Stop & Talk

Dr. Novien Yarber is the Senior Learning Officer at Prebys Foundation, where he helps the foundation listen, reflect, and learn from its work with community partners. Known around the office as “Dr. Novi,” he brings a rare combination of rigor, warmth, and curiosity to the practice of evaluation. Before joining Prebys, Novi served as Director of Leadership, Philanthropy, and Social Impact at the University of San Diego’s Nonprofit Institute, where he led community-focused programs at the intersection of leadership and social change This Episode: What does it look like when a foundation takes a closer look at itself? In this episode, Novi and Grant reflect on what Prebys heard from grantee partners through its most recent Grantee Perception Report. The conversation explores both the affirmations and the invitations for growth, including how grantees perceive Prebys’ leadership, impact, adaptability, transparency, and relationships across San Diego County. This episode offers a candid look at how a foundation makes sense of feedback, wrestles with trade-offs, and thinks about its role in community. Novi and Grant discuss one of the central tensions in place-based philanthropy: how to keep learning and responding to changing conditions while also being clear and predictable for the organizations doing the work every day. They explore what real transparency requires, why trust matters for shared learning, and how funders and grantees can build relationships strong enough to hold wins, losses, lessons, and setbacks. Key Moments: [2:02] What the Center for Effective Philanthropy is and why the report matters [10:28] Why relationships are central to place-based philanthropy [23:55] How deeper trust can support shared learning between funders and grantees [30:39] Grant reflects on adaptive leadership, values, and predictability [38:08] Novi connects transparency with accountability Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Center for Effective Philanthropy – A national nonprofit that supports more effective philanthropy through research, data, and resources for foundations and donors. Prebys Foundation – A place-based foundation working to advance purpose, opportunity, and belonging across San Diego County. Healing Through Arts and Nature – A Prebys-supported approach that expands access to arts, culture, and nature as resources for youth mental health and well-being. Take Action: Practice Transparency – Share not only what you decide, but what you are learning along the way. Being open about process can build trust, even when the answers are still evolving. Build Relationships That Can Hold Honesty – Invest in relationships where people can share what is working, what is hard, and what needs to change without fear of losing trust. Stay Open to Feedback – Treat feedback as an opportunity to grow, not as a final judgment. Listening, reflecting, and adjusting are part of building stronger organizations and communities. Credits:This is a production of the Prebys FoundationHosted by Grant OliphantCo-Hosted by Crystal PageProduced by Adam Greenfield, Tess Karesky, Edgar Ontiveros Medina, and Crystal PageEngineered by Adam GreenfieldProduction Coordination by Tess KareskyVideo Production by Edgar Ontiveros MedinaThe Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPod​cast​.comSpecial thanks to the Prebys Foundation TeamIf you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe

Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski is the founder of Sew Loka, a community-driven textile art studio in San Diego’s Barrio Logan. A self-taught artist and entrepreneur, Claudia transforms reclaimed fabrics into vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that weave together personal history, cultural identity, and environmental consciousness. From collaborating with pro sports teams like the San Diego Wave and San Diego FC to teaching teens how to upcycle thrifted finds, her work proves that sewing is alive and thriving. This Episode: How can a needle and thread become a force for cultural preservation, sustainability, and self-expression? In this lively conversation, Claudia shares how her father’s denim business planted the seeds for her creative path, why she’s committed to slow fashion over fast trends, and how Sew Loka has grown into a hub for artistry and connection. She talks about the meditative rhythm of sewing, the power of “grandma crafts” to calm the mind and inspire the next generation, and the importance of reclaiming erased histories through art. Along the way, Claudia reveals why each piece she makes carries a narrative—from