Podcasts about Northridge

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Meat pushes Kirby in the weight room. Together the trio, including Vuchie, hit chest hard. After finishing their assault of the weights, the guys relax in the steamroom.  Kirby is excited for a party that Mike Massella is having to celebrate graduation from High School and ends up shocking the guys, when he mentions two announcements that he and his girlfriend Ivy will be making at the get-together. 

Karen Darabedyan is a former professional MMA fighter, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and founder of KD MMA, with locations in Glendale, Montrose, and Northridge, California. He's competed at the highest levels in the WEC (the premier stage for lighter divisions before the UFC merged them), built an undefeated amateur boxing record, and earned top finishes in grappling before dedicating himself to teaching and mentoring the next generation.In this episode of The Alberto Crane Show, we talk about his journey from Armenia to the U.S., his pro fighting career, and his vision for building a thriving martial arts community through KD MMA.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

 On this Episode of Next Generation, Shama sits down with Isa!Isa is an 8-year-old Jiu-Jitsu athlete from Southern California who trains out of Legacy West Valley in Northridge. As a homeschooled student, she's able to dedicate time and focus to her training, allowing her to develop both discipline and passion for the sport. Known for her big smile and contagious energy, Isa has a natural ability to make friends wherever she goes. Her positive attitude and love for Jiu-Jitsu shine through on and off the mats, making her a standout both as a competitor and as a teammate. She is currently sponsored by Sneaky Artistry and dreams of one day running her own Jiu-Jitsu gym. Learn more about Girls in Gis:Homepage: https://www.girls-in-gis.comEvents: https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/Shop: http://www.girls-in-gis.com/shop/Donate: http://www.girls-in-gis.com/donate/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GirlsinGisFacebook Official: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsinGisTwitter: @_girls_in_gis_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsingis/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/girlsingis

Conway's cable was out and what they cover the cables with...that the rats LOVE! Rats, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, mice & skunks eating your soy cables. Having their babies in your cable box. Michael Monks, RV Homeless encampment setting up at Balboa Lake. Northridge wo break ins last night. Man terrorizes neighbors with bizarre behavior. Breeze Airways diverts a level 4 emergency for unruly passenger.

Vuch returns to a now empty High School to meet up with some of the guys. As he changes in the regular boy's locker room, his mind wanders back to he and his teammates having the much nicer football locker room. It is closed to him and his friends now.  As he heads into the weight room, he is greeted by grunting sounds as he starts to participate in the monster weight that Meat, his half-brother, is bench pressing. Vuch's mind reflects on how he came to know that his family now had an additional member, and the tragedy that put it all in motion. 

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Dr. William Franklin is an energetic, experienced, and accomplished professional with a proven record of intuitive and insightful leadership that fosters inclusion, team building, fiscal accountability, and dynamic problem-solving. He has been acknowledged throughout his career as a collaborative, transformative, and inspirational leader with a reputation for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Dr. Franklin has the unique experience of serving students as an innovative Assistant and Associate Professor and accomplished Student Affairs administrator. He is a strategic thinker and adept at providing creative solutions to complex problems impacting first-generation students.Dr. Franklin holds a Ph.D. in Psychological Studies in Education with an emphasis on Child and Adolescent Development from Stanford University. Before transitioning to Stanford, Dr. Franklin completed graduate studies in Educational Psychology and attained his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at California State University, Northridge. His teaching interests include adolescent development, child development, the Black family, early childhood themes and life cycle issues, Black and Latinx males, teenage risk and resilience, juvenile justice, and positive youth development. Dr. Franklin is the Vice President for Student Affairs at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and is the former Associate Vice President of Student Success.  Dr. Franklin leads divisional planning, and policy formulation and collaborates with the broader campus community and the South Bay community on issues related to equity, access, student learning, assessment, retention, and graduation.  While at CSU Dominguez Hills, Dr. Franklin has secured over $50 million in federal, corporate, and private grants to design and implement student success initiatives for low-income, first-generation students of color. Dr. Franklin served as an Associate Professor in Child and Family Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and Associate Professor of Human Development at the Center of Collaborative Education and Professional Studies at California State University, Monterey Bay. While there, he was also the Interim Director of the Liberal Studies Institute. He has also served as a lecturer at Santa Clara University and Stanford University. Dr. Franklin was honored in 2015 with The Wang Family Excellence Award. The award recognizes four outstanding faculty members and one outstanding administrator who, through extraordinary commitment and dedication, have distinguished themselves by exemplary contributions and achievements. Dr. Franklin was awarded the Outstanding Administrator out of the 23 campuses in the CSU. Dr. Franklin also received the NIMH Family Research Consortium III Post-Doctoral Fellowship and served as a Research Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Franklin's research focuses on risk and resilience in young African American and Latinx adolescents. He specifically examines individual variations in response to risk factors and the antecedents and correlates of healthy outcomes in individuals whose "lifespace" in low-income, urban environments pose heightened risks. For his work in this area, he received the Spencer Dissertation Fellowship. Dr. Franklin continues to explore risk and resilience factors in youth of color by examining family, school, and community factors. He is involved with several initiatives to increase college admission, retention, and graduation among youth in Los Angeles. Dr. Franklin founded one of the nation's most successful young men of color initiatives, called the Male Success Alliance. Community-based organizations, schools, juvenile justice facilities, and universities often call Dr. Franklin to give motivational talks and conduct workshops to encourage, inspire, confront, challenge, and move youth to a higher level.

Continuing Sweeps 2025, I know that many of you have not had the opportunity to ever listen to the Jockstrap Stories podcast. I have used that show to put out my two novels as audiobooks. My original book Northridge High Football Camp, is on the podcast in its 12-chapter entirety. I just started putting out the first chapters of the sequel book, the 20-chapter The Guys of Northridge which picks up 10 months after the conclusion of the first book. This is a more comphrehensive book in that it takes the original 6 characters and gives them their own backstories and adventures, giving you a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.  I hope you enjoy this peek at the new book.  Thanks so much for listening to it!  

Tony arrives at Northridge's quarries, now used by daring teenagers as a swimming hole. After meeting up with some of his crew that are clowning around and sunning themselves, the guys try to get Tony to jump off the extremely high rocks. The other guys convince Tony Marino to dive off the high cliffs of the rock quarry. Unbeknownst to Tony, Kirby had an ulterior motive in getting Marino to dive off in just his bodybuilding posing trunks. After a surprising ascent back up to the ledge where the guys were lying around, the guys compare stories of their dick sizes. Mike Massella then puts his foot in his mouth several times trying to ask questions that make everyone uncomfortable. 

