The Mission Continues: Jim Zenner, Director of LA County Military & Veterans Affairs

OCD: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Help

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589793/fan_mail/new] Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often reduced to stereotypes about cleanliness or organization. In reality, OCD is a complex disorder marked by distressing intrusive thoughts, overwhelming uncertainty, and compulsive behaviors that can significantly impact a person's daily life. Specific phobias are equally powerful, leading people to avoid situations, places, or objects in ways that can quietly limit their freedom and quality of life. In this episode of Finding Your Voice, host Jason Carrasco, LMFT, sits down with OCD specialist Erin Smokovich Dorflinger, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist for an in depth conversation about what OCD and specific phobias really look like beyond the myths. Together, they explore the lived experience of intrusive thoughts, compulsions, shame, avoidance, and the emotional toll these conditions can take on individuals and families. The conversation also examines how OCD and phobias are accurately diagnosed, why they are so often misunderstood, and the evidence-based treatments that have helped countless people reclaim their lives. Erin explains Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, as well as exposure therapy for phobias, offering practical insight into how facing fear rather than avoiding it can become the pathway to healing. Whether you live with OCD or a specific phobia, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand these conditions, this episode offers compassionate education, practical guidance, and hope. Recovery is possible, and with the right support, people can learn to live meaningful, fulfilling lives beyond fear, doubt, and avoidance. Join us for an honest conversation that challenges stigma, builds understanding, and reminds us that healing begins when we have the courage to face what frightens us and to find our voice.

Voices of Pride: A Natural Connection

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589793/fan_mail/new] In honor of Pride Month, Jason Carrasco sits down with social justice advocate, community leader, and consultant Hector Trinidad Placencia for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about identity, belonging, resilience, and the power of community. Drawing from more than 15 years of experience working alongside undocumented Californians, communities of color, and transgender and queer communities, Hector shares their personal journey, the lessons they've learned through advocacy, and the importance of creating spaces where people can live authentically and be seen for who they are. Together, Jason and Hector explore common misconceptions about transgender and queer communities, the impact of acceptance and rejection on mental health, the role of family and community support, and why healing is never a solo journey. They also discuss the intersection of immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy, the challenges facing trans communities today, and how everyday people can help create a more compassionate and inclusive world. This episode is ultimately about something larger than labels—it's about what it means to be human, to understand ourselves, to trust our journey, and to create communities where everyone has the opportunity to find their voice. In This Episode: *  Understanding transgender and queer identities  *  Mental health and belonging  *  The importance of family and community support  *  Advocacy, social justice, and systemic change  *  Moving beyond fear toward understanding  *  Trust, resilience, and personal growth  *  What it means to create a more inclusive society  Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a parent, ally, clinician, or simply someone seeking greater understanding, this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and hope for us all.  Plascencia Consulting https://hectorplascencia.com/ [https://hectorplascencia.com/] Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/plascenciaconsulting/ [https://www.instagram.com/plascenciaconsulting/]

Human Trafficking in Plain Sight

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589793/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Finding Your Voice, Jason Carrasco sits down with Clinical Law Professor Bridgette Carr from the University of Michigan. Professor Carr is one of the nation's leading voices in the fight against human trafficking. She discusses what human trafficking really looks like, challenges common myths, and explains how trafficking often happens much closer to home than people realize.  Professor Carr shares insights from her years of working with survivors, explaining the importance of trust, dignity, and community in the healing process. The conversation also examines how systems can better support survivors, the realities of labor and sex trafficking, and how technology may help expand access to justice in the future.  Most importantly, this episode reminds us that people who have experienced trafficking are far more than what happened to them. They are individuals with strength, resilience, hope, and the ability to build meaningful lives beyond their trauma.  This is a thoughtful and powerful conversation about human dignity, healing, and the importance of seeing people in their full humanity. University of Michigan Website https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/bridgette-carr [https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/bridgette-carr] National Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888 National Human Trafficking Website https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en [https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en]

Part 2 The Reality of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women: Stolen Voices

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589793/fan_mail/new] In Part 2 of this deeply moving two-part conversation, and return to continue sharing the heart behind their work with and the ongoing movement surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women  (MMIW). Together, we explore the spiritual foundation of their advocacy and the sacred responsibility they carry as they support families impacted by unimaginable grief and loss. Teyana and Norm speak openly about the emotional weight of this work, the importance of ceremony, and how prayer, community, and connection to the land guide everything they do. In this episode, listeners will hear about the meaning behind the Red Teepee, prayer runs, mountain climbs, and the powerful healing spaces they create for families to share their stories and honor loved ones who have been taken too soon. They also reflect on resilience, generational healing, Indigenous identity, and the importance of transforming grief into action while continuing to fight for visibility, accountability, and justice. This conversation is not only about advocacy, it is about humanity, remembrance, healing, and hope. It is a powerful reminder that healing happens in community, that stories matter, and that every voice has the power to create change. Way of the Sacred Mountain  You Tube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGydeK4RmMw&t=5s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGydeK4RmMw&t=5s] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzO_oVT7v0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzO_oVT7v0] https://wayofthesacredmountain.org/ [https://wayofthesacredmountain.org/]

Part 1 The Reality of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women: Stolen Voices

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589793/fan_mail/new] In this powerful first installment of a two-part conversation on Finding Your Voice, host Jason Carrasco sits down with Teyana Viscarra and Norm Sands from Way of the Sacred Mountain to explore the devastating reality of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). This episode shines a light on the heartbreaking statistics, systemic failures, and generational trauma impacting Indigenous communities across North America. Together, they discuss why Indigenous women, men, girls, boys, and two spirit relatives face disproportionately high rates of violence, why so many cases go underreported or unsolved, and how awareness, advocacy, and community action are critical in creating change. Through honest conversation and education, this episode invites listeners to move beyond headlines and truly understand the human impact behind the MMIW crisis. More than statistics, these are stories of daughters, mothers, sisters, families, and communities whose voices deserve to be heard. This conversation is difficult, emotional, and deeply important. Our hope is that by bringing greater awareness to MMIW, we can help amplify Indigenous voices, honor those who have been lost, and encourage meaningful action and healing. Topics discussed include: *  The origins and meaning of the MMIW movement  *  The alarming statistics surrounding violence against Indigenous women  *  Why many cases receive little media attention  *  Historical trauma and systemic barriers  *  Advocacy, education, and community healing  *  How listeners can support awareness and change  Part Two will continue the conversation by focusing on healing, advocacy efforts, and the work being done through Way of the Sacred Mountain to support Indigenous communities and protect future generations. Way of the Sacred Mountian  You Tube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGydeK4RmMw&t=5s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGydeK4RmMw&t=5s] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzO_oVT7v0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzO_oVT7v0] https://wayofthesacredmountain.org/ [https://wayofthesacredmountain.org/]