SoCal Voices

If you’re a young person wondering whether you’ll have to leave Orange County to find a good job, or you’re already thinking about leaving because you can’t afford to stay, this episode of SoCal Voices gets right to that situation. 

Host Angela Ross sits down with Jasmine Pachnanda, Chief Operating Officer of the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County, a coalition bringing business leaders together to strengthen the region’s talent, innovation, and economic opportunity. They talk about the jobs and industries that are actually in Orange County, why so many young people don’t know how to find a path into them, and what local employers and leaders are doing to close that gap. 

If you've been on the fence about whether to leave or stay in Orange County because of work and affordability challenges, this episode might offer some clarity.

Resources

CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County

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Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since changed or become unavailable. 

We’re pretty good at teaching young people how to look successful in Southern California, but are we teaching boys how to become good men? 

That's a question that San Diego's Shaun Dawson has been exploring through his podcast, Raising Men. He pushes back on the idea that masculinity is something boys should either suppress or simply perform. Instead, he talks about courage, responsibility, emotional strength, restraint, and above all, the example being set for the next generation. And in a culture that assigns a lot of importance to image, status, independence, and achievement, what does that approach to masculinity actually look like?

We dive into that and more in this episode of SoCal Voices.

Resources

Raising Men

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Bryan Blackmon is founder of Crab Crew, a community movement born from his journey through hardship, recovery, and service. From couch surfing to building an online and real-world community that reaches people looking for hope, Bryan's story reflects a uniquely Southern California reality, where millions come to reinvent themselves, but where challenges like isolation, addiction, and housing insecurity can test even the strongest among us. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Bryan shares his powerful message of resilience, and how small acts of kindness can transform our lives. His journey may inspire you to make a positive life-changing decision.

Resources

Crab Crew Life

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A lot of the conversation around retirement focuses on having enough money saved to safely step away from the 9-to-5. Money is important but retirement is also about happiness, quality of life, and sense of purpose.

In this episode of SoCal Voices, host Angela Ross sits down with Riverside's Tom Podgorski. He splits his time between hosting the uplifting and inspiring podcast At the Table with Tom Pod  and working as an investment advisor and personal financial planner helping folks prepare for the realities of retirement. He works primarily with educators but the advice he shares is helpful for anyone seeking guidance on navigating life post career. 

Resources

Tom Podgorski's podcast, At the Table with Tom Pod, is available on Spotify.

Learn more about Tom Podgorski's financial planning services at CAtrs Teachers Retirement Services.

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This episode of SoCal Voices features Amen Ikamba, a student at SoCal's Pitzer College, and a rising technologist, data scientist, and civic innovator. She is founder of the fintech platform Pan-African Credit Alliance Network (PACIN), and she's building AI-powered tools that help residents understand public policy. She's also leading technology initiatives that connect students and communities. Ikamba represents a new generation of problem solvers using tech for public good. For Southern Californians navigating everything from education and career opportunities to housing, transportation, and civic engagement, her journey offers valuable lessons on how innovation can help people better understand and thrive in our special corner of the world.

Resources

Visit Amen Ikamba’s website.

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A recent episode of SoCal Voices explored how to better connect with loved ones living with dementia. This episode explores the world of in-home care, and whether it's the right choice for you and your aging loved one.

Susan Dost is president and CEO of Sheridan Care, a Southern California-based in-home care company. Our conversation centers on choosing the right in-home caregiver, how to pay for it, and the policy changes needed to make this care more accessible and affordable.

Resources

Visit Sheridan Care's website.

Stay up-to-date on all things SoCal Voices. Join our email list. In addition to our monthly newsletter and other updates, you'll receive our special audio series, 5 Ways to Live Well in SoCal Without Losing Your Mind, quick tips on managing your SoCal commute, your budget, finding belonging and more delivered right to your inbox.

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Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since changed or become unavailable. 

Across Southern California, hundreds of thousands of people are caring for a loved one with dementia while juggling work, family, and everyday life, often with little support. Angela Fairhurst, Founder and CEO of Geri-Gadgets, is working to change that. In this episode of SoCal Voices, she shares her personal journey, practical resources, and the inspiration behind tools designed to help people living with dementia and their caregivers feel more connected, supported, and understood.

Resources

Visit the Geri-Gadgets website.

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Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since changed or become unavailable. 

In this episode of SoCal Voices we're exploring a powerful new framework for helping neurodiverse and marginalized children thrive -- not by trying to change who they are but by transforming the environments and relationships that surround them. In her book, Heart-Centered Connections: Seven Essential Skills for Helping Neurodiverse and Marginalized Children Thrive, Niki Elliott of the University of San Diego brings together educational neuroscience, nervous-system wellness, and decades of work with educators, parents, and caregivers. We talk about what it really takes to create spaces where every child can feel safe, seen, and able to reach their full potential. 

Resources

Visit Niki Elliott's website.

Learn about the Heart-Centered Connections Practitioners Certificate.

Mindful Leaders Project.

SoCal Voices Bookshelf

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Conventional wisdom says that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are disengaged from society -- that they’ve checked out and don’t really care about reshaping the world around them. But an organization based in Los Angeles is actively and successfully challenging that narrative. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Haley Pollock, Director of Leadership & Mentorship at Legacy Youth Leadership, shares how the organization is developing and nurturing emerging leaders from all walks of life and creating positive community impact across Southern California and beyond.  Get ready to be inspired and learn how you can help them with their mission to build better leaders and a better world. 

Resources

Visit Legacy Youth Leadership's website.

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A college education isn’t the guarantee it once was. Rising tuition costs and growing uncertainty about whether a degree will lead to a stable, well-paying career are prompting many people to rethink what higher education should look like. If college is no longer the only path to success, what needs to change?

In this episode of SoCal Voices, educator and entrepreneur Kalista Combs explores how we can rethink learning, work, and family life by reshaping traditional approaches to workforce development, from skilled trades to AI. It’s a conversation about access, purpose, and creating better pathways forward.

Resources

Visit Kalista Combs' website.

Enjoy this episode? Leave SoCal Voices a 5-Star Review

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Let’s connect:

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Connect with creator and host Angela Ross on LinkedIn.

Support SoCal Voices

Thank you for listening. Support SoCal Voices Podcast. Your contributions help us continue bringing you quality content about navigating life in Southern California. It’s easy! Just click the link below:

Support the show

Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since changed or become unavailable.