PODCAST · society
Central Coast Voices
by KCBX
How is the Central Coast evolving, and what does it mean for your community? Central Coast Voices is KCBX's weekly conversation about the decisions shaping life in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and southern Monterey Counties. We spotlight local leaders, advocates, and neighbors who are working to make life in our region better for all of us. We give you a seat at the table to discuss topics from healthcare access and neighborhood design to our local economy and schools. Your hosts Mario Espinoza-Kulick, Kris Kington-Barker, Lata Murti, Fred Munroe, and Bettina Swigger invite you to join the conversation. To participate, call 805-781-3875 during the program or email [email protected].
Episodes
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Arts and Humanities Unite Us
October is National Arts and Humanities Month, and this year’s theme is “Stories Unite Us." Host Bettina Swigger will talk with SLO Museum of Art Executive Director Leann Standish about the Museum's plans for expansion and their arts education efforts. Then Roberto de Leon, Advanced English…
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Corazón del Pueblo Youth and Latine/x Heritage Month
Executive Director Esmeralda Garcia and a member of Corazón del Pueblo Cultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley join host Lata Murti to talk about the organization, its recent and upcoming projects, and what Latine/x Heritage Month means to Latine/x and Indigenous Mixteco youth...
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Local Sustainability Efforts and the Bioneers Conference
Join host Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick for a conversation about the 2026 Central Coast Bioneers Conference and the local leaders working to create more environmentally sustainable and socially just communities. Guests will discuss how this year’s conference is centered around innovative approaches…
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2026/27 Cal Poly Arts Season
Cal Poly Arts Director Molly Clark and Programming and Development Manager Coralee Wagenhurst join host Lata Murti to talk about the season's upcoming performances, including Ballet Folklorico de Mexico and musicals Beetlejuice and SIX.
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Your life. Your death. Your choice.
Mark Greenburg, Executive Director of End of Life Choice California, will join host Kris Kington Barker to discuss the nonprofit and the services it offers related to legal end-of-life choices in California. They will explore why these choices matter and how individuals can communicate their...
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Best of: Different types of grief and where to find support
In this best of presentation, Kris Kington Barker talks with Jamie Metzger, Director of Grief Support and Education for Hospice SLO County. Loss, especially the death of a loved one, is among life's greatest stressors. It can affect us in physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, social,...
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Best of Central Coast Voices-Family Care Network
Today on this Best of Central Coast Voices, host Fred Munroe will be talking with the folks from the Family Care Network. Join Fred as we learn more about the role of the Family Care Network and it’s work supporting the efforts of parents within our community .Listen Thursday from 1-2pm on KCBX…
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Hospice SLO County -A History and Its Mission
Abe Lincoln recently moved from board chair to Executive Director for Hospice SLO. He joins host Kris Kington Barker to talk about how the first hospice in San Luis Obispo, created as a non-medical volunteer hospice, has continued to serve the community since 1977, when the modern healthcare...
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Positive Ride
Joining us this week on Central Coast Voices are staff and clients from Positive Ride. This is one of the most community connected groups, working to make outdoor adventure accessible to everyone. Positive Ride was founded on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to explore outdoor...
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Protecting and Preserving the Central Coast Coastline
Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick speaks with volunteers from the Surfrider Foundation San Luis Obispo Chapter about what beach cleanups reveal about the health of our coastline. we will explore how community volunteers, local businesses, public agencies, and residents all play a role in protecting the...
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What about Guadalupe’s Royal Theatre?
On Tuesday, July 28, Guadalupe’s City Council unanimously voted to end renovations to the city’s historical Royal Theatre. Mira Beyeler-Ramierez, Vice President of The Guadalupe Visual and Performing Arts Collective, and Stephanie Krouse, Guadalupe resident, artist, and co-owner of the Yellow…
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Fighting for Our Local Youth
Representatives from Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley join host Lata Murti to discuss a new Navigation Center for youth, opening in August. Listen and join the conversation Thursday at 1pm on KCBX
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LGBTQ+ older adults: child-free aging and advanced care options.
Host Kris Kington Barker and Sherrill Wayland, Senior Partner of Special Initiatives and Partnerships at SAGE, dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults discuss the unique set of aging challenges faced by this underserved community.Join the conversation live Thursdays at 1 on KCBX.
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Infinite Music- A non-profit supporting musical education for community youth
Host Fred Munroe's guest is Sarah Mason, founder of Infinite Music, exposing young people to a variety of musical genres.Listen live Thursdays from 1-2pm on KCBX
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Building the Future Teacher Workforce
Join Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick as he speaks with Dr. Sally Hawkins of Westmont College about a new $2.4 million teacher residency grant developed in partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District. They will discuss how this initiative aims to reduce financial barriers, support…
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The History of Santa Maria's New Japanese Community Center
The City of Santa Maria's Japanese Community Center opened June 8, 2026 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Learn about the history and people who made it happen in this July 24, 2025 episode of Central Coast Voices with host Lata Murti and her guests, Jo Anne Nishino Spencer, President of the Santa...