honoring her Chicana heritage to advocating for our planet—and how she’s building community one stitch at a time. Plus, check out the extraordinary pieces Claudia shared in the video recording.Key Moments: [3:35] Why denim is both a family legacy and an environmental challenge [12:25] Sewing as an art form for storytelling and expression[18:58] Fast fashion vs. slow fashion, and the joy of customizing[27:33] The meditative effects of sewing[35:31] Art as resilience in challenging timesResources Mentioned in This Episode: Sew Loka – Community-based textile art studio in Barrio Logan Skills Pay Bills Podcast – Claudia’s podcast that focuses on local makers and creators Arts: A Reason to Survive – A nonprofit offering arts programs for youth, including Sew Loka sewing classes SDFC’s Playmakers Program – An initiative that seeks to identify and showcase the talent of San Diego creatives who are contributing to the culture, substance, and flow of our community Take Action: Mend & Upcycle – Try repairing or customizing a piece you already own to extend its life. Support Slow Fashion – Seek out and invest in makers who prioritize sustainability and originality. Host a Creative Gathering – Build connection by making art with others, whether it’s sewing, crafting, or something else. Preserve Cultural Stories – Use your craft to honor and document the traditions that shaped you. Share Skills – Teach someone a “grandma craft” and help pass on sustainable, creative practices. Credits:This is a production of the Prebys FoundationHosted by Grant OliphantCo-Hosted by Crystal PageCo-produced by Crystal Page and Adam GreenfieldEngineered by Adam GreenfieldProduction Coordination by Tess KareskyVideo Production by Edgar Ontiveros MedinaThe Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPod​cast​.orgSpecial thanks to the Prebys Foundation TeamIf you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe

Peter Ellsworth is a longtime San Diegan, civic leader, and founding force in modern philanthropy. From his early days in law and healthcare to his visionary role at the helm of the Legler Benbough Foundation, Peter has lived a life steeped in service, humility, and quiet transformation. A member of the Prebys Foundation Board, he remains a guiding voice for how philanthropy can—and must—listen first. This Episode: What happens when a foundation listens before it leads? Grant and Peter explore the evolution of philanthropy in San Diego and how Peter helped pioneer a relationship-driven, trust-based approach to giving. They discuss the opportunities of working in hyperlocal neighborhoods, the importance of humility in leadership, and why building genuine partnerships with community leaders creates lasting impact. From Southeast San Diego to Balboa Park, Peter’s story is a reminder that the best ideas come from the ground up. Along the way, Peter shares personal reflections, including his father’s lasting advice: It’s not about you. Key Moments: [11:22] Peter's start in Philanthropy and why he did things differently [13:31] The four words that shaped Peter’s leadership: “It’s not about me” [23:24]The radical idea of trust-based philanthropy [30:35] The teen center that designed by what teens actually wanted [5:50] What San Diego needs to realize its boldest ideas Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Legler Benbough Foundation – A now-spent-down foundation that helped reshape civic life in San Diego through trust-based, community-rooted philanthropy Outdoor Outreach – Empowering young people through outdoor experiences and leadership development Forever Balboa Park – Supporting the preservation and enhancement of Balboa Park Take Action: Practice Trust-Based Philanthropy – Start by building authentic relationships, not just reviewing proposals Listen to Community First – Let the people closest to the work guide the solutions Rethink Power in Philanthropy – As Peter reminds us, “Every good idea we came up with...came from somebody I had a relationship with" Support Local Leadership – Invest in the people and organizations already making a difference Credits: This is a production of the Prebys Foundation Hosted by Grant Oliphant Co-Hosted by Crystal Page Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield Engineered by Adam Greenfield Production Coordination by Tess Karesky Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina The Stop & Talk theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove. Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.org Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team

