The Smart Talk Series -- dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using a 360-degree approach with your host Melissa Vela-Williamson. Melissa is an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur, and national columnist. This series will focus on a theme over the span of six weekly episodes. Listen as Melissa dives into a topic on her own, interviews industry experts, and gives listeners a broad perspective to learn from. Communication is the foundation of professional or pe ...
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It’s challenging to balance a passion project with the realities of life. Each Tuesday, join Melissa Williamson, CEO of the Collective Impact Center and active participant of the social entrepreneur generation, as she interviews guests who are managing their own entrepreneurial venture while attempting to maintain a healthy work life balance. If you have a passion project, or just want to hear how others are navigating a purpose driven life, this is the podcast for you.
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Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and recording from Hinton Alberta, this podcast is all about embracing the great outdoors! Featuring interviews with local wilderness enthusiasts, camping and backcountry survival tips, gear reviews and more.
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The extremes have it all wrong. Naturally. On every issue, they only see half the picture. The ideologues always lead to a dead-end. You need to travel the middle of the road. That’s where the action is — in the center. On the basketball court, the chessboard, or the boxing ring, the center is where you want to be. Now more than ever, our country needs to be centered. While other journalists lurch to the right or left, nationally syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette keeps it one hundred by ...
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CEO of Sweet Talk Social, Claudia Duran, discusses social media tips, trends, and advice for your social media marketing. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sweettalksocial/support
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Ep 15- FORAGING the Northern Rockies (Feat. Scott Sunderwald)
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Scott Sunderwald is back to talk about foraging! We dig into the world of harvesting mushrooms and plants and some of the best methods. We talk about some of the best plants around the northern rockies for foraging and how to use them best. We also talk about some of the dangers and the best ways to stay safe while foraging. Scott answers some grea…
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Ep 14- LIVE on Long Lake Fishing! (Feat. Jordo)
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This episode was recorded LIVE on a boat while fishing Long Lake on the May Long Weekend! We are aboard Jordan's 12 foot flat-bottomed that features a 6HP motor. The main fish in Long Lake are Jackfish, so we are trying out the Five of Diamonds and Red Devil spoons. Join us for an afternoon on the water!…
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EP 134 | Martin Mares, Founder and Executive Director of the Ivy League Project; Parlier Unified School Board Member
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his longtime friend, Martin Mares, founder and executive director of the Ivy League Project -- a unique leadership initiative that has taken thousands of high school students from migrant and working-class backgrounds to visit Ivy League and other selective universities -- with remarkable results.…
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Ep 13- FISHING Experiences (Feat. The Camping Hacks)
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The Camping Hacks, Jeff and Jordo, return to the podcast to talk fishing! We dig into some of the best fishing experiences as well a future fishing goals. Also, favorite places to fish and even the best fishing hooks! Email wildernesswave@outlook.com with your favorite fishing hook!By George Shantz
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EP 133 | Ray Suarez, author; radio/podcast/TV host; former senior correspondent for the PBS Newshour
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, veterano Latino journalist Ray Suarez, about his new book on immigration, "We Are Home: Becoming American In The 21st Century." Touching on history and politics, they discuss all that immigrants from all over the world give to the United States, and what the United States takes in return.…
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Ep 12- HUNTING the Northern Rockies (Feat. Matthew Ritchie)
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Avid hunter and outdoorsman, Matthew Ritchie, stops in to tell some wild hunting and back country exploration stories on this episode. We start with a story of his latest snow goose hunt and encountering a snow goose that was hatched in Russia back in 2009. Matthew also gets into some stories of being surrounded by wolf packs and close encounters w…
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Producing Your Own Talk Show with Ernie Zuniga
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Season finale! Celebrate the end of Season 7 with an insightful discussion between host Melissa Vela-Williamson and Ernie Zuniga the host of "Pickup Lines". Ernie shares about taking the leap from being a TV morning news anchor on traditional media, to developing a self-produced show with a unique format. About Ernie: For almost 18 years, Ernie Zun…
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Ep 11- How Long Will You Survive In The Wild (Feat. Jamie Merkel)
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Jamie is back and we get into survival training! How long will he survive if dropped of in the wilderness? We go through an entire survey and learn about his "survival" techniques. You can take the survey here: https://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/how-long-could-you-survive-the-wilderness. How long did you make it?…
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Creating Content for Niche Audiences with April Monterrosa
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When you see a lack of representation in media, sometimes the best way to address it is to create the type of publication you're craving. In today's episode, Melissa sits down with April Monterrosa, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Live From The Southside Magazine, to talk about creating content for a niche audience and an insider's look into b…
