Academy i3 Podcast

Increasing Affective Capacity ft. Jesse Greenfield

In this episode, hosts Charlie and Shane welcome Jesse Greenfield, MPHCHES—public health educator, improviser, and co-founder of Kaleidoscope Training Center. Jesse shares their journey from the medical field to applied improvisation, exploring how storytelling and play can empower individuals and communities to build stronger, healthier relationships. The conversation dives deep into the concept of "affective capacity"—our ability to connect emotionally with ourselves and others—and why it’s essential for personal well-being, effective communication, and thriving workplaces. Listeners will learn practical tools for increasing affective capacity, including the power of play, somatic practices, and authentic self-reflection. Jesse also guides the hosts through an improv game, demonstrating how simple, playful exercises can foster trust, openness, and collaboration. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just curious about emotional intelligence, this episode offers actionable insights for nurturing healthy relationships and creating supportive environments at work and beyond. Episode Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 0:39 – Jesse’s Journey: From Medicine to Applied Improv 7:51 – Defining Affective Capacity 8:10 – Emotional Connection in Health & Communication 13:46 – The Role of Trust and Relational Dynamics 17:51 – Building Affective Capacity: Personal Practices 27:06 – The Power of Play and Improv 31:41 – Bandwidth Check-Ins & Self-Reflection 34:25 – Tips for Novices: Starting Your Affective Capacity Journey 37:54 – Supporting Each Other: Extroverts, Introverts, and Processing Styles 40:12 – Leadership & Fostering Team Capacity 45:18 – Creating Safe, Supportive Work Environments 46:50 – Improv Game: “Accept This” in Action 51:16 – Debrief: Lessons from Play 1:01:01 – Openness, Exploration, and Growth 1:04:47 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways 1:04:54 – Closing Remarks Learn about our guest: Jesse Greenfield, MPH, CHES (they/them) is a public health educator and improviser living in San Diego, California. They love using storytelling as an information-sharing tool to empower individuals and communities to live their fullest and healthiest lives. As co-founder and Director of Programming for Kaleidoscope Training Center, Jesse facilitates applied improvisation workshops to support people in improving their spoken and unspoken communication with others, creating joyful connections, and being effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Some groups they have worked with in this capacity include school staff, medical professionals, queer youth, social workers, and more. Guest contact information  * Jesse’s Business Website https://www.kaleidoscopetrainingcenter.com/ [https://www.kaleidoscopetrainingcenter.com/], which has all of their info about programming and upcoming offerings * contact info jesse@kaleidoscopetrainingcenter.com in case folx want to reach out.  * If people are looking for a great book that will support them in improving their facilitation using applied improv, I'd highly recommend the book Training to Imagine by Kat Koppe [https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003448235/training-imagine-kat-koppett]

Building Accessible Digital Work Environments ft. Courtney Ketcham

Join us for an insightful conversation with Courtney Ketcham, former Accessibility Remediation Coordinator at the Academy for Professional Excellence. Courtney shares her journey, expertise, and practical tips on making digital spaces accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or advocate, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories about the importance of accessibility, universal design, and inclusion in the digital world.

ICWA: Key Insights for Child Welfare Professionals

Join us for this episode of the Academy i3 Podcast as we welcome Sunni Dominguez, Tribal Stars Program Manager and member of the Ipay Nation of Santa Isabel. Sunni shares her expertise on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), discussing its history, why it matters, and how it impacts Native American families and child welfare professionals. In this conversation, we cover: * The origins and purpose of ICWA * Key provisions and compliance challenges * The importance of cultural connection and community leadership * Best practices for social workers and agencies * Real stories and lived experiences from Native communities Whether you’re a child welfare professional, student, or someone interested in social justice and Native American issues, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for making a positive impact. Sunni Dominguez is Iipay/Kumeyaay from the Ipay Nation of Santa Ysabel. She served as an elected tribal official for 14 years and currently sits on the Tribal Advisory Committee for the CDSS Office of Tribal Affairs. With over 20 years of experience in tribal family advocacy, early childhood education, and cultural preservation, she now serves as Program Manager for the Academy for Professional Excellence Tribal STAR program. As a trainer for ICWA: Working with Native American Families and Tribes, Sunni draws on her experiences as a mother, grandmother, foster parent, and Indian custodian to support better outcomes for Native American children and families. Her work focuses on spiritual healing and protecting past, present, and future generations.👍 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!

Peer Support in Professional Spaces

This episode of the Academy I3 podcast delves into the vital topic of peer support, exploring its significance in both personal and professional contexts. The discussion highlights how peer support fosters a sense of community, encourages open dialogue, and provides practical strategies for overcoming challenges. Through real-life examples and expert insights from Betsy Watson, MSW, and Shelley Townley, BA, the episode emphasizes the transformative power of shared experiences and the importance of building supportive networks. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how peer support can enhance well-being, resilience, and growth within various environments.Episode Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Introductions08:45 – Defining Peer Support and Its Importance15:22 – Origins of Ventura County’s Peer Support Program23:10 – One-on-One Support and Resiliency Groups28:55 – Innovative Approaches: Therapy Dogs, Mindfulness, and Chair Yoga35:40 – Training Peer Supporters and Program Growth42:12 – Immediate Support Compared to Traditional Support (EAP, Therapy)49:05 – Critical Incident Response and Trauma Bonding55:30 – Coalition-Building Across Counties and First Responders1:28:50 – Final Takeaways and Advice for New Workers and Leaders Learn about our guest: Betsy Watson, Supervisor, Ventura County Child Welfare – 23 years in child welfare, involved in peer support since 2018, with expertise in staff wellness and workforce resilience. Shelley Townley, Supervisor, Ventura County Child Welfare – Nearly 30 years in child welfare, peer support involvement since 2016, experienced in program development, coalition-building, and sustaining trauma-informed practices.Guest contact information Follow us on social media:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy

Emerging Practices in Social Work

In this episode, host Charlie Rodnuson interviews Giovanni Holloway, a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in child welfare and social services in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The conversation covers emerging practices in social work, the importance of self-care and work-life balance, diversity and culturally responsive approaches, creative community engagement such as natural hair care forums for foster families, the effects of policy on caseloads and workforce retention, and practical advice for social workers at all stages of their careers.