Best Office of Community College Research Podcasts (2025)

1
Peptide Puzzle: Yi-Chun Chen on Early Signs of Diabetes and Obesity 26:28

2h ago26:28

26:28

Yi-Chun Chen is taking a close-up look at some of the body’s hardest-working cells — the ones often processing an overabundance of modern-day food and nutrients. “From an evolutionary point of view, our cells are not designed to deal with that,” said Dr. Chen, who joined the department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology at the University of S…

1
California Medicaid Recipients In GOP District See Potential Cuts As A "Disaster" 11:40

8h ago11:40

11:40

Part of President Trump's self-described big, beautiful bill includes congressional Republicans' plans to change Medicaid. The proposal would cut billions from the safety net program. Many Republican lawmakers see this as a needed savings to slash what they see as waste in the system, but recent estimates show millions of Americans stand to lose th…

1
Independent California Pharmacies Brace For Tariffs On Imported Medication 11:45

1d ago11:45

11:45

Law enforcement authorities are seeking help to piece together the timeline of their primary suspect in the explosion at a Palm Springs fertility clinic over the weekend. Authorities identified 25 year old Twentynine Palms Guy Edward Bartkus in connection with the bombing and said he was likely killed in the blast. (Reporter: Madison Aument, KVCR) …

1
Farmworker Assistance Bill Patterned After Nonprofit's Work 11:35

4d ago11:35

11:35

As the state legislature works to tackle a $12 billion budget deficit, a bill aimed at delivering vital resources right to farmworkers’ front doors is being put on hold. It’s modeled after an existing program run by Ayudando Latinos a Soñar, a nonprofit based in Half Moon Bay. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, The California Report The federal government and…

1
Vallejo Police Hid Details Of In Custody Death 11:40

5d ago11:40

11:40

Across California, families have had to fight, sometimes for years, just to learn what happened to their loved ones in police custody. Darryl Mefferd wasn't under arrest when he died after an encounter with Vallejo police in 2016. Local officials ruled his death an accidental drug overdose and for years, that's where the story ended. But new record…

1
Challenges of Participating in CA's Budget Process 11:30

6d ago11:30

11:30

It’s budget season at the State Capitol, which means grassroots advocates from around California come to plead for the funding they need for key community programs and projects. But, participating in the budget process and public committee hearings can be a heavy lift – especially for those outside Sacramento’s high-powered lobbyist class. (Reporte…

1
An Aging Homeless Population Amidst A Push by Newsom to Ban Encampments 11:30

7d ago11:30

11:30

In recent years, the population of homeless people has aged, with about 20% of them now 55 or older. Many have never been homeless before. (Reporter: Jane Vaughan, Jefferson Public Radio) Conservative activists are welcoming an announcement from Governor Gavin Newsom this week pushing cities to ban homeless encampments across California. Advocates …

1
Federal Funding Cuts May Jeopardize A Library Program Serving Blind and Print-disabled Communities 11:44

8d ago11:44

11:44

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is a federal agency that funds programs in libraries nationwide. In March, President Trump signed an executive order to slash the agency’s funding. And California's Braille and Talking Book Library, which serves the state's blind and print-disabled community, could be hit by these cuts. Reporter: Jasmine…

1
Newly-built Passageways Help Wildlife Safely Cross Roads 11:42

11d ago11:42

11:42

Los Angeles County's Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a 90-million-dollar bridge now under construction. It's designed to connect green spaces between a freeway so animals can cross safely. But animals don’t need these kinds of crossings to be so expensive and fancy. There are smaller and cheaper ways to cross the road. Guest: Seth Riley, Biologist, …

1
California's Tiny Home Boom Signals Hope In Housing Crisis Though Challenges Remain 11:12

12d ago11:12

11:12

A bill introduced in the state legislature by Sacramento Democratic Assembly member Maggy Krell aims to increase penalties for loitering to solicit minors for sex. But a provision specifically aimed at soliciting 16- and 17-year olds has divided state Democrats, and given Republicans a political opportunity to criticize their opponents. Reporter: L…

