Episodios

  • Episode 117 | John Thill, Author, Learning Specialist and Literacy Advocate

    Episode 117 | John Thill, Author, Learning Specialist and Literacy Advocate
    Jul 30 2024
    In yet another excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by John Thill, an author, a learning and development specialist, and a literacy advocate.

    When we say author, we mean storyteller. A story of love, family, California history and how families are made. "A California Love Story" starts in the 1920s with John's grandparents, future husband and wife Ray and Dora and their 205 letters back and forth from Wichita, KS to Oceanside, CA. What we hear from John is how the letters reflect the love between his grandparents, their hopes, their dreams and Ray's incredible optimism about California and Oceanside in particular. John was particularly moved by the promises made by his grandfather to his grandmother as to the life he would give her - and he followed through and ended up building a very succesful real estate company while also serving as Mayor of Oceanside. We also hear why John painstakingly typed out the letters on his IBM Selectric in 1986 as a book for his family. Not only was it inspiring, it was also partly how it handled the grief of losing his grandfather.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, John, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    36 m
  • Episode 116 | Gregory Smith, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District

    Episode 116 | Gregory Smith, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District
    Jul 23 2024
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Gregory Smith, the Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District .

    What a journey. The feeling that Gregory Smith must have when he visits any of the four colleges within the District. The feeling of once having been a community college student to now running four community colleges which serve over 90,000 San Diegans each year. Had it not been for the "entry point" to higher education he enjoyed, he likely would have never graced the campuses of Arizona State and USC.

    We also learn from Gregory the difference in public perception between four-year universities and community colleges, with community colleges enjoying an upward trend. In general, perhaps because of access, affordability, and connection to workforce needs, the San Diego Community College District enjoys a strong public perception.

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Gregory Smith. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • SDCCD has four colleges: City College, Mesa College, San Diego Miramar, and the College for Continuing Education, each offering different programs
    • They became a living wage employer as of January 1, 2024
    • His view that while community colleges have always been culturally responsive, he wants to expand the cultures they are responding to
    • How humility informs their growth plans
    • The growing list of four year degree programs offered by SDCCD, including new ones either coming or under development in cybersecurity, public safety administration, PT Assistant, and possibly nursing
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Gregory, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    32 m
  • Episode 115 | Allison Ohle, Executive Director, Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP)

    Episode 115 | Allison Ohle, Executive Director, Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP)
    Jul 16 2024
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Allison Ohle, the Executive Director of the Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP).

    Listen to Ohle talk about the efforts her group is making to raise the literacy rates in San Diego Unified's elementary schools. The three primary goals of Deep, also known as the Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership, are to support families and community members in preparing young children for kindergarten, guarantee that reading instruction is delivered effectively in schools, and offer additional after-school programs to students who require extra assistance. Deep seeks to establish a thorough support system for literacy development by reducing obstacles for families, allowing parents to serve as their children's first instructors, and giving teachers the tools and training they need. Allison highlights the value of early language development and assists parents in coming up with plans to help their kids become proficient readers.

    Allison draws attention to the achievements of Deep's programs, pointing out that partner schools do better than their peers in the same demographic. She credits the organization's strong community ties and data-driven approach for its success. Deep's work include recruiting community liaisons to cultivate ties with families, decodable books for individual practice, and teacher training and support.

    Hear Allison discuss the importance and value of evidence-based approaches, community engagement, and the conviction that all families and educators are doing the best they can with the tools at their disposal.

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Allison Ohle. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • Deep San Diego focuses on improving literacy rates in elementary schools through community support, effective reading instruction, and additional out-of-school programming.
    • The organization uses a data-driven approach and strong community partnerships to help their partner schools outperform their demographic peers.
    • Key initiatives include training teachers, providing decodable books, and hiring community liaisons to build relationships with families.
    • Allison Ohle emphasizes the importance of early language development and the collective effort of families, teachers, and the community in supporting children's literacy.
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Allison, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    37 m
  • Episode 114 | RaShonne Darling, Children's Book Author, The Curl Girls: Every Curl is Magic

    Episode 114 | RaShonne Darling, Children's Book Author, The Curl Girls: Every Curl is Magic
    Jul 9 2024
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by children's book author RaShonne Darling who published the book, The Curl Girls: Every Curl is Magic. RaShonne was inspired to teach her daughter Olivia to value her natural curls since she wanted straight hair. Four curly-haired superheroes in the story empower Olivia by revealing the magical powers hidden within her curls. RaShonne talks about how she wants the book to help kids embrace who they are and have confidence in themselves. She also shares her plans for more books and goods, like a line of paper dolls.

