In this season finale of Remember Why You’re Here, your host Crystal Cardenas turns the spotlight to our producer, Emma Zornes, to kick off 2025. What were the standout moments, and how do they really feel about each other? This lighthearted and candid discussion reflects on the season and so much more. Tune in and enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the podcast to close out this incredible season!

To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podcast/. 

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Emma Zornes at [email protected] 

Music: Walk Together by Olexy

Free download: https://pixabay.com/music/search/walk%20together/

In this episode, host Crystal Cardenas chats with Bea Yorker, a psychiatric nurse specializing in child and adolescent mental health, with a background in law. They discuss the challenges of diagnosing Munchausen by Proxy, an often complex and misunderstood disorder. Bea also shares information about her upcoming training on the topic, “Munchausen by Proxy and Medical Child Abuse: Updates for Interdisciplinary Practice,” which is set to take place on January 26th at the CAPSAC Pre-Conference in San Diego. 

Learn more about the CAPSAC Pre-Conference and register here: https://www.capsac.org/events

To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podcast/. 

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Emma Zornes at [email protected]

In this episode, join CIR’s Executive Director, Natalie Perkins, as she shares the challenges of running a nonprofit and her journey as a mother of a transgender daughter. Our host, Crystal Cardenas, opens up conversations about parenting struggles, the importance of open communication, and the value of learning and growing from mistakes. Please listen to this extra personal and touching episode.

Are you inspired by this episode? Donate Directly to the ALLY For Parents Project for this Giving Tuesday! With your donation, we will be able to create educational content to guide parents and guardians with supporting their LGBTQ+ children. Donate at cirinc.org/donate.

To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podcast/. 

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Emma Zornes at [email protected]

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Crystal is joined by Cari Teran, Founder and CEO of Healing to You and Vice-Chair of the California Child Abduction Task Force. Cari has extensive experience working with children affected by complex trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and abduction. In this episode, Cari shares her journey and the inspiration for starting California’s only nonprofit providing mobile medical and mental health services for survivors of abuse and assault. She opens up about her own experience navigating the weight of generational trauma and healing from an abusive relationship. Together, they discuss common misconceptions about domestic violence, how to identify unhealthy versus abusive relationships, and the barriers to leaving an abusive relationship. 

Disclaimer: The following podcast episode discusses topics related to domestic violence. Please be advised that the content may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Your well-being is important, and support is available. Please take care and prioritize your safety and mental health while engaging with this content.

To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at ⁠cirinc.org/podcast/⁠. 

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Emma Zornes at [email protected] 

Music: Walk Together by Olexy 

In this episode, Laura Lecave, an inspiring social activist and advocate for equity and diversity, and the Bilingual & Bicultural Programs Manager at Positive Images, shares her insights on suicide prevention and the importance of collective healing. With her extensive background in early childhood education and a deep passion for community empowerment, Laura sheds light on creating inclusive environments and amplifying marginalized voices. 

Are you inspired by this topic? CIR hopes to create a free online course dedicated to helping parents of LGBTQ+ youth understand and navigate the changes in their child's life with acceptance and liberation! To read more about the ALLY For Parents Project and donate today, please visit our website: https://cirinc.org/donate/donateally.html

To learn more about Positive Images, visit: https://www.posimages.org/

To access this episode’s transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podcast/

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Emma Zornes at [email protected]

In this episode, host Crystal Cardenas sits down with Meri McCoy-Thompson, Executive Director of Dovetail Learning, to explore their innovative approach to social-emotional learning, which emphasizes enhancing adult resilience to better support children. Tune in for a conversation filled with valuable perspectives and practical strategies aimed at creating lasting positive change.

To learn more about Dovetail Learning and to order their latest book, “The Heart of Resilience: Nurturing your Inner Strength for a Joyful Life”,  please visit dovetaillearning.org. 

To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podcast/. 

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Emma Zornes at [email protected]

In this episode, Crystal engages in a thought-provoking discussion with teachers Rochelle Anderson and Jose Ocegueda about their journeys into education. They explore the intricate balance between addressing students’ academic needs and their social-emotional well-being. Rochelle, who has moved from the classroom to a district-level role centered on social-emotional learning, offers insights into the broader implementation of the SEL curriculum. Jose shares his diverse experiences teaching at both a continuation high school and a traditional comprehensive high school. The conversation includes creating safe and supportive classroom environments, building meaningful relationships with students, and navigating the myriad demands and pressures of the teaching profession.

To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podcast/

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Emma Zornes at [email protected]

Music: Walk Together by Olexy

Free download: https://pixabay.com/music/search/walk%20together/

In this episode, Taquelia Washington talks with our host, Crystal Cardenas about what it looks like to truly confront racism and embody "radicle" change from the root up. A queer black woman entrepreneur, Taquelia has worked with both non-profit and for-profit organizations to shift their cultures into one that moves beyond diversity-equity-inclusivity training and into relational building between coworkers and with their superiors. Listen to this episode to learn how workplaces can purify their soils of toxic traits in order for healthy roots to grow.

To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podcast/

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Emma Zornes at [email protected]

Music: Walk Together by Olexy

Free download: https://pixabay.com/music/search/walk%20together/

For this special pride episode, Aimee speaks with a very special guest, Kimi Barbosa (she/her/ella). Kimi is the executive director of Positive Images in Sonoma County—an LGBTQIA2+ center that is doing incredible things. In this conversation, these two queers talk about liberation in storytelling, how nature is inherently trans, inclusive futures, mutual aid, reclaiming power and navigating the non-profit sector as baddies that want social justice and equity for all. You won't want to miss this super special (and very queer) episode!

To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podcast/

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Aimee at [email protected]

Music: Walk Together by Olexy

Free download: https://pixabay.com/music/search/walk%20together/

Learn from from Monica on June 14th, 2024 online about the basics of polyvagal theory. Polyvagal theory will teach you, as an inherently social being, on how to improve your interpersonal relationships whether its professional or personal.

For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Aimee at [email protected]

Music: Walk Together by Olexy

Free download: https://pixabay.com/music/search/walk%20together/