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CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse and may therefore be upsetting to some listeners.
What does it take to rise from a life filled with hardships to one of success and inspiration? On this episode of the Hangout Podcast, we are joined by Erica Alfaro. Erica opens up about her childhood spent between Tijuana and San Diego, grappling with language barriers and the challenges of teen motherhood, before finding the courage to change her life's trajectory inspired by her parents’ unwavering support.
In this heartfelt episode, Erica shares her transformative journey from fearing public speaking to commanding international stages with authenticity and passion. Her encounter with Toastmasters becomes a pivotal chapter, illustrating how embracing one's true self can lead to unexpected opportunities and profound personal growth. As we reflect on the themes of resilience and perseverance, Erica’s story serves as a powerful reminder that adversity can indeed be a stepping stone to greatness.
Check out Erica’s book Harvesting Dreams: https://a.co/d/hQoPziQ
To learn more about Erica and to book a speaking engagement visit her website: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ericaalfaro.com/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwj40IDK4OmJAxW_FDQIHR-sFxEQFnoECB8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3T-7eucYKBbAeC_Czn9we2 -
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What if one moment could change your entire career path? Dr. Kwane Stewart, founder of Project Street Vet, shares how a chance encounter outside a 7-Eleven transformed his life and his career as a veterinarian. Dr. Stewart found new purpose in providing medical care to the pets of unhoused individuals. Listen to learn more about Dr. Stewart's inspirational journey!
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Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes is the founder of Los Patojos, an educational organization in Guatemala. He is also a teacher and organizer within the organization. Juan Pablo was honored as a top 10 CNN Hero in 2014. Juan Pablo and Dr. Sciarretta discuss a wide range of topics including pedagogical approaches, reflections on traveling across the world visiting schools, the role of his family and parents, the love he has for his homeland in Guatemala, and much more.
Content Warning: This episode contains some adult language and adult themes.
This is a re-release of one of our most popular episodes. -
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Hedy Chang is the Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works. A 1986 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Hedy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion about the intricate tapestry of factors that influence why students may not make it to class. Her Chinese American background and family legacy of activism provide a rich context as we discuss her dedication to unraveling the complexities of chronic absenteeism—an issue that's foundational to achieving justice in our education system.
This is a re-release of a popular episode, one that is particularly timely as millions of children in the U.S. are back in school for the Fall semester.
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Join us for an illuminating conversation with my brother, Peter Sciarretta, who shares his transformative journey from a 30-year teaching career to the world of life coaching. You'll uncover the nuances of life coaching, how it stands apart from traditional guidance like parental advice or mentorship, and the structured paths to becoming a certified coach.
To learn more, visit Peter's website or his Instagram page @Peter_thecoach. To get in touch with Peter, email him at [email protected]. -
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Back by poplar demand for your late summer 2024 listening pleasure! Tommy Gomes is a fourth-generation San Diegan, retired commercial fisherman, business owner, and star of The Fish Monger, the #1 show on the Outdoor Channel. Dr. Sciarretta and Tommy talk about fishing, climate change, reflections on growing up today compared to 50 years ago, life lessons, education, and much more.
Read more about Tommy and The Fish Monder in this San Diego Magazine article: https://bit.ly/41h3r8z
Watch The Fish Monger: https://www.outdoorchannel.com/show/fishmonger/388571 -
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Richard Barrera on his third visit to the Superintendent's Hangout. Richard opens up about the financial strategies and hurdles within the San Diego Unified School District, from dealing with budget deficits to the philosophy of prioritizing student needs over building reserves. We also delve into controversial issues such as banning cell phones on school campuses. Richard is a veteran school board member and renowned expert on educational leadership.
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In this episode, Dr. Sciarretta sat down with Young Abulencia and Buddy Gessel, two architects from the DLR Group. Young and Buddy talk about their careers and their work at DLR, while sharing fascinating insights that add dimension to common perceptions of architectural work.
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Check out this inspiring episode, back by popular demand for your late summer 2024 listening pleasure! Felicia Rangel-Samponaro is one of the founders of The Sidewalk School, an NGO (non-governmental organization) focusing on providing education to asylum-seeking families and children at the US/Mexico border. In this wide-ranging interview, Felicia spoke about curricular design, hiring certificated teachers who are also asylum seekers, the racism she faces, the role of government policy, and much more.
Learn more about The Sidewalk School and donate here: www.sidewalkschool.org
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Check out this summer 2024 re-release of a conversation with one of our most engaging and influential guests! Dr. Pedro Noguera is Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education. Dr. Noguera recounts his ascent from the streets of Brooklyn to the pinnacle of educational thought leadership. Feel the pulse of our nation's schools through his eyes, as we uncover the deep-seated challenges and innovative solutions that define today’s educational landscape. With Dr. Noguera's astute insights, this episode promises a powerful exploration into the heart of what can make or break the future of young learners, especially those who are most vulnerable.