    RaShonne also discusses her book's impending Spanish version, honoring her varied ethnic upbringing. She uses her own experiences as a multiracial child to highlight the value of representation and self-love. RaShonne emphasizes the value of volunteering and community involvement by sharing her experience juggling a full-time job, writing, and book promotion.

    The episode concludes with RaShonne encouraging others to recognize and harness their unique abilities to make a positive impact. She reflects on the importance of representation in literature and how her book can help children feel seen and valued. RaShonne's dedication to creating empowering stories for children is evident, and she hopes to inspire others to fill gaps they see in their communities, just as she has done with her books.

    RaShonne encourages others to acknowledge and use their special talents to have a positive influence as the episode comes to a close. She considers the value of representation in literature and the ways in which her book might provide kids a sense of belonging and recognition. RaShonne's commitment to telling children's stories that are uplifting is clear, and she believes that by doing so, her books will encourage people to close the gaps they observe in their communities.

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with RaShonne Darling. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • The story features curly-haired superheroes who reveal the magical powers of their curls. RaShonne plans to expand this concept with future books and related merchandise, such as a paper doll series, to further promote empowerment among children.
    • RaShonne is working on a Spanish translation of her book, reflecting her diverse cultural background and aiming to reach and resonate with a broader audience, particularly the Spanish-speaking community.
    • RaShonne emphasizes the importance of community involvement and volunteerism.
    • RaShonne stresses the importance of filling gaps in communities and creating resources that help children feel seen, valued, and empowered.
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, RaShonne, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.
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    27 m
  • Episode 113 | Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President, California State University San Marcos

    Episode 113 | Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President, California State University San Marcos
    Jun 25 2024
    In yet another great episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, the President of CSU San Marcos, one of the top universities in the country for social mobility. To be more specific, Dr. Neufeldt leads a university ranked in the top 1% nationally in supporting students as they move up in life, change their own story arc, become role models for their families, all while lifting communities.

    Speaking of social mobility, we hear from Dr. Neufeldt of her own upward ascent. Her Dad was first in his family to head to college and in only one generation, she now finds herself leading a university. Quite a story. No doubt why she loves leading a university with 16,000+ students, 70% of whom are students of color, 55% are first generation to college, and 80% stay in the community after graduation. Talk about the impact on lives, generations, and communities!

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Dr. Ellen Neufeldt. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • The growing relationship with the city of Temecula, where they maintain a site
    • The embrace of community engagement with the various regional Economic Development agencies
    • The joy and importance of doing campus tours with third graders
    • The true lifetime economic value of a college degree - 88% higher earnings!
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.
    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Dr. Neufeldt, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    33 m
  • Episode 112 | Carrie Scott, Vice Chair, San Diego Council on Literacy

    Episode 112 | Carrie Scott, Vice Chair, San Diego Council on Literacy
    Jun 16 2024
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Carrie Scott, a longtime champion of literacy and the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the San Diego County on Literacy. And it all happened for Carrie somewhat serendipitously - she saw a sign looking for volunteers to help folks learn how to read and she decided to use the payphone and call them! The rest is history.

    The conversation centered around the importance of education and literacy in San Diego, particularly in bridging gaps in education and addressing racial and wealth disparities. Heavily emphasized was the significance of literacy skills for adult learning and personal growth, and highlighted the need for workplaces to adapt to changing job requirements. They also shared personal anecdotes and success stories to underscore the impact of literacy education on individuals, while expressing concern about the ability of some learners to read and providing permission for help. Overall, the conversation emphasized the value of teaching literacy skills and fostering good reading habits. For Carrie, we learn it all began with "Hop on Pop" by Dr. Seuss!

