SoCal Voices

Angela Ross

How exciting is it to listen to a podcast about the people where you live?

If you call Southern California "home," this show might pique your interest. Here at SoCal Voices, we take a deep dive into the inspiring stories of folks living here and all the things that interest them. Episodes feature candid conversations about living and thriving in Southern California. Hear interviews that inspire you to take positive actions that enhance your life and community, and help you discover the people and places that make Southern California special.

From high-profile people who lead in their chosen niche to everyday residents who have something meaningful to share, we amplify the voices of people who open up about compelling real-life experiences and accomplishments, and elevate your perspectives and mindset. Find out how to start a positive shift in your own life and what it takes to feel fulfilled. If you don’t know your purpose yet and feel stuck, you'll hear from people with powerful nuggets of wisdom for building a better you.

The host of SoCal Voices is Los Angeles native Angela Ross, a former broadcast journalist and leader of multiple award-winning media, public affairs, marketing communications, and public relations divisions in government and healthcare. Her deep interest in what moves people and love for storytelling inspired her to launch SoCal Voices. As you listen to her insightful conversations with various guests, you also get a glimpse inside Angela’s mind and heart.

Southern California is filled with interesting people, compelling stories and wonderful places. Let this podcast guide your journey to see this region in ways you might not have before. Listen on socalvoices.com or your favorite podcast platform.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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Organ Donation in Southern California: The mission of OneLegacy

Organ Donation in Southern California: The mission of OneLegacy

Do you have the pink “donor dot” on your driver’s license? Do you know why you should? April is Donate Life Month and there’s an organization in southern California that’s dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. That organization, OneLegacy, serves more than 200 hospitals, 10 transplant centers, a diverse population of 20 million donors and families across SoCal and waiting recipients across the country. In this episode of SoCal Voices, One Legacy’s Public Education and Community Development Specialist, Christy Bethel, discusses the organization’s mission and its life-saving impact. Resourcesonelegacy.org OneLegacy Donate Life Run/Walk 2024Like the episode?Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show?Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Angela Ross: Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

Episodes

Organ Donation in Southern California: The mission of OneLegacy

Organ Donation in Southern California: The mission of OneLegacy

Do you have the pink “donor dot” on your driver’s license? Do you know why you should? April is Donate Life Month and there’s an organization in southern California that’s dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. That organization, OneLegacy, serves more than 200 hospitals, 10 transplant centers, a diverse population of 20 million donors and families across SoCal and waiting recipients across the country. In this episode of SoCal Voices, One Legacy’s Public Education and Community Development Specialist, Christy Bethel, discusses the organization’s mission and its life-saving impact. Resourcesonelegacy.org OneLegacy Donate Life Run/Walk 2024Like the episode?Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show?Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Angela Ross: Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

Breaking Barriers: How Black Women Invest is Bridging the Wealth Gap

Breaking Barriers: How Black Women Invest is Bridging the Wealth Gap

Schelo Doirin Collier is all about helping Black women become strong investors. Her organization, Black Women Invest, started as a small social media group and has grown into a national community of more than 14,000, including chapters in Southern California. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Schelo talks about Black Women Invest’s holistic approach to financial wellness, and how the organization empowers Black women — whether new or seasoned investors — to secure their financial futures and build generational wealth with confidence.ResourcesInformation and registration for Black Women Invest Conference, Abundance Unleashed in Temecula, April 12 - 14, 2024.Follow Schelo D. Collier on Instagram @blackwomeninvest_Like the episode?Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show?Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Angela Ross: Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

A safe haven: Her Sisters Keeper Foundation

A safe haven: Her Sisters Keeper Foundation

Her Sisters Keeper Foundation provides a safe space for women in SoCal’s Inland Empire to recover from major setbacks or simply reset from the daily stress in their lives. In this episode of SoCal Voices, founder and executive director Kimberly Wallen shares the experiences that led her to create her organization and how she helps empower women to live their best lives.Like the episode? Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show? Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsSupport SoCal VoicesConnect with Angela Ross:Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

Can police reform work? Reimagining Safety

Can police reform work? Reimagining Safety

The killing of George Floyd at the hands of police focused the world’s attention on the problem of police abuse and misconduct in ways that few other cases have. In the US, the murder of Floyd renewed calls for police reform and led to calls to abolish policing as we know it. Maintain the status quo, some said, and policing will continue to cause more harm than good. Others worry that dismantling the police will lead to anarchy. What can be done in the realm of “public safety” so that everyone is in fact “safe?” That question is addressed in Reimagining Safety, a documentary film by Los Angeles filmmaker, author and conflict resolution facilitator, Matthew Solomon. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Matthew talks about the indirect route that led him to create Reimagining Safety, his DIY approach to making the film, the social justice community’s response to the documentary, and his vision for a brighter, safer future. Resourceswww.ReimaginingSafetyMovie.comAmazon (watch, leave a rating, and share):https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CVFNZ45B/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rTubi (watch, like, and share):https://tubitv.com/movies/100015643/reimagining-safetyHealing Justice Lineages (book referenced in the episode).Like the episode?Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show?Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Angela RossLeave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

