Stop & Talk

Katelyn Woodside is the Executive Director of the VAPA Foundation, a nonprofit bringing transformative arts education into San Diego’s public schools. A classically trained violinist, longtime educator, and nonprofit leader, Katelyn is advancing a bold vision: healing through expressive arts. Her organization’s award-winning proposal will train teaching artists in expressive arts therapy and place them in 25 schools across the county—reaching nearly 5,000 students with creative tools for connection, confidence, and well-being. 

This special episode of Stop and Talk was recorded LIVE at the Prebys Sparx Awards Breakfast, where the VAPA Foundation was honored as the grand prize recipient. Katelyn is joined by four outstanding Sparx honorable mention awardees—A Reason to Survive, Coastal Roots Farm, United Women of East Africa, and Youth Creating Change—each bringing powerful, place-based solutions to the youth mental health crisis. 

This Episode: 
What if the future of youth mental health isn’t found solely in clinics, but in classrooms, farms, and community spaces led by artists, mentors, and culture keepers? 

With a growing youth mental health crisis and a shortage of clinical providers, communities are turning to innovative, non-clinical interventions rooted in creativity, culture, and nature. The Sparx award celebrates scalable, collaborative ideas that empower youth with agency and well-being outside the traditional healthcare system. 

In this episode, Grant speaks with the five Sparx awardees. Together, they share how their work is rooted in cultural identity, creativity, and community connection—meeting young people where they are, and building healing from the ground up. Their work highlights how healing happens when we invest in the assets already rooted in our neighborhoods. 

Key Moments: 

• [6:38] Grant introduces the vision behind the Sparx Award and prize philanthropy 
• [19:10] Katelyn shares how VAPA’s idea evolved through deep collaboration 
• [23:58] Training artists to heal: the scale and ripple effect of their model 
• [33:56] Honorable mentions present their work: A Reason To Survive (ARTS), Coastal Roots Farm, United Women of East Africa (UWEAST), and Youth Creating Change 
• [43:17] Stan Collins (Youth Creating Change) on equipping youth with emotional literacy and mental health skills to care for themselves and others. 
• [45:41] Eden Mengistu (UWEAST) on bridging generations through culturally rooted programs that open conversations about mental health in the East African community. 
• [48:43] Javier Guerrero (Coastal Roots Farm) on reconnecting tribal youth to land, culture, and healing through ancestral farming practices. 
• [50:49] Lucy Eagleson (ARTS) on creating a “third space” for youth to explore identity through art and grow as community-rooted mental health leaders. 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• A Reason to Survive (ARTS) – Lifting young people in the South County region of San Diego to become confident, compassionate, and courageous community builders through the transformative power of creativity. 
• Coastal Roots Farm – Cultivating healthy, connected communities by integrating sustainable agriculture, food justice, and ancient Jewish wisdom. 
• Prebys Sparx– Prebys Foundation’s award program for big ideas to improve mental and behavioral health for San Diego Youth through arts, culture, and nature. Learn more about the award programs.
• United Women of East Africa (UWEAST) – Providing health services, education and advocacy for the well-being of the East African community, women and families. 
• VAPA Foundation – Enhancing the quality of, and access to, visual and performing arts education for K-12 students in the San Diego Unified School District. 
• Youth Creating Change – Placing young people’s voices and creativity at the center of suicide prevention and mental health programming. 

Take Action: 

• Champion Community Healing – Support organizations that uplift youth through creativity, cultural connection, and time in nature. 
• Engage with Arts, Culture, and Nature – Experience firsthand how these practices foster healing, connection, and joy. 
• Start the Conversation – Talk with young people in your life about emotions, mental health, and ways to cultivate well-being. 
• Advocate for Prevention – Urge local leaders to invest in non-clinical, community-rooted approaches that meet youth where they are. 
• Share This Episode – Spread the word about creative, community-led solutions by sharing this episode with educators, healthcare providers, or changemakers in your network. 

