The Hangout with David Sciarretta
Episode replay: Seth Hettena, Journalist, Author
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This is a re-release of this episode by popular demand. Seth Hettena is a veteran journalist who has worked with the Associated Press and various newspapers throughout the United States. He is also an author who has a Substack newsletter called The Ice Man which is a serialized version of a book he has written about the Navy Seals. In this conversation, Seth discusses how journalism has changed throughout his career, including the future impact of Artificial Intelligence.
Learn more about Seth: https://sethhettena.com/
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Episode replay: Chris Joffe, Founder and CEO of Joffe Emergency Services
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This is a re-release of an earlier episode, back by popular demand. Chris Joffe is the founder and CEO of Joffe Emergency Services. Chris started the company 15 years ago with a simple promise: to empower teams with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to keep people safe in an emergency. Joffe has become one of the nation's leading safety organizations for schools and events, and has over 2,000 clients. Chris is also an author with a book forthcoming, a certified pilot, scuba diver, and endurance runner.
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#111: Dr. Bob Berk on the Power of Conflict Mediation
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Dr. Bob Berk—principal consultant at New Table Consulting, longtime mediator, and former school leader—discusses how smart organizations turn friction into forward motion without losing people or momentum.
New Table ConsultingÂ
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#110: Dr. Reza Aslan on the 20th Anniversary of his bestseller “No God But God”
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We trace Reza Aslan’s journey from Iran to American academia, and look back at the two decades since the publication of his bestselling book “No God But God,” an exploration of the origins, evolution, and future of Islam.
Purchase the book here: https://a.co/d/3IYBWoL
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be delighted to hear from our li...
#109: Shaka Mitchell on School Choice
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If you’ve ever wondered who should decide where a child learns, this conversation gets straight to the heart of that question. We sit down with Shaka Mitchell—education leader, attorney, and school choice advocate—to trace a journey from a working-class Long Island childhood and a small Catholic school to law school, DC policy work, and leading charter school growth in Tennessee. Along the way, we unpack what “school choice” actually means, how it functions across charters, magnets, vouchers, ESAs, and homeschooling, and why a clean framework—who pays, who provides, and who decides—...
#108: Acclaimed Author Reyna Grande on Voice, Resilience and Belonging
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Reyna Grande is a Mexican‑American novelist and memoirist whose work brings raw clarity to the immigrant experience, family separation, and the pursuit of belonging. Born in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico, and having crossed into the U.S. as an undocumented child, Grande earned her BA and MFA in creative writing, and is a recipient of multiple awards including the American Book Award, the International Latino Book Award and the El Premio Aztlán Literary Award.
Grande’s major works include:
• Across a Hundred Mountains (2006) – a novel rooted in her own journey f...
#107 Finding Your Path: From Sports Writer to Educational Leader
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What happens when tragedy transforms a life's purpose? For Patrick Larkin, losing his father to suicide in seventh grade made school his sanctuary—a place where caring teachers filled voids and structure provided stability. Decades later, this experience continues to shape his approach as a veteran school administrator.
Content warning: this episode contains mature content including discussions of suicide.Â
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#106: From Adventure Writer to Soul Seeker: Brad Wetzler on Writing and Living
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In this episode, Brad Wetzler shares the fascinating journey of his life, one that has taken him all over the world. Brad is an author and writing coach whose work is deeply informed by his unique and broad life experiences. Listen to hear more about Brad's story --- the struggles, successes, and profound lessons that have guided him to where he is today.Â
For more information on Brad’s writing projects and coaching services, visit bradwetzler.com.Â
Purchase Brad’s most recent book Into the Soul of the...
#105 Servant Leadership: Eric Hale's Journey From Adversity to Achievement
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What does it take to transform a school into a thriving community where students from 40+ countries speaking 30+ languages succeed together? For Eric Hale, Kentucky's 2024 Principal of the Year, the answer begins with his own remarkable journey.
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be delighted to hear from our listeners, wherever you may be in the world. Send us a message on our dedicated Telegram channel:<...
