Episodes

Cecilia Clark knows what it is like to be a very young child trying to make sense of a world where you’re removed from a home with familiar faces then dropped off at a house filled with strangers. Deeply impacted by her foster care experience, Cecilia, in her teens, started the Made for You project, which helps foster kids know they are worthy and loved. In this edition of SoCal Voices Cecilia discusses her foster care experience, the changes she feels are needed in the foster care system, and h...

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

For a brief moment, it appeared that the pandemic’s severe impact on the restaurant industry would ease. As southern Californians began getting vaccinated against the deadly virus, infections, hospitalizations and deaths declined, and there was talk of a return to indoor dining. That moment didn’t last. Thanks to the Delta variant and — public health experts say — too few people getting vaccinated, it’s going to take a bit longer for LA’s restaurant industry to rebound. In this episode of SoCal ...

What does the future of inland SoCal’s economy look like? Is it all about warehousing or are other opportunities on the horizon? In this episode of SoCal Voices, Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce president Edward Ornelas discusses what’s next for the Inland Empire’s economy and names the IE cities he believes are uniquely poised to thrive when the pandemic ends. Resources Social Media: @IERCC Website: https://www.iechamber.org

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

Most people don’t know what it’s like to be President of the Community College campus where they once walked the halls as a student, but Dr. Mark Sanchez knows exactly how that feels. He is President of Southwestern Community College in San Diego, and his leadership style is challenging the status quo. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Dr. Sanchez describes how he and his team lead with intention, and work to foster an environment where students from all walks of life can thrive on campus and bey...

As the pandemic appears to wind down and people begin living their ‘post-pandemic’ lives, record numbers of employees are quitting their jobs. Last week’s episode, “Back to the Office?” looked at the implications of these resignations. In this episode, “Back to the Office, Part II,” Miriana Gonzalez discusses what it has been like to navigate the pandemic as Deputy Director of Human Resources for the City of Riverside. She shares what she learned about herself during this period, and how the Cit...

The US labor department recently reported that 4 million people quit their jobs in one month. It’s the highest number of resignations in two decades, and it’s happening as companies are requiring employees to return to the office after a year of working from home. In this edition of SoCal Voices, San Diego Workforce Partnership Senior Economist Daniel Enemark, discusses what’s driving this “Great Resignation,” and it’s potential impact on employers and southern California’s workers. Later in ...

Maxie Blasini is a health coach who knows that real quality health care has to be about more than treating illness and being accessible only when someone is sick. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Maxie discusses the experiences that informed her choices to improve her own health, how she serves her clients as a health coach, and her vision for how health care can be reconfigured to better serve people in more meaningful, substantive ways.

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...

When she first started writing, no one suspected that Celeste Barclay was penning what she calls “R-rated historical romance novels.” She didn’t tell anyone what she was doing. But the teacher turned author knows what she’s doing. Yes, her novels, “bring the steam,” but Celeste also brings a well-honed knowledge of European history, and her life experience as a woman of English and Moroccan heritage. Hear Celeste describe her unconventional path to becoming an author who has reached both financi...

In a special election on November 2, voters in the city of Moreno Valley’s second district will choose their next representative on the city council. Keri Then — a past Commissioner on the Riverside County Commission on Women and a former Chair and two-term appointee to the Moreno Valley Unified School District Measure M Citizens Bond Oversight Committee — is a candidate for this council seat. On this edition of SoCal Voices, Then discusses her candidacy and vision for Riverside County’s second ...

The rising majority in southern California and across the nation is more racially diverse than ever. This group’s impact on society is becoming more evident every day. That’s a long overdue change for some but for others, the growth in numbers and power of people of color is perceived as a threat and continues to feed the racial divide. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Alex Jun, a professor at Azusa Pacific University and co-author of books about white cultural dominance, discusses the implicati...

Rachel Shemirani is a leader with heart. As Senior Vice President for Barons Market in San Diego, Rachel has worked hard to help create a community-oriented company that leaves a positive impact on workers and patrons. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Rachel discusses her history with Barons, and how her leadership style and the company’s values have contributed to the market’s success. Additional Resources baronsmarket.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baronsmarket/ Instagram: https://w...

With the guilty verdict in the Derrick Chauvin trial now behind us, what’s next in the push for equity and justice? Corey Jackson, founder and director of the Center Against Racism and Trauma (CART), and Janice Rooths of Anti-Racist Riverside discuss where we go from here in the continuing fight for equity and justice locally and across the USA. Additional Resources https://www.destroyracism.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareCART/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearecart...

As Executive Director of Inlandia Institute, Cati Porter oversees a special gem in southern California’s Inland Empire. An advocate and supporter of literary arts, Inlandia publishes books and programs that deepen people’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of inland southern California. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Cati discusses her journey into the literary world, Inlandia’s history and growth and what the future holds for the organization. Additional Resources Website: www.inl...

In this episode of SoCal Voices, Angela Ross chats with singer and DJ Myra Washington. Originally from Port Arthur, TX, Myra followed her dreams to come to Los Angeles and pursue a music career. It wasn’t always easy but her tenacity paid off and continues to help her thrive through the pandemic. Additional Resources Myra's Twitter: https://twitter.com/shesingsanddj?lang=en Myra's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesingsanddj/?hl=en Myra's Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MyraWas...

In the final installment of her series on local, self-published, African American authors, Angela Ross speaks with James Otis Harris, author of Corey’s Courtroom. The book is a series of fun stories helping kids resolve conflict, maintain friendships and develop problem-solving skills. Additional Resources Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Adventures-Coreys-Courtroom-Harris/dp/0979927307 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreys_courtroom13/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com...

In the third installment of SoCal Voices’ local African American author series, we meet James Coats, a poet with a deep, abiding love and message to share. Learn more about his work and perspective and what’s coming next for this talented and promising poet. Additional Resources https://www.facebook.com/BigGameJamesC https://www.instagram.com/mrlovingwords/ liftourvoiceseducation@gmail.com Follow SoCal Voices on social media @socalvoices

The second installment in Angela’s series on local African American self-published authors features Monica Woodruff. She brings her lived experience, including her roles in law enforcement and counseling to her writing and shares an inspiring story about the power of saying “no” and “enough,” and focusing on the importance of self-care. Additional Resources https://www.facebook.com/mjoyinc/ https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Monica+woodruff&ref=nb_sb_noss Follow SoCal Voices on social media @socalvo...

Angela kicks off her series on local African American self-published authors with a fun interview with Dwayne Shigg, author of the book EncourageMINTS for Tough Times. Sometimes you need a breath mint; sometimes you need an encourageMINT. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Shigg discusses how his book helps you “go through” so you can “get to.” Additional Resources https://www.facebook.com/dwayne.shigg/ https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dwayne+shigg&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Follow SoCal Voices on social media...

Live music performances? There is almost no such thing during the pandemic. If music lovers have missed attending concerts, musicians have missed performing even more. On this edition of SoCal Voices, electric violinist and vocalist Ginny Luke discusses the future of live music. Additional Resources www.ginny-luke.com @ginnyluke on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube Follow SoCal Voices on social media @socalvoices

As the pandemic continues to claim lives in southern California, many families find themselves scrambling to pay for funeral and burial services. This sudden, unexpected need can leave grieving families more vulnerable to aggressive up-selling and overspending for these services, or force them to rely on others for monetary donations that may not over all costs. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Bishop Jon Harris discusses the importance of purchasing funeral and burial services before they are n...