Credits:

This is a production of the Prebys Foundation
Hosted by Grant Oliphant
Co-Hosted by Crystal Page
Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield
Engineered by Adam Greenfield
Production Coordination by Tess Karesky
Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina
Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.
Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPod​cast​.org

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe

Pradeep Khosla is the chancellor of UC San Diego and a nationally recognized voice on the evolving role of public research universities. Under his leadership, UC San Diego has doubled in size, broadened its access, and transformed from a "diamond in the rough" into a globally respected powerhouse for innovation, education, and the arts. He spearheaded the expansion of student housing—growing UC San Diego’s housing program into the second largest in the nation—to make college more affordable and accessible for thousands. Chancellor Khosla brings a strategic, inclusive lens to higher ed. 

This Episode: 
What should the modern public university look like and who should it serve? 

In this episode of Stop & Talk, host Grant Oliphant and co-host Crystal Page sit down with Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego, to discuss the transformational growth and philosophy behind one of the nation’s top public universities. Chancellor Khosla offers an expansive view on the role of public research universities in society—from economic impact to cultural integration and educational access. 

With a focus on abundance over scarcity, Chancellor Khosla explains how UC San Diego has evolved into a national leader in both science and the arts, investing in student housing, public transit access, and downtown engagement. He also reflects on the challenges of leading through federal uncertainty, advocating for research funding, and shaping an inclusive institution that belongs to the community it serves. 

Key Moments:
[3:20] From Pittsburgh to La Jolla – Why Chancellor Khosla came to UC San Diego and what he saw in its untapped potential.
[6:05] Elite, Not Elitist – How UC San Diego is challenging the notion that exclusivity equals excellence in higher education.
[21:30] Universities as Economic Engines – Why public research institutions are essential to regional prosperity and innovation.
[27:30]  Housing is Access – How UCSD is addressing affordability by building one of the largest student housing programs in the country. 
[37:40] The Importance of the Arts – The value of connecting the arts to education and community 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• UC San Diego Park & Market – A cultural and academic hub in downtown San Diego 
• The Depot – UCSD’s newly purchased multidisciplinary arts incubator and cultural hub in Downtown San Diego 
• San Diego Light Rail – Connecting communities to the UCSD campus 

Take Action: 

• Attend Events at Park & Market: Explore arts, lectures, and public programming in downtown SD. 
• Visit UC San Diego: From the Birch Aquarium to campus cultural events, UCSD is open to all. 
• Support Public Education & Research: Advocate for research funding and equitable higher ed access. 
• Connect with the Arts: Engage with programs at The Depot and La Jolla Playhouse. 
• Explore Philanthropy: Consider supporting educational initiatives that expand opportunity. 

Credits:

This is a production of the Prebys Foundation
Hosted by Grant Oliphant
Co-Hosted by Crystal Page
Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield
Engineered by Adam Greenfield
Production Coordination by Tess Karesky
Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.
Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPod​cast​.org

Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe

Dr. Paula Cordeiro is a trailblazing educator, leadership expert, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of business, nonprofits, and global development. A former dean and founder of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, she’s reshaping how we think about leadership, wealth building, and the power of purpose-driven enterprises. Through programs like the Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship, she’s connecting San Diego to the world and bringing the best of global innovation home. 

This Episode: 
What if nonprofits didn’t just serve communities but built wealth within them? And what if businesses weren’t just engines of profit but vehicles for social good? 

Paula Cordeiro is championing a new model for leadership—one where empathy and equity are as important as profit margins. From food co-ops and employee-owned companies to certified B Corps and social enterprises, Paula sees a growing movement to blur the traditional lines between nonprofit and for-profit organizations. The goal? Create more sustainable, inclusive, and locally rooted economies. 

In this conversation with Grant, Paula shares how her upbringing in a vibrant immigrant community shaped her worldview, how Mondragon, Spain, sparked her passion for co-ops, and why she believes San Diego can become a global hub for socially minded business innovation. She also reflects on the power of teaching empathy, and the opportunities to address wealth gaps.  