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Aid in Dying Medicine in California
Kris Kington Barker speaks with Thalia DeWolf, RN, CHPN, Nursing Education and Hospice Outreach Coordinator for the Academy of Aid in Dying Medicine and co-author of Advances in Aid-in-Dying Clinical Care. They will explore what California has learned from ten years of data, including clinical...
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Voting Rights Act and the 14th Amendment
This week on Central Coast Voices, we’re tackling a major national issue with local expertise. In a critical election year, understanding congressional redistricting and the voting process is more important than ever. Host Fred Munroe talks with Cal Poly Political Science Professor Michael…
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Returning Ancestral Lands and Advancing Indigenous Stewardship on the Central Coast
Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick speaks with Becca Lucas Thomas of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe to discuss what recent developments means for Indigenous land stewardship, and how tribal leadership continues to shape environmental protection, cultural revitalization, and Land…
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Music for Unity and Postcards from Armenia
Join host Lata Murti and her guests, Shushana Hakobyan of Shell Piano Trio and composer Dr. Deon Nielsen Price of Music for Unity, as they discuss the upcoming concert, Postcards from Armenia. The concert features work by Armenian composers and also the world premiere of Dr. Nielsen Price's...
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The Pacific Legal Foundation
This week on Central Coast Voices, host Kris Kington Barker is joined by guests from the Pacific Legal Foundation (PFL), a public interest law firm that defendsAmericans’ liberties when threatened by government overreach and abuse. They'll be discussing how every year, they represent hundreds of...
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Addressing Public Health in SLO County
Fred Munroe sits down with Dr. Penny Borenstein, San Luis Obispo County’s Health Officer and Public Health Administrator. Dr. Borenstein is retiring in July and we appreciate her giving us an opportunity to look at local healthcare issues and successes we have faced together on the Central Coast....
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Preserving Cayucos: Housing, Development, and Local Voices
Join host Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick for a conversation with members of Preserve Cayucos LLC about housing, development, tourism, and the future of our coastal communities. Guests Vicki Tamoush, John Carsel, Harley K. Dubois, and Sharon Borradori will discuss why Preserve Cayucos was formed, how...
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Best of: Different types of grief and where to find support
In this best of presentation, Kris Kington Barker talks with Jamie Metzger, Director of Grief Support and Education for Hospice SLO County. Loss, especially the death of a loved one, is among life's greatest stressors. It can affect us in physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, social,...
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Celebrate National Poetry Month with Local Poets
The American Academy of Poets declared April National Poetry Month in 1996. To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, San Luis Obispo County Poet Laureate Caleb Nichols; Poet and Coastal Dunes California Writers Club’s Acting President and Vice President Viviana Hall; and Librarian and Advisor of Allan...
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Long Term Care Ombudsman services. Who they serve and how.
What is the role of an Ombudsman for nursing homes, board and care, and other licensed residential facilities in San Luis Obispo County? Kris Kington Barker speaks with Karen Jones, Executive Director for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of SLO County on Thursday at 1 pm. Call in and...
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Cuesta College's Music & Audio Technology Certificate Program
Host Fred Munroe looks at Cuesta College’s Music Department's Audio Technology program, which goes far beyond what we historically think of when focusing on community colleges. You are invited to listen, learn, and participate in this conversation, Thursday at 1pm on Central Coast Voices.
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Pesticide Exposure and Community Health
Join host Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick for a conversation to discuss pesticide exposure as a pressing public health and environmental justice issue on the Central Coast.We will discuss the power of community organizing and how residents can learn more, report concerns, and get involved in upcoming...
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Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center-History, Stories, and Events to Come
Join Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center's Executive Director Erika Weber, Coastal Stories Documentarian Chachi Ramirez, and Film Producer Melanie Backer as they talk to host Lata Murti about all there is to discover at the Dunes, and how you can help to support this historic site and its Center.Join…
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Who are end of life (death) doulas and what do they do?
Today, Kris Kington-Barker's guest is End-of-Life Doula, Gabrielle Jimenez, founder of The Hospice Heart, to discuss the role of a doula in our country's aging and seriously ill population and decline in healthcare resources.Join the conversation live Thursday from 1-2pm on KCBX
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Family Care Network
Today on Central Coast Voices, host Fred Munroe will be talking with the folks from the Family Care Network. Join Fred as we learn more about the role of the Family Care Network and it’s work supporting the efforts of parents within our community.Listen and participate live Thursday from 1-2pm on...
