Everyone has a story if you take the time to listen. And — as you’ll find out — those stories transcend age. Host Susan “Suz” Claassen delves into the fascinating and funny stories of her fellow Life Plan Community residents at White Sands La Jolla. Their journeys through life are inspiring, and Suz delivers with charisma and charm!
Living the American Dream with Sue Y. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz sits down with the Honorable Sue Pai Yang, White Sands resident, as she recalls her inspiring, lifelong journey. She emigrated from China at age eight without knowing a word of English and became a respected attorney and judge in New Jersey. Ever wonder what it takes to turn early challenges into the American Dream fully realized?
1 Sept 2026
Inspiring Education for the Next Generation with Mary Sue of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz shines the spotlight on Mary Sue Lindsay, second-generation White Sands resident, as she recalls her journey from teacher to principal to advocate for real-world learning for kids, at one point even attending the Winter Olympics. Ever wonder what it’s like to be an expert in demand as a full-time project-based learning consultant while juggling grandparenting and other noble pursuits?
1 Aug 2026
Adventuring Through Young Adulthood and Beyond with Martin D. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz chats with Martin Dalgleish, White Sands resident, whose journey takes him from Wales to Nevis and beyond! Ever wonder what it’s like to be a U.K. teenager hitchhiking across the U.S. with a school chum and a dream? Dalgeish takes us back to the 1960s as he recalls the period before beginning disciplined student life at the University of Cambridge in England and how it led to where he is today.
1 Jul 2026
Embarking on a Soul Journey with Kate S. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz shines the spotlight on Kate Steichen, White Sands resident and Renaissance woman, whose life journey has taken her from visual artist to a Harvard MBA to Sufi meditation circle guide! Ever wonder what it would be like to follow your inner guidance and move from the urban sophistication of a New England city to a tiny Colorado town with a population of 150?
1 Jun 2026
Balancing the Scales of Justice with Bill M. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz chats with Bill McGrath, White Sands resident, as they recall his journey from journalism to becoming an attorney and ultimately a judge, while remaining a loving husband to Grace, a dad and a loyal Padres fan. Ever wonder what it’s like to fall in love in Vienna with your college sweetheart and literally age GRACEfully together?
1 May 2026
Shining a Light on the Life and Career of Dodie R. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz schmoozes with fellow White Sands resident Dodie Roskies, recollecting the fascinating story of her Jewish upbringing in Montreal and a lifetime of adventures with her husband, Ralph, of over five decades. Her career spans everything from physical therapy to hospital administration, and she pursued it all while raising three amazing daughters. Ever wonder how a woman given the name “Dolores” became a “Dodie”?
1 Apr 2026
Pursuing Passions with David M. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz sits down with David Miles, White Sands resident, as they explore his extraordinary journey from getting his Ph.D. in molecular biology to his job as a chef at Father Joe’s to becoming a docent at the San Diego Museum of Art! Ever wonder what it’s like to take a leap of faith that changes the course of your life forever?
1 Mar 2026
Globetrotting with Carol G. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz chats with Carol Grodzins, White Sands resident, in this special Women’s History Month edition of our series. Carol recalls her journey from the South Side of Chicago to nursing school to Harvard and all the way to Southeast Asia — while meeting the likes of Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Yo-Yo Ma! Ever wonder what it means to be a social entrepreneur?
1 Feb 2026
An Adventure Through Audio with Bill K. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz chats with Bill Koepnick, White Sands resident and Spotlight with Suz Sound Engineer. In this special edition of our series, Bill chats about his journey from rock ’n’ roll drummer to becoming an Emmy Award-winning sound engineer! Ever wonder what it's like to be a Foley artist and create special effects for animated series?
1 Jan 2026
Cultivating Community with Carolyn S. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz sits down with Carolyn Shadle, White Sands resident, to reflect on her journey from religious scholar to becoming a social justice activist! Ever wonder what it’s like to compose and publish a memoir documenting your life journey?
1 Dec 2025
A Compelling Conversation with Dr. Colwell of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz talks with Dr. Clifford Colwell, White Sands resident, about his journey from Flint, Michigan, to becoming one of the most distinguished physicians working in orthopedic surgery and research in the world! Ever wonder what it's like to be the team physician for the San Diego Padres?
1 Nov 2025
Take to the Skies with Chuck D. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz talks with Chuck Dorigan, White Sands resident, about his journey with the Air Force and his work in a top secret squadron. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a docent giving tours with only a “wing and a prayer” at the San Diego Air & Space Museum?
1 Oct 2025
A Cultural Voyage with Ursula P. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz talks with Ursula Pfeffer, White Sands resident, about her journey from Germany to the U.S., settling in New York City, where she worked for a prominent art collector. Ever wonder what it’s like to have VIP access to the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
1 Sept 2025
Artistic Growth with Kathy D. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz talks with Kathy Denno, a White Sands resident, about Kathy’s journey from budding artist to magazine publisher to educator. Ever wonder where artists get their inspiration?
1 Aug 2025
Schmoozing with Robert K. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz talks with Dr. Bob Kriegel, a White Sands resident, about Bob’s journey from advertising to Esalen hippie to prominent sports psychologist and lecturer. Ever wonder what it was like at the original Esalen Institute?
30 Jun 2025
Backstage with Jill D. of White Sands | Spotlight with Suz
Suz talks with Jill Drexler, a White Sands resident, about Jill’s journey in the world of theater. Ever wonder what goes on backstage?
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
40
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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