ChamberTalk with North Orange County Chamber

Mayor Fred Jung returns to ChamberTalk with a story that blends personal courage and public service. Battling cancer while steering a city through budget strains, infrastructure challenges, and polarized politics, he reveals how purpose and prayer kept him going and reshaped the way he leads. Through candid reflections on family, fear, and the hard work of governing, this episode traces a powerful...

He arrived in America as a one-year-old on a crowded boat, saved from the sea by a mother’s refusal to leave her child, a moment that becomes the heartbeat of this episode. Chuong Vo traces that perilous beginning through nights on patrol, years in city halls, and quiet acts like bringing Santa to every street, explaining how hardship and service shaped his sense of duty. Listen as Chuong moves fr...

In this episode of ChamberTalk, Andrew sits down with Nicole Swain , the Senior Procurement Contracts Manager for the County of Orange , to trace a practical, human story behind government purchasing. From pandemic-era urgencies to a bold rebrand as the SoCal Procurement Alliance , Nicole reveals how collaboration, empathy, and grit turned fragmented buying into a shared solution that saves taxpay...

On this episode of ChamberTalk, Dr. Jenn Roelands MD, a double board-certified OBGYN turned integrative women’s health physician, shares how a nontraditional path and stubborn curiosity led her to challenge medicine’s blind spots. Raised in a family where women weren’t expected to pursue careers, she found her calling first in delivering babies and later in solving the overlooked mysteries of peri...

Join Andrew Gregson as he sits down with Howard Kummerman , the compassionate force behind the Cypress College Foundation , to explore how a tight-knit campus community keeps students in the classroom and changes lives. Through candid stories, Howard shares the journey of a former Cypress College student in his 30s who was living in his car while attending classes, a student who, with the right su...

On her 296th day as Mayor, Joyce Ahn takes us from global sales floors to neighborhood sidewalks in a conversation that unfolds like a close‑up of leadership in action. She recounts late nights launching tech brands, years of volunteer work that pulled her into public service, and the unexpected moment the community asked her to become their voice, a story of quiet conviction that becomes a public...

On a stormy morning in Orange County, immigration attorney Lisa D. Ramirez recounts the moment she could no longer stand on the sidelines: the day enforcement swept through Santa Ana and she felt the law and people’s lives slipping away. For 25 years she has stood beside asylum seekers, trafficking survivors, veterans and families, and that work becomes the heartbeat of her campaign for California...

Join ChamberTalk host Andrew Gregson as he sits down with Patty Oh , whose unlikely journey from licensed Harley‑Davidson jewelry to leading Cool OC becomes a story about resilience, reinvention and the power of community. After a career shift forced by trade wars and a pandemic, Patty turns personal concern for her children’s future into a mission to make sustainability accessible across Orange C...

Dr. Stefan Bean’s life reads like a novel: born in Saigon, rescued by Operation Babylift, raised by foster heroes, and overcoming polio to become an educator, principal, and now County Superintendent . In this episode of ChamberTalk , Dr. Bean opens up about: His bold 5-3-1 plan to protect students and prepare them for the future Facing crises like fentanyl, cyberbullying, and widening job gaps Pl...

Meet Professor Rosalind Henderson, a lifelong educator who turned burnout into a blueprint for bold, authentic leadership. In this episode, Rosalind shares the pivotal moments that pushed her to reflect, set boundaries, and rediscover her voice. She reveals the exact practices that sustained her through teaching 850 students, writing multimillion-dollar grants, and navigating one of the most deman...

Join Andrew Gregson on ChamberTalk for a heartfelt conversation with Janeth Manjarrez , a first-generation student turned educator and now Interim Executive Director of the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation , who is rebuilding the organization from the ground up. From intimate stories of students in crisis to major milestones like securing a $3 million STEM grant, Janeth shares how compassio...

Meet Jill Schulman, a Marine officer veteran, leadership expert, and author whose life is a study in courage. In this episode, Jill recounts the moment she decided to keep showing up as a young ROTC candidate, the lessons that turned doubt into determination, and how those same principles now help leaders and businesses push past fear to achieve meaningful results. Through candid stories and evide...

