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The Assassination of Kwawtemok! On February 28, of the year 1525, Kwawtemok – the last sovereign tlatoani (ruler or speaker) of the Mexikah nation and the Anawak Confederacy, was assassinated by Hernán Cortés. But who was Kwawtemok, and why is he an important figure in the collective memory of Mexicans? listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Chris Lynch is the Co-founder and CEO of Everyday California, a La Jolla, California-based ocean adventure and lifestyle brand offering ocean adventures along with eco-friendly gear and apparel. Under Chris' leadership, Everyday California has grown from a small kayak shop into a multilocation business employing up to 100 people in peak season. The brand's apparel is sold in nearly 200 stores, including all major California airports, and featured as the top-rated experience on Airbnb in San Diego. Chris, who holds a degree in international economics from San Diego State University, founded the company during the Great Recession after a stint studying acting in Hollywood. In this episode…Starting a business on the beach might sound like a dream, but what happens when you actually make it work? Imagine turning a pickup truck, a few old wetsuits, and a grandmother's iPad into a thriving adventure brand that captures the spirit of California. How do you build something that feels authentic, sustainable, and resilient?For Chris Lynch, the answer came from seeing opportunity where others saw risk. He believes the secret to growth lies in blending passion with practicality. During the Great Recession, Chris took a failing kayak permit and transformed it into a full-fledged ocean adventure and lifestyle brand rooted in community, sustainability, and experience. From refining the fit of board shorts for over a year to scaling from one location to multiple along the coast, he emphasizes doing things the right way — even if it takes longer. His approach proves that staying committed to quality, adaptability, and financial discipline can turn a simple idea into a lasting California icon.In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith is joined by Chris Lynch, Co-founder and CEO of Everyday California, to discuss how he built and scaled an experiential adventure and lifestyle brand from the ground up. They explore the early days of launching with just a kayak permit, how Everyday California balances seasonality with e-commerce growth, and why quality and storytelling drive the success of their apparel line.
We are joined By Dr. Magnus Pharao Hansen to discuss his new book "Nahuatl Nations: Language Revitalization and Semiotic Sovereignty in Indigenous Mexico."Nahuatl Nations is a linguistic ethnography that explores the political relations between those Indigenous communities of Mexico that speak the Nahuatl language and the Mexican Nation that claims it as an important national symbol. Author Magnus Pharao Hansen studies how this relation has been shaped by history and how it plays out today in Indigenous Nahua towns, regions, and educational institutions, and in the Mexican diaspora. You can buy the book here: https://amzn.to/3Azr6calistener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Manager Minute-brought to you by the VR Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management
In this episode of Manager Minute, host Carol Pankow welcomes Dr. Chaz Compton and Dr. Meera Adya, co-directors of the new National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center (NVRTAC). They discuss how the Center builds on decades of innovation in vocational rehabilitation (VR) to unify training, evaluation, and technology that strengthen state VR agencies across the nation. Partnering with The George Washington University, the National Disability Institute, CSAVR, YesLMS, Case Review Solutions, SaraWorks, and Intellitech, the NVRTAC delivers comprehensive technical assistance to enhance performance, fiscal management, and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Key initiatives include AI-driven tools such as SaraWorks and Case Amplify, designed to reduce administrative burdens and capture real-world impact. The team is also launching leadership and fiscal talent development programs, expanding recruitment and retention efforts, and embedding continuous evaluation across all initiatives. Their goal is to achieve measurable outcomes, real change, and a stronger, more efficient VR system serving individuals with disabilities. Listen Here Full Transcript: {Music} Chaz: Right now, not ten years from now, but right today, we have the capacity to. Turn our administrative burden into an AI driven function that alleviates that burden. Meera: Input is getting provided at the beginning and the middle at the end all over again. It really is that measurable and real change and ongoing calibration towards that is our North star. Chaz: And having actual measurable outcome improvements. So simple as that. Carol: That sounds good. How about you? What do you think? Meera: Nothing to add. Measurable outcomes. Real change. Drop the mic. Carol: Boom! I love it. {Music} Intro Voice: Manager Minute, brought to you by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center. Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host, Carol Pankow. Carol: Well, welcome to the Manager Minute. Joining me in the studio today are my close colleagues, doctor Chaz Compton and Doctor Meera Adya, Co-project directors of the new National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center, or VRTAC for short. So woohoo you guys! I'm so excited to have you here. How are things going Chaz? Chaz: Wonderful. Very busy and very happy to be here. Thank you. Carol: Excellent. How about you, Meera? How's it going? Meera: Pretty good. Carol: Awesome. Well, glad to have you both. I just want to give a little bit of history for our listeners. The Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Centers have a long and rich history rooted in the Rehabilitation Act itself. And from the very beginning, the act recognized that helping individuals with disabilities achieve meaningful employment requires more than just funding. It requires a system of continuous learning, innovation and improvement. And that's why the Rehabilitation Services Administration has long invested in national technical assistance centers to strengthen state VR agencies, build staff capacity and ensure programs stay aligned with evolving regulations, Relations, research and best practices, and over the years, these centers from the early TACE centers to WINTAC and the QM and QE and AIVR TAC and all the things, and now the new NBR tech have become the backbone of progress in our field, helping translate policy into practice and ensuring that the promise of the Rehabilitation Act remains strong for the next generation. So let's dig in. Gang, can you tell our listeners a little bit about yourselves and your journey into VR? And, Chaz, I'm going to kick it to you first. Chaz: Okay. Gosh, it's been 40 years now. Hard to believe. I started with a community rehab program 40 years ago this year. Carol: Wow. Chaz: A few years later, I moved into the public VR program in California. I was a counselor, a supervisor, and then a district administrator and got my doctorate degree at San Diego State University and moved over and directed the TA Center 15 years ago, and then the WINTAC and then the VRTAC-QM and now the what we call the VR TAC, the national VRTAC. Carol: That is awesome. I did not realize it was 40 whole years. Chaz, I think we're pretty close in age to each other. Chaz: It's been a while. Carol: Meera, how about you? How'd you get your journey into this world? Meera: Well, my work has always been at the intersection of empiricism and law and policy. So I'm a researcher and evaluator. I've done projects looking at how people with disabilities can be successful in workplaces and communities, thinking about inter work and the VR system. More specifically, I became engaged first as a partner, leading the program evaluation for Interworks Wintech centre. And then Chaz convinced me to come to Interworks continue doing what I was doing by taking the lead on the program evaluation for the VR, QM, and then our portfolio at Interworks has grown. Now there are several disability innovation grants and customized employment projects in addition to the TAC that we are leading the evaluation on. And Chaz then offered me the opportunity to continue growing my work, and here I am as the co-director of the center as a whole, and I'm honored and thrilled to support Chaz and our team. Take the work with VR and its partners forward to improve outcomes for people with disabilities. Carol: I love it Meera, and you're a good addition, and we're really happy to have you as the Co-project director, too. So what is the overarching purpose of our new VR TAC? Chaz: It is to provide technical assistance and training that will help VR agencies and their partners improve service delivery and increase the quantity and quality of employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities being served by VR program and their partners. Our major focus areas include helping agencies effectively manage the program, the performance of the program, the fiscal side of the program and their resources, and helping them identify and implement effective employment strategies and practices that accomplish the overarching goal of helping improve outcomes and service delivery. That's the big picture. Carol: It is cool because it's like soup to nuts. I think sometimes, you know, the previous TAC, you know, they had very kind of more specific focus. And then with the QM and like QE too, you know, it expanded. But now we've got the whole shebang in one place. Chaz: Mhm. Carol: Very fun. Meera do you have anything you wanted to add to that? Meera: Sure. I was just thinking about all the work that Chaz has been doing, the messages he sends us and how we've come together and so far trying to put it into an encapsulation. I've been coming up with one team or his words, but I think just such a good representation and you'll see that now in our messaging going forward, but also a yes. And we don't say no. We find a way to work together and is so what, what is the measurable change that's going to result from the work we do? I think you're going to see that over the next five years constantly coming up. Carol: Yeah, I like that, Meera. You got to keep us grounded in that. About the so what? So what we can do lots of activities. But so what about them? And I see, Chaz, you're smiling at me because, you know, I'm an activity person. And it's like, but what's the benefit from what we did? So how does the new TAC build on the work in the lessons that were learned from all the previous work? Chaz: Well, to say we've learned some lessons along the way, especially in the last ten years, would be an understatement. There have been the implementation of WIOA and all of the requirements associated with that, living through all of the implementation with agencies, helping them respond to that effectively, looking at the demographic shift in the field to youth, where now the majority of the people we serve are 24 years of age or younger. Looking at going into and out of Covid and how that changed service delivery, how the fiscal landscape of the program changed accordingly, how we have seen the pendulum shift fiscally from one side to the other and now back again. All of that has helped inform, I think, the development of our technical assistance and the training and the way we go into this new center. So we have just a bunch of lived experience, if you will, along with agencies. So what they have gone through, we have gone through with them, and I think we can help them successfully navigate the future. And while at the same time responding to the challenges that they face right now. So all of that, I think, really has laid an important foundation for the VRTAC and the work we're going to be doing with agencies. Carol: I think you hit the nail with that. I think about all the last five years, even the work I've done and our team has done and how deep we got in with agencies like it felt like we were part. I often talk when I'm in at agency, I talk about we like I'm part of them because you're enmeshed in everything they're doing and their systems and their people and their meetings and all of their things. You become