Speak For Change With Thomas Sage Pedersen
Welcome to Speak for Change with Thomas Sage Pedersen! Our mission is to inspire and promote positive and lasting change in our local & global communities.
Episodes
161 episodes
Inside Arts Council: Open Studios Bree Karpavage
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. W...
Inside Arts Council: Grants for The Arts Tamara Liu
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 suppo...
Inside Arts Council: Arts Education Sarah Brothers Bot
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 s...
Jacob Martinez | Leading In The Storm: Founding Digital Nest Nonprofit, Radical Transparency,Training Next Generation of Diverse Leaders, Fundraising Wisdom and more
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 pla...
Casey Coonerty | Leading in The Storm: Leading Through Change, Upfront vs Behind The Scenes Leadership, Power of Slowing Down, Obstacles of Running a Bookstore in Modern Times,
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 d...
Justin Cummings | Leading In The Storm: Leading in Crisis, The Power of Delegation, Cutting red tape, "Pick Issues not SIdes"
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 wit...
Maria Elena De La Garza:Leading In The Storm: Leading with Authenticity, Building Systems That Generate Belonging, and more
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 ...
DeAndre James| Leading In The Storm: Transparent Leadership, How to Focus in Changing Times
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...
Morning Tea: Why Discomfort Sparks Our Greatest Growth
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...
Ep.155 Transforming Life through Fitness and Faith with Nativo Gonzalez
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 poigna...
Ep.154 Balancing Journalism and PR: Connecting Through Food, Community and Kindness
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 t...
Ep.153 Unraveling Shapes & Sounds of Freedom: Friendship, Art, and Authentic Expression
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,
Ep.152 Exploring the Intersection of Sound and Imagination: The Creative World of Bora Yoon
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 instrumen...
Ep.151:Unlocking Musical Genius: A Conversation with Grammy-Nominated Composer Anna Clyne
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 t...
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Ep.150: Andy Hudson's Inspiring Voyage Through Music
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, reco...
Ep.149: Harnessing Curiosity: Kimberly Gomes on Creativity, Solo Travel, and Self-Discovery
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 thr...
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Ep.148 Uncovering Cultural Roots: The Musical Journey of Composer Vivian Fung
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-renow...
Ep.147 Resilience and Harmony: Composer Iván Enrique Rodríguez on Activism, Empathy and Orchestral Music
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 En...
Ep.146 The Composer Leader: Riley Nicholson's Journey in Contemporary Music as a composer & Executive Director of Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music
https://www.rileynicholson.com/https://cabrillomusic.org/What does it take to be a budding composer and also leader in the world of contemporary musi...
Ep.145The Transformative Power of Self-Love: From Personal Growth to Social Change with Thomas Sage Pedersen
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.
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Ep.144: Transforming Passion into Community Power: Alexandra The Author of Soul Good Entertainment
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 ...
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Ep. 143: Redefining Leadership: Empowerment, Empathy, and Career Growth with Julia Greenspan
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 wit...
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Ep.142 Cyn: Art, Transformation, Tattoos, and Self-Discovery
Contact Cyn: https://www.instagram.com/whisper_sfAbout CynCyn is a San Francisco native. Who moved to Santa Cruz 5 years ago. She has worked in healthcare for 15...
Ep.141 Ellen Primack | Cabrillo Festival of Music Series
About EpisodeAs 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.