Join us in this captivating episode of ChamberTalk , where we delve into the life and career of California State Senator Tony Strickland . From his early inspirations during the Reagan era to his steadfast commitment to public service, Tony shares personal anecdotes and profound insights that illuminate his journey from a sports enthusiast to a seasoned legislator. Senator Strickland opens up abou...

Join us in this engaging episode of ChamberTalk , where host Andrew Gregson sits down with Mayor Ali Taj , a compelling figure who epitomizes the American dream. From his humble beginnings in the United States to rising as the mayor of Artesia, Ali Taj shares his journey of perseverance, dedication, and civic leadership. Discover how Mayor Taj overcame early struggles, transforming opportunities i...

In this powerful episode of ChamberTalk, host Andrew Gregson sits down with Dr. Steve McLaughlin, Superintendent of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, to explore his remarkable journey from history buff and aspiring U.S. President to transformational educational leader. Dr. McLaughlin shares how modern education must go beyond textbooks—embracing programs in robotics, agriculture, STE...

In this uplifting episode of ChamberTalk, we sit down with Dr. Sue Johnson, the visionary superintendent of the Savanna School District, whose story begins with a childhood dream and leads to transformative impact across Orange County. From a first-generation college student to an award-winning educational leader, Dr. Johnson shares the personal and professional journey that shaped her mission to...

Join us for an inspiring episode of ChamberTalk featuring California State Senator Bob Archuleta , a lifelong public servant whose journey reflects unwavering dedication to country, community, and meaningful progress. From his early years in military service to his influential role in the State Senate, Senator Archuleta shares the pivotal moments, guiding values, and lessons that continue to shape...

Join host Andrew Gregson on an engaging episode of ChamberTalk as he welcomes Tim Shaw , Government Affairs Director for the Pacific West Association of Realtors and a candidate for Orange County's 4th District Supervisor. Delve into the storied background of Tim, from his roots as an Eagle Scout and missionary work in Chicago to his academic adventures in aviation and political management. Throug...

In this episode of ChamberTalk, hosted by Andrew Gregson , we engage in a profound conversation with Rhonda Shader , a former NOCC Chamber Chair, Placentia Mayor, and current candidate for the 34th State Senate District. Rhonda discusses her motivations for running, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and communication, deeply rooted in her eight years on the Placentia City Council. Rhonda...

In this powerful episode of ChamberTalk , host Andrew Gregson is joined by Danny Arik, co-owner of Happy Jewelers , for an inspiring deep dive into the legacy, resilience, and precision that define this multigenerational family business. Danny shares the incredible story of his father, Isa Arik, a Turkish immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 1993 with a dream and a relentless work ethic. From his...

Welcome to ChamberTalk, presented by the North Orange County Chamber, where we explore the leaders, ideas, and policies shaping the future of our region. In this special episode, host Andrew Gregson welcomes the Honorable Connor J. Traut, Vice Mayor of Buena Park and candidate for Orange County’s 4th District Supervisor. 🔗 https://www.connortraut.com/ Connor shares his unique journey through publ...

Join host Andrew Gregson on ChamberTalk for an unmissable conversation with Bruce Dean, Co-Founder of the iconic Black Bear Diner . What began as a single small-town restaurant in Mount Shasta, California , in 1995, has grown into a beloved national chain — all rooted in comfort food, creative vision, and a whole lot of grit.   In this inspiring episode, Bruce pulls back the curtain on the diner’s...

Welcome to ChamberTalk , presented by the North Orange County Chamber where we explore the ideas, challenges, and leadership driving our region forward. In this special episode, host Andrew Gregson sits down with the Honorable Fred Jung, Mayor of Fullerton and 2026 candidate for Orange County’s Fourth District Supervisor. 🔗 Learn more about Fred Jung   Together, they delve into the pressing issue...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of ChamberTalk , where Andrew Gregson sits down with David Gillanders , Executive Director of Pathways of Hope . Based in Fullerton, this non-profit organization is at the forefront of fighting hunger and homelessness with innovative solutions and community-driven efforts.     Throughout the episode, David shares his transition from the entertainment industr...

What does it take to manage over $3 trillion in payments and shape the future of the world’s 5th-largest economy? In this compelling ChamberTalk episode, Andrew Gregson, CEO of the North Orange County Chamber, sits down with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA for a powerful conversation on fiscal leadership and future ambitions. 🎙️ In this episode, Fiona Ma shares: ✅ How her office handles...