Molly Puryear is the Executive Director of Malashock Dance and a lifelong believer in the healing, connective power of movement. With infectious joy and deep conviction, she champions dance not just as an art form but as a way to be more fully human. Under her leadership, Malashock is expanding the definition of what dance can do for the community. This is demonstrated through SD NeuroDance, a pioneering program blending movement, neuroscience, and care to support individuals living with ALS, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, and more. This Episode: How can the joy and vulnerability of dance bring us closer to ourselves and each other? In this heartfelt conversation, Molly shares how Malashock Dance is helping SD NeuroDance participants and caregivers alike reconnect with joy, dignity, and embodiment through dance. The program shifts the focus from limitations to possibilities. Rooted in science and lived experience, SD NeuroDance creates a space where people can move, bond, and feel at home in their bodies. It’s also a story of listening: to staff, to community, and to the wisdom that healing can look like rhythm, music, and mirroring movement with a loved one. Molly and Grant explore the deeper truth behind all of this—how dance, so often underfunded and undervalued, is core to who we are. From weddings to cultural traditions to spontaneous joy in the living room, dance is everywhere. And as Molly reminds us, in a world that teaches us to unlearn joy, movement can help us remember. Key Moments: [8:25] How dance can help people with different conditions connect with their body [14:17] Bridging science and art: finding balance between therapy and dance [18:45] How Malashock Dance evolved its mission through community feedback [29:14] Why dance is essential to the human experience [34:05] Federal arts funding cuts and their impact on dance's underrepresented artists and communitiesResources Mentioned in This Episode: Malashock Dance – San Diego-based dance organization emphasizing community, education, and inclusive performance Dance for PD – A program using dance to support those living with Parkinson’s disease Prebys’ Healing Through Arts and Nature Initiative – Grants improving well-being through arts, culture, and nature Take Action: Move Your Body – Try a dance class, stretch to music, or just let yourself move freely. Reconnect with what joy in motion feels like. Attend a Performance – Support local artists and discover the power of dance to inspire, challenge, and heal. Embrace Artful Living – As Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson reminds us, creativity is essential to well-being. Seek out everyday moments of artistic engagement. Stay Curious – Stay open and curious to trying new things, whether it's dance, healing, or new ways to connect and feel joy.Support Arts & Health Programs – Donate, volunteer, or spread the word about organizations using the arts to improve lives.

Pradeep Khosla is the chancellor of UC San Diego and a nationally recognized voice on the evolving role of public research universities. Under his leadership, UC San Diego has doubled in size, broadened its access, and transformed from a "diamond in the rough" into a globally respected powerhouse for innovation, education, and the arts. He spearheaded the expansion of student housing—growing UC San Diego’s housing program into the second largest in the nation—to make college more affordable and accessible for thousands. Chancellor Khosla brings a strategic, inclusive lens to higher ed. This Episode: What should the modern public university look like and who should it serve? In this episode of Stop & Talk, host Grant Oliphant and co-host Crystal Page sit down with Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego, to discuss the transformational growth and philosophy behind one of the nation’s top public universities. Chancellor Khosla offers an expansive view on the role of public research universities in society—from economic impact to cultural integration and educational access. With a focus on abundance over scarcity, Chancellor Khosla explains how UC San Diego has evolved into a national leader in both science and the arts, investing in student housing, public transit access, and downtown engagement. He also reflects on the challenges of leading through federal uncertainty, advocating for research funding, and shaping an inclusive institution that belongs to the community it serves. Key Moments: [3:20] From Pittsburgh to La Jolla – Why Chancellor Khosla came to UC San Diego and what he saw in its untapped potential. [6:05] Elite, Not Elitist – How UC San Diego is