1
Democrats Hope a Progressive Push Can Flip one of California's Conservative Enclaves 11:26

13d ago11:26

11:26

For a long time, California's Central Valley has been a bastion of conservative political support; the red spot in a state that's awash in blue. However, there are signs that support for the right could be wavering, as President Trump's policies on trade and immigration are impacting livelihoods in the Central Valley; and some of the biggest progre…

1
Trump's Proposed Budget Threatens NASA Space Research 11:23

14d ago11:23

11:23

Last week, the Trump administration announced its goal of cutting $6 billion from NASA or nearly a quarter of the space agency's budget. Science programs would be hit especially hard, like the work done by NASA facilities in California. Guest: Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy, Planetary Society Three people are dead, four have received medical a…

1
Communities In Far Northern California Challenged By Return Of Gray Wolves 11:12

15d ago11:12

11:12

For decades, wolves were thought to have been hunted and poisoned into extinction in California with the last sighting of the animal in the 1920s. But that changed in late 2011 when a wolf wearing a radio collar crossed into the state from Oregon. In the years since, California’s gray wolf population has grown into the dozens, threatening the livel…

1
Tariffs Likely To Increase Cost Of Weddings In California 11:28

18d ago11:28

11:28

Weddings are pricey affairs in California — and they’re about to get even more expensive. According to the National Bridal Retailers Association, about 90 percent of all wedding gowns sold in the U.S. are made in China. With 145% tariffs now being imposed on all Chinese goods coming into the U.S., that could mean big price increases for California …

1
Most California Republican Voters Still Confident In Trump Administration 11:32

19d ago11:32

11:32

Nearly 40% of Californians voted for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Now, 100 days into his second term, how do they feel? Reporter: Izzy Bloom, KQED In San Francisco Wednesday night, former Vice President Kamala Harris laid into President Donald Trump at the 100 day mark of his presidency. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Learn more about…

1
Refugee Family Remembers Fall Of Saigon 11:27

20d ago11:27

11:27

The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago when American troops pulled out of Saigon. And for hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese who fled and resettled in California, April 30 is a significant day. Reporter: Daisy Nguyen, KQED A bill that would have lowered the state rent cap won't be moving forward this year, after its sponsors pulled it this week. Repor…

1
In the Trenches: Dr. James Stempien on Emergency Medicine 29:55

21d ago29:55

29:55

James Stempien (MD) has navigated some of the most challenging corners of emergency medicine, from the frigid isolation of Inuvik to the bustling corridors of Saskatoon’s emergency departments. His experience in low-tech outposts has shaped his approach to modern emergency care. “When things aren’t going well you see it in the emergency department …

1
Lawmakers Call for Investigations into Financial Aid Fraud at California Community Colleges 11:31

21d ago11:31

11:31

Millions of dollars meant to help California's community college students have been stolen by scammers, and now both Republican and Democratic leaders are calling for investigations. But there's debate over who's responsible and what solutions will actually help students most. Guest: Adam Eckelman, CalMatters An air force base in the Bay Area could…

1
Students Push For Race-Focused College Graduations In California 11:32

22d ago11:32

11:32

College staff in Southern California are busy organizing upcoming graduation ceremonies based on racial and ethnic identity. But two months ago, the Trump administration said these graduation ceremonies are illegal. And staff are not taking that declaration lightly. Reporter: Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, LAist Labor advocates in Los Angeles are pushing bac…

1
Program Provides Unique Science Lessons On Tahoe Slopes 11:20

25d ago11:20

11:20

Skiers cruising down Tahoe’s white slopes this winter had a unique chance to learn about the surrounding ecosystem. UC Davis scientists clicked on their skis and led public tours down the mountain. Reporter: Anna Guth, KQED The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a federal court to stop the government from cutting off legal services to familie…

