Culture & Storytelling Episodes

SoCal is the epicenter of the entertainment industry and award season is in full swing. While many focus on the glamor and festivities, film and media historian Monica Sandler views the movie awards industry through a differe...

Krystle Hickman is a community scientist, photographer, National Geographic Explorer and one of the few Black women working in the conservation space. In her book The ABC’s of California’s Native Bees she’s helping the non-sc...

A year ago, Shiloh Strong launched Ashes to Films - a nonprofit organization to help members of the creative community impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires rebuild their lives. I sat down with him and filmmaker Eric Dyso...

Southern Californians know a thing or two about chasing sunshine and big dreams, and there’s no better example of that spirit than the man who created the happiest place on earth. In this episode of SoCal Voices , you’ll hear...

The end of federal funding for public broadcasting has many Southern Californians wondering what's next for public media. In this episode of SoCal Voices host Angela Ross sits down with Connie Leyva , executive director of th...

Laura C. Chávez-Moreno is an assistant professor at UCLA and author of How Schools Make Race . Her research digs deep into the ways schools don’t just reflect race—they actually produce it. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Dr...

Living in Southern California in 2025 means navigating rapid tech change, intense culture clashes, and nonstop reinvention. Sound familiar? It’s exactly what was happening here 100 years ago. In this episode of SoCal Voices, ...

Southern California is bursting with creative energy — and for many, there’s a book inside just waiting to be written. But getting it published can be a huge challenge. Redlands author Tracy Wise experienced this as she worke...

In her book, Plus Size: A Memoir of Pop Culture, Fatphobia, and Social Change , Los Angeles author and activist Mekdela Ejigu chronicles the body positivity movement through a collection of essays reflecting her journey as a ...

Is SoCal’s Inland Empire the land of the local news mirage? While news outlets cover the region, media observers say some elements of the IE’s local news coverage are a mirage, giving residents the illusion of vigorous local ...

Long before podcasting and FM radio, AM radio ruled. And in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the biggest dog on the porch was THE MIGHTY 690. The 50,000-watt station was heard throughout SoCal. And its top-40 format was popula...

If you have struggled with anxiety, you may find some inspiration in this episode featuring San Diego author Jessica Keith. Her debut memoir, Saying Inshallah with Chutzpah, is a humorous and poignant coming-of-age story abou...

The second episode in our series on Black History and Music spotlights The Center for African Diaspora Sacred Music and Musicians at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The Center is known as the preeminent site for...

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...

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 professi...

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 compos...

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...

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 o...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 episo...

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. Thes...