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  • Season 4: Episode 1 | Casey Castillo, CEO, San Diego Food Bank

    Season 4: Episode 1 | Casey Castillo, CEO, San Diego Food Bank
    2026/01/12
    The "Gap Minders" podcast, hosted by Jose Cruz, discusses the San Diego Food Bank's efforts to address food insecurity. Casey Castillo, CEO, highlights the food bank's role in providing nutritious food, distributing over 50 million pounds last year, with 45% being fresh fruits and vegetables. The food bank serves over 400,000 people monthly, aiming to reach 800,000. They emphasize the importance of community involvement, virtual food drives, and connecting people to other resources. The conversation also touches on the role of youth in addressing societal issues and innovative solutions like virtual shopping and partnerships with delivery services.

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of The Gap Minders. If you enjoyed this podcast, please feel free to learn more about our GAPtivist movement at www.TheGapMinders.org where we believe that regardless of age, anyone can be a GAPtivist for their community.

    About The San Diego Council On Literacy

    Since 1986, The San Diego Council On Literacy has been dedicated to the mission of "Literacy For All." Central to the literacy effort in San Diego County is the work of the 35 programs that are affiliated with the San Diego Council on Literacy. Annually, they serve over 100,000 residents of all ages, at no cost. We are honored to work in partnership with dedicated organizations that provide tutoring, literacy resources, and support to the community.

    To learn more about The San Diego Council On Literacy, please visit www.literacysandiego.org

    About LIFE: San Diego

    Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE): San Diego is a privately funded program to venture test small scale new ideas for increasing literacy for young adults ranging from reading and math to science and media.

    About Cloudcast Media

    "The Gap Minders" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting. Listen Where You Live.

    This episode was produced by Shreyasi Mekund, Associate Producer and Brandon Joe, Senior Producer.
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    45 分
  • Episode 123 | Nancy Sasaki, CEO, United Way of San Diego County; Jose Cruz, CEO, San Diego Council on Literacy

    Episode 123 | Nancy Sasaki, CEO, United Way of San Diego County; Jose Cruz, CEO, San Diego Council on Literacy
    2024/09/18
    The Gap Minders is proudly reposting this excellent episode features a riveting discussion between Nancy Sasaki, the CEO of United Way of San Diego County, and Jose Cruz, CEO of the San Diego Council on Literacy. Throughout this episode, Nancy and Jose reflect on their journey during the collaboration on closing gaps, celebrating their milestones and reminiscing on their favorite moments.

    The discussion covers a wide range of subjects, including the effects of dyslexia on learning and the difficulties in addressing juvenile mental health, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They share their aspirations for the podcast's future, stressing the value of problem-solving conversations and encouraging cooperation across various agencies and organizations.

    Additionally, Nancy and Jose discuss the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can affect problem-solving and communication. They convey their appreciation for the chance to interact with enthusiastic people committed to improving their areas of passion and expertise.

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Nancy Sasaki and Jose Cruz. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • Nancy and Jose remember notable conversations with influential figures in education, like Shirley Weber, Tony Thurmond, Cindy Martin, and Kelly Sam Ann Hurley.
    • The hosts share their ambitions for the podcast's future, highlighting the need for groups to work together and explore solutions.
    • Going forward, Nancy and Jose hope to keep talking about important topics, forming deep connections, and igniting change in the world.
    • The answers to the warm-up questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Nancy and Jose, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    31 分
  • Episode 122 | Ryan Norr, Owner, San Diego Audio Visual

    Episode 122 | Ryan Norr, Owner, San Diego Audio Visual
    2024/09/10
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Ryan Norr, the Owner of San Diego Audio Visual, the recording studio for each and every episode of The Gap Minders. Ryan has been there listening to each and every guest, so this is a very reflective episode on what he has heard through 121 prior episodes!

    What we hear right out of the gate from this husband, father of two young children, and native San Diegan is his love for and appreciation of his family and the family business. Started in 1987 by his parents, Ryan talks about the passion for taking care of his family and continuing the legacy by running and growing San Diego Audio Visual. And, since this show is The Gap Minders, it's a great conversation to be having as starting and owning a small family business is one of the best ways to close the wealth gap in America.

    Listeners will also hear a few words from Ryan as to what he has learned from sitting in on 100+ episodes and how he has new perspective on literacy. Really great to hear how parents can learn from this show and apply with their own children.


    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder, family business owner, and an important part of all our conversations. Thank you, Ryan, for your contributions and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    42 分
  • Episode 121 | Catharine Kaufman, Author, Columnist and "The Kitchen Shrink"

    Episode 121 | Catharine Kaufman, Author, Columnist and "The Kitchen Shrink"
    2024/08/30
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Catharine Kaufman, an author, columnist, and educator. Listeners are treated to an oral charcuterie board of thoughts, discussion on healthy eating, books she's written and even bone health from "The Kitchen Shrink" (and recovering attorney!).

    We hear right out of the gate through her voice that Catharine is uber-passionate about reading, writing, and helping everyone learn more about food and its healing powers. Whether it is foods that are good for bone health or hydration, Catharine serves up one antipasto after another! She also discusses her upcoming book "The Honeybee Sorcerer," co-written with San Diego's internationally renowned chef, the one and only Bernard Guillas.