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Ep 10- KNIVES! Which ones are the best? (Feat. Scott Sunderwald)
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Scott Sunderwald is back to talk knives! We dive deep into the world of knives and try to answer some questions like: Would you choose a knife or lighter in a survival situation? Folding knives VS fixed blades Can a knife be too big? Full tang VS Stick Tang Best methods for sharpening knives What options do you have if you don't have a knife How ol…
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B2B Communications and Events with Erika Bradbury
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You don't have to be a subject matter expert to help create an engaging event for professionals in a certain sector. You just have to be an expert at creating events. In this episode, Melissa talks with Erika Bradbury, an editorial and event content strategist about creating successful events and communications for business-to-business (B2B) audien…
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Ep 9- Music Festival Camping Tips (Feat. Reuben Anderson)
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As we gear up for some amazing summer music festivals in Alberta this year, Reuben Anderson joins us on this episode to offer his insights. Reuben is a musician and an experienced festival goer. He has been going to the North Country Fair for the past decade to soak up the music and the vibes. He offers some practical tips for Fair goers and a few …
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No matter what field you're in, there's probably a publication that is created for professionals like you and covers stories that are relevant to your area of work. This is called trade journalism. In today's episode, Melissa is joined by John Elsasser, the editor-in-chief of PRSA's Strategies & Tactics for a discussion about the evolution and impo…
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Ep 8- The Hinton Perspective from an Australian Immigrant (Feat Melissa Williamson)
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Our friend Mel joins us on this episode to share her views of Hinton and the Northern Rockies. Mel immigrated to Alberta from Australia back in 2011 and tells us about her journey and the unique perspective she has. Find Mel's pictures on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mjwwalkabout_photo/By George Shantz
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EP 132 | Melissa Vela Williamson, San Antonio-based Public Relations Specialist and author
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Melissa Vela Williamson, a San Antonio-based public relations specialist. She is the author of “Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Need to Know.” They discuss the science of communications, the Latino community, and how to get America talking again.…
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The Magic of Authorship with Jacqueline Ruiz
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As PR pros, we excel at helping clients tell their stories, but when it comes to telling our own, we sometimes find it difficult to "land that plane". Melissa talks to Jacqueline Ruiz, a social entrepreneur (and a real-life pilot) about how the magic of hybrid publishing can help you tell your story. Thought about becoming an author? Listen in! Abo…
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Ep 7- BEAR Myths (Feat. Scott Sunderwald)
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Scott Sunderwald is back to talk about Bears! Scott brings with him his extensive knowledge and years of teaching Bear safety programs. We break down some common myths about Black Bears and Grizzly Bears. We also discuss some ways to stay safe in Bear country and some of the best ways to protect yourself. If you have a question for the new segement…
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Join us this season as we focus on The Future of Mass Communication! Melissa kicks off this season with nationally syndicated columnist, Ruben Navarrette. Listen as they discuss the importance of thought leadership in comms, the role of opinion editorials (op-eds), and how to navigate controversial issues as communicators. About Ruben: Ruben Navarr…
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Ep 6- Campervan VS Motorhome VS Trailer (Feat. Wifey)
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Cristina joins me on this episode for a little cruise througm memory lane. We recap our experiences from camping in a tent, campervan, motorhome and with a trailer. Which one is best!?By George Shantz
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EP 131 | Dr. Yasmin Davidds, CEO & Founder of the Dr. Yasmin Davidds Leadership Institute
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Dr. Yasmin Davidds, a Los Angeles-based organizational psychologist with additional certification in emotional intelligence. A popular speaker, negotiating specialist, and expert on women and leadership, Davidds is the author of several books including, most recently, the forthcoming: "Graciously Assertive: How Beco…
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Ep 5- The Camping Hacks- Lighting and Coolers (Feat Jeff and Jordo)
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The Camping Hacks, Jeff and Jordo, return to the pod! We talk about lighting options for camping and some cooler packing tips! If you have any suggestions, email them to wildernesswave@outlook.comBy George Shantz
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Ep 4- Winter Camping Tips (Feat. Scott Sunderwald)
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Scott Sunderwald hops aboard this episode as we get into the winter camping universe! Scott the "Rocky Mountain Man" is known for his bushcrafting and survival skills and has more than 40 years of experience camping in extreme winter situations. Scott tells stories of some near death experiences and also offers great tips for adventurers that are l…
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EP 130 | Veronica Navarrette, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), Montessori-trained Teacher
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Veronica Navarrette -- his Mexican-born wife, and better 7/8 -- about her long career helping kids on the margins as a bilingual Montessori-trained, certified academic language therapist, dyslexia specialist and speech & language pathologist.By Cloudcast
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Ep 3- From Sasquatch Hunting To Diaper Changing (Feat. Jonny K)
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Sharing a tent on the first day you meet someone is the key to building a lasting friendship! Jonny comes aboard this episode to talk about some crazy camping trips and evolving to taking a full family camping. We also talk about Saquatch tracking and planning for a father and son camping trip.By George Shantz
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Ep 2- The Camping Hacks (Feat. Jeff and Jordo)
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Professional Campers Jeff and Jordo hop in on this episode to discuss some camping hacks. What's the best way to transport eggs? Does changing your boot laces to paracord make sense? How many people does it take to set up a tarp? Let's get into it!By George Shantz
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Ep 1- The Frequency of Nature (Feat. Jamie Merkel)
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Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Wilderness Wavelength Podcast! Based in the Rocky Mountains and recorded in Hinton Alberta, this podcast is all about embracing the outdoors. On this first episode, I'm joined by my best friend Jamie and he takes us through his planning process as he attempts his first Iron Man Race this summer!…
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EP 129 | David Telisman, communications and marketing specialist, founder and CEO of David Telisman Communications, LLC
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews David Telisman -- his cousin through marriage -- about branding, messaging, and storytelling about issues ranging from mental health awareness to the experience of being Jewish in America post Oct 7.By Cloudcast
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EP 128 | Jean Twenge, PhD, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University and Author
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews fellow Generation X'er Jean Twenge, PhD -- a renowned national expert, speaker, and consultant on the generations -- about some of what she has learned over 30 years of looking at generational differences, her new book, and what it's like to be a Gen X'er raising three Gen Z'ers.…
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EP 127 | Julio Ricardo Varela, writer, journalist, founder of LatinoRebels.com and MSNBC Opinion Columnist
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Julio Ricardo Varela -- a Harvard-educated Latino journalist, with roots in Puerto Rico -- about the media, politics, the Latino community and the issues surrounding the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay.By Cloudcast
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Tickets on Sale Now: Ethics and Copyright Law in an AI-Excited World
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Learn Copyright Law do's and don'ts of AI from public relations author Melissa Vela-Williamson and media law attorney Alicia Calzada on January 18. Tickets are on sale now! Resources mentioned: - Ethics and Copyright Law in an AI-Excited World - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know - MVW Communications - PR Pro Gear…
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EP 126 | Jeff Hall, Sam Taylor, and Tania Ruedas-Ortiz from "Our National Conversation" -- a digital media organization run by Generation Z
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Jeff Hall, Sam Taylor, and Tania Ruedas-Ortiz from "Our National Conversation" -- a new digital media organization run by Generation Z that aims to fix what's broken in the Fourth Estate and get Americans talking in a civilized way.By Cloudcast
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EP 125 | Nely Galan, independent TV producer/former TV network executive/podcast host/author
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Nely Galan -- a Latina powerhouse who he first met 29 years ago, and whose remarkable life and career he has followed ever since. Born in Cuba, Galan arrived in the United States at age 5. She's been striving and achieving ever since. As a TV producer, network executive, author, real estate investor, and podcast hos…
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EP 124 | Wendy Patrick, attorney, TV commentator, speaker and author
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Wendy Patrick -- a prosecutor, TV commentator, speaker and author -- about the topic of her new book: how to use the Bible's teachings to make better choices in life, love and friendship.By Cloudcast
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Bonus: Creating a Conscious Public Relations Strategy with Shannon Weinstein & Melissa Vela-Williamson
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Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Shannon Weinstein on the Keep What You Earn! podcast where they discuss creating a conscious public relations strategy. Thanks to Shannon for having Melissa on her show to talk about PR and money matters. Resources mentioned: - Keep What You Earn! - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Shou…
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EP 123 | Russell Contreras, Race & Justice Reporter for Axios.com
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Host Ruben Navarrette has a conversation with his friend, veteran reporter Russell Contreras about how he sees digital media. race, justice, Latino culture, politics and journalism from his unique perch -- Albuquerque, New Mexico.By Cloudcast
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39. Taking Leaps in Your Career with Jennifer R. Hudson, APR
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Making the leap from a steady corporate job to the chaos of owning your own business is not easy. In today's episode, Melissa talks to Jennifer R. Hudson, APR about her path to owning her own firm. About Jennifer: Jennifer is a strategic communications advocate, trainer, mentor, consultant and speaker. Her superpowers are helping PR leaders step bo…