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Armand King, a TEDx speaker and founder of Lawrich Consulting LLC, is living proof that resilience and mentorship can turn one's life around. In this episode, we share Armand's raw and gripping journey from facing gang violence in Spring Valley, CA to becoming a powerful advocate for at-risk youth. Listen as we trace the shift in urban youth culture from the late '80s to today, considering how social media and changing societal values have shaped the realities of young people. Armand brings a wealth of insight, reflecting on his personal experiences. His narrative isn't just about survival; it's about transformation.
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Luci Fowers has dedicated her career to education. In this episode, Lucy details her journey from a small town in Utah to her work as a teacher and then charter school pioneer in California. Listen to hear more about Luci’s perspective on establishing strong school communities and much more!
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Here is one of our most popular episodes, back by popular demand for your summer 2024 listening enjoyment! CONTENT WARNING: The following episode contains discussions of physical and sexual abuse, violence, eating disorders, and other mature content. Parental guidance is strongly recommended.
Jesse Leon is the author of his recently released memoir, I’m Not Broken. The bestselling author of The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros says "I’m Not Broken is a book for survivors and those who know someone they hope survives, bodhisattvas all." In this episode, Jesse talks about his memoir, his work as a Social Impact Consultant, and the many philanthropic ventures he works on connecting private and public institutions.
Learn more about Jesse and his memoir I’m Not Broken
Watch Jesse’s TEDx Talk: Sex Trafficking: The Lost Boys
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As part of our 2024 summer recap, back by popular demand here is one of our most popular episodes! Retired DEA special agent Rocky Herron has embraced a new challenge an anti-drug and alcohol ambassador for the San Diego County Office of Education. Rocky joins us to unravel a gripping story of his transition from the front lines of the drug war to the classrooms of San Diego County and beyond (he’s delivered his message to students in 17 countries) where he's on a mission to shield future generations from substance abuse. The conversation journeys through his personal evolution, revealing the real-life impact of narcotics on communities, the cross-border ramifications of the fentanyl crisis, and the crucial and often overlooked role of drug education in schools.
Learn more about Rocky.
Read a story about Rocky in the San Diego Union-Tribune. -
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Back by popular demand, here is a re-run of one of most popular episodes! Zachary Tong has set his sights on setting four world records for solo unsupported ocean rowing, crossing both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in one calendar year starting on January 1, 2025. We discuss his inspiration and preparation for this incredible journey in this wide-ranging interview. Connect with Zach on Instagram: https://instagram.com/hermosazachFollow Zach’s journey from his website: https://hermosaoffshore.com Articles on Zach:https://bit.ly/3Gstp0V https://bit.ly/3KI76XA
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In case you missed this episode when it was originally released, we are sharing it again as a summer special. Prepare to be challenged and inspired as we dive headfirst into the world of education with none other than the world-renowned Professor Sugata Mitra. Known for his pioneering "hole in the wall" experiment, Mitra's insights into the power of peer teaching, the role of AI, and the necessity of forward-thinking education are set to revolutionize the way we think about learning. His experience with minimally invasive education introduces a fresh perspective on the value of technology in our classrooms and our lives.
Learn more about Sugata Mitra
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Dr. Susan Lewallen and her husband Dr. Paul Courtright have devoted their careers to providing eye care to underserved communities in Africa. Listen to learn more about their inspiring work and unique life stories.
Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology -
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In this episode, we hear from Ben Frahm, a screenwriter and professor at Syracuse University (who also happens to be David's cousin). Listen to learn more about Ben's experience in the world of screenwriting and the practical and theoretical knowledge that guides his own work and that of his students.
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Antonio Torres, one of the founders of the Community Plate Initiative, joins us to share his profound journey from early community service to launching an innovative nonprofit in San Diego during the pandemic. Antonio opens up about CPI, which distributes high-quality, nutritious meals to unhoused communities in San Diego, and addresses the challenges and creative solutions involved in sustaining such a vital project. To learn more about the Community Plate Initiative, visit their website.
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Imagine transforming a childhood wonder for Legos into orchestrating major school revitalization projects—that's the journey Lee Dulgeroff, Senior Executive Director for Facilities Planning and Construction at San Diego Unified School District, shares with us. Lee's path from tinkering with building blocks to leading immense educational infrastructure initiatives is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Join us as we unpack the dedication it takes to turn nostalgic play into the kind of professional drive that levels the societal playing field through education.
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