In this encore episode of the Making Hope Happen Radio Show from 2022, host Erin Brinker sits down with Gloria Macias Harrison, renowned educator, community leader, and former president of Crafton Hills College. Gloria shares her remarkable story of growing up in San Bernardino, her pioneering work in education and community journalism, and her insights on language, culture, and leadership. The conversation explores the value of bi...

Join host Erin Brinker and publishing expert Conni Francini as they dive deep into the evolving world of book publishing. Discover the secrets of successful authorship, learn about the challenges writers face, and explore innovative publishing strategies. From children's books to thought leadership titles, this engaging conversation reveals how authors can transform their ideas into compelling stories that resonate with reader...

In this powerful episode of the Making Hope Happen radio show, Dr. Donita Grissom shares her remarkable journey from legal assistant to passionate educator and hope researcher. After experiencing profound personal tragedy, including the sudden loss of her husband while conducting doctoral research in Haiti, Grissom discovered the transformative power of hope. She discusses her groundbreaking work on hope theory, focusing on how edu...

Why is walking one of the most powerful prescriptions in medicine? Dr. Robert Sallis, team physician for the LA Clippers and clinical professor at Kaiser Permanente, joins Erin Brinker to break down what men really need to know about exercise, sleep, diet, diabetes prevention, and aging well. From fitness wearables to fighting chronic disease, Dr. Sallis shares realistic, research-backed insights on how men can take control of thei...

Join us for a deep dive into America’s founding with two distinguished experts:

Jeff Lowe: A master teacher with accolades from the James Madison Memorial Foundation where he is a Senior Fellow, the American Revolution Institute, and the George Washington Teachers Institute. His extensive knowledge and dedication to teaching the nation’s early history have earned him recognition.

Tobin Brinker: A seasoned history teacher with a decad...

In this episode, Erin Brinker sits down with Cynthia Rivard, an accomplished executive leader and visionary thinker, to explore the transformative power of heart-centered communication and egoless leadership. Cynthia shares her philosophy that true societal change begins with compassion-driven decision-making—where leadership is rooted in service, not ego.

As the author of the upcoming books A New Breed of Leader and Hope for a...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Erin sits down with Dr. Ashley Zucker, a board-certified psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente, to explore the importance of mental health care, the stigma that still surrounds it, and what we can all do to support our own well-being. Together, they discuss practical tips for managing stress, recognizing signs of mental health challenges, and fostering a culture of openness and compassion in...

Get ready for an empowering conversation! Erin is joined by Dr. Marisol Flores, a board-certified OB/GYN from Kaiser Permanente in San Bernardino County. Together, they dive into how to plan, what to expect, and how to thrive during one of life’s biggest transitions, menopause. Whether you’re just starting to think ahead or already navigating the journey, Dr. Flores shares expert tips, heartfelt advice, and practical strategies to ...

What if the mental health system focused on thriving instead of just surviving? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Erin welcomes Dustin Dean, PMHNP-BC, and Mick Myers, PMHNP-BC, co-founders of Mind Health Concierge. With decades of experience spanning elite medical care, fitness innovation, and psychiatric practice, Dustin and Mick share how their personal journeys—and frustrations with the limitations of traditional car...

Fund development connects people with their purpose. Erin is joined by Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE, a Certified Fundraising Executive and trainer. Jack is a seasoned fundraising professional with a rich background in healthcare, social services, and the arts. Over his career, he has held leadership roles including executive director, development director, and major gifts and legacy giving manager. Jack is deeply involved in advancing the...

In this episode, Erin welcomes Dr. Pamela Buchanan — board-certified physician, powerful storyteller, and passionate advocate for healing and human connection. 

Drawing from her own journey and the stories of others, Dr. Buchanan shares eye-opening insights into the emotional toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on physicians and healthcare providers — and what recovery looks like on the other side.

As an ...

Erin sits down with two rockstars in early childhood—Karen Scott, Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino, and Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, longtime Commissioner and fierce community advocate—to talk about what it really takes to give kids the best start in life.

They’re celebrating 25 years of First 5 San Bernardino magic—from big wins to behind-the-scenes stories—and sharing how this powerhouse organization has been changing ...

The traditional school-to-career pipeline is broken—but Tomorrow’s Talent is changing that in Southern California. Today, Erin sits down with Tomorrow's Talent Founder and Visionary, Dr. Dale Marsden and Ginger Ontiveros, CEO of Tomorrow’s Talent, to explore how they’re reshaping the future of workforce development.

Under Dr. Marsden’s leadership, SBCUSD achieved a historic transformation—boosting graduation rates to 90% a...

Your heart health is in your hands! Dr. William Mosley, Interventional Cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, joins Erin for a vital conversation about preventing heart disease—the #1 killer of Americans.

Heart health isn’t just about genetics; the choices we make every day play a powerful role in keeping our hearts strong. From small lifestyle changes to recognizing early warning signs, Dr. Mosley shares exp...

Erin is joined by Vanessa Perez and Rosie Plancarte from Time for Change Foundation for an inspiring conversation about transformation and resilience. They share how the organization empowers women to break free from trauma, homelessness, incarceration, and family separation—helping them rebuild their lives, regain custody of their children, and develop the skills needed for lasting self-sufficiency. Tune in to hear powerful storie...

In this episode, Erin Brinker welcomes two distinguished guests for insightful discussions on transformation and personal growth.

First, she speaks with Tiger Todd, founder of Hero School, about his groundbreaking work in helping thousands of homeless individuals transition into motivated, contributing members of society. Tiger shares his innovative approach to tackling homelessness and discusses how his methodology has influen...

This week, Erin sits down with Dr. Alberto Yanez, Kaiser Permanente’s Assistant Area Medical Director, for an inspiring conversation about health, community, and impact. A Baldwin Park native with an Ivy League education from Harvard and medical training from the University of Illinois, Dr. Yanez brings a deep passion for family medicine and community well-being. As the leader of Kaiser Permanente’s Community Benefits work in San B...