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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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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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Armand King, a TEDx speaker and founder of Lawrich Consulting LLC, is living proof that resilience and mentorship can turn one's life around. In this episode, we share Armand's raw and gripping journey from facing gang violence in Spring Valley, CA to becoming a powerful advocate for at-risk youth. Listen as we trace the shift in urban youth culture from the late '80s to today, considering how social media and changing societal values have shaped the realities of young people. Armand brings a wealth of insight, reflecting on his personal experiences. His narrative isn't just about survival; it's about transformation. 

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Luci Fowers has dedicated her career to education. In this episode, Lucy details her journey from a small town in Utah to her work as a teacher and then charter school pioneer in California. Listen to hear more about Luci’s perspective on establishing strong school communities and much more! 

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Here is one of our most popular episodes, back by popular demand for your summer 2024 listening enjoyment! CONTENT WARNING: The following episode contains discussions of physical and sexual abuse, violence, eating disorders, and other mature content. Parental guidance is strongly recommended.
Jesse Leon is the author of his recently released memoir, I’m Not Broken. The bestselling author of The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros says "I’m Not Broken is a book for survivors and those who know someone they hope survives, bodhisattvas all." In this episode, Jesse talks about his memoir, his work as a Social Impact Consultant, and the many philanthropic ventures he works on connecting private and public institutions.
Learn more about Jesse and his memoir I’m Not Broken
Watch Jesse’s TEDx Talk: Sex Trafficking: The Lost Boys
Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.

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As part of our 2024 summer recap, back by popular demand here is one of our most popular episodes! Retired DEA special agent Rocky Herron has embraced a new challenge an anti-drug and alcohol ambassador for the San Diego County Office of Education. Rocky joins us to unravel a gripping story of his transition from the front lines of the drug war to the classrooms of San Diego County and beyond (he’s delivered his message to students in 17 countries) where he's on a mission to shield future generations from substance abuse. The conversation journeys through his personal evolution, revealing the real-life impact of narcotics on communities, the cross-border ramifications of the fentanyl crisis, and the crucial and often overlooked role of drug education in schools.

Learn more about Rocky.

Read a story about Rocky in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

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Back by popular demand, here is a re-run of one of most popular episodes! Zachary Tong has set his sights on setting four world records for solo unsupported ocean rowing, crossing both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in one calendar year starting on January 1, 2025. We discuss his inspiration and preparation for this incredible journey in this wide-ranging interview. Connect with Zach on Instagram: https://instagram.com/hermosazachFollow Zach’s journey from his website: https://hermosaoffshore.com Articles on Zach:https://bit.ly/3Gstp0V https://bit.ly/3KI76XA 

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In case you missed this episode when it was originally released, we are sharing it again as a summer special. Prepare to be challenged and inspired as we dive headfirst into the world of education with none other than the world-renowned Professor Sugata Mitra. Known for his pioneering "hole in the wall" experiment, Mitra's insights into the power of peer teaching, the role of AI, and the necessity of forward-thinking education are set to revolutionize the way we think about learning. His experience with minimally invasive education introduces a fresh perspective on the value of technology in our classrooms and our lives.

Learn more about Sugata Mitra
Watch his TED talks

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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.