1
Community College Job Training Program Struggles Due to Unreliable Funding 11:35

26d ago11:35

11:35

As the state grapples with the homeless population of over 187,000 people, a new program at Santa Monica Community College is training students for jobs to help people get off the streets and into housing. But it also faces an uncertain future. Guest: Marisa Kendall, CalMatters Farmworkers in the U.S. have historically been excluded from overtime p…

1
Immigration Officials Arrest More Than A Dozen People In Pomona 11:36

27d ago11:36

11:36

A bill aimed at bringing healthcare services directly to farmworker communities will be considered at the state legislature Wednesday. Immigrant rights groups say more than a dozen people were arrested by immigration officials on Tuesday at a hardware store in Pomona. Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR The Trump Administration eliminated deportation …

1
Pope Francis Played Significant Role For Latinos In California 11:23

28d ago11:23

11:23

The death of Pope Francis is being felt around the world. And right here in California, millions of Latino Catholics are mourning not just the loss of a spiritual leader, but someone who, for many, felt like one of their own. Pope Francis was the first from Latin America. He spoke often about immigration, inequality, and the dignity of the poor. Gu…

1
Shasta County DA's Office Strained Under Heavy Workload 11:34

29d ago11:34

11:34

The district attorney's office in Shasta County is facing high workloads and high vacancy rates. Reporter: Roman Battaglia, Jefferson Public Radio Dry summer conditions have long been known to cause issues for vulnerable fish populations. A recent UC Berkeley study found dry winters can cause issues, too. Reporter: Manola Secaira, CapRadio Learn mo…

1
From Science Fiction to Science Fact: Cal Scientists Discover Jupiter's "Mush Balls" 11:55

1M ago11:55

11:55

Imagine that severe storms sent ice balls containing chemical slush raining down onto the ground. While that sounds like science fiction here on earth, researchers at UC Berkeley have discovered, that is science-fact on our solar system's biggest planet--Jupiter. The U.S. Justice Department has ruled that tech giant Google has been holding an unlaw…

1
License to Kill: California DMV's History of Keeping Dangerous Drivers on the Road 11:47

1M ago11:47

11:47

It might sound farfetched, but the California Department of Motor Vehicles has a track-record of renewing the licenses of drivers whose dangerous maneuvers behind the wheel have caused deaths on the road. In Southern California, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has decided to move forward with plans to stabilize the coastal highway…

1
Sour Grapes Over Tariffs Could Cost California Wineries Canadian Market 11:23

1M ago11:23

11:23

The US wine industry let out a sigh of relief last week when President Trump decided to pause placing 20 percent tariffs on goods from the European Union, which would have included wine. However, the White House's global trade war is creating sour grapes with another major US trading partner--Canada; and that is jeopardizing California's wineries, …

1
Striking Video Game Performers Not Ready to Say Game Over 11:41

1M ago11:41

11:41

In 2023, the entertainment world in the US went on strike over production studios' embrace of artificial intelligence, and its potential to replace humans in the every role from actors to directors. While TV and movie studios eventually came to terms with striking workers in Hollywood, a year later, performers in the videogame industry represented …

1
Small California Cities Hope to Score Big With Pro Soccer 11:40

1M ago11:40

11:40

The United States is seeing a boom in professional soccer, especially in California. The state is already host to four Major League Soccer teams and three teams in the National Women's Soccer League. There is also a crop of minor league teams sprouting up throughout the state, in both big cities and small towns. We'll take to you to the Southern Ca…

1
As Trump Targets Schools for Deportation Sweeps, Undocumented UC Berkeley Students Call For More Support 11:41

1M ago11:41

11:41

President Trump says he will not limit the scope of his deportation efforts, going so far as to say schools across the country will also be targeted in sweeps and raids by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents. That looming threat has undocumented students attending UC Berkeley calling on the university to issue a strong statement of support …

