Speak For Change With Thomas Sage Pedersen

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Bree Karpavage, the Open Studios and Tannery Arts Center Manager from Arts Council Santa Cruz County, to break down Santa Cruz Open Studios and why it’s become a core event for artists and the wider community. We talk through how the tour works, what it takes for artists to join, and why art visibility, education, and funding all connect.  • What S...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Inside Arts Council Santa Cruz County. We talk with Grants Manager Tamara Liu about how local artists and arts organizations fund their work, why public benefit matters, and how equity efforts are reshaping who receives support. We share clear advice on eligibility, applications, and ways to get involved. • What a grant is  • Where re-granted funds come from loc...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Inside Arts Council Santa Cruz County, we look at how the arts education fuels an entire creative ecosystem from first encounters in classrooms to paid teen teaching roles, veteran artists in schools, and dance programs for seniors living with dementia.  Sarah Brothers Bot the Arts Education Director shares how Arts Council Santa Cruz County connects schools, ar...

Send us Fan Mail We trace Jacob Martinez’s path from outsider to builder and unpack how Digital NEST turns first-gen talent into confident leaders through transparency, training, and courageous asks. Real talk on hiring, culture, and stress gives a grounded playbook for turbulent times. • founding story shaped by class contrast and belonging • embedding leadership training for staff and youth • pr...

Send us Fan Mail We explore people-first leadership with Casey Coonerty Protti of Bookshop Santa Cruz, from family roots in service to making brave, values-led decisions through crisis. COVID recalibrates pace, transparency meets limits, and empathy becomes a daily practice on the sales floor. • family culture of service shaping leadership style • upfront vs behind-the-scenes leadership trade-offs...

Send us Fan Mail We trace Justin Cummings’ path from early leadership training to steering Santa Cruz through a pandemic, fires, and a fragile housing landscape. Practical stories show how to connect experts, cut red tape, protect renters, and stay grounded without losing joy. • early leadership roots in camp programs and team captaincy • becoming mayor during crisis and defining the role • buildi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Thomas Sage Pedersen sits down with Maria Elena De La Garza, Executive Director of the Community Action Board, to explore what it means to lead with grace, authenticity, and service. Maria shares her journey from growing up in her family’s restaurant to leading one of the most community-rooted organizations in Santa Cruz County. Through stories of faith, mentorshi...

Send us Fan Mail The room gets loud when stakes are high—threats, rumors, pressure, even your own inner commentary. We sat down with DeAndre James, executive director of the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley to map a saner path through the chaos: turn down the noise, clarify the facts, and move with integrity even when power says “wait.” From an all-night food mission in the mil tary that dr...

Send us Fan Mail Ever noticed how the mightiest sequoias require fire to release their seeds? This morning's reflection explores how today's political turmoil—regardless of where you stand—offers similar potential for transformation when approached with warrior-like resilience. The current political landscape didn't emerge overnight. It's been building for decades through grass...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine transforming your life through fitness and faith. Join us for an engaging conversation with fitness extraordinaire Nativo Gonzalez, who opens up about his journey from podcasting to personal growth and wellness. Nativo shares the poignant reasons behind ending his beloved podcast, "Paid the Cost," and the joy he found in passing his equipment to a trusted friend...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how journalism and PR can coexist in harmony, or how the lessons from Star Wars might apply to real-life professions?  Join us on Speak for Change as I chat with my dear friend Ashley Drew Owen, who takes us through her fascinating journey from the newsroom to the world of public relations. Ashley shares the ethical tightrope she walks to maintain her journa...

Send us Fan Mail What does freedom mean to you? Join us as we unravel the concept of freedom through the unique perspectives of friendship and art. Our collaborative project, "The Shapes and Sounds of Freedom," springs from an unlikely yet profound friendship with Yayah.  Our journey began with backyard gatherings filled with music, dance, and deep conversations, all of which shaped our...

Send us Fan Mail Can sound transform your everyday life into a symphony? Join us on Speak for Change as we explore the extraordinary creative world of Bora Yoon, an interdisciplinary artist and musician.  From her early days with classical instruments to her passion for choral and experimental music, discover how influential artists like Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos, and Björk shaped her journey.  Bora...

