Vitamin OC

Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez
  • 5.0 (17)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Your recommended dose of civics and civilization in Orange County, California, brought to you by politically and culturally active locals Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez

  1. 12/08/2025

    Ep 23: Recap of Season One on Vitamin OC

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez reflect on their first season, discussing the various guests they interviewed, the insights gained, and the importance of community engagement in Orange County. They highlight the challenges faced during recording, the impactful conversations with political figures and community leaders, and the personal connections made throughout the season. The episode concludes with a look ahead to future seasons and a heartfelt thank you to their listeners. Keywords Vitamin OC, civics, Orange County, community engagement, women in politics, local issues, podcast, leadership, guest highlights, season recap Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast

    12 min

  2. 11/23/2025

    Ep 22: Corona Del Mar High School Girls Lacrosse Coach Jessica Murray

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez welcome Jessica Murray, head coach of Girls Lacrosse at Corona Del Mar High School. They discuss Jessica's journey from being a lacrosse player to a coach, her experiences in sports, and the impact of athletics on young women. The conversation touches on themes of respect, personal growth, and the importance of sports as a formative experience beyond just a path to college athletics. Jessica shares insights on coaching philosophies, managing parent interactions, and fostering a positive team culture. The episode also addresses mental health awareness and the role of sports in community building. Takeaways Jessica Murray's journey from player to coach highlights the transformative power of sports. Sports provide a platform for personal growth and community building. Respect and non-negotiables are central to Jessica's coaching philosophy. Managing parent interactions is crucial for maintaining a positive team environment. Mental health awareness is an important aspect of coaching and community support. Jessica emphasizes the importance of being part of something bigger than oneself. The role of sports extends beyond college athletics, offering life lessons and friendships. Jessica's experiences underscore the value of taking risks and embracing new opportunities. The episode highlights the impact of supportive coaching on young athletes. Jessica's story illustrates the importance of giving back to the community. Key Words Jessica Murray, Girls Lacrosse, Corona Del Mar High School, sports impact, coaching philosophy, mental health awareness, team culture, personal growth, athletics, community building Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast

    30 min

  3. 11/16/2025

    Ep 21: Ocean View School District Trustee (Huntington Beach) Gina Clayton-Tarvin

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez engage with Gina Clayton-Tarvin, a dedicated educator, public servant, and Trustee for the Ocean View School District. They explore her journey from a classroom teacher to a prominent figure in local politics, focusing on her advocacy for education, public safety, and free expression in Huntington Beach. Gina shares her experiences standing up against illegal surveillance, censorship, and advocating for transparency and student safety. To find out more about Gina's work as a Trustee in the Ocean View School District: https://www.ginaclaytontarvin.com/ https://www.ovsd.org/boardoftrustees/meet-your-board-of-trustees/about-gina-clayton-tarvin https://www.instagram.com/ginaclaytontarvin1/?hl=en Takeaways Gina Clayton Tarvin's journey from teacher to political leader. The impact of local politics on education and community. Standing against illegal surveillance and censorship. Advocating for transparency in public institutions. The role of educators in civic engagement. Challenges faced by communities in Huntington Beach. The importance of public safety and student rights. Gina's personal experiences in education and leadership. The power of community activism and leadership. Insights into the political landscape of Huntington Beach. Keywords Gina Clayton Tarvin, Huntington Beach, education advocacy, public safety, free expression, local politics, transparency, student safety, civic engagement, community leadership Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast

    37 min

  4. 11/09/2025

    Ep 20: Reverend Paul Capetz, PhD, Pastor of Christ Church by the Sea (United Methodist) in Newport Beach, CA

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez host Reverend Dr. Paul Capetz, pastor at Christ Church by the Sea in Newport Beach. The discussion delves into the rise of Christian nationalism in the United States, its implications for religious freedom, and the historical context of America's founding principles. Dr. Capetz shares insights on the separation of church and state, the Enlightenment's influence on American governance, and the challenges posed by fundamentalism. The conversation also touches on the role of education in fostering understanding and the importance of civics in preserving democracy. Takeaways Christian nationalism seeks to establish evangelical Christianity as the official U.S. religion.Religious freedom is foundational to American democracy.The Enlightenment influenced the separation of church and state in the U.S.Fundamentalism poses challenges to modern religious and political landscapes.Education is crucial for understanding and preserving democratic values.The U.S. was founded on principles of religious liberty, not as a Christian nation.Historical misconceptions about America's founding are prevalent.Civics education is vital for informed citizenship.Religious and political discussions require a commitment to rationality.Pastor Paul Capetz advocates for a liberal approach to Christianity. Keywords Christian nationalism, religious freedom, church and state, Enlightenment, American governance, fundamentalism, civics education, democracy, Pastor Paul Capetz, Vitamin OC, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast

    45 min

  5. 11/01/2025

    Ep 19: California Environmental Voters' Federal Advocacy Coordinator Aaron McCall

