Civil Dialogues

We sat down with Erica Groshen, former Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to discuss why accurate economic data belongs in everyone's hands — not just policymakers. Tune in to hear Erica's take on how informed citizens, business owners, and community leaders can shape a stronger economic future. Enjoy our conversation with Erica! Thank you to our sponsors:  UCLA Health, Meis...

Dr. Kurt Ransohoff talks about demographics, innovation and the workforce — breaking down how an aging population is reshaping care, which new tools and models are actually making a difference, and what it'll take to keep good people in healthcare on the Central Coast.   Thank you to our sponsors: UCLA Health, Meissner, Yardi, Limoneira, the Ventura County Community Foundation and the Santa Barbar...

Steve Weil, President and Chief Creative Officer of Rockmount Ranch Wear, joins us to talk about what it takes to keep a family business alive across generations. Now leading the iconic western wear brand into its fourth generation, Steve shares stories from growing up around the company and learning from the family before him — along with the pressure and pride that comes with protecting a name t...

In this podcast interview, Mark Sylvester, co-founder and CTO of Coastal Intelligence, discusses how AI is transforming businesses and communities across California’s Central Coast and beyond. He shares insights on responsible AI adoption, aligning technology with business goals, and how organizations can use AI to enhance human capabilities, drive innovation, and create lasting value.   Thank you...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Joey Zumaya, Head of Nonprofit Enterprise Sales and Strategy at LinkedIn, to hear a story that is as inspiring as it is instructive. Joey opens up about the obstacles he faced growing up and how the Salvation Army became a lifeline during some of his most formative years. Now, in a full-circle moment, he gives back to the very organization that helped sha...

eff Lambert, CEO of Ventura Housing, and a community development expert, talks about possible solutions to the housing crisis on the Central Coast and across the nation. Enjoy this conversation! Thank you to our sponsors: Yardi, Limoneira, Meissner, the Ventura County Community Foundation, the Santa Barbara Foundation and UCLA Health. 

We’re joined by Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, for a timely conversation on what today’s economy really means for families. Heather shares her expert insights on the financial pressures households are facing — from rising costs to tough trade-offs — and the sacrifices many are making just to stay afloat. Don’t miss this thoughtful, data-driven discussion with one of th...

We kick off the year with a snapshot of the American economy from one of Bankrate.com's leading experts, Mark Hamrick.

Dr Shawn Lin of UCLA Health shares his vision for the potential of AI in treating patients and advancing eye surgery and other medical specialties. Tune in to listen to this timely conversation! 

We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by sitting down with Dr. Cesar Morales, Superintendent of the Ventura County Office of Education. Morales discusses the widespread contributions from Hispanics in our communities and the current state of immigrants in our country and the turmoil that they are facing. Tune in to see how current immigration and tariff policies are effecting our economy and commu...

California Lutheran University President John Nunes schools us on academic freedom, thought leadership and his goals for CLU.

In this episode we speak with Nicki Parr - CEO of WEV (Women's Economic Ventures) as she dives into entrepreneurship in the 21st century — from breaking barriers to building inclusive economies. Enjoy this engaging conversation!

Pashion Footwear founder Haley Pavone is grappling with the biggest challenge yet to her small business. Listen now to this engaging conversation.

In this episode we speak with Jamshid Damooei of California Lutheran University about the economics of living with dignity on the Central Coast. Enjoy this engaging discussion!

Business Times Scholarship winner Cecely Zamora walks us through her journey from college student to intern to finding her first job and launching her career.

Sir Niall Ferguson on the economics of Trump 2.0.

We chat with Ventura County Taxpayers Association Executive Director Ryan Grau about outrageous pay for street sweepers in Oxnard, a power grab for street lights in Ventura and other issues involving taxpayer funds.

Civil Dialogues visits with Father Greg Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries in LA - the nation's most successful gang recovery program. He talks about the origins of violence in our society and the power of belonging.

We speak with Thomas Tighe, who is stepping down after leading Direct Relief, a global provider of medicine and health services to disaster areas for more than two decades. He reflects on the importance of private giving and public service in a turbulent time.

Veteran Chamber of Commerce executive Glenn Morris takes a look at the risks and rewards of operating a small business during a time of economic change.

David Hayes-Bautista, a researcher at the UCLA School of Medicine and co-author of the Latino GDP report,  shares his insights about how Latinos and Latinas are providing a needed lift to the U.S. economy in the post-pandemic era. He explains why that trend is consistent with past data and is likely to continue into the 21st Century.

In this episode of Civil Dialogues, we talk with a single mom and her community college counselor about the challenges she faces in pursuing a career in nursing. Enjoy this engaging conversation!

In this episode we talk to Santa Barbara Foundation President and CEO Jackie Carrera about the role philanthropy can play in resolving the region's housing crisis.

The Business Times gets a head start on Independence Day as we release our conversation with Travis Mack, a Navy veteran and CEO of Saalex, a leading contractor in defense and aerospace. Enjoy!