Stop & Talk

Dr. Paula Cordeiro is a trailblazing educator, leadership expert, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of business, nonprofits, and global development. A former dean and founder of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, she’s reshaping how we think about leadership, wealth building, and the power of purpose-driven enterprises. Through programs like the Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship, she...

Angelina Renteria is the Chief Operating Officer of Indian Health Council, a tribally-run health center serving nine sovereign tribal nations in North San Diego County. With nearly 30 years of experience in health and fitness and two decades in health-focused grant development, she brings deep expertise and cultural insight to her work. Angelina is a passionate advocate for wellness, community voice, and culturally grounde...

Grant Oliphant is the CEO of the Prebys Foundation and a longtime leader in philanthropy and social impact. With decades of experience guiding foundations through moments of transformation, he has a deep understanding of how philanthropy can respond to crises, support nonprofit resilience, and advocate for the society we aspire to reach. 

This Episode: 

Nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges—from shifting political l...

Chris Appleton is the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, a pioneering initiative using social prescribing to integrate the arts into healthcare and improve mental well-being. A leader in arts and social impact, his work has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, and NPR. With a background in nonprofit leadership Chris is redefining healing one creative prescription at a time. 

This episode: 

What if a doctor’s prescription ...

In this episode, Grant sits down with four  motivated leaders who are driving solutions to the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Ramon Chairez, Sarah Davidson, Lesly Gallegos-Stearns, and Kapili Pasa are proving that change isn’t just possible, it is already happening through advocacy, environmental education, and community organizing. 

Their stories reveal deep, personal connections to the estuary, the ocean, and the communitie...

Special Series: This season, Stop & Talk is diving into one of San Diego County’s biggest environmental and health emergencies: the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. Through this special series, we hear from doctors, advocates, researchers, and others fighting for clean environments, healthy communities, and real solutions to a crisis that’s been dismissed for too long. 

This episode:
For decades, families in San Dieg...

Season 2 of Stop and Talk brought us stories of resilience, creativity, and community action across San Diego. Hosts Grant Oliphant and Crystal Page welcomed guests who are tackling complex challenges, from reimagining public spaces to strengthening community mental health and fostering economic equity. Each conversation offered a glimpse into the powerful work happening in San Diego County—and the people behind it.

In ...

In this episode, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Thelma Virata de Castro, a Filipinx artist, playwright, and community teacher based in San Diego. Thelma's work delves deep into the human experience, with a unique blend of humor and profound themes. Through her "Cultivating JOY" project—part of the Far South Border North initiative—Thelma empowers writers and audiences to explore their relationships with nature. 

The...

Carol Dedrich, CEO of Girl Scouts San Diego, joins host Grant Oliphant to explore the evolving role of Girl Scouts in shaping the next generation of leaders. Drawing from her rich experiences as a U.S. Army captain and Girl Scout alumna, Carol shares how her journey is intricately connected to the mission of empowering young women in today’s complex world. She reflects on the similarities between military service and Girl ...

In this episode of Stop & Talk, host Grant Oliphant sits down with visionary urban planner Omar Blaik, CEO of U3 Advisors, to explore the future of downtown spaces and their potential to serve all community members. Drawing from his extensive experience revitalizing cities like Philadelphia, Omar discusses the role of thoughtful design in fostering connection, empathy, and vibrancy in urban environments.

Key to the conv...

In this special live episode of Stop & Talk, Dr. Sindy Escobar Alvarez, Program Director for Medical Research at the Doris Duke Foundation, joins host Grant Oliphant. This interview was recorded at a community forum hosted by the Prebys Foundation that explored the evolving landscape of medical research funding and its impact on community health. They discuss the many important issues facing the field, including equity...

In this episode, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Dr. Isabel Newton, a distinguished physician-scientist and passionate mentor, whose work is transforming how patients and medical professionals engage with the healthcare system. Her multifaceted career spans research, clinical care, education, and community connection, all rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the same quality of care. 

The convers...

Amina Sheik Mohamed is a dedicated advocate for health equity and cultural inclusivity. Her incredible work led her to be awarded one of Prebys Foundation’s inaugural Leadership Awards.  As the Founder and Director of the Refugee Health Unit at UC San Diego, Amina has been instrumental in championing initiatives that empower immigrant communities in San Diego County. In this episode, she joins host Grant Oliphant to explor...

In this episode, Stop & Talk host Grant Oliphant engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dan Yates, board chair of the Prebys Foundation and co-founder/CEO of Endeavor Bank. A true San Diego native, Dan's journey from Paradise Hills to becoming a leading civic figure in San Diego reveals a profound commitment to community and service.

Dan shares his experiences growing up in a diverse and complex environment, which...

Dr. Benjamin Maxwell, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Rady Children’s Hospital, joins host Grant Oliphant to discuss enhancing youth psychological well-being, challenges to mental and behavioral health, and comprehensive solutions that go beyond the clinic. He shares the importance of early intervention and the vital role the community plays in creating environments that help young people flourish. His collabor...

 In this episode of Stop & Talk, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Dr. Mary Walshok, an influential thinker and powerhouse in the San Diego community. Recently retired from her role as Vice Chancellor at UC San Diego, Mary spearheaded the creation of Park and Market, a facility designed to support serendipitous interactions and collaboration across sectors. She shares her deep insights into the intersection of innovat...

In this episode, Dr. Constance Carroll, Chancellor Emerita of the San Diego Community College District, joins host Grant Oliphant to share her extraordinary journey in the realm of higher education and her lasting impact on the San Diego community. From her early days as the youngest black woman college president in the United States to her pivotal role in expanding community college baccalaureate programs, Constance’s sto...

 Irwin Jacobs, joins host Grant Oliphant to reflect on his extensive, impactful philanthropic work in the San Diego region and beyond. He shares an inspiring journey of philanthropy deeply intertwined with personal values and community impact. Irwin speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs of these endeavors, emphasizing the importance of resilience, vision, and community engagement. 

A lifelong donor and scholarsh...

In this episode, Stop & Talk host Grant Oliphant talks with Ramel Wallace, a multifaceted artist, activist, and community builder deeply embedded in the San Diego creative scene. Ramel's journey, rooted in hip-hop storytelling and community engagement, provides a unique lens into the city's history, culture, and social dynamics.

Ramel discusses his viral "We’re San Diegans" video series, which humorously and poignantly ...