community

The health of an individual is much more than going to the doctor or hospital. The conditions of the environment where individuals live, work, and play all impact health. Education, crime, community setting, economics, for example, all ultimately impact the health of the community. To address this today, hospitals are responsible for evaluating the communities that they serve and every not for profit hospital in the United States is required by the state and federal government to prepare a Community Health Needs Assessment. This allows the hospital to get outside of its four walls and into the community, providing a holistic evaluation of the community served by the hospital.

For 28 years the Bioneers have fostered a community of revolutionary thinkers and visionaries working together to re-imagine how we can live on Earth in ways that honor the web of life, each other and future generations. The challenge for leaders and activists is how to maintain their energy and focus at a time when change is needed in so many areas. Tune in Tuesday at 2 for a Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett and her guest, Nina Simons, co-founder of Bioneers, about the journey to creating a new understanding of leadership and how love, the feminine and embracing our own power may be the path to a new world.

Television has struggled with a long complex and often misunderstood relationship with viewers. But although some studies may indicate some negatives associated with passive viewing, since the 1960s television has also been the driver of many social changes and introduced the American public to new issues, ideas, challenges, and triumphs. Some say television is in a platinum age of excellence. How do we harness this old school form of communication in a way that actually improves our social connections and well-being?

The are the four essential tools for mental health and well-being. The question is, how to we put them all together in challenging times? And how do you know if we're on the right path? Listen as Elizabeth Barrett discusses the paths to healing that are within our reach if we are willing to own our power and take responsibility for our lives.

Broadcast date: 12/21/2017

Domestic violence happens everywhere, including right here on the Central Coast. It does not know any boundaries of age, race, religion, or even socioeconomic status. Approximately 40% of California women experience physical intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Last year, 1700 people in San Luis Obispo County sought relief from domestic violence. 

To prevent domestic violence, it takes a community. Today, Stand Strong, formerly known as the Women’s Shelter of San Luis Obispo County, is calling on all community members to come together and support one another with dignity, respect and compassion to prevent violence.

There is much joy in giving. There are also many mental health benefits in being of service to others. But too many selfless acts without rejuvenation can lead to fatigue, disappointment, and depression. How can we find the zest for celebrating when our reserves have been depleted? Host Elizabeth Barrett talks with Michelle Gordon about the role of self care in making possible a happier holiday for all.

Although technology does provide many positive benefits for learning, it can also have many negative effects on child development and many believe it can rob children of their ability to function in the "real world." Join Kris Kington-Barker as she and her guests discuss how the Savvy Leadership Academy endeavors to empower today's youth with a foundation of leadership skills and knowledge, cultivating self-confident, well-mannered and prepared leaders of our future.

25 years ago, Daniel Quinn published the novel, Ishmael. This revolutionary book was awarded the 1991 Turner Tomorrow Fellowship, which was established to encourage authors to seek "creative and positive solutions to global problems." Quinn's  message has transformed the lives of millions of readers who feel inspired to share the story with family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Listen for a conversation with Daniel Quinn about Ishmael, writing and where we go from here. An encore presentation.

It is no longer possible to ignore the breadth and depth of sexual misconduct in our society. Tune in for a conversation with the reluctant therapist Elizabeth Barrett about the many faces and contributors to our current sexual revolution. It's still about power, gender imbalance, and social conditioning.

Broadcast date: 11/30/2017

This week we will continue our coverage of a large national poll by NPR which asks people about their personal experiences with discrimination. We will be joining with other NPR member stations for the series called "You, Me and Them: Experiencing Discrimination in America."

In the poll, about a third of Asian Americans say they have personally experienced racial or ethnic slurs and people making negative assumptions or insensitive or offensive comments about their race or ethnicity. Overall, Asian Americans report numerous personal experiences of discrimination, across many areas of life. Kris Kington Barker will join this important conversation with a local perspective with guests Elliott Gong, with the Central Coast Chinese Association (CCCA), and members of the Japanese Student Association at Cal Poly, BJ Yebisu, past President, and Jarrett Shirouzu, they will discuss discrimination in the Asian American community and share experience and views. They will examine both the state of discrimination in America and discuss issues and attitudes closer to home. You are invited to join the conversation and share your thoughts…we would like to hear from you about your personal experiences with discrimination. Call in a be part of the discussion at (805) 781-3875.

Broadcast date: 9/7/2017

For more than 40 years, each October the Community of Atascadero Celebrates Colony Days and the reenactment of the original Tent City. What is Colony Days? Why is it celebrated? How did Atascadero begin? Who is E.G. Lewis?

Join host Kris Kington Barker as she speaks with organizers of this unique event, guests Nic Mattson, Colony Days Committee Vice Chair and Greg Ravatt, Colony Days participant and Atascadero Historical Society member as they discuss the history of the Atascadero Colony and the importance of this long standing community event.

 The Community Counseling Center of San Luis Obispo County is a non-profit organization that provides short-term, low-cost, professional counseling for people who would not otherwise be able to afford therapy.  The counselors are state licensed, insured professionals who volunteer their time and services.  Marisa Waddell talks with the center's executive director about what's available to Central Coast Residents.  

Whether you're looking for an art class, a music program, swimming and recreation, or a summer program for your kids, Cuesta College Community Programs has much to offer.  Marisa Waddell talks with two of Cuesta's program directors about what's available on campus this summer.

Community is at the heart of good mental health and a sense of well-being.  Tune in Tuesday afternoon from 2-3 for A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, for a discussion about how we define and connect with community.  Your calls with questions, comments, and concerns are always welcomed and encouraged during the show, or can be emailed to elizabeth@thereluctanttherapist.com.