OC In Focus

By Saddleback College

OC In Focus is a weekly, half-hour public affairs show that concentrates on important local issues concerning the Orange County and Saddleback College Communities. Hosted and produced by Associate

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FAQs about OC In Focus:

How many episodes does OC In Focus have?

The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.

OC In Focus episodes:

August 19, 2024 Power of Precision: Disaggregating AANHPI Data
What happens when we look closer at the data representing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities? Melodie Bergquist-Turori, a Cook Islands artist and educator, discusses the importance of data disaggregation for underrepresented populations. Breaking down broad racial categories reveals hidden disparities and challenges misconceptions about who falls under the AANHPI umbrella. We also discuss connections between data, language revitalization, and how colonial histories shape modern migration.
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30min
August 01, 2024 From Scientology's Cradle to Independence
What does it take to leave the only world you've ever known? Lara Anderson, born into Scientology's elite Sea Org, shares her journey from indoctrination to independence. This episode explores the mental and physical toll of escaping a cult, the manipulative practice of "auditing" children, and the difference in treatment between celebrity Scientologists and everyday members.
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30min
July 22, 2024 Orange County's Sanctuary of Second Chances
At FarmHouse Rescue, both animals and humans find new purpose. President Danielle Judd shares how this 28-acre Orange County sanctuary transforms rescued animals into healers. In this episode we discuss innovative programs, including a skill-building initiative for adults with disabilities and Smile Cam, which brings joy to hospitalized children through live animal video streams. Healing connections between animals and humans are fostered at the 28-acre haven in Orange County.
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30min
July 15, 2024 Sisterhood, Strength, and Success
Tanya Hutchison, founder of Phenomenal Women, shares her journey from modeling to motherhood to empowering women in Orange County and around the world. This episode explores how women can build strong communities for mutual growth and accountability. Hutchison discusses the Phenomenal Women’s approach to addressing challenges in five key areas: physical, spiritual, vocational, relational, and financial.
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30min
May 28, 2024 Student Advocacy Updates at Saddleback College
Associated student governments serve as the official voice and representative body for the student population, advocating for student interests, and organizing campus events and activities. In this episode, we get updates on campus developments and how ASG is advocating for students. Our guest is Kristian Suazo, the incoming ASG President at Saddleback College. Suazo shares insights from his recent advocacy trip to the ASACC National Student Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C., where student governments championed causes such as increasing Pell Grants, passing the DREAM Act, and reauthorizing the Higher Education Act. Closer to home, Suazo's platform focuses on reopening the campus cafeteria and completing ASG’s menstrual equity initiative.
LINKS
Saddleback ASG
SC Student Development
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30min
May 03, 2024 OC Russian Diaspora Rallying for Peace in Ukraine
Nearly one million Russians have left the country since the start of the war with Ukraine in 2022. In this episode, Karyn Bower and Armand Sicat are joined by Elena Andreeva and Julia Olivares, Russian immigrants and advocates navigating the war's impact on their families and the local Russian community in Orange County and Los Angeles. Andreeva and Olivares are are part of a group organizing rallies for peace to foster community and support for the Russian diaspora and others who oppose the war.
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30min
April 22, 2024 Veterans Benefits and the 2022 PACT Act
The PACT Act of 2022 expanded health care and benefits to veterans with presumptive conditions from exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. With more than four billion dollars already distributed, the PACT Act is a significant milestone in supporting veterans and survivors. This episode of OC In Focus covers the PACT Act, Veterans Resource Centers on college campuses, how veterans can get connected to benefits beyond education, housing, and mental health services. Guests from the Veterans Benefits Administration include Kelandra Anthony (Saddleback College VETS Success Campus Counselor), Imelda Flores (Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor), Emmett O'Meara (LA Regional Director, Veterans Benefits Administration).
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30min
April 06, 2024 Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence and Trafficking
In this episode of OC In Focus, we delve into the critical work of supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Orange County. In this episode we sit down with Dr. Nefta Pereda, Chief Programs Officer at Radiant Futures, an organization working to build safer Orange County communities. Learn how and why their organization is evolving its services to encompass all survivors and addressing the complexities of human trafficking, particularly labor trafficking prevalent in Orange County. We discuss challenges in tracking data, crisis support, and preventative education.
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30min
March 10, 2024 Tackling Orange County's Homelessness Crisis
On this episode of OC In Focus, we delve into the complex issue of homelessness in Orange County. Joined by Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO of Illumination Foundation, we explore the critical need for a comprehensive system of care. Dr. Bhalla sheds light on shelter clinics providing housing and medical respite for those experiencing homelessness. With more than 5,600 people without shelter in Orange County alone, our discussion navigates the growing numbers, including hidden demographics like single women and families. Dr. Bhalla shares insights on the challenges of accessing resources, qualifications for family shelters, and the urgent need for more housing, particularly for vulnerable seniors.
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30min
February 19, 2024 Get Out Alive: Journey from Streets to Success
This week on OC In Focus we’re joined by Steve Cederquist, the author of "Get Out Alive: Inspiring Journey from Streets to Success." From a tumultuous past marked by addiction and crime to becoming an HGTV personality, founder of a renovation design company, and a dedicated philanthropist, Cederquist's story is one of resilience and redemption. Cederquist candidly discusses methods for overcoming adversity, his involvement in community projects and how the trauma of losing custody of his children fueled his determination to change lives, including his own.
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30min

FAQs about OC In Focus:

How many episodes does OC In Focus have?

The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.