so ingrained with them. It really helped you to get such a clear picture of what was happening and helps really get maybe at the root of some of the issues and to develop that work fundamentally so that the seeds we laid could really grow and germinate and keep going forever and keep growing and growing and growing. So it isn't just a one shot. We did a little quick training and we're out of there. It really became such a deep lesson. Meera, how about for you with that lessons learned? I'm sure evaluation wise there are things you were thinking about as well. Meera: Oh, absolutely. We have all of our past evaluation reports and findings, and we can keep looking at those. And I certainly keep bringing them up whenever it strikes me that there's a relevant point that comes forward again. And you can see with the way that Chaz has put together these innovative partners and projects, a continuation of the successful approaches and partnerships as well, and just a laser focus on measurable change that evolution and improvement and lessons learned is just baked into the center. As a research and evaluator, I know firsthand how the knowledge translation pipeline takes time, but it can take less time when you work directly with stakeholders from the beginning, and that's what's happening with us. Chaz has always taken evaluation seriously, woven it into the very fabric of the work. Stakeholders are the partners. They hold us accountable. We continuously are learning what's working. Pivot when needs must. Carol: Well said Meera. Thank you for that. What current challenges do you guys see in the VR system that make a unified national TA center so important right now? Chaz: To say that efficiency, accountability and improved outcomes are important would be an understatement. And this is not a new focus, of course. I mean, you have to go back to the movement of the Rehabilitation Act under the Workforce Investment Act of 1988, which was really an attempt to improve efficiency and refrain from duplication of services and improve outcomes and all that stuff. And that focus has just grown and grown, Carol: right. Chaz: and so a unified center is I mean, it really is helpful to ensure that everything is administrated under one center that we're focused on, you know, whether it's focused on improving performance, like on the performance measures, like improving an agency's ability to manage their fiscal resources or implement employment strategies like, say, customized employment, a unified center can address all of these aspects together, holistically, understand how they interact with each other and an agency. Instead of having 2 or 3 different entities trying to work together with a VR program differently, with different ways of doing business, ways of interacting all that. So it just is a very efficient, I hope. Anyway, an enhanced holistic way of working with an agency. Ultimately, I believe that will contribute to increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes. Carol: I like the part with the employment being in with us now. Not that employment wasn't in our mind, but it was distant because we'd always put it like we, you know, we're referring folks over to the Q2E, but now with it all integrated, it really does kind of front and center. You're thinking about the fiscal things that my group is working at and how our impact is helping the program, maybe for stability or whatever may be going on, does impact the employment outcomes in the end, and the funds that are available and whether people go on an order or not, you know, all those kind of things. So I like that having it all together, it's a little closer, at least in my head. Meera, did you have any thoughts about that one as well? Meera: I echo everything you both have said. The unified voice. Central voice. This center has always been a supportive voice. It is always on, always available, and that continues to be really needed. That is something we've heard in the evaluation interviews and feedback that we've received is that folks really appreciate being able to just call, get someone on the other end, get an answer right away, send an email, hear back right away. The responsiveness and the targeted information that they need has been phenomenal. And so looking forward to that continuing. And now across the whole range and spectrum of what technical assistance is needed. As you both have said, It's a time of, you know, as was said, significant change requirements may be shifting again, a laser focus on efficiency and effectiveness of work, which is right. And, you know, in the broader context, we're seeing significant disruption in the work world. And the future of work has been talked about. The future of work is here today. It's the today of how we work. And agencies need help navigating all of that with their customers. There's a lot for our stakeholders and our partners to navigate. I think we've seen from the evaluation feedback, this is where our team under Chaz really excels. It just brings together the many. It brings together the a lot. It goes to the heart of it and meets it on the grant. Carol: Yeah. You lead into my next question about the partners on the grant because we have a deep bench. I mean, I felt like we had really phenomenal folks on the QM grant. But when I look at the partners you all have brought together for this, and we're on our first meetings and you've got, you know, 30 people in the Hollywood Squares instead of a dozen or so. It's a cool bunch, and people with such interesting expertise. So Chaz, who are the partners on our grant? Chaz: Our biggest and primary partner is the George Washington University. We've been partners with them for really since national centers were funded. They were part of the WINTAC, part of the QM, and now we'll be a obviously a critical part of the VR TAC Every single one of them is a doer. Their hands are have their hands have gotten dirty and providing like literally in the trenches to just like our own staff at work Institute at San Diego State. We just have been, practically speaking, teammates for a very long time. We know each other well, we work together well, and we're very confident in each other's work. GW a big, huge partner of ours. Then there's the National Disability Institute, which is also a longtime partner of ours. They'll be helping with the employment strategies component of things and just are a very well respected, nationally known institute that is really has some super interesting and helpful information and resources and knowledge along with the rest of the team. Of course, many of our listeners will know. Yes LMS, we're working with Linda and her team this time around, expanding our available training resources to users out there. CSAVR of course, is another long time partner. Everybody knows them. Sara Works is a partner of ours as well. Sara Works has been a partner again since the WINTAC days and, you know, has done all kinds of work with us in terms of developing Sara, the AI program to help act as an assistant to VR programs, communication tool and so on. Then we have Case Review Solutions. It's just a new partner of ours this time around focused on quality assurance, case reviews, contract monitoring. So another use of software and technology to basically provide solutions to VR programs. And another new partner this time around in Intellitech, which has created a program called Case Amplify, which is an AI driven system, which we'll talk about here in a few minutes, but we're really excited about this one as well, because it provides an opportunity for agencies to see how things could potentially be different and more effective into the future. So those are our primary partners, yeah. Carol: yeah. It's exciting. It's a cool group of people I really was thrilled to see in the very secret proposal that you would not share with us before we went in, and then you see what all the things are that are going to happen. You are always known, though, Chaz, for being the guy. You have those little fun projects that become part of the grant that you know, live on and people are able to carry out and they've created really cool things. This proposal with the exciting AI initiatives, can you share what tools like Case, Amplify and Sara Works are going to mean for state VR agencies? Chaz: Absolutely. And I think it's important for folks to understand the why. Right. Like, why are these it's not just because they're fun and they are super fun. You're right. But there really is a reason behind developing these projects. And the primary reason is as agencies have implemented Wioa and this kind of goes back to lessons learned, right? We know that the data elements for, for instance, for the 911 and just the recording processes and all of the administrative responsibilities associated with being in compliance with the law and the regulations is a burden. It's a struggle, and especially in a period of time where recruitment and retention has been a challenge across the country. You know, when you lose people and they're the ones responsible for gathering and reporting this data, IT becomes a real challenge on everybody else. And I honestly, in my heart of hearts, believe that embracing advanced technology is the way out of this. It's the way to effectively respond to it. It's not by hiring more people to do administrative stuff, although that would be wonderful. But, you know, we're in this situation for a reason. And now we have right now, not ten years from now, but right today we have the capacity to turn our administrative burden into an AI driven function that alleviates that burden from VR staff. And that's what the why is behind this? Why are we doing this? Because we want agencies to see and participate. If you know, if they're able and willing in these projects to see what the impact could be. Now, of course, we don't know, for instance, what the impact will fully be. We have a vision for it. But part of what this is is an experiment, right? It's a pilot, if you will, to make sure that we can see how it works. So the idea is that and I'll take Sara because Sara's been around for a while now. A lot of agencies know Sara. They know what's possible. Several of them use the program. Now, in our case, like under the VR tech, we're going to be using Sara to do something for pre-employment transition services that we haven't done yet. Now we're ten years. 11 years. Well, I guess ten years really post implementation 2016 was the full implementation. So we're approaching the ten year mark. And while we focused on implementing projects and tracking and reporting and down to the individual consumer level and all that good stuff. Making sure costs are allowable, that people are spending their 15%, all that good stuff. What we haven't done a very good job of yet is evaluating the impact of those services on individuals themselves. Like how has it impacted them? What does it mean in terms of their future employability or future involvement in post-secondary Ed or whatever it is we're trying to determine? And so using Sara specifically to communicate and gather information with students or former students on the impact of periods, and then analyzing that data and showing the impact, that's really where we're zeroed in on this project for Sara Works. Case Amplify, well let me go to CRS. So Case Review Solutions is a new software program developed by two of our former colleagues in the WINTAC and the QM, Rachel Anderson and Brittany McIvor. So they know right? Like what is it about the review system, the case review process, the process, the quality assurance process that is lacking the internal control process, right? How do we fix that or help fix it anyway? Or help states analyze where the deficiencies are and then give them information real time quickly along multiple levels to help them address it so that it's not a consistent finding and monitoring reviews so that they're on top of the changes that they need to make. So again, it's another technology solution to a challenge facing agencies. And they're also developing a contract monitoring tool that's going to be available later on in the project. That will help states monitor another big one. Right. We hear all the time is we're not sure like whether those contracts are doing what they should be doing and the quality of service delivery and all that stuff. So that's going to help with that. Case Amplify is a AI program that