Media holds significant power in influencing sociocultural behaviors and beliefs. Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO of Geena Davis Institute, is our guest to discuss the work of the institute in studying representation of gender, race, LGBTQIA+, disability, body size, and age in media. We also discuss the Institute’s partnership with Moms First on a study of portrayals of mothers and motherhood, plus the effect the pandemic and two industry strikes had on screen representation.

At the first OC Board of Supervisors meeting for the year, the board elected Supervisors Doug Chaffee to Chairman and Supervisor Katrina Foley to Vice Chair for 2025. Third District Supervisor Don Wagner served as the 2024 Chairman and is our guest for this show. Discussion topics include anticipated effects of the federal government on funding in Orange County, California’s response to rising home insurance rates, the housing crisis and homelessness in the OC. 

Orange County law enforcement responds to more than 10,000 domestic violence or domestic disturbance calls each year. Last year, Radiant Futures served more than 2,500  survivors, including women, children, men, and people of other gender identities.

Many college students face challenges in accessing affordable housing and resources, particularly in South Orange County. Saddleback ASG International and Diversity Student Council (IDSC) Senator Nicole Karraa and Events Senator Aram Manafi to discuss issues local students are facing, a new mentorship program to help international students integrate into college life, updates on efforts to work with other community colleges to support students affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, plus community events for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Persian New Year, and the Iranian American Society.

This week, our guest is Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Don Wagner. From the ongoing federal investigation into former supervisor Andrew Do and the resulting opening in District One, Wagner offers insights into how the board of supervisors is working to restore public trust. We also discuss the latest developments in OC freeway construction projects, the potential local impacts of Prop 36's mandated treatment programs, and some of the steps being taken to address the fentanyl crisis.

In a world of traditional therapies, Orange County's Art & Creativity for Healing offers a colorful alternative. Program Director Amy Baker showcases how their Art4Healing methodology is making waves in over 35 non-profits and 25 access schools. From its origins with Wall Street executives to today's diverse workshops for all ages, we learn how this innovative approach is tackling pain, grief, fear, and stress.

Greg Kading, retired LAPD detective and Capistrano Valley High School graduate, joins OC In Focus to discuss helping crack two major unsolved cases–the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. Kading shares insights from the investigations, online conspiracies regarding the respective cases, and the pending trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis' scheduled for March 2025.

Orange County Registrar Bob Page is our guest to discuss election operations in America's 5th largest voting jurisdiction. From provisional ballot verification to hand-counting audits, there are meticulous processes ensuring every paper ballot counts.

With one in six young children facing mental, behavioral, or developmental challenges, the Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) is transforming emotional wellness education in Orange County schools.

Russian immigrant and actor Misha Suvorov brings to life "The Border Show," an auto-fictional poem written by Sergei Davydov and directed by Ray Hanna.

What happens when we look closer at the data representing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities? Melodie Bergquist-Turori, a Cook Islands artist and educator, discusses the importance of data disaggregation for underrepresented populations. Breaking down broad racial categories reveals hidden disparities and challenges misconceptions about who falls under the AANHPI umbrella.

What does it take to leave the only world you've ever known? Lara Anderson, born into Scientology's elite Sea Org, shares her journey from indoctrination to independence. This episode explores the mental and physical toll of escaping a cult, the manipulative practice of "auditing" children, and the difference in treatment between celebrity Scientologists and everyday members.

At FarmHouse Rescue, both animals and humans find new purpose. President Danielle Judd shares how this 28-acre Orange County sanctuary transforms rescued animals into healers. In this episode we discuss innovative programs, including a skill-building initiative for adults with disabilities and Smile Cam, which brings joy to hospitalized children through live animal video streams. Healing connections between animals and humans are fostered at the 28-acre haven in Orange County.

Tanya Hutchison, founder of Phenomenal Women, shares her journey from modeling to motherhood to empowering women in Orange County and around the world. This episode explores how women can build strong communities for mutual growth and accountability. Hutchison discusses the Phenomenal Women’s approach to addressing challenges in five key areas: physical, spiritual, vocational, relational, and financial.

Associated student governments serve as the official voice and representative body for the student population, advocating for student interests, and organizing campus events and activities. In this episode, we get updates on campus developments and how ASG is advocating for students. Our guest is Kristian Suazo, the incoming ASG President at Saddleback College.

Nearly one million Russians have left the country since the start of the war with Ukraine in 2022. In this episode, Karyn Bower and Armand Sicat are joined by Elena Andreeva and Julia Olivares, Russian immigrants and advocates navigating the war's impact on their families and the local Russian community in Orange County and Los Angeles. Andreeva and Olivares are are part of a group organizing rallies for peace to foster community and support for the Russian diaspora and others who oppose the war.

The PACT Act of 2022 expanded health care and benefits to veterans with presumptive conditions from exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. With more than four billion dollars already distributed, the PACT Act is a significant milestone in supporting veterans and survivors. This episode of OC In Focus covers the PACT Act, Veterans Resource Centers on college campuses, how veterans can get connected to benefits beyond education, housing, and mental health services.

In this episode of OC In Focus, we delve into the critical work of supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Orange County. We sit down with Dr. Nefta Pereda, Chief Programs Officer at Radiant Futures, an organization working to build safer Orange County communities.

On this episode of OC In Focus, we delve into the complex issue of homelessness in Orange County. Joined by Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO of the Illumination Foundation, we explore the critical need for a comprehensive system of care.