Key Moments:
 [11:20] Defining social enterprise: people, profit, and planet
 [17:49] The evolving challenges facing nonprofit leaders today
 [23:43] The case for employee-owned businesses and generational wealth
 [31:16] How the Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship is building local and global bridges
 [43:27] Empathy as a core leadership trait—and how it can be taught 

Key Terms: 

1. Social Enterprise: A business—either nonprofit or for-profit—that exists to advance a social or environmental mission. These organizations prioritize impact alongside profit and often reinvest earnings into their mission.
2. B Corporation (B Corp): A private company that has been certified by the nonprofit B Lab as meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. 
3. Benefit Corporation: A legal business structure recognized in many U.S. states that allows companies to pursue both profit and a broader social purpose. Unlike B Corps, benefit corporations are not certified but are legally bound to consider their impact on society and the environment. 
4. ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan): A program that gives workers ownership interest in the company. ESOPs are a way to build wealth for employees and create a more engaged workforce. 
5. Co-op (Cooperative): An organization or business owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit. Co-ops can take many forms, such as food co-ops, housing co-ops, or worker-owned businesses. 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Nonprofit Institute at University of San Diego – A hub for nonprofit leadership and research 
• Mondragon Cooperative – A global model for employee-owned enterprises 
• Pete Stavros TED Talk – A talk on rethinking  corporate structures to expand who benefits from a thriving company 

Take Action: 

• Explore Social Enterprise – Learn how your organization could blend mission with sustainability 
• Support Employee Ownership – Advocate for inclusive business models in your community 
• Invest in Empathy – Build leadership programs that teach listening, reflection, and care 
• Learn from Global Models – Look to places like Rwanda, Spain, and beyond for innovative approaches to business and development 
• Join the Conversation – Share this episode with nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers ready to build a better way forward 

Credits

This is a production of the Prebys Foundation
Hosted by Grant Oliphant
Co-Hosted by Crystal Page
Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield
Engineered by Adam Greenfield
Production Coordination by Tess Karesky
Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.
Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPod​cast​.org

Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe

Angelina Renteria is the Chief Operating Officer of Indian Health Council, a tribally-run health center serving nine sovereign tribal nations in North San Diego County. With nearly 30 years of experience in health and fitness and two decades in health-focused grant development, she brings deep expertise and cultural insight to her work. Angelina is a passionate advocate for wellness, community voice, and culturally grounded care that meets people where they are.

This Episode: 
What if your doctor knew your name, your story, and what was in your fridge? 

That’s the level of care Angelina Renteria champions through Indian Health Council. In this episode, Grant and Angelina explore what it means to offer "womb to tomb" care that reflects the culture, needs, and values of tribal communities. From snowy mountain roads to multi-generational households with limited transportation, tribal members face unique health access barriers, and Indian Health Council meets them with compassion and strategy. 

Angelina shares how the clinic’s integrated care model—where providers, nurses, behavioral health staff, and even peer support specialists collaborate—leads to better outcomes and stronger trust. She also opens up about her own journey from a childhood on military bases to becoming an advocate for Native health, and how her experience of being othered as a teen became fuel for inclusive leadership. 

Plus, Grant and Angelina talk about community-rooted solutions to the opioid crisis, why traditional practices like sweat and drum circles deserve recognition in modern medicine, and how the medicine wheel’s four pillars—mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical—can inspire a more balanced healthcare system for all.

Key Moments: 

• [2:38] Why tribally informed care is essential and different from standard healthcare 
• [10:22] What “womb to tomb” care looks like in practice 
• [14:30] How trust and cultural understanding boost health outcomes 
• [25:31]The four components of health: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being
• [35:45] A bold approach to addressing addiction and recovery 
• [51:06] What policymakers need to hear about tribal healthcare 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Indian Health Council – A tribal healthcare nonprofit serving nine tribes in North San Diego County 
• The SHARE Initiative – A Prebys Foundation grant initiative supporting frontline health clinics 

Take Action: 

• Support Tribal Health – Learn more about Indian Health Council and the role of tribal health centers in equitable care. 
• Challenge Stereotypes – Elevate community voice and resist one-size-fits-all solutions in health policy. 
• Honor Traditional Medicine – Advocate for the inclusion of culturally rooted healing practices in healthcare systems. 
• Build Belonging – Ask how your organization or community can better reflect and respect the cultures it serves. 
• Share This Episode – Start the conversation about what real, holistic, culturally informed healthcare can look like. 

Grant Oliphant is the CEO of the Prebys Foundation and a longtime leader in philanthropy and social impact. With decades of experience guiding foundations through moments of transformation, he has a deep understanding of how philanthropy can respond to crises, support nonprofit resilience, and advocate for the society we aspire to reach. 