Guest Bios:Brittanny Kreutzer started The Speaker Exchange Agency with a background in sales and a love for the speaking industry. She was given a taste of the speaking industry while interning in college for Nancy Lauterbach, a past speakers bureau owner. Upon graduation from college she began a successful career selling radio space and developing radio campaigns for CBS Radio in Kansas City; however, after a few years the excitement of the speaking industry drew her back in. After working at a speakers bureau for several years and becoming one of the top sales executives, she took a break to spend time with her newborn baby Madison. The love she has for this industry struck again and after only a short month's break, Brittanny combined forces with her past colleague and friend, Julie Homsey, to create The Speaker Exchange Agency, LLC. Jeff Bigelow  joined SpeakInc in 1995, became Partner in 1996, and with over seventeen years of experience in the industry, still loves what he does. Jeff is a graduate of California State University of Northridge with a B.A. in Radio, Television, Film. At SpeakInc he works both in the corporate market, as well as the association market and is actively involved in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Outside of his time in the office, Jeff can be found relaxing at the nearest beach or swinging the clubs on one of Southern California's amazing golf courses. What brings him the most joy, of course, is spending time with his wife, Denise, and daughter, Faith.Takeaways:There are a lot more speakers now, requiring more time to review information.The buying cycle for clients has dramatically shortened.Clients are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT to find speakers.Understanding the psychology of the audience is crucial for speaker selection.Pre-booking calls have become more common and important.Speakers should provide valuable information, not just check-ins.Top speakers maintain strong communication and relationships with agents.Speaker fees have increased, but value should not be tied solely to fees.AI is a growing topic of interest in the speaking industry.The human element in the speaking industry remains irreplaceable.Chapters:00:00 - The Evolution of the Speaking Industry03:01 - Shifts in Client Expectations05:57 - Understanding the Buying Process09:02 - The Role of Tone and Style in Speaker Selection12:01 - The Importance of Pre-Booking Calls15:12 - Staying Top of Mind in a Crowded Market19:01 - Understanding Speaker Engagement and Connection22:19 - The Top 5% of Speakers: What Sets Them Apart25:17 - Navigating Speaker Fees in a Changing Economy30:15 - The Impact of AI on the Speaking Industry34:00 - The Future of the Speaking Industry: Human Element vs. Technology35:35 - What We Love and Hate About the Speaking IndustryResourcesLearn more about Brittanny Kreutzer:WebsiteLinkedInLearn more about Jeff Bigelow:WebsiteLinkedInLearn more about Josh Linkner:WebsiteYouTubeLinkedInInstagramXFacebookABOUT MIC DROP:Hear from the world's top thought leaders and experts, sharing tipping point moments, strategies, and approaches that led to their speaking career success. Throughout each episode, host Josh Linkner, #1 Innovation keynote speaker in the world, deconstructs guests' Mic Drop moments and provides tactical tools and takeaways that can be applied to any speaking business, no matter its starting point. You'll enjoy hearing from some of the top keynote speakers in the industry including: Ryan Estis, Alison Levine, Peter Sheahan, Seth Mattison, Cassandra Worthy, and many more. Mic Drop is powered by ImpactEleven.Learn more at: MicDropPodcast.comABOUT THE HOST:Josh Linkner — a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science.On the business front, he's been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He's the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (moo-DEE-tah) Venture Partners - an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, he's helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He's twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. Josh has been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world. His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world's foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he's on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.Learn more about Josh: JoshLinkner.comSPONSORED BY AMPLIFY PUBLISHING GROUP:Partnering with CXOs, keynote speakers, change makers, and other visionary leaders, Amplify Publishing Group (APG) is a leader in the hybrid publishing space with more than twenty years of experience acquiring, producing, marketing, and distributing books. Passionate about ideas and voices that need to be heard, they're known for launching books that start engaging and timely conversations. At each turn, they have been at the forefront of innovation and have spearheaded a critical disruption of the publishing industry.Learn more at: amplifypublishinggroup.comPOWERED BY IMPACTELEVEN:ImpactEleven is a speaker training, development and accelerator Community working tirelessly to develop and serve thousands of voices with infinite influence to transform lives and the world for the better.Learn more at: impacteleven.com

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

EDUCATIONAL THERAPY For Learners 5th Grade to Adult with ADHD and Executive Functioning ChallengesRachel Kapp grew up in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology and minored in Jewish Studies. Rachel began tutoring students in high school, eventually choosing to pursue a career in education. For over six years, Rachel was a lead preschool teacher where she gained a firm foundation in explicit teaching. Rachel has been a tutor in private practice since 2004, working with students in a variety of subjects including all levels of math, reading, history and writing. After working with so many types of students over the years and realizing she was passionate about building relationships with and helping students who learn differently, Rachel decided to pursue Educational Therapy. She completed her coursework at the California State University, Northridge in December 2015 and Masters degree in December 2016. In her free time, Rachel loves spending time with her husband, Adam, sons, Elliot and Owen, and their dog, Fritzy, watching Cal Football, cooking for friends, and spinning.Rachel is a Board Certified Member of the Association of Educational Therapists. She is a co-founder and co-host of the Learn Smarter Podcast, a resource offering over 350 episodes of educational content for educators and families. Rachel is an active participant in ongoing education through the International Dyslexia Association and she is also trained in Wilson Reading Systems.Takeaways:Executive functioning skills are not inherent traits; they can be cultivated through dedicated learning and practice. Educational therapy should not be perceived as a permanent necessity; it aims to empower learners towards independence. Parents play a crucial role in educational therapy by stepping back, allowing their children to take initiative in their learning process. The distinction between educational therapy and tutoring lies in the focus on developing strategies rather than merely addressing academic content. The virtual landscape of educational therapy can foster just as meaningful connections as in-person sessions, debunking common misconceptions. Understanding and addressing underlying learning challenges can prevent significant achievement gaps from forming in learners. Websitewww.kappedtherapy.comSocial Media Information@kappedtherapy (IG)Show Sponsor – National Association for Primary Education (NAPE)https://nape.org.uk/Discover more about Education on Fire https://www.educationonfire.com/

 Tony arrives at Northridge's quarries, now used by daring teenagers as a swimming hole. After meeting up with some of his crew that are clowning around and sunning themselves, the guys try to get Tony to jump off the extremely high rocks.

Colin and Josh discuss teams contending for a podium finish at the state meet: Avon, Fishers, HSE, Franklin Central, Homestead, Northridge, Brownsburg and Carmel.Want early and exclusive content from Indiana Runner? Go to www.patreon.com/indianarunner

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Colin and Josh Horowitz continue preseason cross country coverage talking about teams ranked 31-50 in Indiana Runner's countdown.Featured teams: Corydon Central, Plainfield, Cathedral, Northridge, Pendleton Heights, Kankakee Valley, Batesville, Bloomington North.Early and exclusive content at www.patreon.com/indianarunner

Kevin was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He had a very happy childhood with his brother, Ruben, and his mother, Andrea. He graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School, then served four years of active duty in the US Army as a member of NATO. Kevin attended college in Houston, Texas, and graduate school in Connecticut. Kevin's career began with a one-year commitment as a FEMA Disaster Assistance Loan Officer primarily assigned to the Northridge earthquake declared natural disaster. He then went on to build a successful career as a business banker but found his calling in climate risk mitigation. Kevin is happily married to Nikole and live in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon. He is am a life learner who draws strength and inspiration from his connection with humanity and the natural environment that sustains us.Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-howard-scr-54800a119/Book: https://onwardatlast.com/onward-at-last/Webpage: Book website: www.onwardatlast.com Connect and tag me at:https://www.instagram.com/realangelabradford/You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel herehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDU9L55higX03TQgq1IT_qQFeel free to leave a review on all major platforms to help get the word out and change more lives!