challenging the notion that exclusivity equals excellence in higher education. [21:30] Universities as Economic Engines – Why public research institutions are essential to regional prosperity and innovation. [27:30] Housing is Access – How UCSD is addressing affordability by building one of the largest student housing programs in the country. [37:40] The Importance of the Arts – The value of connecting the arts to education and community Resources Mentioned in This Episode: UC San Diego Park & Market – A cultural and academic hub in downtown San Diego The Depot – UCSD’s newly purchased multidisciplinary arts incubator and cultural hub in Downtown San Diego San Diego Light Rail – Connecting communities to the UCSD campus Take Action: Attend Events at Park & Market: Explore arts, lectures, and public programming in downtown SD. Visit UC San Diego: From the Birch Aquarium to campus cultural events, UCSD is open to all. Support Public Education & Research: Advocate for research funding and equitable higher ed access. Connect with the Arts: Engage with programs at The Depot and La Jolla Playhouse. Explore Philanthropy: Consider supporting educational initiatives that expand opportunity. Credits:This is a production of the Prebys FoundationHosted by Grant OliphantCo-Hosted by Crystal PageCo-produced by Crystal Page and Adam GreenfieldEngineered by Adam GreenfieldProduction Coordination by Tess KareskyVideo Production by Edgar Ontiveros MedinaThe Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPod​cast​.orgSpecial thanks to the Prebys Foundation TeamIf you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe

Angelina Renteria is the Chief Operating Officer of Indian Health Council, a tribally-run health center serving nine sovereign tribal nations in North San Diego County. With nearly 30 years of experience in health and fitness and two decades in health-focused grant development, she brings deep expertise and cultural insight to her work. Angelina is a passionate advocate for wellness, community voice, and culturally grounded care that meets people where they are. This Episode: What if your doctor knew your name, your story, and what was in your fridge? That’s the level of care Angelina Renteria champions through Indian Health Council. In this episode, Grant and Angelina explore what it means to offer "womb to tomb" care that reflects the culture, needs, and values of tribal communities. From snowy mountain roads to multi-generational households with limited transportation, tribal members face unique health access barriers, and Indian Health Council meets them with compassion and strategy. Angelina shares how the clinic’s integrated care model—where providers, nurses, behavioral health staff, and even peer support specialists collaborate—leads to better outcomes and stronger trust. She also opens up about her own journey from a childhood on military bases to becoming an advocate for Native health, and how her experience of being othered as a teen became fuel for inclusive leadership. Plus, Grant and Angelina talk about community-rooted solutions to the opioid crisis, why traditional practices like sweat and drum circles deserve recognition in modern medicine, and how the medicine wheel’s four pillars—mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical—can inspire a more balanced healthcare system for all. Key Moments: [2:38] Why tribally informed care is essential and different from standard healthcare [10:22] What “womb to tomb” care looks like in practice [14:30] How trust and cultural understanding boost health outcomes [25:31]The four components of health: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being[35:45] A bold approach to addressing addiction and recovery [51:06] What policymakers need to hear about tribal healthcare Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Indian Health Council – A tribal healthcare nonprofit serving nine tribes in North San Diego County The SHARE Initiative – A Prebys Foundation grant initiative supporting frontline health clinics Take Action: Support Tribal Health – Learn more about Indian Health Council and the role of tribal health centers in equitable care. Challenge Stereotypes – Elevate community voice and resist one-size-fits-all solutions in health policy. Honor Traditional Medicine – Advocate for the inclusion of culturally rooted healing practices in healthcare systems. Build Belonging – Ask how your organization or community can better reflect and respect the cultures it serves. Share This Episode – Start the conversation about what real, holistic, culturally informed healthcare can look like.

