Best Prebys Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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Gil Alvarado: Using All Our Resources to Benefit the Community 44:40

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5d ago44:40

44:40

Gil Alvarado is the Chief Financial and Investment Officer (CFIO) of the Prebys Foundation, where he helps steward a $1.2 billion portfolio with an eye toward both strong returns and strong community benefit. A national thought partner in mission-aligned investing, Gil brings an entrepreneurial mindset to philanthropy—designing funds, partnerships,…

1
Walking Shield: Building Capacity and Honoring Tribal Self-Determination 57:20

19d ago57:20

57:20

Walking Shield has spent nearly four decades improving quality of life for Native communities across the United States—bridging sovereign tribal nations with philanthropy, federal agencies, and the U.S. military. Alongside the Walking Shield team, Executive Director, Dr. John Castillo, and Senior Fellow, Mariano Diaz help tribes build the capacity …

1
Brandon Steppe: “Shoulder to Shoulder” Mentorship That Changes Lives 59:52

1M ago59:52

59:52

Brandon Steppe left a corporate career to start a recording studio in his garage—never imagining that a few persistent neighborhood kids would change his life. Those early studio sessions grew into the David’s Harp Foundation, a nonprofit where justice-involved and opportunity youth in San Diego discover their voices and chart a path forward throug…

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Amanda Renteria on Making Government Work for Everyone 52:52

1M ago52:52

52:52

On the latest Let’s Hear It, Eric sits down with the unstoppable Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America — and wow, is this one a shot of optimism for your civic soul. From growing up in California’s Central Valley to becoming the first Latina Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, to running Hillary Clinton’s 2016 political operation, Amanda has seen…

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Richard Tate: Health, Justice, and the Power of Voice 58:24

3M ago58:24

58:24

Richard Tate is the President and CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, where he leads with clarity, courage, and hope. A communications strategist turned first-time CEO, Richard embraces the power of philanthropy not just to fund change, but to stand up for values. Under his leadership, Cal Wellness has become a bold voice for health and raci…

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Scott Lewis: Journalism, Democracy, and the Future of San Diego 59:03

3M ago59:03

59:03

Scott Lewis is CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Voice of San Diego, the pioneering nonprofit newsroom he helped build nearly two decades ago. What began as an experiment in funding professional journalism outside of the old newspaper model is now a national template, proving that communities can sustain independent, fact-driven reporting. Scott is known …

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Nonprofit AF: Vu Le on Crappy Funding Practices, Hope, and Hard Truths 52:45

4M ago52:45

52:45

Nonprofits are essential, but are they getting what they need to succeed? And what happens when philanthropy clings to old habits while democracy teeters? In this episode, Eric sits down with writer, humorist, and nonprofit truth-teller Vu Le, creator of Nonprofit AF. With his trademark mix of sharp wit and blunt honesty, Vu pulls no punches on eve…

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Sew Loka’s Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski: Slow Fashion, Bold Stories 59:25

4M ago59:25

59:25

Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski is the founder of Sew Loka, a community-driven textile art studio in San Diego’s Barrio Logan. A self-taught artist and entrepreneur, Claudia transforms reclaimed fabrics into vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that weave together personal history, cultural identity, and environmental consciousness. From collaborating with pr…

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Afira Arrastia-DeVries: Kids Are Not a Problem to Solve 58:31

4M ago58:31

58:31

Afira Arrastia-DeVries is the President and CEO of the Monarch School Project, the only K–12 public institution in the U.S. solely dedicated to educating unhoused students. A 2025 Prebys Leadership Awardee, Afira brings a powerful combination of heart, strategy, and passion to her work. As a sociologist, advocate, and leader, she’s reshaping educat…

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Peter Ellsworth: Trust Begins With Listening 58:57

5M ago58:57

58:57

Peter Ellsworth is a longtime San Diegan, civic leader, and founding force in modern philanthropy. From his early days in law and healthcare to his visionary role at the helm of the Legler Benbough Foundation, Peter has lived a life steeped in service, humility, and quiet transformation. A member of the Prebys Foundation Board, he remains a guiding…

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The Public Interest Comms Textbook We Needed Yesterday - with Ann Christiano and Angela Bradbery 55:17

5M ago55:17

55:17

In this episode of Let's Hear It, Eric sits down with two public interest comms powerhouses—Ann Searight Christiano and Angela Bradbery—who’ve just dropped what might be the most anticipated textbook in our field: Public Interest Communications Strategy for Change Makers. Ann and Angela share how their years in the trenches at places like the Rober…

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Mark Cafferty: Why Inclusive Growth Is Smart Business 58:32

5M ago58:32

58:32

Mark Cafferty is the President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), where he leads with a mix of realism, resolve, and heart. In this conversation, he shares his experiences of how his values—shaped family, mentorship, and a belief in equity— continue to guide his leadership today. Under Mark’s direction, EDC ha…

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Molly Puryear: Dancing Toward Joy, Connection and Possibility 57:26

6M ago57:26

57:26

Molly Puryear is the Executive Director of Malashock Dance and a lifelong believer in the healing, connective power of movement. With infectious joy and deep conviction, she champions dance not just as an art form but as a way to be more fully human. Under her leadership, Malashock is expanding the definition of what dance can do for the community.…