Sponsorships aren't just about slapping your logo on something anymore. If you want to make an impact, you need to think bigger, bolder—and know when to step into the driver's seat.That's the appeal of F1 sponsorships, where precision meets pageantry, and brand integration is as strategic as the race itself. In this episode, we tap into that high-speed energy with the help of our special guest, Ondar Tarlow, marketing consultant for action sports. Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from global sponsorships, smart storytelling, and knowing when to go all in—and when to walk away.About our guest, Ondar TarlowOndar Tarlow has over 20 years of experience in marketing and branding. He's known for engaging audiences through data-driven insights and witty, creative storytelling to achieve results. He has been leveraging AI to boost campaign performance results by 5x with propensity models and cutting production time by 75% using Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Adobe Firefly, all while upholding IP standards.As Chief Marketing Officer at Kinecta Federal Credit Union and Pacific Premier Bank, he spearheaded award-winning campaigns that resulted in over $1.7 billion in product volume and tens of thousands of new customers. These successes earned him industry recognition, including Diamond Awards for brand awareness and a Top 100 Marketer award.Currently, Ondar serves as a marketing consultant for motorsports, financial, and lifestyle brands, partnering with organizations like Fast Lane Drive. His passion for motorsports, including attending 11 Formula 1 races worldwide, inspires his focus on high-performance teamwork and precision. Ondar's sponsorship expertise - demonstrated through collaborations with the LA Chargers, LA Galaxy, Anaheim Ducks, Luft 10 (Porsche), and BeachLife Music Festival - highlights his ability to connect brands with their ideal target audiences. Ondar holds a BA in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and has earned digital marketing certifications from UCLA and trained with the American Red Cross in Crisis Communications and Media Relations. Ondar is also dedicated to community development, serving on the board of Junior Achievement, which provides youth with financial education and career readiness tools.What B2B Companies Can Learn From F1 Sponsorships:Don't just show up—integrate. It's not enough to slap your logo on something and call it a day. True brand partnerships go deeper. “Really any company that can afford it, can get a logo. But when you're doing a true brand integration like Oracle has done with Red Bull, that's really where things can pay off.” The ROI comes from relevance, not just visibility. Think about how your product can become part of the story.No plan, no payoff. As Ondar puts it: “Plan, plan. plan. And then data, data, and data.” B2B marketers must tie sponsorships to broader company strategy from the very beginning. That means aligning with your CEO and CFO, knowing what problem you're trying to solve, and figuring out how to measure impact—before you sign the dotted line.Go niche to go big. F1's PacSun collaboration proves you don't have to outspend Rolex to make an impact. You just need the right story. “They really thought about it... and what they've been able to create is an interest in F1 from this demographic.” By focusing on Gen Alpha and teenage girls, PacSun built a new fanbase and drove fashion sales—without buying trackside banners. In B2B, the same principle applies: niche audiences, well-served, can generate outsized returns.Quotes*“You have to test. There's going to be periods of time where you're gonna do something new, and you can't be afraid to fail…When you're finding out something that's working, then you need to double down and you need to take the risks. You need to take those risks and move forward with them. Things that aren't working, don't marry yourself to them. Figure out what you need to tweak and then continue to test. Marketing is not an exact science.”*“ Plan, plan, plan, and then data, data, and data. So first off, the plan is you have to make sure you're aware of what the strategy is of the company that you're with. And if you're a CMO, you're obviously responsible for the marketing strategy, and you should have a seat at the table as part of developing the strategy as far as the company, in a whole. So that's first off, and then understanding exactly what the challenge is, and then how are you going to be able to come up with a solution based on the decisions that you're making based on brand integration. And then from there is what data can you capture and how can you utilize that data so that you can drive metrics and those reporting metrics to show exactly what the benefit is of the partnership is that you're involved with.”*“ Brands can really leverage [figuring] out what the storyline is. To get the human aspect to it. And I think that that is a great opportunity for brands to look at is that if they're gonna invest in a driver or they're gonna invest in a team is what personalities are making up that team there.”Time Stamps[0:55] Meet Ondar Tarlow, marketing consultant for action sports. [01:07] Why F1 Sponsorships?[02:59] Ondar's Background[04:50] The Rise of F1 in the US[06:34] Understanding F1 Sponsorships[11:28] ROI on F1 Sponsorships[15:03] Drive to Survive: Impact on F1[18:08] Anatomy of an F1 Sponsorship Deal[24:47] The High Stakes of F1 Sponsorships[28:25] The Appeal of F1 Events[29:32] Strategic Brand Integration in F1 Sponsorships[36:34] The Importance of Planning and Data in Sponsorships[40:53] Leveraging F1 Storylines for Brand Success[45:06] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Ondar on LinkedInAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise.

Thank you for joining us at NorthRidge Church! For more information please visit us online at http://www.northridgethomaston.com.

Send us a textBackground: Co-founder of The Whispers with twin brother Wallace “Scotty” Scott in 1963.Career Highlights: Hits include “And the Beat Goes On” (1979), “Rock Steady”; eight Top 10 R&B albums; inducted into National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. Passing: Died June 26, 2025, at age 81 in Northridge, CA, after a six‑month cancer battle.Tributes: Celebrated by Questlove as “one of the most trusted voices in '70s soul music.”Early fame: Teen idol of the late 1960s/early '70s with bubblegum pop hits (“Little Woman,” “Julie, Do Ya Love Me”); starred in Here Come the Brides and Getting Together. Life after stardom: Became an EMT trainer for LAPD, reserve deputy sheriff, co‑founder of children's charity in Ghana.Passing: Died June 24, 2025, at age 81 from Stage 4 cancer, at his home in LA. Survived by wife Brigitte, two sons, 6 grandchildren. Tributes: Wife Brigitte and pal John Stamos shared heartfelt reflections on his courage, light, and service.And we honor 2 more too

