I talk to someone about stuff you will never remember Cover art photo provided by bruce mars on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@brucemars
…
continue reading
Welcome to the My SGV Podcast. A show where you will hear personal stories of triumph over failures, and how others successfully navigated the unique landscape that is the San Gabriel Valley. What makes us different? Well, just like you, we have chosen the San Gabriel Valley for our home or businesses, or both. We believe it is the people and small businesses that make this community great and we love to share their stories with you. We always encourage your questions and feedback and you ca ...
…
continue reading
A bi-weekly policy podcast based out of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. The Oxford Policy Pod explores pressing policy issues around the globe and is produced by students reading for a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. The podcast explores contemporary policy challenges that policymakers face all over the world, and taps into the rich diversity of policy experience and insights of the student body and faculty. The podcast is suppor ...
…
continue reading

1
Cathy Lam - Faith, Art, and Social Change: The Creative World of Cathy Lam
1:10:26
1:10:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:26Send us a text Cathy SK Lam-Patrie is a Hong Kong-born, Los Angeles-based pastor, producer, and award-winning theatre artist whose work bridges faith, justice, and the arts. She is the founder of ThreeWoods Playwright and the artistic director of Kairos Arts Development Company, the Hong Kong Ideation Arts Festival, and the Let’s Be Together Arts F…
…
continue reading

1
Nudging Policy: How Behavioral Science Shapes Better Decisions
54:04
54:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:04Carlos Scartascini is a global leader in behavioral economics and its real-world application to public policy. As Deputy Chief Economist and head of the Behavioral Economics Group at the Inter-American Development Bank, he’s led research and projects that use behavioral science to tackle everyday policy challenges—like boosting tax compliance, impr…
…
continue reading

1
Paul Pulver & Johanna Atienza - Driving Innovation and Equity in Education
52:20
52:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:20Send us a text Johanna Atienza and Paul Pulver are the Chief Growth and Innovation Officer and the CEO of Options for Learning respectively. Johanna brings over 15 years of experience in higher education and community-based programming to her role. Before joining Options for Learning in 2022, she served as the Associate Vice President of Advancemen…
…
continue reading

1
Brayan Altamirano - From Music Dreams to Capturing the Moment
1:09:00
1:09:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:00Send us a text Brayan Altamirano’s journey to becoming a touring photographer is a testament to the power of perseverance and transformation. Initially driven by a passion for music, Brayan’s dream of stardom seemed within reach, but without the right support and motivation, those aspirations were shattered. However, fate had a different path in st…
…
continue reading

1
Governing Education: Lessons from Leading National and Global Education Systems with Jaime Saavedra
42:19
42:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:19Jaime Saavedra is one of the world’s most influential education reformers. Former Minister of Education in Peru and now Director of Human Development for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank, he has led and advised some of the region’s most ambitious efforts to improve learning outcomes at scale. In this episode, he unpacks what it rea…
…
continue reading

1
Something's Brewing with Nami and Kenneth
1:15:34
1:15:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:34"Something’s Brewing" is a laid-back podcast hosted by MPP student Wynsey, where conversations flow freely—just like the drinks. In each episode, a member of the Blavatnik School community joins over a favorite beverage from home to share personal stories, career reflections, and the life that happens beyond policy. In this episode, Wynsey sits dow…
…
continue reading

1
Jesse Jaime - Saint of the Month and Coach of the Year
54:57
54:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:57Send us a text Jesse R. Jaime Sr. is a dedicated Lead Campus Supervisor 2 (Safety) at San Dimas High School within the Bonita Unified School District, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. A proud member of the El Monte/Rosemead community, Jesse is deeply committed to giving back to the people an…
…
continue reading

1
Lizette Valles - Creating Spaces for Thriving Learners
1:12:18
1:12:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:18Send us a text Lizette Valles is a passionate educator, Latina leader, and innovator in the world of alternative education. As a co-founder of the California Microschool Collective, established in 2024, Lizette has been at the forefront of the microschooling movement, advocating for personalized and trauma-informed learning environments that empowe…
…
continue reading

1
What can public policy learn from literature?: A conversation with Colombian novelist Juan Gabriel Vásquez
42:35
42:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:35Juan Gabriel Vásquez has a central preoccupation: the past —a theme that has shaped much of his fiction. His latest novel, Los nombres de Feliza, published in January, explores the life of Colombian sculptor Feliza Bursztyn, who was politically persecuted and forced into exile during the Cold War. In this episode of Oxford Policy Pod, the acclaimed…
…
continue reading

1
Jayme Kiyomura Chan - Empowering Athletes and Building Confidence
1:20:53
1:20:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:53Send us a text Jayme Kiyomura Chan is a passionate and accomplished leader in both the culinary and sports worlds. Born and raised in Pasadena, California, she is a proud product of the San Gabriel Valley and a long-time resident. Jayme attended La Salle High School, where she was a standout four-year varsity basketball player, laying the foundatio…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Jeanne E. Raya is the dynamic President of the John L Raya Insurance Agency, Inc., a well-respected minority women-owned business established in 1960. Under her leadership, the agency has carved out a niche of expertise, especially in working with non-profit organizations and medical facilities. With a deep-rooted commitment to both …
…
continue reading

