Shows
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#102: Royal Ramey, The Forestry and Fire Recruitment ProgramSend us a textIn this inspiring episode, Dr. Sciarretta has a conversation with Royal Ramey, CEO and co-founder of The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP). Mr. Ramey shares the story of his journey from prison to firefighting by way of "fire camp." Upon his release, Mr. Ramey joined the Mojave Greens in their firefighting mission, and has since worked to train, inspire, and uplift formerly incarcerated people who are interested in the firefighting profession. For those interested in supporting FFRP's mission, visit this link to make a tax-deductible donation of any amount. ...2025-07-1051 min
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#101: Heartbeats Beyond Boundaries: Muhammad M. Mohiuddin, MBBSSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Sciarretta speaks with Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, a surgeon who specializes in cardiac xenotransplantation (replacing failing human hearts with pig hearts). Listen to hear more about Dr. Mohiuddin's journey, the ethical and structural issues his work presents, and the moments in which his decades of revolutionary work have come to fruition. Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.2025-06-2650 min
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#100 Our Fragile Democracy: A Conversation with Rev. William H. Lamar IVSend us a textI sat down with William H. Lamar IV, pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington DC, for a profound conversation about history, faith, justice, and American democracy.Learn more about Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church: https://www.metropolitaname.org/Watch this video to learn more about the landmark legal victory we discussed in this episode.Please give us a five-star rating wherever you listen to podcasts and tell your friends and family about the show. If you'd like to support the Hangout Podcast with a...2025-06-1456 min
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#99 From Banking Executive to Mental Health Advocate: Anita Fisher's JourneySend us a textAnita Fisher shares her powerful journey from successful banking executive to mental health advocate after her son's diagnosis with schizophrenia while he was serving in the military. Anita's 25-year crusade navigating America's complex mental health system reveals critical gaps in treatment, particularly for those with anosognosia (lack of illness awareness).Warning: this episode contains adult themes that may not be appropriate for all listeners.To learn more about Anita Fisher's work, visit fishermhconsulting.comSupport the showIf you...2025-06-011h 28
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#98: I Choose My Future: A Retired DEA Agent's Powerful MessageSend us a textRocky Herron, a retired DEA special agent with 31 years of experience, shares his journey delivering an impactful drug prevention program that has reached over 270,000 students across 16 countries. His mission emerged from discovering his own children weren't receiving drug prevention education in school.• Free educational videos and resources are available at RockyHerron.com for schools and families looking to start these important conversationsWarning: this episode includes adult topics and mentions suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Support the showIf you en...2025-05-261h 17
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#97 Mayor Paloma Aguirre: Grassroots Politics and Cross-Border Environmental JusticeSend us a textImperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre shares her inspirational bi-national journey from surfing college student to passionate environmentalist to elected official. Paloma is currently running for San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 1 (special election will take place July 1, 2025).On X: @paloma4D1Visit paloma-aguirre.comSupport the showIf you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate.2025-05-1544 min
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#96 Advocacy & Education: An Interview with Border Angels' Ana MiguelSend us a textAna Miguel, Educational Programs Coordinator for Border Angels, shares her personal connection to immigration work as the daughter of migrants from Guanajuato, Mexico, revealing how her family history shapes her passion for humanitarian border assistance and activism.To support Border Angels and their humanitarian work, visit borderangels.org.Warning: this episode contains adult language and topics and may not be suitable for all listeners.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode please give us a...2025-05-101h 07
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#95 Beyond the Grade: Academic Integrity in the Age of AISend us a textDr. Tricia Bertram Gallant redefines academic integrity as more than just avoiding cheating—it's cultivating the courage to uphold universal values like honesty, fairness, and respect, even when it's difficult. Her work as Director of the University of California, San Diego Academic Integrity Office and the Triton Testing Center puts her impressive academic scholarship to practical and impactful use. Check out Dr. Bertram Gallant's latest book (co-authored with David Rettinger) The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching Integrity in the Age of AIIf you enjoyed this episode please give us a 2025-05-0359 min
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#94 Immigration Law: A Conversation with Attorney Filex SanchezSend us a textFilex Sanchez, founder of Union Law Group, shares his journey from growing up in San Ysidro, CA on the Mexico-US border to becoming a specialized immigration attorney after witnessing how profoundly his work could change lives. Raised by immigrant parents who operated an immigration consultancy for decades, Filex developed a deep understanding of his bicultural identity and an abiding respect for hard work and dedication. Filex maintains an ethical legal practice by only taking cases he believes can succeed and offering refunds for clients whose cases do not prevail. C...2025-04-181h 20
Two and a BlueTwo and a Blue | #41 Fightin' Flaggers!🔵 Check out the newest Blue 🔵 Episode 41: Fightin' Flaggers! Roaster Corraddo Sciarretta of C&D Coffee Roaster joins us this week to talk about his process for making the perfect cup of coffee 🧏♂️ Listen to Two and a Blue on Spotify🟢, Apple Podcasts🟪, and everywhere else! 🔗 Follow us for more behind-the-scenes content and updates: TikTok & Instagram: @twoandablue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoandaBlue/ Hosts: Steve DeStefano John Flounder Caruso Producer: Lou DeStefano Two and a Blue Podcast is filmed at the Energy Defenders Studio. Reach o...2025-04-081h 59