This Episode: 

Nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges—from shifting political landscapes and funding cuts to increasing demands for services. With federal cuts threatening essential programs, nonprofit leaders are grappling with how to sustain their missions while navigating an evolving philanthropic landscape. 

In this candid conversation, Grant Oliphant flips the script and takes the guest seat, offering his insights on the role of philanthropy, nonprofits, and each of us as individuals in this moment. He shares how the Prebys Foundation is standing with San Diego’s nonprofit sector, the moral and practical dilemmas organizations face, and why belonging remains at the heart of Prebys' mission. 

Grant and Crystal also unpack the larger cultural shifts at play, from the erosion of trust in institutions to the censorship of language that directly impacts the people nonprofits serve. As they discuss what’s at stake, they also offer hope—reminding listeners that the nonprofit sector remains one of the most trusted forces for good, and that resilience is built through community and shared purpose. 

Key Moments: 

• [2:50] How national shifts are affecting nonprofit leaders' mental well-being 
• [9:00] Why Prebys Foundation stands by diversity, equity, and inclusion—without the jargon 
• [16:32] The unique role nonprofits play in shaping America’s social fabric 
• [29:16] How Prebys is responding to federal budget cuts and nonprofit concerns 
• [39:07] The fine line nonprofit leaders must walk between survival and advocacy 
• [55:40] Grant’s advice for nonprofit leaders feeling overwhelmed in this moment 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  

• Federal Impacts on Nonprofits: San Diego County Survey of Nonprofit Results - Research from the Nonprofit Institute on the state of nonprofits in San Diego 
• Challenging Times: How U.S. Nonprofit Leaders are Experiencing the Political Context – Report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy with results from across the U.S. 
• Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America – A historical perspective on civil society’s role in the U.S. 

4 Steps You Can Take:

1. Support Your Local Nonprofits – Donate, volunteer, or advocate for the organizations making a difference in your community. 
2. Stay Engaged – Call your representatives, speak up for nonprofit funding, and resist the erasure of critical social issues. 
3. Build Community – Connect with peers, partners, and allies across sectors to share strategies, strengthen relationships, and support collective impact. 
4. Reconnect with Your ‘Why’ – In challenging times, remembering your purpose can fuel your resilience. 

Credits: 

This is a production of the Prebys Foundation 

Hosted by Grant Oliphant 

Co-Hosted by Crystal Page 

Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield 

Engineered by Adam Greenfield 

Production Coordination by Tess Karesky 

Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina 

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove. 

Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team. 

Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast .org 

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe, and review our podcast. Thank you for your support, ideas, and listening. 

Chris Appleton is the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, a pioneering initiative using social prescribing to integrate the arts into healthcare and improve mental well-being. A leader in arts and social impact, his work has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, and NPR. With a background in nonprofit leadership Chris is redefining healing one creative prescription at a time. 

This episode: 

What if a doctor’s prescription didn’t lead you to a pharmacy, but to a painting class, a dance performance, or a music workshop? For centuries, artists have played a vital role in well-being, and cultures around the world have embraced the arts as a source of health, community, and renewal. Now, social prescribing is reshaping healthcare by integrating the arts, not just as enrichment but as a science-backed tool for improving both mental and physical health. 

Decades of research show that engaging in the arts can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and improve cognitive function. As the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, Chris Appleton is proving that creative engagement is more than a feel-good activity. It is a legitimate, measurable intervention that enhances health outcomes. By working with healthcare providers and insurers, he is building a system where doctors can prescribe the arts just like they would medication or therapy. 

Grant and Chris also explore how programs like Prebys Foundation’s Healing Through Arts and Nature initiative are improving community health through greater access to arts, culture, and nature. Grant shares how his own experience stepping onto the dance floor at a recent grantee event led to an unexpected moment of joy, connection, and uplifted spirits that reinforced the power of the arts in fostering well-being.

🎧 Tune in as Grant and Chris discuss why the healthcare system has been slow to adopt this approach, how social prescribing is gaining momentum, and what it means for the future of holistic healing.

