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Live From LA County
Live From LA County
Author: Live From LA County
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Live From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all.
From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites you into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County.
From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites you into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County.
22 Episodes
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In this episode of Live from LA County, host Rodney Collins sits down with Marcia Mayeda, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. Marcia shares what it takes to lead one of the largest animal care systems in the country. From public safety and humane enforcement to adoptions, disaster response, and community partnerships, this conversation highlights how animal care is deeply connected to public service and community wellbeing.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Tina Curry, Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia KhanEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Marcia MayedaLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
Dr. Ferrer discusses what it takes to lead public health in one of the most complex and diverse regions in the country. From crisis response and health equity to prevention strategy and workforce leadership, this conversation explores how LA County works to protect and improve the health of nearly 10 million residents.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Tina Curry, Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia KhanEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Dr. Barbara FerrerLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
In this episode of Live from LA County, we sit down with David J. Carroll, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development, to discuss how the County is transforming its approach to youth justice. David shares why LA County is shifting away from punishment-centered systems toward a youth development model grounded in care, accountability, and opportunity. The conversation explores leadership, culture change, and what it takes to build systems that support young people beyond confinement.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Tina Curry, Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia KhanEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: David J. CarrollLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
This episode of Live from LA County features Sarah Mahin, the new Director of LA County’s Homeless Services and Housing, as she takes on one of the region’s most urgent and complex challenges: ending homelessness. Sarah shares her vision for reshaping how the County responds to homelessness emphasizing urgency, transparency, and trust.Drawing on her experience in both government and advocacy, Sarah reflects on what it takes to lead systems change from within, how public service can be deeply personal, and why second chances matter. The conversation is candid, inspiring, and rooted in the belief that the status quo must change and that LA County has the tools to do better.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Tina Curry, Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia KhanEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Sarah MahinLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
Director Lisa Garrett leads HR for the nation’s largest county workforce nearly 100,000 employees across 40 departments. In this episode, she shares her LA story (Inglewood → UCLA → Southwestern Law), how HR is modernizing recruitment, telework, and talent pipelines, and why purpose-driven work keeps people in public service. A candid conversation on leadership, belonging, and the many places a County career can go.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Tina Curry, Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia KhanEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Lisa M. GarrettLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
DHS Director Dr. Christina Ghaly joins Rodney Collins to unpack how LA County’s health system works 4 hospitals, 23 clinics, EMS, correctional health, probation youth care, harm reduction and ODR and why equity, language access, and measurable outcomes drive decisions. She reflects on Housing for Health (90%+ two-year housing stability), LA General & Harbor trauma leadership, and a new strategic plan focused on clinical excellence, population health, workforce well-being, and fiscal sustainability.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia KhanEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Dr. Christina Ghaly Live From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
LA County’s Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey C. Ukpo explains why our system is independent of law enforcement, how his office conducts ~13,000 death investigations a year, and how findings drive public-health prevention (from safe infant sleep to emerging substance alerts). He discusses equity, staff well-being (in-house psychologist), cross-department collaboration, and what grief, meaning, and justice really look like beyond headlines.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia KhanEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Dr. Odey C. Ukpo Live From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
SD Director Michael Owh joins Rodney Collins to unpack how Internal Services powers LA County from IT, radios, facilities and fleet to $2B in procurement, EV charging , and disaster response. Hear his take on standardizing e-procurement, digital equity (Delete the Divide, community broadband), and practical AI plus the leadership lessons behind “no wrong door” service.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia KhanEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Michael OwhLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
Director Amy J. Bodek joins Rodney Collins to unpack how LA County Regional Planning shapes daily life land use, zoning, sustainability, housing, and long-range vision for unincorporated communities. From drones and data to equity, history, and community voice, this episode explains how planning balances policy, place, and people.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Alban Kalasa, Mark Whitney, Sofia Khan Editor: Alban KalasaGuest: Amy J. BodekLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
Director Jim Zenner (LA County Military & Veterans Affairs) joins Rodney Collins to discuss leadership with lived experience, the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPN), plans for veteran treatment courts, partnerships with VA/CBOs, and coordination on homelessness & housing. He also covers SkillBridge pathways for service members, staff wellbeing, and how residents can volunteer or support veterans through County programs and the Warrior Heritage Foundation.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Jim ZennerLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all. From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose. The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
LA County’s Public Defender Ricardo D. García joins Rodney Collins for a candid conversation about client-centered representation, Community Outreach Court, expungement clinics, and leading the nation’s largest public defender office. He shares his LA story, what “flipping the pyramid” in leadership looks like, and how technology (including AI) and community partnerships expand access to justice.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Ricardo D. GarcíaLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all.From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose.The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
This episode features Mark Pestrella, Director of LA County Public Works, leading the nation’s largest municipal public works agency. He walks through how Public Works touches everyday life—from capturing stormwater in dams for groundwater recharge and preventing floods after wildfires, to maintaining roads and transit options (including the Beach Bus), managing sewers and wastewater issues, and planning the County’s solid-waste system. The conversation spotlights resilience and climate readiness, community safety, and the behind-the-scenes coordination required to keep 10 million residents moving. Personal reflections on his LA story and a lifelong connection to water frame a leadership approach rooted in service, prevention, and long-term infrastructure stewardship.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Mark PestrellaLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all.From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose.The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