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38. Crisis Communications and TikTok Engagement with Molly McPherson
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Social media is a powerful tool every PR professional needs to know how to use. But what happens when that power gets out of your control and creates a crisis? Today, Melissa discusses the importance of understanding crisis communication in every part of your career evolution with crisis comms and TikTok strategist Molly McPherson. About Molly: Pub…
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37. Uplifting Your Community with Bernice Chao
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How do you make a difference when you see a lack of support for your community? In today's episode, Melissa talks to Bernice Chao, an award-winning creative whose career evolution led her to creating Asians in Advertising and writing a book about visibility. About Bernice: Bernice Chao is an award-winning creative who's worked on campaigns for nota…
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EP 122 | Jimmy Sengenberger, Denver-based radio host and columnist for the Denver Gazette
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41:42
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Host Ruben Navarrette has a conversation with his friend, Jimmy Sengenberger about his experience as a veteran of talk radio and the world view it gives him as a young independent-minded conservative who prefers Reagan to Trump.By Cloudcast
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36. Coaching and Consulting with Ken Jacobs, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP
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It takes a village to build a career you can be proud of. In this episode, Melissa talks to former PR agency pro turned coach Ken Jacobs about the importance of great coaching and consulting in your career evolution. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! About Ken: Ken Jacobs is one of the few cert…
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35. The Path to Entrepreneurship with Julie Livingston
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When you start your career, you never know where life will take you. Today's guest, Julie Livingston, embraced the unknown by letting curiosity guide her throughout her career. Listen as she talks with Melissa about her path and how it ultimately led to starting her own firm. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season …
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Listen as Melissa kicks off Season Six by asking questions to get you thinking about you how to evolve your career. Join us this season as Melissa talks with experts in various disciplines about their career evolution stories. Big thanks to our sponsor Anais Biera Miracle for supporting this season of the podcast! Topics covered: - Career evolution…
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EP 121 | Angel Mendez, corporate board member and former c-suite executive
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Angel Mendez, a member of several boards and former c-suite Silicon Valley tech executive about his unique upbringing as a Cuban raised in Puerto Rico, how corporate America sees Latinos, and the various opportunities that lie ahead for both.By Cloudcast
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EP 120 | Kristina Lopez, PhD, Associate Professor of Social Work, Arizona State University
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Dr. Kristina Lopez, a trained psychologist based in Arizona who specializes in autism, especially in Latino and other at-risk children.By Cloudcast
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EP 119 | Julia Clasby, Lieutenant, Seal Beach Police Department & "Cop Mom"
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews cop mom & police lieutenant Julia Clasby about the challenges of juggling the separate worlds of law enforcement and motherhood.By Cloudcast
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EP 118 | Alberto Gonzales, Former U.S. Attorney General
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his friend, Al Gonzales, the dean of the Belmont University School of Law and former U.S. Attorney General about the crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border, the legal back-and-forth over Title 42, and whether Donald Trump is likely to be indicted by current Attorney General Merrick Garland.…
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EP 117 | Rudy Carrasco, Program Director, MJ Murdock Charitable Trust
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his longtime friend, Rudy Carrasco, about racking up a lifetime of achievements, succeeding against the odds, following God's path, and using charitable giving to make a difference in people's lives.By Cloudcast
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EP 116 | Linda Lopez, PhD in Policy and Political Science & CEO of Impact Strategies
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews Dr. Linda Lopez, CEO of Impact Strategies, a consulting firm providing advice to foundations, government and corporate sector on social and economic investments. She is a former Associate Dean at USC, former Chief of the Office of Immigrant Affairs for the City of Los Angeles, and former Senior Advisor to Mayor Eric…
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EP 115 | Kathy Murillo Cano, aka "The Crafty Chica"; entrepreneur, author, speaker, creator and successful self-made brand
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Host Ruben Navarrette interviews his longtime friend, and former co-worker at the Arizona Republic, Kathy Murillo Cano, aka "The Crafty Chica" about personal branding, building a successful business and her lifelong love affair with creativity and glitter.By Cloudcast
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Bonus: Inclusive Communication Musts with Gini Dietrich & Melissa Vela-Williamson
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Enjoy a bonus conversation between Melissa and Gini Dietrich of Spin Sucks about effectively communicating across diverse audiences. Topics covered: - Being conscious of how you communicate - DEI communication musts - Tactics to include in your communications programs - Integrating intersectionality - Habits for more inclusive communication - Q&A A…
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