Chris Appleton is the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, a pioneering initiative using social prescribing to integrate the arts into healthcare and improve mental well-being. A leader in arts and social impact, his work has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, and NPR. With a background in nonprofit leadership Chris is redefining healing one creative prescription at a time. This episode: What if a doctor’s prescription didn’t lead you to a pharmacy, but to a painting class, a dance performance, or a music workshop? For centuries, artists have played a vital role in well-being, and cultures around the world have embraced the arts as a source of health, community, and renewal. Now, social prescribing is reshaping healthcare by integrating the arts, not just as enrichment but as a science-backed tool for improving both mental and physical health. Decades of research show that engaging in the arts can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and improve cognitive function. As the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, Chris Appleton is proving that creative engagement is more than a feel-good activity. It is a legitimate, measurable intervention that enhances health outcomes. By working with healthcare providers and insurers, he is building a system where doctors can prescribe the arts just like they would medication or therapy. Grant and Chris also explore how programs like Prebys Foundation’s Healing Through Arts and Nature initiative are improving community health through greater access to arts, culture, and nature. Grant shares how his own experience stepping onto the dance floor at a recent grantee event led to an unexpected moment of joy, connection, and uplifted spirits that reinforced the power of the arts in fostering well-being. 🎧 Tune in as Grant and Chris discuss why the healthcare system has been slow to adopt this approach, how social prescribing is gaining momentum, and what it means for the future of holistic healing. Key Moments: [4:11] What Art Pharmacy is and how social prescribing connects people to creative experiences for better health [9:21] Why social prescribing can be a powerful, less stigmatized intervention in the mental health crisis [12:03] How an older man’s social prescription led him to rediscover his community’s cultural vibrancy [17:48] The importance of prevention and early intervention in healthcare [25:45] Why integrating arts and nature into healthcare is key to long-term well-being [30:51] The essential metrics that prove the success of social prescribing programs. [42:18] Chris’s top goals for Art Pharmacy in the next three years Resources Mentioned in This Episode Prebys’ Healing Through Arts and Nature Initiative – Prebys Foundation’s grant initiative aiming to improve community health and well-being through access to arts, culture, and nature. Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins – A research initiative exploring the connection between neuroscience and the arts. Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross – A book on neuroaesthetics and how the arts shape our brains and bodies. University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine – A leading institution in arts and health research with research director Jill Sonke. Jameel Arts & Health Lab – A global initiative focused on measurably improving health and well-being through the arts. 5 Things You Can DoEngage with the Arts – Attend a local performance, visit an art exhibit, or try a creative activity like painting, dance, or music. Experience firsthand how the arts can foster connection and well-being. Learn More About Social Prescribing – Read Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross or explore initiatives like Healing Through Arts and Nature to see how creativity improves well-being. Support Arts & Health Programs – Volunteer, donate, or spread the word about organizations using the arts to promote healing. Reconnect with Nature – Take a mindful walk, explore a botanical garden, or join an outdoor community event. Like the arts, nature has proven benefits for mental and physical health. Start the Conversation – Share this episode with a friend, healthcare provider, or community leader. Advocate for creative solutions in healthcare. CreditsThis is a production of the Prebys FoundationHosted by Grant OliphantCo-Hosted by Crystal PageCo-produced by Crystal Page and Adam GreenfieldEngineered by Adam GreenfieldProduction Coordination by Tess KareskyVideo Production by Edgar Ontiveros MedinaSpecial thanks to the Prebys Foundation TeamThe Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.comIf you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe, and review our podcast. Thank you for your support, ideas, and listening.

Special Series: This season, Stop & Talk is diving into one of San Diego County’s biggest environmental and health emergencies: the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. Through this special series, we hear from doctors, advocates, researchers, and others fighting for clean environments, healthy communities, and real solutions to a crisis that’s been dismissed for too long. This episode:For decades, families in San Diego’s border communities have faced a sewage crisis that threatens their health and well-being. Now, two dedicated physicians, Dr. Kimberly Dickson and Dr. Vi Nguyen, are sharing how the sewage is impacting the people in their care. With medical expertise and deep community ties, they’ve connected the dots between troubling health patterns and the ongoing sewage crisis, stepping forward as advocates for their patients and neighbors. In this episode, host Grant Oliphant speaks with Dr. Dickson and Dr. Nguyen about what they’re seeing in their exam rooms, why this crisis demands urgent action, and the surprising response when they raised their concerns. This conversation is about the power of information, the courage to speak up, and the responsibility we all share to ensure every child has the chance to grow up healthy, safe, and free from pollution. Credits:This is a production of the Prebys FoundationHosted by Grant OliphantCo-Hosted by Crystal PageCo-produced by Crystal Page and Adam GreenfieldEngineered by Adam GreenfieldProduction Coordination by Tess KareskyVideo Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.com Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team If you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe, and review our podcast. Thank you for your support, ideas, and listening.