A Wellness Journey

Farmer, Teacher, Healer: Chris Burroughs and Garden 31

Chris Burroughs has a fascinating life journey that led him to where he is now, someone who completely represents the phrase, "Farmer, Teacher, Healer." From serving 14 years in prison to founding Garden 31, a San Diego County-based nonprofit that provides training and mentorship in regenerative agriculture and life skills to at-risk youth and adults, Chris shares his powerful story of lived experiences, second chances, and pathways to healing. Join hosts N. Diane Moss and Brandon S. Johnson for an inspiring talk with Mr. Burroughs about purpose, determination, and teaching the value of self-worth. This is the second episode of our 2026 podcast theme, "Farmer, Teacher, Healer", and one that shouldn't be missed.

Farmer, Teacher, Healer: Living For Today Ranch

In this first episode of 2026, we want to highlight and celebrate Black farmers and food growers who are doing good work in the community and embody the phrase, "Farmer, Teacher, Healer" in their work. We're fortunate to have Luis De La Rosa and Monica McDade as our special guests who tick every box as the owners and operators of Living For Today Ranch, an innovative farm in Bonita that not only produces a large amount of food but serves as an outdoor learning environment for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Their unique and fascinating journey to urban agriculture begins with their owning and operating Group Homes and Adult Residential Facilities in San Diego, and their desire to improve the lives of those they serve through better nutrition and hands-on outdoor skill development. Join hosts Brandon S. Johnson and N. Diane Moss as they discuss the science and intention behind Living For Today's innovative approach to urban agriculture. This work is driven by Luis' engineering background with NASA, and their combined passion and dedication to improving the lives of those they serve.

Generational Ties - Kwanzaa Traditions in San Diego

Kwanzaa is an annual year-end celebration of African-American history, values, family, community and culture. As 2025 comes to a close, we thought it only fitting to focus our last podcast of the year on Kwanzaa in San Diego. In this episode we host an intergenerational group of community members who share a deep, personal connection to Kwanzaa. Through their lived experiences, we’ll explore their feelings and thoughts on the significance and symbolism of this cultural celebration. Hosts Brandon S. Johnson and Nyenyekevu Diane Moss are joined by Rodney West, Jonathon Scott, Dr. LaWana Richmond, and Mwenda KudumuBiggs.

Where There's a Will, There's a Way - Good Food Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Project: Good Food, we’re focusing on what it takes to not only establish a food business in the Good Food District, but the work and motivation needed to make it thrive. Both guests featured in this episode share the same passion for their work, mission to provide healthy food that fills a specific need, and commitment to relationship-building within the community. Hosts Brandon S. Johnson and N. Diane Moss are joined by Nancy Juarez, owner and founder of Feshería, a well-established healthy eatery with four brick and mortar locations in San Diego, as well as Candi Gee and Charaun Allen, co-owners of Dru Juice, an up-and-coming juice business making waves on the local food scene.

A Wellness Journey

Join us as we travel out to Boulevard, California to visit Big Rock Ranch, a 46-acre ranch owned by Southeastern San Diego native Avery Wynn, as part of Project New Village's monthly Wellness Journeys. These community wellness getaways treat volunteers of the organization to different outdoor locations throughout San Diego County to connect with nature, community, and meditative wellness practices to help de-stress and hopefully find balance within daily life. In this episode, we hear first-hand how these Wellness Journeys are impacting community members in a positive and profound way. Hosts Brandon S. Johnson and N. Diane Moss are joined in the studio by Izzy Rosado, PNV Program Assistant who coordinates the Wellness Journeys, and Danny Kaffer, PNV Volunteer Coordinator who organizes and maintains the extensive list of PNV community volunteers.