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CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse and may therefore be upsetting to some listeners.


What does it take to rise from a life filled with hardships to one of success and inspiration? On this episode of the Hangout Podcast, we are joined by Erica Alfaro.  Erica opens up about her childhood spent between Tijuana and San Diego, grappling with language barriers and the challenges of teen motherhood, before finding the courage to change her life's trajectory inspired by her parents’ unwavering support.

In this heartfelt episode, Erica shares her transformative journey from fearing public speaking to commanding international stages with authenticity and passion. Her encounter with Toastmasters becomes a pivotal chapter, illustrating how embracing one's true self can lead to unexpected opportunities and profound personal growth. As we reflect on the themes of resilience and perseverance, Erica’s story serves as a powerful reminder that adversity can indeed be a stepping stone to greatness.

Check out Erica’s book Harvesting Dreams: https://a.co/d/hQoPziQ

To learn more about Erica and to book a speaking engagement visit her website: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ericaalfaro.com/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwj40IDK4OmJAxW_FDQIHR-sFxEQFnoECB8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3T-7eucYKBbAeC_Czn9we2

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What if one moment could change your entire career path? Dr. Kwane Stewart, founder of Project Street Vet, shares how a chance encounter outside a 7-Eleven transformed his life and his career as a veterinarian. Dr. Stewart found new purpose in providing medical care to the pets of unhoused individuals. Listen to learn more about Dr. Stewart's inspirational journey!

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Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes is the founder of Los Patojos, an educational organization in Guatemala. He is also a teacher and organizer within the organization. Juan Pablo was honored as a top 10 CNN Hero in 2014. Juan Pablo and Dr. Sciarretta discuss a wide range of topics including pedagogical approaches, reflections on traveling across the world visiting schools, the role of his family and parents, the love he has for his homeland in Guatemala, and much more. 
Content Warning: This episode contains some adult language and adult themes.

This is a re-release of one of our most popular episodes.

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If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.

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Hedy Chang is the Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works. A 1986 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Hedy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion about the intricate tapestry of factors that influence why students may not make it to class. Her Chinese American background and family legacy of activism provide a rich context as we discuss her dedication to unraveling the complexities of chronic absenteeism—an issue that's foundational to achieving justice in our education system.

This is a re-release of a popular episode, one that is particularly timely as millions of children in the U.S. are back in school for the Fall semester. 

Learn more about Hedy Chang and Attendance Works.

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If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.

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Join us for an illuminating conversation with my brother, Peter Sciarretta, who shares his transformative journey from a 30-year teaching career to the world of life coaching. You'll uncover the nuances of life coaching, how it stands apart from traditional guidance like parental advice or mentorship, and the structured paths to becoming a certified coach.

To learn more, visit Peter's website or his Instagram page @Peter_thecoach. To get in touch with Peter, email him at [email protected]. 

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If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.

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Back by poplar demand for your late summer 2024 listening pleasure! Tommy Gomes is a fourth-generation San Diegan, retired commercial fisherman, business owner, and star of The Fish Monger, the #1 show on the Outdoor Channel. Dr. Sciarretta and Tommy talk about fishing, climate change, reflections on growing up today compared to 50 years ago, life lessons, education, and much more.
Read more about Tommy and The Fish Monder in this San Diego Magazine article: https://bit.ly/41h3r8z
Watch The Fish Monger: https://www.outdoorchannel.com/show/fishmonger/388571 

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If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Richard Barrera on his third visit to the Superintendent's Hangout. Richard opens up about the financial strategies and hurdles within the San Diego Unified School District, from dealing with budget deficits to the philosophy of prioritizing student needs over building reserves. We also delve into controversial issues such as banning cell phones on school campuses.  Richard is a veteran school board member and renowned expert on educational leadership. 

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In this episode, Dr. Sciarretta sat down with Young Abulencia and Buddy Gessel, two architects from the DLR Group. Young and Buddy talk about their careers and their work at DLR, while sharing fascinating insights that add dimension to common perceptions of architectural work. 

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Check out this inspiring episode, back by popular demand for your late summer 2024 listening pleasure! Felicia Rangel-Samponaro is one of the founders of The Sidewalk School, an NGO (non-governmental organization) focusing on providing education to asylum-seeking families and children at the US/Mexico border. In this wide-ranging interview, Felicia spoke about curricular design, hiring certificated teachers who are also asylum seekers, the racism she faces, the role of government policy, and much more.
Learn more about The Sidewalk School and donate here: www.sidewalkschool.org
Connect with The Sidewalk School on: InstagramFacebookX (formally known as Twitter)

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If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.

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Check out this summer 2024 re-release of a conversation with one of our most engaging and influential guests! Dr. Pedro Noguera is Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education. Dr. Noguera  recounts his ascent from the streets of Brooklyn to the pinnacle of educational thought leadership. Feel the pulse of our nation's schools through his eyes, as we uncover the deep-seated challenges and innovative solutions that define today’s educational landscape. With Dr. Noguera's astute insights, this episode promises a powerful exploration into the heart of what can make or break the future of young learners, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Read more about Dr. Noguera.

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If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.