Episodes

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

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. Note: Links and ...

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

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.” Note: Links and reso...

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...

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

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 ...

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

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 is...

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 to c...

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. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time o...

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...

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 ...

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...

In this edition of SoCal Voices, host Angela Ross chats with Clinton Galloway, author of Anatomy of a Hustle: Cable Comes to South Central LA and What Did you Think was Going to Happen? — books that detail his experiences trying to establish the first Black-owned cable franchise in the country and the government corruption that he says stopped it. Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since changed or become una...

Midterm election day is just around the corner and as voters go to the polls, they have economic inflation, voter suppression, reduced access to abortion and candidate conduct on their minds. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Kim Moffat returns to discuss the upcoming elections, and the work she’s doing with We’re The People, a voter outreach and advocacy organization that aims to increase voter turnout nationwide and specifically among 18 - 24 year olds. Note: Links and resources reference...

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...

Jocelyn Harris is Founder and CEO of Connections, Inc. Her organization helps bring joy to struggling low-income families in San Bernardino County. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Jocelyn shares how Connections makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people who need a helping hand. jollyconnectionsinc.com 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.

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...

LA County elected leaders and government officials have received well-deserved praise this year for returning Bruce’s Beach, prime coastal land in the city of Manhattan Beach, to the descendants of Charles and Willa Bruce. This comes nearly 100 years after the Bruce’s endured anti-Black harassment, and the Manhattan Beach city council unjustly condemned and seized the land through eminent domain, depriving Charles and Willa of their livelihood and the opportunity to pass down generational wealth...