Today we talk with Leonardo Bonett, a seasoned journalist who spent an extraordinary 40 years working for Voice of America (VOA), and had just retired this last march 2025. Voice of America is a government-funded international broadcaster that, for over eight decades, served as one of the most trusted and influential voices in global journalism. Our conversation traces the arc of VOA’s unique role in the world: a broadcaster committed to telling the truth, regardless of political pressure, and a key player in U.S. “soft diplomacy.” With a presence in over 40 languages and listeners spanning the globe, VOA earned its reputation not by pushing propaganda, but by offering fact-based reporting to regions often starved for independent news. We explore how VOA was born out of the Second World War as a response to Nazi propaganda, pledging from the start to tell the truth — good or bad. That commitment to journalistic integrity became its enduring legacy. Over the decades, VOA’s mission aligned with American ideals of transparency, press freedom, and democratic values, acting as a bridge between cultures and as a platform for voices too often silenced in their own countries. Our guest brings us his perspectives about VOA, and [...]

Join us for a special conversation with Van Le — a remarkable community volunteer, school board member, small business owner, refugee, and proud leader within the local Vietnamese community. Van Le shares her powerful story of escaping Saigon during the historic events of April 30, 1975, known as the Fall of Saigon. This moving interview is part of our commemoration of the 50th anniversary of “Black April”, a solemn day of remembrance for millions of Vietnamese around the world. Black April marks the painful fall of South Vietnam and honors the resilience, sacrifices, and new beginnings of Vietnamese refugees. The Fall of Saigon marked the official end of the Vietnam War, as North Vietnamese forces captured the capital of South Vietnam. After years of brutal conflict, the South Vietnamese government collapsed, leading to widespread fear and chaos. In the final days, desperate evacuations took place, with thousands fleeing by air and sea. This historic event triggered one of the largest refugee movements in modern history, as hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people sought safety and a new life abroad, many eventually settling in the United States. Van Le is not only a pillar in our community — she is also the founder of San Jose’s Lantern Festival and the organizer for this [...]

I had the pleasure of sitting down again with Urs Leonhardt Steiner, the Swiss-born conductor and founder of the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, a truly unique and inspiring musical ensemble based in San Francisco. For over 33 years, this orchestra has been more than a performance group — it’s been a community mission. Urs has a gift for making classical music feel alive and relevant. He talks to the audience during presentations in both English and Spanish, making sure audiences from all backgrounds feel welcome and engaged. At every concert, he shares the stories behind the music, offering context that makes even the most complex works approachable and meaningful. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Golden Gate Symphony is its inclusive structure: about half of the musicians are professionals, and the other half are highly talented non-professionals who bring the same level of passion and excellence. This is by design — the orchestra’s mission has always been to open the world of music to everyone, not just the elite. And that mission extends to the audience, too. Every concert includes free tickets for Spanish-speaking families and local community members, making world-class music accessible to neighbors who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Mark your calendars for [...]

Welcome, everyone! I’m thrilled to have Supervisor Cindy Chavez with us today. Cindy is someone who has dedicated her life to serving the very community she grew up in – right here in Santa Clara County, the city of San José and the San Francisco Bay Area. Coming from a working-class family, Cindy brings a down-to-earth perspective and a tireless work ethic that resonates with so many of us in this area. Her journey is inspiring. She started at San José State University, where her commitment to community and social justice took root, leading her toward a career tackling real issues that impact people’s lives, like health, transportation, and education. From her time at the South Bay Labor Council to her leadership on the Board of Supervisors, she’s made a real impact on the landscape of Silicon Valley. As an advocate for wage equality she has pushed policies that support working families. She was instrumental in recognizing the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in 2020, initiatives that help empower more voices in our community. Supervisor Chavez has also addressed some of the most critical issues in the county, from establishing the Intimate Partner Violence Blue Ribbon Commission to [...]