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Offshore Oil Expansion on the Central Coast
Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick talks about the environmental, public health, and economic risks of expanded offshore oil and gas development off the Central Coast. Guests Charles Varni, Chair of the SLO Surfrider Chapter and Gianna Patchen, Sierra Club Santa Lucia Chapter Coordinator, will discuss...
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Black-Led Organizations on the Central Coast
In the 2nd of a two-part series, Co-Executive Directors Connie Alexander and Audrey Gamble join host Lata Murti to talk about Gateway Educational Services. Restaurateur Feben Teffera joins during the second half of the show to talk about Ebony SLO and how you can help its future on California's...
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Different types of grief and where to find support
Kris Kington Barker talks with Jamie Metzgar, Director of Grief Support and Education for Hospice SLO County. Loss, especially the death of a loved one, is among life's greatest stressors. It can affect us in physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, social, spiritual, and practical ways. Kris...
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Pooling Your Philanthropy
This week on Central Coast Voices, host Fred Munroe and theleadership team of “100 Women Who Care, San Luis Obispo” willshare their insights with us.We will learn about their simple, yet straight forward philanthropicefforts, which have turned small individual contributions into over$300,000 of...
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Arab American Histories on the Central Coast
Join host Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick for a conversation with Cal Poly historian Dr. Farah Al-Nakib, about Mawtini, a Central Coast oral history and community archive documenting Arab American life through stories of home, memory, and belonging. Along with Mawtini narrators Vicki Tamoush and Iyad...
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Black-Owned Businesses on the Central Coast: Part I
In the first of a two-part series, Captain Pat Walker of The FriendSHYP Club and Gloria Mantooth, also known as Soul Fyah, join host Lata Murti to talk about their businesses, how they started, and what they offer the San Luis Obispo and Lompoc communities, as well as the Central Coast at…
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Workforce Wins on the Central Coast: How Local Career Pathways Are Straightening Our Economy
Paula Mathia Fryer, Senior Director, SLO Partners, Jennifer Clayton, Director of Student Success, SLO Partners, and Ryan Dunn, CEO , Mantis Composites, talk with host Kris Kington-Barker about SLO County's recently reached milestone: 1,000 residents gaining new job-relevant skills. They will...
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Restorative Partners
Fred Munroe is joined by Restorative Partners, to discuss their ongoing work to break the cycle of crime and incarceration, Join the conversation Thursday at 1pm on Central Coast Voices.
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Behind Barbed Wire Redux
Join host Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick on Central Coast Voices for a conversation about Behind Barbed Wire Redux, a multimedia history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II and its lasting impact on the Central Coast. Guests Dr. Deon Nielsen Price, former internee Margaret Nakamura...
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Facts over Fear - Understanding Issues Facing Transgender Students
Join Kris Kington-Barker and her guests, Dr. Denise Taylor, local HIV Specialist & Gender Affirming Care Provider, and Trevor Norcross, a father of a transgender teen, to discuss why there is so much public outcry and concern about transgender students. Together, we will explore facts versus...
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AARP Tax-Aide Program
In this episode of Central Coast Voices, host Fred Munroe and his guests will take on a common topic for this time of year, doing our taxes.Joining Fred are members of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. This Tax-Aide program is, supported by a team of local volunteers provides tax assistance…
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Childhood Cancer Research and Prevention on the Central Coast
Join host Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick for a conversation with leaders from End Kids Cancer, a San Luis Obispo–based organization working at the forefront of pediatric cancer research, family navigation, and prevention. Listen and participate live Thursdays from 1-2pm on KCBX
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
How is the Central Coast evolving, and what does it mean for your community? Central Coast Voices is KCBX's weekly conversation about the decisions shaping life in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and southern Monterey Counties. We spotlight local leaders, advocates, and neighbors who are working to make life in our region better for all of us. We give you a seat at the table to discuss topics from healthcare access and neighborhood design to our local economy and schools. Your hosts Mario Espinoza-Kulick, Kris Kington-Barker, Lata Murti, Fred Munroe, and Bettina Swigger invite you to join the conversation. To participate, call 805-781-3875 during the program or email [email protected].
HOSTED BY
KCBX
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Central Coast Voices have?
Central Coast Voices currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Central Coast Voices about?
How is the Central Coast evolving, and what does it mean for your community? Central Coast Voices is KCBX's weekly conversation about the decisions shaping life in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and southern Monterey Counties. We spotlight local leaders, advocates, and neighbors who are working to...
How often does Central Coast Voices release new episodes?
Central Coast Voices has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Central Coast Voices?
You can listen to Central Coast Voices on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Central Coast Voices?
Central Coast Voices is created and hosted by KCBX.
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