Key Moments: 

• [4:11] What Art Pharmacy is and how social prescribing connects people to creative experiences for better health 
• [9:21] Why social prescribing can be a powerful, less stigmatized intervention in the mental health crisis 
• [12:03] How an older man’s social prescription led him to rediscover his community’s cultural vibrancy 
• [17:48] The importance of prevention and early intervention in healthcare 
• [25:45] Why integrating arts and nature into healthcare is key to long-term well-being 
• [30:51] The essential metrics that prove the success of social prescribing programs. 
• [42:18] Chris’s top goals for Art Pharmacy in the next three years 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode 

• Prebys’ Healing Through Arts and Nature Initiative – Prebys Foundation’s grant initiative aiming to improve community health and well-being through access to arts, culture, and nature. 
• Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins – A research initiative exploring the connection between neuroscience and the arts. 
• Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross – A book on neuroaesthetics and how the arts shape our brains and bodies. 
• University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine – A leading institution in arts and health research with research director Jill Sonke. 
• Jameel Arts & Health Lab – A global initiative focused on measurably improving health and well-being through the arts.  

5 Things You Can Do

1. Engage with the Arts – Attend a local performance, visit an art exhibit, or try a creative activity like painting, dance, or music. Experience firsthand how the arts can foster connection and well-being. 
2. Learn More About Social Prescribing – Read Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross or explore initiatives like Healing Through Arts and Nature to see how creativity improves well-being. 
3. Support Arts & Health Programs – Volunteer, donate, or spread the word about organizations using the arts to promote healing. 
4. Reconnect with Nature – Take a mindful walk, explore a botanical garden, or join an outdoor community event. Like the arts, nature has proven benefits for mental and physical health. 
5. Start the Conversation – Share this episode with a friend, healthcare provider, or community leader. Advocate for creative solutions in healthcare. 

Credits
This is a production of the Prebys Foundation

Hosted by Grant Oliphant

Co-Hosted by Crystal Page

Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield

Engineered by Adam Greenfield

Production Coordination by Tess Karesky

Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina
Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.

Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.com

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe, and review our podcast. Thank you for your support, ideas, and listening. 

In this episode, Grant sits down with four  motivated leaders who are driving solutions to the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Ramon Chairez, Sarah Davidson, Lesly Gallegos-Stearns, and Kapili Pasa are proving that change isn’t just possible, it is already happening through advocacy, environmental education, and community organizing. 

Their stories reveal deep, personal connections to the estuary, the ocean, and the communities most affected. From respiratory illnesses to economic setbacks and lost opportunities for youth, they highlight why urgent action is needed and why those in power must be held accountable. Everyone in San Diego County deserves clean air, safe oceans, and a thriving future. 

Despite the challenges, their message is clear: action is necessary, and change is within reach. With growing community advocacy, legal action, and scientific research, momentum is building. As Kapili puts it, "The alternative is unacceptable." This episode is a call to believe in San Diego’s ability to solve big problems and to be part of the solution. 

Special Series: This season, Stop & Talk is diving into one of San Diego County’s biggest environmental and health emergencies: the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. Through this special series, we hear from doctors, advocates, researchers, and others fighting for clean environments, healthy communities, and real solutions. 

Credits:
This is a production of the Prebys Foundation

Hosted by Grant Oliphant

Co-Hosted by Crystal Page

Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield

Engineered by Adam Greenfield

Production Coordination by Tess Karesky

Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.

Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.com

Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe, and review our podcast. Thank you for your support, ideas, and listening. 

Special Series: This season, Stop & Talk is diving into one of San Diego County’s biggest environmental and health emergencies: the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. Through this special series, we hear from doctors, advocates, researchers, and others fighting for clean environments, healthy communities, and real solutions to a crisis that’s been dismissed for too long. 

This episode:
For decades, families in San Diego’s border communities have faced a sewage crisis that threatens their health and well-being. Now, two dedicated physicians, Dr. Kimberly Dickson and Dr. Vi Nguyen, are sharing how the sewage is impacting the people in their care. With medical expertise and deep community ties, they’ve connected the dots between troubling health patterns and the ongoing sewage crisis, stepping forward as advocates for their patients and neighbors. 

In this episode, host Grant Oliphant speaks with Dr. Dickson and Dr. Nguyen about what they’re seeing in their exam rooms, why this crisis demands urgent action, and the surprising response when they raised their concerns. 

