Send us a text Ana Miguel, Educational Programs Coordinator for Border Angels, shares her personal connection to immigration work as the daughter of migrants from Guanajuato, Mexico, revealing how her family history shapes her passion for humanitarian border assistance and activism. To support Border Angels and their humanitarian work, visit border…

Send us a text Dr. Tricia Bertram Gallant redefines academic integrity as more than just avoiding cheating—it's cultivating the courage to uphold universal values like honesty, fairness, and respect, even when it's difficult. Her work as Director of the University of California, San Diego Academic Integrity Office and the Triton Testing Center puts…

Send us a text Filex Sanchez, founder of Union Law Group, shares his journey from growing up in San Ysidro, CA on the Mexico-US border to becoming a specialized immigration attorney after witnessing how profoundly his work could change lives. Raised by immigrant parents who operated an immigration consultancy for decades, Filex developed a deep und…

Send us a text In this episode, we hear from Jim McCloskey about the journey that took him from the corporate world to his current work with those who have been wrongly convicted of crimes. McCloskey founded Centurion Ministries, an organization that has "completed 70 releases of men and women who were serving life or death sentences for crimes the…

Send us a text Join Dr. Sciarretta for a conversation with Garr Reynolds, the author of Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery, for a compelling discussion about the fusion of Zen aesthetics with modern communication. Garr shares how his journey from Oregon to Japan has shaped his philosophy, emphasizing the power of sim…

Send us a text CONTENT 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 T…

Send us a text What 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. …

Send us a text Juan 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 acr…

Send us a text Hedy 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 di…

Send us a text Join 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 beco…

Send us a text Back 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 y…

Send us a text Join 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 d…

Send us a text In 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. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode please give …

Send us a text Check 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 int…

Send us a text Check 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 …

Send us a text Armand 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 urb…

Send us a text Luci 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! Support the show If you enjoyed this episo…

Send us a text Here 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 …

Send us a text As 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 t…

Send us a text Back 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 journ…

Send us a text In 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 i…

Send us a text Dr. 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 Support the show If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star r…

Send us a text In 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. Support the show If you enjoyed …

Send us a text Antonio 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 addres…

Send us a text Imagine 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 educatio…

Send us a text We'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. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode please g…

Send us a text Step 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. …

Send us a text I 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, ou…

Send us a text Juan 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 centu…

Send us a text Shana 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 craftsmansh…

Send us a text Dr. 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 entrep…

Send us a text Tracy 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 selfles…

Send us a text Jack 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 impart…

Send us a text Jasmine 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. …

Send us a text Glenn 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 …

Send us a text Richard 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 di…

Send us a text Peter 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…

Send us a text Bill 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…

Send us a text Mary 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 nega…

Send us a text Scott 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 o…

Send us a text Jon 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 ex…

Send us a text Kay 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. Support the show If you enjoyed this episode please give us a…

Send us a text Dr. 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 stra…

Send us a text Corie 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, humani…

Send us a text Join 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.…

Send us a text Dr. 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 …

Send us a text Beau 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 LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on X Support the show If you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-…

Send us a text Jakob 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…

Send us a text Amanda 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 platfor…

Send us a text Seth 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 c…