Spotlight on the Community

Welcome to a SPECIAL "fusion" episode created between "Spotlight" and "Mission: San Diego Mission" to discuss SB 1407, an initiative to exempt military pensions from California state taxation.  The episode took place on the USS Midway to support a press conference held by the San Diego Military Advisory Council and its CEO, David Boone.  The special episode of two Cloudcast Media podcasts, co-hosted by Charles Parisi and Noa Brady discussed the importance of retaining veterans in California. Guests included Neil O'Connell, Executive Director of the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, Christina Pineda, a 12-year Navy veteran and a Director with Courage to Call, a program from TURN Behavioral Health, and David Boone, the CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, one of the key leaders for SB 1407.  They emphasized the economic and social benefits of veterans' contributions, highlighting the significant volunteer hours and leadership skills they bring. The conversation also touched on SB 1407, a bill aimed at exempting veterans' retirement income from state taxes, and the need for community support to pass this legislation.Recorded aboard the historic USS Midway, they unpack SB 1407, a California bill focused on retaining veterans in the state, and examine:The economic impact of veterans’ pensions and spending power in California  The hidden value of volunteerism, leadership, and community service veterans provide  The multi-generational consequences when veterans and their families leave the state  Why supporting SB 1407 is about quality of life, community strength, and long-term prosperity About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Welcome to a SPECIAL "fusion" episode created between "Spotlight" and "Mission: San Diego Mission" to discuss SB 1407, an initiative to exempt military pensions from California state taxation.  The episode took place on the USS Midway to support a press conference held by the San Diego Military Advisory Council and its CEO, David Boone.  In this episode, Charles Parisi, the CEO of Cloudcast Media, filled in for Drew Schlosberg and David Boone (the co-host of Mission: San Diego Military) and was joined by Noa Brady with Cloudcast Media, during a conversation with Pete Mirisola, a 30 year Navy veteran and current AI & Autonomy leader for a global aerospace and defense indsutry company.  About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Dr. Moises Aguirre, Superintendent of the Sweetwater Union High School District , discusses opening doors of opportunity through college and career pathways in a binational border region. Aguirre shares how community schools, cross-border partnerships, and regional collaboration with business and education leaders are building a stronger, future-ready workforce. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Gretchen Burns Bergman, Co-Founder and Executive Director of A New PATH, shares how "heart not harm" and harm reduction strategies are saving lives and creating safer neighborhoods. She discusses addiction as a public health issue, the Moms United to End the War on Drugs program and how business and civic leaders can support effective community solutions. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Tad Parzen, President and CEO of the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, discusses building a "think tank to do tank" that uses data-driven civic dialogue to make the region a better place to live, work, and play for all.  Parzen shares how cross-sector collaboration, the One SD initiative and a problem-solving mentality over polarization can provide dividends for long-term regional goals and objectives.  Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Meagan McKissick, Vice President of Philanthropy for San Diego Oasis, and Michelle Irby, Intergenerational Tutor Program Manager, discuss combating senior isolation, promoting healthy aging and scaling intergenerational tutoring across local schools. They share how people can help with community impact through corporate philanthropy, cross-sector partnerships and engaging employees as volunteers to support low-income and at-risk older adults. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Michael McHale, President and CEO of St. Paul's Senior Services, unpacks the "tsunami of seniors," the hidden middle and our region's fastest growing homeless population ... seniors over 55. Learn how housing, healthcare and community partnerships can transform the aging experience and protect Social Security-era retirees. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Alexis Kimpl, a publicist and young breast cancer survivor, and Dr. Rebecca Shatsky, medical oncologist and clinical trials leader at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center, chat about the rising rates of breast cancer among younger women.  Kimpl and Shatsky talk about the power of patient advocacy and the impact of research-driven care. Hear how intuition, early detection and community partnerships like Susan G. Komen shape healthier, more resilient workplaces and communities. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Krystia Rae, founder of Lavande Vitality House and a breast cancer survivor, shares how facing mortality reshaped her approach to leadership, wellness and impact. She discusses practical ways how people can experience fulfilling lives, lead with purpose and build heart-centered organizations. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Lauren Murphy, Vice President of Business Development at Prime Therapeutics, Executive Committee Member at Susan G. Komen San Diego and a 20-year breast cancer survivor, is joined by Abby Kim, Oncology Pharmacist and Director of Clinical Strategy at Prime Therapeutics, to discuss precision medicine, oncology innovation and patient navigation. This episode dives into how research, clinical trials and addressing financial toxicity and social determinants of health create better outcomes for cancer patients and their families. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Merrilee Neal, former Board Chair and top fundraiser for Susan G. Komen San Diego, and Leia Brune, Executive Director of Komen, discuss leadership, surviving breast cancer, and scaling impact through $1.1B in breast cancer research. Neal and Brune share how corporate leaders and executives can drive health equity, employee engagement, and community impact through strategic philanthropy and advocacy. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Colleen Ster, Founder and CEO of Reflections Publishing, discusses The Resilience Game Plan, growth mindset and communication tools that prepare today's students to become tomorrow's global change makers. Ster explores how people can support youth resilience, foster youth success and build future talent in an age of AI and rising anxiety. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Brandon Steppe, Founder of The David's Harp Foundation and a Prebys Leadership Award honoree, and Adrian Cantero, Community Engagement Manager for the Foundation, talk about how music, mentorship, and real-world production skills create an ecosystem of small business for justice-involved youth. They share how corporate partnerships, workforce development, and impact-driven leadership can transform communities and build a stronger regional talent pipeline. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Neil O'Connell, Executive Director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, and Trevor Wessman-Lavelle, Marketing & Communications Director, discuss the Memorial's "250 years of Valor"; volunteer‑centric leadership; and community impact that resonates with today's executives. Discover how honoring stories of courage, valor, and sacrifice can elevate your company's culture and philanthropy strategy. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Stephen Minix, Vice President of Community for UpMetrics, discusses data storytelling, impact measurement, and getting capital to communities quicker with nonprofit leaders and funders. In this episode, he explores trust-based philanthropy, capacity building, and why relationships are your true currency for social impact. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Tom Davis, a longtime education and community leader, and USD basketball player, is joined by Mike Dupree, a former Helix High teammate of San Diego icon and NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton, and Jim Bristol, a former Monte Vista basketball standout, to reminisce about their relationship with Walton  -- on and off the court.  They discuss Bill Walton's leadership, legacy, and community impact. This episode explores authentic stories of teamwork, servant leadership and how great people shape culture and business in our region. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Richard Lederer, author of 65 books and a longtime Union-Tribune language columnist, explores "sustainable humans," the power of words, and keeping the human in AI.  Lederer discusses leadership, lifelong learning, and how vibrant elders, literacy, and local theater strengthen our regional economy and culture. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Carlos Stance, Founder and Owner of Bowlegged BBQ, and Jordan Stance, the BBQ's pitmaster, discuss building a family-run "safe haven" restaurant that turns customers into friends and community into family. They share how faith, quality, and purpose-led entrepreneurship drive customer loyalty.  Carlos and Jordan chat about their emerging boot business.About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Shannon Ratliff, Board Vice President of Suncoast Market Co-op, discusses building a community-owned grocery store in Imperial Beach to deliver healthy, affordable food options. She shares how cooperative business models, local farms, and impact-driven fundraising can strengthen the regional economy and inspire executive leadership. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Fiona Chatwin, Artistic and Executive Director of Villa Musica, shares how a "home for music" is expanding access to quality music education from Sorrento Valley to its long-waiting second location in East County.  Chatwin discusses Musical Biographies, "healing through the arts," and how corporate and civic leaders can partner to support seniors, families, and emerging talent. About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" 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.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/