Coming up 5/21 9:00am - Tracie Laymon, writer/director of BOB TREVINO LIKES IT, which premiered at SXSW ‘24 where it won both the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature and the SXSW Audience Award. The film stars John Leguizamo, Barbie Ferreira, and French Stewart.

LISTEN
to today's show featuring Tracie Laymon.

Written and Directed by: Tracie Laymon

Produced by: Tracie Laymon p.g.a.,

Sean Mullin p.g.a.,

Edgar Rosa p.g.a., Felipe Dieppa

When lonely 20-something Lily Trevino accidentally befriends a stranger online who shares the same name as her own self-centered father, encouragement and support from this new Bob Trevino could change her life. 

Inspired by a true story.

Cast: Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, French Stewart, Lauren "Lolo" Spencer,
Rachel Bay Jones

Watch the Official Trailer

Bob Trevino Likes It - Official Trailer | IMDb


U.S. Release Date: March 21, 2025 Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language, and thematic elements Running Time: 102 mins


#BobTrevinoLikesIt
Genre: Dramedy Roadside Attractions
Publicity Contacts Elissa Greer | elissag@roadsideattractions.com

Winner of an astounding thirteen film festival audience awards, BOB TREVINO LIKES IT retains the optimism that big tech can still provide human connection and that true friendship is a powerful kind of love and perhaps the family we need most in today’s world.




TRACIE LAYMON | WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER
Tracie Laymon is the writer/director of BOB TREVINO LIKES IT, which premiered at SXSW ‘24 where it won both the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature and the SXSW Audience Award. Starring John Leguizamo, Barbie Ferreira, and French Stewart, the film was recently acquired by Roadside Attractions. It's set to release in theaters March 21, 2025.

 A Texas-native, Laymon spent some of her formative teen years in Russia before returning to the States for college, where she began directing short films. She has been named to IFC’s list of emerging "Icons" and film innovators. Tracie is a fierce advocate for the inclusion and representation of all genders as well as people with disabilities in front of and behind the camera. As a filmmaker, her goal is to amplify diverse perspectives through underdog stories––stories about reluctant heroes who find unexpected ways to succeed in the face of adversity.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
Bob Trevino Likes It is inspired by an unexpected friendship I found online with a stranger who shared my father’s name when I was searching for my dad on Facebook. Through nine years of this stranger’s small, simple acts of kindness and consistently supportive words like “Happy birthday!” and “Way to go, kiddo!”, this new friend changed my life, without even knowing he had. I found this unusual friendship to be healing, and it helped fill a void in my life. I made this film to tell the world how the little things we say can greatly impact the lives of others, even if we never get to see the results. Coming-of-age and late coming-of-age stories are often about trying to find a place to belong. In Bob Trevino Likes It, our hero Lily learns her father’s rejection is not about her.


She finds her tribe, her own chosen family, and finally, a place to belong with Bob, his wife Jeanie, and her new best friend Daphne. In many ways, this film is about cycle breaking and learning to let go of people who continually hurt us to make room for people who want to love us. It shows the power even our smallest day-to-day interactions on social media have.


I often hear the statement “everyone has a father” regarding why this film matters and is so universal. I take that further by saying: “Everyone needs a Bob.” Having someone in our lives who shows us empathy and vulnerability should be normal. But when you don’t grow up with that, it can seem like a pipe dream. When Lily finally gets the fatherly love she needs from a new friend, it feels huge, even though in a way, it’s baseline. My hope with this film is for us all to find beauty and poignant humor in her discovery.


We need these kinds of films in our society right now—the stories that show, despite our differences, we are all capable of seeing and feeling our shared humanity. These stories heal us with heart and humor, give us hope, and remind us that we aren’t alone. There are people out there right now who want to love us. While making this film, I experienced the power and love of chosen family through the incredible cast and crew. The inner work and healing that accompany these realizations can really change things—on both a micro and macro level.


Being able to make the film and provide some love, humanity and laughter is more than I could have hoped for; and now, to continue this experience and share this story with even more audiences is surreal.
- Tracie Laymon, Writer/Director/Producer 

Bob Trevino Likes It

Synopsis

BOB TREVINO LIKES IT is inspired by the true friendship that writer/director Tracie Laymon found with a stranger in real life while looking for her father online.