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#93 Jim McCloskey's Mission to Free the Wrongly ConvictedSend us a textIn this episode, we hear from Jim McCloskey about the journey that took him from the corporate world to his current work with those who have been wrongly convicted of crimes. McCloskey founded Centurion Ministries, an organization that has "completed 70 releases of men and women who were serving life or death sentences for crimes they did not commit." McCloskey is the author of When Truth is All You Have, and co-wrote Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions with John Grisham. Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode ple...2025-03-231h 36
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#92 Garr Reynolds, Presentation ZenSend us a textJoin Dr. Sciarretta for a conversation with Garr Reynolds, the author of Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery, for a compelling discussion about the fusion of Zen aesthetics with modern communication. Garr shares how his journey from Oregon to Japan has shaped his philosophy, emphasizing the power of simplicity and focus. Garr's insights extend beyond visuals, touching on the growing role of AI in both storytelling and education, while reminding us of the unyielding value of authenticity and creativity. Garr's YouTube channelGarr's website K...2025-01-231h 10
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#91 Erica Alfaro: Author and International Keynote SpeakerSend us a textCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse and may therefore be upsetting to some listeners. What does it take to rise from a life filled with hardships to one of success and inspiration? On this episode of the Hangout Podcast, we are joined by Erica Alfaro. Erica opens up about her childhood spent between Tijuana and San Diego, grappling with language barriers and the challenges of teen motherhood, before finding the courage to change her life's trajectory inspired by her parents’ unwavering support.In this heartfelt epi...2024-11-2048 min
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#90 Kwane Stewart, Transformative Care for the Unhoused and Their PetsSend us a textWhat if one moment could change your entire career path? Dr. Kwane Stewart, founder of Project Street Vet, shares how a chance encounter outside a 7-Eleven transformed his life and his career as a veterinarian. Dr. Stewart found new purpose in providing medical care to the pets of unhoused individuals. Listen to learn more about Dr. Stewart's inspirational journey! Donate here! Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget a...2024-10-2542 min
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#89 Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes, Founder of Los PatojosSend us a textJuan Pablo Romero Fuentes is the founder of Los Patojos, an educational organization in Guatemala. He is also a teacher and organizer within the organization. Juan Pablo was honored as a top 10 CNN Hero in 2014. Juan Pablo and Dr. Sciarretta discuss a wide range of topics including pedagogical approaches, reflections on traveling across the world visiting schools, the role of his family and parents, the love he has for his homeland in Guatemala, and much more. Content Warning: This episode contains some adult language and adult themes.This is a r...2024-10-041h 12
The Hangout with David Sciarretta#88 Hedy Chang, Founder and Executive Director of Attendance WorksSend us a textHedy Chang is the Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works. A 1986 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Hedy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion about the intricate tapestry of factors that influence why students may not make it to class. Her Chinese American background and family legacy of activism provide a rich context as we discuss her dedication to unraveling the complexities of chronic absenteeism—an issue that's foundational to achieving justice in our education system.This is a re-release of a popular episode, one that is particularly timely as millions of...2024-09-271h 00The Hangout with David Sciarretta#87 Peter Sciarretta, Educator to Life CoachSend us a textJoin us for an illuminating conversation with my brother, Peter Sciarretta, who shares his transformative journey from a 30-year teaching career to the world of life coaching. You'll uncover the nuances of life coaching, how it stands apart from traditional guidance like parental advice or mentorship, and the structured paths to becoming a certified coach. To learn more, visit Peter's website or his Instagram page @Peter_thecoach. To get in touch with Peter, email him at peter@chamisolifecoaching.com. Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode pl...2024-09-201h 13The Hangout with David Sciarretta#86 Tommy Gomes, star of The Fish Monger on the Outdoor ChannelSend us a textBack by poplar demand for your late summer 2024 listening pleasure! Tommy Gomes is a fourth-generation San Diegan, retired commercial fisherman, business owner, and star of The Fish Monger, the #1 show on the Outdoor Channel. Dr. Sciarretta and Tommy talk about fishing, climate change, reflections on growing up today compared to 50 years ago, life lessons, education, and much more.Read more about Tommy and The Fish Monder in this San Diego Magazine article: https://bit.ly/41h3r8zWatch The Fish Monger: https://www.outdoorchannel.com/show/fishmonger/388571 2024-09-071h 51The Hangout with David Sciarretta# 85 Navigating Public Education with School Board Member Richard BarreraSend us a textJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Richard Barrera on his third visit to the Superintendent's Hangout. Richard opens up about the financial strategies and hurdles within the San Diego Unified School District, from dealing with budget deficits to the philosophy of prioritizing student needs over building reserves. We also delve into controversial issues such as banning cell phones on school campuses. Richard is a veteran school board member and renowned expert on educational leadership. Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode please give us a fi...2024-08-301h 03The Hangout with David Sciarretta#84 Young Abulencia and Buddy Gessel, Architects and InnovatorsSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Sciarretta sat down with Young Abulencia and Buddy Gessel, two architects from the DLR Group. Young and Buddy talk about their careers and their work at DLR, while sharing fascinating insights that add dimension to common perceptions of architectural work. Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode please give us a five-star rating and consider donating. Your generosity helps our shoe-string budget and allows us to continue producing high-quality content. Click here to donate. 2024-08-231h 03