant Oliphant engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dan Yates, board chair of the Prebys Foundation and co-founder/CEO of Endeavor Bank . A true San Diego native, Dan's journey from Paradise Hills to becoming a leading civic figure in San Diego reveals a profound commitment to community and service. Dan shares his experiences growing up in a diverse and complex environment, which instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a drive to uplift his communit...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Dr. Benjamin Maxwell, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Rady Children’s Hospital, joins host Grant Oliphant to discuss enhancing youth psychological well-being, challenges to mental and behavioral health, and comprehensive solutions that go beyond the clinic. He shares the importance of early intervention and the vital role the community plays in creating environments that help young people flourish. His collaborations with organizations like Sapien Labs, YMCA of San Diego, and Outdoor...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of Stop & Talk , host Grant Oliphant sits down with Dr. Mary Walshok, an influential thinker and powerhouse in the San Diego community. Recently retired from her role as Vice Chancellor at UC San Diego, Mary spearheaded the creation of Park and Market , a facility designed to support serendipitous interactions and collaboration across sectors. She shares her deep insights into the intersection of innovation, community, and economic development. Mary reflects on her vibrant li...
Jul 03, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, Dr. Constance Carroll, Chancellor Emerita of the San Diego Community College District , joins host Grant Oliphant to share her extraordinary journey in the realm of higher education and her lasting impact on the San Diego community. From her early days as the youngest black woman college president in the United States to her pivotal role in expanding community college baccalaureate programs, Constance’s story is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to student suc...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Irwin Jacobs, joins host Grant Oliphant to reflect on his extensive, impactful philanthropic work in the San Diego region and beyond. He shares an inspiring journey of philanthropy deeply intertwined with personal values and community impact. Irwin speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs of these endeavors, emphasizing the importance of resilience, vision, and community engagement. A lifelong donor and scholarship recipient in his younger years, Irwin’s philanthropic philosophy is root...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, Stop & Talk host Grant Oliphant talks with Ramel Wallace, a multifaceted artist, activist, and community builder deeply embedded in the San Diego creative scene. Ramel's journey, rooted in hip-hop storytelling and community engagement, provides a unique lens into the city's history, culture, and social dynamics. Ramel discusses his viral " We’re San Diegans " video series, which humorously and poignantly captures the essence of San Diego life, touching on local pride, cultur...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Preeti Bhattacharji &Impact Investing: Shaping Communities Through Sustainable Investments Preeti Bhattacharji, Head of Sustainable Investing at J.P. Morgan Chase Private Bank, has a fascinating journey that began as a journalist. Her passion for covering historically marginalized communities around the world eventually intersected with the financial crisis. As she witnessed people losing their homes and entire towns being affected, she realized that she lacked the tools to fully comprehend ...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 3
On the latest episode of Stop & Talk, host Grant Oliphant engages in a dynamic conversation with Diane Moss, the CEO of Project New Village . Founded in 1994, Project New Village spearheads a transformative initiative in Southeastern San Diego, leveraging neighborhood-based agriculture to ensure widespread access to nutritious food. Diane shares insights from her journey and highlights the power of collaboration with community partners to tackle food accessibility challenges. Emphasizing eng...
Apr 24, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome back, friends! We’ve missed you. In this first episode of season 2, host Grant Oliphant and Micah Parzen, CEO of the Museum of Us, delve into efforts to preserve historic border wall murals in partnership with Friends of Friendship Park. Amidst the introspection triggered by George Floyd's murder, they discuss the Museum's transformative journey toward greater inclusion in the museum. This includes rebranding the museum and forging a meaningful partnership with the Kumeyaay Nation, all a...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 1
As we prepare to launch season 2, we would like to know what you think of Stop & Talk. What do you like? What should we explore? Please complete the listener survey by the end of March to help us prepare for the new season. And as always thank you for listening! We will be back April 10! Complete the listener survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StopandTalkSurvey...
Mar 14, 2024•42 sec•Season 1Ep. 14
In this installment of "Stop & Talk," we take a journey through the highlights of Season 1, revisiting the wisdom and insights shared by each guest. Grant delves into the core themes that emerged, focusing on how these influential figures draw upon their personal journeys, foster robust networks, and maintain a deep-rooted sense of fulfillment in their professional endeavors. Tune in to uncover the shared experiences and valuable lessons that define their success and strengthen San Diego com...
Dec 20, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 13
At Stop & Talk, we want to show our love of local music. For Season 2 of the podcast, we want to hire a San Diego County musician (or musicians) to create our theme music. Interested? Send a sample of your music that you think fits the style of our podcast to info@prebysfd.org . If we think you're a fit, we'll pay you to create the theme music for next season. We will be back shortly with the Season 1 wrap up!
Dec 13, 2023•57 sec•Season 1Ep. 13
Hailing from El Centro, CA, Cara Dessert has always been an organizer and powerful galvanizer of community and equality. She has nearly two decades of experience in non-profit and social justice work, making her the ideal CEO of the San Diego LGBT Community Center. In this episode of Stop and Talk, Cara discusses the history and role the LGBT Community Center plays in the San Diego community, the power a sense of belonging brings to not just herself but also those who feel they have no place and...
Nov 29, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 12
