Tracy Jones, Founding Board Member of the International Memoir Writers Association, and Mahshid Hager, a memoirist and a founder of a counseling and consulting business, talk about the 8th Annual Memoir Showcase that will be held on December 8 at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla.

Olivia Espinosa, Director of Scripps Ranch Theatre’s Extreme Home Makeover, is joined by one of the play’s actresses, Leticia Bombardier, to discuss the universal themes in the play and the importance to our region.

Megan Waddell, Curebound Event Director for Padres Pedal the Cause, and Kellie Sullivan, Curebound Team Development Manager for Padres Pedal the Cause, discuss the mission of Curebound and the success of Padres Pedal the Cause, a cancer fundraising cycling challenge, that has raised $23 million dollar since its initial challenge in 2013. Waddell and Sullivan talk about the six local institutions that receive the cancer research funds from Curebound. Waddell and Sullivan share the “over-the-top” success of the November 4 “Curebound Concert” for a Cure featuring Grammy-Award winning singer, Alicia Keys.

Len Novarro, former newspaper reporter, columnist and editor, chats about his book, Wordslinger: The Life an Times of a Newspaper Junkie. Novarro discusses his Staten Island Ferry encounter with Paul McCartney; his most famous relative: Joe DiMaggio; and the state of the newspaper industry today.

Abby Ducharme, a 13-year old San Diego County student, chats about her first book: The New Crafters. Ducharme, a Minecraft expert, is joined by her Mom — Dr. Julie Ducharme — to talk about Abby’s other interests: game designing, athletics and art.

Krishna Kabra, CEO of the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, chats about the Museum’s first ever STEMposium, slated for Thursday, December 1. The STEMposium will feature the region’s most innovative education and community leaders who advocate the importance of cultivating human potential. Krishna is joined by her daughter, Shiva, a Pacific Ridge High School sophomore, who shares her thoughts on the arts and innovation.

Dr. Gary Weitzman, President & CEO of the nationally recognized San Diego Humane Society, talks about the benefits of adopting a senior-aged pet; the 50th Anniversary of the Humane Society’s Project Wildlife Program; and the launch of its Community Veterinary Program

Rich Portelance, Vice President and General Manager of Journeys Map, and Judy Steingass, Director of Customer Experience, discuss the diversity of career pathway opportunities; the ease to navigate the “game-changing” product; and the breadth of data within the scope of Journeys Map

Tim Ney, Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA San Diego, founded in 1920, discusses the YMCA’s plethora of programs and services geared toward military families; its Horse of the Sun Ranch; and its annual dinner, slated for Friday, January 17, 2023 aboard the iconic USS Midway Museum.

Jessica Toth, Executive Director of the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, is joined by the Jennifer Galey, the Center’s Senior Environmental Educator, to talk about the Center’s mission; its pioneering curbside recycling program; reducing food waste during the holidays; and other innovative initiatives and projects.