Academy i3 Podcast

About Academy i3 Podcast

The Academy i3 Podcast is a series of podcasts where we lead with open hearts and open minds to Inspire, Inquire, and Impact the workforce. On each episode, join Charlie Rodnuson, Practice Coach for the CWDS (Child Welfare Development Services) program, as he talks with special guests on experiences and conversations that transform the heart, mind, and practice. This podcast is produced by the Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work. Hosted, produced, and edited by Charlie Rodnuson. Logo by Michael Eakes.

Publisher

Academy for Professional Excellence

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Jan 2023

Latest episode

13 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

22 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Jan 2026

   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)

2. 

   9 Dec 2025

   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.

3. 

   18 Nov 2025

   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!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

4,657,869,534

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

36

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

32