2024 Presidential Primary Election - Who will voters choose?

2024 Presidential Primary Election - Who will voters choose?

The 2024 Presidential Primary is underway in California and voters are navigating a range of issues as they make decisions on candidates and propositions. From debates about the age of the likely presidential candidates to the war in Gaza, voters have a lot to consider. How will they vote? In this episode of SoCal Voices, Keri Then, Area 5 Trustee for the Riverside Community College District, returns to the podcast to offer some insight on some of the current issues voters are considering, and shares her thoughts on how to have quality political discussions and what voters can do to ensure they are well informed with accurate information prior to voting.Like the episode?Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show?Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Angela Ross: Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

Black History and Music: Center for African Diaspora Sacred Music and Musicians

Black History and Music: Center for African Diaspora Sacred Music and Musicians

The second episode in our series on Black History and Music spotlights The Center for African Diaspora Sacred Music and Musicians at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The Center is known as the preeminent site for the study and preservation of music of the African Diaspora. In this episode of SoCal Voices the center’s director, ethnomusicologist Oghenevwarho Gabriel Ojakovo, shares what inspired him to study music in its social and cultural contexts, helps us understand the intersection of the African Diaspora and Sacred Music, and describes what visitors can learn and experience when visiting the center.ResourcesCenter for African Diaspora Sacred Music and MusiciansLike the episode? Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show? Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsSupport SoCal VoicesConnect with Angela Ross:Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

Black History and Music - A Concerto in Riverside

Black History and Music - A Concerto in Riverside

As Black History Month 2024 gets under way in Southern California, the Riverside Philharmonic will present two special pieces in a performance on February 24: Negro Folk Symphony, by the late African American composer William Dawson, and Concerto Cinematique, by Los Angeles composer and violinist Chris Woods. In this episode of SoCalVoices, Chris shares his perspective on a range of topics including his journey with the violin, how classical and jazz music inform his creative expression, the importance of practicing, and his experience composing Concerto Cinematique.ResourcesFeb. 24 Riverside Philharmonic Black History Month Concert TicketsFollow Chris Woods on Instagram @chriswoodsviolinLike the episode? Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show? Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsSupport SoCal VoicesConnect with Angela Ross:Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

Impact Investing: Aligning your investments with progressive values

Impact Investing: Aligning your investments with progressive values

Conventional wisdom says that your personal wealth often has to come at the cost of your personal values — that you have to sell out. Financial advisor Marie Thomasson of Modern Assets says it is possible for your investments to align with your personal values, even if you identify as a political progressive. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Marie shares how she landed in the world of financial advising, who the investment system truly serves, how to find socially conscious financial institutions and investments, and how you should approach your finances if you’re under 30, mid-career, or approaching or in retirement.ResourcesSelf-Help Federal Credit UnionMighty Deposits - helps you find a bank or credit union that's values alignedModern Assets - Marie Thomasson’s websiteMoney AMA - Calendar link to Marie Thomasson’s next “Money AMAs”Like the episode? Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show? Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsSupport SoCal VoicesConnect with Angela Ross:Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedInSupport the show

In a marked change from the racial reckoning that occurred in 2020, some have declared that DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) is dead. Is it? Where exactly are we with DEI initiatives? In this episode of SoCal Voices, Jonathan Dumas, an organizational psychologist, leadership and career coach, and host of the podcast Highly Visible & A Little Misunderstood, pushes back on the notion that DEI is finished, and shares his insights about his own experience helping companies and individuals do the work that’s needed to fulfill the true intention and purpose of DEI, ensuring that all people in the workplace — and in life — are seen, heard, and valued.Like the episode? Share it on social media and tag @socalvoices Enjoy the show? Leave a 5-Start review on Apple PodcastsSupport SoCal VoicesConnect with Angela Ross:Leave a message on my Fan PageSubscribe to the SoCal Voices NewsletterSend an email to meReach out to me on LinkedIn Support the show

How to Succeed Without A Role Model

How to Succeed Without A Role Model

Jackie Gutierrez is Founder of Women Kick Balls — an independent, one-woman multi-media company aiming to elevate the standard of soccer media. She’s living her dream as a journalist and content creator, interviewing professional players from the National Women’s Soccer League and the US Women’s National Team. Somehow, she also finds time to provide media and marketing services to soccer organizations and athletes. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Jackie talks about her passion for soccer, how she pursued her dream without a real role model, the obstacles she overcame to reach her goals, and the advice she has for young people trying to turn their dreams into reality.ResourcesWomen Kick Balls, https://womenkickballs.com/Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Dial 988Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, https://988lifeline.org/Support the show

