Best California Workforce Association Podcasts (2025)

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Grief to Growth: Happy Minds Network Highlight 47:02

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5h ago47:02

47:02

In this episode, guest host Celeste Huecias sits down with Karen Kokowicz, CCAM, President and Owner of Coro Community Management & Consulting, to explore the heartfelt journey behind the creation of Happy Minds Network, a peer-to-peer support group built by and for CID managers. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Karen shares how personal loss,…

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You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: The Sequel 17:00

14d ago17:00

17:00

We’re back with another round of you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me HOA stories! From emotional support chickens and elephant birthday requests to a homeowner who thought the HOA was a scam, these real-life manager submissions prove that truth is definitely stranger than fiction. CACM’s Celeste Huecias shares some of your wildest stories of community mana…

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Taking Chances and Tailoring Solutions: Small Business Highlight 44:04

29d ago44:04

44:04

In this episode, CACM’s Celeste Huecias chats with Maria Hernandez, MCAM, CCAM- PM, about her 20+ year journey in community management and the launch of her company, Tailored Management Solutions (TMS). Maria shares what inspired her to start TMS, the importance of honesty and humility in leadership, and why taking chances can open new doors in the…

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Exploring Digital Alternatives to Copper-Based Landlines in Rural Healthcare Facilities 32:14

1M ago32:14

32:14

In this episode, Michael chats with Max Silber, Vice President of Mobility and IoT at MetTel. Together, they discuss connectivity and the role copper-based landlines play in rural hospitals; how rural healthcare facilities can transition to digital systems, even with limited costs and resources; challenges that rural organizations could face when t…

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Leading with Purpose: Inside the Role of a CACM Board Member 34:33

1M ago34:33

34:33

What does it really mean to serve on the CACM Board of Directors? In this episode, host Tom Freeley sits down with Jeremy S. Wilson, CAMEx, CCAM, Vice Chair of CACM’s 2025 Board of Directors, for a candid conversation about board service, leadership and professional growth. From what inspired him to get involved to the day-to-day responsibilities o…

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Ethics and Standards: Committee Insights 34:56

2M ago34:56

34:56

In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, guest host Celeste Huecias is joined by Kathryn Henricksen, CAMEx, CCAM, for an insightful conversation on ethics and professional standards in the community management industry. Kathryn shares her journey in the HOA world, her role within CACM’s Professional Standards Committee and why ethics are the foun…

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Inside CACM: What’s New in Education 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

Guest host Celeste Huecias from CACM sits down with CACM’s Educational Events Coordinator Korinna Peterson to talk about all things education. From current and upcoming events to ways to get involved, this quick episode has everything you need to stay in the know. Whether you're a manager or industry partner, tune in for a fast track to what’s happ…

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Meeting of the Minds: Podcast Edition 46:37

3M ago46:37

46:37

In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with Tera Willis, CCAM, of Vintage Group Management and Amy Hawkins, CCAM, of Menas Realty Group for an honest, manager-to-manager discussion. With different levels of experience and working in separate regions, Tera and Amy bring diverse perspectives to shared indu…

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Experience vs. Newcomer: A Candid CACM Chat 32:31

3M ago32:31

32:31

In this week’s episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, Alia Saouli and Celeste Huecias of CACM sit down and have a candid conversation about community management. This crash course episode dives into what the industry is all about, the kind of person it takes to thrive and how to find your place in this unique and rewarding field. With reflection on the…

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Enneagram Energy in HOAs 1:02:01

4M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

In this week’s episode of CACM Chat: The HOA Life, guest host Alia Saouli sits down with Kendrah Kay, CAMEx, CCAM, of Powerstone Property Management to break down personality types in the industry. With the conversation centered around the Enneagram diagram, Alia and Kendrah explore how understanding personality types can help you highlight the str…

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Resident Realities: The Good, the Challenging & Everything in Between 43:54

4M ago43:54

43:54

In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with board member, Kendrah Kay, CAMEx, CCAM of Powerstone Property Management, ACMC. The pair share candid conversation on the realities of managing HOA communities—and most importantly, the residents. From wild resident stories to valuable tips on handling tough si…

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The Power of Education 29:33

5M ago29:33

29:33

In this week’s episode, guest host, Celeste Huecias, of CACM sits down with The Management Trusts Diane Houston, CAMEx, CCAM, to dive into the key takeaways from the NorCal law Seminar and what to look forward to in SoCal. With over 35 years in the industry, Houston breaks down the executive track—a first for this year’s event— and why high-level d…

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Mastering Safety, Security and Sanity 35:31

5M ago35:31

35:31

In this episode of CACM Chat: The HOA Life, guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with Alfred Logan, CCAM-LS, of Spring Valley Lake Association, to dive into the critical topic of safety and security. Whether you're a large-scale manager or overseeing a smaller community, having a solid evacuation plan and security strategy is essential. With ov…

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LA Fire Recovery Insights: Tips from a Legal Standpoint 52:56

6M ago52:56

52:56

In this special LA Fire edition of CACM Chat: HOA Life, we tackle one of the most pressing issues affecting community associations in California—the aftermath of wildfires. Join guest host Alia Souli of CACM as she sits down with Shant Karnikian, Esq., managing partner at Kabateck LLP, and an expert in complex litigation, including insurance and pr…

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Mental Health Support Amid the LA Fires 34:09

6M ago34:09

34:09

In this special LA Fire episode, host Tom Freeley sits down with Dr. Diane Gehart, an award-winning psychotherapist, to explore the emotional impact of the recent LA fires. They discuss how victims can recognize when it’s time to seek professional help, cope with grief and uncertainty and take steps to rebuild resilience after such a life-altering …

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From Ashes to Action: Special LA Fire Episode 45:15

6M ago45:15

45:15

In this special LA Fire episode, host Tom Freeley talks with Senior Professional Public Adjuster Steve P. Severaid about how victims of the LA County fires can begin rebuilding their lives. The devastating wildfires have impacted thousands of families, homeowners, business owners, HOAs and managers. With over 30 years of experience, Severaid offers…

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Beyond Resolutions: Embracing Goals, Progress and the Power of Small Wins 24:10

7M ago24:10

24:10

Guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with Korinna Peterson, CACM Education Events Coordinator, to explore the pressure of New Year’s resolutions—or the decision to ditch them altogether. For community managers, the start of the year can feel overwhelming with so much already on their plate all the time. Instead of setting unrealistic resolution…

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Looking Back and Facing Forward in Rural Education 59:44

7M ago59:44

59:44

In this episode, Michael chats with Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association; Dr. Steven Johnson, Superintendent of Fort Ransom School District in North Dakota and leader of Rural Educational Associates; and Taylor McCabe-Juhnke, Executive Director of Rural Schools Collaborative. Together, they first offer a w…

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Meeting Essential Workforce Needs in Rural Health (Part III of MedCerts Series) 25:48

7M ago25:48

25:48

In this final episode of our MedCerts series, Michael chats with Jenny Story, Office Manager and Co-Owner at Story Family Medicine in Idaho, and Jennifer Kolb, Vice President of Partnerships and Workforce Development at MedCerts. Together, they discuss the unique community Story Family Medicine serves, the challenges it faced in finding new talent,…

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Last Episode of 2024: Sharing Good Tidings 10:39

7M ago10:39

10:39

CEO and host Tom Freeley brings some end-of-year holiday cheer and good tidings in this festive episode. One recent update that brings good news is on the Corporate Transparency Act. At the time of this recording, HOAs and managers responsible for filing on behalf of their client boards were relieved of the requirement to provide beneficial ownersh…

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Partnering to Fill Talent Gaps in Rural Health (Part II of MedCerts Series) 35:46

8M ago35:46

35:46

In this episode, Michael chats with MacKenzie Nuckolls, RN CNOR, Assistant Director of Surgical Services at Union General Health System in Georgia, and Jennifer Kolb, Vice President of Partnerships and Workforce Development at MedCerts. Together, they discuss MacKenzie’s role at Union General Health System, challenges the hospital faced as it tried…

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Hoarding in HOAs: Managing Cluttered Spaces and Diverse Personalities 40:32

8M ago40:32

40:32

Guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with Becky Jolly, CCAM, Senior Community Manager at Professional Association Services, to talk about dealing with hoarding in your communities. Hoarding is something that both you and the resident don’t intend for and especially don’t know how to navigate. With 20 years of experience under her belt, Becky di…

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The Calm Before the Storm (Season) 41:27

8M ago41:27

41:27

Guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with Shawn Hill of Storm Water Innovative Solutions to discuss the reality of storm water in Southern California. Though it may not rain much down here, community managers and homeowners should be aware of the potential damages of storm water. Storm water can affect not only your home but other belongings as…

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Finding Gratitude Amidst the Chaos 15:39

8M ago15:39

15:39

This week, guest host Alia Saouli of CACM talks about the importance of gratitude in everyday life. On a day-to-day basis, most people are thinking about themselves, their to-do lists, their families and more. But what if you could begin to rewire your brain just by expressing gratitude every day? Studies show that being more grateful and optimisti…

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A “Leader” Is More Than a Title 18:05

8M ago18:05

18:05

CEO and podcast host Tom Freeley talks about the qualifications and the qualities of leaders. Leaders set goals, provide guidance, surround themselves with talented people and have a clear vision for teams and organizations. A leader also is an influencer of people, who can coach a group to achieve a common goal, and who is willing and able to ask …

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Disaster Response, Housing, and a Full-Circle Approach to Economic Advancement with HUD’s Marion McFadden 19:49