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Carrie Scott. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:


    • The importance of lifelong learning in the face of technological advancements like AI
    • The important role the workplace can play in building foundational skills and adaptability
    • Literacy has a direct impact on the ability to participate fully in life, including parenting, work, and healthcare
    • Literacy challenges and the connection to mental health and personal growth
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Carrie, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    36 m
  • Episode 111 | Cheryl Morrow, CEO, California Curls, Founder, San Diego Monitor News Network

    Episode 111 | Cheryl Morrow, CEO, California Curls, Founder, San Diego Monitor News Network
    Jun 10 2024
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Cheryl Morrow, a San Diego Community Activist, CEO of California Curls, and the Founder of the San Diego Monitor News Network. She talks about her varied pursuits and her opinions on social concerns. In fact, Cheryl's podcasts are all dedicated to dispelling falsehoods. She draws attention to the book "Imperial Leather," which examines the psychological and historical dimensions of oppression, with a focus on gender dynamics. Cheryl finds the book's explanations of how cultural standards have evolved to oppress women to be incredibly fascinating and instructive.

    The significant linkages that exist between conversations about Afro hair and more general concerns of freedom and cultural expression are highlighted by Cheryl's talk. She describes how the Afro hairstyle evolved into a representation of greater social acceptance and individual independence once it was incorporated into military standards. Cheryl demonstrates how seemingly specialized cultural issues may have a global resonance and have unanticipated effects on a variety of populations.

    When talking about her own path, Cheryl considers carrying on her parents' legacy and her changing position as a stakeholder in the community. In contrast to traditional activism, she characterizes her approach as solution-focused and emphasizes the role of the private sector in resolving public challenges. Cheryl thinks the private sector can frequently solve societal issues more quickly and effectively by eschewing the traps of self-interest and bureaucracy.

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Cheryl Morrow. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • The three podcasts that Cheryl Morrow hosts - all about Afro hair - focus on dispelling and breaking down societal myths.
    • Cheryl talks about the important book "Imperial Leather," which examines the psychological and historical aspects of oppression, especially as they relate to gender dynamics.
    • Cheryl highlights the wider ramifications of conversations over Afro hair, emphasizing how acceptance of the Afro hairstyle represents more general themes of ethnic expression and independence.
    • In order to address societal challenges more quickly and effectively, Cheryl advocates for the commercial sector to become involved. Her approach to activism is centered on collaboration and finding solutions.
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Cheryl, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    40 m
  • Episode 110 | Zach Hebert, AI Tech Consultant

    Episode 110 | Zach Hebert, AI Tech Consultant
    Jun 3 2024
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Zach Hebert, a friend with a unique educational and personal journey. Zach has a very high IQ even though he struggles greatly with reading and was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. He describes how these difficulties had an impact on his education and caused him to repeatedly drop out of high school and college. Zach overcame these obstacles to pursue a non-traditional career path and found joy in creating his own position as an event planner at a grocery store. His narrative highlights the value of accepting one's capabilities and choosing a career path that fits one's interests and skills.

    After that, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is brought up, and Zach discusses how AI and human intellect may work together. In order to emphasize the significance of keeping up with technological changes, he draws attention to the evolution of computer literacy into smartphone literacy and, more recently, AI literacy. Zach contends that since AI may improve human abilities, it should be viewed as a partner rather than an enemy. He busts myths around artificial intelligence, highlighting the fact that, despite its shortcomings, knowledge of and use of its advantages is essential for success in the future.

    Zach's free courses, which seek to demystify AI and provide people useful skills, demonstrate his commitment to teaching others about the technology. He gives examples of how AI may be applied to jobs like creating excellent grant submissions, which can aid organizations in more effectively obtaining financing. In order to keep ahead of the curve, he urges listeners to embrace AI and look for educational opportunities. Zach's observations provide a progressive viewpoint on incorporating AI into day-to-day activities, demonstrating his dedication to assisting society in navigating the challenges of the digital era.

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Zach Hebert. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • The relationship between mental health issues and high intellect, pointing out that many people with high intelligence also experience mental health issues such as ADHD.
    • How pace and deep thinking, which help him keep mental clarity and order his thoughts, are some of his personal coping techniques for dealing with ADHD and mental health.
    • The importance of individualized education plans (IEPs) for kids facing particular difficulties, promoting more specialized teaching methods that take emotional and psychological requirements into account.
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Zach, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    36 m