Laborers LifeCast

Jose Gamez (host), Sara Ruiz (producer), and Vanessa Atkinson (editorial)
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Laborers LifeCast is a bilingual podcast focused on the health, wellness, and everyday experiences of Northern California Laborers and their families. Each episode features real conversations with experts and union members about topics that matter; like mental health, safety, benefits, nutrition, and more. Whether you're in the field, the office, or at home, this show is here to support your well-being, share your stories, and strengthen our community, one episode at a time. We focus on wellness, benefits, and real-life conversations with experts, for Northern California Laborers.

  1. Biennial Audit Questions with the LFAO Retirement Team

    APR 27

    Biennial Audit Questions with the LFAO Retirement Team

    In this episode, Vanessa Atkinson sits down with Dora Diaz, Diane Jinks-Kikkert, and Geazul Quiroz, members of Pension Leadership at the Laborers Trust Fund and subject-matter experts on retirement benefits. Today’s discussion focuses on the Laborers Trust Fund Biennial Audit—a form mailed to certain retired members every two years to verify retirement status, review any post-retirement employment, and help ensure pension and Health & Welfare benefits continue without interruption. We cover who receives the audit, which retirees are excluded this cycle, how to complete the required forms correctly, notarization options including in-person and Zoom appointments, how to submit your paperwork, and what happens if forms are incomplete or not returned by the deadline. We also explain prohibited post-retirement employment rules and why it’s important to respond on time. Important Deadline: Completed audit forms must be returned by June 5, 2026. For help with your audit letter, contact the Trust Fund Office. We want to hear from you! email us - podsquad@lfao.org Member Resources Trust Fund Office: (707) 864-2800 or 1 (800) 244-4530Submit completed forms by mail or in person:5672 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100Pleasanton, CAEmail completed copies to: HW@lfao.org Credits Host: Jose GamezProducer: Sara RuizEditor: Vanessa AtkinsonMusic: Andrew FrancoExecutive Producer: Bryan BerthiaumeSupport: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees Disclaimer:The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

    14 min
  2. La Memoria Importa con Michelle San Jose

    APR 8

    La Memoria Importa con Michelle San Jose

    En este episodio, José conversa con Michelle San Jose, Analista de Conducta Certificada por la Junta (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), Supervisora Clínica, educadora de ABA en Kadiant durante 17 años y creadora de la aplicación Memo-ries. En la conversación de hoy hablamos sobre la pérdida de memoria: qué es, por qué afecta a tantas personas y qué herramientas—tecnológicas y no tecnológicas—pueden ayudar a las personas y a sus cuidadores en la vida diaria. ¡Queremos saber de ti!Envíanos un correo electrónico a podsquad@lfao.org Apple Store – https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/memo-ries/id6755133038Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.base.memories&hl=en&pli=1 Presentador: José GamezProductora: Sara RuizEditora: Vanessa AtkinsonMúsica: Andrew FrancoProductor Ejecutivo: Bryan BerthiaumeApoyo: Junta de Fideicomisarios de Laborers Trust Funds La información compartida en este episodio es solo para fines educativos e informativos. No está destinada a proporcionar asesoramiento legal ni médico. Consulte a un profesional legal o médico calificado para obtener orientación específica para su situación. Descarga la aplicación Memo-riesCréditosAviso Legal

    31 min
  3. Memory Matters with Michelle San Jose

    MAR 13

    Memory Matters with Michelle San Jose

    In this episode, Jose sits down with Michelle San Jose, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor, ABA Educator Kadiant for 17 years and creator of the Memo-ries app. Today’s discussion focuses on memory loss—what it is, why it affects so many people, and what tools (tech + non-tech) can support individuals and caregivers in daily life. We want to hear from you! emails us - podsquad@lfao.org Download the Memo-ries App Apple Store - https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/memo-ries/id6755133038 Google Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.base.memories&hl=en&pli=1 Credits Host: Jose GamezProducer: Sara RuizEditor: Vanessa AtkinsonMusic: Andrew FrancoExecutive Producer: Bryan BerthiaumeSupport: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

    32 min
  4. Dolores de cabeza: Entender y tomar control con la Dra. Katie Friederich

    FEB 13

    Dolores de cabeza: Entender y tomar control con la Dra. Katie Friederich

    En este episodio, José conversa con la Dra. Katie Friederich, especialista en neurología infantil general en Kaiser Permanente. Hablamos sobre los dolores de cabeza: por qué ocurren, qué significan y cómo reducir su intensidad. También explicamos los diferentes tipos de dolores de cabeza, los desencadenantes más comunes, cómo manejarlos y su posible relación con la salud mental, además de otros temas muy útiles. ¡Queremos escucharte!Envíanos tus preguntas por correo a: podsquad@lfao.org Recursos del episodiohttps://www.headachereliefguide.com/https://americanheadachesociety.org/ CréditosPresentador: Jose GamezProductora: Sara RuizEditora: Vanessa AtkinsonMúsica: Andrew FrancoProductor Ejecutivo: Bryan BerthiaumeApoyo: Junta de Fideicomisarios de Laborers Trust Funds Aviso importante:La información compartida en este episodio es solo con fines educativos e informativos. No sustituye el consejo médico ni legal. Consulta a un profesional médico o legal calificado para recibir orientación según tu situación.