A Celebration of New Music - Tomasz Golka

A Celebration of New Music - Tomasz Golka

The California Festival is a two-week state-wide celebration of new music from across the globe. Music directors of the LA Philharmonic, San Diego Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony envisioned this event featuring compositions from compelling and forward-looking composers. On November 19, the Inland Empire will be represented at one of the festival’s concerts by none other than the Riverside Philharmonic. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Riverside Philharmonic conductor Tomasz Golka discuss the inspiration behind his musical career, and the Riverside Philharmonic’s upcoming performance in The California Festival: A Celebration of New Music.Support the show

Susan Partovi’s colleagues call her “The Skid Row Doctor.” She’s a leading expert on street medicine who has treated hundreds of the most underserved patients in Los Angeles — substance users, and people experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness. On this episode of SoCal Voices, Dr. Partovi opens up about her unique approach to providing healthcare to some of southern California’s most vulnerable people. Hear Dr. Partovi describe why she pursued medicine as a career, the circumstances that led her to focus on street medicine, and the decision to document some of her experiences with patients in her new book, Renegade MD: A Doctor’s Stories from the Streets (available January 30, 2024). Support the show

From Gang Member to CEO

From Gang Member to CEO

Terrance Stone is a southern Californian committed to steering young people away from the life that cost him much of his precious youth. He spends his time helping students discover their personal worth and true-life purpose as Founder and CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, an organization the state of California recognized as Non-Profit of the Year in 2022. In this episode of SoCal Voices, he shares how he went from gang member to CEO and how he helps young people realize their talents and live their best lives.Support the show

Things to See in Arizona

Things to See in Arizona

Mary Vensel White is President of the Orange County branch of the California Writer’s Club, an English and writing professor, an editor, and author. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Mary shares insights about her latest novel, Things to See in Arizona, a teen coming-of-age story about the adventures of Tuesday and Cristian as they make their way through this unique teen coming-of-age story.Support the show

In her book, The Struggle for the People’s King: How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement, Hajar Yazdiha, an assistant professor of sociology at USC, outlines how decades-long efforts to sanitize the civil rights movement perpetuate injustice and threaten America’s multicultural democracy. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Professor Yazdiha discusses her book, and the life experiences that fuel her passion to help bring about positive changes in society.Support the show

“I’m 13 Yo!” - Jeneen Robinson

“I’m 13 Yo!” - Jeneen Robinson

Actor, director and show creator Jeneen Robinson has been recognized as Best Woman Filmmaker at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival for her TV series, “I’m 13 Yo!” — a hip-hop coming-of-age comedy about the adventures of a 13-year-old boy who constantly tests the patience of his mother. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Jeneen shares inspiring insights about her artistic journey.Support the show

Mary Kennedy is an actor and comedian who has appeared in film, TV and stage roles. She played the “New Fiona” character in Season 7 of Showtime’s Shameless, and performs at some of LA’s most popular comedy clubs. When she’s not performing, she coaches and teaches young actors and comics. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Mary discusses what led her to comedy, her experience working on Shameless, her thoughts on the actor/writer strike and her future project “bucket list.”Support the show

Living Your Best Life Through Service - Twillea Evans-Carthen

Living Your Best Life Through Service - Twillea Evans-Carthen

Twillea Evans-Carthen has a servant’s heart. She is University Ombuds Officer at Cal State San Bernardino, an active member of a number of community organizations, and serves on the board for the Inland Ivy Foundation and League of Women Voters San Bernardino. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and much more. Well-known in SoCal’s Inland Empire for lifting people up and getting things done, Twillea is living her best life through service. In this edition of SoCal Voices, she shares what inspires her to serve and what drives her to help others.Support the show

Daughters of Promise - LaTina McGhee-Simmons

Daughters of Promise - LaTina McGhee-Simmons

With over a decade of teaching experience, educator LaTina McGhee-Simmons saw that many girls in her classroom lacked confidence. She launched Daughters of Promise — a program that helps instill a greater sense of value, resilience and purpose in young girls. In this edition of SoCal Voices, LaTina discusses the impact her program has on participants and how their positive transformation impacts her life.Support the show

California’s Forgotten Children - Melody C. Miller

California’s Forgotten Children - Melody C. Miller

Melody C. Miller is the filmmaker behind the multi-award winning documentary “California’s Forgotten Children.” The film focuses on the complex issue of child sex trafficking through the lens of survivors. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Melody discusses what inspired her to make the film, what people should and shouldn’t do if they suspect someone is being trafficked, and the ongoing work needed to help protect children from exploitation.Support the show