9M ago19:49

19:49

In this episode, Michael chats with Marion McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Together, they discuss how McFadden’s office coordinated the response to recent natural disasters; the impact of HUD’s housing supply work, including PRO Hous…

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Everything You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act 38:34

9M ago38:34

38:34

The deadline to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act is quickly approaching (December 31, 2024). What does that mean for homeowners’ associations, which are included in the BOI reporting requirements of the act? Which communities are exempt? What must beneficial owners file with the Department of Treasury and what are the penalties for non-co…

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Guest Host Alia Saouli Tackles Health & Wellness of Buildings and Community Managers 25:21

9M ago25:21

25:21

This week guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with Stephanie Romero of Aeroscopic Environmental to discuss all things health and wellness as it relates to community managers and the buildings they help look after. Tune in to listen to the topic of water damage like mold and how to look for signs. Plus, tips on how to prevent water damage and m…

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Small Business Spotlight with Laura Hurtado 38:17

9M ago38:17

38:17

The HOA industry is in a very active phase of consolidation with mergers and acquisitions. But even as larger management corporations take over longstanding medium and small businesses, newcomers are entering the scene. Host Tom Freeley sits down with Laura Hurtado, CCAM-PM.CI, who recently launched Synergy Management Group in San Diego. After work…

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Why Reserve Funds Matter and How to Adequately Budget for Them 36:03

9M ago36:03

36:03

Homeowners’ associations should set aside anywhere from 15 to 40 percent of their annual budget to adequately fund reserves, says Reserve Specialist Matthew Swain. However, many boards and associations kick the can down the road and avoid setting aside money into their reserve fund because they don’t want to increase assessments. But if you treat r…

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The Benefits of Employer Partnerships and Training (Part I of MedCerts Series) 40:06

9M ago40:06

40:06

In this episode, Michael chats with Jennifer Kolb, Vice President of Partnerships and Workforce Development at MedCerts; Dana Janssen, Chief Product Officer at MedCerts; Rupi Hayer, Senior Manager for Chronic Disease Education in the Improving Health Outcomes Department at the American Medical Association (AMA); and Lauren Clemmons, Associate Profe…

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New HOA Laws - The Good, The Bad, The OK (Part 2) 29:47

10M ago29:47

29:47

In part two of this 2024 legislative update, community management executive Joseph Price weighs in on the balcony bill, the CID repair bill and the electronic voting bill, all which were recently signed into law. What now? How do you start to implement at the association level? It’s not going to be plug and play. Plus, the deadline to comply with t…

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What Really Works in Rural Development With Aspen CSG’s Chris Estes 39:21

10M ago39:21

39:21

In this episode, Michael chats with Chris Estes, Co-Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group (Aspen CSG). Together, they discuss recent federal investment in rural areas, why private philanthropy and government need to rethink funding strategies, why rethinking measurement is important, the impact of investing in rural d…

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New HOA Laws - The Good, The Bad, The OK (Part 1) 38:06

10M ago38:06

38:06

The 2024 legislative season is over in California, but it was an action-packed thrill ride with many bills introduced that targeted common interest developments, or HOAs, in the state. Host Tom Freeley and attorney and CACM’s Legislative Advocate Jennifer Wada analyze the impact of three bills specifically: SB 900 (CID Repair and Maintenance), AB 2…

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You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: Funny HOA Stories with Tom 10:41

10M ago10:41

10:41

The pink flamingo ban that turned into a temporary art installation at a community. A community manager that calls the authorities on a trespasser sleeping in the clubhouse, just to find out he’s the association’s board president. Plus, how a community manager tried to avoid serving a violation notice to Lorena Bobbitt. These are just some of the w…

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Word to the Wise: Don’t Fake Your HOA Budget 43:59

10M ago43:59

43:59

“Don’t fake your budget.” Hear this and other great advice from guest Lorena Sterling with Community Association Financial Services in Palm Springs. It’s budget season, so tune in for insights from Sterling on how to create and present an association budget. This episode also presents tips on how to read and present a financial statement to the HOA…

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Fire, Flood or Blood – Dealing with Disasters at HOAs 12:33

11M ago12:33

12:33

California’s fire season is in full swing. CEO and host Tom Freeley talks about preparing for emergencies and natural disasters including fires, floods, earthquakes, landslides, storms, and more. In the HOA industry, the term often used is: Fire, flood or blood. Reserve funds can be easily or entirely wiped out to cover the cost of unplanned disast…

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Watch Out for Burnout! Tips to Stay Sane and Happy as a “Personality” Manager 37:54

11M ago37:54

37:54

Burnout is a common symptom for community association managers, aka, Personality Managers, and it manifests both physically and mentally affecting job performance. Insomnia, digestive issues, grumpy mood are all signs of burnout. It’s hard to avoid when subjected to constant negativity and bullying from clients. Taking vacation, identifying stresso…

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The Story of CACM, Our Hosts, and What to Expect 19:30

11M ago19:30

19:30

Who is CACM, what do we do and why are we launching a podcast? Our first episode gives you a glimpse of what our purpose is: to elevate the community association management industry by providing resources, education and certification to HOA managers in California and beyond. Learn about our host, CEO and industry veteran Tom Freeley, and what he wi…

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TRAILER: WELCOME TO CACM CHAT - HOA LIFE 1:08

11M ago1:08

1:08

CACM Chat – HOA Life where no HOA topic is off the table. We’ll bring you stories, trends, legislative matters and best practices in HOA management straight from the day-to-day professionals who work in the California community association management industry and the expert Industry Partners that serve HOAs. CACM was founded in 1991 to elevate prof…

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Battling the Overdose Epidemic in Rural America With the Global Health Advocacy Incubator’s Libby Jones 33:19

1y ago33:19

33:19

In this episode, Michael chats with Elizabeth “Libby” Jones, Program Director of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator’s Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI). Together, they discuss OPI’s mission, what they’re working on now, differences between rural and urban issues surrounding the opioid crisis and overdose epidemic, what’s happening at the feder…

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E59: Beyond WIOA: How Workforce Boards are Transforming Their Role 47:29

1y ago47:29

47:29

This episode explores the evolving role of workforce development boards in driving economic growth and community impact. Join hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes as they discuss the "Real Role of Workforce Boards" training with special guests from Solano and Madera Counties. Discover how these boards are moving beyond WIOA limitations to address bro…

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E58: Harnessing AI for Workforce Development: A Conversation with Wesley Brach 44:56

1+ y ago44:56

44:56

Tune into another episode of CWA Today, as hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes are joined by entrepreneur and AI expert Wesley Brach to discuss the exciting world of artificial intelligence and its impact on workforce development. Wesley shares his journey into AI and explains the buzz surrounding generative AI, which is creating new content and rev…

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E57: Life Skills and Leadership: 2024 CWA Youth Conference Preview 29:21

1+ y ago29:21

29:21

This episode of CWA Today podcast previews the upcoming 2024 CWA Youth Summit conference happening February 7-8th in Long Beach, California. Host Bob Lanter interviews CWA's Matt Hidalgo about the event's "Expanding Horizons" theme focusing on providing youth career counseling, life skills training, and leadership development. The episode highlight…

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E56: Turning Interviews into Offers: Creative Job Interview Strategies 54:19

1+ y ago54:19

54:19

In this episode, hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes interview workforce development expert Larry Robbin about best practices for job interviews and the hidden agenda employers have when hiring. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed hiring practices, making flexibility and profitability key employee traits. Larry explains common mis…

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E55: Beyond Federal Funds: How Workforce Boards Diversify Resources and Maximize Impact 44:36

1+ y ago44:36

44:36

This special episode marks the refresh of CWA Today, and features CWA Executive Director Bob Lanter and Program Director Matthew Hayes discussing an overview of research they have conducted into the impactful work being done by the state’s 45 local workforce development boards. Discover the positive impact of boards moving beyond just operating fed…

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The Legacy of Poverty in Disadvantaged Rural Communities With the University of Michigan’s Luke Shaefer 28:20

2y ago28:20

28:20

In this episode, Michael chats with returning Rural Matters guest Luke Shaefer, Faculty Director of Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, Kohn Professor of Social Justice and Social Policy, professor of social work, and co-author of The Injustice of Place, which explores the legacy of poverty in disadvantaged rural communities across the…

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E54: WORKCON 2023: Clarity through Action 40:02

2y ago40:02

40:02

Tune in as CWA's Matt Hidalgo and professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant Aaron Golub join the program to discuss WORKCON 2023, CWA's annual spring conference. Discover the meaning behind this year's theme, "Clarity through Action" and some of the organizations that are participating in this year's conference. Aaron shares how he became …

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Taking Action to Resolve Water Insecurities in California (Part IV of Self-Help Series) 31:13

2+ y ago31:13

31:13

In the fourth and final installment of our 2023 series with Self-Help Enterprises, Michael chats with the following rural water, housing, and health experts: Tami McVay, Director of Emergency Services at Self-Help Enterprises; Meghan Tosney, Assistant Deputy Director at California’s State Water Board’s Division of Financial Assistance; Eddie Ocampo…

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Advancing Rural Communities Through Apprenticeships and a Stronger Public-Sector Workforce (Part IV of Ascendium Series) 35:44

2+ y ago35:44

35:44

In the fourth installment of our latest series with Ascendium, Michael chats with Dr. Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University and CEO of Craft Education System, and Mary Wurtz, Policy Analyst at The Council of State Governments Center of Innovation. Together, they discuss their work to bolster the rural public-sector workforce, the p…