Doing What Works dives into pressing societal and environmental challenges through insightful discussions and expert interviews. Each season brings a fresh, educational perspective on complex issues, empowering listeners to think critically about creating meaningful change
Episode 10: Building the Workforce to End Homelessness with Colleen Murphy
Colleen Murphy and Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins discuss strengthening Los Angeles County's homeless services workforce, exploring staffing shortages, needed skills, and equitable workforce development programs in this interview.
19 Aug 2025
Episode 9: One Tragedy Away: Overcoming Homelessness and Finding Purpose with SMC Graduate Patricia Kusaba
Host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins interviews SMC graduate Patricia Kusaba about her journey from homelessness to purpose, highlighting the impact of education and community support.
17 Jun 2025
Episode 8: Beautifully Traumatic: A Student’s Journey Through the Homeless Services Program with Tamyra Simpson
Student Tamyra Simpson shares her experiences in Santa Monica College’s Homeless Services Certificate Program, discussing her path into the field and the transformative power of education in this interview.
28 May 2025
Episode 7: From Experience to Action: A New Vision for Homeless Services with Dr. Ryan Smith
Dr. Ryan Smith, President and CEO of St. Joseph Center, discusses his personal experience with homelessness and how it informs his vision for compassionate and effective homeless services, emphasizing housing, outreach, mental health, and economic mobility in this interview.
20 May 2025
Episode 6: Housing First and Human Dignity with Dr. Sam Tsemberis
In this powerful episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, we speak with Dr. Sam Tsemberis, founder of the Housing First model and CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute. Drawing from decades of experience in psychology and frontline mental health services, Dr. Tsemberis shares the journey that led him to challenge the status quo of homelessness treatment—shifting from a "treatment first" approach to one that prioritizes permanent housing without preconditions. From his early days at Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital to founding Pathways to Housing, Dr. Tsemberis witnessed firsthand the systemic gaps and human costs of policies that deny housing to those not yet "compliant" with treatment. Through compelling stories, research-backed results, and global replication efforts, this episode explores why Housing First isn’t just effective—it’s a matter of human dignity. Listeners will also hear his thoughts on workforce needs, replication of successful models like SMC's Homeless Services Certificate Program, and why shared public vision is essential to ending homelessness.
13 May 2025
Episode 5: Human-Centered Innovation in Addiction Recovery with Matt Walton
In this deeply moving and expansive episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaze-Hopkins speaks with Matt Walton, Executive Director of Clare Matrix and a longtime innovator in health technology. With a career that spans decades and industries—from DARPA-backed tech startups to pioneering medical record systems—Walton now leads one of the Westside’s most vital behavioral health organizations.
Walton shares how a lifetime in systems thinking and entrepreneurial innovation unexpectedly led him to the addiction treatment field. Through personal stories and professional insights, he illustrates the urgent need for integrated care, compassionate infrastructure, and the kind of recovery-focused models that treat people, not just symptoms.
This episode examines the role of healthcare interoperability, the societal roots of addiction and homelessness, and how institutions like Clare Matrix—and educational partners like Santa Monica College—can fill critical workforce gaps with heart, purpose, and integrity. Walton’s clear-eyed optimism and deep belief in service challenge listeners to rethink what’s possible when tech, humanity, and mission align.
6 May 2025
Episode 4: Public Health and Homelessness - A Call to Action with Leepi Shimkhada
In this compelling episode of "Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services," host Ashanti Blaze-Hopkins engages in a profoundly insightful conversation with Leepi Shimkhada, Deputy Director of LA County's Department of Health Services Housing for Health. Shimkhada shares her powerful journey on the front lines, her transition into public policy, and the human impact of her work. This episode illuminates how Housing for Health integrates public health and housing, creating pathways for long-term stability and human dignity for those experiencing homelessness. Shimkhada's experience showcases the significant wins and devastating losses inherent in this work while underlining the importance of a holistic approach, collaboration, and a skilled and passionate workforce in achieving our shared goals.
She also underscores the vital need for systemic change to address the root causes of homelessness. Shimkhada's words resonate with a deep sense of purpose, highlighting the urgency of supporting prevention efforts and creating genuinely equitable and inclusive communities. Join us as we explore the critical steps needed for meaningful change in our communities through a public health lens and the crucial role each of us plays in advocating for this change.
