Shows
Doing What WorksEpisode 6: Housing First and Human Dignity with Dr. Sam TsemberisDr. Sam Tsemberis, founder of the Housing First model and CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute.2025-05-2039 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 5: Human-Centered Innovation in Addiction Recovery with Matt WaltonIn this deeply moving and expansive episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins speaks with Matt Walton, Executive Director of Clare Matrix and a longtime innovator in health technology. With a career that spans decades and industries—from DARPA-backed tech startups to pioneering medical record systems—Walton now leads one of the Westside’s most vital behavioral health organizations.Walton shares how a lifetime in systems thinking and entrepreneurial innovation unexpectedly led him to the addiction treatment field. Through personal stories and professional insights, he illustrates the urgent need for integrated care, compas...2025-05-1339 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 4: Public Health and Homelessness - A Call to Action with Leepi ShimkhadaIn this compelling episode of "Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins engages in a profoundly insightful conversation with Leepi Shimkhada, Deputy Director of LA County's Department of Health Services Housing for Health. Shimkhada shares her powerful journey on the front lines, her transition into public policy, and the human impact of her work. This episode illuminates how Housing for Health integrates public health and housing, creating pathways for long-term stability and human dignity for those experiencing homelessness. Shimkhada's experience showcases the significant wins and devastating losses inherent in this work while underlining the importance of...2025-05-0629 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 3: Community College Homeless Programs with Dr. Nancy GreensteinIn this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins speaks with Dr. Nancy Greenstein, a long-serving board trustee at Santa Monica College and a passionate advocate for marginalized communities. Dr. Greenstein shares how her education and social work background, including early experiences teaching in a Navajo Nation community, shaped her perspective on social disparities and inspired her lifelong commitment to social justice.The conversation focuses on the launch of Santa Monica College's new Homeless Services Program, launched in Fall 2024. Dr. Greenstein explains how the program emerged from years of discussions with industry...2025-04-2420 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 2: Root Causes of Homelessness with Becky DennisonIn this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins interviews Becky Denison, Executive Director of Venice Community Housing. With over 20 years of experience in the homeless services sector, Denison offers her perspective on the root causes of homelessness in Los Angeles County, focusing on housing unaffordability, income inequality, and systemic issues such as institutional racism.She discusses how Venice Community Housing adopts an innovative, equity-centered approach emphasizing community-led design and inclusion. Denison highlights the importance of supporting homeless service workers through sustainable workplaces and addresses the need for scaled-up solutions like permanent...2025-04-1519 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 9: Diversifying STEM with Terrence Mosley, Senior Advisor for DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyThis episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy" features an interview with Terrence Mosley, Senior Advisor for STEM and University Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The conversation explores Mosley's background, including his experience at an HBCU and in the automotive industry, before delving into his current role promoting diversity in STEM fields and clean energy. Mosley discusses various initiatives to attract underrepresented groups to careers in renewable energy, including the blue economy. He emphasizes the importance of exposing students to these emerging fields early and creating pathways...2025-03-1726 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 8: Algae as a Renewable Resource with Christy Sterner, Technology Project Manager at U.S. Department of EnergyIn this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins interviews Christy Sterner, Technology Project Manager for the Advanced Algal Systems Program at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The discussion covers Christy's career journey, from her first job as a cashier at Target to her current role, and delves into the potential of algae as a renewable energy resource. Christy shares insights about the Algae Prize competition, the importance of the blue economy, and how algae can be transformed into valuable products. The conversation also explores the...2025-03-1719 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 7: The Benefits of Shellfish Farming with Dr. Gary Fleener at Hog Island Oyster CompanyIn Episode 7, we delve into the fascinating world of aquaculture and its pivotal role in the blue economy. Join host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins as she interviews Dr. Gary Fleener, Science, Sustainability, and Farm Education Manager at Hog Island Oyster Company. Dr. Fleener shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable seafood production, highlighting the importance of ocean stewardship and the environmental benefits of shellfish farming.2025-03-1733 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 6: Sustainable Blue Economy Careers with AltaSea's President and CEO, Terry TamminenIn this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins engages in a dynamic conversation with Terry Tamminen, President and CEO of AltaSea. The episode delves into Tamminen's extensive experience in the blue economy, from his early days working with tropical fish breeding to his role in shaping environmental policies as Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and explores innovative solutions for sustainable development in the oceanic sector.2025-03-1726 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 5: Making Effective Climate Change Policy with Jo TavaresIn Episode 5 of the podcast, Dr. Jo Tavares and Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins dive deep into the topic of the blue economy and its intersection with climate action, policy, education, and community engagement. Through insightful conversation, they explore the power of individual actions versus systemic change, the role of policy in addressing climate change, and the importance of inclusive collaboration in shaping a sustainable future. The episode highlights successful restoration efforts in wetland