    An excellent and fun episode on filling in some knowledge gaps about food with Catharine. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • The importance of serendipity in life
    • Some thoughts on foods that might good or bad for bone health!
    • The value of having an attitude of gratitude
    • The "C" method for helping young adults become great writers in lieu of AI tools
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Catharine, for your contributions to helping humanity and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    35 分
  • Episode 120 | Sue Parks, President & CEO, Orange County United Way

    Episode 120 | Sue Parks, President & CEO, Orange County United Way
    2024/08/20
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Sue Parks, the President and CEO of Orange County United Way. Parks has a long history with Orange County United Way, having served as a board member and a founding member of the Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund. Prior to leading Orange County United Way, Parks was an executive at several Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies such as US West, Gateway, and Kinko's. She has also had experience as an entrepreneur for many years, bringing a very well rounded perspective to serving the needs of Orange County.

    Under her leadership, the nonprofit organization has launched three key initiatives (United to End Homelessness, United for Financial Security, and United for Student Success), which tackle the Orange County community’s most critical issues and seek to provide long-term solutions that break cycles of inequity. Parks also spearheaded the organization's acquisition of 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC), an essential service that connects thousands of the community's most vulnerable residents with health and human service resources via a free, 24-hour emergency contact center (over 500,000 contacts last year alone).

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Sue. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • The importance of taking a research-driven approach to identifying needs and solutions
    • Focusing on prevention as a strategy when it comes to homelessness
    • "Sparkpoint" and a collaboration with United Way of San Diego County
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Sue, for your contributions to helping humanity and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    34 分
  • Episode 119 | Kazeem Omidiji, Director of Community Relations, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

    Episode 119 | Kazeem Omidiji, Director of Community Relations, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
    2024/08/14
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Kazeem Omidiji, theDirector of Community Relations at San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Kazeem talks about how his journey from Nigeria to the US impacted his life. He remembers how the middle school library turned into a haven where he discovered a love for reading, grew knowledgeable about global flags, and adapted to his new surroundings. These formative encounters ignited a lifelong love of learning and a natural curiosity for the outside world.

    In addition, Kazeem discusses his love for STEM fields and the need of encouraging people from marginalized backgrounds to seek jobs in science and engineering. He talks on the value of getting a head start and stresses how exposure to STEM subjects can transform lives. As part of his job at SDG&E, Kazeem describes how the company makes investments in community programs and NGOs in the area to make a difference, especially for low-income families and energy affordability.

    In addition, Kazeem considers his trips to Nigeria, highlighting the cultural contrasts and the lessons he has taken away from them. He places a strong emphasis on the value of representation and mentoring in inspiring young people to seek careers in STEM, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through his professional and personal experiences, Kazeem emphasizes the need of mentorship in forming the next generation of STEM professionals and the necessity for improved communication regarding SDG&E's services to the community.

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Kazeem. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • Kazeem's transition from Nigeria to the US and how that has affected the trajectory of his life and career
    • Kazeem's passion for STEM and why he values the importance of inspiring underrepresented communities
    • Kazeem's commitment to his community and the importance of mentorship
    • The importance of cultural differences and diversity
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Kazeem, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    39 分
  • Episode 118 | Maria Murray, Ph. D., Founder, President, CEO, The Reading League

    Episode 118 | Maria Murray, Ph. D., Founder, President, CEO, The Reading League
    2024/08/06
    In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Dr. Maria Murray, Founder, President, and CEO of the Reading League. They discuss the mission and impact of The Reading League, a nonprofit focused on advancing the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction, commonly referred to as the science of reading.

    Maria emphasizes the significance of this purpose and the need for educators and stakeholders to possess an understanding of good strategies for teaching reading. She draws attention to the substantial deficiency in teacher preparation that existed before the League was founded and describes the steps the organization is taking to close this gap with resources and training.

    The topic of reading proficiency's wider ramifications is discussed, along with the importance of systemic change and parents' roles. Maria urges increased participation and awareness from all spheres of society in order to bolster this educational initiative. She also talks about the Reading League's initiatives to reduce the reading proficiency gap and guarantee improved results for all students by offering parents and teachers resources and training.

    Maria's observations highlight that although there has been improvement, there is still a long way to go before good reading education is widely adopted. The Reading League is still leading the charge in this endeavor to improve reading instruction by utilizing community involvement and evidence-based methods.

    An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Dr Murray. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:
    • The Reading League focuses on bridging the knowledge gap in literacy education, especially by training educators and stakeholders on the science of reading.
    • The Reading League has grown significantly since its inception in 2015, now comprising 33 state chapters involved in national and state-level educational conversations.
    • Dr. Murray stresses that the science of reading is not a temporary trend but a crucial, evidence-based approach that requires long-term commitment and systemic implementation.
    • Overcoming resistance to change within the education system, particularly at the university level, is crucial for widespread adoption of effective reading instruction methods.
    • The answers to the rapid-fire questions.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Dr. Murray, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    39 分
  • Episode 117 | John Thill, Author, Learning Specialist and Literacy Advocate

    Episode 117 | John Thill, Author, Learning Specialist and Literacy Advocate
    2024/07/30
    In yet another excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by John Thill, an author, a learning and development specialist, and a literacy advocate.

    When we say author, we mean storyteller. A story of love, family, California history and how families are made. "A California Love Story" starts in the 1920s with John's grandparents, future husband and wife Ray and Dora and their 205 letters back and forth from Wichita, KS to Oceanside, CA. What we hear from John is how the letters reflect the love between his grandparents, their hopes, their dreams and Ray's incredible optimism about California and Oceanside in particular. John was particularly moved by the promises made by his grandfather to his grandmother as to the life he would give her - and he followed through and ended up building a very succesful real estate company while also serving as Mayor of Oceanside. We also hear why John painstakingly typed out the letters on his IBM Selectric in 1986 as a book for his family. Not only was it inspiring, it was also partly how it handled the grief of losing his grandfather.

    An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, John, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

    Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

    If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

    To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.
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    36 分