#104 Climate Anxiety: A Conversation with Jennifer Uchendu
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Growing up in Nigeria, climate activist and global leader Jennifer Uchendu witnessed systemic inequalities that sparked her passion for advocacy. Today, she's pioneering work at the intersection of climate action and psychological wellbeing—a connection rarely discussed in mainstream environmental conversations. While Western climate narratives often center on distant polar bears or melting ice caps, Jennifer illuminates how climate anxiety manifests uniquely in African contexts, where communities simultaneously navigate economic survival, political instability, and environmental degradation.
Follow Jennifer: https://www.instagram.com/dzennypha_?igsh=MXBodzM3dTV3MDkybQ==
Learn about Su...
#103: Trust Kids More: Superintendent Dr. Michael Nagler
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Dr. Michael Nagler, an award-winning school superintendent from New York, shares his vision for reimagining education in the digital age where content knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Through his 17 years of leadership in the Mineola School District, Dr. Nagler has pioneered approaches that prioritize skills development and student agency. His stance on cell phones in schools (spoiler alert: he’s not in favor of the rush to ban them) is just one of many intriguing ideas we discuss in this episode.
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#102: Royal Ramey, The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program
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In 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.Â
For those interested in supporting FFRP's mission, visit this link to make a tax-deductible donation of any amount.Â
...
#101: Heartbeats Beyond Boundaries: Muhammad M. Mohiuddin, MBBS
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In 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.Â
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be delighted to hear from our listeners, wherever you m...
#100 Our Fragile Democracy: A Conversation with Rev. William H. Lamar IV
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I 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...
#99 From Banking Executive to Mental Health Advocate: Anita Fisher's Journey
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Anita 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.com
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#98: I Choose My Future: A Retired DEA Agent's Powerful Message
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Rocky 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 conversations
Warning: this episode includes adult topics and mentions suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
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#97 Mayor Paloma Aguirre: Grassroots Politics and Cross-Border Environmental Justice
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Imperial 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: @paloma4D1
Visit paloma-aguirre.com
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be delighted to hear from our listeners, wherever you m...
#96 Advocacy & Education: An Interview with Border Angels' Ana Miguel
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Ana 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.
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#95 Beyond the Grade: Academic Integrity in the Age of AI
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Dr. 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. Â
Check out Dr. Bertram Gallant's latest book (co-authored with David Rettinger) The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching Integrity in the Age of AI
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#94 Immigration Law: A Conversation with Attorney Filex Sanchez
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Filex 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.Â
C...
#93 Jim McCloskey's Mission to Free the Wrongly Convicted
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In 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.Â
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#92 Garr Reynolds, Presentation Zen
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Join 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 channel
Garr's website
K...
#91 Erica Alfaro: Author and International Keynote Speaker
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CONTENT 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...
#90 Kwane Stewart, Transformative Care for the Unhoused and Their Pets
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What 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!Â
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 c...
#89 Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes, Founder of Los Patojos
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Juan 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.Â
Content Warning: This episode contains some adult language and adult themes.
This is a r...
#88 Hedy Chang, Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works
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Hedy 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...
#87 Peter Sciarretta, Educator to Life Coach
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Join 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.Â
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#86 Tommy Gomes, star of The Fish Monger on the Outdoor Channel
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Back 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/41h3r8z
Watch The Fish Monger: https://www.outdoorchannel.com/show/fishmonger/388571Â
# 85 Navigating Public Education with School Board Member Richard Barrera
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Join 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.Â
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#84 Young Abulencia and Buddy Gessel, Architects and Innovators
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In 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.Â
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be delighted to hear from our listeners, wherever you may be in the world. Send us a message o...
Felicia Rangel-Samponaro, Founder of The Sidewalk School
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Check out this inspiring episode, back by popular demand for your late summer 2024 listening pleasure! Felicia Rangel-Samponaro is one of the founders of The Sidewalk School, an NGO (non-governmental organization) focusing on providing education to asylum-seeking families and children at the US/Mexico border. In this wide-ranging interview, Felicia spoke about curricular design, hiring certificated teachers who are also asylum seekers, the racism she faces, the role of government policy, and much more.
Learn more about The Sidewalk School and donate here: www.sidewalkschool.org
Connect with The Sidewalk School on...