This conversation is about the power of information, the courage to speak up, and the responsibility we all share to ensure every child has the chance to grow up healthy, safe, and free from pollution.  

Credits:
This is a production of the Prebys Foundation

Hosted by Grant Oliphant

Co-Hosted by Crystal Page

Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield

Engineered by Adam Greenfield

Production Coordination by Tess Karesky

Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.

Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.com

Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe, and review our podcast. Thank you for your support, ideas, and listening. 

Season 2 of Stop and Talk brought us stories of resilience, creativity, and community action across San Diego. Hosts Grant Oliphant and Crystal Page welcomed guests who are tackling complex challenges, from reimagining public spaces to strengthening community mental health and fostering economic equity. Each conversation offered a glimpse into the powerful work happening in San Diego County—and the people behind it.

In this special season wrap-up, Grant and Crystal revisit standout moments and reflect on the inspiring themes that emerged. They share insights on the importance of narrative, the impact of place, the role of economics, and what drives collective wellness. Whether you’re new to Stop and Talk or have followed every episode, this recap offers a glimpse into the profound insights shared this season and a look at what’s possible when communities work together for a brighter future.

Thank you to all of our fantastic guests this season! 

Revisit all of Season 2:

Episode 1: Micah Parzen - It's About ALL of Us

Episode 2: Diane Moss - Removing Barriers to Good Food Is a Community Effort

Episode 3: Preeti Bhattacharji - Using all a foundations assets to impact social change

Episode 4: Ramel Wallace - Creativity as Care, Reflection, and Connection

Episode 5: Irwin Jacobs - Using What We Have to Strengthen San Diego County

Episode 6: Dr. Constance Carroll - The incredible impact of community colleges

Episode 7: Dr. Mary Walshok - When the world wants to see the future, they look at California

Episode 8: Dr. Benjamin Maxwell - Community can help youth thrive psychologically and flourish

Episode 9: Dan Yates - The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

Episode 10: Amina Sheik Mohamed -  Health equity and belonging are key to well-being

Episode 11: Dr. Isabel Newton - Centering humanity in all aspects of healthcare

Episode 12: Dr. Sindy Escobar Alvarez - The Intersection of Medical Research and Philanthropy

Episode 13: Omar Blaik - Downtowns should be for everyone

Episode 14: Carol Dedrich - Fun is a critical component of mental health

Episode 15: Thelma Virata de Castro - Expressing Yourself is a Powerful Thing

Credits:

This is a production of the Prebys Foundation.

Hosted by Grant Oliphant

Co-Hosted by Crystal Page

Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield

Engineered by Adam Greenfield

Production Assistance by Tess Karesky

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.

Recorded at the Voice of San Diego Podcast Studio.

Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.org

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe, and review our podcast. Thank you for your support, ideas, and listening. 

In this episode, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Thelma Virata de Castro, a Filipinx artist, playwright, and community teacher based in San Diego. Thelma's work delves deep into the human experience, with a unique blend of humor and profound themes. Through her "Cultivating JOY" project—part of the Far South Border North initiative—Thelma empowers writers and audiences to explore their relationships with nature. 

Thelma shares her journey growing up in Paradise Hills, where her close-knit Filipino community shaped her creative spirit. Her work spans a range of challenging topics, from grief and loss to domestic violence, all explored through plays such as "Where We Lay Our Sorrows Down" and "The Fire in Me." Using unexpected elements like puppetry and humor, Thelma invites audiences to confront difficult emotions while also finding space for healing and connection.

The conversation also touches on her dedication to uplifting other writers and the incredible value of collaboration. Thelma’s belief in the power of community, creativity, and noticing the world deeply drives her art, making her a significant voice in San Diego’s vibrant arts scene.

Listen to how Thelma’s fearless approach to storytelling and her commitment to fostering creativity serve as a bridge for empathy and understanding, while offering a window into the cultural and personal nuances that shape our shared human experience.

Credits:

This is a production of the Prebys Foundation.

Hosted by Grant Oliphant

Co-Hosted by Crystal Page

Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield

Engineered by Adam Greenfield

Production Assistance by Tess Karesky

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.

Recorded at the Voice of San Diego Podcast Studio

Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.org

If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe, and review our podcast. Thank you for your support, ideas, and listening.