Best specialevents Podcasts (2026)

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Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:07

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24d ago26:07

26:07

Catherine Stihler, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay talks with Think Local First radio host, Susan O'Connor Fraser about the organization and how families can be part of the solution to their own home ownership. They also discuss the homes they've completed in Live Oak and those that they will be building in Watsonville.…

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Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:46

22d ago26:46

26:46

Executive Director Jasmine Najera joins Think Local First radio hosts, Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser to talk about the work of Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA). Since 1991 PVPSA has been providing comprehensive health education, mental health services, substance abuse and intervention and prevention services, and direct couns…

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Teen Kitchen Project - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:37

24d ago26:37

26:37

Angela Farley, Executive Director of the Teen Kitchen Project, joins Think Local First radio hosts Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser to talk about the work of the organization she founded when her child was battling pediatric cancer. Building healthier, more connected communities by engaging teens and providing nourishing food to individuals living wit…

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Housing Santa Cruz County - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 23:58

24d ago23:58

23:58

Elaine Johnson, Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County, talks with Think Local First radio host, Susan O'Connor Fraser about the work of the organization she runs. Housing Santa Cruz County advocates and educates the public and public officials about the issues surrounding affordable housing in Santa Cruz County.…

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Wings Homeless Advocacy - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 24:53

24d ago24:53

24:53

Caroline Mann of Wings Homeless Advocacy talks to Think Local First radio hosts, Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser about the programs provided by the non-profit. These programs include beds, bedding, and essential household supplies and vital docs, which are critical to those experiencing homelessness.By specialevents

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Monterey Bay Master Gardeners - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:28

24d ago26:28

26:28

Think Local First radio hosts, Susan and Tam O'Connor Fraser, talk with Master Gardener, Charlene McKowen of Monterey Bay Master Gardeners about how their work extends research-based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the residents/home gardeners. It's big idea for 2026 is to expa…

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Santa Cruz County Youth Resource Bank - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 23:35

24d ago23:35

23:35

Jo Ann Allen, Vice Chairperson of Santa Cruz County Youth Resource Bank, talks to Think Local First radio hosts, Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser about the work of the nonprofit to work with local youth to remove barriers to their development, dignity, and well-being.By specialevents

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Live Like Coco - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 51:52

26d ago51:52

51:52

Aaron Lazenby and Kate Pavao join Jennalee Dahlen and Think Local First radio host Susan O'Connor Fraser to talk about Live Like Coco, a foundation they created after losing their 12 year old daughter Coco in a car accident. The non-profit organization is helping kids in the Santa Cruz County area grow up healthy and with opportunities to pursue th…

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Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Library - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 30:04

27d ago30:04

30:04

Host Becky Steinbruner talks to Sarah Beck, Executive Director of Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Sarah talks about how the organization supports the Santa Cruz Public Libraries through fundraising, volunteer services, and advocacy.By specialevents

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Grey Bears - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:07

27d ago26:07

26:07

Think Local First radio show hosts Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser talk to Jennifer Merchant from Grey Bears. This award-winning organization improves the health and well-being of seniors and our community through food and meal deliveries, volunteerism, resource conservation and recycling.By specialevents

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Community Bridges - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 24:14

27d ago24:14

24:14

Laura Nova from Community Bridges joins Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser from Think Local First radio to talk about their organization and their 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fundraising campaign.By specialevents

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Santa Cruz Animal Shelter and Animal Shelter Foundation - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 24:57

27d ago24:57

24:57

Amber Rowland and Ngo Trinh-Halperin join Susan and Tam O'Connor Fraser from Think Local First radio to talk about the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation. The SCCAS Foundation supports the mission of the County’s Animal Shelter through fundraising, advocacy and education. The shelter itself provides…

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Japanese American Memorial Pilgrimages - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 25:29

27d ago25:29

25:29

Kimiko Marr of Japanese American Memorial (JAM) Pilgrimages talks to Think Local First radio hosts, Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser about the work she and her partner are doing to help reconnect and uplift the Japanese American community. Their 2026 "Big Idea" is to create a documentary about the Redman-Hirahara House in Watsonville, a rare and irrep…

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Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 30:20

27d ago30:20

30:20

Rhiannon Crain, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery, talks to Think Local First Santa Cruz radio host, Susan O'Connor Fraser. It's a passionate interview about how the organization is "creating the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers--one wonder filled experience at a time!"…

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The Bird School Project - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 21:13

27d ago21:13

21:13

Host Mari Segura talks to Jessica Correa, Executive Director of The Bird School Project, an organization that uses outdoor experiential learning to inspire and equip students and teachers to love, study, and steward their local environment. This podcast is part of the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fundraising Campaign.…

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Life Lab - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:35

27d ago26:35

26:35

Host Mari Segura welcomes Whitney Cohen, Executive Director of Life Lab for this segment that is part of the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fundraising Campaign. Life Lab empowers educators and children with the inspiration, knowledge, and confidence to foster wellbeing and a thriving planet for generations to come.…

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Monarch Services - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 31:13

27d ago31:13

31:13

Janna Rivas, Director of Development at Monarch Services, joins Susan Douglas and Denise Lane in this podcast--part of the Santa Cruz Gives 2025 Holiday Fundraising campaign. Monarch is a key organization helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking right here in Santa Cruz County. In this conversation, Janna shares…

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Queer Youth Task Force of Santa Cruz County - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:48

27d ago26:48

26:48

In this podcast, Susan O'Connor Fraser talks to Jules Poetzinger of the Queer Youth Task Force of Santa Cruz County. She talks about the focus for 2026 on the Trans Teen Project designed to support trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth in Santa Cruz County with a website resource that educates and raises awareness among parents and the commu…

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The Diversity Center - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 20:39

27d ago20:39

20:39

Martha Letchinger, psychotherapist at The Diversity Center, and Mel Zaragoza Funding Director, both do incredible work supporting LGBTQ+ community members across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. In this interview with Susan Douglas and Denise Lane, you'll learn: What affirming mental health care looks like; The real challenges and joys of communit…

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Bay Federal Credit Union - Sponsor - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 14:16

29d ago14:16

14:16

Lauren Walker of Bay Federal Credit Union talks with Think Local First radio host, Susan O'Connor Fraser about their sponsorship of the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fundraising effort. She also talks in general about Bay Fed's commitment to the community and how it's part of the organization's DNA.By specialevents

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Farm Discovery - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 25:13

29d ago25:13

25:13

Meet Garrett Hambaro, Development Manager at Farm Discovery at Live Earth Farms as he talks with Think Local First radio host, Susan O'Conor Fraser . Farm Discovery believes that communities equipped with knowledge and the skills of inquiry can transform food, farming and natural systems for the better.…

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Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 25:57

29d ago25:57

25:57

Host Jill Troderman talks to Julie Macecevic Executive Director of the Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center about their Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence program. This program is being supported by the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fundraising Campaign.By specialevents

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Damians Ladder - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 30:53

29d ago30:53

30:53

In this podcast, Damian's Ladder Executive Director Ann Bennett Young and Board Chair, Christina Wise talk about the vital work they are doing in Santa Cruz County to bring much needed handyman services to seniors and the disabled. Their push for 2025 as part of their Santa Cruz Gives campaign is to have the resources to serve South County as they …

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Homeless Garden Project - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 24:50

29d ago24:50

24:50

Jill Troderman talks to Paul Goldberg of the Homeless Garden Project about their services. The Homeless Garden Project is a nonprofit organization based in Santa Cruz with a mission to build a thriving and inclusive community, workforce, and local food system.By specialevents

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Resource Center for Non-Violence 16:09

30d ago16:09

16:09

Sylvia Morales, Executive Director of the Resource Center for Nonviolence talks to "Sleepy" John Sandidge and Luigi Oppido about the organization. The mission of the nonprofit is to promotes the mutually reinforcing legacies, movements, practices, and visions of nonviolence and antiracism. They are committed to serving communities of all racial and…

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Long Term Recovery Group - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 18:11

30d ago18:11

18:11

Tonye Wold-Switzer Executive Director of Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) of Santa Cruz County joins Sleepy John Sandidge and Luigi Oppido to talk about their work. LTRG is a collaboration of nonprofit, faith-based, local, state and national organizations that work together to assist people as they recover from disaster.…

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Coastal Watershed - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:43

30d ago26:43

26:43

Laurie Egan and Erin Loury of Coastal Watershed Council talk to Think Local First radio hosts Janet Romanowski and Susan O'Connor Fraser about their work to transform the San Lorenzo River into a thriving urban waterfront. This exciting project is just one example of the projects that will benefit from the 2025 Holiday Fundraising campaign of Santa…

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Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 22:38

30d ago22:38

22:38

In this podcast, Executive and Artistic Director Micha Scott of the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center joins hosts Janet Romanowski and Susan O'Connor Fraser of Think Local First. Micha talks about the many unique programs and world class choreographers/instructors teaching at the facility.By specialevents

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Santa Cruz Gives On Santa Cruz Gives 2025 13:36

30d ago13:36

13:36

Jeanne Howard, the force behind Santa Cruz Gives, talks to "Sleepy" John Sandidge about the 2025 holiday fundraising campaign and the 72 nonprofit organizations benefitting from the community's support.By specialevents

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Eat for the Earth - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 23:35

1M ago23:35

23:35

Host Susan O'Connor Fraser of Think Local First radio talks to Beth Love of Eat for the Earth about the organization that is: Making it easier for people to transition to more sustainable dietary patterns. Working with institutions to adopt climate-friendly food initiatives. Supporting people to transform their health through the adoption of health…

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Birchbark Foundation - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

Meghan French, Executive Director of Birchbark Foundation, talks to Freedom Forum host Jeff Bosshard and guest host Susan O'Connor Fraser from Think Local First Radio about the important programs they offer. Birchbark exists to protect and honor the human-animal bond by financially aiding low-income pet guardians who cannot afford emergency vet car…

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Save Our Shores - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 22:30

1M ago22:30

22:30

Katie Thompson joins Freedom Forum Host, Jeff Bosshard and Guest Co-Host, Susan O'Connor Fraser to talk about Save Our Shores. Their programs and projects are designed to support the foundations of clean, healthy shores and a thriving Monterey Bay for all. Famous for their beach cleanups, this year's focus is to stop offshore drilling.…

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Pajaro Valley Shelter Services - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 21:58

1M ago21:58

21:58

Mike Johnson, Executive Director of Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, join Think Local First radio host Susan O'Connor Fraser for a discussion of their services and their three pillars. These pillars consist of workshops, classes, counseling, and case management that form the “Three Pillars” of self-sufficiency for families experiencing homelessness.…

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Association of Faith Communities - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 24:59

1M ago24:59

24:59

In this episode, Sam Altis of Association of Faith Communities talks to Think Local First radio show hosts Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser about the work being done by the organization. Safe parking, showers, shelter and socks are the programs that are making a difference in the lives of people in Santa Cruz County.…

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Free Books for Kids - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 22:52

1M ago22:52

22:52

In this Think Local First Radio podcast with hosts Michael Olson and Susan O'Connor Fraser, they talk to Pamela Randall of Free Books for Kids. This organization has given away over 250,000 books to non-profits, schools, new teachers and teacher candidates, childcare centers, medical facilities, and community organizations that have kids as clients…

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MENtors Driving Change - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 28:41

1M ago28:41

28:41

This podcast with hosts Michael Olson and Susan O'Connor Fraser features an interview with Deutron Kebebew, Founder of the organization MENtors. MENtors Driving Change empowers boys, men, and fathers in Santa Cruz County through mentoring, healing, and leadership development. It's an amazing organization and part of the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives holida…

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CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 23:09

1M ago23:09

23:09

Magi Diego, Development & Communications Director for CASA of Santa Cruz County, talks with Think Local First Santa Cruz radio hosts Susan and Tam O'Connor Fraser about how CASA advocates for children and youth, providing court appointed volunteers so each child in the dependency and juvenile court system feels cared for and connected with the peop…

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El Pajaro Community Development Corporation - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 27:01

1M ago27:01

27:01

Community Matters' Host Becky Steinbruner talks to Carmen Herrera Mansir about the important work this nonprofit does to promote equal access to economic opportunity and to transform people's lives through entrepreneurship. The organization is part of the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fundraising campaign.…

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Senior Legal Services - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

Community Matters' Host, Becky Steinbruner, talks to Rosalina Manfreda Supervising Attorney at Senior Legal Services about their free legal services. Their services are intended to defend the rights of seniors and other vulnerable populations to quality housing, government benefits, and protection from exploitation and discrimination.…

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Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Service - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 25:50

1M ago25:50

25:50

Community Matters' Host Becky Steinbruner talks to Jacob's Heart's Interim Executive Director Luis Mojica about the organization's mission and the important work being done every day by this incredible Santa Cruz County nonprofit organization. This podcast originally aired on 12-12-25 as part of Santa Cruz Voice/Think Local First Santa Cruz's suppo…

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Free Guitars 4 Kids - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 23:33

1M ago23:33

23:33

In this episode, Think Local First hosts, Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser, talk to Brett Wilshire and David Adams from Free Guitars for Kids. This great organization is helping to transform the lives of kids in underserved communities through the gift of a guitar. Free Guitars for Kids is part of the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fundraising campaign…

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Senderos - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 19:59

1M ago19:59

19:59

In this interview by hosts Susan Douglas and Denise Lane, Isai Pazos Executive Director of Senderos talks about the organization, its programs and mission. Senderos specializes in teaching Latino culture and history through the artistic expression of dance and music. The organization is part of the Santa Cruz Gives 2025 Holiday fundraising campaign…

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Santa Cruz Actors Theater - Santa Cruz Gives 2025 23:31

1M ago23:31

23:31

Originally recorded on 12/8, listen in to an interview with Denise Keplinger, part of the talented team at Santa Cruz Actor's Theater. Denise talks with hosts Tam and Susan O'Connor Fraser part of the Think Local First Santa Cruz broadcasting team, helping to bring the stories of Santa Cruz Gives and their 2025 holiday giving campaign to life.…

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Arts Council Santa Cruz County - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 21:45

1M ago21:45

21:45

Santa Cruz Voice hosts, Jeff Bosshard and Susan O'Connor Fraser, talk to Sarah Brothers, Arts Education Director at Arts Council Santa Cruz County and specifically about arts education initiatives of the non-profit. The Arts Council is one of the Arts & Culture nonprofits participating in the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives holiday fundraising program.…

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CAB | Santa Cruz County Immigration Project (SCCIP) - 2025 Santa Cruz Gives 24:12

1M ago24:12

24:12

In this podcast, host Jeff Bosshard along with Susan O'Connor Fraser from Think Local First Santa Cruz talk to Kate Hinnenkamp from the Community Action Board's Immigration Project talking about the work of the organization to to promote the wellbeing of the immigrant community in Santa Cruz County and the Pájaro Valley. The organization is just on…

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Positive Discipline - Santa Cruz Gives 2025 31:06

1M ago31:06

31:06

In this podcast, hosts Susan O'Connor Fraser and Janet Romanowski, members of the board of Think Local First Santa Cruz, talk to Stephanie Barron Lu of Positive Discipline Community Resources about the power of positive discipline in our families, our own lives, and our community. Positive Discipline is part of the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fun…

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Camp Opportunity - Santa Cruz Gives 2025 27:08

1M ago27:08

27:08

In this podcast, originally broadcast on 12-7-25, Think Local First Santa Cruz representatives Janet Romanowski and Susan O'Connor Fraser, talk to John Skinner and Deborah Bresnick of Camp Opportunity. You can learn more about this outstanding nonprofit that is part of the 2025 Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Fundraising campaign.…

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Birds of a Feather - Santa Cruz Gives 2025 22:32

1M ago22:32

22:32

In this podcast, originally recorded on 12/7/25, Think Local First Santa Cruz board members Susan O'Connor Fraser and Janet Romanowski, talk to Kris Kifer of Birds of a Feather Tutoring and their involvement in the Santa Cruz Gives 2025 Holiday Fund Raising campaign.By specialevents

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2024 Pacific Garden Mall Holiday Parade 1:43:49

1y ago1:43:49

1:43:49

Rosemary Chalmers, John Sandidge, Jeff Heitman and Jake Stenton of Santa Cruz Voice commentated live from the site of the parade. Marco Romanini drove the VW bus accompanied by a pair of revelers. Bettina McBee was our roving reporter, interviewing parade participants and observers, and Michael Olson got it all on the internet. SCV listeners could …

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