A photo of the artist: Judith Simonian with Charles Yuen Many of Simonian's works in the exhibition at JJ MURPHY Gallery are still lifes, such as “Marysia's Salon” (2024), which was inspired by a visit to a Polish beauty parlor in her East Village neighborhood. “Bottle Symphony in Red” (2023) recalls Giorgio Morandi. Whereas Morandi's still lifes are a delicate arrangement of vases, jugs, bowls, urns, and bottles, painted in muted colors—whites, browns, and tans—set against a neutral background, Simonian bombards our senses through her use of high-intensity reds, pinks, blue-greens, grays, blacks, and yellow ochre. In “Inside Outside” (2023), the artist similarly portrays a room as an expressionistic whirlwind of vivid colors. Simonian's paintings deal with intervals, or the spaces between points. Simonian's still lifes often open up an interior space to an exterior one. In “Marysia's Salon,” a photograph tacked on the wall suggests the world outside. “Bobby Pins of Manhattan” (2023-24) provides a glimpse of the city skyline through the window, including the landmark Empire State Building. “Cat in the Lamp” (2024) depicts a black cat inside an illuminated yellow lampshade in front of a large window that overlooks water. Simonian employs careful framing to create meaning. It is possible to view several of her landscape paintings as political allegories. In "Greener Pastures" (2025), the shimmering image of the Statue of Liberty appears to be a mirage, while green brushstrokes seem to hint at water on deck or maybe even a school of fish. "Resting on Her Side" (2024) depicts rocky terrain and the bleak spectacle of a capsized ship. Judith Simonian has had solo exhibitions of her work at 1GAP, Brooklyn; Edward Thorp Gallery, New York City; and John Davis Gallery in Hudson, NY. Her work has been shown in numerous museums, including The New Museum, NYC; MoMA/PS1, NYC; Islip Museum, NY; Montclair Art Museum, NJ; Weatherspoon Art Museum, NC; San Francisco Museum of Art, CA; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, CA; Newport Harbor Art Museum, CA; and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, WI. Simonian has been awarded many prestigious honors, including a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship, an Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation Individual Support Grant, and a National Endowment for the Arts Grant. She received her BA and MA degrees from California State University, Northridge. The artist lives and works in New York City. Greener Pastures, 2025, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 32 inches Marysia's Salon, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 20 inches Enter the Mountain Yellow, 2023, acrylic on canvas, 50 x 66 inches

Public Health Careers podcast episode with  Nkechi Michel, MPH

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Picking up 10 months after the Conclusion of 'Northridge High Football Camp', Tony Marino gets out of bed and prepares his body for Bodybuilding Competitions. As Tony Marino shaves his body, he reflects on his first Bodybuilding Contest and meeting Rick Reddings of 'TeenBuilder Magazine', an important photographer that takes an interest in Tony.  

Chapter One, Part One - Picking up 10 months after the Conclusion of 'Northridge High Football Camp', Tony Marino gets out of bed and prepares his body for Bodybuilding Competitions.

Meaningful relationships are mutual. Balanced with give and take, equal influence between partners, and a vibrant dance of loving responsiveness and caring attention.Marriage and Family Therapist and professor Dr. Jessica ChenFeng is calling us toward a more justice-oriented approach to relationships and to mental health and well-being, She invites us to open-hearted and empathic perspective taking, and seeking an integrated wholeness that incorporates all of who we are—highlighting the gift of mutuality in our most intimate relationships in marriage and family life.In this conversation with Jessica ChenFeng, we discuss:The importance of integrated and whole experience of ourselves—allowing racial, gender, and cultural identities to weave together in our sense of vocation and contribution to the worldThe importance of mutuality in relationships—but particularly in marriage and family systems.The ways emotional power flows in a relationship and impacts marriage and family dynamicsThe difference between partners focusing on meeting their individual needs and caring for the health of an intimate relationshipAnd she offers a guided practical exercise to help us lovingly notice and accept our inner experience with a heart open to justice, vulnerability, and the reminder that we are beloved in the eyes of God.Episode Highlights"Systems of power harm everyone—and to live life to the full, we have to see each other fully.""I believe our move toward life to the full requires us to see the world through a third-order lens: not just family systems, but the racial, gender, and societal systems they exist within.""Mutuality means not just expressing our needs but being willing to be changed by the needs of others.""If we're not attuned to the pleasant sensations in our bodies, we miss the invitations to thrive.""Cultural norms are not God-given realities; they are social constructs we are invited to discern and transform.""Knowledge without authentic relationship keeps us from truly seeing the embodied experiences of others."Helpful Links and ResourcesCheck out the programs in Marriage & Family Therapy at Fuller School of Psychology www.fuller.edu/school-of-psychology/Fuller Asian American Center aac.fuller.edu/Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT) OverviewCircle of Care Model ExplainedPositive Psychology and EmotionsJeanne Tsai's Research on Culture and EmotionAsian American Values Scale ReferenceRace and Trauma ResourcesJeanne Tsai's research on culture and emotion – Stanford SPARQJohn and Julie Gottman Relationship ResearchAsian American Values Scale – Paniagua & Yamada (Academic resource)Show NotesJessica ChenFeng shares her "yes and" identity as a second-generation Taiwanese American grounded in both math and creativity.How earthy aesthetics and connection to nature shape Jessica's professional and personal flourishing.The integration of Christian faith with clinical work at Fuller Seminary."Seeing systems of systems" — why thriving requires understanding how race, gender, and cultural forces shape individuals and families.Introduction to socio-emotional relationship therapy (SERT) and the value of mutuality in relationships.Defining mutuality: mutual attunement, mutual influence, mutual vulnerability, and mutual relational responsibility."Mutuality asks: Are both people tending to the relationship itself?"Practical signs of mutual and non-mutual relationships, including emotional attunement and willingness to be influenced.The importance of humility and relational awareness in building mutual relationships.The Circle of Care model: cultivating healthy relational dynamics through attunement and responsiveness.Discerning relational power dynamics in marriages, friendships, and work relationships."Thriving is an open heart, even on a stressful day."How emotional self-control in Asian American cultures is often rooted in relational ethics, not personal repression.The risk and gift of navigating cross-generational emotional communication in immigrant families.Differentiated selfhood: balancing authenticity with cultural respect in relational dynamics.Race, culture, and relational healing: why systems of privilege harm everyone."Love your neighbor as yourself" as an ethic for mutual flourishing across racial and cultural difference.Building trust by leaning into discomfort and courageous conversations.The need for embodied encounters with real people beyond theories of race and difference.Mindfulness practice: Jessica leads a guided exercise in attuning to pleasant sensations in the body.The transformational power of positive emotions and embodiment for creativity and resilience.The relational impact of systemic racialization and why "colorblindness" fails to honor real lived experience.Final reflections: How knowing who we are through systemic and relational lenses allows deeper thriving.Pam King's Key TakeawaysEach of us in the human family is a beloved child of God—and we need to continue to shape society to reflect this foundational truth.The path to meaning and fulfillment in a relationship starts with noticing and acknowledging the flow of emotional power, and its destination is mutuality and humilityThriving means incorporating all of who we are—our heritage and histories especially—into our love of ourselves, our love of others, and love of God.Our intimate relationships need care and attention as a third reality beyond our selves and our partners.And finally, thriving means opening our hearts each day, connecting our inner and relational realities, and learning to love patiently the multitudes we all contain.About Jessica ChenFengDr. Jessica ChenFeng is Associate Professor at the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Seminary, and is also Director of the Asian American Well-being Collaboratory at Fuller's Asian American Center. Prior to her time at Fuller she was a professor at Loma Linda University and California State University, Northridge.Jessica is known for her clinical expertise and scholarship integrating socio-contextual lenses of race, gender, and generation into work with minoritized individuals, families, and communities. In the last few years, her primary clinical focus has been the well-being of physicians, especially through pandemic-related trauma and burnout. She's co-authored two books, Finding Your Voice as a Beginning Marriage and FamilyTherapist, as well as Asian American Identities, Relationships, and Cultural Legacies: Reflections from Marriage and Family Therapists. She received the 2022 American Family Therapy Academy Early Career Award. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