#80 Dr. Pedro Noguera, Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education
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Check out this summer 2024 re-release of a conversation with one of our most engaging and influential guests! Dr. Pedro Noguera is Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education. Dr. Noguera recounts his ascent from the streets of Brooklyn to the pinnacle of educational thought leadership. Feel the pulse of our nation's schools through his eyes, as we uncover the deep-seated challenges and innovative solutions that define today’s educational landscape. With Dr. Noguera's astute insights, this episode promises a powerful exploration into the heart of what can make or break the future of...
#83 Armand King, Mentor and Entrepreneur
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Armand King, a TEDx speaker and founder of Lawrich Consulting LLC, is living proof that resilience and mentorship can turn one's life around. In this episode, we share Armand's raw and gripping journey from facing gang violence in Spring Valley, CA to becoming a powerful advocate for at-risk youth. Listen as we trace the shift in urban youth culture from the late '80s to today, considering how social media and changing societal values have shaped the realities of young people. Armand brings a wealth of insight, reflecting on his personal experiences. His...
# 82 Luci Fowers, Educational Leader and Mentor
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Luci Fowers has dedicated her career to education. In this episode, Lucy details her journey from a small town in Utah to her work as a teacher and then charter school pioneer in California. Listen to hear more about Luci’s perspective on establishing strong school communities and much more!Â
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be delighted to hear from our listeners, wherever you may be in the wor...
#78 Jesse Leon, Social Impact Consultant and Author of I’m Not Broken
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Here is one of our most popular episodes, back by popular demand for your summer 2024 listening enjoyment! CONTENT WARNING: The following episode contains discussions of physical and sexual abuse, violence, eating disorders, and other mature content. Parental guidance is strongly recommended.
Jesse Leon is the author of his recently released memoir, I’m Not Broken. The bestselling author of The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros says "I’m Not Broken is a book for survivors and those who know someone they hope survives, bodhisattvas all." In this episode, Jesse talks about his...
#77 Rocky Herron: From DEA Frontlines to Drug Education Crusader
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As part of our 2024 summer recap, back by popular demand here is one of our most popular episodes! Retired DEA special agent Rocky Herron has embraced a new challenge an anti-drug and alcohol ambassador for the San Diego County Office of Education. Rocky joins us to unravel a gripping story of his transition from the front lines of the drug war to the classrooms of San Diego County and beyond (he’s delivered his message to students in 17 countries) where he's on a mission to shield future generations from substance abuse. The conversation jo...
#76 Zachary Tong is looking to set world records by rowing 12,000 miles across two oceans in the same year
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Back by popular demand, here is a re-run of one of most popular episodes! Zachary Tong has set his sights on setting four world records for solo unsupported ocean rowing, crossing both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in one calendar year starting on January 1, 2025. We discuss his inspiration and preparation for this incredible journey in this wide-ranging interview. Connect with Zach on Instagram: https://instagram.com/hermosazachFollow Zach’s journey from his website: https://hermosaoffshore.com Articles on Zach:https://bit.ly/3Gstp0V https://bit.ly/3KI76XAÂ
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Professor Sugata Mitra, Pioneer of the 'Hole in the Wall' Experiment and Advocate for Revolutionary Approaches to Education
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In case you missed this episode when it was originally released, we are sharing it again as a summer special. Prepare to be challenged and inspired as we dive headfirst into the world of education with none other than the world-renowned Professor Sugata Mitra. Known for his pioneering "hole in the wall" experiment, Mitra's insights into the power of peer teaching, the role of AI, and the necessity of forward-thinking education are set to revolutionize the way we think about learning. His experience with minimally invasive education introduces a fresh perspective on the...
#74 Susan Lewallen and Paul Courtright, Pioneers in Global Ophthalmology
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Dr. Susan Lewallen and her husband Dr. Paul Courtright have devoted their careers to providing eye care to underserved communities in Africa. Listen to learn more about their inspiring work and unique life stories.
Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be delighted to hear from our listeners, wherever you may be in the world. Send us a message on our dedicated...
#73 Ben Frahm, Screenwriter and Professor
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In this episode, we hear from Ben Frahm, a screenwriter and professor at Syracuse University (who also happens to be David's cousin). Listen to learn more about Ben's experience in the world of screenwriting and the practical and theoretical knowledge that guides his own work and that of his students.Â
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We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be delighted to hear from our listeners, wherever you may be in the w...
