PODCAST · society
Connection is Key
by Gini
Connection is Key is where neighbors come together to learn, connect, and take action. Hosted by Gini B, this podcast makes civic engagement accessible and meaningful by blending real stories, local issues, and opportunities to get involved. From housing and land use to neighborhood history and community organizing, we break down what’s happening in San Jose—and how we can shape its future together. Because an engaged community isn’t just stronger—it’s more joyful, more empathetic, and more connected.
Episodes
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College and Career Readiness - Supporting Our Students
What does it actually take to get kids ready for life after high school? In this episode, I talk with Meredith "Mer" Curry Nuñez about college and career readiness and what our schools are (and aren't) doing to prepare students for what comes after graduation. We explore the gap between A-G...
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What Does a School Board Actually Do?
What does a school board actually do, and why should it matter to you? I sit down with East Side Union High School District candidate Mer Curry Nuñez to find out. This week I'm digging into something a lot of us think we understand until we're actually asked to explain it: what a school board…
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Schools of Tomorrow...
San Jose Unified called it Schools of Tomorrow, but in the end it meant closing five elementary schools, so I sat down with three parents to understand how it happened and what it means for our community. In this episode, I talk with Nigel Jahn, Michael Melillo, and David Friedlander about the…
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Finding your Civic Joy with Councilmember Pamela Campos
In this episode, I talk with San Jose Councilmember Pamela Campos about what civic joy means, how young voters are showing up for our community, and what it takes to represent a diverse district with real people's real challenges. We explore childcare access, housing, immigrant communities, and...
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We Keep Fighting: Sexual Assault Awareness Month, My Story, and What We Do Now
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Gini is not pulling punches. In this Season 2 opener, she shares her own family's history with sexual abuse, the college story that still stays with her, and her honest rage at a system that keeps asking survivors to stay silent to protect powerful men....
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Women's History Month - San Jose, Elections, and Showing Up
San Jose has a remarkable history of women leading. This episode is a reminder of that - and a call to show up right now. In this solo episode, I dig into Women's History Month through the lens of our city - because San Jose has a real, documented history of women who led the way. I also get into...
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Hyper-Individualism vs. Community Interdependence: The Neighborhood We’re Building
Sí Se Puede Collective Series - Part 3 of 3 In this final episode of our Sí Se Puede Collective series, we explore what these five East San José organizations are building together - and discover their vision is already becoming reality! I talk with Jess at the School of Arts and Culture about…
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Hyper-Individualism vs Community Interdependence - The Test
In this episode, I continue my conversation with the Si Se Puede Collective - Veronica Goei (Grail Family Services), Shawn Gerth (Veggielution), Victor Vasquez (Somos Mayfair), Jessica Paz-Cedillos (School of Arts and Culture), and Maritza Maldonado (Amigos de Guadalupe). We explore what happens...
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Hyper-Individualism vs Community Interdependence - Cast the Net
What happens when five organizations choose interdependence over hyper-individualism? A radical reimagining of nonprofit work and community care. I was inspired by an Instagram post from Erin Spahr from @feminist.mom.therapist. She talked about how we live in a culture that celebrates "doing it...
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Building Community Through Everyday Actions: The Tables are Turned
Building community isn't just about physical spaces—it's about creating connections that make our whole city stronger. In this special episode, the tables are turned as Alex Shoor, Executive Director of Catalyze SV, interviews me about my community-building journey in San Jose. We discuss my...
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Building Community Through Intentional Urban Design
In this episode, I talk with Erika McLitus about how the spaces we live in shape whether we can actually connect with our neighbors. We explore the stoops, sidewalks, parking lots, and ground-floor spaces that either bring us together or keep us apart—and what San Jose is doing (and could be…
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Building Community Through Better Development
In this episode, I talk with Alex Shoor about community-led development and creating more inclusive civic engagement in San Jose. We explore how housing policy connects to community building, why the people in the room at city meetings matters, and what it really means to "build community" in…
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Building Community through Playgrounds
How playgrounds became a pathway to community connection and civic engagement. In this episode, I talk with Kristin from Silicon Valley Toddler about how documenting playgrounds led to building community and discovering the power of advocacy. We explore how shared spaces create connection, why...
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Housing, Homelessness, and Community Solutions - A Personal Reflection
Housing instability affects more of us than we realize - and the solutions that work best are being cut just when we need them most. In this deeply personal episode, I close out our three-part housing series by sharing my own story of housing instability at 17. I explore essential housing...
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Housing, Homelessness, and Community Solutions Part 2
Housing isn't just about having a roof over your head—it's about belonging, community connection, and creating a place where everyone can thrive. In this episode, I talk with Claudine Sipili, Director of Lived Experience and Innovation at Destination: Home, about how housing challenges affect our...
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Housing, Homelessness, and Community Solutions
How do we build compassionate solutions to homelessness while creating true community connections? In this episode, I talk with Elizabeth Colorado, an advocate with the Lived Experience Advisory Board at Destination: Home, about housing, homelessness, and what real community solutions look like....
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The Privilege of Connection: Who Gets Access to Community?
Sometimes building community takes resources that aren't equally available to everyone. In this solo episode, I explore the uncomfortable reality that access to meaningful community connection isn't equal for everyone. I reflect on my own journey building community in San Jose as an extrovert…
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The Valley of Heart's Delight: Preserving San Jose's Soul
In this episode, I explore what it means to grow up in San Jose with local author Hannah Jayne. We discuss the tension between preserving what makes our city special while embracing necessary change. Hannah shares her childhood memories of "The Valley of Heart's Delight," from backyard creeks to...
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Why Civic Engagement is Cooler Than You Think
In this solo episode, I explore why civic engagement isn't just for policy peeps and lawyers—it's for all of us who want to make our community better. I'll share how small actions can create meaningful impact, introduce you to organizations making civic participation more accessible, and give you...
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Finding Connection in a Changing San Jose
In this episode of Connection is Key, I chat with Janikke Klem about what it really means to grow up in San Jose - both then and now. We explore how our city has transformed from agricultural hub to tech center, and what that means for building community here. I share some fascinating stats about...
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What Makes a City Feel Like Home
In this solo episode of Connection is Key, I dive into the big question: What makes a city feel like home? Is it the people, the places, or something we create ourselves? I share how getting involved in community events and connecting with those around me helped me truly feel at home in San Jose....
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Episode 0: Welcome to Connection is Key!
What makes a city feel like home? Is it where you were born? The people? The history? Or is it something you create? Welcome to Connection is Key—a podcast about building stronger, more connected communities, starting right here in San Jose, CA. I’m Gini, and in this first episode, I’m sharing…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Connection is Key is where neighbors come together to learn, connect, and take action. Hosted by Gini B, this podcast makes civic engagement accessible and meaningful by blending real stories, local issues, and opportunities to get involved. From housing and land use to neighborhood history and community organizing, we break down what’s happening in San Jose—and how we can shape its future together. Because an engaged community isn’t just stronger—it’s more joyful, more empathetic, and more connected.
HOSTED BY
Gini
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Connection is Key have?
Connection is Key currently has 22 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Connection is Key about?
Connection is Key is where neighbors come together to learn, connect, and take action. Hosted by Gini B, this podcast makes civic engagement accessible and meaningful by blending real stories, local issues, and opportunities to get involved. From housing and land use to neighborhood history and...
How often does Connection is Key release new episodes?
Connection is Key has 22 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Connection is Key?
You can listen to Connection is Key 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 Connection is Key?
Connection is Key is created and hosted by Gini.
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