In this episode of The Hope Table, Erin Brinker sits down with designer and storyteller Teresa Bruno, founder of Jordan Alexander Jewelry and host of the Soul Talks podcast. Teresa shares how her jewelry line skyrocketed from a personal creative outlet to adorning Michelle Obama, then collapsed due to fraud—followed by the devastating loss of her husband to suicide early in the COVID-19 pandemic. She and Erin talk candidly about gr...

In this episode, host Erin Brinker welcomes Dr. Timothy Jenkins, a board-certified gastroenterologist, for an in-depth discussion on gut health and its far-reaching impact on overall wellness. Dr. Jenkins explains the anatomy and function of the gastrointestinal system, the crucial role of the gut microbiome, and the gut’s influence on immunity, weight, cravings, and even mental health. 

The episode covers the effects of antibiotics...

In this episode of The Hope Table, Erin Brinker welcomes trailblazer Manal Iskander, founder of PC Tronics. Manal shares her inspiring journey from Egypt to Austria to the United States, rising as a leader in IT and innovation. The conversation explores how Manal leveraged global perspectives, embraced the tech revolution, and now helps businesses and nonprofits harness AI for growth and efficiency. She discusses the vital role of ...

In this episode of the Making Hope Happen Radio Show, Erin Brinker interviews Dr. Alex McDonald and Dr. Lourdes Minaya, both physicians with Kaiser Permanente in San Bernardino County. They share their expertise on the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu, especially early in the flu season. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about flu vaccines, the roles doctors play in encouraging vaccination, and why fl...

In this episode of the Making Hope Happen Radio Show, host Erin Brinker welcomes Dr. Fred Moss, a board-certified psychiatrist known for his unconventional approach to mental health. Dr. Moss shares his journey from traditional psychiatry to advocating for holistic healing, emphasizing the transformative power of genuine human connection over medication and diagnosis. The conversation explores the limitations of psychiatric labels,...

In this episode of the Making Hope Happen Radio Show, host Erin Brinker interviews Dr. Neha Vaghasia, a pediatric oncologist and pediatrician. They discuss Dr. Vaghasia’s inspiring journey into medicine, the evolving landscape of pediatric health—including mental health, the impact of social media, and vaccine hesitancy—and the importance of preventative care and community support. The conversation also offers practical advice for ...

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 ...