24 Apr 2025
Episode 3: Community College Homeless Programs with Dr. Nancy Greenstein
In this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaze Hopkins speaks with Dr. Nancy Greenstein, a long-serving board trustee at Santa Monica College and a passionate advocate for marginalized communities. Dr. Greenstein shares how her education and social work background, including early experiences teaching in a Navajo Nation community, shaped her perspective on social disparities and inspired her lifelong commitment to social justice.
The conversation focuses on the launch of Santa Monica College's new Homeless Services Program, launched in Fall 2024. Dr. Greenstein explains how the program emerged from years of discussions with industry professionals and highlights its goal to provide standardized training and career advancement opportunities for those working in the homeless services sector. She emphasizes the program’s potential to fill workforce gaps, improve service delivery, and create career pathways for students.
Dr. Greenstein also expresses excitement about the program’s first cohort, emphasizing the diversity of its students and the program’s long-term goals of expanding to other community colleges. The episode concludes with her vision for the program's future, including potential expansions into degrees in social work and collaborations with municipalities and agencies to address homelessness at a larger scale.
15 Apr 2025
Episode 2: Root Causes of Homelessness with Becky Dennison
In this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaze Hopkins interviews Becky Denison, Executive Director of Venice Community Housing. With over 20 years of experience in the homeless services sector, Denison offers her perspective on the root causes of homelessness in Los Angeles County, focusing on housing unaffordability, income inequality, and systemic issues such as institutional racism.
She discusses how Venice Community Housing adopts an innovative, equity-centered approach emphasizing community-led design and inclusion. Denison highlights the importance of supporting homeless service workers through sustainable workplaces and addresses the need for scaled-up solutions like permanent supportive housing and street medicine programs. The episode concludes with Denison's vision for addressing homelessness through large-scale public or social housing programs.
17 Mar 2025
Episode 9: Diversifying STEM with Terrence Mosley, Senior Advisor for DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
This episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy" features an interview with Terrence Mosley, Senior Advisor for STEM and University Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The conversation explores Mosley's background, including his experience at an HBCU and in the automotive industry, before delving into his current role promoting diversity in STEM fields and clean energy. Mosley discusses various initiatives to attract underrepresented groups to careers in renewable energy, including the blue economy. He emphasizes the importance of exposing students to these emerging fields early and creating pathways for diverse talent to enter the workforce. The episode also touches on broader challenges and opportunities in implementing renewable energy technologies across the United States.
17 Mar 2025
Episode 8: Algae as a Renewable Resource with Christy Sterner, Technology Project Manager at U.S. Department of Energy
In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaze Hopkins interviews Christy Sterner, Technology Project Manager for the Advanced Algal Systems Program at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The discussion covers Christy's career journey, from her first job as a cashier at Target to her current role, and delves into the potential of algae as a renewable energy resource. Christy shares insights about the Algae Prize competition, the importance of the blue economy, and how algae can be transformed into valuable products. The conversation also explores the importance of developing a skilled workforce in bioenergy and fostering innovation among students.
17 Mar 2025
Episode 7: The Benefits of Shellfish Farming with Dr. Gary Fleener at Hog Island Oyster Company
In Episode 7, we delve into the fascinating world of aquaculture and its pivotal role in the blue economy. Join host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins as she interviews Dr. Gary Fleener, Science, Sustainability, and Farm Education Manager at Hog Island Oyster Company. Dr. Fleener shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable seafood production, highlighting the importance of ocean stewardship and the environmental benefits of shellfish farming.
17 Mar 2025
Episode 6: Sustainable Blue Economy Careers with AltaSea's President and CEO, Terry Tamminen
In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins engages in a dynamic conversation with Terry Tamminen, President and CEO of AltaSea. The episode delves into Tamminen's extensive experience in the blue economy, from his early days working with tropical fish breeding to his role in shaping environmental policies as Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and explores innovative solutions for sustainable development in the oceanic sector.