In this episode, Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director of the nation’s largest public mental health system, shares how LA County is transforming care from crisis response to recovery grounded in hope, equity, and community. 🔍Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss: • 988 & Care Court: How new crisis pathways and collaborative courts are changing outcomes. • Equity & Access: Bottom-up anti-racism work (ARISE) and cross-department collaboration to serve everyone, including people experiencing homelessness. • Beyond Symptoms: A recovery-focused approach that centers purpose, community, and wellbeing. • Workforce & The Clubhouse Model: Supporting the people who do the work and expanding community clubs that foster belonging. • Leadership from the Frontline: Lessons from Skid Row to County leadership, and why hope is a practice, not just a feeling. Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Kurt FlorenLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all.From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose.The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
Did you know that one Los Angeles County department quietly impacts nearly everything you eat, buy, and use — yet most people have never heard of it?In Episode Six, we sit down with Kurt Floren, Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights & Measures, to uncover why his team calls themselves “The Biggest Little Department in the County.”🔍Why you should listen:• 🌱 Learn how the department safeguards the food we grow and consume.• ⚖️ Discover how every scale, gas pump, and measuring device you use is kept fair and accurate.• 🐝 Hear surprising stories, from coyotes to ensuring honest commerce.Kurt’s story reveals just how much this small-but-mighty department touches our daily lives.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Kurt FlorenLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all.From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose.The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
Listen to Kurt Floren as he shares his experience interviewing for a leadership position. Does he ultimately secure the job? Clip from LiveFrom LA County Podcast - Episode 6 "Your Food, Your Gas, Your Wallet: Kurt Floren" Host: Rodney Collins Producers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Kurt Floren
This episode features a visionary conversation with Norma Edith García-González, Director of LA County Parks & Recreation. From advancing equity and public health to building community through shared spaces, discover the vision driving one of the largest park systems in the nation. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:• What should be within walking distance for everyone.• Why the department of “fun” is so much more than that to residents of all ages. • What makes over 6,000 people volunteer with parks, and what it means to them.• How accessibility makes it possible to connect with nature even in an urban area in Los Angeles.• Her journey from a summer job to now leading one of the largest park systems in the nation.Whether you’re a park goer, a community advocate, or simply curious about how public spaces shape our lives, this episode has something for you.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Norma Edith García-GonzálezLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all.From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose.The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
What opportunities can a summer job lead to?Clip from Live From LA County Podcast - Episode 5"The Power of Parks: Building Healthier, More Connected Communities with Norma Edith García-González"Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Norma Edith García-González
What if public social services weren’t just about meeting basic needs, but about creating opportunity, dignity, and real community connection?In episode four, we sit down with Dr. Jackie Contreras, Director of the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), to talk about how she’s transforming the largest local social services agency in the nation.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:• The difference between a net and a springboard.• Why serving people with respect and dignity matters.• How Dr. Contreras shows up to work.• That it is not a failure to ask for support.• The journey from being a recipient of public benefits to now leading the largest social service agency in the United States.Dr. Contreras brings both heart and strategy to her leadership. This episode goes beyond programs and policies to explore her journey, her bold vision for the future of DPSS, and how public service can be a powerful force for change.Whether you’re a County employee, a community partner, or just passionate about social impact, this conversation is for you.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaAssociate Editor: Steve BaldwinGuest: Dr. Jackie ContrerasLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all.From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose.The Living Library Series within the podcast is a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
This episode features a vibrant conversation with Kristin Sakoda, the visionary Director of the Department of Arts and Culture. From special events, famous LA Venues, and making the arts more accessible, creative Kristin reveals how the arts are not just nice-to-have — they’re an essential public service.🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:• How art is essential in all aspects of daily life in LA.• The internship that is making it possible for more people to get into the art space.• Common misconceptions when thinking about the best way to work in the arts.• Director Sakoda's real thoughts the first time she heard about the combination of government and the arts. Hear how LA County is using arts and culture to build belonging, improve public health, support youth, and everyone who calls LA home.Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina Curry.Editor: Alban KalasaAssociate Editor: Steve BaldwinGuest: Kristin SakodaLive From LA County is a storytelling podcast that celebrates the voices and experiences of Los Angeles County employees. Centered on meaningful conversations, each episode features interviews with County leaders, changemakers, and team members across all levels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our workforce and the shared values that connect us all.From community engagement and cultural milestones to creative problem-solving and innovation, this podcast invites listeners into honest, inspiring discussions about what it means to serve Los Angeles County. It’s a space to listen, learn, and lead together with empathy and purpose.The podcast kicks off with the Living Library Series, a collection of candid conversations with LA County Department Heads. Hosted by Rodney Collins, Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, this series offers a closer look at the personal and professional journeys of our County leaders. Each episode dives into unfiltered conversations about their values, career paths, challenges, accomplishments, and what makes their LA County story unique.
In this compelling conversation, Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.), Director of the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD), joins host Rodney Collins for a bold and unfiltered discussion on transformational leadership, second chances, and what it truly means to center equity and care in our justice system. From the bench to the frontlines of system change, Judge Armstead opens up about her personal journey, professional insights, and the urgent work ahead, all through the lens of compassion and community impact. Host: Rodney CollinsProducers: Ramla Javed, Flavio Guzman Magaña, Tina CurryEditor: Alban KalasaGuest: Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.)























