n the first segment, she’s a community organizer, whose passion is to serve our community’s most vulnerable. Meet Donna Waldman, Director and Co-founder of the Jewish Community Free Clinic in Santa Rosa. Her clinic operates 25 hours a week, and is manned by a dedicated workforce of doctors, nurses, translators and other staffers, who readily volunteer their time caring for those in need. Donna’s dedication is based on one critical principle: health care is not a privilege — it’s a human right. In the second segment, she was Born in Perth, Australia, and became a naturalized citizen in 2009. Meet Angela Emerick, Immigration Attorney — spirited fighter for the downtrodden, specifically those struggling to become United States citizens. For Angela the work she does is more than a job — it’s a labor of love. 

Talking with Rabbi Ted

Ordinary Women Taking Extraordinary Chances

Affordable Housing – a hot topic issue here in Petaluma. But can you define it? In the first segment, Ali Gaylord, Regional Director of MidPen Housing, says she can, and offers some number crunching to explain why her Foster City non-profit chose Petaluma, and how she believes MidPen can build 40 much needed rental apartments in the heart of our city. In the second segment, meet Clint Gilbert, President of the Board of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, who is passionate about Petaluma’s past, present and even its future. Hear why he calls our museum it a living, breathing library, where “History isn’t meant to be locked away in dusty books. It’s meant to be experienced.” 

Let's Talk Petaluma

In the first segment, she has worked for some of the most prestigious media agencies, including television, newspaper, and electronic news. Now News Editor for the Petaluma Argus-Courier, hear from Kathryn Palmer, who has a passion for both copy and humanitarian relief. Last year, this newsmaker volunteered for Anti-Trafficking H.O.P.E, assisting survivors of both labor and sex trafficking. Why? Tune in and find out. Then, meet Leonard Thompson, Fire Chief for the City of Petaluma and the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District, who, before moving to the North Bay, spent 35-years with the Los Angeles Fire Department. He is best known for navigating through the complexities of emergency services—spending nearly 40 years fighting to keep fire stations afloat. 

Frontlines

Did you know that out of the approximately 1,132 community colleges in the United States, Santa Rosa Junior College was named one of the nation’s “Top 50 Community Colleges for Hispanics?” Did you know that this junior college has initiated a new student housing development to provide affordable housing on for approximately 360 students? Did you know that the man behind much of SRJC’s success once served as Special Assistant to Willie Brown, Speaker of the California Assembly, where he helped create legislation in higher education, mental health, small and minority business affairs and local government? Meet Dr. Frank Chong, and find out why he has made it his mission to make education accessible and feasible for all. 

Without Diversity There is No Unity

In the first segment, no job is too great, too abstract or out of reach for Elece Hempel. In fact, the more challenging, the better. From operating her own kiln to raise money for a cause, to working one on one with those in need. Is there anything she cannot do? A pathfinder, to be sure. Hear how she does it, and why. Speaking of pioneers, in the second segment, meet co-owner of Redwood Gymnastics, Eric Van der Meer. Find out how this native of the Netherlands landed in the North Bay, and built a gold medal empire in Petaluma. 

Blazing Trails

This week on KPCA’s Talking with Rabbi Ted, Recording Artist Jim Stern takes the mic for a special show, “Hindsight is Always 2020.” In the first segment, Jim starts out the new year on a high note with CEO of Second Octave Entertainment, Morty Wiggins, for what promises to be an intellectual jam session you won’t want to miss. In the second segment, you might remember her as Petaluma’s former Mayor, but there’s nothing former about Pam Torliatt. Hear her thoughts on Petaluma’s past, present, and future.

Hindsight is Always 2020

In the first segment, it’s not quite a year old, and yet this grass roots team, spearheaded by 17 women, has made an indelible mark on its advocacy for inclusivity, diversity and equity in our community. Two representatives from TIDE, Sarah Seitchik and Paige Greene, sit down with Rabbi Ted to talk about milestones made in Petaluma City Schools. In the second segment, sudden life changes. Meet Andrea Rodgers—born and raised in Petaluma, and second-generation Director of Parent-Sorensen Mortuary. She talks about her passion for people to explain how, for nearly 30 years, she has made it her mission to comfort and console all in their most time of need. 

Missions & Milestones

In the first half hour, meet Kayleen Asbo. She holds four advanced degrees in mythology, psychology and music. She is a professor, lecturer, pianist and composer, who applies music, art and literature to illuminate and inspire. Find out why this artist and scholar has been described as a cross between Joseph Campbell, Leonard Bernstein and Wonder Woman. In the second segment, he’s been a jazz pianist, clinical psychologist, commercial real estate developer and now connoisseur of chocolate. Meet Randal Collen, who, after a lengthy string of occupations, now occupies his time solely on the legendary superfood. Hear how he successfully blended a dash of the past with a pinch of the present to craft a sweet and lucrative career. 