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Lainie Sevante Wulkan is Founder of The Center for Intuitive Food Therapy (CIFT), Nourish Your Soul Ayurveda & Nourish Your Soul Retreats. She's a multi–modality healer with advanced certifications in Food Healing, Theta Healing, and EFT/Tapping. She holds a BS in Food Science, Dietetics, and Nutrition from California State University, Northridge, and top of class in Jeff Primack's Conquering All Disease Advanced Food Healing Instructor program. She's an International bestselling Author being the Lead Author of High Vibrational Wellness – Intuitive Healing Therapies to Nourish Your Body Temple, #1 Amazon Bestselling Top Exotic Foods for Natural Healing – Power Packed Produce from Across the Globe for Longevity & Disease Prevention, The Food Healing Oracle Deck – Nourishing Wisdom from Mother Earth series, Smoothies – Nourishing Wisdom Beyond the Blend, Chapter 3 in The Energy Healers Oracle deemed “#21 out of 100 Best healing books” of all time by Book Authority and Finn's Giant Leap, Children's book #1 in the Frog & Toad category on Amazon.. She's currently writing the highly anticipated seven-volume series, Feeding Your Chakras and co-authoring Angelic Resonance with International Bestselling Author, Angela Orora Medway – Smith. Her passion for elevating humanity with pathways to nourishing the mind, body & soul is felt in all her creations. Whether attending global sojourns into wellness on exotic Nourish Your Soul Retreats, taking her online wellness classes, becoming a Certified Intuitive Food Therapist, receiving private healings, hearing the Nourish Your Soul Show, or enjoying her organic, Ayurvedic tea and incense imports from Nepal, a deeper knowing of Spirit and greater expansion of self is realized. Contact Lainie Sevante Wulkan: High Vibrational Wellness Book - Available on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dmYCjQ Website - Http://CenterforIntuitiveFoodTherapy.com Lainie "Sevante" Wulkan aka The Food Oracle International Bestselling Author - High Vibrational Wellness Intuitive Healing Therapies to Nourish Your Body Temple Founder - CIFT - Center for Intuitive Food Therapy USA/Canada Importer - Nourish Your Soul Ayurveda Teas & Incense Executive Producer - Hope from the Himalayas Documentary Host/Producer -Nourish Your Soul Show Nourish Your Soul Retreats - Global sojourns into wellness 239.785.0809 Dr. Kimberley Linert Speaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral Optometrist Event Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/ To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com 702.256.9199 Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator Podcast Available on... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platforms Author of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life" Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3srh6tZ Website: https://www.DrKimberleyLinert.com Please subscribe, share & LISTEN! Thanks. incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberley-linert-incredible-life-creator/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberley.linert/ The Great Discovery eLearning Platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberley l

This is a quick overview of The Guys of Northridge, the sequel book to Northridge High Football Camp. Each Chapter will be presented in 2-3 parts, with a new episode approx. every 10 days. So each Chapter will be completed each month.  Once all Chapter sections are completed I will combine them into one long Chapter and replace the Chapter sections with a completed Chapter, just as I did with Football Camp.Chapter One, Part One will be out next week.Thank you, and I hope you enjoy The Guys of Northridge.  ~Joey