Send us Fan Mail https://www.annaclyne.com/ What sparks creativity in the mind of a Grammy-nominated composer? Join us as we sit down with Anna Clyne, whose journey into the world of music and composition unfolds in this captivating episode.  From receiving her first piano at age seven to her master’s studies that fueled her passion for composition, Anna’s path is a testament to the transformative...

Send us Fan Mail https://www.theandyhudson.com/ Ever wondered how a simple mix-up could change the course of a musician's life? Join us on Speak for Change as Andy Hudson, a talented clarinetist and educator, recounts the amusing story of how he ended up with a clarinet instead of the saxophone he originally desired.   Through a blend of humor and passion, Andy shares his remarkable evolution...

Send us Fan Mail Curiosity isn't just a trait—it's a guiding force for a more fulfilling life. What if you could harness its power to transform your personal and creative endeavors? Join us as we sit down with the multi-talented Kimberly Gomes, who takes us through her inspiring evolution from a reserved child to a solo-traveling, poetry-writing, and world-exploring creative dynamo.  Kim...

Send us Fan Mail https://vivianfung.ca/ What if discovering your cultural roots could transform your life's work? Join us for an unforgettable episode of Speak for Change as we sit down with Vivian Fung, a world-renowned, award-winning composer whose incredible journey from Canada to the global stage is steeped in her rich Chinese heritage.  Vivian shares her early start at age four with the...

Send us Fan Mail https://www.ivanrodriguezmusic.com/ What if classical music has always been a subtle yet powerful form of activism? Join us as we explore this fascinating idea with our special guest, Iván Enrique Rodríguez, a talented composer, mental health advocate, and activist from Puerto Rico.  Iván shares his incredible journey, starting from the challenges of navigating a colonized educati...

Send us Fan Mail https://www.rileynicholson.com/ https://cabrillomusic.org/ What does it take to be a budding composer and also leader in the world of contemporary music? Riley Nicholson, Executive Director of the Carrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, and Neo classical composer, takes us through his compelling journey from his early days in percussion and piano to his present role in arts admin...

Send us Fan Mail What if achieving your ideal physical self still leaves you feeling unworthy?  In this heartfelt episode of Speak for Change, I uncover the transformative power of self-love through personal anecdotes and meaningful discussions.  Join me, Thomas Sage Pedersen, as I share my journey from struggling with body weight to realizing that societal pressures often promote self-hatred as a...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could turn your passion into a powerful community movement? Join us as we chat with Alexandra The Author, the innovative force behind Soul Good Entertainment, a brand that began as a simple music label and has evolved into a beacon of community support and artistic promotion.  Alexandra shares her journey from crafting custom songs for charities to organizing extensive...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to redefine your understanding of leadership with insights from Jules, my long-time colleague and co-founder of Ignite Nexus. In this episode of Speak for Change, we promise you'll learn how leadership is an evolving journey, filled with emotional highs and lows. Jules generously shares her experiences, from earning an MBA at UC Davis to the challenges of leading with...

Send us Fan Mail Contact Cyn:  https://www.instagram.com/whisper_sf About Cyn Cyn is a San Francisco native. Who moved to Santa Cruz 5 years ago. She has worked in healthcare for 15 years and is a proud mother of two and a grandmother. Aside from her family, her passion is in creating art. Her medium is acrylic on wooden canvas.  She is just here to share love and art, nothing more nothing less. ...

Send us Fan Mail About Episode As the sun sets on Ellen Primack's storied career at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, she graces us with her profound insights into the festival's tapestry, woven with innovation and community spirit.  Reflecting on her 32-year tenure, Ellen opens up about the festival's metamorphosis from its bohemian inception to a bastion of contemporary...

Send us Fan Mail Support Project https://www.hookoutlet.com/ https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/support-wamm-a-champion-of-medical-cannabis-access-and-community-safety-in-santa-cruz About Bryce Berryessa/Episode Bryce is the owner of The Hook outlet and Treehouse Dispensary. He is in partnership with WAMM Phytotherapies.  This episode is part of our Speak For Change Live series which we partner wit...