The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education

The Torch: A Podcast By RCOE

The Torch is the official podcast of the Riverside County Office of Education. This program brings guests who are experts in their fields to share the wealth of knowledge to the community and educators. RCOE looks to expand its reach all across the county and the state to share effective ways to serve students and communities. Stay tuned with us monthly, here at The Torch!

  1. Jan 20

    Duty To Serve and Explore: Discovering Opportunities to Serve Community in RPD | The Torch Ep. 16

    The Riverside Police Department does more than just stop crime, protect the community, and control traffic. RPD hosts an Explorer Program that helps young individuals looking to make a difference in their community. Police Detective Kenzie Scott, former coordinator of the Explorers Program, and Cadet Sophie Farias talk about their experiences with the program and how it prepares people for future careers in law enforcement.

    Duty To Serve and Explore: Discovering Opportunities to Serve Community in RPD | The Torch Ep. 16

  2. 12/16/2025

    From Surviving to Thriving: How RCOE Sets Foster Youth Up For Success | The Torch Ep. 15

    In this episode of The Torch, host Dominique Samario sits down with Amanda Corridan, RCOE’s first-ever Foster Youth Services Executive Director, and Cheryl Flores, a foster youth and champion for student well-being. Together they discuss the Foster Youth Success Initiative from the Riverside County Office Of Education, and firsthand stories about what it takes to improve the system and build trust with vulnerable youth. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or community advocate, this episode sheds light on what’s working—and what still needs to be done—to ensure every foster youth gets the love, stability, and opportunity they deserve.

    From Surviving to Thriving: How RCOE Sets Foster Youth Up For Success | The Torch Ep. 15

  3. 11/18/2025

    High Off Healing: Ramon Ramos Talks Life of Drugs, Gangs, and Trauma | The Torch Ep. 14

    Ramon Ramos grew up with a very rough childhood plagued with tragedy, gangs, drugs, and trauma. Although these were not ideal conditions to thrive in life, Ramon made no excuses and made it his life's mission to break the generational trauma that has followed him and his family, thus The Exception was born. This non-profit organization, started by Ramon, looks to help marginalized communities and individuals going through the same things that Ramon did. The Exception looks to provide a holistic approach to anyone looking to breaking generational cycles of tragedy and abuse. Ramon Ramos and The Exception is one of the many partners in Riverside County who value in helping everyone who needs help.

    High Off Healing: Ramon Ramos Talks Life of Drugs, Gangs, and Trauma | The Torch Ep. 14

  4. 10/21/2025

    Beyond the NFL: Dwayne Wallace on Building a Future for Foster Youth

    In this episode of The Torch, professional athelete, former NFL player, and author of "Don't Let the System Beat You," Dwayne Wallace shares how his journey from the football field to public service has become a mission to empower foster youth across Riverside County. Drawing from his own lived experiences, Dwayne discusses the challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care: navigating housing, education, and mental health, and how community support systems can make the difference between survival and success. He highlights the importance of creating actionable plans, developing life skills, and amplifying youth voices through mentorship and storytelling. Listeners will hear inspiring real-world success stories, including students who turned setbacks into opportunities and discovered their purpose along the way. Dwayne’s message is clear: no matter your circumstances, you have the power to speak up, take ownership, and build a life beyond limitations. Title: Beyond the NFL: Dwayne Wallace on Building a Future for Foster Youth Featuring: Dwayne Wallace, Professional Athelete & Author Host by: Dominique Samario, Riverside County Office of Education The Torch podcast from RCOE, is a new show diving into different topics on education. From family engagement to new laws being put in that affects education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgable in these topics. Listen to The Torch on: Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

    Beyond the NFL: Dwayne Wallace on Building a Future for Foster Youth

  5. 09/16/2025

    Banned, But Never Silenced: Erin Gruwell Speaks Out on the Freedom Writers' Legacy | The Torch Ep. 12

    When Erin Gruwell stepped into Room 203, she faced students the system had written off. What happened next became a movement—immortalized in The Freedom Writers Diary and a major motion picture—that continues to inspire educators and students worldwide. On this episode of The Torch, Erin shares how she turned a hostile classroom into a safe haven, the life-changing moment a Holocaust survivor met her students, why creating “safe spaces” for both students and teachers is urgent today, and how the Freedom Writers are still fighting for a voice—despite book bans and political pushback. 📚 Freedom Writers Foundation: freedomwritersfoundation.org 🎧 Listen to The Torch on Apple Podcasts and Spotify #FreedomWriters #ErinGruwell #Education #Teaching #Hope #StudentVoice #Inspiration Chapter Index: 00:00 - Banned, But Never Silenced – Erin Gruwell Speaks Out on the Freedom Writers' Legacy 00:25 - Meet Erin Gruwell 02:36 - From activist roots to teaching in Long Beach 05:01 - Imposter syndrome and early challenges 07:25 - The paper airplane that changed everything 12:27 - Building trust & creating safe spaces 14:22 - Tips for creating safe spaces 17:01 - Using pop culture to connect with students 19:28 - A racist drawing, the Holocaust, and redefining “survivor” 22:19 - Bringing history to life through field trips 26:06 - Facing pushback 28:37 - Where the Freedom Writers are today 33:44 - Book bans and protecting student stories 37:36 - Education is the key 41:09 - Standing up for students 43:42 - What still gives Erin hope 46:06 - Fire Round: Influential teacher, favorite book, inspiring quote 49:58 - Favorite quote? 52:12 - Closing thoughts

    Banned, But Never Silenced: Erin Gruwell Speaks Out on the Freedom Writers' Legacy | The Torch Ep. 12