Intellitech has developed. It's so exciting to talk about how this could potentially change. And I mean really change the way that VR staff are gathering and populating information into the case through case management system. Ultimately, it has the capacity ultimately to make the process hands free. That is, you can talk to an individual, and this system is listening and gathering information and populating all over into the CMS important data elements, summarizing meetings. And believe it or not, like if it does what we really want it to do, it's going to actually fill in the 911 data elements automatically based on these conversations at critical points along the pathway. Carol: That's a game changer for people that alone with those what, 400 elements like that is a game changer. Chaz: Yeah, I could not be more excited about this one than I am. I just think it's going to be revolutionary. You know, it's still in its development phase fully. It's still going to be kind of an experiment with agencies and how it integrates into their existing CMS. But that's part of why we call it a pilot, because it's supposed to be a way to kind of see if things work the way we want it to work. Carol: It's so cool. I am really excited. I'm also excited about the whole evaluation part of projects because I long thought, you know, when I was back in Minnesota blind and we were getting all those funds spent on students and I'm like, we're getting at these kids earlier. I just knew in my heart of hearts like, this is going to make such a difference in their trajectory is going forward and employment, they're going to start better. They're going to start better in college because they're going to have all this exposure to things they had not had any exposure to. Finally, the time we get at being able to measure, is that really coming true? I mean, I believe it to be true, but it'll be nice to actually quantify it and go, yeah, this is what's happening for people. And we can see the real difference. And that investment that Congress had said all those years ago, we're going to invest in these kids. And they did it for a reason. And now the proof is going to be in the pudding with the results. I love it. So, Chaz, one of your goals was to strengthen the workforce. So tell us a little bit about the VR Fiscal Talent Accelerator and NRLI, the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute. Chaz: Yeah. Great. So most people know NRLI. They've heard about it in the past and or even many participated. I remember at one point a few years ago at a conference, Steve Wooderson said, hey, how many people here have gone to NRLI. And I swear, three quarters of the room raised their hand. So it's over 20 years old now, and it's a training program specifically targeted at the executive leadership level, staff of the VR program and preparing them over a year long process where we meet in person for a week, four weeks out of the year, three times in San Diego, one time in Washington, DC. And there's coaching and training contacts that go on throughout the course of the year in a cohort model. So that is supported by the VRTAC this time around. So that's kind of our primary executive leadership training tool. Then we're developing something new this time around. For those of you who are listening, who are familiar with the management concepts training that was part of the QM, that was the VR grants management certificate program that we developed as part of that center. This time around, we are specifically zeroing in on the fiscal folks in VR and preparing a kind of like, nearly like program for them, where we'll use the same cohort model. I'm not certain of all the details yet, but obviously, Carol, you'll be a super important part of that one. And we'll provide an opportunity for fiscal staff in VR agencies who some obviously like every other position turnover at times. And when they do turnover, if they take the knowledge with them and nobody's coming behind them, it can be really challenging. So the Fiscal Talent Accelerator program will be a way to help them understand all of the responsibilities right under fiscal responsibilities in the VR grant, helping them really manage those resources and effectively so that the agency has both not just in compliance, but has the resources available to serve as many folks as possible. Carol: Absolutely. Yeah. I'm super excited about all of these projects. We've got a lot of work ahead. I know also, we had started spending some time under the QM addressing, you know, the recruitment and retention issues and leadership development and such. So how do you see that kind of expanding in the new grant? Chaz: Well, it's definitely expanding. And so we're very excited about that because we know clearly that recruitment and retention especially was a just a real, real issue in the last five years. So we had a recruitment and retention pilot under the QM that worked with four states. And we have some really helpful tools and toolkits developed as a result of that. That's on the QM site now, will be brought forward under the VRTAC, but more importantly will be going into phase two from that process under the VRTAC, looking again at implementing those strategies and practices for recruitment and retention with other agencies, tracking the impact of that over time, and expanding the scope of that. John Walsh was really helpful in leading that effort under the QM, and he'll be doing that again. Also, we're developing onboarding resources for VR programs this time around, helping agencies kind of identify both what to include and giving them actual stuff and resources to include in an onboarding program for VR staff. We're moving beyond just the executive level of training for nearly into mid-level management and supervisory training. Training specifically targeted at those groups, which I think will be really helpful and certainly very needed and engaging in succession planning processes with agencies, both strategic planning and succession planning understanding the two of them are clearly linked, but giving agencies some real strategies and practices on how to develop a succession plan and implement that, so that we're not faced with this sort of mass exodus of institutional knowledge. When people both retire or resign and we're like, oh no, what do we do now? Right. So hopefully we're intending to create resources, training tools to help agencies address that proactively. Carol: And we have some really awesome staff on this grant. This time around too, that can help. Our bench is deeper. You know, even in this area that are going to be able to help do that. So definitely. Meera, you have something you want to throw in there. I didn't forget you. Meera: Oh I don't think so. Chaz covered all the practices and new projects really well. Carol: Okay, Meera, I want you to tackle this one about the evaluation and data driving that ongoing improvement coming forward. Do you have thoughts about that? How's that going to look? Meera: Sure. I think I spoke to this a little bit earlier, but to pick up from that thread, I mean, that is something we are consistently doing. We have multiple channels and approaches that monitor the work and the change that are taking place. We have custom built apps and tools that our IT group has created, so we can make sure that we're setting up plans and staying on track with the agencies and the work that we're doing with them. And we have stakeholders, partners, customers, all of whom can provide feedback in different ways. We meet regularly to discuss what we are hearing and what we are seeing. Formally speaking, we have two reports that are compiled and shared broadly, internally and with stakeholders. We hold meetings, review the findings, and consider recommendations by taking that report apart and into little bite, but continuously throughout the year. We're not waiting for those big report moments. Evaluation Group has been woven into the work we do. They are a part of all the regular meetings that are taking place for the center, and input is getting provided at the beginning and the middle at the end, all over again. It really is that measurable and real change and ongoing calibration towards that is our North star. That will continue to be so. Carol: Led by the awesome you, which will be great. Chaz: Exactly. Carol: My final question to you too what will success look like for the VRTAC over the next five years. And Chaz, I'll ask you first. Chaz: Well, it will be demonstrably changing for the better outcomes in the VR program and service delivery. It will be serving individuals with the kind of commitment to meeting their individual needs and wants and desires and employment factors, and agencies operating efficiently and effectively and having actual measurable outcome improvements. So simple as that. Carol: That sounds good. Meera, how about you? What do you think? Meera: Nothing to add. He stole it right there at the end. Measurable outcomes. Real change. Drop the mic. Carol: Boom! I love it. So, how do people find you? Chaz: Our website will be VRTAC or just VRTAC.org. We have the site kind of really in its shell form right now. We're developing it. Give us a couple of months to get it fully going, but if you need to reach us, you can certainly contact any of us through the channels that you would normally reach us through the VRTAC-QM. Can send an email to me or to you or anybody else on the team. And at this point, I think most agencies are able to reach us in whatever way they want. But soon the website will be up and running and they can get us there or any number of ways. Carol: Awesome. Well, I sure appreciate both joining me this morning. It was super cool. And we can check back in in a couple years too and go like, woo, where are things now? It'll be fun to report on some more successes. So thank you both. Have a great day. Chaz: Thanks, Carol. Appreciate you having us. Meera: Thank you. Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time. One minute at a time. Brought to you by the VRTAC. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening.
In October, San Diego State University senior and student athlete Alicia Guerrero stepped up to the podium twice at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, winning bronze in discus and shot put.For the past year, Guerrero has trained with SDSU's Adapted Athletics program. It is the first elite collegiate adaptive sports program in California.Monday on Midday Edition, Guerrero talks about her own journey through adaptive sports and her road to the Paralympics.Guest:Alicia Guerrero, student athlete, Adapted Athletics
Parenting today often feels like an uphill battle, with technology invading every corner of our kids' lives. From the rise of social media addiction to the growing mental health crisis among children and teens, parents are grappling with how they can create a healthy, balanced relationship with technology for their kids.In this interview, Dr. Jean Twenge draws on her decades as a psychologist studying the impact of technology and mental health and her personal experience as the mother of three teenagers. She describes how technology is harming children, how that harm has grown in recent years, the damage social media usage, video gaming, and pornography consumption are doing to the minds of teens, and the ways in which she would like lawmakers to regulate tech usage among teens and younger children. Dr. Twenge also shares the risks AI companions pose to teen development and, drawing from her book 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, she provides guidance for ways in which parents and teachers can help raise independent, well-rounded children in a tech-centric world. Dr. Jean M. Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 190 scientific publications and books. Her books include 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, Generations, iGen, Generation Me, and others. Dr. Twenge frequently gives talks and seminars on generational differences and technology based on a dataset of 43 million people. Her research has been covered in Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, and The Washington Post, and she has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Real Time with Bill Maher, Meet the Press, Fox and Friends, NBC Nightly News, Dateline NBC, and National Public Radio.She holds a BA and MA from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.