A few months ago, I had the immense honor of meeting and interviewing Rigoberta Menchú Tum, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and K’iche’ Mayan activist, during an event hosted by Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Américas (CANA) in San Francisco. This encounter was originally aired live on my radio show, bringing her words and wisdom to the airwaves. Now, I’m excited to share the podcast version of this experience, in both Spanish and English, thanks to a live translation. It was a bilingual event, and now with the podcast here it is, another layer of accessibility for those who might have missed the live radio broadcast. Rigoberta Menchú Tum’s life story is one of profound resilience and unwavering dedication to social justice. Born in 1959 in the Guatemalan highlands, Rigoberta’s advocacy work was shaped by her personal experiences during the Guatemalan Civil War, which resulted in the genocide of nearly 150,000 Mayans. Tragically, her family was among the victims, with her brother, mother, and father being tortured and murdered by government forces. she later transformed her pain into action, becoming an international advocate for Indigenous rights, human rights, and peace. Her commitment to these causes earned her the Nobel [...]

I’m thrilled to introduce a very special guest and longtime friend of our show, Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, a brilliant artist whose contributions to the Bay Area’s music scene over the past 20 years have been nothing short of transformative. Martha is a true Renaissance woman—an acclaimed singer, flutist, conductor, and producer who has brought Latin American folk, classical, and contemporary music to new audiences. Her dedication to her craft and her culture has earned several recognitions, including being named a “Luminary” by the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco and “Excelencia Latina” by LAM and Mundo Fox. For those who have followed her career, Martha is not just an extraordinary musician but also a powerful advocate for community engagement. She serves as Director of several Neighborhood Choirs for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities, and leads the Coro de Cámara and Mariachi CMC. Her passion for inclusivity through music has transformed how people from diverse backgrounds connect with the arts. Today, we’re especially excited to talk about her long-standing work with the San Francisco Symphony, where she curates the annual Día de los Muertos event—a vibrant celebration that brings together art, music, and culture to honor one of the most cherished traditions [...]

In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, a tireless advocate for educational equity and the Deputy Director of Californians Together. Xilonin’s journey from her roots as a fifth-generation resident of Azusa, CA, and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, to leadership in statewide education advocacy is inspiring. With over two decades of experience serving on the Azusa Unified School District Board of Education, her passion for supporting all students, particularly English learners, shines through in every aspect of her work. We’ll dive into the mission of Californians Together, a powerful statewide coalition dedicated to improving education for the 1.1 million English learners in California. Through promoting equitable educational policies, this organization strives to create better opportunities and outcomes for a community that has often been overlooked. As we explore the challenges and victories in advocating for these students, Xilonin will share how they work on literacy policy with a student-centered approach, ensuring that teaching methods are responsive to the unique needs of English learners. Xilonin’s rich personal history and professional expertise give her a deep understanding of the barriers faced by immigrant and refugee students. She dedicated her career to providing educators with the tools [...]

Today, we conversation with Rodrigo Duran, the Executive Director of Carnaval San Francisco. Rodrigo Ehecatl Durán, a proud San Franciscan and the son of Mexican immigrants, and he had work for years to BIPOC cultures in the city. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Communications from UC San Diego and a Master’s in Public Administration from San Francisco State University, with a focus on Nonprofit Management, Rodrigo leads the charge in making Carnaval San Francisco the biggest and most vibrant multicultural bash in California. He is also a Commissioner for the city for the Human Rights Commission , one of 11 appointed by the Mayor to represent the diverse human rights interests of the City of San Francisco. Carnaval San Francisco isn’t just big community party; it’s about honoring the rich tapestry of Latinx, Caribbean, and African Diaspora cultures that make San Francisco sparkle. Through dance, music, art, and community education, they create spaces where diversity isn’t just celebrated—it’s cherished. It started as a local representation of the international Carnaval, on fat Tuesday, but with the weather impediments of February in San Francisco, evolved in to a beginning of summer tradition, with its own personality.  Now in its fourth decade, Carnaval [...]

Today we have a conversation with Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). ​ Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, has served in education for over 33 years. Her work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serve the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission that is centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. Dr. Dewan is a strong advocate for the expansion of early learning services, health, and education, and believes in providing each and every child opportunities that promote high quality, equitable, and inclusive experiences. ​ The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. They directly serve students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 21 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.​ The Office of the Superintendent provides support to the County Office, school districts and other educational agencies. [...]

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Maestro Urs Leonhardt Steiner, a musical maestro whose journey spans continents and cultures. Originally from the quaint town of Chur, Switzerland, Steiner’s musical roots run deep, having studied at esteemed institutions like the University of Tübingen and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse. But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and across the pond. Leading the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra in captivating performances, Steiner’s baton has danced across stages from Europe to Central America. Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse. But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and [...]