Remember Why You're Here

In this season finale of Remember Why You’re Here, your host Crystal Cardenas turns the spotlight to our producer, Emma Zornes, to kick off 2025. What were the standout moments, and how do they really feel about each other? This lighthearted and candid discussion reflects on the season and so much more. Tune in and enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the podcast to close out this incredible seaso...

In this episode, host Crystal Cardenas chats with Bea Yorker, a psychiatric nurse specializing in child and adolescent mental health, with a background in law. They discuss the challenges of diagnosing Munchausen by Proxy, an often complex and misunderstood disorder. Bea also shares information about her upcoming training on the topic, “Munchausen by Proxy and Medical Child Abuse: Updates for Inte...

In this episode, join CIR’s Executive Director, Natalie Perkins, as she shares the challenges of running a nonprofit and her journey as a mother of a transgender daughter. Our host, Crystal Cardenas, opens up conversations about parenting struggles, the importance of open communication, and the value of learning and growing from mistakes. Please listen to this extra personal and touching episode....

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Crystal is joined by Cari Teran, Founder and CEO of Healing to You and Vice-Chair of the California Child Abduction Task Force . Cari has extensive experience working with children affected by complex trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and abduction. In this episode, Cari shares her journey and the inspiration for starting California’s only nonp...

In this episode, Laura Lecave, an inspiring social activist and advocate for equity and diversity, and the Bilingual & Bicultural Programs Manager at Positive Images, shares her insights on suicide prevention and the importance of collective healing. With her extensive background in early childhood education and a deep passion for community empowerment, Laura sheds light on creating inclusive...

In this episode, host Crystal Cardenas sits down with Meri McCoy-Thompson, Executive Director of Dovetail Learning, to explore their innovative approach to social-emotional learning, which emphasizes enhancing adult resilience to better support children. Tune in for a conversation filled with valuable perspectives and practical strategies aimed at creating lasting positive change. To learn more ab...

In this episode, Crystal engages in a thought-provoking discussion with teachers Rochelle Anderson and Jose Ocegueda about their journeys into education. They explore the intricate balance between addressing students’ academic needs and their social-emotional well-being. Rochelle, who has moved from the classroom to a district-level role centered on social-emotional learning, offers insights into...

In this episode, Taquelia Washington talks with our host, Crystal Cardenas about what it looks like to truly confront racism and embody "radicle" change from the root up. A queer black woman entrepreneur, Taquelia has worked with both non-profit and for-profit organizations to shift their cultures into one that moves beyond diversity-equity-inclusivity training and into relational buildi...

For this special pride episode, Aimee speaks with a very special guest, Kimi Barbosa (she/her/ella). Kimi is the executive director of Positive Images in Sonoma County—an LGBTQIA2+ center that is doing incredible things. In this conversation, these two queers talk about liberation in storytelling, how nature is inherently trans, inclusive futures, mutual aid, reclaiming power and navigating the no...

Learn from from Monica on June 14th, 2024 online about the basics of polyvagal theory. Polyvagal theory will teach you, as an inherently social being, on how to improve your interpersonal relationships whether its professional or personal. For any accessibility needs or podcast requests (such as topics/speakers/etc.) email Aimee at aimee.hanna@cirinc.org Music: Walk Together by Olexy Free download...

Do you know how to hold your child when they’re experiencing very high levels of emotion? Are you ever so frustrated with your child that it’s hard to calm down yourself? Do you feel like parenting just doesn’t get easier?  There’s no better way for us to launch into season 2 with this vulnerable and essential conversation on the psychology behind why parenting can get so ugly. Join Monica and Cry...

In this season finale of Remember Why You’re Here, Emma Zornes interviews your favorite hosts Aimee Hanna and Crystal Cardenas as they huddle in their respective closets. They reflect on their journey throughout the first season by sharing highlights from their favorite episodes and revealing the lore behind the podcast’s title and logo. Expect heartfelt laughs and an intimate look back on the mem...

Join host Aimee Hanna in an insightful conversation with Julianna Lorenzen, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Healthy Screen Habits. Together, they discuss the fascinating world of children's behavior around technology. In this episode, they explore the brain science behind kids' interactions with screens and uncover strategies to mitigate the potential drawbacks. From understanding the neurolo...

Do you have an elder in your life who has trouble with technology? Are you worried they might fall for online scammers? Listen to these two friends, Tracy Webb and your host, Crystal Cardenas, have a candid conversation about the concerns and frustrations that come with pairing technology with our older loved ones who may not understand the gravity of abuse that happens on the internet. If you wan...

In the theme of love for the month of February, Crystal is joined by marketing specialist and partner to a firefighter, April Enriquez. Also joining the conversation is Mike Matlock, a retired law enforcement professional. Together, they talk through the difficulties of navigating expectations whether it comes to house work, parenting, friendships, and even themselves. Join the conversation as Apr...

For our very first episode of 2024, Aimee Hanna speaks with Ramona Beltrán, an associate professor with the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, Colorado. Together, they reveal Ramona's complex journey into social work, discover what it looks like to grieve, the importance of re-membering and why it's important to resist a hardened heart during a time of division and deep di...

We're back for part II of our pre-conference promotion series. In this episode, we get into a lively and invigorating conversation with our two other presenters, Dr. Gimel Rogers and Dr. Joycelyn Wormley. In this episode, these two powerful women discuss the curse of poverty, the importance of addressing family strengths in child abuse reports, recognizing religion's hand in abuse and spirituality...

This episode is for our psychology nerds, brain enthusiasts, and neurodivergent advocates and individuals. Tune into this conversation with Dr. Lynette Lau and Dr. Lauren Maltby as they discuss gender-biased mental health, self-advocacy while being neurodivergent, the shortage of ADHD meds and the neuro-relational framework. To access this episode's transcript, visit our website at cirinc.org/podc...

In this episode, our host Crystal discusses the realities of law enforcement and the lasting impact it has on those who serve. Guests Jeff Takeda and Sharon Giles paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities of the profession, touching on burnout and the strain it puts on individuals after a combined fifty plus years behind the badge. This conversation highlights the need for empathy, not just tow...

Download and save this meditation to your phone and listen offline. Check out Jeff’s ⁠youtube ⁠ channel for an anchor meditation.

In this episode, Crystal has a beautiful and moving conversation with beloved Xiomara Flores-Holguin. A 36-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Xiomara shares with us how her upbringing translates into her work and how she embodies her love for language and culture to sustain her practice. She currently teaches part-time at the California State Univers...

In this episode, our host, Crystal Cardenas has a conversation with our executive director, Sonia Sandoval-Edinger, about how management sustains and improves wellness at our non-profit. They discuss what they do to encourage employees' passions, tips to avoid burnout, how they promote flexibility, and ways to have fun at work. Sonia's 4 Tips on Wellness 1.    Put people first.  2.      Everyone i...

In this episode, Crystal brings together two friends who haven't spoken in years to share their journeys. Suzie tells us of her experience calling 911 as a little girl; while Erin's 6-year-old daughter was abducted and murdered. These experiences ignited their paths to do the work. Listen to this episode to hear why they stayed. Suzie Walsh is a retired detective and practicing therapist. She co-d...

This teaser features a snippet of a conversation with Erin Runnion, founder of ⁠The Joyful Child Foundation, and Suzie Walsh, retired detective turned therapist. They come together for the first time in years to talk with our host, Crystal Cardenas, about what started their careers and how they stay caring and thoughtful amidst the pain of child sexual abuse. Full episode will launch July 15, 2023...