Épisodes

  • Highlights Part 4 - Libraries and Librarians: From COVID Lifelines to Book Bans
    Jan 24 2026
    Then, we transition to a panel led by Susan Stuart Clark featuring library directors Jayanti Addleman (Hayward) and Derek Wolfgram (Redwood City). They share on-the-ground stories of how their institutions transformed overnight—from providing hotspots and homework centers to becoming de facto daytime shelters for unhoused neighbors. This episode highlights the resilience of library staff, the mental health crisis, and the lasting impact of the digital divide.Key Topics & Takeaways[00:03:40] Origins of “Free for All”: How the filmmakers realized librarians are "first responders" during Hurricane Katrina, aiding evacuees when other systems failed.[00:10:45] The RV Tour Idea: Innovative distribution plans to project the documentary in library parking lots to maintain community during social distancing.[00:15:00] Hayward’s Pivot: How Hayward Public Library immediately extended loan periods to one year and distributed hotspots to support students and immigrant families.[00:18:20] Redwood City Online: The surprise benefit of online programming, which increased accessibility for people with disabilities and transportation barriers.[00:21:00] Basic Needs & Hygiene: Libraries stepping up to provide portable toilets and handwashing stations for unhoused populations when public spaces closed.[00:30:00] The Heartbreak of Success: A story about a patron who found housing but was devastated to lose his daily connection to the Redwood City Library community.[00:50:00] The Future of Funding: The unprecedented opportunity of ARPA stimulus funds going directly to cities to help rebuild local services.Guests & HostGeorge Koster – Host and Executive Producer of Voices of the Community.Eric Estrada – Associate Producer and Host.Dawn Logsdon & Lucie Faulknor – Co-Founders of Serendipity Films and creators of the documentary Free for All.Susan Stuart Clark – Founder of Common Knowledge and community engagement expert.Jayanti Addleman – Director of Library Services for the City of Hayward.Derek Wolfgram – Library Director of Redwood City Public Library.Resources & Links MentionedFree for All Documentary: Learn more about the film at FreeForAllFilms.org.Voices of the Community Episode 10: Listen to the full interview with the filmmakers here: https://georgekoster.com/voc-free-for-allVoices of the Community Library Panel: Listen to the full panel discussion with Susan, Jayanti, and Derek here: https://georgekoster.com/voc-stories-common-knowledge-library-panelLearn More about our Guests & Series Listen to the full conversations: Dive deeper into these stories by listening to the complete interviews in Episode 10 and the Library Panel Episode.Explore the Series: Check out the full COVID-19 Special SeriesSupport the Show: Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us continue producing these stories. Click the donate button at voicesofthecommunity.comSignup for our Newsletter to stay in the loop on future shows and live eventsMake a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Credits & AcknowledgmentsProduced by: George Koster and Alien Boy ProductionsAssociate Producer, Audio & Video: Eric EstradaVisual Design: Casey Nance of Citron StudioBroadcast Partners: KSFP-LP 102.5 FM (San Francisco) and KPCA-LP 103.3 FM (Petaluma)Special Thanks: BAVC Media for the initial collaboration on the SF Non-Profit Spotlight.TranscriptFull transcripts and video episodes are available on our website and YouTube channel.Website:https://georgekoster.com/voc-c19-highlight-show-part-4-libraries-transcriptYouTube: George Koster Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, and our archives:You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!,
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    59 min
  • Covid-19's Impact on Housing & Wrap Around Services Highlights Part 3
    Dec 19 2025

    “We were able to open our tiny house village during the pandemic and have 26 young people move in off the street and into housing." - Sally Hindman, Founder & Executive Director, Youth Spirit Artworks

    3 Main Takeaways on Solutions

    1.Guaranteed Income Works-Programs like **Miracle Money** and the **New Leaf Project** show that direct cash support helps unhoused individuals secure housing faster, save money, and meet basic needs—while reducing emergency service use and public costs.

    2.Wraparound Services Matter-Housing is most effective when paired with case management, behavioral health care, employment support, childcare, harm reduction, and social connection—creating stability that lasts.

    3.Community-Led Responses-Alternative response teams and peer-led initiatives such as *Street Sheet* replace criminalization with dignity, trust, and solutions rooted in lived experience.

