Culture & Storytelling Episodes

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. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes ...

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. Note: Links and resources referenced in ep...

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. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at th...

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. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have sin...

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. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since change...

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. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since chang...

In her book Trees Without Roots, author Ella Colic recounts the true story of her father and aunt who experienced life as refugees of the Bosnian war in the early 1990s. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Ella discusses the powerful and emotional journey she faced while writing the book, the impact of her relatives’ story on her life today, and how her own trip to Bosnia inspires her course of study and future career. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were curre...

Music can instantly transport us to a specific place or special time in our lives. Many believe it also has the power to heal. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Master Speaker, Energy Sound Healer and Visionary Mark Romero shares his experience with high-vibration healing music and how listening to it can shift you into a greater sense of awareness and well-being. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since chang...

Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson are super fans of television. They channel their passion for TV into a fun and informative podcast, The 80s TV Ladies! Susan and Sharon bring their joy, fun and wit to this edition of SoCal Voices, as they describe their love for 80s TV, with a special focus on the female-driven shows of this fabulous era. (Photo credit of Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson: Keida Mascaro) Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were curre...

This first installment in SoCal Voices’ “On the Road” series begins at one of the most iconic sites in Southern California, the Historic Mission Inn in Downtown Riverside. The story of the Mission Inn spans more than 100 years including 30 years of construction and powerful stories about the people who worked for founder Frank Miller and made the hotel the icon that it is today. In this edition of SoCal Voices, host Angela Ross speaks with Mission Inn Foundation Executive Director Jarod Hoogl...

We close out this season of SoCal Voices with an interview featuring Shanti Hershenson, a 14-year-old southern California teenager who has written 15 books including You Won't Know Her Name, a novel-told-in-poetry about bullying in middle school. Want some Sci-Fi? Dystopia? She has that and more. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Shanti talks about what inspired her to become a writer, her super-charged workflow, how she stays on track, and what she’s working on next. Listen and be inspired by Sh...

Claudia Clark is an expatriate activist, historian and author of Dear Barack: The Extraordinary Partnership of Barack Obama and Angela Merkel. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Claudia discusses the inspiration behind her book about two of the world’s most influential leaders, and her struggles to get published. She also shares her views on current events through the lens of an American living in Berlin. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the tim...

In his award-winning book, Alabama Grandson: A Black, Gay Minister’s Passage Out of Hiding, Cedrick Bridgeforth chronicles the many years he spent shielding his truth from the world, the pain he experienced when his secret was exposed and how he found his way to self-acceptance. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Bridgeforth talks about his life and faith, his experience writing Alabama Grandson, and how he came to embrace all of who he is - and how his story might help others struggling to live f...

One of southern California’s most unique and authentic voices belongs to a former DJ who got her start in radio as a teenager. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Jewel, host of the Old School Jewels podcast, discusses how she became interested in radio, how her personal life experiences inform her podcast topics, the challenges of raising her grandchildren, and how her faith sustains her. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication ...

Riverside’s Gail B. Smith started working for Pacific Telephone/Pacific Bell (known today as AT&T) in the 1970s. When she was hired, she was Riverside’s first African American woman splicer and installer for the phone company — jobs that were held primarily by Caucasian men. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Ms. Smith discusses her experience being the first person like her in her workplace, the “nice nasties” she experienced from some of her co-workers, the support she received from others, and ...

Novelist, essayist and short story teller Keenan Norris’ new coming-of-age novel, The Confession of Copeland Cane is being hailed as “simply genius,” “potent” and “engaging.” In this edition of SoCal Voices, Norris, a SoCal native who teaches American Literature and Creative Writing at San Jose State University, discusses his latest work and what inspired his writing career. Norris also shares his perspective on the creative process and what he wishes his students would ask him more often. ww...

The John M Pfau Library on the campus of Cal State University San Bernardino holds a digital archive honoring inland southern California’s Black history. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Assistant Professor of History Marc Robinson shares how “The Bridges that Carried Us Over” project came to be and his role in helping to preserve African American history in the Inland Empire. Resources: https://www.instagram.com/ieblackhistory/ https://www.facebook.com/IEBlackHistory bit.ly/bridges-projec...

In this “Ask Me Anything” episode, the tables are turned as SoCal Voices host Angela Ross answers questions posed by KGGI and KOST radio personality Evelyn Erives on Black History Month and more! Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since changed or become unavailable.

Anthony Victoria is a journalist, community organizer and communications advisor who has spent years focusing on local civic and environment justice. Recently, Anthony’s newly launched outlet, The Frontline Observer, received a grant from The Listening Post Collective. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Anthony discusses how the grant will help him chronicle social and environmental justice issues in the Inland Empire and help improve lives along the way. Resources: Twitter: @eyeofthebarrio ...

In this episode of SoCal Voices, host Angela Ross speaks with Mike Dunne, founder of Equine Empowered Therapy (EET). Throughout the southern California region, EET helps veterans dealing with trauma experience the healing nature of horses. Mike shares why he started EET, how the program works, the joy he experiences seeing veterans lives changed for the better, and how people can help support EET’s mission. Resources: Website: www.equineempoweredtherapy.com Instagram: @EquineEmpoweredThera...

Storyteller, filmmaker, writer and composer James Grisom hails from Lynwood. A recent graduate of USC’s film school, he’s already making his mark, writing and directing short films and documentaries that tell poignant, personal stories and shed light on cultural and social issues that shape our lives. In this episode of SoCal Voices, James talks about what inspired his move into film and music and offers sage advice for anyone aspiring to become a filmmaker. https://www.jamesagrisom.com/ Inst...

In this episode of SoCal Voices, a past guest on the podcast, Steve Jacobs, turns the tables to interview SoCal Voices founder and host, Angela Ross. Angela fields questions about her career, the state of media and what she enjoys most about hosting SoCal Voices. www.socalvoices.com Instagram and Facebook: @socalvoices Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since changed or become unavailable.

In this edition of SoCal Voices, host Angela Ross has a fun conversation with radio veteran, founder and CEO of “This is Funner,” Chris Donovan and his lovely wife, the ever-popular morning show co-host at 99.1 KGGI and weekend host on KOST 103.5, Evelyn Erives. Chris and Evelyn talk about how they met, their radio careers, podcasting, the importance of family and how they support their local community. Resources: Social Media Chris Donovan: @Chris_Donovan, @ThisIsFunner @EvelynErives ...

The Listening Post Collective offers resources, tools, peer-to-peer support and a shared learning space for journalists, newsroom leaders and community groups looking to revitalize their local news and information ecosystems. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Quinn Mays discusses what drew them to The Listening Post Collective’s efforts in Inland Southern California, how self-representation is changing media and communities, and their hopes for what the initiative can accomplish in the region. A...