17 Mar 2025
Episode 5: Making Effective Climate Change Policy with Jo Tavares
In Episode 5 of the podcast, Dr. Jo Tavares and Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins dive deep into the topic of the blue economy and its intersection with climate action, policy, education, and community engagement. Through insightful conversation, they explore the power of individual actions versus systemic change, the role of policy in addressing climate change, and the importance of inclusive collaboration in shaping a sustainable future. The episode highlights successful restoration efforts in wetland areas and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and industry collaboration to foster opportunities in the blue economy sector.
17 Mar 2025
Episode 4: The Evolving Landscape of Ocean Farming with Eliza Harrison
In this episode of "Doing What Works," we delve into the exciting world of the blue economy with Eliza Harrison, Director of California Operations at Ocean Rainforest. Eliza shares her journey into the aquaculture space, discussing the challenges and opportunities of seaweed cultivation and its potential to mitigate climate change. From navigating the complexities of permitting to fostering community buy-in, Eliza provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ocean farming.
17 Mar 2025
Episode 3: Lessons from Seaweed Farming with Torre Polizzi & Leslie Booher
In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," hosts Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins and guests Torre Polizzi and Leslie Booher delve into the world of aquaculture, specifically focusing on their company, Sunken Seaweed. Torre and Leslie share their journey from studying marine biology to founding a seaweed farming business and discuss the potential and challenges of the blue economy. They highlight the importance of seaweed aquaculture for environmental restoration, economic growth, and community development in California. The episode explores the dream state for the blue economy, hurdles to overcome, and lessons learned from successful initiatives like the Port of San Diego's blue economy program.
6 Mar 2025
Episode 2: Investing Strategically in the Blue Economy with Stephen Cheung
In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins delves into the vast potential and challenges of the blue economy with guest Stephen CH, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and the World Trade Center Los Angeles. Together, they discuss the importance of preparing LA County and Southern California for the growth of the blue economy, highlighting the need for coordination, collaboration, and strategic investment to capitalize on this emerging sector.
To learn more about SMC's innovative Aquaculture Certificate, please visit:
https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/life-sciences/aquaculture.php (https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/life-sciences/aquaculture.php)
20 Feb 2025
Episode 1: What is the Blue Economy with Dr. Nathan Churches
In this episode of "Doing What Works: Exploring the Blue Economy," host Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins delves into the world of sustainable aquaculture with Dr. Nathan Churches, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Holdfast Aquaculture. Dr. Churches shares his journey from working at a local marina to founding a company dedicated to strengthening and expanding the sustainable aquaculture industry. The conversation explores the concept of the blue economy, the importance of aquaculture in maintaining ocean health, and the challenges and successes of starting a company in this field.
To learn more about SMC's innovative Aquaculture Certificate, please visit https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/life-sciences/aquaculture.php (https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/life-sciences/aquaculture.php)
20 Feb 2025
Episode 1: Training the Next Generation of Homeless Service Professionals with Celina Alvarez
In this episode of Doing What Works: Innovations in Homeless Services, host Ashanti Blaze Hopkins interviews Celina Alvarez, the Executive Director of Housing Works, a nonprofit organization focused on providing sustainable, affordable housing options for individuals with limited resources. Alvarez shares her 31-year journey in the homeless services field, from her early days working on Skid Row in Los Angeles to her current leadership role. Throughout the episode, Alvarez discusses how her background and frontline experiences shaped her approach to homeless services and led her to prioritize human connection and relationship-building in addressing homelessness.
The conversation highlights Housing Works’ unique approach, which supports the unhoused and emphasizes the importance of caring for frontline workers. Alvarez also details her involvement in creating a new Homeless Services Program at Santa Monica College, which aims to train the next generation of homeless services professionals. She underscores the need for systemic changes in the sector, including addressing isolation, fostering a sense of community, and providing housing solutions. By sharing personal stories and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of her career, Alvarez provides a compelling perspective on the holistic needs of those experiencing homelessness.
To learn more about SMC's innovative Homeless Service Work Certificate, please visit www.smc.edu/HomelessServiceWork (http://www.smc.edu/HomelessServiceWork)
Who has been a guest on Doing What Works
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Colleen Murphy
Patricia Kusaba
Tamyra Simpson
Dr Ryan Smith
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.8 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
31
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