    Go to the visit our episode web page to engage in supporting the organizations who support our unhoused neighbors.

    Guest Names and Organizations

    •Kevin Adler - Founder & CEO, Miracle Messages

    •Jen Roy - Miracle Messages Volunteer

    •Ray - Miracle Money Program Participant

    •Shannon Eizenga - Executive Director, Gubbio Project at St. Boniface Church

    •Mary Kate Bacalao - Compass Family Services

    •Mark Slater - Raphael House

    •Ceci Ferber - Raphael House

    •Jennifer Friedenbach - Executive Director, Coalition on Homelessness

    •Quiver Watts - Editor, Street Sheet

    •Sally Hindman - Founder & Executive Director, Youth Spirit Artworks

    •Wendy Click - Manager of Outreach, Hospitality House

    •Janet Williams - Hospitality House

    •Joe Wilson - Hospitality House

    •Alan Gutierrez - Manager of Housing Subsidy Programs, San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

    •Beth Stokes - Executive Director, Episcopal Community Services

    •Jugal Patel - Housing Subsidy Recipient

    •Dr. Jiyang Zhao - Lead Researcher, Foundations for Social Change

    •Heather Hayes - Foundations for Social Change

    🎧 Listen now | 💬 Get involved!

    Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.

    Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events

    Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, and our archives:You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!,

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    1 h
  • Covid 19's Impact on our Communities Highlights Part 2 - Food Security & Basic Needs
    Nov 22 2025

    “Before the pandemic, one in four San Francisco families struggled with food security; after, four out of ten Black and Latinx families are struggling.” - Kenneth Kim, Senior Director of Programs, GLIDE

    Drawn from our 105-episode COVID-19 series, this conversation revisits the early months of the global pandemic—and connects them to today’s hunger crisis intensified by government shutdowns and SNAP cuts. Frontline leaders describe building pop-up pantries in days, serving thousands of outdoor meals, scaling home-delivered food for seniors, and standing up mobile hygiene and hotel-based shelters for unhoused neighbors.

    You’ll hear from:

    • SF-Marin Food Bank, Redwood Empire Food Bank & Meals on Wheels SF
    • Glide Memorial Church & St. Anthony’s
    • Simply the Basics, Lava Mae X & Hayes Valley Bakeworks
    • Community Forward SF, Tipping Point & Project Homeless Connect

    Key themes:

    • Demand outpacing supply across food and hygiene services
    • Seniors, families, and communities of color on the front lines of hunger
    • How “radical hospitality” and one-stop hubs restore dignity and trust

    🎧 Listen now | 💬 Get involved!

    For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page

    Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.

    Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events

    Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, and our archives:You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!,

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    59 min
  • Covid-19’s Impact on Our Communities Highlights Part 1 - Small Businesses
    Oct 24 2025

    "I think that people forget that. These small businesses, they're the ones that are sponsoring your sports teams, which are helping with school things, and that are doing fundraisers that are giving back to the community all the time." - Rebecca Bertoldi

    When COVID-19 hit, we launched a series to spotlight the small businesses that sustain our communities. Five years on, many are still rebuilding. This highlight episode revisits candid conversations with policymakers, advisors, and owners about what truly helped—and what must happen next.

    Top Problems

    • Financing gaps & collapsing revenue put leases, payroll, and inventory at risk.
    • Technology barriers slowed the pivot to online sales and services.
    • Minimal cash reserves left micro and solo enterprises exposed.

    Top Solutions

    • SBA pathways: PPP (including second draw), EIDL working capital, and SBA debt relief that covered principal and interest for existing borrowers.
    • Hands-on technical assistance: devices, training, and coaching to move operations online and reach customers.
    • Community-led purchasing: direct takeout, gift cards, curated boxes, catering, and pop-ups to keep dollars local.

    Show Guests

    • Julie Clowes, District Director, Small Business Administration's San Francisco District Office
    • Tim Russell, Program Director, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
    • Sharon Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
    • Pierre Coeurdeuil, Director of Advising & Education, SFMade
    • Amanda Fried, Chief of Policy and Communications, Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco
    • Adam Fowler, founding partner, CVL Economics
    • Kristin Houk Owner of All Good Pizza, TATO, Café Alma
    • Rebecca Bertoldi, Rebecca Bertoldi Marketing
    • Pooja Rajani, Director of Programs, En 2 Action
    • Laurie Thomas, Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant Association
    • Shannon Walter, Manager, Blue Plate SF
    • Jeff Trenam, Owner, Blue Plate SF
    • Michelle Pusateri, Owner, Nana Joes Granola
    • Andrea Baker, Founder, En 2 Action

    Show Hosts

    • Eric Estrada / Co-Host/ VOC
    • George Koster/Producer/Host Voices of the Community

    Why listen
    You’ll hear what it really took to survive: from emergency capital and city tax relief to e-commerce pivots and neighborhood solidarity. Owners share the stress, the ingenuity, and the lessons they want every community to remember.

    Take action
    After you listen, do one thing to strengthen your local economy:
    • Order direct from neighborhood restaurants and makers (skip third-party delivery when you can).
    • Buy gift cards or curated boxes, book local catering for meetings and events.
    • Donate or volunteer with the support organizations featured in this episode.
    • Share this episode with a friend who loves small businesses as much as you do.

    🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved!

    For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page

    Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.

    Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events

    Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, and our archives:You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!,

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    1 h
  • ”Beyond Bankruptcy”: The Fight For Stockton - Highlights Part 2
    Sep 24 2025

    “We talk about that nihilistic mindset… what it means to grow up in a community that has that mindset and how that affects them. You have to be honest with them, though, that this is real. This is why y’all are dying.” - Anthony Rodriguez

    Part two features Barbara Albertson, Michael Tubbs, youth panelists, and educators discussing Stockton's remarkable transformation from America's most miserable city through genuine community engagement, crime reduction strategies, educational reform, and grassroots organizing efforts.

    Episode Guests:

    • Barb Alberson—Senior Deputy Director for Policy & Planning, San Joaquin County Public Health Service
    • Michael Tubbs—Former Mayor, City of Stockton
    • Brandon Leake—Founder & CEO, Called To Move
    • Tama Brisbane, co-founder & director, WOW Inc.
    • Anthony Rodriguez—Teacher, Marshall Elementary School, Instructor, Summer Success & Leadership Academy
    • Rhodesia Ransom, co-founder of Sow A Seed, California Assembly Person for the 13th Assembly District
    • Tafari Lee—Youth Leader, Stockton
    • Tyla Lovely Cotton—Youth Leader, Stockton
    • Johnny Barrios—Youth Leader, Stockton

    Hosts:

    • Eric Estrada (associate producer),
    • George Koster (creator, series host)
    • Michael Fitzgerald (Stockton Town Hall host and retired Stockton Record reporter)

    Your voice matters! Support these Stockton nonprofits featured in this highlight episode along with the entire documentary series! They are vital for economic growth, community health, and empowering future leaders. Watch, listen, and share this crucial episode with your networks, local officials, and community development funders.

    🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved!

    For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.

    Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.

    Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events

    Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, and our archives:You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!,

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    30 min
  • ”Beyond Bankruptcy”: The Fight For Stockton - Highlights Part 1
    Aug 28 2025
    No one’s coming to save us; we have to figure this out ourselves.” — Dillon Delvo

    Reinvention in Stockton starts with people. Family, faith, and Black history shape young leaders; high expectations and visible role models invite the whole community to “come together.” Mentorship turns promise into pathways: Phoenix Scholars supports first-gen, low-income students through applications, scholarships, and personal statements, building generational opportunity. Meanwhile, grassroots coalitions coordinate across safety, health, blight, cultural preservation, housing, and inclusion—proving that cross-sector collaboration can lift South Stockton and create momentum for the city at large.

    Episode Guests

    • Racole Dixon (mother of Michael Tubbs)
    • Barbara Nicholson (grandmother of Michael Tubbs)
    • Tasha Dixon (aunt of Michael Tubbs)
    • Dr. Rebekah Fenton (physician; Phoenix Scholars co-founder with Michael Tubbs)
    • Nicholas Hatten—Founder/Executive Director, San Joaquin Pride Center
    • Fred Sheil—Administrator, STAND (Substance abusers Taking Action to Neutralize Drugs)
    • Dillon Delvo—Co-Founder & Executive Director, Little Manila Rising
    • Jasmine Dellafosse—Founding Member, Reinvent South Stockton Coalition

    Hosts: Eric Estrada (associate producer), George Koster (creator, series host) and Nick McClendon (associate producer/interviewer)

    Your voice matters! Support these Stockton nonprofits! They are vital for economic growth, community health, and empowering future leaders. Watch, listen, and share this crucial episode with your networks, local officials, and arts funders.

    🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved!

    For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page. Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today

    Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.

    Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events

    Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, and our archives:You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!,

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    30 min
  • CA Arts & Culture Summit - “Highlights Show Part 2”
    Jul 16 2025
    "Artists are entitled, just like every other worker, to a livable, predictable, sustainable wage." – Jennifer Laine, San Benito County Arts Council

    In this powerful season finale, guests explore five urgent themes—economic power of the arts, youth-led civic engagement, cultural equity, legislative reform, and creative healing. From museum-building to policy change and correctional programs, they reveal how arts work fuels systemic solutions and community transformation across California.

    Show Guests:

    +Jackie Melendez-Assistant City Manager, City of Chino

    +Tracy Hudak-Director of Field Engagement,California for the Arts

    +Josiah Bruny-CEO,Music Changing Lives

    +Danielle Brazell-Executive Director,California Arts Council (CAC)

    +Kristen Sakoda-Director, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture

    +Jennifer Laine-Executive Director, San Benito County Arts Council & President of California Arts Advocates

    +Shira Lane-Founding Executive Director, Atrium 916

    +Dr. Meghna Bhat-Founder,Gula Stories

    +Ruben Reveles, Futuristic Chicanx Artist

    +Alex Gallardo Valdeolivar-AIC Coordinator/ Instructor, Arts Council of Kern

    + Eric Estrada, Co-Host, Assoc Producer, Voices of the Community

    + Eduardo Robles: Summit Roaming Reporter, California for the Arts and Voices of the Community

    + George Koster: Creator, Host, Producer, Voices of the Community

    Your voice matters! Support the arts now! They are vital for economic growth, community health, and empowering future leaders. Watch, listen, and share this crucial episode with your networks, local officials, and arts funders.

    🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved!

    For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page. Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today

    Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.

    Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events

    Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch, Listen and Engage in all five series now!

    Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, and our archives:You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!,

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    30 min
  • CA Arts & Culture Summit - “Highlights Show Part 1”
    Jun 18 2025

    "I have been used, abused and silenced within the nonprofit industrial complex... I'm not gonna take it anymore... I'm gonna get mine and my community's gonna get there's this year" - Nikko Kimzin, Kimzin Creative

    In Part One of season two of Where Art Meets Impact highlight episode. This episode features inspiring voices from the 2024 California Arts and Culture Summit, which highlights, how artists and advocates tackle three major issues: legitimizing creative careers as real work, integrating arts into health systems, and empowering economic justice through entrepreneurship and guaranteed income. Learn how intentional funding, narrative shifts, and artist-led collaborations are creating systemic change.

    Guests Include:

    + Julie Baker: CEO of California for the Arts

    + Nataki Garrett: Co-artistic Director of One Nation, One Project

    + Chris Appleton: Founder and CEO of Arts Pharmacy

    + Dr. Indre Viskontas: Cognitive Neuroscientist, Scientist, Communicator, Opera Singer and Stage Director

    + Dr. Tasha Golden: Director of Research for the International Arts Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University.

    + Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer-CEO & Founder, Studio T Arts & Entertainment

    + Nikko Kimzin: Founder, Kimzin Creative, an LLC

    + Jamie Hand: Director of Strategic Impact and Narrative Change at Creatives Rebuild New York

    + Nurit Siegal Smith: Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation

    + Marcus Mitchell: Public Administrator, the City of West Hollywood's Arts

    + Eric Estrada, Co-Host, Assoc Producer, Voices of the Community

    + Eduardo Robles: Summit Roaming Reporter, California for the Arts and Voices of the Community

    + George Koster: Creator, Host, Producer, Voices of the Community

    🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved!

    Don't just be a listener; Be a doer!

    For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page. Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide today

    Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions.

    Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events

    Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch, Listen and Engage in all five series now!

    Delve deeper into the Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small enterprises and local government, the City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy, and our archives:You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!,

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    30 min