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Chuck E. Cheese's Melissa McLeanas joins hosts Damian Fowler and Ilyse Liffreing on The Current Podcast to discuss how Chuck E. Cheese is leveraging its iconic IP for the streaming era, what advertisers are excited about and more. Episode TranscriptPlease note, this transcript  may contain minor inconsistencies compared to the episode audio.Damian Fowler (00:00):I'm Damian FowlerIlyse Liffreing (00:01):And I'm Ilyse Liffreing,Damian Fowler (00:02):And welcome to this edition of The Current Podcast.Ilyse Liffreing (00:09):This week we're thrilled to be joined by Melissa McLeanas, Vice President of Global Media Licensing and Entertainment at Chuck E. Cheese.Damian Fowler (00:18):For people who grew up in the us, Chuck E. Cheese means childhood birthday parties. It's long been a go-to destination for pizza games and the giant mouse that knows every kid's name.Ilyse Liffreing (00:29):In short, it's a pop culture icon with over 500 worldwide venues. But under Melissa's leadership, the brand is leveling up by launching the CEC Media Network in partnership with programmatic platform future. Today,Damian Fowler (00:42):It's a big move that signals a shift from just a physical play space to a full on entertainment platform, think digital storytelling in store screens, branded content and advertising that actually fits into the family experience.Ilyse Liffreing (00:57):We're going to jump in and talk about why in venue media might just be the next big driver of customer loyalty and growth.Damian Fowler (01:07):Chuck E. Cheese is such a nostalgic brand, especially in the United States, but here you are launching a full media network, which is a kind of big new chapter for you. Can you walk us through the vision and the strategy behind the CEC Media network and what is bringing it to life?Melissa McLeanas (01:26):Absolutely. First of all, thank you so much for having me. It is an incredibly exciting time at CEC Entertainment. Then Chuck Cheese, I would say it's a bold new chapter for the company and the Media network is really just a piece of that. The brand has been going through an incredible transformation over the last few years, and really at the heart of that is the vision to establish this brand as a global leader in entertainment. Now, I say that, but it's really reestablished the brand in entertainment. Chuck E. Cheese was born in entertainment. I don't know if you know, but the E in Chuck E. Cheese stands for entertainment. And really when you think back to where we started, we were a leader and really established the category of EAT entertainment. And as that space has evolved and family entertainment centers have really taken that center stage, we've continued to be a leader and an innovator in that space.(02:14):But a few years ago, I would say we probably hit a wall and it was a little bit tired. The bones were good as they would say, but it was really time for a reset and bringing a new leadership team to the forefront with a new background and experience in entertainment. We established several different strategic objectives, one of them being the division that I lead, and that's media licensing and entertainment. So really very simply put, the mission is to really drive incremental value and revenue for the company in a new way. So all US locations, we've invested over 350 million back into the business, a capital investment, and I'm happy to say that right now at this point we've completed the US all US locations, so just under 500, no small feat, and we're about to finish our own Canada locations as well. And what this looks like is cosmetically update to the interior and the exterior, a revamp of menu, all new games, and that entertainment package now features a large video wall. And then of course our character program.Damian Fowler (03:16):That's a lot right there. It's almost like you've had a complete perception shift in terms of what you're doing. It sounds like you are a channel in and of your own right and media channel. You mentioned out of home, but there's also CTV on all those points. This is a kind of multistream content strategy. And could you just talk a little bit more about how that will ultimately reach all of these consumers and how it'll deepen engagement, I guess, for families who go to all these different venues in the US and around the world?Melissa McLeanas (03:50):So yeah, that's a great point. So I guess let me step back and actually talk about what that content looks like. Within our fund centers, we have entertainment programming, let's call it a 90 minute loop, and it consists primarily of entertainment, content, family friendly entertainment content. Of all these initiatives, obviously the first and foremost most important thing for us is to make sure that we're delivering an amazing experience for our guests. And so that content must do that. It has to be relevant for our families, it has to be engaging, and it really has to convey everything that our brand stands for. So that's a mix of our own original content. So I talked about that, the library. And so we continue to create new content and then we pull from our library of content. So we really look for things that are a little young, but it has to be appealing to an older guest.(04:37):At the same time, there can be aspirational content, so maybe some of our 10 year olds and 12 year olds are there with younger siblings, and then you got your parents. So there's a lot of opportunity there. The other thing that digital screens in this update to programming does is it allows us to do regular seasonal updates. And I think that's also really important, especially as we're growing programs like our membership program, our past program, we've got some repeat visitation, we're consistently updating and keeping that fresh throughout the year. Now as part of that, there's a lot of partner opportunities. And so for our entertainment partners, like I said, you can get the latest clips from your newest release for some of the newer content creators. We've got an active captive audience sitting right there paying attention to those screens, and we've created an environment where they're tuning into those screens. And so bringing our characters, since we do all of that content ourselves and working with other content creators to create some co-branded content, there's a lot of different ways for partners to really be a part of that entertainment experience.Ilyse Liffreing (05:38):Now I know it's early days too, but perhaps you can talk about some of those partnerships that you have going on with needy buyers and national advertisers and then how important the media network is to Chuck E. Cheese's broader business evolution.Melissa McLeanas (05:54):Absolutely. I'll actually take that moment to do a quick and talk more specifically on the advertising opportunity. I think a lot of what we're doing with the content and the characters is incredibly exciting, but it's also a really exciting time in the digital out of home and out of home space. So if you look at other venue operators and retailers, they're debuting these owned media networks. And so we've really took a page out of their book and we said, Hey, we've got this updated experience, we have this traffic. How do we really bring this to partners in a big way? And so on the, I would say the tech solutions side, we've had some really strong relationships with Panasonic so that we've got media players in advertising solutions that are going to support the various types of advertisers locally, regionally, nationally. And then we most recently have a relationship with Vista Media, so we were able to integrate their supply side platform directly into that CMS.(06:44):So that gives us access to a wide array of advertisers, and they're coming straight through programmatic, so turnkey solution for those who are buying programmatic space. So we're seeing a lot of advertisers come through there. And then we've got some more strategic relationships in the entertainment space. Kids BOP is one of those. They've been a partner for many, many years. And in addition to some of the entertainment content, they've really leveraged these screens to advertise tours to localize and talk specifically to upcoming tours at a specific venue ahead of that. We've worked with the Harlem Globetrotters to do the same, and then we have a various CPG toy, again, family appropriate, parent appropriate that are really taking advantage of those screens. And then of course we're talking out of home, but I don't want to forget too that we also announced a partnership with Future Today.(07:33):And so in addition to having this opportunity around content in our venues, we also have this content online. So we've had a lot of this on YouTube and YouTube kids. We actually started putting our content there in 2012 and have been doing so in a more meaningful way in the past few years. And with this new relationship with Future Today, a leader in the CTV space, not only are we getting content on their Happy Kids channel and their network alongside the co melons and the Paw trolls, but in the future we're working towards launching our own streaming network. So Chuck E. Cheese branded Fast Channel, so ad supported, but again, leaning into the content and the IP and engaging those guests and those fans and then offering that opportunity to brand safe and family friendly advertisers.Ilyse Liffreing (08:17):I know Chuck E. Cheese has traditionally been mostly about the physical experience before all of this. I remember going there as a kid, my dad brought us there all the time growing up, and obviously that part of the business is not dying down at all. I'm curious how many screens you have at each of the 500 plus venues that will be part of this network.Melissa McLeanas (08:41):So every location has a video wall, and that's going to be the focal point of when you walk into Chuck E. Cheese and it's incredibly important. You really can see that almost anywhere in most locations. Every one of our locations is unique, they're like children. They vary in size and layout, but really that video wall is huge. And then screens and the number of screens is going to depend on that layout and how big the location is. So it can be anywhere from six to 15 to 18 in some of our larger locations. So it's done strategically to make sure that there's visibility no matter where you are. And then audio isn't tied to those screens, so audio is just piped uniformly throughout the entire locations.Ilyse Liffreing (09:21):Besides those giant screens, are there any other ways you guys are blending that physical presence within the new digital touchpoints that you're bringing?Melissa McLeanas (09:30):So like I said, the character program is, I mean the epitome of the live physical experience. And so we really try to find a balance between how we take the digital parts of our brand and our entertainment and balance that with the interactive and the physical. So when the character, when Chucky comes out, whether it be for a birthday or for a dance, there's also supporting content on the screen that really help families follow along, be able to follow and interact with their parents and their friends and all of that. So we want to make sure it's on an interactive dance floor. So there's a lot of different ways to bring that to life. We also just recently launched a STEAM program, and so that is rooted in the media that you see on those screens, but then as part of that curriculum, those kids go off into the game rooms and they're playing with the games and they're doing all the different tasks that they've learned.(10:21):We did that in partnership with stem.org and then just digitally throughout the locations, our menu boards are all digital now. We've done some tremendous and deep upgrades in terms of innovation and technology, so no more tickets, which some people get sad about because that visual of having that bucket of tickets feels so iconic. But etickets are far more efficient for families that are trying to get through the price counter and out the door. So we've got Etic, we've got Play Pass, no more tokens, the menu boards, the games. We're really leaning into digital. It makes us more efficient when we need to make changes. We think about testing menu items in certain local and regional rollouts that's all supported digitally. It's far easier to make those updates on the backside than it is to roll out new point of sale and printed materials. And so we're looking for those digital opportunities throughoutIlyse Liffreing (11:11):Life. Things are certainly changing.Damian Fowler (11:12):They really are. Let's talk a little bit about some of the takeaways from all of these innovations. Now, let's say you're a family, you've been exposed to the video wall and the games room and you go home. How is this exposure being measured across the network, if you like?Melissa McLeanas (11:28):Yes, feedback is everything. We actually have a really active fan base and we do have guests who are reaching out to give us feedback. We have an in-house insights team and we have regular surveys, and then they're asking questions across every element of Chuck E. Cheese because we want to make sure that we're understanding as we update and introduce new exactly what's working, what's not and what can be better and happy to, the screens in the entertainment continues to have a really positive score. A very high guest are seeing it, they're tuning in and they love the entertainment. And so we'll continue to watch that. And when it comes to the advertising campaigns, from a measurement perspective, we're working with companies like Place their AI and an IMP purview to measure the impressions through our door as well as impressions against our screens, both being well-recognized auditors, if you will, in that space.(12:20):We don't sell tickets, so that's important to make sure that when we do these campaigns we can accurately say this is how many folks we're actually exposed to those screens. And then as we continue to work with our partners, and then I think this is something you'll see, especially in the digital out of home space, it's constantly evolving. And so for us it's really important to work with partners on their campaigns and understand those KPIs because we are a unique platform and the guests are engaging with these screens maybe differently than they might and screens out in a different venue. And so we want to make sure that the content that we're delivering, one, again, great guest experience and it's appropriate for our families, but two, it's achieving what our partners are looking to do with these campaigns.Ilyse Liffreing (13:04):So you've spoken about how Chuck E. Cheese as a brand spans generations. How do you ensure that the content and messaging then stay relevant to today's kids while still honoring the brand's legacy from the past?Melissa McLeanas (13:18):It's an amazing gift to have a brand and a character that has touched almost five decades, and that comes with great responsibility first and foremost, at the heart of what we are still, where a kid can be a kid. So as we continue to innovate and evolve for these families, we never lose sight of that. We are a kid first space. So while our content could be developed with co-viewing in mind and there's some Easter eggs that maybe parents will understand, but it's just fun silly songs for kids, we want to make sure that kids still own their space. Chuck E. Cheese is a place for kids. Our parents obviously need to enjoy their space too. And so in addition to how that content comes to life within our fund centers, we take a lot of opportunity to find extensions outside our four walls that pay homage to the rich legacy that this brand has.