Mythology, Music & Cacao

He almost died, not once, but twice—both times, not only finding the strength to recover, but recognizing his purpose, and moving forward. Meet Stephan Weiss, father, husband, physician, psychotherapist, poet, and now photographer—on a mystical journey that has taken him to just about every corner of our state. Packed with only a lens and a pen, he centers on chance meetings with strangers, with one aim—to capture and celebrate their essence. Hear why he believes, “All lives are a sacred practice. Everyone has a story with meaning. Everyone has something to teach.” 

Picture This

In the first segment, hear from writer, editor and photographer, Michael Shapiro, who talks about his latest book, The Creative Spark, and his extraordinary interviews with more than 30 celebrities⁠—among them, Smokey Robinson, Lucinda Williams, Francis Ford Coppola, Melissa Etheridge and Jake Shimabukuro. In the second segment, Petaluma’s very own Vasanti Jayaswal⁠—acclaimed author and spiritual leader who shares her unique understanding of the presence of the feminine divine principle.

Creativity and Spirituality

In the first half hour, meet Justin Mori. He’s a former student of Petaluma High School and recently appointed Principal. He returns to his roots with a strong background in education and administration. Hear why this Alum returned home to his Alma Mater. In the second segment, meet Chuck Fernandez, the new CEO of the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS), who talks about a defining moment that put him on a path to serve others – one that eventually led him to Petaluma. 

Two Paths – One Destiny

In the first segment, meet Alvin Hirshen, Petaluma resident and author of newly released memoir, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man. From waiting tables in the Catskills (to pay for schooling), to becoming a Civil Rights and Anti-Poverty Attorney, and creating the first public/private partnerships in the Carter Administration. Hear from a son of Jewish immigrants, who shares his remarkable journey with candor, humor and wit. In the second segment, two women weigh in on one of the most contentious plans that continues to fuel debate in our city. Hear from Adriann Saslow and Eugenia Praetzel on the proposed Safeway gasoline station in Petaluma, and why they oppose it. 

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things

In the first segment, raised in Durban, South Africa, meet Rabbi Mordecai Miller, who talks about breaking barriers and a spiritual journey that brought him back to the United States, where he now serves Congregation Beth Ami in Santa Rosa. Hear why he believes the foundation of a strong and vibrant community is rooted in grit, wit and laughter. In the second segment, Carol Appel – leader, innovator, and affectionately called Sonoma County’s Welcome Wagon Maven. From Pilates to serving as Jewish Concierge of Sonoma County/Jewish Community Federation, she promotes physical and mental wellness, and has a track record for building sustainable communities. What’s her secret? She thinks outside the box. 

Building Bridges by Thinking Outside the Box

In the first segment, meet painter and social activist, Carole Barlas. She’s a former dental hygienist, Professor of adult education and diversity trainer/consultant; served on the Petaluma on City Council, Petaluma Health Care District Board of Directors, and she is a founding board member of the Petaluma People Services Center. Carole talks about her commitment to her community, which she has called home for nearly 60 years. In the second segment, the power of storytelling. Hear from Shelley Bauer, daughter of Holocaust survivors, and member of the Sonoma County Story Project – Holocaust survivors and rescuers, survivors of other genocides and their descendants, who are committed to teaching moral and ethical responses to prejudice, indifference and hatred. Duty-bound to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive, Shelley speaks because her parents are no longer here to tell their own story of how they survived. 

True Grit & The Art of Storytelling

In the first segment, he’s a lawyer and City Councilman, who has called Petaluma home for nearly 30 years. Meet Dave King⁠—a plain talker and straight shooter, who doesn’t hold back when it comes to standing up and speaking up for the community he serves. You do not want to miss this frank discussion with Rabbi Ted. In the second segment, a social and religious slice of Petaluma history, shared by United Church of Christ Petaluma’s newest Pastor, Jason Hubbard. As an advocate for progressive religion, he shares the beliefs of his congregation⁠—be open, affirming and all inclusive. Be the church that embraces everyone. 

Two Independent Voices Serving Petaluma

In this biweekly talk radio series from KPCA 103.3 Petaluma, Rabbi Ted Feldman of B&#39;nai Israel Jewish Center discusses topics relevant to the Petaluma and greater Bay Area community and engages in conversations with other community leaders. From human rights to ecology to religion and spirituality, Talking with Rabbi Ted contains timely and insightful discussions that will edify and broaden listeners&#39; horizons.

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Talking with Rabbi Ted

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