Register for the IDEA Symposium: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1571928493439?aff=oddtdtcreatorRegister for the Celebration of Planning: https://www.albertaplanners.com/civicrm/event/info?id=750&reset=1In this episode, our hosts chat with Neal LaMontagne, professional planner & academic about his perspectives on planning and pedagogy. Learn about the differences between various Canadian planning programs, the development of a planning school in Edmonton and what skills Neal sees as key to planning excellence in the future. Neal's Biography: Neal LaMontagne is a practicing city planner with a decade and a half of experience in the public and private sectors in California and B.C. Previously the Manager of Long Range and Community Planning for the City of North Vancouver, he seeks to shape the urban environment in a just, sustainable and collaborative manner through policy, regulation and community dialogue.Past experience includes work as a senior planner for the City of Vancouver on civic sustainability, transportation and housing issues, as a consultant on comprehensive city and local area plans, zoning codes, design guidelines, and urban design strategies in the U.S. and Canada, and as an adjunct professor at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design, San Diego State University and the University of California San Diego.Neal received his master's in urban planning from McGill University and is currently completing a PhD in urban planning at the University of California Los Angeles. His academic interests include urban design policy and regulatory frameworks, the political economy of the built environment, complexity and adaptive urbanism, urban design history and planning practice.
In the blistering heat of New Mexico's sun-baked earth, under the protective gaze of Okuu Pin–the Turtle Mountain that majestically stands guard over Albuquerque–a strange and persistent legend has taken hold. It's a story of hidden Jews, of ancient rites disguised as Catholic rituals, and of shadowy ancestors who supposedly hid their true faith during the Inquisition. This is the tale of New Mexico's crypto-Jews—a myth so tangled in folklore, mistaken identities, and selective memory that it could only have been born in the fevered heart of the American Southwest.The modern crypto-Jew craze began, as many myths do, with an eager academic and an over-reliance on confirmation bias. In the 1980s, historian Stanley Hordes launched a search for what he believed to be the long-lost Jewish roots of New Mexico's Spanish-speaking residents—descendants, he claimed, of an elusive and mysterious population that had secretly kept the flames of Judaism alive for centuries, hidden beneath the Catholic veneer imposed by the Spanish Empire. But when we scratch the surface and look closer at what Hordes—and his followers—were really chasing, the myth becomes apparent. A myth so potent it gave rise to an entire identity-bending industry steeped in false history.PLUS: Chapter Two of the JUAN DIEGO CODE!listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Professional therapists from our community join host Evan Gratz on the Point Loma Church Podcast to further discuss the topics covered in the Hard Feelings Sermon Series. Look for "Point Loma Church" wherever you get your podcasts. The podcast is also available in video form on our YouTube Channel Evan Gratz, Director of Community Life, welcomes our fifth professional, Emeritus Professor of Counseling at San Diego State University, Dr. Emery Cummins to the Hard Feelings Podcast, where they discuss emotional maturity. Emotional Maturity: "Becoming Whole in Christ" sermon by Rev. Karla Shaw Additional resources related to this week's topic: 1. Peck, M. Scott. The Road Less Traveled. Simon & Schuster, 1979. This extraordinary book begins with the statement, "Life is difficult." Life was never meant to be easy and is essentially a series of problems that can either be solved or ignored. He shows how these techniques enable the pain of problems to be worked through and systematically solved, thereby producing growth. He argues that most people try to avoid the pain of dealing with their problems, when it is through facing the pain of problem-solving that life becomes more satisfying and meaningful. 2. Frankl, Viktor. Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2000 First published in 1946, Dr. Frankl recounts his experiences surviving the death camps of the Holocaust and describes how it gave him a new understanding of the way people find meaning for their lives. According to Frankl, one can find meaning in work, in love for another, and in the courage required to endure suffering. While passing through the darkest pits of the human capacity for evil, he didn't emerge angry, resentful, or nihilistic; rather, he was encouraged, optimistic, and hopeful by observing what he describes as man's ultimate freedom and responsibility—to choose one's atitude in any given set of circumstances. 3. Martin, James. The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything. HarperOne, 2012. While not primarily addressed to the non-believer, non-believers will profit from reading this book for an intelligent, rational explanation on why it is important to pray, to examine one's actions, and to hold those actions up to a higher standard. Martin is unlike most contemporary American religious writers. Rather than offering words of disapproval and judgment, he writes words of understanding, wisdom, justice, acceptance, and love. The Jesuit Guide is not only filled with helpful advice on living the examined life, but it faithfully describes Christianity as a place of hope, faith, and caring.
Kenny has worked with over 600 franchise brands in more than 100 industries. As an expert on franchise evaluation, he is able to identify the best ways to deploy capital into franchise ownership to maximize return on investment and operations. Kenny is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), with the International Franchise Association (IFA).After getting his degree in Financial Services from San Diego State University, Kenny started his career at Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor. While there, he earned his FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and worked with high-net-worth individuals, helping them grow and preserve their wealth. With a desire to help people build and grow wealth through entrepreneurship, Kenny joined the world's largest franchise brokerage. He helped people learn about franchising, recommended specific franchise options based on their criteria, and coached them through the evaluation and purchase process. He then founded Semfia, a franchise brokerage focused on income-producing and manager-run franchises.Kenny's views on franchising have been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, ABC, The Hustle, American Express, the Amazon feature book, “More Than Just French Fries,” and other publications worldwide, in total reaching over 300 million people throughout the world. Connect with Kenny Rose:Website: www.franshares.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/franshares/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franshares/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/franshares Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranShares TurnKey Podcast Productions Important Links:Guest to Gold Video Series: www.TurnkeyPodcast.com/gold The Ultimate Podcast Launch Formula- www.TurnkeyPodcast.com/UPLFplusFREE workshop on how to "Be A Great Guest."Free E-Book 5 Ways to Make Money Podcasting at www.Turnkeypodcast.com/gift Ready to earn 6-figures with your podcast? See if you've got what it takes at TurnkeyPodcast.com/quizSales Training for Podcasters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-training-for-podcasters/id1540644376Nice Guys on Business: http://www.niceguysonbusiness.com/subscribe/The Turnkey Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turnkey-podcast/id1485077152
Get the book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World Visit Jean's Website, JeanTwenge.com About The Guest Jean M. Twenge, PhD, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 190 scientific publications and several books based on her research, including Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, Generations, iGen, and Generation Me. Her research has been covered in Time, The Atlantic, Newsweek, The New York Times, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. She has also been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CBS This Morning, Real Time with Bill Maher, and NPR. She lives in San Diego with her husband and three daughters.
Day of the Dead is Subversive Spirituality! Long before the arrival of Europeans, some of the Indigenous Mesoamerican traditions of honoring the dead were celebrated with two specific feasts: Mikailwitl (feast of the dead), and Wey Mikailwitl (great feast of the dead). These feasts were celebrated in early August through mid-September. In fact, we are currently in the “month” of Mikailwitl right now, as it began on August 8th or the day Chikome Kozkakwawtli in the ancestral Mexika calendar. These celebrations were dedicated to honoring the dead through dance, song, and offerings of food and drink. Altars and burials were adorned with marigolds, a sacred flower thought to attract the spirits so that they might enjoy the offerings left in their memory.Today, these celebrations have been blended with Catholic traditions, and take place on All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Many think that Mikailwitl and Wey Mikailwitl were absorbed into the Allhallowtide (All Saints Day and All Souls Day) under the direction of the Catholic Church, as these Christian holidays also involve honoring the dead. Unfortunately, this popular claim is often repeated without any evidence to back it up. For example, a column about Dia de Muertos published on the website weareyourvoicemag states “in an attempt to convert the natives to Catholicism, the Spanish colonizers moved the celebration to November 1 and 2 (All Saints Day), which is when we celebrate it currently.”But is this how it really happened? Listen and find out as we explore the different ways that our ancestors negotiated and navigated the colonial process by masking their rituals and ceremonies behind a catholic facade! listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Dr. Matthew Rhoads is a dynamic EdTech and instructional leader, specializing in AI and technology integration, co-teaching and inclusion strategies, instructional coaching, and data-driven leadership. With extensive experience across TK-20 education, he coaches teachers, manages learning applications, and leads technology initiatives for a consortium of Adult Education Schools. Dr. Rhoads has written 10 influential books on instructional coaching, tech integration, educational leadership, and co-teaching. He also lectures at San Diego State University and works closely with doctoral students at Concordia University Irvine, supporting the next generation of educational leaders.Most recently the 2025 CCAE Southern Adult Education Service Award Winner and the 2020 San Diego CUE Tech Innovator of the Year, Dr. Rhoads is dedicated to creating equitable and inclusive classrooms. Connect with Dr. Rhoads on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/matthew-rhoads-ed-d-95772120), join the conversation on Twitter (@mattrhoads1990) or Threads/Instagram at DrRhoadsEdu.https://matthewrhoads.com/https://matthewrhoads.com/books/https://x.com/MattRhoads1990About RachelleEducator, Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Attorney, and AuthorSubscribe to my newsletter.Check out my blog and submit a guest blog.Contact me for speaking & training related to AI, AI and the law, Cybersecurity, SEL, STEM, and more! bit.ly/thriveineduPDInterested in a sponsored podcast or collaboration? Contact me! Rdene915@gmail.com
Robert Meffe, Head of the SDSU MFA Musical Theatre Program, spent twenty-two years in New York City as a professional conductor, music director, keyboardist, orchestrator, arranger and music copyist. His Broadway credits include: Associate Conductor of Little Women and the last six years of Les Misérables, keyboards for Evita (2012 revival), Newsies, The Phantom of the Opera, Avenue Q, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Grey Gardens, and Bombay Dreams.National Tour credits include Music Director of Evita (2012 revival) and The Phantom of the Opera, Associate Conductor of Les Misérables, Little Women, and Sunday in the Park with George. Off-Broadway: Myths & Hymns, Violet, The Prince and the Pauper, Gutenberg! The Musical!, and music arrangements for Disenchanted. TV: Encore! (Disney+), Earth To America (TBS), Renee Fleming-Live at Lincoln Center (PBS). Las Vegas: Associate Conductor of Avenue Q, keyboards for Mamma Mia and Hairspray. Williamstown Theatre Festival: Ten Cents a Dance (directed by John Doyle). Paper Mill Playhouse: Peter Pan (Music Director), Forum, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Associate), A Wonderful Life, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers(keyboards). San Diego credits include a nomination for Best Musical Direction for Fun Home (San Diego Rep), keyboards for Wicked, Waitress, Beautiful and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (San Diego Civic Theatre), Bright Star, Looking for Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Old Globe), Kiss My Aztec, Fly (La Jolla Playhouse) and Far Away Places, a one-night cabaret show with Patti Lupone (Balboa Theatre).Robert served as Music Prep Supervisor/Orchestrator for the benefit concert, You've Got a Friend at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles honoring legendary singer/songwriter Carole King. New orchestrations included “I Feel the Earth Move” for Alicia Keys and “It's Too Late” for Amy Grant.Mr. Meffe serves as the Head of the Faculty for the Musical Theatre Studio at the Trentino Music Festival in Mezzano, Italy. For this festival he has music directed Godspell, Evita, Into the Woods, and Rent.A champion of new works, Mr. Meffe has music directed many workshops and reading of new musicals including Postcard American Town by Lynne Shankel and Crystal Skillman, 'Til Death Do Us Part, by Bobby Cronin and Caroline Prugh, Mister Doctor and Mr. Holland's Opus, both written by B.D. Wong and Wayne Barker, We Foxes and Darling, both written by Ryan Scott Oliver, Quanah by Larry Gatlin and Tony Dodge, College: The Musical by Drew Fornarola and Scott Elmegreen, A Lasting Impression by Zoe Sarnak, Factory Girls by Sean Mahoney and Creighton Irons and I Capture the Castle by Cara Reichel and Peter Foley. SDSU New Musical InitiativeOver the course of two years, MFA students will rehearse and develop to full production a new work of musical theatre under the guidance of faculty director Stephen Brotebeck and faculty music director (and Head of MFA Program) Robert Meffe. Brotebeck and Meffe have years of Broadway experience developing new musical works for the stage including shows such as Peter and the Starcatcher, Ghost and Little Women. Past artists have included Derek Gregor, Phoebe Kreutz, T.C. Lind, Lynne Shankel, Crystal Skillman, Bobby Cronin, Caroline Prugh, Ryan Scott Oliver, BD Wong, Wayne Barker, Michael Federico and Home for Hovercraft band members Seth and Sean Magill. Our plan is to collaborate with a creative team in three stages from reading to workshop to full production. We are looking for completed scripts and scores from a team that is interested in developing their work in conjunction with our graduate students. The committee considers a host of factors in the selection process, including representation of writers and stories from a range of cultural, ethnic, racial, and other affinities, as well as the gender balance of the writers whose work is presented in a given theatrical season.
This series of Voices of Student Success focuses on the use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education and how technology can support student success goals. While AI tools have proliferated in education and workplace settings, not all tools are free or accessible to students and staff, which can create equity gaps regarding who is able to participate and learn new skills. To address this gap, San Diego State University leaders created an equitable AI alliance in partnership with the University of California San Diego and the San Diego Community College District. Together, the institutions work to address affordability and accessibility concerns for AI solutions, as well as share best practices, resources and expertise. In the latest episode of Voices of Student Success, James Frazee, San Diego State University's chief information officer, discusses the alliance and SDSU's approach to teaching AI skills to students. Hosted by Inside Higher Ed Student Success reporter Ashley Mowreader, this episode is sponsored by TimelyCare. Read a transcript of the podcast here.
Send us a textThis week on Here's What We Know, join us for a lively and revealing conversation with broadcaster and political commentator, the Liberty-Loving-Latino, Chris Salcedo, for an honest look at how media, politics, and personal values collide in today's America.From his early radio days to hosting on Newsmax and writing The Rise of the Liberty Loving Latino, Chris shares how showing up, staying curious, and standing firm in your beliefs can change the course of your life.We'll explore the lessons learned from legendary broadcasters, the changing perspectives among Latino voters, and how humor, culture, and truth all come together in today's conversations.In This Episode:What Chris learned chasing airtime and how those lessons shaped his careerThe surprising mentors and classic radio legends who inspired his pathWhy more Americans are questioning media bias and finding their voice onlineWhy Latino voters are flipping the script on American politics (and what both parties keep getting wrong).Why authenticity, humor, and faith matter more than ever in public lifeBehind-the-scenes revelations from Chris's interview with President TrumpA fiery debate over who actually runs America, the ruling elite or everyday people?Plus, personal stories, sharp humor, honest disagreements…and a challenge to every listener to rethink what freedom means nowGet Chris' book:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rise-of-the-liberty-loving-latino-chris-salcedo/1147701485This episode is sponsored by:Sterling Oak CabinetryBio:Chris Salcedo is a veteran television and radio broadcaster, author, political analyst and podcaster who is also a proud Latino Conservative. He is Executive Director of the Conservative Hispanic Society.Chris would go on to become a TV news anchor and reporter in Dallas / Fort Worth, the 5th largest TV market in the nation at CBS11/TXA 21. From there, Chris moved to Washington D.C. as an anchor for America's Radio news Network.Today you can hear Chris hosting his daily radio show on AM 700 KSEV in Houston, the sixth largest radio market in the country, and later in the day you can see Chris on his daily TV show across the country and beyond, on Newsmax TV from 4 – 5 pm / ET. And yes, Chris also produces The Salcedo Storm Podcast for your on-demand listening pleasure.As Chris would say, “I am your Liberty Loving Latino. Do not confuse me with loudmouthed leftist Latinos; I actually love my country.”Chris wants Americans to re-establish the proper relationship between government and citizen: A society's worth isn't measured by how much power is seized by its government but rather, how much power is reserved for its people.Chris is a graduate of San Diego State University and lives in the free state of Texas with his family.Website: https://chrissalcedo.com/Connect with Gary: Gary's Website Follow Gary on Instagram Gary's Tiktok Gary's Facebook Watch the episodes on YouTube Advertise on the Podcast Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!
Want to share your feedback? Send us a message!Dr. Hatun Zengin-Bolatkale, Assistant Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to discuss findings from a two-part research project examining emotional processing and control in children who stutter. Dr. Zengin-Bolatkale begins by sharing her background and what led her into the field of stuttering research. She then guides listeners through her work investigating the interplay between emotions and stuttering, drawing on multiple methods to better understand this complex relationship. The conversation highlights two key studies (referenced below), covering relevant background, study design, surprising and noteworthy findings, and the implications of the results. Dr. Zengin-Bolatkale closes by sharing exciting future areas of research and projects she has underway. Papers discussed:Zengin-Bolatkale, H., Key, A. P., & Jones, R. M. (2025). Cortical emotional reactivity, caregiver-reported emotional control, and stuttering frequency in young children. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 85, Article 106139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2025.106139Zengin-Bolatkale, H., Conture, E. G., Key, A. P., Walden, T. A., & Jones, R. M. (2018). Cortical associates of emotional reactivity and regulation in childhood stuttering. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 56, 81–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2018.04.001Hatun Zengin-Bolatkale, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University. She's a speech-language pathologist by training and has over a decade of experience across working clinically, teaching, and doing research in the field, with a focus on stuttering. She earned her master's in speech-language pathology from the University of Illinois and completed her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University. Her work focuses on young children who stutter, with a special interest in how cognitive, emotional, and language-related factors influence the way stuttering develops—and why some children recover while others do not. In her research, she uses a variety of tools, from parent reports and behavioral observation to physiological measures like skin conductance, heart rate, and brain activity, to get a more complete picture of stuttering. Her ultimate goal is to support more informed and individualized approaches to assessment and treatment.
Indigenous Peoples' Day is a celebration of Indigenous resilience, culture, history, art, protest and storytelling.In San Diego County, there are 18 federally recognized tribal reservations — more than any other county in the United States.On Midday Edition, we sit down with Indigenous leaders to discuss the value of tradition, oral history and imaginative storytelling in preserving culture.Guests:Ethan Banegas, professor at San Diego State University and member of the Barona Band of Mission IndiansJoely Proudfit, department chair of American Indian Studies and director of California Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center at California State University, San MarcosDestinee Morales, former Miss Kumeyaay 2013-14; member of San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians
It was October 9th, and the orange-tinted manchild sat hunched in the Oval Office, surrounded by his usual circus of bootlickers, propagandists, and professional ass-kissers. Cameras clicked, flags flapped, and the stench of urine, Axe body spray, and fascism filled the room. With a greasy Sharpie and a look of divine idiocy, he scrawled his signature across a proclamation declaring that every second Monday in October would henceforth be Columbus Day—no Indigenous Peoples' Day, no nuance, no reality. Just Columbus, the original imperial psychopath, reborn as a “true American hero.”This wasn't just another PR stunt—it was a calculated howl from the pit of America's id, another volley in the endless “culture war.” You could almost see the ghost of Joseph Goebbels smiling in the corner, whispering, “Good work, Donald. You've weaponized nostalgia.”Fear not, dear listener, I won't subject you to the full Trumpian ramble—no one deserves that—but here's a taste of the Kool-Aid the faithful are drinking:“Today our Nation honors the legendary Christopher Columbus — the original American hero... a giant of Western civilization... gallant and visionary... yada yada... reclaim his extraordinary legacy from the left-wing arsonists who have sought to destroy his name...”Barf. Industrial-grade vomit.Suggested reading:Bartolomé de las Casas, A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies (1552)Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (2014)Howard Zinn, A People's History of the United States (1980)Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz & Dina Gilio-Whitaker, “All the Real Indians Died Off”: And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans (2016)U.S. National Archives: “Columbus Day Proclamation, 1937”listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text! Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Byron Purse, co-founder of AlidaBio and professor of chemistry at San Diego State University who is pioneering innovative approaches to studying RNA modifications. Byron brings a wealth of expertise in synthetic and natural nucleic acid modifications, with a passion for advancing biotechnology and human health through his groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial endeavors.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:29 Meet Byron Purse: Professor and Co-Founder of AlidaBio01:05 Byron's Journey into Life Sciences03:10 From Academia to Entrepreneurship06:49 Founding AlidaBio: Vision and Mission08:59 Innovations in RNA Modifications23:09 Challenges and Successes in Developing the EpiPlex™ Platform28:44 Leadership and Inspiration35:00 Concerns and Future Outlook in Life Sciences43:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
What does it sound like to record reverb inside a giant dome? Dr. Chris Warren shares how Echo Thief captures real-world impulse responses, the power of Max programming, and why reverb is key to music, game audio, and immersive sound design. Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Dr. Chris Warren, a sound designer, digital composer, and creator of immersive sonic installations. His exhibits have been featured at the Museum of Making Music, the Fleet Science Center, and NAMM. Dr. Warren's extensive research in acoustic measurement has produced EchoThief, a library of beautiful reverberation from around North America. These sonic snapshots of distinctive spaces have been featured in video games (Sony's Days Gone, Bethesda's Wolfenstein II), museum exhibits, sonic software, and artistic work around the globe. Dr. Warren teaches digital music composition and sound design at San Diego State University. Thank you to Susan Clausen for the introduction! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.spectra1964.com https://pickrmusic.com https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5vzarQ5NKsI5UShPA0OA7r If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/527
Many can thank youth sports for wonderful memories out in the sun — tossing a ball, scoring goals and even spraining an ankle or two.KPBS video journalist Mikey Damron explores his youth sports journey — and that of his son's — in his new video series, "Game-Time Decision." We hear the details.Plus, the culture and politics of surfing and skateboarding are the focus of a conference coming to SDSU this weekend.We sit down with Bryce Wettstein, an Olympic skateboarder and the headliner of the conference and Neftalie Williams, a moderator at the conference and the director of SDSU's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change.Guests:Mike Damron, video journalist, KPBSNeftalie Williams, director of San Diego State University's Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change, professor of sociologyBryce Wettstein, Olympic skateboarder
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!During a 1990 visit to Mexico, Pope John Paul II confirmed the long-standing liturgical cult in honor of Juan Diego, officially beatifying him. This act set in motion the process of canonizing Juan Diego as the first saint Indigenous to the Americas. The Juan Diego Faithful were, of course, elated at the prospect. They only had to deal with one tiny problem: Juan Diego never existed.In this episode we delve into the myth of Juan Diego, and examine efforts made by the church to prove that this fictional character actually existed. Plus, we end the episode with some Dan Brown-inspired fiction by Kurly! Asian UncleWelcome to Asian Uncle, the unfiltered dive into Asia - from the back-alley brothels...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Welcome to JAT Chat, presented by the Journal of Athletic Training, the official journal of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. In this episode, co-host Dr. Kara Radzak speaks with Dr. Travis Anderson and Dr. Eric Post about their recently published article, "Multiplying Alpha: When Statistical Tests Compound in Sports Medicine Research". Drs. Anderson and Post discuss how multiple statistical tests can inflate false-positive rates in sports medicine research, explain family-wise and experiment-wise error, and illustrate risks with a large-scale Paris Olympic Games analysis. They recommend transparency, pre-registration, correction for multiplicity, and consider Bayesian approaches to improve rigor and clinical decision-making. Article: https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0700.24 Guest Bios: Travis Anderson, PhD: Travis recently joined US Soccer as the Manager of Research and Innovation, following his work as a Research Scientist at the USOPC where he worked closely with Eric. His academic background is in exercise physiology, although he dabbled in statistics throughout graduate school and enjoys continuing his education in applied statistics in sports medicine and exercise science. Eric Post, PhD, ATC: Eric is the Manager of the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Eric previously served as Program Director for the Master's in Athletic Training Program at Indiana State University and as a faculty member at San Diego State University.
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, social media influencer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs “The Spooky Stuff.” If it's weird, spooky, unusual, scary, macabre, or haunted, she wants to write and talk about it! Alex was recently seen on the third season of Haunted Hospitals in Episode 12 titled, “It Followed Me Home.” The episode can be seen on Discovery Plus!. She has also been seen on Travel Channel's “Most Terrifying Places in America.” In addition, she is the host of the podcast, The Spooky Stuff. Alex has written several books about the paranormal including, One Bed Over: A Hospital Haunting, The Brave Mortal's Guide to Ghost Hunting, The Haunting of the Tenth Avenue Theatre, More than Ghosts: A Guide to Working Residential Cases in the Paranormal Field, and The Haunted Actor. Her upcoming book, The Hamptonville Hauntings, will be released September 2022. Alex holds an MA in theatre from San Diego State University and currently resides in Arlington, Virginia. She has been featured on KPBS – San Diego, Fox News, and The Washington Post for her various endeavors. Finally, Alex is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through her ancestor, Joseph Toler.
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!On November 26, 1988, a person by the name of Ramón Tirado delivered the “Consigna del sexto sol: Segunda consigna de Anáhuac” –or the “Mandate of the Sixth Sun: Second Mandate of Anahuac”– at the Convención de Anáhuac – or the “Anahuac Convention” – which was held in Mexico City. In this Episode, we take a look at the speech, discuss it's message, and explore it's contemporary significance. Enjoy! Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Send us a textThe digital revolution in education is happening right now, and AI literacy has surged to become the #1 skill employers demand. With 70% of job skills projected to change by 2030, our conversation with Mike Todasco couldn't be more timely or crucial for parents and educators navigating this shifting landscape.Mike brings a rare dual perspective as both a visiting fellow at San Diego State University's AI Center and father of two school-aged children. His insights bridge the technical sophistication of artificial intelligence with the practical realities of raising children in a world where over 22% of kids aged 8-12 already use generative AI tools—many unable to distinguish between AI and human content.Throughout our discussion, Mike unpacks the delicate balance between embracing AI's educational potential and protecting children's cognitive development. We share compelling research about reduced prefrontal cortex activity when students rely on AI for writing tasks, alongside stories of remarkable progress when AI tutors are thoughtfully implemented. The contrast is stark and highlights the importance of intentional implementation.What makes this conversation particularly valuable are the practical applications. From using voice mode in ChatGPT during car rides to create personalized learning experiences, to implementing retrieval augmented generation (RAG) systems that minimize AI "hallucinations," Mike offers tangible strategies that work both in classrooms and at home. His suggestion to dedicate specific portions of curricula to AI literacy while preserving traditional instruction for foundational skills provides a balanced framework any educator can adapt.Perhaps most thought-provoking is his examination of children forming emotional attachments to AI companions programmed to be unfailingly supportive—raising profound questions about healthy relationship development in an increasingly AI-integrated world. As Mike puts it, "This is what scares me the most."Whether you're a teacher redesigning curriculum, a parent guiding digital natives, or simply curious about education's AI-powered future, this conversation provides the clarity and practical wisdom needed to ensure technology serves learning rather than diminishes it. The question isn't whether AI will transform education—it's whether we'll shape that transformation to truly benefit our children.Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily. Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMDTrusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.Support the showIf you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support. The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.
Dr. Jean Twenge is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, and is the author of more than 190 scientific publications and several books based on her research, including Generations, iGen, Generation Me, and her latest book 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, which we'll be talking about today. Her research has been covered in Time, The Atlantic, Newsweek, The New York Times, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. She has also been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CBS This Morning, Real Time with Bill Maher, Meet the Press, and NPR. She lives in San Diego with her husband and three daughters. Check out Dr. Jean Twenge's book here: 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World Become a monthly donor today, join the Table. For more Axis resources, go to axis.org.
The Rod and Greg Show Rundown – Friday, September 19, 20254:20 pm: Christopher Tremoglie, Commentary Writer for the Washington Examiner, joins the show to discuss how those on the right held vigils, and didn't riot, when Charlie Kirk's life was taken.4:38 pm: Stella Morabito, Senior Contributor to The Federalist, joins Rod and Greg to discuss how Charlie Kirk helped American college students that questioned left-wing narratives overcome campus loneliness.6:05 pm: Jean Twenge, a Professor in the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University, joins Rod and Greg to discuss her continued work to make parents aware of the harmful effects of screen time for children and her newbook “10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World: How Parents Can Stop Smartphones, Social Media, and Gaming from Taking Over Their Children's Lives.”6:20 pm: Lee Schalk, Senior Vice President of Policy at the American Legislative Exchange Council, joins the show to discuss the group's new civics education coalition.6:38 pm: We'll listen back to this week's conversations with Brett Tolman, former U.S. Attorney for Utah and now of Right on Crime, about the charges filed this week against Charlie Kirk's assassin, and (at 6:50 pm) with Henry Olsen of the Ethics and Public Policy Center on whether the U.S. can retain its republic.
Artificial intelligence is becoming more commonly used in health care settings, from routine medical scans to virtual patient assistance.Wednesday on Midday Edition, we sat down with one San Diego public health expert who was recently awarded a Fulbright grant to investigate how AI is used in public health.Guests:Susan Kiene, professor of global health, San Diego State University
Keywords: Digital Rhetoric, Digital Literacy, Technology, Wellness, Media Literacy. Dr. Sydney Sullivan is a Lecturer in the Rhetoric and Writing Studies department at San Diego State University. Her research focuses on integrating digital rhetoric into educational curricula to enhance student engagement and well-being. Dr. Sullivan advocates for critical media literacy as a means to empower students to navigate and contribute thoughtfully to the digital world. Her recent publication, “Rethinking Curriculums: How Critical Digital Literacy and Mandatory Composition Courses Collide,” delves into these themes and is a part of our larger conversation. Visit thebigrhetoricalpodcast.weebly.com and follow @thebigrhet.
In this week's episode, we revisit our interview with Karen Long, a Managing Director at KCK (Med Tech) Group. KCK focuses on capital investment in commercial and growth-stage medical device companies. Karen has been with KCK since January 2018, when she joined as Executive-in-Residence. Karen serves as Board Director in many KCK portfolio companies as well as Independently. Prior to KCK, Karen was President and CEO of Nuelle, a women's consumer health company incubated at ExploraMed, a Silicon Valley medical device incubator. Nuelle was acquired in 2017. Karen has spent over 20 years in medical devices and diagnostics developing and marketing novel and market leading products focused on improving quality of life. She has held a series of key operating roles in consumer diagnostic companies, ChemTrak and Inverness Medical and eventually management positions at LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson company, after the acquisition of Inverness Medical. In early 2007, Karen joined Acclarent as Worldwide Vice President of Marketing and led Acclarent's marketing efforts through rapid growth and ultimately through the acquisition by Johnson & Johnson. Karen held remained at Johnson & Johnson until joining the ExploraMed incubator in 2012. Acclarent was also an early spinout from ExploraMed. Karen began her career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after receiving her undergraduate and graduate degrees from San Diego State University.
Dr. Jen Douglas helps us focus on self-doubt, specifically how not to let it take control. A frequent guest, she is the author of Freedom From Perfection. This workbook is a great tool that just about anyone can use. Jen holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from San Diego State University and was on the faculty at Stanford University. She currently has a private therapy practice, offers workshops, and presents at conferences and conventions.
The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions
Hi friends, and welcome back to the podcast. In today's episode, I'm joined by two special guests: Dr. Steven Antonoff and Jay McCann, co-authors of the newly updated 5th edition of The College Finder: Your comprehensive guide to finding colleges that fit YOUR unique path. In this conversation, we dig into some of the biggest questions students and families face in the college search today, including: What—if anything—are rankings good for in 2025? Beyond starting salaries, which outcome metrics actually indicate value? What's a responsible way for students to use AI in the search phase—and what should they avoid? How do you plan a high-yield campus visit (or a virtual substitute) that actually informs fit? What's the most productive role for parents at each stage of the process? Jay McCann is co-author of The College Finder, now in its fifth edition since Steve's original publication in 1993. He earned his graduate degree at San Diego State University, where he was part of the Native American Scholars and Collaborators grant, focusing on education and community engagement. Jay began his counseling career in Denver Public Schools, where he served as department chair, before moving to Valor Christian High School and now The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. He is also the founder of Future to Find College Consulting, and he lives in Atlanta with his wife, Erin, and their three young children. Dr. Steven Antonoff has more than 30 years of experience in higher education. He is the author of College Match and The College Finder, both highly regarded resources for students and counselors. Steve holds a PhD in Human Communication Studies, an MA in Education from the University of Denver, and a BS in Psychology from Colorado State University. He is the former Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, Executive Director of Admissions & Student Affairs, and Dean of Students at the University of Denver. A founding chair of the American Institute for Certified Educational Planners, he helped launch the first certification program, training initiatives, and textbook for IECs. His work supports low-income and first-generation students through IB programs, Denver's Latino Association, and College Summit. He is the recipient of IECA's Professional Achievement Award, now named in his honor. We hope you enjoy! Play-by-Play: 4:37 – What do students need to understand about themselves before they start their college search? 5:45 – What are some common gaps between what students say they want and the schools they choose? 7:37 – How much time should students spend reflecting on what they want in a college? 11:23 – What, if anything, are rankings good for in 2025? 15:42 – Beyond starting salaries, which outcome metrics actually indicate value? 19:15 – How can students evaluate the strength of a specific program at a college? 22:49 – How can students get a real sense of campus culture? 27:12 – How should students (and counselors) categorize colleges when building a list? 32:44 – How many colleges should students apply to? 33:53 – What's a responsible way for students to use AI in the search phase—and what should they avoid? 38:14 – How should students and families think about Early Action and Early Decision? 42:34 – What's the most productive role for parents in this process? 45:46 – What's one action step seniors should take before applying? 48:12 – What are a few must-have resources for the college search and application process? Resources: Books, Guides, and Tools The College Finder 3 Step Guide to Choosing a College That's Right for You Fiske Guide to Colleges SchoolBuff (Dr. Antonoff's website) Future to Find (Jay's website) College Research Platforms College Navigator CampusReel CampusTours College Scorecard Net Price Calculator Center Reflection + College Planning Roles and Identities Exercise (with Counselor Notes) How to Decide Whether to Apply Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) Challenge Success (Stanford) Making Caring Common (Harvard) CEG Podcast Episode 503 with Trisha Ross Anderson (Making Caring Common) College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!The Myth of New Mexican Spanish This week we are joined by the official New Mexico State historian Rob Martinez! Rob joins us as we dissect the many myths surrounding the way Spanish is spoken in New Mexico. In this episode, we ask the question: is New Mexican Spanish actually an archaic and “pure” form of ancient Spanish?Spoiler alert: Hell no, it isn't!!Our guest:State Historian Rob Martinez is a native New Mexican born and raised in Albuquerque. A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Rob has presented papers and lectures on his research at the University of New Mexico as well as history conferences throughout the southwestern United States. He has also spoken to historical groups in New Mexico such as the Hispanic Genealogical Research Center of New Mexico, the Albuquerque Historical Society, and the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies about research methodology, unique findings, New Mexico Hispanic culture, and general History of New Mexico. Mr. Martinez is also a folk musician, performing and promoting New Mexican Hispanic musical traditions for the past twenty years with his brother Lorenzo and their father Roberto Martinez in the group Los Reyes de Albuquerque. With his musical family, he has performed in all parts of New Mexico, and on multiple occasions has presented music and New Mexican culture at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington, D.C., the NEA's National Heritage Fellowship Awards, and also at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
"Together, we can get our kids back."We live in a world where childhood is being rewritten by screens—and the consequences are showing up in our kids' mental health, sleep patterns, and ability to thrive in the real world. In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Jean Twenge joins us to unpack her groundbreaking book 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.Dr. Twenge doesn't sugarcoat the truth: social media is rewiring our children's brains, devices are stealing the very sleep they need to grow, and parents are often left feeling powerless against Big Tech's grip. But she also brings hope—and a plan. Through ten clear, practical rules, she explains how parents can reclaim their authority, set boundaries that actually stick, and raise kids who are grounded in real-world experiences instead of lost in endless scrolling.This is more than just a parenting guide—it's a call to action. Because no parent can fight this battle alone. Our children's future depends on a collective stand: saying no to predatory platforms, demanding safer technology practices, and prioritizing human connection over algorithms designed to addict.If you've ever wondered how much tech is too much, if you've seen your child slip into the black hole of social media, or if you're simply worried about what kind of world we're handing the next generation—this conversation will give you both the urgency and the tools you need.JEAN M. TWENGE, PhD, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 190 scientific publications and several books based on her research, including 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, Generations, iGen, and Generation Me. Her research has been covered in Time, The Atlantic,Newsweek, The New York Times, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. She has also been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CBS This Morning, Real Time with Bill Maher, Meet the Press, and NPR. She lives in San Diego with her husband and three daughters. Please visit her at: www.JeanTwenge.com and X: @jean_twenge.
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!Proponents of the nepohualtzintzin hail it as a marvel of ancient Mesoamerica. Elevated as a symbol of mathematical sophistication, the device has captured the imagination of scholars and enthusiasts since the 1970s. However, a close examination of the available evidence raises questions about the nature and origin of the nepohualtzintzin. In this episode we dive into the bizarre history of the alleged "Aztec computer." Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Dr. Mark Kern of San Diego State University joins us to discuss his reaction to the MAHA report released yesterday concerning children's health. Then we have a Farmer Forum with Tim Burrack of Iowa and Rock Katschnig of Illinois about the economic struggles of farming today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parenting today often feels like an uphill battle, with technology invading every corner of our kids' lives. From the rise of social media addiction to the growing mental health crisis among children and teens, parents are grappling with how they can create a healthy, balanced relationship with technology for their kids. Drawing on her decades as a psychologist studying the impact of technology and mental health, Jean Twenge offers evidence-based advice for raising independent and well-rounded children. Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and the author of more than 190 scientific publications and several books based on her research, including Generation Me, iGen, and Generations, which we discussed on this show. Her research has been covered in Time, The Atlantic, Newsweek, and The Washington Post. She has also been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CBS This Morning, Real Time with Bill Maher, and NPR. Her new book is Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.
Smartphones and social media have changed childhood in ways few of us could have predicted. For starters, many children are now getting their first phone at just 10 or 11 — far younger than the technology was ever designed for. Once that phone is in their hand, it can interfere with sleep, friendships, independence, and even mental health. So what can parents do? Guest Jean Twenge, Ph.D, is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, the author 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. In this books she gives parents some really useful suggestions roadmap for helping their children deal with this epidemic. Jean talks about how the culture around childhood has shifted since the rise of smartphones, and what concrete steps parents can take right now to raise healthier, happier, more independent kids. Order AG1 @ drinkag1.com/writeaboutnow Subscribe to my Substack@ jonsmalltalk.substack.com
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!What happens when you invite Kurly Tlapoyawa to give the keynote address at a Latinx conference? Let's find out! Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
JEAN M. TWENGE, PHD, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 190 scientic publications and several books based on her research, including "10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World," "Generations," "iGen," and "Generation Me." Her research has been covered in "Time," "The Atlantic," "Newsweek," "The New York Times," "USA Today," and "The Washington Post." She has also been featured on "Today," "Good Morning America," "Fox and Friends," CBS "This Morning," "Real Time with Bill Maher," "Meet the Press," and NPR. She lives in San Diego with her husband and three daughters. Dr. Twenge's info: Website: https://www.jeantwenge.com/ X: @jean_twenge Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Visit http://drlaurabrayton.com/podcasts/ for show notes and available downloads. © 2014 - 2025 Dr. Laura Brayton
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!Today marks the 55th anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium March, a movement of Chicano anti-war activists that built a broad-based coalition of Mexican-American groups to organize opposition to the Vietnam War. Led by activists from local colleges and members of the Brown Berets, a group with roots in the high school student movement that staged walkouts in 1968, the coalition peaked with an August 29, 1970 march in East Los Angeles that drew 30,000 demonstrators. The march was described by scholar Lorena Oropeza as "one of the largest assemblages of Mexican Americans ever." It was the largest anti-war action taken by any single ethnic group in the USA. It was second in size only to the massive U.S. immigration reform protests of 2006. Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
A man and a woman were arrested yesterday after being involved in a violent road rage incident this past Sunday. Health experts across Southern California are seeing a spike in COVID cases as kids return to school. MTS is offering a special season pass for San Diego State University football games as they play their season opener tonight.
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!In this special extended throwback episode, we are joined by Chicano author Scott Russell Duncan to talk about his new book "Old California Strikes Back" and the state of Chicano publishing!"Old California Strikes Back is a modern Ramona Diary, the record tourists kept of the sites of Old California and the book Ramona and Hollywood movies that renamed and transformed them. A mix of fantasy and memoir, the author SRD's tour turns surreal as he enters the myths of the Californios with the talking head of the Chicano folk hero Joaquin Murrieta. They race a self-styled Zorro to get the spurious Jewels of Ramona while the media is convinced SRD and Joaquin are the serial killer dubbed Two-Heads. Ultimately, SRD records his truth and recreates a reality where he may exist." Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!Is wokeness destroying the discipline of archaeology? Is chattel slavery a bad thing? And just how much does "Big Archaeology" pay, anyway? We break it all down as we are joined by Dr. Ken Feder to discuss his new book "Native America: The Story of the First Peoples." Your Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
Send us a textDr. Richard S. Cheung is a second-generation chiropractor and athletic trainer who has been serving the Pasadena community since 1998. He holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University. With more than 26 years of clinical experience, Dr. Cheung specializes in sports medicine, injury recovery, and corrective rehabilitation.At his private practice on Lake Avenue in Pasadena, Dr. Cheung provides personalized, hands-on care in a warm and welcoming environment. He treats a wide range of conditions, from chronic neck and back pain to auto accident injuries, sports-related trauma, scoliosis, and postural imbalances. Patients consistently commend him for his thoroughness, attentiveness, and ability to deliver lasting relief.Dr. Cheung is also a certified Kinesio Taping instructor and has taught courses nationwide and internationally since 2011. In addition to running his practice, he has served as Director of the Sports Medicine Residency program and is currently an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at the Southern California University of Health Sciences.Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Cheung is a committed community leader. He has served as board president for Friends In Deed, co-chaired the LA's BEST advisory board, and is currently on the board of the Asian American Professional Association. He also volunteers as a medical director for local high school sporting events, continuing to support youth and families through health education and service.In his personal time, Dr. Cheung enjoys family life, yoga, outdoor activities, and staying engaged in wellness initiatives across the San Gabriel Valley. His life's work reflects a deep commitment to healing, education, and community impact.__________Music CreditsIntroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OGStingerScarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio LibraryOutroEuphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG__________________My SGV Podcast:Website: www.mysgv.netNewsletter: Beyond the MicPatreon: MySGV Podcastinfo@sgvmasterkey.com
listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!Danzantes, Mexicanistas, and other cultural practitioners often display a banner that they claim is the "original" and "true" banner of the Mexika people. Often referred to as the Panketzalli, Bandera de Cuitlahuac, or the Bandera de Victoria, this symbol can be found emblazoned on t-shirts, flags, dance regalia, murals and tattoos. But where does this image actually come from? And who created it?Support the showYour Hosts:Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.@kurlytlapoyawaRuben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus. Find us: Bluesky Instagram Merch: Shop Aztlantis Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking
A layoff can feel like the end—but what if it's a new beginning? Marketing strategist and author Steve Jaffe shares insights from The Layoff Journey, revealing how to navigate job loss, build resilience, and find new career opportunities. Discover strategies to turn setbacks into comebacks!
In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron is joined by Jennifer Barnes, CEO and Founder of Optima Office, a fractional CFO service provider.During the conversation, you'll get a glimpse behind the curtain of business leadership to explore one of the most misunderstood yet essential disciplines for sustainable growth. Cameron and Jennifer discuss how executives can move from instinct-driven decisions to data-informed strategies, and why the ability to forecast with precision might be the difference between thriving and simply surviving. With real-life examples and personal anecdotes, Jennifer highlights how even successful leaders can miss critical signs when they aren't looking in the right places.You'll hear cautionary tales from companies that looked strong on the surface but were blindsided by deeper operational missteps. These stories serve as powerful reminders that misjudging certain internal dynamics can have cascading effects—especially when scaling, managing rapid change, or weathering financial uncertainty. Yet, within each challenge lies a roadmap toward clarity, if you're willing to look under the hood.Whether you're an entrepreneur wearing too many hats or part of a leadership team seeking sharper insights, this episode sheds light on how the right support structure can bring discipline, flexibility, and strategic alignment to your organization.If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!Enjoy!In This Episode You'll Learn:The differences between the roles of a CFO and a controller, including why a CFO looks forward to strategy and forecasting, while a controller focuses on historical accuracy and processes. (0:14)Common pain points such as not knowing gross margins by customer or product, and the importance of understanding these metrics. (8:35)The process of balance sheet cleanup and the importance of having accurate balance sheet accounts to ensure the P&L is correct. (14:11)Creating a P&L budget, balance sheet forecast, and cash flow forecast to predict future financial performance. (16:20)The potential for fractional CFOs to help companies build out their finance teams and eventually replace themselves as the company grows. (22:24)And much more...Guest Bio:Jennifer Barnes is the CEO and Founder of Optima Office, a firm that provides outsourced accounting, fractional CFO, and human resources support to nearly 300 companies nationwide, with a strong focus on the West Coast. With a commitment to flexibility and employee satisfaction, Optima operates on an hourly billing model and embraces a hybrid work environment, guided by the motto “Happy Staff = Happy Clients.” Jennifer earned her Finance and Marketing degree from the University of Arizona, completed her MBA at San Diego State University, and brings over 15 years of experience as a Controller. She has received numerous accolades, including SDBJ's Woman of the Year and the Top 50 Women of Influence in Accounting and Finance. Jennifer currently serves on several boards and is active in multiple leadership and mentorship organizations.Resources:Connect with Jennifer: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cameron: