The Hangout with David Sciarretta
Conversations with interesting people.
Episodes
What happens when tragedy transforms a life's purpose? For Patrick Larkin, losing his father to suicide in seventh grade made school his sanctuary—a place where caring teachers filled voids and structure provided stability. Decades later, this experience continues to shape his approach as a veteran school administrator.
Content warning: this episode contains mature content including discussions of suicide.
In this episode, Brad Wetzler shares the fascinating journey of his life, one that has taken him all over the world. Brad is an author and writing coach whose work is deeply informed by his unique and broad life experiences. Listen to hear more about Brad's story --- the struggles, successes, and profound lessons that have guided him to where he is today.
For more information on Brad’s writing projects and coachi...
What does it take to transform a school into a thriving community where students from 40+ countries speaking 30+ languages succeed together? For Eric Hale, Kentucky's 2024 Principal of the Year, the answer begins with his own remarkable journey.
We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we currently have listeners in more than 650 cities across over 50 countries! We would be...
Growing up in Nigeria, climate activist and global leader Jennifer Uchendu witnessed systemic inequalities that sparked her passion for advocacy. Today, she's pioneering work at the intersection of climate action and psychological wellbeing—a connection rarely discussed in mainstream environmental conversations. While Western climate narratives often center on distant polar bears or melting ice caps, Jennifer ill...
Dr. Michael Nagler, an award-winning school superintendent from New York, shares his vision for reimagining education in the digital age where content knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Through his 17 years of leadership in the Mineola School District, Dr. Nagler has pioneered approaches that prioritize skills development and student agency. His stance on cell phones in schools (spoiler alert: he’s not in favor...
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sciarretta has a conversation with Royal Ramey, CEO and co-founder of The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP). Mr. Ramey shares the story of his journey from prison to firefighting by way of "fire camp." Upon his release, Mr. Ramey joined the Mojave Greens in their firefighting mission, and has since worked to train, inspire, and uplift formerly incarcerated people who...
In this episode, Dr. Sciarretta speaks with Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, a surgeon who specializes in cardiac xenotransplantation (replacing failing human hearts with pig hearts). Listen to hear more about Dr. Mohiuddin's journey, the ethical and structural issues his work presents, and the moments in which his decades of revolutionary work have come to fruition.
We are thrilled about the global reach ...
I sat down with William H. Lamar IV, pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington DC, for a profound conversation about history, faith, justice, and American democracy.
Learn more about Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church: https://www.metropolitaname.org/
Watch this video to learn more about the landmark legal victory we discussed in this episode.
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Anita Fisher shares her powerful journey from successful banking executive to mental health advocate after her son's diagnosis with schizophrenia while he was serving in the military. Anita's 25-year crusade navigating America's complex mental health system reveals critical gaps in treatment, particularly for those with anosognosia (lack of illness awareness).
Warning: this episode contains adult themes ...
Rocky Herron, a retired DEA special agent with 31 years of experience, shares his journey delivering an impactful drug prevention program that has reached over 270,000 students across 16 countries. His mission emerged from discovering his own children weren't receiving drug prevention education in school.
• Free educational videos and resources are available at RockyHerron.com for schools and families looking to s...
Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre shares her inspirational bi-national journey from surfing college student to passionate environmentalist to elected official. Paloma is currently running for San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 1 (special election will take place July 1, 2025).
On X: @paloma4D1
Visit paloma-aguirre.com
We are thrilled about the global reach of this podcast; we...
Ana Miguel, Educational Programs Coordinator for Border Angels, shares her personal connection to immigration work as the daughter of migrants from Guanajuato, Mexico, revealing how her family history shapes her passion for humanitarian border assistance and activism.
To support Border Angels and their humanitarian work, visit borderangels.org.
Warning: this episode contains adult language and topics and may not be suit...
Dr. Tricia Bertram Gallant redefines academic integrity as more than just avoiding cheating—it's cultivating the courage to uphold universal values like honesty, fairness, and respect, even when it's difficult. Her work as Director of the University of California, San Diego Academic Integrity Office and the Triton Testing Center puts her impressive academic scholarship to practical and impactful use.
Filex Sanchez, founder of Union Law Group, shares his journey from growing up in San Ysidro, CA on the Mexico-US border to becoming a specialized immigration attorney after witnessing how profoundly his work could change lives. Raised by immigrant parents who operated an immigration consultancy for decades, Filex developed a deep understanding of his bicultural identity and an abiding respect for hard work and dedicat...
In this episode, we hear from Jim McCloskey about the journey that took him from the corporate world to his current work with those who have been wrongly convicted of crimes. McCloskey founded Centurion Ministries, an organization that has "completed 70 releases of men and women who were serving life or death sentences for crimes they did not commit." McCloskey is the author of When Truth is All You Have, an...
Join Dr. Sciarretta for a conversation with Garr Reynolds, the author of Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery, for a compelling discussion about the fusion of Zen aesthetics with modern communication. Garr shares how his journey from Oregon to Japan has shaped his philosophy, emphasizing the power of simplicity and focus. Garr's insights extend beyond visuals, touching on the growin...
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse and may therefore be upsetting to some listeners.
What does it take to rise from a life filled with hardships to one of success and inspiration? On this episode of the Hangout Podcast, we are joined by Erica Alfaro. Erica opens up about her childhood spent between Tijuana and San Diego, grappling with language barriers and the challen...
What if one moment could change your entire career path? Dr. Kwane Stewart, founder of Project Street Vet, shares how a chance encounter outside a 7-Eleven transformed his life and his career as a veterinarian. Dr. Stewart found new purpose in providing medical care to the pets of unhoused individuals. Listen to learn more about Dr. Stewart's inspirational journey!
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Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes is the founder of Los Patojos, an educational organization in Guatemala. He is also a teacher and organizer within the organization. Juan Pablo was honored as a top 10 CNN Hero in 2014. Juan Pablo and Dr. Sciarretta discuss a wide range of topics including pedagogical approaches, reflections on traveling across the world visiting schools, the role of his family and parents, the love he has fo...
Hedy Chang is the Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works. A 1986 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Hedy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion about the intricate tapestry of factors that influence why students may not make it to class. Her Chinese American background and family legacy of activism provide a rich context as we discuss her dedication to unraveling the complexities of chronic absenteeism—an issue th...
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