(14:11):So licensing is an important part of the strategic objective of growing this brand and increasing its value and entertainment. And so we've really grown our license program over the past five years. We've got just over 35 licensees and we've been able to really segment our brand across these decades and offer a classic Chuckie for those who know the OG seventies, eighties, Chuckie with the bowler hat. And we've got our retro Chuckie who's skater and he's the nineties, two thousands, and we offer that up to teen and young adult audiences in various spaces that make sense. We've done a few other things like we've saved our animatronics and in a few different locations, we started that in Northridge, California, wildly successful, lots of feedback there. And so we were able to extend that to four additional stores. And so those animatronics are going to live in those locations.(15:02):They're still fully remodeled, they're still on the media network, they still have all the new, but for fans that want to pilgrimage to see the original band in that format, those are available and we continue to look for opportunities like that. We've announced Chuck Arcade, it's an arcade space that's really geared towards Martine and adult, and there's some really fun touch points. Again, paying ho much to the legacy. And so we want to make sure that, again, our brand is a brand and we're going to take care of those kids and those families, but there's a lot of opportunity to really extend that and talk to the other generations of fans.Ilyse Liffreing (15:36):I certainly appreciate that. I remember Skater, Chuckie, myself, ninetiesMelissa McLeanas (15:41):Chucky, everybody has their Chuckie.Ilyse Liffreing (15:42):Oh yeah. I know it's early days still, but how has the feedback been so far from the brands that you guys are starting to approach about the network? Is there excitement, interest?Melissa McLeanas (15:56):I think a takeaway that is for brands and partners and even a lot of our guests is because just as you said, everyone has their Chuck E. Cheese and this is a brand that has such incredible awareness and strong attachment to a very specific memory and time of when you had your Chuck E. Cheese experience. As we're going through this remodel and introducing the median network, it's a bit of a surprise when they actually go in and they're like, oh my goodness, this is not the Chuck E. Cheese that I used to know. And we hear it from guests and it's why we really lean into reopening events when we remodel a location and then really make a splash in the local community. And I'm hearing that a lot from partners. It's incredibly positive once they see how their brand is coming to life on these screens and we're hosting lunch and learns with agencies, you have to see it to get it because that memory is so strong in so many people and we're doing things so differently. And so it's been really positive and it's been exciting, but it definitely is. It's a space where you've really got to lean in and say, oh, wait a second. You're right. This is incredible.Damian Fowler (17:06):We seem to be in a sort of almost, you mentioned the ip, but we seem to be in a bit of a golden age as it were, of brand storytelling and more and more brands leaning into sort of that owned media channel to tell their stories. How do you see this whole media network fitting into that general trendMelissa McLeanas (17:23):From a brand storytelling perspective? It's funny. We always make this differentiation. Our characters are part of our experience. We never look at them to tell the experience. And so as we debut all of these new channels for our content and open up to a larger audience, we have the opportunity to really dive into these characters, their personalities and invest in telling their story and in a deeper way. And so we've got so much content, but there's so many new formats that we are excited about long form formats, animation, publishing, and so much of that can be supported and come to life on these channels. But when we think about a storytelling opportunity from a character perspective, there's a great path forward to really get these beloved characters out there and to continue to build their world, their ecosystem, and not just in content. How do we take them outside the four walls? How do we create more experiences? We've taken the band out on tour, how do we do that in a bigger way? And I think these channels and this content is the beginning of a much bigger journey for the characters.Damian Fowler (18:31):Yeah, I imagine. Is there a movie in the works?Melissa McLeanas (18:36):No comment. No. In all serious, that's where we're going. That's where we're thinking for these characters. And so while nothing has been announced, I think we've been fairly vocal in the fact that that is what we would like to do and how we are making decisions on content and bringing on partners.Ilyse Liffreing (18:55):It's amazing. Looking even further ahead, if the movie doesn't happen, if the movie does happenMelissa McLeanas (19:03):When the movie happens,Ilyse Liffreing (19:03):When it happens,Melissa McLeanas (19:04):Exactly when the movieIlyse Liffreing (19:06):Happens, I like it. It happens. What else do you see in terms of innovation, whether it's maybe gamified content, augmented reality, personalized experiences, is there anything else that you guys are hoping in the near future to evolve the Chuck E T's experience?Melissa McLeanas (19:26):Gaming is in our DNA. And so I mean we are the largest arcade operator in the world. We buy thousands and thousands of games. We've got 2 billion game plays a year. And so we're always looking and talking to different companies about how we can continue to innovate in that space. And so that's always on our radar. You've seen a change in even some of the games that have come through our doors, things like ar, you need to make sure that it's safe for our young kids, but we're always having those conversations and now that we've got more media driven experiences, there is opportunity to take that to the screens. And with the dance floor personalization, if you think about birthday and how important that is to our brand, personalization is something that we're always looking to do in a bigger way. So from tiering and offering different options to our parents who are booking parties, to giving something personal just to remind or say happy birthday to the kids and how we can do that with our characters and at scale is something that is starting to get more exciting as this technology evolves.Ilyse Liffreing (20:34):Amazing. Let's go into some of rapid fire questions now, some quick fun ones for you. So the first one here is actually about your background. You've held roles across licensing, entertainment and media. What would be one lesson from building these brand partnerships that served you especially well?Melissa McLeanas (20:55):Partnerships can be incredibly powerful and they can serve so many purposes. And I think right now in the industry, you're hearing the word collaboration a lot. And it's refreshing because I also think that if you look back a few decades, it was very rigid of this is the partnership, I need X, you get X, this is how we do it or we don't do it. And I think the openness and the receptiveness across all industries, entertainment, licensing, media of building something that is going to benefit both parties in a bigger way has really changed how a lot of these partnerships have come to life. And for us, and in this journey that we've been in, they've really been a huge benefit to us. And one telling our story, aligning with some of these best in class entertainment brands and putting Chuck E. Cheese in a conversation that frankly people weren't expecting. And as you said, I have been very fortunate to have worked with some amazing partners across my career and bring some of these different programs to life and building them around Chuck E. Cheese has been really fun.Damian Fowler (22:02):What other family or entertainment brand is doing something truly innovative in the media space that inspires you?Melissa McLeanas (22:10):So I'm a theme park nerd, admittedly because of my background, and this almost feels like a cop out, but it has been really exciting to watch Universal grow as a behemoth in this space and even their marketing and from a grassroots perspective of how they've been able to engage their fan base. It's just fun and it's exciting to watch someone in that space grow as they have. But all that said, what I think is even cooler in location-based entertainment is these snackable moments that are kind of emerging outside of these giant theme parks. I think in the beginning it was always like that can only happen if you're paying a high ticket price to go to a Universal or Disney. And now so many of the IP holders and the brands are bringing these really cool experiences to life outside of that, whether it be a mobile tour or a retail experience or maze that's themed for the season. And I think that's really elevating the space and it's giving a lot of us opportunity to activate in these ways that doesn't require a giant theme park build around it. And so I think that the location based entertainment and experiential space in general has been growing and being more creative over the past few years.Ilyse Liffreing (23:22):Do you have a favorite moment from launching the CEC Media network?Melissa McLeanas (23:27):I think something that I could really call out is the feedback from our operators. So when you work for a company that is really the life force is your field and your cast members and your operators on the ground. We've got some cast members and some managers that have been with us for over 30 years and they know this brand and they've been delivering this amazing experience and change is hard. So when this started testing in markets and we got not only good feedback, but outwardly positive feedback and managers were approaching me like, you know what you could do? I'm like, this is fantastic because not only are we updating the entertainment experience, we're delivering on all these new objectives, but we're bringing value to the team that's operating and they see this great opportunity to talk to their guests and to be more efficient. And so that was very satisfying and it made it all the better because they really are the ones that are doing the work on the ground and making sure that this brand is coming to the life in the best of ways.Damian Fowler (24:27):On that point, was there a personal moment that stands out that you've witnessed where the brand genuinely sort of moved you or surprised you in how it was being received?Melissa McLeanas (24:38):So yes, I mentioned this summer concert series, and I'll give you a little bit of context. So during the pandemic, we had to close a lot of locations and as we started to open them, we made the decision to keep Chucky outside the fun centers to our families. That message was that he was recording an album and we didn't realize that he was going to have to record a box set in the end, but when we did get to a place where we were getting comfortable to bring him back to our guests and it wasn't everywhere, we were trying to think of how best to do that. And again, this is still early for me and in my role at Chuck E. Cheese. And so we decided to, for the first time ever, create a fully choreographed scripted show, 30 minute show with our characters, took 'em out on the road, all free concerts, open air outside public parks so all guests could attend no matter where we were in the world in terms of what those restrictions looked like.(25:33):And it was just an amazing team building event. So it's all new music, upbeat, fun, I still have it on my playlist, but we have our birthday song as part of this concert and we do it under the guise of Does anyone have a birthday this year? Which is of course everyone. And if you're familiar with the Chuck E. Cheese birthday song, it's not just Happy Birthday, it's very specific to Chuck E. Cheese. And as it started, every single guest was up and singing along to the lyrics and dancing the food truck vendors, the parents, everybody knew this song. And from a moment that was needed, it was incredible. But from a brand perspective, that's really powerful and that's really something special. And so that really stood out in my mind of like, wow, this is something, we really got something. So that would definitely be it. And if you don't know the birthday song,Ilyse Liffreing (26:25):I do know we can practice it after do birthday song.Damian Fowler (26:28):We should play this podcast out with a birthday song soon.Ilyse Liffreing (26:30):Yes, we should.Damian Fowler (26:32):Well, first off, Melissa was so enthusiastic about this new brand, this new entertainment network that the company's launching. I almost couldn't keep up with the amount of innovation the brand is putting out.Ilyse Liffreing (26:45):So much, so much has happen isDamian Fowler (26:45):Incredible. But I feel like there were a couple of bits there where she almost gave us some news. She talked about Chuck E. Cheese streaming platform potentially on the horizon, and then we sort of joked about this, but Chuck E. Cheese movie. But in an era where IP is everything and we're thinking of Barbie, why not?Ilyse Liffreing (27:05):Yeah, no, there's so much value in it for other advertisers too, when they're building this media network across their 500 plus venues in the US and internationally, that's a lot of screens and advertisers want to be with kids and with their parents especially.Damian Fowler (27:24):Another thought that was interesting to me was the way she talked with the way Melissa talked about the digital out of home and Chuckie, she's venues being almost an extension of that channel that is on the up and up really, and especially when it comes to programmatic media. So that was also something that I found intriguing.Ilyse Liffreing (27:44):It's also nice to know that they're doing a good job of blending their physical footprint with the digital and keeping everything we like about Chuck E. Cheese still alive in some way. Even those who remember the brand from the seventies, eighties, nineties, check that mouse is still there.Damian Fowler (28:05):Yeah, well, I can't say I grew up with it, but I know you did. So it's reassuring that that nostalgia is still alive.Ilyse Liffreing (28:11):And maybe for my birthday next year, are you going to invite me? Yes, Damian, you're invited. Thanks. And that'sDamian Fowler (28:18):It for this edition of the current podcast.Ilyse Liffreing (28:21):This series is produced by Molton Hart. The current podcasts theme is by Love and caliber. The current team includes Kat Vesce and Sydney Cairns.Damian Fowler (28:29):And remember,Melissa McLeanas (28:30):Our characters are part of our experience. We never look at them to tell the experience. I'm Damian and I'm my, we'llIlyse Liffreing (28:38):See you.