areas and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and industry collaboration to foster opportunities in the blue economy sector.2025-03-1736 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 4: The Evolving Landscape of Ocean Farming with Eliza HarrisonIn this episode of "Doing What Works," we delve into the exciting world of the blue economy with Eliza Harrison, Director of California Operations at Ocean Rainforest. Eliza shares her journey into the aquaculture space, discussing the challenges and opportunities of seaweed cultivation and its potential to mitigate climate change. From navigating the complexities of permitting to fostering community buy-in, Eliza provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ocean farming.2025-03-1731 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 3: Lessons from Seaweed Farming with Torre Polizzi & Leslie BooherIn this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," hosts Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins and guests Torre Polizzi and Leslie Booher delve into the world of aquaculture, specifically focusing on their company, Sunken Seaweed. Torre and Leslie share their journey from studying marine biology to founding a seaweed farming business and discuss the potential and challenges of the blue economy. They highlight the importance of seaweed aquaculture for environmental restoration, economic growth, and community development in California. The episode explores the dream state for the blue economy, hurdles to overcome, and lessons learned from successful initiatives like the Port...2025-03-1725 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 2: Investing Strategically in the Blue Economy with Stephen CheungIn this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins delves into the vast potential and challenges of the blue economy with guest Stephen CH, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and the World Trade Center Los Angeles. Together, they discuss the importance of preparing LA County and Southern California for the growth of the blue economy, highlighting the need for coordination, collaboration, and strategic investment to capitalize on this emerging sector.To learn more about SMC's innovative Aquaculture Certificate, please visit: https://www.smc...2025-03-0620 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 1: What is the Blue Economy with Dr. Nathan ChurchesIn this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins delves into the world of sustainable aquaculture with Dr. Nathan Churches, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Holdfast Aquaculture. Dr. Churches shares his journey from working at a local marina to founding a company dedicated to strengthening and expanding the sustainable aquaculture industry. The conversation explores the concept of the blue economy, the importance of aquaculture in maintaining ocean health, and the challenges and successes of starting a company in this field.To learn more about SMC's innovative Aquaculture Certificate, please visit https...2025-02-2029 min
Doing What WorksEpisode 1: Training the Next Generation of Homeless Service Professionals with Celina AlvarezIn this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins interviews Celina Alvarez, the Executive Director of Housing Works, a nonprofit organization focused on providing sustainable, affordable housing options for individuals with limited resources. Alvarez shares her 31-year journey in the homeless services field, from her early days working on Skid Row in Los Angeles to her current leadership role. Throughout the episode, Alvarez discusses how her background and frontline experiences shaped her approach to homeless services and led her to prioritize human connection and relationship-building in addressing homelessness.The conversation highlights Housing...2025-02-2030 min
The WPSPJ PodcastWilliam Paterson is SPJ's National Campus Chapter!Send us a textWe did it! Host Tommy Sherwood interviews SPJ President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins about WPSPJ's selection as national campus chapter, and journalism students Rochelle Estrada, Andrew Herbst, and Rob Cardillo describe how our chapter has helped them. This episode was edited by Tommy Sherwood.2024-03-1120 min
The "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work PodcastSPJ President Ashanti Blaize Hopkins "The 1st"!!Kelsunn Communications is honored to bring you this exclusive
podcast interview with Emmy award winning journalist, producer, educator, and “History-Maker”- Professor Ashanti Blaize Hopkins!!! Prof. Blaize-Hopkins holds the distinction of being the 1st Black Woman ever to be elected President of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). She is also the immediate past president of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Professor Baize-Hopkins is also currently serving as the
“Interim Associate Dean" of the Center for Media and Design at Santa Monica College in California. She is very dedicated to trai...2024-02-2944 min
The "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work PodcastProfessor Blaize-Hopkins - "Being The 1st"_TrailerKelsunn Communications invites you to listen in for info about when you can tune-in to hear the amazing story of Prof. Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins in it's entirety. She is a "History-Maker" - Being the 1st-Ever, Black Women to be elected President of the prestigious Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ). 2024-02-2302 min
"E & P Reports" from Editor & Publisher Magazine hosted by Mike BlinderAshanti Blaize-Hopkins. A one-on-one with the SPJ’s new president.Recent reports concerning the future of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) have stated, with one September post from NiemanLab saying that both membership and revenues are so low that the organization is set to "end the year $391,000 in the red," according to an audit prepared by an external accountant and dated August 2023. The same article by Sarah Scire featured the sub-head, "If we don’t change our thinking, the next incoming president will be the last president.” That new president was sworn in at the October 1, 2023, annual convention in Las Vegas. She is an Emmy Award-winning jour...2023-12-1019 min
FANTIBrown Enough (ft. Christopher Rivas)Mentioned in the show:Guest: Christopher RivasChris’ book: Brown Enough: True Stories About Love, Violence, the Student Loan Crisis, Hollywood, Race, Familia, and Making It in AmericaBrown Enough podcastDIS/Honorable Mentions JH:hm: jamal “even a fucknigga pastor can have a word” bryanthm: Ashanti Blaize-Hopkinsbackgroundfirst black woman to serve as veep, their vp becomes presidenthm: karlton clay and his 10th feature For the Love of ChristmasbackgroundTA: Gabrielle Union and Tracee Ellis Ross both celebra...2022-11-0358 min