1
Border Patrol Arrest Claims From Bakersfield Raid Don't Match Records 11:42

1M ago11:42

11:42

In early January, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents from El Centro near San Diego launched a deportation raid in Kern County, more than six hours from their usual area of operation. The man behind the effort is Gregory Bovino, head of CBP's El Centro sector. He claimed the operation targeted criminals that were illegally in the US, but …

1
A Mojave Desert Solar Project Jeopardizes Thousands of Joshua Trees 11:43

1M ago11:43

11:43

California is aiming to make the entirety of its electricity production zero-carbon by 2045. One of the key areas that state leaders are looking to help the state reach its clean energy goals is the Mojave Desert. Since 2014, the desert has been home to one of the largest solar power plants in North America. However, California's zero-carbon effort…

1
Fire Retardants: Can They Harm Those That They Help? 11:31

1M ago11:31

11:31

Firefighter aircraft were cheered on back in January, when they were making headlines as they painted the areas being scorched by the Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles County with fire retardant. However, scientists are starting to wonder whether the contents of these retardants could impact the health or the environment of the people who ha…

1
Episode 24: Research Translation Platform: Virtual Panel – Approaches to Addressing Substance Use Disorders in Justice-Involved Populations 55:28

1M ago55:28

55:28

Supporting Recovery, Strengthening Families, & Fostering Healthier Communities: Effective Approaches to Addressing Substance Use Disorders in Justice-Involved Populations Summary: The substance use epidemic in the United States remains a significant public health concern. The rate of drug overdose deaths has increased substantially over the past de…

1
Mobile Home Park Residents At Forefront Of Battle Over Affordable Housing 11:26

1M ago11:26

11:26

A Fresno mobile home park has become ground zero in a fight to save one of the last bastions of affordable housing in California. But residents there are facing an uncertain future as they wait for a federal judge to decide who will take control of the place they call home: another corporate landlord or an affordable housing non-profit. Reporter: M…

1
Tariffs To Have Widespread Impact On California Businesses 11:33

2M ago11:33

11:33

President Trump's tariffs are sending shockwaves around the world, and across car dealerships here in California, the U.S.'s largest car and truck market. A 25% tariff is being placed on all vehicles imported into the United States, but that tariff also covers car parts that are used to assemble vehicle models associated with "Made in the USA." The…

1
Why Medi-Cal And GOP Budget Could Cut Into Republican Gains In California 11:34

2M ago11:34

11:34

In last year’s presidential election, Donald Trump improved on his 2020 performance all across California. Voters in every congressional district in the state shifted toward Trump. But the areas moving most toward Republicans also have a lot to lose from the party’s budget plan in Washington. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Lawmakers are introducing …

1
Apprenticeship Program Aims To Help California's Struggling Logging Industry 11:44

2M ago11:44

11:44

California's logging industry has been shrinking for years, with an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the trade. But in Northern California, a community college is stepping in to change that, helping to train the next generation of loggers through an innovative apprenticeship program. Guest: Kate Rix, The Hechinger Report The Californ…

1
A's Welcomed By Thousands For Home Opener In West Sacramento 11:44

2M ago11:44

11:44

Major League Baseball is underway and for many fans of the Athletics, it’s a bittersweet season. That’s because the team used to be known as the Oakland Athletics, until they left Oakland last year. The A’s are now set to play at least three seasons in their new home in West Sacramento, while the team prepares for a permanent move to Las Vegas. Rep…

1
All’s Not Lost: A Roadmap to Treating Hepatitis C on the Prairies 30:28

2M ago30:28

30:28

As the world aims to eradicate hepatitis C (HCV) by 2030, Carrielynn Lund and Dr. Alexandra King’s team created a how-to guide. Journeys to Wellness: Prairie Hepatitis C Roadmap is a step-by-step guide to tackling a spike of new infections across the three Canadian prairie provinces. Hepatitis C (HCV) causes severe liver disease, and was notoriousl…

