The Hope Table

What does it take to lead a modern high school while paving the way for the next generation of educators? In this episode of The Hope Table, host Erin Brinker sits down with Yvette Roman, the dynamic principal of Bloomington High School in Southern California. Roman shares insights into how Bloomington High—a PBIS Platinum and AVID National Demonstration School—is fostering an inclusive, safe, and academically rigorous ...

In this episode of The Hope Table, host Erin Brinker talks with psychiatrist Dr. Ashley Zucker of Kaiser Permanente Southern California about the emotional realities of the sandwich generation—adults caring for both their children and aging parents. They explore the shifting parent–child roles when an elder moves in, common emotions like anxiety, guilt, resentment, and grief, and how cultural expectations can intensify ...

On this episode of The Hope Table, Erin Brinker sits down with colorectal cancer survivor Cynthia Hernandez and surgeon Dr. Joseph Ruan to talk about the diagnosis Cynthia never saw coming—found during a “check-the-box” colonoscopy with zero symptoms. They share how early screening saved her life, what actually happens during colon cancer surgery, and why so many younger adults are now at risk. Along the way, Erin...

In this episode of The Hope Table, host Erin Brinkersits down with Dr. Jeffrey Hsu, vascular surgeon with Kaiser Permanente, and his patient Phil Crawford, a survivor of a ruptured aortic aneurysm—an event that is often fatal. Dr. Hsu explains vascular health in down-to-earth “plumbing” terms, breaks down what aneurysms are, who’s at risk (especially older male smokers), and why screening and early detection...

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 ab...

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 ...

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 pra...

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 readers. Wh...

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 ...

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 ...

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...