1
Jessica Ramos - The Strength to Leave & Turning Pain Into Power
1:16:15
1:16:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:15Send us a text Jessica Ramos is a 31-year-old registered nurse and passionate advocate for domestic violence awareness, drawing from her personal journey of survival and healing. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica’s life has been shaped by her strong foundation in faith and education, which she received through attending Catholic sc…
…
continue reading

1
Anthea Peter-Vallejo - Jiu-Jitsu, Herbalism, and Homeschooling
1:03:11
1:03:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:11Send us a text Anthea Peter-Vallejo, also known as “TT,” is a devoted homeschooling mom of two who is deeply committed to providing a nurturing and well-rounded educational environment for her children. Her passion for teaching extends beyond traditional academics; Anthea is also a black belt in jiu-jitsu, a discipline that has shaped much of her l…
…
continue reading

1
Dan Gilbert - Making Monsters from Stunts to Special FX
1:01:35
1:01:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:35Send us a text Dan Gilbert is a versatile and multi-talented artist based in East Pasadena, CA, whose career spans multiple aspects of the entertainment industry. Known for his work as a special FX makeup artist, actor, puppeteer, stuntman, voice actor, and wood carver, Dan brings a unique blend of creativity, skill, and passion to every project he…
…
continue reading

1
Justin Sasada - Creating Meaningful Spaces
1:00:16
1:00:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:16Send us a text Justin Sasada is a licensed architect, educator, and dedicated community advocate based in Monterey Park, California. With a passion for design and a deep commitment to education, Justin has built a career that spans residential architecture, teaching at the college level, and serving as co-chair of the AIA (American Institute of Arc…
…
continue reading

1
A Direct Take on Democracy’s Biggest Challenges with Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo
51:51
51:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:51Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo is one of Spain’s most prominent political voices. A historian and journalist, she is a Member of the Spanish Parliament and a staunch advocate for democracy, freedom, and constitutionalism. Educated at Oxford, where she studied under Sir John H. Elliott, she transitioned from academia to journalism at El Mundo before ste…
…
continue reading

1
Carlos Castro - Behind the Soundboard & the Art of Sound
59:08
59:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:08Send us a text Carlos Castro is an award-winning music mixing and recording engineer/producer based in Los Angeles, California, with a remarkable 30-year career in the music industry. His expertise has earned him 13 Latin Grammy nominations, two BASF awards, and numerous platinum and gold records, cementing his reputation as a leading force in soun…
…
continue reading
🎙️🌎 Sacrifice Zones: The Price of Progress? In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, we sit down with legal scholar Iza Linazasoro to uncover the harsh realities of sacrifice zones—communities forced to bear the cost of industrial development at the expense of their health and environment. Featuring the Quintero Bay case in Chile, Linazasoro h…
…
continue reading

1
Mark Waterson - From Nursing Homes to Nonprofits
1:07:06
1:07:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:06Send us a text Mark Waterson is a dedicated nonprofit leader and the CEO of Convalescent Aid Society (CAS), an organization focused on improving the lives of seniors in the Pasadena area. His unique journey, shaped by being adopted twice, has fueled his lifelong commitment to helping others and advocating for those in need. These early experiences,…
…
continue reading

1
The challenges of freedom of expression in times of democratic crisis with Martin Baron
36:30
36:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:30Martin Baron led two of the world's most important newsrooms, those of The Boston Globe and The Washington Post. He was at the former when the newspaper exposed the network of cover-ups of pedophile Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Boston. At the latter, he was present during the Edward Snowden leaks about the National Security Agency (NSA)'s…
…
continue reading

1
Mike Eng - Championing Inclusion& Navigating Public Service
1:10:38
1:10:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:38Send us a text Mike Eng is a distinguished public servant whose career spans decades of advocacy, legal expertise, and leadership across various sectors. His work has profoundly impacted his community and the state of California, where he has championed causes ranging from civil rights to education, water access, and housing. Mike began his public …
…
continue reading

1
Possible Utopia - Gendered View of Politics
36:01
36:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:01Releasing Possible Utopia – the podcast where we explore the intersection of politics, gender, and leadership to imagine a better world. From navigating challenges of safety and well-being in public life to uncovering the motivations that drive them, we’ll delve into the stories behind the individuals shaping our societies. Together, we’ll tackle t…
…
continue reading
"Something's Brewing" is a relaxed podcast series hosted by MPP student Wynsey. Each episode features a guest from the Blavatnik School of Government, sharing candid stories about their journey, experiences, and life beyond policy—all over a favorite drink from their home. In this episode, we hear about the life of Juan Pablo, a fellow MPP candidat…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Scott Kohno is a highly accomplished retail executive with decades of experience developing groundbreaking retail projects across the globe. Having worked on projects spanning over 20 countries, from Asia to South America and from Australia to Europe, Scott has played a key role in shaping the global retail landscape. His passion for…
…
continue reading