  6. 03/18/2025

    Bridging the Gap: Tackling Absenteeism & Supporting Marginalized Students | The Torch Ep. 11

    Absenteeism and life barriers can be a problem in education—but what can schools do to reverse the trend and ensure every student succeeds? In this episode of The Torch podcast, discover how educators are transforming the future of education by addressing absenteeism and supporting foster, homeless, and marginalized youth. Join this inspiring conversation with Elizabeth Bartholomew, Director of Pupil and Administrative Services, as she shares insights into building trust, leveraging data, and fostering connections to keep students engaged and thriving. Learn actionable strategies and success stories from Riverside County schools that are making a difference for families and communities. Hear how education leaders are breaking down barriers to graduation and creating pathways for brighter futures. Subscribe to "The Torch" for more compelling stories and solutions shaping education! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Bridging the Gap: Tackling Absenteeism & Supporting Marginalized Students | The Torch Ep. 11 00:60 - Elizabeth's background. 06:43 - How do you translate your passion into helping students? 10:54 - Why is chronic absenteeism happening in education? 13:37 - Why it’s important for kids to be in the classroom. 17:11 - What can educators do to address chronic absenteeism? 19:43 - Building trust in the education system. 22:16 - The roles educators play in motivating kids to attend school. 25:45 - Fire Round Questions: What educator or teacher who had a profound impact on your life? What is your favorite book? 29:27 - Like and Subscribe to The Torch Podcast from the Riverside County Office of Education Connect with RCOE Online! Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/

    Bridging the Gap: Tackling Absenteeism & Supporting Marginalized Students | The Torch Ep. 11

  7. 02/18/2025

    Building Financial Foundations: Empowering Students for Lifelong Success | The Torch Ep. 10

    What if every student graduated with the tools to manage money, build credit, and achieve financial health? Join us on this episode of The Torch as we explore the transformative power of financial literacy in education. Discover how schools and communities are partnering to teach students critical financial skills—from saving and credit to investments and beyond. Hear insights from Matt Jennings, Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector, as he shares his journey and innovative strategies to make financial literacy accessible to all, especially underserved youth. Learn how these lessons can change lives and communities. Subscribe to The Torch for more stories on education and student empowerment! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Building Financial Foundations: Empowering Students for Lifelong Success with Matt Jennings | The Torch Ep. 10 01:13 - Financial Literacy Goals. 04:43 - Achieving financial goals through positive thinking 05:35 - How values and background impact the role of Treasurer Tax Collector 08:03 - There’s an easier way to learn. 08:50 - Learning Financial Literacy with MARVEL Comics Black Panther. 10:42 - Why is financial literacy so important in life? 13:24 - Engaging students through the Black Panther comic book. 16:19 - Reaching underrepresented communities. 20:16 - How the Treasurer Tax Collector works with education. 24:54 - How financial literacy benefits communities. 27:30 - Fire Round Questions: Who in education who had a profound impact on your life? What is your favorite book? Would you rather have $1 million now or $10 million in 10 years? 31:32 - Subscribe to The Torch for more stories on education and student empowerment! Connect with RCOE Online! Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/

    Building Financial Foundations: Empowering Students for Lifelong Success | The Torch Ep. 10

  8. 01/21/2025

    Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy - The Torch Ep. 9

    Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington, co-founder and president of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, a prolific public speaker, and anti-slavery advocate. What if Frederick Douglass's legacy could help end modern slavery? In this gripping episode of The Torch, Dominique Samario welcomes Kenneth B. Morris Jr., the descendent of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington and co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. Together, we will uncover how his organization is tackling human trafficking through the power of education. Learn how the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives blends historical storytelling with modern advocacy and is empowering students to recognize and fight exploitation while inspiring a new generation of changemakers. Packed with eye-opening insights and actionable solutions, this episode shows how history’s greatest abolitionists are still shaping the fight for freedom today. Hit play to discover how you can join the movement to end modern slavery—starting in the classroom! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy (Intro) 01:20 - Kenneth B. Morris, Jr.'s Background 02:28 - Why Is Your Organization Called the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives? What Is Your Link? 04:29 - How Did That Transition Come About? 07:06 - What Was the Inciting Moment That Inspired You to Take Action? 10:13 - How Did You Combine the Legacies of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington to Address Modern Slavery and Human Rights Issues? 13:13 - How Are You Turning Your Ancestors’ Legacies Into Action Today? 16:55 - How Are Students Using Creativity to Combat Human Trafficking? 19:49 - How Did the Protect Program Revolutionize Anti-trafficking Education? 22:33 - How Does the ‘Power of One’ Curriculum Empower Young Leaders? 24:53 - How Can Educators Introduce These Sensitive Topics in an Age-Appropriate Way? 28:00 - How Can History Inspire Hope in Challenging Times? 30:59 - Fire Round: Question 1: Who Was One of Your Most Impactful Teachers or Educators in Your Life? 31:53 - Fire Round: Question 2: What Is Your Favorite Book? 33:16 - Fire Round: Question 3: What Is One of Your Favorite Quotes? 34:41 - Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy (Outro) Hosted by Dominique Samario, The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show that dives into different topics in education. From family engagement to new laws that affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable about these topics. Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Connect with RCOE Online! Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/ #humantraffickingawareness #stophumantrafficking #stopexploitation #endslavery #frederickdouglass #modernslavery #youthempowerment #bethechange

    Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy - The Torch Ep. 9
See All (27)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Torch is the official podcast of the Riverside County Office of Education. This program brings guests who are experts in their fields to share the wealth of knowledge to the community and educators. RCOE looks to expand its reach all across the county and the state to share effective ways to serve students and communities. Stay tuned with us monthly, here at The Torch!

Information