    41 min
  5. Headaches: Understanding Pain & Taking Control with Dr. Katie Friederich

    FEB 6

    Headaches: Understanding Pain & Taking Control with Dr. Katie Friederich

    In this episode, Jose sits down with Dr. Katie Friederich, who specializes in general child neurology at Kaiser Permanente. We talk about headaches - why they happen, what they mean, and how to reduce their severity. We go over the different types of headaches, common triggers, how to manage them, and potential mental health connections; as well as many other really helpful topics. We want to hear from you! emails us - podsquad@lfao.org Episode Resources https://www.headachereliefguide.com/ https://americanheadachesociety.org/ Credits Host: Jose GamezProducer: Sara RuizEditor: Vanessa AtkinsonMusic: Andrew FrancoExecutive Producer: Bryan BerthiaumeSupport: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

    42 min
  6. Primero los pies: Reducciendo la fatiga y las heridas con Aadi Bhanti

    JAN 30

    Primero los pies: Reducciendo la fatiga y las heridas con Aadi Bhanti

    En este episodio, José conversa con Aadi Bhanti, CEO y cofundador de Hike Medical, sobre un aspecto fundamental de la salud de los trabajadores que a menudo se pasa por alto: los pies. Desde botas con punta de acero hasta turnos largos sobre concreto, exploramos cómo las plantillas personalizadas y la conciencia sobre la salud del pie pueden transformar tu comodidad, seguridad y longevidad en el trabajo. Profundizamos en cómo la alineación del pie, el soporte adecuado y la elección inteligente de equipo pueden reducir la fatiga, prevenir lesiones y aumentar tu energía dentro y fuera del sitio de trabajo. Y finalmente, repasamos algunas señales que indican que es momento de tomar en serio la salud de tus pies, y cómo empezar. Queremos escuchar tus preguntas: escríbenos a podsquad@lfao.org Visite el sitio web de Hike: https://www.hikemedical.com/ Créditos Presentado: José Gamez Productora: Sara Ruiz Editora: Vanessa Atkinson Música: Andrew Franco Productor Ejecutivo: Bryan Berthiaume Apoyo: Junta de Fideicomisarios de Laborers Trust Funds Aviso Legal: La información compartida en este episodio es solo para fines educativos e informativos. No pretende ser asesoramiento legal ni médico. Consulta con un profesional legal o médico calificado para obtener orientación específica a tu situación.

    39 min
  7. Feet First: Reducing Fatigue & Injury Through Foot Health w/ Aadi Bhanti

    JAN 23

    Feet First: Reducing Fatigue & Injury Through Foot Health w/ Aadi Bhanti

    In this episode, Jose sits down with Aadi Bhanti, CEO and Co-Founder of Hike Medical, to talk about the often-overlooked foundation of Laborer health: your feet. From steel-toed boots to long shifts on concrete, we explore how personalized insoles and foot awareness can transform your comfort, safety, and longevity at work.We dig into how foot alignment, support, and smart gear choices can help reduce fatigue, prevent injury, and boost energy on and off the job site. And, finally, we go over some signs it’s time to take your feet seriously, and how to get started. We want to hear your questions! emails us - podsquad@lfao.org Visit Hike's website - https://www.hikemedical.com/ Credits Host: Jose GamezProducer: Sara RuizEditor: Vanessa AtkinsonMusic: Andrew FrancoExecutive Producer: Bryan BerthiaumeSupport: Laborers Trust Funds Board of Trustees Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice or medical advice. Please consult a qualified legal or medical professional for guidance specific to your situation.

    38 min
  8. Un Beneficio Nuevo para Obreros: Presentando a Spring Health con Britt Soriano

    JAN 12

    Un Beneficio Nuevo para Obreros: Presentando a Spring Health con Britt Soriano

    En este episodio, José conversa con Britt Soriano de Spring Health para presentar un nuevo y valioso beneficio de salud mental, disponible para los Obreros de LIUNA del Norte de California y sus familias. A partir del 1 de enero de 2026, los miembros pueden acceder a 6 sesiones gratuitas de terapia y 6 sesiones gratuitas de acompañamiento (coaching) por persona, prepagadas por LFAO, con terapeutas bilingües con licencia, y con disponibilidad en menos de 2 días, en muchos casos. Hablamos sobre lo que ofrece Spring Health, cómo elimina barreras como el costo, la falta de acceso o el estigma, y por qué la salud mental es esencial para la seguridad en el trabajo, la resiliencia emocional y el bienestar a largo plazo. Ya sea que estés enfrentando estrés, agotamiento, o algo más serio, la ayuda está disponible, con total confidencialidad y flexibilidad real, pensada para quienes trabajan por turnos rotativos o en empleos exigentes. ¿Tienes preguntas? Escríbenos a: ⁠⁠⁠podsquad@lfao.org Recursos para Miembros: lfao.springhealth.com App móvil: Spring Health Teléfono: 1-855-629-0554 Oprime 1 para español, 3 para agendar cita Correo: careteam@springhealth.com Soporte de crisis disponible las 24/7 Créditos: Conductor: José Gamez Productora: Sara Ruiz Editora: Vanessa Atkinson Música: Andrew Franco Productor Ejecutivo: Bryan Berthiaume Apoyo: Junta de Fideicomisarios de Laborers Trust Funds Nota importante: La información compartida en este episodio es únicamente con fines educativos e informativos. No sustituye el consejo médico o profesional. Si tienes dudas específicas sobre tu salud o situación personal, consulta con un profesional calificado.

    28 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Laborers LifeCast is a bilingual podcast focused on the health, wellness, and everyday experiences of Northern California Laborers and their families. Each episode features real conversations with experts and union members about topics that matter; like mental health, safety, benefits, nutrition, and more. Whether you're in the field, the office, or at home, this show is here to support your well-being, share your stories, and strengthen our community, one episode at a time. We focus on wellness, benefits, and real-life conversations with experts, for Northern California Laborers.

Information

  • Creator
    Jose Gamez (host), Sara Ruiz (producer), and Vanessa Atkinson (editorial)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jose Gamez (host), Sara Ruiz (producer), and Vanessa Atkinson (editorial)
  • Show Website
    Laborers LifeCast