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Live from the Prebys Sparx Awards Celebration: Celebrating Bold Ideas for Youth Well-Being 55:53

7M ago55:53

55:53

Katelyn Woodside is the Executive Director of the VAPA Foundation, a nonprofit bringing transformative arts education into San Diego’s public schools. A classically trained violinist, longtime educator, and nonprofit leader, Katelyn is advancing a bold vision: healing through expressive arts. Her organization’s award-winning proposal will train tea…

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Elite, Not Elitist: Reimagining Public Higher Education with Pradeep Khosla 1:02:21

7M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Pradeep Khosla is the chancellor of UC San Diego and a nationally recognized voice on the evolving role of public research universities. Under his leadership, UC San Diego has doubled in size, broadened its access, and transformed from a "diamond in the rough" into a globally respected powerhouse for innovation, education, and the arts. He spearhea…

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A Playbook for Change — Rachael Kagan on Journalism, Philanthropy, and Ending Domestic Violence 51:59

7M ago51:59

51:59

Let’s Hear It is back after a brief break—and we’re diving into one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had yet. In this episode, Eric sits down with Rachael Kagan, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Blue Shield of California Foundation. With a background in journalism and public health, Rachael has channeled her experience i…

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Dr. Paula Cordeiro: The Convergence of Nonprofit, Business, and Social Good 1:00:47

8M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Dr. Paula Cordeiro is a trailblazing educator, leadership expert, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of business, nonprofits, and global development. A former dean and founder of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, she’s reshaping how we think about leadership, wealth building, and the power of purpose-driven en…

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Angelina Renteria: Trust, Tradition, and Tribal Healthcare 1:01:40

8M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Angelina Renteria is the Chief Operating Officer of Indian Health Council, a tribally-run health center serving nine sovereign tribal nations in North San Diego County. With nearly 30 years of experience in health and fitness and two decades in health-focused grant development, she brings deep expertise and cultural insight to her work. Angelina is…

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Grant Oliphant: Reconnecting with Why Our Work Matters 1:01:12

9M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Grant Oliphant is the CEO of the Prebys Foundation and a longtime leader in philanthropy and social impact. With decades of experience guiding foundations through moments of transformation, he has a deep understanding of how philanthropy can respond to crises, support nonprofit resilience, and advocate for the society we aspire to reach. This Episo…

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Chris Appleton: Prescribing Art as Medicine 1:00:07

9M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Chris Appleton is the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, a pioneering initiative using social prescribing to integrate the arts into healthcare and improve mental well-being. A leader in arts and social impact, his work has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, and NPR. With a background in nonprofit leadership Chris is redefining healing one cre…

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The Great Doug Hattaway on the Art and Science of Effective Communications 1:05:49

9M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

What makes an effective communicator in today’s chaotic political landscape? This week, Eric sits down with the legendary Doug Hattaway—founder of Hattaway Communications, political strategist, and storytelling expert—to find out. From his early days in journalism and politics to helping shape the way nonprofits, foundations, and campaigns communic…

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The Alternative is Unacceptable 1:03:33

10M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

In this episode, Grant sits down with four motivated leaders who are driving solutions to the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Ramon Chairez, Sarah Davidson, Lesly Gallegos-Stearns, and Kapili Pasa are proving that change isn’t just possible, it is already happening through advocacy, environmental education, and community organizing. Their stories reve…

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The Politics of Beauty with John de Graaf 48:58

10M ago48:58

48:58

What’s the economy for, anyway? Shouldn’t time, happiness, and beauty be at the center of our lives? We know this sounds, er, quaint, given the times, but don’t we all need a bit of beauty right now? This week, Eric sits down with writer, filmmaker, and activist John de Graaf, whose decades-long career has been dedicated to challenging the culture …

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Tijuana River Pollution: Speaking Up for Patient Health with Dr. Dickson and Dr. Nguyen 1:01:12

10M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Special Series: This season, Stop & Talk is diving into one of San Diego County’s biggest environmental and health emergencies: the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. Through this special series, we hear from doctors, advocates, researchers, and others fighting for clean environments, healthy communities, and real solutions to a crisis that’s been dismis…

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Transparency, Collaboration, and the Fight Against Misinformation with Wikimedia Foundation’s Anusha Alikhan 49:37

11M ago49:37

49:37

Is Wikipedia the last bastion of truth on the internet? Eric speaks with Anusha Alikhan, the Chief Communications Officer for the Wikimedia Foundation – the nonprofit behind Wikipedia, the internet's largest encyclopedia. Anusha shares insights into how Wikipedia grew from a scrappy experiment into a trusted global resource with 50 billion monthly …

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We Kick Off Season Seven with Mister Mystery - Kirk Brown! 1:01:06

11M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

It’s a brand-new year, a new season, and… a brand-new low? Nah!! This week, Let’s Hear It flips the script as co-host Eric Brown interviews the mystery man himself, Kirk Brown. That’s right—our favorite interlocutor steps into the hot seat to reflect on his fascinating journey from humble Iowan roots to becoming a nonprofit communications force of …

