ListenUp - The StandUp For Kids Podcast

This episode features Shadi Shaffer, an asset protection and estate planning attorney, to discuss how estate planning ties into charitable giving and share a few inspiring youth stories she has seen over her years of working with StandUp or Kids. 

This episode of ListenUp talks about the effect homelessness has on an individual's mental health and how access to more resources can prove beneficial for underserved populations. Our guest is psychiatry specialist and StandUp for Kids Advisory Board member Dr. Natasha Namdari.

He's waiting for his lunch

This episode of ListenUp dives into the journey of a youth named Chris gaining all the support he needed to reach feelings of security and success. Special thanks to Perla Rojas for hosting this interview.

This episode of ListenUp is special as our guest is Justine Palmore, the executive director of StandUp for Kids. She eagerly shares her journey from when she was an intern to growing the program to what it is today. Her remarkable leadership and dedication have been impactful for the past 18 years. Thank you to this episode's host, Jocelynn Garcia.

This episode of ListenUp talks about the issue of family homelessness. Our guest is Andrew Castillo, Manager of Family Programs at Illumination Foundation and he talks with Mike about the landscape of family homelessness and how to support families in a collaborative and sustainable way.

This episode of ListenUp talks about faith's role in a youth's life. Our guest is a current youth in our program, Dylan. He shares about his goal to become a pastor and the road that led to making that decision.

This episode of ListenUp talks about a youth's experience surviving even the worst conditions and that it is possible to recover. Our guest is graduated youth and StandUp for Kids Outreach Coordinator, Johanna Demers, and she openly shares with Mike about the harsh reality of what it's like to be a homeless youth wanting to make it on your own with no one else's help. If you didn't listen to Pt. 1 please go back and listen to episode #18 and then come back to this one for the continuation.

This episode of ListenUp talks about a youth's experience surviving even the worst conditions and that it is possible to recover. Our guest is graduated youth and StandUp for Kids Outreach Coordinator, Johanna Demers, and she openly shares with Mike about the harsh reality of what it's like to be a homeless youth wanting to make it on your own with no one else's help. Tune in next week for Part 2.

This episode of ListenUp talks about adversity; how to deal with it when it comes and how to build your toolkit to be prepared for it. Our guest is the founder of Make It Loud, Cory Tomlinson, and the talk centers around personal stories and experiences from Cory and his expertise in working with world class athletes.

This episode of ListenUp talks about mental illness and steps you can take to improve your own mental health. Our guest is physician and StandUp for Kids Advisory Board member Dr. Nishant Kumar.

This episode of ListenUp talks about what it's like to grow up as a DREAMer/DACA (deferred action for childhood arrivals) youth in the United States with staff member Xiomara. Xio and Mike talk about how she got here, what growing up was like and her outlook now with the tenuous nature of her day-to-day life.

This episode of ListenUp talks about the philosophy behind being great with Mike Sherbakov from The Greatness Collective. Mike and Mike talk about how your mindset and your day to day decisions incrementally lead you to a more fulfilled and purposeful life.

This week's guest is Victoria Torres, Director of Community Impact, from the Samueli Foundation. She talks about the inner works of the foundation and how they operate. This episode provides a small glimpse into how the community, government, and nonprofits work together to make a change.

This episode of ListenUp talks about what it's like to struggle with mental health issues. Mike and current youth in our program, Natalie, talk about her life experiences with mental health and how she's learned to handle it and pursue happiness.

This episode of ListenUp talks about what it was like to be homeless in the 90's in San Diego. Mike and former homeless youth Brian Haslip talk about how difficult it is to get off the streets once you're there and how camaraderie among other homeless youths helped Brian during this difficult time in his life.

The final episode of ListenUp's first season examines the role of the government in addressing the issue of youth homelessness. Mike and Costa Mesa Councilman Manuel Chavez discuss the intricacies of legislating and advocating for policies that impact the community.

This episode of ListenUp explains how like-minded businesses and non-profits come together and collaborate to solve pertinent issues. Mike and Seabreeze Management Company CEO Isaiah Henry converse about his unique childhood and how a partnership between the organizations came to be.

This episode of ListenUp explores the sobering reality for college students who are battling homelessness. Mike and StandUp for Kids-Orange County's Stephanie Schneider discuss how they have adapted to help meet the needs of students now facing new challenges in these unprecedented times.

This episode of ListenUp examines the ins and outs of the foster care system. Mike and StandUp for Kids-Orange County's Rich Vedas go in-depth about what it's like to be a foster parent and committing to such a decision.

This episode of ListenUp shares the stories of those currently academically impacted by the ongoing crisis. Mike and current youth at StandUp for Kids-Orange County Natzumy and Lupita discuss the changes that COVID-19 has forced on students and the difficulties that have come from such drastic adjustments.

This episode of ListenUp discusses the impact of COVID-19 on families. Mike and StandUp for Kids-Orange County's Kim Severini discuss the pre and post-Covid world and the creative solutions that non-profits have taken to help provide for at-risk youth.

This episode of ListenUp features the poignant story of Dilan, a former youth of StandUp for Kids - Orange County. Mike and Dilan discuss the rough beginnings of his life and his remarkable development into an ambitious college student with big dreams.

This episode of Listen Up sees StandUp for Kids - Orange County's Executive Director Justine Palmore come on to explain the challenges of leading a non-profit volunteer-driven organization. Mike and Justine discuss what day-to-day operations looks like and how StandUp for Kids maximizes its impact in helping youth.

This episode of ListenUp explores the origins of youth homelessness and this issue specifically in Orange County. Mike and StandUp for Kids - Orange County's Director of Operations Carlia Oldfather discuss why so many find themselves on the streets and what non-profits like StandUp for Kids are doing to help support those in need.

The first episode of StandUp for Kids-Orange County's new podcast ListenUp shares the emotional story of Alex, a current youth of the organization who was formerly homeless. Alex and host Michael Olson discuss the difficulties of being homeless and tackle some of the misconceptions on those who find themselves living on the streets.