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Dr. Michael Nagler, an award-winning school superintendent from New York, shares his vision for reimagining education in the digital age where content knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Through his 17 years of leadership in the Mineola School District, Dr. Nagler has pioneered approaches that prioritize skills development and student agency.  His stance on cell phones in schools (spoiler alert: he’s not in favor of the rush to ban them) is just one of many intriguing ideas we discuss in this episode.

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In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sciarretta has a conversation with Royal Ramey, CEO and co-founder of The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP). Mr. Ramey shares the story of his journey from prison to firefighting by way of "fire camp." Upon his release, Mr. Ramey joined the Mojave Greens in their firefighting mission, and has since worked to train, inspire, and uplift formerly incarcerated people who are interested in the firefighting profession. 

For those interested in supporting FFRP's mission, visit this link to make a tax-deductible donation of any amount. 

To keep up with Mr. Ramey's journey, follow him on Instagram @royal.ramey. FFRP can be found on Instagram @ffrp_ca. 

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In this episode, Dr. Sciarretta speaks with Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, a surgeon who specializes in cardiac xenotransplantation (replacing failing human hearts with pig hearts). Listen to hear more about Dr. Mohiuddin's journey, the ethical and structural issues his work presents, and the moments in which his decades of revolutionary work have come to fruition. 

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I sat down with William H. Lamar IV, pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington DC, for a profound conversation about history, faith, justice, and American democracy.

Learn more about Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church: https://www.metropolitaname.org/

Watch this video to learn more about the landmark legal victory we discussed in this episode.

Please give us a five-star rating wherever you listen to podcasts and tell your friends and family about the show. If you'd like to support the Hangout Podcast with a donation, there's a link in the show notes. Thank you for your generosity.

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Anita Fisher shares her powerful journey from successful banking executive to mental health advocate after her son's diagnosis with schizophrenia while he was serving in the military. Anita's 25-year crusade navigating America's complex mental health system reveals critical gaps in treatment, particularly for those with anosognosia (lack of illness awareness).

Warning: this episode contains adult themes that may not be appropriate for all listeners.


To learn more about Anita Fisher's work, visit fishermhconsulting.com

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Rocky Herron, a retired DEA special agent with 31 years of experience, shares his journey delivering an impactful drug prevention program that has reached over 270,000 students across 16 countries. His mission emerged from discovering his own children weren't receiving drug prevention education in school.

• Free educational videos and resources are available at RockyHerron.com for schools and families looking to start these important conversations

Warning: this episode includes adult topics and mentions suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

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Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre shares her inspirational bi-national journey from surfing college student to passionate environmentalist to elected official.  Paloma is currently running for San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 1 (special election will take place July 1, 2025).

On X: @paloma4D1

Visit paloma-aguirre.com

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Ana Miguel, Educational Programs Coordinator for Border Angels, shares her personal connection to immigration work as the daughter of migrants from Guanajuato, Mexico, revealing how her family history shapes her passion for humanitarian border assistance and activism.

To support Border Angels and their humanitarian work, visit borderangels.org.

Warning: this episode contains adult language and topics and may not be suitable for all listeners.

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Dr. Tricia Bertram Gallant redefines academic integrity as more than just avoiding cheating—it's cultivating the courage to uphold universal values like honesty, fairness, and respect, even when it's difficult. Her work as Director of the University of California, San Diego Academic Integrity Office and the Triton Testing Center puts her impressive academic scholarship to practical and impactful use.  

Check out Dr. Bertram Gallant's latest book (co-authored with David Rettinger) The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching Integrity in the Age of AI

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Filex Sanchez, founder of Union Law Group, shares his journey from growing up in San Ysidro, CA on the Mexico-US border to becoming a specialized immigration attorney after witnessing how profoundly his work could change lives. Raised by immigrant parents who operated an immigration consultancy for decades, Filex developed a deep understanding of his bicultural identity and an abiding respect for hard work and dedication. Filex maintains an ethical legal practice by only taking cases he believes can succeed and offering refunds for clients whose cases do not prevail. 

Call Union Law Group: 

US: 619-662-2170

Mexico: 664-622-5442

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