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Paper Bags and Patience: A Post-Election Pep Talk with Takema Robinson 47:51

12M ago47:51

47:51

Need a dose of hope and perspective after a tough election season? Join Let's Hear It co-host Eric Brown for a conversation with Takema Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Converge, a social justice communications consulting firm. Drawing on her background in art and African American studies, Takema brings a refreshing perspective on how imagination an…

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What’s Next for Climate Justice? – A Conversation with EPA Advisor Danielle Deane-Ryan 55:46

1y ago55:46

55:46

We know that these post-election blues are a thing, but here’s the deal – the need for climate justice isn’t changing. This week on Let’s Hear It, we’re diving deep into the work that’s pushing environmental justice to the forefront of philanthropy, policy, and big-dollar investments. Eric sits down with Danielle Deane-Ryan, Senior Advisor to the E…

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Season 2 Wrap-Up 1:23:34

1y ago1:23:34

1:23:34

Season 2 of Stop and Talk brought us stories of resilience, creativity, and community action across San Diego. Hosts Grant Oliphant and Crystal Page welcomed guests who are tackling complex challenges, from reimagining public spaces to strengthening community mental health and fostering economic equity. Each conversation offered a glimpse into the …

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The Clean Energy Economy is Coming! – with Rachel Korberg of the Families and Workers Fund and David Etzwiler of the Siemens Foundation 55:07

1y ago55:07

55:07

Okay, folks, we know there’s an election happening and that you might be a bit, um, distracted. But one thing is sure, whatever happens this week, a clean energy economy is coming, and we need to do everything we can to make this transition work for everybody. So when you’re finished blowing into your paper bag, you might want to take a moment to t…

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Thelma Virata de Castro: Expressing Yourself is a Powerful Thing 1:01:37

1y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

In this episode, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Thelma Virata de Castro, a Filipinx artist, playwright, and community teacher based in San Diego. Thelma's work delves deep into the human experience, with a unique blend of humor and profound themes. Through her "Cultivating JOY" project—part of the Far South Border North initiative—Thelma empowe…

Prebys Foundation Podcasts

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Stop & Talk

Grant Oliphant, Prebys Foundation, Crystal Page

1
Let’s Hear It

letshearitcast

1
Gil Alvarado: Using All Our Resources to Benefit the Community 44:40

1
Walking Shield: Building Capacity and Honoring Tribal Self-Determination 57:20

1
Brandon Steppe: “Shoulder to Shoulder” Mentorship That Changes Lives 59:52

1
Amanda Renteria on Making Government Work for Everyone 52:52

1
Richard Tate: Health, Justice, and the Power of Voice 58:24

1
Scott Lewis: Journalism, Democracy, and the Future of San Diego 59:03

1
Nonprofit AF: Vu Le on Crappy Funding Practices, Hope, and Hard Truths 52:45

1
Sew Loka’s Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski: Slow Fashion, Bold Stories 59:25

1
Afira Arrastia-DeVries: Kids Are Not a Problem to Solve 58:31

1
Peter Ellsworth: Trust Begins With Listening 58:57

1
The Public Interest Comms Textbook We Needed Yesterday - with Ann Christiano and Angela Bradbery 55:17

1
Mark Cafferty: Why Inclusive Growth Is Smart Business 58:32

1
Molly Puryear: Dancing Toward Joy, Connection and Possibility 57:26

1
Live from the Prebys Sparx Awards Celebration: Celebrating Bold Ideas for Youth Well-Being 55:53

1
Elite, Not Elitist: Reimagining Public Higher Education with Pradeep Khosla 1:02:21

1
A Playbook for Change — Rachael Kagan on Journalism, Philanthropy, and Ending Domestic Violence 51:59

1
Dr. Paula Cordeiro: The Convergence of Nonprofit, Business, and Social Good 1:00:47

1
Angelina Renteria: Trust, Tradition, and Tribal Healthcare 1:01:40

1
Grant Oliphant: Reconnecting with Why Our Work Matters 1:01:12

1
Chris Appleton: Prescribing Art as Medicine 1:00:07

1
The Great Doug Hattaway on the Art and Science of Effective Communications 1:05:49

1
The Alternative is Unacceptable 1:03:33

1
The Politics of Beauty with John de Graaf 48:58

1
Tijuana River Pollution: Speaking Up for Patient Health with Dr. Dickson and Dr. Nguyen 1:01:12

1
Transparency, Collaboration, and the Fight Against Misinformation with Wikimedia Foundation’s Anusha Alikhan 49:37

1
We Kick Off Season Seven with Mister Mystery - Kirk Brown! 1:01:06

1
Paper Bags and Patience: A Post-Election Pep Talk with Takema Robinson 47:51

1
What’s Next for Climate Justice? – A Conversation with EPA Advisor Danielle Deane-Ryan 55:46

1
Season 2 Wrap-Up 1:23:34

1
The Clean Energy Economy is Coming! – with Rachel Korberg of the Families and Workers Fund and David Etzwiler of the Siemens Foundation 55:07

1
Thelma Virata de Castro: Expressing Yourself is a Powerful Thing 1:01:37