Demi and Dad

In this episode my dad and I are joined by Michelle Pius, the chief development officer at Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Fresh Start is a nonprofit that provides medical care to children in need of reconstructive surgery, at no cost to the families. Michelle talks about some of the ways that Fresh Start is able to provide free medical services to kids, such as charitable donations and volunteer medical staff. Michelle also talks about how children with physical deformities have been greatly affected by COVID-19, both medically and psychologically.

In this episode my dad and I are joined by Mary-Ellen Barrett and Stacey Williams. Mary-Ellen is a district attorney who works diligently in San Diego County to combat human sex trafficking. Stacey Williams is the director of Human Trafficking Prevention Programs at PCI (Project Concern International). Mary-Ellen and Stacey join my dad and I to address one of San Diego's biggest public health crises-Human Sex Trafficking. Both women talk about how COVID-19 has made it easier for sex traffickers to exploit children by moving to online spaces and using social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok. Mary-Ellen and Stacey talk about PCI's youth programs which educate kids on how to identify the warning signs of sex trafficking and how to develop stronger emotional wellness skills. This show also discusses common misconceptions about human sex trafficking, the affect that trafficking has on survivors' ability to develop vocational skills, as well as drug and substance use and abuse.

In this episode my dad and I keep it light-hearted given the tumultuous times in election history. Dad and I discuss some of our favorites if you are looking to have some fun while staying at home-favorite movies, favorite food and coffee joints, etc. Come listen if you need a break from election talk to unwind and are looking to add to your movie collection or need some takeout grub suggestions!

In this episode I interview my dad on overcoming hardships. My dad talks about losing his eyesight and how this ultimately inspired him to make a difference in his community. He discusses the brain surgery that I underwent as a baby and and how this affected him as a father. My dad also talks about his recent experience with treating kidney cancer and how not only receiving medical care but cultivating HOPE is contributing to his healing.

*This episode contains material that may be distressing to some listeners, such as substance abuse, depression, and suicide.

In this episode, my dad and I are joined by Elliot Reinecke, creator of Steady State Roasting Co and California Roasting Collective, and his partner Len Geiger, plant conservationist and member of the International Palm Society. Elliot and Len explain the origin story of their friendship which ultimately led to their partnership in California Roasting and their accompanying café, which is award-winning and one of the highest rated in San Diego County. In this episode, Elliot and Len discuss the C Market (coffee commodity market), the relationship between roasters and coffee farmers, sustainability and the impact that global warming and coffee roasting has on the rainforests, and much more. To learn more about the roastery and their accompanying café, click here: https://www.steadystateroasting.com/pages/our-story.

In this episode my dad and I share our favorite books with each other.

In this episode my dad and I are joined by Don Bell and Gail Jacobson, two pioneer members of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a world peace organization that is based on Nichiren Buddhism. Gail and Don discuss conflict resolution, culture, and education. Don and Gail share how they discovered Buddhism and how the SGI has contributed to a more peaceful world through direct dialogue, religious tolerance, and political change.

In this episode my dad and I are joined by Anthony Lombardi, public speaker and family business expert. Anthony is the owner of Lombardi Family Office, which you can find here: https://www.teamlombardi.com. Anthony joins us to talk about entrepreneurship, how to create successful businesses, and how to live the life YOU want. Anthony recently created a mini-series, "A Faster Horse," which is about these topics. You can find this series here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/9/gqgowfm:

In this episode my dad and I are joined by Leah DiBernardo, co-owner and chef of E.A.T Marketplace in Old Town Temecula. Leah explains how she is paving the way for cleaner, more sustainable eating in her community and how she is encouraging relationships between local farmers and consumers. She explains why seniors have difficulty accessing meals and how limited food access has been exacerbated due to the pandemic. Leah discusses the meal program that she works with which supports seniors. She discusses immunity and how to prevent illness, senior care, farm-to-table eating, and cooking at home.