Author Anne Soon Choi joins us to reveal the life of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, who was known as the "coroner to the stars" in Los Angeles who performed the autopsies of Robert F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood. The inspiration for the Jack Klugman TV series "Quincy, M.E.," Noguchi became famous for his big press conferences—which often created more controversy than offered solutions.  Join us to learn about Noguchi and never-before-revealed facts about his biggest cases, which took place against the backdrop of Hollywood's infamous celebrity culture and the heated racial politics of the 1960s and 1970s.  Anne Soon Choi, Ph.D., author of L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood (Third State Books), is a historian and professor of Asian American Studies and university administrator at California State University, Northridge. Her essay “The Japanese American Citizens League, Los Angeles Politics, and the Thomas Noguchi Case,” on which this book is based, won the 2021 prize for best essay from the Historical Society of Southern California. Choi has previously served on the faculty of Swarthmore College and the University of Kansas and is an Andrew Mellon Fellow and an American Council of Learned Societies Digital Ethnic Studies Fellow. She lives and writes in Los Angeles, California. Our moderator, Helen Zia, is a author, journalist and Fulbright Scholar. Her latest book, Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao's Revolution, was an NPR best book and shortlisted for a national Pen America award, while her first book, Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People, is a foundational textbook in schools across the country. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Helen's role in organizing and leading the national Asian American civil rights movement to obtain justice for Vincent Chin and to counter anti-Asian racism is documented in the Academy-award nominated “Who Killed Vincent Chin?” and has been featured on the PBS series "The Asian Americans," "Amanpour & Co.," Lisa Ling's "This is Life," Soledad O'Brien, and other media.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices