Send us a textCONTENT 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/hQoPziQTo 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

Send us a textWhat 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! Donate here! 

Send us a textJuan 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.

Send us a textHedy 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.

Send us a textJoin 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]. 

Send us a textBack 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/41h3r8zWatch The Fish Monger: https://www.outdoorchannel.com/show/fishmonger/388571 

Send us a textJoin 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. 

Send us a textIn 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. 

Send us a textCheck 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)

Send us a textCheck 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.

Send us a textArmand 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. 

Send us a textLuci 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! 

Send us a textHere 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 BrokenWatch Jesse’s TEDx Talk: Sex Trafficking: The Lost BoysConnect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.

Send us a textAs 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.

Send us a textBack 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 

Send us a textIn 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

Send us a textDr. Susan Lewallen and her husband Dr. Paul Courtright have devoted their careers to providing eye care to underserved communities in Africa. Listen to learn more about their inspiring work and unique life stories. Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology

Send us a textIn this episode, we hear from Ben Frahm, a screenwriter and professor at Syracuse University (who also happens to be David's cousin). Listen to learn more about Ben's experience in the world of screenwriting and the practical and theoretical knowledge that guides his own work and that of his students. 

Send us a textAntonio Torres, one of the founders of the Community Plate Initiative, joins us to share his profound journey from early community service to launching an innovative nonprofit in San Diego during the pandemic. Antonio opens up about CPI, which distributes high-quality, nutritious meals to unhoused communities in San Diego, and addresses the challenges and creative solutions involved in sustaining such a vital project. To learn more about the Community Plate Initiative, visit their website. Donate to CPIVolunteer with CPI Partner with CPI 

Send us a textImagine transforming a childhood wonder for Legos into orchestrating major school revitalization projects—that's the journey Lee Dulgeroff, Senior Executive Director for Facilities Planning and Construction at San Diego Unified School District, shares with us. Lee's path from tinkering with building blocks to leading immense educational infrastructure initiatives is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Join us as we unpack the dedication it takes to turn nostalgic play into the kind of professional drive that levels the societal playing field through education.

Send us a textWe're honored to welcome Judge CJ Mody, the first South Asian justice to serve on the San Diego Superior Court.  This exchange connects the personal with the universal, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the life and work of a judge who leads with integrity, wisdom and empathy.

Send us a textStep into the journey of Dr. Olivia Graeve, whose personal narrative transcends geographical boundaries and academic disciplines. As a groundbreaking professor of engineering at UC San Diego, Dr. Graeve not only shapes the minds of our future innovators but also weaves a web of international collaboration through the ENLACE program. Her story, from a childhood in Tijuana to academic prestige in San Diego and beyond, embodies the spirit of unity and the power of STEM education to bridge communities and transcend and eliminate borders.Learn more about the ENLACE program here. 

Send us a textI chatted with the remarkable Amanda Ripley, best-selling author and journalist who has embraced a fresh lens on the world of conflict. As described in her latest book “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out” Amanda explores the landscape of 'high conflict’ and steers us towards constructive, rather than destructive, outcomes. To learn more about Amanda and her work:amandaripley.comthegoodconflict.com

Send us a textJuan Arambul comes from a family of educators.   He works as an educational leadership consultant with the ANEW Project, an organization centered around thoughtful progress and positive change. Listen to learn more about Arambul's mission to inspire students and disrupt the stagnancy that often characterizes  schooling in the 21st century. Please note that this episode was filmed. You can find the video here. 

Send us a textShana Morgan is the owner of Morgan's Monograms, a custom embroidery service and storefront in La Mesa, California. The path of entrepreneurship is not laid with roses, and Shana’s narrative is a testament to the thorns encountered along the way—betrayal, financial upheaval, and natural disasters. With its rich history of craftsmanship, the embroidery industry has been revolutionized by technological advancements and the digital age. Shana provides a front-row seat to the meticulous dance of balancing customer satisfaction with the necessity of evolving and keeping pace with a global market. Prepare to be inspired as we share insights, laughter, and lessons from the front lines of small business ownership and the relentless drive that fuels an entrepreneur's journey.Learn more about Shana Morgan in a recent San Diego News article.Learn more about Morgan's Monograms.

Send us a textDr. Nicole Wahab is a lifelong educator and serial entrepreneur. Nicole's story is a symphony of resilience, echoing Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down," and serves as a testament to never yielding in the face of adversity, whether leading from the front of a classroom or the helm of a business venture. She illustrates her drive and entrepreneurial spirit, from founding a charter school to being the corporate executive of a sports company and starting her own technology integration business. The episode ventures into the post-Covid era's call for career reimagining, where adaptability is king, and the courage to redefine oneself is paramount. Learn more about Dr. Nicole Wahab.

Send us a textTracy Thompson is the San Diego County of Education (SDCOE) Executive Director of Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS). This episode charts Tracy's harrowing escape from the clutches of gang life and his current role as a beacon of hope for at-risk youth. Tracy opens up about the mentors who redirected his path and his selfless commitment to those he now serves.Learn more about Tracy Thompson and the JCCS.

Send us a textJack Wong is the CEO of Kamehameha Schools. Jack joined Kamehameha Schools in 1997, first serving as senior counsel from 1997-2000, then as director of the Endowment Legal Division from 2000-2013. Drawing from his unique journey from the legal realm to the helm of one of Hawaii's most influential educational institutions, Jack imparts wisdom on cultivating a shared vision while managing a diverse workforce. His insights offer a roadmap to any leader striving to navigate the complexities of steering a multifaceted organization without losing sight of its core values and mission.Learn more about Jack Wong.Visit the Kamehameha Schools website.Watch a video about the legacy of Kamehameha Schools. 

Send us a textJasmine LeFlore is a Senior Aerospace Engineer, Social Entrepreneur, and Co-founder of Greater Than Tech. Throughout the conversation, Jasmine shares her relentless journey, from defying doubters to channeling her grief into a catalyst for change, all while celebrating the mentors and role models who ignited her trailblazing spirit. This led to her co-founding Greater Than Tech where she is not just breaking barriers; she's building bridges for underrepresented voices in STEM fields. Jasmine and Dr. Sciarretta explore the essential role of hands-on experience and the integration of business skills in nurturing the next generation. Learn more about Jasmine LeFlore and Greater Than Tech.

Send us a textGlenn E. Singleton is the Founder and CEO of Courageous Conversation, an agency that guides leadership development in education, government, corporation, law enforcement, and community organizing. Glenn unveils the personal encounters and revelations that have shaped his life's work in the form of his pivotal Courageous Conversation protocol. He outlines the four foundational agreements vital for maintaining engagement and managing discomfort as we confront the complex realities of race in our everyday conversations. The episode closes with his experiences of systemic change, from the corridors of school districts to the boardrooms of multinational corporations. Join us for this compelling narrative that not only informs but also empowers us to take part in the courageous conversations that are crucial for a thriving, diverse society.Learn more about Glenn Singleton and Courageous Conversation®.

Send us a textRichard Barrera is the elected representative for District D on the San Diego Unified School District's (SDUSD) Board of Trustees and returns as the first guest to record a second episode on the podcast. A true advocate for educational equity and a seasoned trustee, Richard discusses the intricacies of leading a major urban school district into the future. Richard reveals the strides made within San Diego schools, delving into the transformative journeys of students and the narrowing of the opportunity gap among communities within the district. The conversation details how the district is addressing upcoming budgetary hurdles, Richard's commitment to equity, and the role schools play during community crises. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of education with an inspirational leader who's been at the helm of change for over a decade and a half.Learn more about Richard Barrera.

Send us a textPeter and Chris Sciarretta join their brother, Dr. David Sciarretta, on this special episode to discuss their family's journey through education, from childhood to careers. They reflect on attending a Waldorf school that prioritizes capacity over content, but isn't without its challenges in staying relevant amidst today's educational landscape. The brothers cap off the episode by discussing the joy of learning and being a lifelong learner as a tool for personal growth.

Send us a textBill Melton is a retired lifelong educator, world traveler, and deep thinker. Bill shares his tale of choosing the path less traveled, leading him to the world of education. He reflects on his career that includes tenures as a high school principal and a member of the Albert Einstein Academies Board of Trustees. The conversation then shifts to the present and future of teaching, examining the role of technology and how the pandemic has reshaped classroom dynamics. His passion for education, the continual evolution of learning, and the dedication required from educators resonates throughout our conversation, inspiring us to embrace the journey of personal growth.

Send us a textMary Shannon Heinzelmann is a long-time Arts Teacher at Albert Einstein Academies (AEA) in San Diego, CA. From her roots in a musically and artistically inclined family to her transformative teaching methods, Mary Shannon's story illustrates the serendipitous magic of pursuing a passion. This discussion includes the positive and negative impacts of the digital age on the many forms of art, how California is breathing new life into arts education, and the impact art has on all subjects in a student's education.

Send us a textScott Mitchell is the Dean of Students and Faculty Affairs at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. Scott discusses how Buddhist modernism and American culture intersect in surprising ways and the significance of Buddhism in a society that often values individual over collective experiences. He shares his personal journey and reflects on the profound impact of his brother Eric's legacy.Learn about and donate to the Eric C Mitchell Scholarship fund.Purchase Scott's book The Making of American Buddhism.Watch Scott give a talk at the DharmaBum Temple.

Send us a textJon Detra's life reads like an adventure novel, from martial arts and dance, to the cutting-edge world of mobile technology. Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, Jon experienced many twists and turns in a journey that led him to San Diego, CA as a young engineer at Qualcomm. After decades of growth being a creative problem solver and executive leader, Jon shares how his diverse passions have shaped his outlook on life, work, and the importance of staying agile in the face of change.

Send us a textKay Hoffman is a retired teacher, school administrator, out-of-the-box thinker who also happens to be Dr. Sciarretta's mom.  This conversation, which kicks off season 2 of the podcast, touches on topics including education, medicine, school leadership, aging, and much more.

Send us a textDr. Sciarretta shares his review of Chris Joffe's new book, "All Clear: Lessons from a Decade Managing School Crisis." The book ventures beyond typical safety protocols, uncovering the layers of complexity in crisis management and the power of community unity in fortifying our educational institutions. This includes multifaceted strategies that Chris illustrates through his Swiss cheese model of school safety, emphasizing the need for comprehensive methods that connect security technology, training, and community engagement. This episode will give you a sneak peak to the books insights that promise to arm you with knowledge and inspire a collective commitment to safer schools.Order Chris Joffe's book:  "All Clear: Lessons from a Decade Managing School Crises"

Send us a textCorie Julius, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator and Teacher Librarian at Albert Einstein Academies (AEA), shines a light on IB educators' mission to cultivate informed, compassionate global citizens. She shares her life's journey and how these experiences have forged her educational philosophy centered on peace, humanity, and acceptance. We discuss the merits of innovative teaching methods like looping and multi-age classrooms, and how the evolving role of libraries impacts today's education. We navigate the complexities of IB education, the significant role of California in the IB education landscape, and the unique challenges IB coordinators face. Join us for an episode filled with personal triumphs, professional growth, and the transformative power of embracing change in the world of education.Learn more about the International Baccalaureate.

Send us a textJoin us as we welcome our guest, middle school PE teacher and lacrosse coach, Matt Vozzolo, for a spirited chat about his unique journey from humble beginnings in a Connecticut wood cabin to his current life in sunny San Diego, revealing how his past has shaped his approach to physical education, nutrition, and leadership in schools. Matt shares his passion for lacrosse, discusses the changing trends in physical fitness, and the critical role of nutrition and sleep in connection to physical activity. We wrap up with Matt's personal advocacy for the Movember charity, highlighting its impact on men's health. Be prepared to be inspired, educated, and entertained in this exciting episode.Contribute to Matt's Movember Fundraiser for Men's Mental Health

Send us a textDr. Moisés Aguirre is the Superintendent of Sweetwater Union High School District, the largest secondary school district in California. In this episode we discuss AI's influence on education, the nuances of leading a diverse school district, partnerships, humility, and self-care. Dr. Aguirre shares not only his insights but also his personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and humble no matter the height of success. We glance into the future, discussing the innovative programs the district is developing to prepare students for college and career. With a blend of personal anecdotes and expert opinions, this episode will make you question, ponder, and most importantly, learn. Learn more about Dr. AguirreConnect with Dr. Sciarretta on X

Send us a textBeau James is currently Meta's Director and Associate General Counsel for Mobile and Artificial Intelligence. Beau discusses his legal career, upbringing, passion for rare disease advocacy, and much more.Connect with Beau on LinkedInConnect with Dr. Sciarretta on X

Send us a textJakob McWinney is the Education Reporter for the Voice of San Diego, whose mission is “investigative journalism for a better San Diego” and was founded in 2005 as the country's first digital non-profit news organization to serve a local community. Jakob talks about his unique route to becoming a journalist and some of the topics he’s reported on such as chronic absenteeism, homelessness, and the impact the pandemic has had on academic achievement.Read Jakob’s stories on the Voice of San Diego: https://voiceofsandiego.org/author/jakob-mcwhinney/Connect with Jakob on:X: https://twitter.com/jakobmcwhinneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakobmcwhinney/Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on X: https://twitter.com/dvs1970

Send us a textAmanda Fox is a co-author of The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education, which is currently Amazon’s best-selling book on the topic. Amanda is a lifelong educator and is passionate about the use of technology to empower students in their learning journey. She also works with an educational AI platform, Curipod.com, and has a special limited-time offer for podcast listeners: Visit https://curipod.com/, sign up and enter CURICON for a free three-month trial.Purchase The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education: https://a.co/d/9w3mR4dConnect with Amanda on:X: https://twitter.com/AmandaFoxSTEMInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AmandaFoxPopuliConnect with Dr. Sciarretta on X: https://twitter.com/dvs1970

Send us a textSeth Hettena is a veteran journalist who has worked with the Associated Press and various newspapers throughout the United States. He is also an author who has a Substack newsletter called The Ice Man which is a serialized version of a book he has written about the Navy Seals. In this conversation, Seth discusses how journalism has changed throughout his career, including the future impact of Artificial Intelligence.Learn more about Seth: https://sethhettena.com/Read Seth’s Substack Newsletter The Ice Man: https://theiceman.substack.com/Connect with Seth on X: https://twitter.com/seth_hettenaConnect with Dr. Sciarretta on X: https://twitter.com/dvs1970

Send us a textEric Cross is a long-time middle school science teacher at Albert Einstein Academies, innovator, and consultant. Eric shares his transformational and inspiring journey, his challenges, how that all informs his teaching practices, and much more.Learn more about Eric here.Connect with Eric on:InstagramTwitterConnect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.

Send us a textDr. Richard Vernon Moore is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity and Support Services at Sweetwater Union High School District, California's second-largest secondary school district located in San Diego County. Dr. Moore has a long history of administrative roles in K-12 education and discusses how this journey has informed his perspective on resolving conflict, his definition of equity, the role of student discipline measures including suspension and expulsion, and much more.Learn more about Dr. Moore in this San Diego Union-Tribune article.Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.

Send us a textPatricia Barneond, aka Patty, is the Senior Director of Education and Director of the Hanley Denning Experimental School for Safe Passage. Safe Passage is a transformative nonprofit organization founded by the late Hanley Denning over 20 years ago. Its mission is to provide a space for safe passage between home, school, and back home for the children of the many Guatemalan families who make a living scavenging for items at the Guatemala garbage dump, the largest landfill in Central America. Safe Passage also runs accredited schools and Patty discusses the joy of shifting the paradigm and the misunderstanding of the students who live in this environment. Patty also touches on the role and presence of trauma in students and adults, the impact of COVID, curricular design, how Safe Passage embraces a project-based learning model, and much more.Learn more about Safe Passage.Learn more about Safe Passage.Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.