📍 Santa Monica, CA -

In this episode, I'm talking with the head of Kas Kas Productions, Kamala Avila-Salmon.

Kamala is tireless in her work to amplify those underrepresented voices in the vast media landscape, and discusses that work in a clear and compelling way.

We talk about how she got there. The twists and turns which made her the Kamala that I met all those years ago, and so much more.

Kamala:

• LinkedIn

No More Strangers:

• Instagram⁠
• LinkedIn

📍 Fillmore, CA -

This time we're diving deep into the world of the human voice. Its science, its art, and the incredible passion that fuels its mastery!

Join me as I sit down with the wonderful Lisa Popeil, a truly legendary vocal coach, pioneering researcher, and an artist whose understanding of voice blew me away. My own path crossed with Lisa's years ago for a single vocal lesson, and the impression she left was so massive, I knew that a longer conversation was inevitable.

What followed was an exploration of her life dedicated to "Voice, Exploration, and Passion." Lisa shares her winding journey from profound early philosophical insights , navigating the music industry, becoming a globally respected authority in vocal science, and finding her ultimate calling in teaching. We get into the mechanics, the myths, and the magic.

Honestly, this one’s a wild ride into a world you might think that you know, but will be fascinated by either way. Y'all ready? Let's go exploring!

Lisa Popeil

Voiceworks® Method

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

No More Strangers:

⁠Instagram⁠⁠

⁠LinkedIn

📍 Sawtelle, Los Angeles, CA -

In this episode, we’re talking coffee and Los Angeles, among many, many other things.

Join me as I sit down with THE Chuck Herrera, owner and mastermind behind GoodPeople Coffee Co, nestled in the heart of West L.A.. His path was not so straight-forward, and that’s just the way of things for more people than not.

What started as early-morning “coffee talk” became an ongoing conversation which I felt the need to capture, and in this conversation, Chuck shares the winding path that brought him to this moment: a story of growth, self-reflection, and learning to find peace in presence.

Y’all are NOT ready for this one, so buckle up!

Chuck Herrera

Instagram

LinkedIn

GoodPeople Instagram

GoodPeople Coffee Co

No More Strangers:

Instagram⁠

LinkedIn

📍 Inglewood, CA -

In this episode of No More Strangers, Keiana Richàrd-Bartolome joins J.T. Erickson to explore the intersections of performance, identity, and presence. As a director, actor, teacher, and mother, Keiana brings a layered perspective to what it means to be “in the room”, whether on stage, in the classroom, or at home.

Together, they talk about the evolving nature of identity, the balance between creative ambition and family life, and the quiet strength required to trust your voice when it doesn’t always feel welcome. It’s a conversation about alignment, doubt, and choosing to show up anyway.

📍 San Jose, CA -

What happens when a brilliant mind questions its own foundation?

In this episode, J.T. sits down with David Grover—a data architect and "defrocked" philosopher with a deep love of logic, language, and self-examination—for a raw and thoughtful conversation exploring the sometimes ironic paths our lives can take.

David shares his experience navigating the medical and mental health landscape while wrestling with the existential questions that once unraveled his academic career—and later became the backbone of his professional success.

Follow No More Strangers:

- Instagram⁠

- LinkedIn

📍 San Carlos, CA -

In this episode of No More Strangers, Caroline Kim joins J.T. Erickson to explore questions of identity, perfectionism, and self-discovery. Caroline opens up about her journey to untangle herself from external expectations, sharing deeply relatable insights into vulnerability, self-worth, and the universal experience of feeling like we're all "winging it." Join us as we discuss how embracing our imperfections can be a powerful catalyst for genuine growth and meaningful connection.

Caroline Kim:

Coaching: https://www.yesitsfriday.com/

No More Strangers:

Instagram⁠

LinkedIn

📍 Los Angeles, CA -

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with Rob Cochran—a retired police officer, security guard, and someone whose career has been defined by service, duty, and the power of relationships.

In this episode, we talk about what drew him to law enforcement, the realities of police work beyond media portrayals, and the philosophy that shaped his approach to service. Rob shares how trust and relationships are essential to effective policing—why he always kept his window down on patrol, how community engagement changes outcomes, and the lessons he carried into his post-police life.

It’s a conversation about integrity, perspective, and the human side of a career in service.

I’d love to hear what stood out to you—drop a comment or send a message.

As always, I hope you’re walking away with one less stranger in your life.

No More Strangers:

• Instagram⁠

• LinkedIn

📍 Aliso Viejo, California -

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my friend Roman Bercot—a veteran, a technologist, and someone who has spent his life adapting to new challenges, from military service to AI and UX design.

In this episode, we talk about emergence—how life unfolds in ways we don’t always anticipate, and how we navigate uncertainty with intention. We explore readiness—the lasting effects of being trained for constant vigilance, how it serves us, and where it can take a toll. Finally, we dig into reinvention—Roman’s evolution from combat journalist to technologist, and how he found new purpose beyond the uniform.

Roman’s story is one of adaptability, curiosity, and resilience. His insights into shifting careers, navigating mental wellness, and embracing lifelong learning were incredibly compelling, and I hope they resonate with you as much as they did with me.

I’d love to hear what stood out to you, so drop a comment or send a message.

As always, I hope you’re walking away with one less stranger in your life.

🎧 Episode Links

Roman Bercot:

• Socially Conscious AI

• LinkedIn

No More Strangers:

• Instagram⁠

• LinkedIn