1
Police Accountability Law Slowly Showing Results 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

Hundreds of police officers in California have been stripped of their badges in the last few years for serious misconduct. The offenses range from sexual assault to excessive force to racial bias. But thousands of cases still need to be reviewed. Reporter: Scott Rodd, KPBS A pair of bills aiming to limit the harms of social media on children will f…

1
‘UK at the Half’: A digital health system for equestrians 2:22

2M ago2:22

2:22

The University of Kentucky’s Michaela Keener is revolutionizing equestrian health care with an interactive digital health system that connects riders to essential medical resources.The innovation is called The Graham — a tool designed to measure balance and reaction time, improving health care accessibility for all equestrians.Listen to this “UK at…

1
Nearly Two Dozen Bills Attempt to Cut Through Housing Red Tape 9:34

2M ago9:34

9:34

What does it take to get new housing approved in California? Way too much, say some lawmakers. To change that, a bipartisan group is proposing a package of nearly two dozen bills to cut through barriers they say is putting the brakes on housing production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Ramadan Traditions Continue Despite Devastation From Eaton Fire 11:36

2M ago11:36

11:36

The holy month of Ramadan is a special time when Muslim families often gather together. But when the Eaton Fire destroyed the only mosque in the Altadena area, it nearly upended the community’s ability to uphold tradition. Reporter: Megan Jamerson, KCRW A bill in the state Legislature asking for more accountability from California’s homeless shelte…

1
Program Aims To Help Sonoma Farmers Map Out Their Future 11:19

2M ago11:19

11:19

Sonoma County, is of course, famous for its vineyards but a lot more is produced there by small farmers. From eggs to milk and all kinds of specialty greens, Sonoma County is the Bay Area’s bread basket. But making it as a small farmer in Sonoma – like the rest of the state -- has gotten a lot harder in recent years. In part, because land has gotte…

1
Californians With Student Loan Debt Face Uncertain Future 11:33

2M ago11:33

11:33

President Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate the Department of Education. He also appears poised to make big changes to student loan programs. What could all this mean to people paying off their loans? Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR A California non-profit is suing the Trump Administration over its decision to end humanitarian parole programs. Thi…

1
Bay Area Democrat Holds Town Halls In Red-Leaning Districts 11:22

2M ago11:22

11:22

In a series of town halls on Sunday, Bay Area congressman Ro Khanna urged residents of Republican-held congressional districts in California to organize against the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to programs like Medicaid and the wider social safety net. Reporter: Guy Marzorati, KQED Congressman Khanna's next stop was an amphitheater in the I…

1
Yiddish Making A Comeback In Los Angeles 11:39

2M ago11:39

11:39

The historic language of Jews in Europe – Yiddish – was once spoken by tens of thousands of Jewish immigrants in Los Angeles. That language was almost destroyed by assimilation and the Holocaust. But now, Yiddish is making a comeback. Reporter: Robin Estrin, KCRW Dozens of postal workers gathered in protest outside a Bakersfield courthouse on Thurs…

1
Bird Flu Still Having A Huge Impact On Egg Supply, Prices In California 11:18

2M ago11:18

11:18

If you've been in your local market recently, you may have noticed empty shelves in the aisle where you normally find eggs. With the spread of bird flu, which is infecting chickens throughout the country, eggs have gotten expensive. Really expensive. The average price of a dozen eggs in California is now around $9. Reporter: Manola Secaira, CapRadi…

1
New Partnership Aims To Find Local Housing For Tahoe Workers 11:37

2M ago11:37

11:37

Finding a place to live in the Tahoe Basin is a difficult task for many local workers. A recent partnership between Placemate and Washoe County aims to remedy this problem. Reporter: Kat Fulwider, KUNR Under California law, if a person makes a threat to a place - like a school or house of worship - but they don't threaten specific individuals, it c…

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