SoCal Voices

Race, Gender, Class & the History of the Movie Awards

SoCal is the epicenter of the entertainment industry and award season is in full swing. While many focus on the glamor and festivities, film and media historian Monica Sandler  views the movie awards industry through a different lens.In her forthcoming book, The Oscar Industry: Creative Labor, Cultural Production, and the Awards System in Media Industry, Sandler looks at how the Academy Awards have built and sustained Hollywood's class, gender and racial hierarchies. As award season takes shape, Sandler's insight into the history and development of movie awards season will broaden your perspective about this Hollywood tradition and what comes next.Visit Monica Sandler's websiteLeave a 5-Star Review on our website or on Apple Podcasts.Keep up with all things SoCal Voices! Join the SoCal Voices Email List.Want to be a guest on SoCal Voices? Check out PodMatch. Thank you for listening! Support SoCal Voices Podcast. Your contributions help us continue to bring you quality content about navigating life in Southern California. It’s easy! Just click this link:Support the show

Why the Health of Native Bees Matters in SoCal

Krystle Hickman is a community scientist, photographer, National Geographic Explorer and one of the few Black women working in the conservation space. In her book The ABC’s of California’s Native Bees, she’s helping the non-scientists among us develop a greater appreciation for the important role native bees play in keeping our food systems strong, our landscapes more resilient and our own health as humans in SoCal more secure. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Hickman shares insights about her journey into conservation, the sometimes challenging experience of writing her book, and improvements she'd like to see in environmental policy to help us all co-exist more harmoniously with nature.Leave a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts or socalvoices.com.Join the SoCal Voices Email ListWant to be a guest on SoCal Voices? Check out PodMatch. Thank you for listening! Support SoCal Voices Podcast. Your contributions help us continue to bring you quality content about navigating life in Southern California. It’s easy! Just click this link:Support the show

Ashes to Films - A Year After the LA Fires

A year ago, Shiloh Strong launched Ashes to Films, a nonprofit organization to help members of the creative community impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires rebuild their lives. I sat down with him and filmmaker Eric Dyson, whose heartening documentary, Altadena: The Heart, The Art. The Soul, was showcased at the recent Ashes to Films festival. They share how, in just one year, Ashes to Films has gone from idea to impact, proving recovery is about more than rebuilding structures. It’s also about rebuilding the spirit. In this episode of SoCal Voices, you’ll hear what they’ve accomplished, who they’ve lifted up, and why their work matters now more than ever.Shiloh Strong and Ashes to Films.Eric Dyson.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-Star Review for SoCal Voices on Apple Podcasts or socalvoices.com.Stay up-to-date on all things SoCal Voices: Join the SoCal Voices Email List.Want to be a guest on SoCal Voices? If you have expertise that can help Southern Californians navigate the challenges of living in our region and are interested in being a guest on this show, consider joining PodMatch. Thanks for listening. We'd also appreciate your support. Your contributions help us continue to bring you quality content about navigating life in Southern California. It’s easy! Just click the link below:Support the show

Dr. Disneyland, Walt's Wisdom & the Power of Belief

Southern Californians know a thing or two about chasing sunshine and big dreams, and there’s no better example of that spirit than the man who created the happiest place on earth. In this episode of SoCal Voices, you’ll hear from Dr. Disneyland, also known as Jeff Barnes, the author, speaker, and founder of The Wisdom of Walt. He shares how exploring Walt Disney’s life reshaped his own journey.He unpacks what it really means to build your own reality and why those “wild” ideas you’re afraid to say out loud might be exactly what puts your world on a whole new path.Resourcesthewisdomofwalt.com Enjoy the Show? Leave a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts or socalvoices.com.Join the SoCal Voices email list and receive our free mini-audio series, 5 Ways to Live Well in SoCal (without losing your mind).Follow SoCal Voices on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn @socalvoices.Follow Host Angela Ross on LinkedIn.Want to be a guest on SoCal Voices? Reach out to host Angela Ross on PodMatch. Thank you for listening! Support SoCal Voices Podcast. Your contributions help us continue to bring you quality content about navigating life in Southern California. It’s easy! Just click this link:Support the show

Beating Burnout in SoCal Hustle Culture

Southern California is filled with overachievers. Without some balance and healthy practices, the relentless drive to accomplish more can leave us feeling like we're running on fumes. Licensed marriage and family therapist Laurel van der Toorn of Los Angeles specializes in helping high achieving professionals overcome burnout and improve their mental well-being. In this episode of SoCal Voices, she shares how burnout sneaks into the bodies and minds of high performers and what it really takes to heal. From simple mindset shifts to redefining success beyond achievement, this conversation might help you find the balance you need to thrive without losing your edge.ResourcesLaurel Therapy Collective Enjoy the Show? Join our community!Leave a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or socalvoices.com.Join the SoCal Voices email list and receive our free mini-audio series, 5 Ways to Live Well in SoCal (without losing your mind).Shop SoCal Voices BookshelfFollow SoCal Voices on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn @socalvoices.Follow Host Angela Ross on LinkedIn.Want to be a guest on SoCal Voices? Reach out to host Angela Ross on PodMatch. Support SoCal VoicesYour financial support ensures we can keep producing content that helps you thrive in Southern California. Thanks for helping us keep the mic on!Support the show