1
Christine Wong - From Real Estate to Mindfulness
1:04:52
1:04:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:52Send us a text Christine Kay Wong is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Strategic Coach with a unique journey from real estate to mental health and wellness. After a decade of representing homeowners in the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles, Christine took a bold step to align her career with her core values. She pursued a…
…
continue reading

1
From Science to Government: Leading Climate Action with Minister Maisa Rojas
53:07
53:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:07🌍🎙️ How does a world-renowned climate scientist become a leading environmental policymaker? In this episode of the Oxford Policy Podcast, we sit down with Chile's Minister of the Environment, Maisa Rojas, to explore her journey from Oxford's labs to global climate negotiations. 👩🔬From Lead Author of IPCC's Assessment Reports researching paleoclima…
…
continue reading

1
Caroline Velarde - From Coast Guard to Cookie Crumbs
1:01:17
1:01:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:17Send us a text Caroline Velarde is the founder of Sweet Caroline Desserts, a business born out of her love for baking and spending quality time with her daughter, Lily. What started as a fun bonding activity between mother and daughter has evolved into a thriving operation, with Caroline and Lily baking for their local community at pop-up markets a…
…
continue reading

1
What are the threats to Democracy? Global Report on Democracy
40:14
40:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:14What are the threats to Democracy? In this episode, Helen Orjuela and Marie Vanolli are joined by Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, to discuss the global state of democracy. Together, they explore critical issues, including the erosion of freedoms like press and expressi…
…
continue reading

1
Kateri Wozny - From Newsrooms to Social Feeds
1:14:41
1:14:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:41Send us a text Kateri Wozny is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in print, digital, radio, and television news, as well as content creation. Throughout her distinguished career, she has worked with some of the most respected media outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, the Chicago Sun-Times, GoDaddy, and…
…
continue reading

1
Michael & Jessica Garcia - From Corporate Careers to Cheesesteak Entrepreneurs
1:10:07
1:10:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:07Send us a text Jessica and Michael Garcia are a powerhouse entrepreneurial duo. They share a story of hard work, determination, and a passion for their craft. Both raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica graduated from Alhambra High School, continued her education at Pasadena City College, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management f…
…
continue reading
"Something's Brewing" is a relaxed podcast series hosted by MPP student Wynsey. Each episode features a guest from the Blavatnik School of Government, sharing candid stories about their journey, experiences, and life beyond policy—all over a favorite drink from their home. In this episode, we hear about the life of Binka, a fellow MPP candidate fro…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Justin Rivera is a dynamic entertainer. He seamlessly blends comedy and magic to create an unforgettable performance experience. With a natural talent for humor and a passion for illusions, Justin has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment world. Known as the “Comedian’s Magician,” he combines quick wit, observational humor, …
…
continue reading

1
The Human Side of Policy-Making with Marcos Peña and Francisco Sánchez Moreno
47:28
47:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:28What does it mean to lead in the field of public policy? How do leaders navigate uncertainty and social pressures when making key decisions In this inaugural episode, we sit down with two special guests—Marcos Peña, Former Chief of Staff of Argentina (2015-2019), and Francisco Sánchez Moreno, a leadership expert with extensive experience in the pub…
…
continue reading

1
Marielena Becerra & Jaime Alvarez - A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Culture
1:10:50
1:10:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:50Send us a text Marielena Becerra and Jaime Alvarez are a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose journey is deeply rooted in resilience, cultural pride, and the power of community. Together, they have built a thriving legacy through their family-owned restaurants, Baja Cali Fish & Tacos and Girasol Cocina Mexicana, blending their personal histories and…
…
continue reading

1
Reverie Fey - Empowerment through storytelling and self-discovery
58:13
58:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:13Send us a text Reverie Fey, an award-winning writer and the author of the inspiring young adult memoir 'Queen of the Nerds'. Reverie’s work touches on important themes like self-discovery, empowerment, and overcoming adversity, and she brings these topics to life in her guest speaking engagements. Available for booking at high schools, universities…
…
continue reading

1
Kylie Ng & Sarah Wong - The heart of the Lady Aztecs
1:05:20
1:05:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:20Send us a text If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? Let us know in the comments! The rich history of the Mark Keppel High School Girls Basketball Program is a team that has shaped the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) sports community for decades. Head Coach Kenny Phan, along with former players Kylie Ng and Sarah Wong, tell the remarkab…
…
continue reading

1
Pawandeep Khinda - Honoring heritage through food
58:19
58:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:19Send us a text If you could instantly be an expert in any subject, what would it be? Let us know in the comments! Pawandeep Kaur Khinda is a passionate entrepreneur and the proud owner of a restaurant in Glendale. As the child of hardworking immigrants, Pawandeep grew up surrounded by the hustle and dedication of her parents, who ran an Indian rest…
…
continue reading