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez are joined by Aaron McCall, the Federal Advocacy Coordinator for California Environmental Voters. They discuss the importance of civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and the role of local communities in driving change. Aaron shares insights from his journey in activism, highlighting the significance of consistent grassroots efforts and the challenges faced in transitioning from local to national advocacy. The conversation also touches on California's environmental policies, the impact of federal legislation, and the need for inclusive green transitions that consider underrepresented communities. To follow Aaron:  Bluesky: aaroncmccall@blsky Twitter and Instagram @mrneuropolitan Takeaways Slow, consistent grassroots work leads to lasting change.Civic engagement is a year-round team sport.Local communities play a crucial role in environmental advocacy.California serves as a model for environmental policies.Federal legislation impacts local environmental efforts.Inclusive green transitions must consider underrepresented communities.Public engagement and storytelling are powerful tools for change.Environmental issues are interconnected with social and economic factors.Effective advocacy requires understanding diverse community needs.Building coalitions amplifies the impact of advocacy efforts.Keywords Vitamin OC, civic engagement, environmental advocacy, grassroots efforts, California Environmental Voters, local communities, national advocacy, environmental policies, federal legislation, green transitions, Biden, EPA Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast

    29 min

  6. 10/24/2025

    Ep 18: Community Activist and Volunteer Chairman of Save Newport Beach Golf Course Benny Hallock

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez discuss the controversial development project at Newport Beach Golf Course with guest Benny Hallock, Volunteer Chairman of Save Newport Beach Golf Course. The conversation covers the community's opposition to the proposed surf lagoon and commercial development, the impact on local traffic, and the importance of preserving the golf course as a community treasure. Benny shares insights into the grassroots efforts to oppose the project and the broader implications for the community. To learn more: https://keepnbgolfcourse.com/ https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-division/current-projects-and-cases/snug-harbor-surf-park-project There is a hearing on this issue by the Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday, October 28.  Takeaways The Newport Beach Golf Course is a beloved community treasure.The proposed development includes a surf lagoon and commercial space.Community members are concerned about increased traffic.Benny Hallock leads the grassroots opposition to the project.The project has been under discussion for over 18 months.The city planning commission voted 6-0 in favor of the project.The golf course is important for veterans and retirees.The development could lead to the loss of community spaces.Benny emphasizes the importance of civic engagement.The episode highlights the power of grassroots activism. Keywords Newport Beach, golf course, surf lagoon, community opposition, grassroots efforts, SNA, Santa Ana Airport, JWA, John Wayne Airport, Newport Beach City. Council, Surf Park, surfing, veterans, retirees, Orange County Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast

    23 min

  7. 10/17/2025

    Ep 17: WoundWalk.org Founder Michael Sean Wright

    In this episode, Michael Sean Wright, Director of Field Medicine for the Lestonnac Free Clinic and founder of Wound Walk.org, discusses the challenges and triumphs of providing medical care to the unhoused in Orange County. He shares insights into the operations of Wound Walk, the importance of community involvement, and the innovative approaches they use to deliver healthcare on the streets. https://woundwalk.org/ Takeaways Wound Walk OC provides street medicine to the unhoused in Orange County.Community involvement is crucial for the success of Wound Walk.Michael Sean Wright emphasizes dignity and connection in healthcare.The Lestonnac Free Clinic offers free medical services to those without insurance.Wound Walk operates with the support of volunteers and community donations.Street medicine teams address complex issues like substance use and mental health.Innovative solutions like mobile clinics and pop-up exam rooms are used.The organization aims to expand its services across the country.Wound Walk collaborates with local authorities to improve services.The episode highlights the power of community-driven healthcare initiatives.Keywords street medicine, Wound Walk OC, Lestonnac Free Clinic, homelessness, community health, medical care, Orange  County, volunteer work, healthcare innovation, social impact, free surgery center, Santa Ana, Skid Row, UCI Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast

    33 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    Ep 16: Immigration Rights Advocate Suad Elias

    In this episode of Vitamin OC, hosts Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez welcome Suad Elias, a human rights attorney, to discuss the impactful work of immigration legal clinics in Orange County. They explore the challenges faced by undocumented families, the importance of legal preparedness, and the personal stories that drive Suad's passion for advocacy. If you want to get involved:  https://www.wave4all.org/ https://ocrapidresponse.org/ https://www.chirla.org/ https://www.unidossouthoc.com/ https://www.ocjusticefund.org/ Takeaways Suad Elias is a human rights attorney with a background in international law.The immigration legal clinics provide essential documentation for undocumented families.Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of these clinics.The clinics offer Know Your Rights workshops for immigrants.Suad's personal experiences as an immigrant fuel her advocacy work.The clinics address urgent needs due to increased ICE activity.Undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the economy.Misunderstandings about immigration often frame the conversation.Organizations like WAVE and CHIRLA are key players in immigration support.Keywords immigration, legal clinics, Orange County, undocumented families, human rights, ICE, Trump Follow us on Instagram @VitaminOCPodcast Watch us on YouTube @VitaminOCPodcast

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Your recommended dose of civics and civilization in Orange County, California, brought to you by politically and culturally active locals Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez

Information

  • Creator
    Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Vitamin OC
  • Show Website
    Vitamin OC