Often playing the role of caretaker to people like her father, who should be caring for her, Lily Trevino longs for familial connection. When her father, Robert, finally checks out of her life, Lily looks for him on the internet. She tries to “friend” a man she believes is her father on Facebook. But instead of finding Robert Trevino, she finds Bob Trevino instead.

Bob Trevino works long hours at a construction company to support his wife Jeanie’s elaborate scrapbooking habit. The couple has endured a lot in the past decade, and Bob has prioritized his wife’s healing to the point of ignoring his feelings and sense of loneliness. When Bob gets an unexpected Facebook message from a stranger named Lily Trevino, he discerns she needs a friend as much as he does.

Lily and Bob’s blossoming friendship becomes a vital source of connection and healing for both, holding the power to change each of their lives forever. Winner of an astounding thirteen film festival audience awards, BOB TREVINO LIKES IT retains the optimism that big tech can still provide human connection and that true friendship is a powerful kind of love and perhaps the family we need most in today’s world.



ABOUT THE CAST

Barbie Ferreira’s raw talent, charisma, and distinctive voice have established her as one of the most dynamic talents in Hollywood. Ferreira made her Broadway debut in 2024 and recently completed production on Cult of Love, where she stars alongside Shailene Woodley, Zach Quinto, Chris Lowell, and Mare Winningham.

This year she takes the lead in the independent film Bob Trevino Likes It alongside John Leguizamo, which premiered at SXSW, where it won the Grand Jury prize and Audience Award. Bob Trevino has since won the hearts of audiences nationwide, and continues to dominate the festival circuit.

She also stars in Legendary’s upcoming horror film Faces of Death, a reimagining of the 1980s mondo horror classic, co-starring Dacre Montgomery. Ferreira also appeared opposite Ariana DeBose in the psychological thriller House of Spoils, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Previously, she was handpicked by renowned director Jordan Peele to appear in Nope, which debuted as the number one film in the country in 2022.


Ferreira first gained prominence with her breakout role as fan-favorite Kat Hernandez in HBO’s Euphoria, where she captivated audiences with her fearless and nuanced portrayal of a young woman navigating self-discovery. This marked her return to HBO, having previously portrayed Ella in Sarah Jessica Parker’s Divorce. Audiences also lauded Ferreira’s performance in Unpregnant, a sharp-witted coming-of-age story in which she starred alongside Haley Lu Richardson.


The Greg Berlanti-produced film, which follows a Missouri teen’s journey across state lines for a legal abortion, premiered on HBO Max to critical acclaim. Ferreira initially captivated audiences in her Vice series How to Behave, which explored modern etiquette and societal norms. Her work earned her a place on Time Magazine’s list of the Most Influential Teens in 2016. Beyond acting, Ferreira has cultivated strong creative collaborations, partnering with luxury brands such as YSL Beauty, H&M, Levi’s, and Pandora. Ferreira currently resides in Los Angeles.


JOHN LEGUIZAMO (“Bob Trevino”) Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo has appeared in over 100 films and countless television shows while establishing a career that defies categorization. With boundless and visceral creativity, his work in film, theatre, television, and literature covers a variety of genres, continually threatening to create a few of his own.


Leguizamo is the host and executive producer of MSNBC’s hit travel show, Leguizamo Does America. The series brings viewers inside America’s thriving Latino communities across the country, celebrating the history, culture, food and other contributions of Latinx people shaping America. The show was Peacock’s most-viewed MSNBC original in over two years and is currently in production for the second season, shooting in Philadelphia, Raleigh, New Orleans, San Antonio, Phoenix and Denver.


Leguizamo will star in Apple Studio’s upcoming drama series, Firebug, alongside Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett. Inspired by actual events, the series follows a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists. Leguizamo will play ‘Esposito,’ a former policeman with bad habits and good instincts. Dennis Lehane created the series, which will begin shooting this summer.

Support KUCI's Annual Fund Drive May 12-19 - and get our cool swag! Here's Janeane chatting with Olivia, KUCI's Public Affairs Program Director extraordinaire!

 

LISTEN
to Janeane's conversation with Olivia,
KUCI's Public Affairs Program director extraordinaire!

Over the years, KUCI has been fortunate to receive financial support from the UCI campus. In the last decade, the campus has not been able to provide us all the financial support the station needs to operate at the highest level. Luckily KUCI is able to generate additional operating funds through private gifts. It is private gifts that allow us to maintain the status quo, make improvements and to move forward. Help guarantee that KUCI can continue providing new and innovative music, news, and public affairs to Orange County. Make your pledge today!

KUCI Facts 

KUCI is run by a volunteer staff. KUCI’s current staff exceeds 140 volunteers, primarily UCI students . KUCI is the only eclectic alternative radio station in Orange County KUCI is an FCC licensed non-commercial educational radio station, on the air since 1969 

Gift levels 

Your $200 donation is less than 55 cents a day. A $100 gift is equal to 27 cents a day. A $70 gift is equal to $5.83 a month or merely 19 cents a day. Your $50 donation is equal to barely $4.00 a month; 96 cents a week; or only 14 cents a day! Again, it’s less than the cost of your cup of coffee A $35 pledge is only $2.92 a month, or 67 cents a week, or 9-1/2 cents a day. 

9-1/2 cents a day and you get 24 hours of unique programming, right in your home, car, office, cell phone or smart device. 

KUCI’s beginnings 

KUCI began as an underground radio station in the late 60’s, broadcasting illegally from a dorm room on the UCI campus for a few hours each afternoon until the Federal Communications Commission shut it down. In 1968 UCI engineering student Craig Will began the process of applying to the FCC for a legitimate broadcast license and started the chain of events that led to KUCI becoming a legal broadcast station. 

Due to the pressures of school, Craig left the project and turned it over to Earl Arbuckle, who became the station’s first chief engineer. (Earl Arbuckle passed away last month). In October of 1969, KUCI received test authority from the FCC and made its first legal broadcast, airing “Sugar Sugar” by the Archies, on October 16, 1969.

On November 25, 1969, KUCI was granted its official broadcast license, transmitting 10 watts at the original frequency of 89.9 fm. KUCI History As a legal radio station, KUCI was originally broadcast from a closet in the Physical Sciences building, but in 1971 the studios of KUCI moved to the third floor of the Gateway Commons building. 

Earthquake renovation in the summer of 1994 caused KUCI to relocate to temporary location in the Humanities Annex. Finally, right after Thanksgiving, 1995, KUCI moved into its new permanent location in the Engineering Facility. This triple-wide trailer module was forced to move in 2004 when the Anteater Parking Structure was built in our location. We’ve been stable and happy in our current space since April 15, 2004. 1970s Highlights 1972 marked KUCI’s first news broadcast. In 1975 KUCI began broadcasting 24 hours a day. Also in 1975, KUCI began coverage of Orange County politics. At the time, KUCI was the only local radio station to provide continuous election returns. 

During the summer of 1976, station managers Nick Roman and Thane Tierney traveled to Kansas City to cover the Orange County delegation to the Republican National Convention, sending news and interviews to KUCI nightly. KUCI’s Frequency Change In August of 1981, KUCI narrowly escaped a near death experience. 

Station KCRW at Santa Monica College and KUCI shared the frequency of 89.9 fm. KCRW applied and received permission from the FCC to move its transmitter to the top of Mount Wilson, the tallest location for transmitters in the Southland. This allowed for a massive increase in coverage for Santa Monica’s community station and essentially wiped out KUCI’s coverage entirely. 

Thanks to the efforts of chief engineer Dave McCue and station manager Sue Simone, KUCI had applied and luckily received permission to change to its current frequency, 88.9 fm. KUCI’s Power Increase In 1984 KUCI seemed to be in trouble again. Station manager Josh Bleier revealed that KXLU at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, also at 88.9 fm, had intentions to move its antenna to a higher location, proving yet again another threat to KUCI’s signal. KUCI spent seven years hoping, dreaming, and researching before an application was filed and the FCC approved a power increase. 

In September 1991, KUCI received approval to increase power to 200 watts and upgrade to stereo, opening the door for broadcasting to more of Orange County than ever before and securing its place on the dial for future generations. Finally on March 15th, 1993, Kevin Stockdale, KUCI’s Broadcast Media Coordinator, flipped the switch in the studio, transforming KUCI’s 24 watt mono signal to a 200 watt stereo signal. 

The coverage map instantly expanded to include cities from Huntington Beach to Anaheim to Lake Forest to Corona del Mar and all points in between. KUCI Programming KUCI offers more types of programming than any other station around. 

Music genres 

KUCI features or has featured over the years: Alternative/ indie rock, punk, rap/ hip hop, reggae, world beat/ international, ska, funk, folk, blues, psychedelic, gothic, grindcore, industrial, underground dance, Christian alternative, techo/ ambient, Middle Eastern, country, Chicana/ Chicano, Latin American, experimental jazz, big band, acid jazz, and gospel, to name just a few. Oh, we can’t forget Radio Internationale, which only played music from communist marching bands! 

KUCI offers a forum and a voice to diverse ethnic groups, with shows or public affairs programs that have featured Chinese, Vietnamese, Israeli, Middle Eastern, and Latino issues and music. The Public Affairs department has 20 hours of diverse programming each week, with shows offering perspectives in health, business, leadership, politics, UCI campus issues, writing, personal enrichment, and more, featuring interviews with local, national, and international leaders. 

Our classical music host Michael Rydzynski has been bringing a wide variety of musical selections, accompanied by a wealth of knowledge, for 48 years now! 

Michael Payne, host of The Darkling Eclectica, has been bringing diverse and eclectic music and short stories since 1984! Friday night’s Riders Of The Plastic Groove electronic mixes by DJs from around the world for over 33 years now. 

KUCI and UCI Sports 

KUCI is the flagship station for UCI Anteater Men’s and Women’s Basketball. The station had been broadcasting all the home games since the mid-70’s, and in 1993 they became broadcasting all games, home and away. KUCI was the only live media outlet that covered the Anteater’s miraculous run in the 1994 Big West Basketball. Since 1997, Men’s and Women’s basketball games have also been broadcast live on the Internet. In 2002, the UCI Baseball program was reinstated after a 10-year absence. KUCI broadcasts select baseball games, with the remainder of the games available on a separate web stream. 

KUCI was the only place to hear UCI baseball when the team advanced in the playoffs to the Super Regionals in 2007, eventually advancing to the College World Series. KUCI also makes available selected volleyball games on the internet.

KUCI Alumni 

Many KUCI DJs over the years have moved on to professional positions in the radio or music industry. Former station manager Nick Roman recently retired from a 44-year career in public radio news in southern California, including long stints at KLON/KKJZ Long Beach and KPCC/ The LAist in Pasadena. For 11 years, he was the LAist host of NPR's "All Things Considered."

 Former KUCI news director Mary Lyon worked in news in southern California for over 35 years, including Associated Press, KFWB AM, KTLA-TV, KLSX FM, KRTH FM (K-earth 101), NBC TV, KHJ AM, KLOS FM, and KNAC FM. 

Two-time summer DJ Vidya Tolani was known up north as Audio Vidya on Live 105 in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Former music director Hilary Schmidt did afternoon radio at 91X in San Diego for 10 years then 94.9 in San Diego and is now music director and on-air host for 91X 

John Lewis, former station manager, was an engineer for Infinity Broadcasting/KROQ, worked in the engineering department for KCRW, Santa Monica and also for KNX-AM 

Vicki Pepper-McDonel worked at KZLA, Premiere Radio Networks, KKGO, KUZZ, has been an on-air personality on K-FROG since 2013 

Former production director Al Stone wrote commercials for Power 106. 

Former DJ and music director Chris from Irvine went on to work at HITS, an industry trade magazine, MCA Records, SPIKE Radio and booked talent for the Viper Room. 

Hilaire Brosio, former KUCI music director, served many years as the Director of West Coast promotions for Arista Records, as well as Elektra Records. 

Former DJ Troy Hansbrough has worked for Triad Artists, a booking agency, as well as for Rick Rubin as an A & R representative for American Recordings. 

Sue Simone, former general manager, was vice-president of Disc Manufacturing, Incorporated, the largest CD pressing company on the west coast, and was president of Myriad, an offshoot company specializing in CD- interactive music media just as that technology was coming out. 

Kevin Murray, one-time DJ and founder, guitarist, songwriter, and singer for Twisto Frumpkin, worked for Alternative Distribution Alliance, which distributed music for Warner-Elektra-Atlantic and its subsidiary labels, and also for the Dreamworks record label. 

Former DJ Scott Askew did morning drive time and production for an AOR station in Olympia, Washington. 

Kathleen Roberts, former KUCI news director and station manager, has done sales for several local radio stations, including MARS-FM, JAZZ-FM, KIK-FM, and is currently working for K-FROG in San Bernardino. 

KUCI’s Financial Needs 

Over the years, KUCI has been fortunate to receive financial support from the UCI campus. In the last decade, the campus has not been able to provide us all the financial support the station needs to operate at the highest level. Luckily KUCI is able to generate additional operating funds through private gifts. It is private gifts that allow us to maintain the status quo, make improvements and to move forward. Help guarantee that KUCI can continue providing new and innovative music, news, and public affairs to Orange County. Make your pledge today!

Executive Editor and Vice President at W. W. Norton & Company, Jill Bialosky, talks about her new book - The End Is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother

LISTEN
to today's show featuring
Jill Bialosky

Jill Bialosky, the poet behind the “tender, absorbing, and deeply moving memoir” (Entertainment Weekly) History of a Suicide, returns with a lyrical portrait of her mother’s life, told in reverse order from burial to birth. 

Jill is the author of five acclaimed collections of poetry, most recently Asylum. Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, among others. She is the author of many novels including, The Deceptions, and several works of nonfiction including The End Is the Beginning, History of a Suicide, and Poetry Will Save Your Life. In 2015, Jill was honored by the Poetry Society of America for her distinguished contribution to the field of poetry. She lives in New York City. 

HER LATEST BOOK
When Iris Yvonne Bialosky died in an assisted care facility on March 29, 2020, it unleashed a torrent of emotions in her daughter, Jill Bialosky. Grief, of course, but also guilt, confusion, and doubt, all of which were compounded by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic which made it impossible for Jill to be with her mother as she was dying and to attend her mother’s funeral.

Now, with a poet’s eye for detail and a novelist’s flair for storytelling, Jill presents a profoundly moving elegy unlike any other. Starting with her mother’s end and the physical/cognitive decline that led her to a care home, The End Is the Beginning explores Iris’s battle with depression, the tragedy of a daughter’s suicide, a failed second marriage, the death of her beloved first husband only five years into their young marriage, her joyful teenage years, and the trauma of losing her own mother at just eight years old. Compounding her challenges of raising four daughters without a livelihood or partner, Iris’s life coincided with an age of unstoppable social change and reinvention, when the roles of wife and mother she was raised to inhabit ceased to be the guarantors of stability and happiness.

As we see Iris become younger and younger, we learn how we are all the sum of our experiences. Iris becomes a multi-dimensional, fascinating woman. We come to understand her difficulties and shortcomings, her neediness and her generosity, her pride and her despair. The End Is the Beginning is not just a family memoir, it is a brave and compassionate celebration of a woman’s life and death and a window into a daughter’s inextricable bond to her mother.

The End Is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother. By Jill Bialosky
 May 2025. 272p. - Booklist review

"Novelist Bialosky (The Deceptions, 2022) honors her mother, Iris, by telling her story in reverse, as indicated by the title of this exquisitely written portrait. We meet Iris in the grip of dementia in her final days, when COVID-19 strands Bialosky on Long Island, unable to be with her mother in Cleveland. Looking back, she tracks the relentless stages of Alzheimer’s, including her mother’s move from the family home she’d lived in for five decades to assisted living. 

Earlier, Iris' three older daughters, very close in age, left to launch their own lives, while her youngest daughter, the child of a short-lived second marriage, dies by suicide. Then back to the shocking death of Bialosky’s father when he was only 30, leaving Iris, 25, with three children in diapers. The further back the story goes, the deeper “the legacy of mental pain.” Bialosky captures gorgeously resonant, illuminating details and expresses deeply poignant and keen feelings and insights. The unspooling of time creates a spellbinding and suspenseful narrative, and Iris shines in all her beauty and love, sorrow and courage."  — Donna Seaman

AUTHOR BIO
Jill Bialosky is an Executive Editor and Vice President at W. W. Norton & Company. She edits fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Some titles she has edited in fiction include History of Love by Nicole Krauss, The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang (one of Obama’s favorite books of 2022); The Five Wounds by Kirstin Valdez Quade, winner of the Center for Fiction First Novel Award, Bonnie Jo Campbell’s The Waters, a Jenna Bush bookclub pick. 

She has edited Booker Prize winning The Seven Moons of Mali Almedia by Shehan Karunatilaka, and Booker Finalists, The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste, Madeliene Thien’s, Do not Say We Have Nothing, and Neel Mukerhjee’s The Lives of Others. 

PRAISE
Praise for The End is the Beginning
“In this new book, Bialosky’s authorship has never been more powerfully poignant. . . . The End Is the Beginning offers an energizing, well-paced meditation on loss and living.” —Los Angeles Review of Books

“Bialosky delivers a nuanced portrait of her mother, Iris, who died in 2020. . . . [she] approaches the heavy subject matter with a light touch and casually profound prose. Readers will be moved.” —Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

“Exquisitely written. . . [Bialosky] expresses deeply poignant feelings and insights. . . spellbinding.” —Booklist

“[A] daughter’s poignant effort to see the whole of [her mother’s] life… For most of us, it takes a lifetime to see our parents as full and complex people; for Bialosky, it takes just over 200 pages.” —Oprah Daily

“[A]n affecting family history of loss and grief.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Jill Bialosky is a wonderfully talented novelist, poet, and longtime Executive Editor and Vice President of W. W. Norton & Company. Her exquisite prose is evident on every page of The End is the Beginning. . . we can rejoice alongside her in this hard-won accomplishment.” —New York Journal of Books

“This richly sympathetic memoir deserves—and will surely find—a noted position in the history of mother-daughter books through the tender-hearted work of Jill Bialosky.” —Vivian Gornick, critically acclaimed author of Fierce Attachments

“Reading The End Is the Beginning is like opening a set of nesting dolls. With each lyrical, finely wrought chapter, Jill Bialosky takes us back in time, revealing era after era of her mother’s life, from her final days to her girlhood. The End Is the Beginning is as smart and inventive as it is deeply moving. What we find at the center of the story, and the life, is love.” —Maggie Smith, New York Times bestselling author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful

“Be a lamp or a lifeboat or a ladder, Rumi says. This compassionate, lyrical and clear-eyed memoir is all three. A gift to anyone with a family.” —Amy Bloom, New York Times bestselling author of In Love

“Like Annie Ernaux, Bialosky is scrupulous and unsentimental in her account; this rigor is, itself, a testament of great love. The End is The Beginning is an unforgettable and profoundly moving book.” —Claire Messud, critically acclaimed author of This Strange Eventful History

“How do you endure the unendurable? When Jill Bialosky's mother finally succumbed to Alzheimer's at the height of the pandemic, she couldn't even be there to bear witness. This book is an atonement: a brave and eloquent assessment of a life battered by loss and ennobled by resilience.” —Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, most recently of Horse

Mental Health Action Day is coming up Thursday May 15th! Inspiring and empowering people to support emotional well-being and to shift our mental health culture from awareness to action

ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ACTION DAY

In 2021, we launched the first Mental Health Action Day calling for coordinated action among businesses, organizations, advocacy groups, schools, and individuals to shift the culture of mental health from awareness to action. 

Now, in its fifth year, the Mental Health Action Network has grown to 2,700+ partners and millions of participants across more than 100 countries. 

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, our collective call to action is to Check-In with A.S.K., the “stop, drop and roll” for providing emotional support to the people in our lives. When you check-in, here is how you A.S.K.: 

• Acknowledge what they are going through 

• Support by asking what they need 

• Keep-in-touch to show you care 

Most young people turn to a friend when struggling with their mental health. However, nearly 70% of young people say they don’t know what to say or do to help. That’s why Active Minds and MTV created A.S.K. – so everyone can feel confident helping a friend, colleague, or loved one. Now is the time to invest in mental health actions


Why Check-in with A.S.K.?

Connection is at the core of our mental health. In the midst of a loneliness and isolation epidemic, having the tools to support the people around you is more critical than ever. Anyone can use A.S.K. to help friends, colleagues, classmates, teammates, or family members who are going through a difficult time. Every partner has their own ability to drive change and support Mental Health Action Day in the way that works best for them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. This is an open-source effort for all those who want to use their power and positioning to drive our culture from awareness to action.


Ideas to Empower Mental Health Actions
1. Introduce the new ‘Stop, Drop & Roll’ for mental health, A.S.K. - Acknowledge, Support, Keep in-Touch, and encourage everyone to A.S.K. a friend how they are doing.

2. Host an event, livestream, or fundraiser so individuals can connect, take legislative action, do yoga, play music, learn how to garden, etc.

3. Host a lunch with your students, friends or employees and provide the A.S.K. training or encourage them to check-in on someone during that time. 

4. Prompt your community to block time on their calendars on May 15th to check-in on someone they think could use support. 5. Provide free therapy sessions for individuals/ employees or circulate existing mental health programs at your workplace

This May, take action, raise your voice, and help change the conversation around mental health!

This May, take action, raise your voice, and help change the conversation around mental health! Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a driving force in addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Now, more than ever, NAMI needs you to be part of this movement. Whether by sharing your story, spreading awareness, or advocating for change, every action helps break the stigma and build a more supportive world for all.

Theme: “In Every Story, There’s Strength”

Mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal. “In Every Story, There’s Strength,” highlights the resilience and diverse experiences that shape mental health journeys within our community. NAMI’s campaign celebrates the power of storytelling to fuel connection, understanding, and hope for those navigating their own mental health path.  Each story shared is a testament to the possibility of recovery and the strength that lies within us all.


Turn Your Struggles into Strength—Let’s Build Hope Together

Every challenge you’ve faced has shaped you into who you are today. By embracing and sharing your experiences, you empower others to do the same. Together, we create a movement of courage, healing, and connection. Share your mental health story with us by sending in a video, a message, a quote, or using #MyMentalHealth on social media.
How To Share Your Story
visit: Mental Health Awareness Month | NAMI



Sample questions to start sharing your story:What do you wish people knew about mental health?

• What misconceptions about mental health do you encounter in your work?
• What have you learned on your mental health journey?
• How does your mental health impact how you show up within your community?
• What do you share with your friends or family in moments when they need support?
• How do you help reduce stigma surrounding mental health?
• In one word, describe your mental health journey?
• What inspires you to support mental health — in your life, work, or community?
• What motivates you to be an ally in the mental health movement?

May is National Bike Month - WhimCycle bike festival May 14th!

 

🎉🎈Celebrate National Bike Month 🚲🛴 May is National Bike Month, presenting the perfect opportunity to celebrate cycling and embrace the joy of riding on the UCI campus! Whether you ride a bicycle, e-bike, or scooter, UCI Transportation is excited to support our vibrant community with events like our WhimCycle bike festival and resources that promote a fun and safe riding experience. This month, we invite you to embrace the many physical, mental, and environmental benefits of active transportation while committing to habits that help keep our campus safe for everyone. Creating a welcoming and safe campus begins with simple yet impactful actions. Please continue to follow dismount zone regulations by walking your device on Ring Mall between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Riders of e-scooters, skateboards, skates, and similar devices should also dismount when entering the campus core, following campus pathway regulations. Always observe traffic laws, watch your speed in crowded areas, and be mindful of pedestrians. By prioritizing safety and consideration, we can cultivate a campus community built on awareness, cooperation, and mutual respect. Kick off National Bike Month by participating in CicloIrvine on Saturday, May 3. This community-focused open streets event provides a car-free route for biking, walking, and rolling. This is a great opportunity for the UCI campus community to get outside, ride together, and celebrate active transportation. Whether pedaling solo or with friends, CicloIrvine offers a safe, festive environment for enjoying the outdoors and supports bike-friendly living. Check out the rest of this newsletter for more upcoming events, giveaways, and tips to make the most of National Bike Month. Happy cycling, Anteaters! Continue reading this month's issue to learn about: Bike to UCI » WhimCycle » Online Trainings » Bike Rally » Campus Bike Tour

Cycle into Campus: Bike to UCI Day Pedal in for Bike to UCI Day on Tuesday, May 6! Start your morning with a ride and visit UCI Transportation and OC Active at the Public Services Building on the corner of Pereira Drive and East Peltason Drive between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Enjoy bike giveaways, demonstrations, and complimentary refreshments while connecting with fellow riders. RSVP today and join us in celebrating the joy of biking on campus. RSVP for Bike to UCI Day » WhimCycle: UCI’s Ultimate Bike Festival Get ready for a celebration of all things cycling at UCI Transportation’s Festival of Bikes: WhimCycle, on Wednesday, May 14, and Thursday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Aldrich Hall flagpoles. This two-day event features bike maintenance lessons, safety demos, interactive games, and fun rides—perfect for seasoned cyclists and beginners alike. Explore sustainable transportation options, connect with fellow riders, and score fun giveaways. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of cycling and community! WhimCycle Event Details » Ride Smart, Drive Safe: Join UCI’s Bike Safety Trainings UCI Transportation invites the campus community to join two upcoming bike safety trainings designed to promote safer streets for everyone. On Tuesday, May 6, attend our 1-hour Bike Friendly Driver Training at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom to learn how drivers can safely share the road with cyclists—participants receive a certificate upon completion. For those who ride, our two-part Smart Cycling course on May 21 and 22 is an interactive training led by certified instructors covering traffic laws, bike handling, and hazard avoidance. Visit the bike website to learn more and register. Bike Month Trainings » OC Bike Month: Take the Pledge to Ride Take the pledge to ride this month and enter for a chance to win an e-bike prize package during OC Bike Month. Every ride counts, whether you're commuting, cruising, or exploring! Don’t miss the OCTA Bike Rally on Wednesday, May 28, featuring a group ride, a free T-shirt (while supplies last), and prize drawings. Pick up your bike this month and be part of the movement to create a safer, healthier Orange County! Learn more about OC Bike Month » Discover UCI on Two Wheels: Inaugural Campus Bike Tour Explore UCI’s beautiful campus on two wheels during the Inaugural Campus Bike Tour, taking place on Thursday, May 29, at 10:00 a.m. Led by experienced guides, this scenic ride offers participants a chance to discover key campus landmarks, learn about bike-friendly routes, and enjoy a fun, social cycling experience. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or new to biking, this tour is a great way to connect with fellow riders and gain confidence navigating UCI by bike. Bring your bike and join us for a memorable ride! RSVP For the Campus Bike Tour »

BIKE MONTH CALENDAR OF EVENTS UCI Transportation is proud to celebrate National Bike Month with events and demonstrations focused on bike safety, maintenance, and security. Join us to learn valuable tips and celebrate the benefits of active transportation. For events and details, visit bike.uci.edu!

Coming up 5/7 at 9:30am - Chinese Vietnamese American award-winning filmmaker, storyteller, and author Elizabeth Ai talks about her debut feature documentary NEW WAVE

A California native, Elizabeth Ai is a Chinese Vietnamese American award-winning filmmaker, storyteller, and author. Her debut feature documentary, NEW WAVE, premiered in competition at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, earning a Special Jury Mention for Best New Documentary Director and critical acclaim from The New York Times, Vogue, IndieWire, Los Angeles Times, and San Francisco Chronicle. The New York Times selected it as a festival Critics’ Pick, calling it “a soft scream of a film” about ’80s Vietnamese diaspora culture, while Vogue praised its revelatory storytelling.

She is the author of New Wave: Rebellion and Reinvention in the Vietnamese Diaspora and an Emmy winner and nominee for her branded content with ESPN, VICE, and National Geographic. She created the original pilot for VICE/Munchies’ Bong Appétit, which was later picked up for a series on Viceland. Her producing credits include Dirty Hands, Saigon Electric, Ba, and A Woman’s Work: The NFL’s Cheerleader Problem.

An alum of Sundance, Tribeca, Berlinale, and Firelight Media, Ai’s work has been supported by the Center for Asian American Media, Cinereach, Ford Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Coming up April 30th 9:30am - Director, Center for Student Wellness & Health Promotion Doug Everhart, UC Irvine shares details about the Comprehensive Wellbeing Initiative Town Hall May 7, 2025

LISTEN
to this week's show
featuring Doug Everhart

This week marks the inaugural U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Week in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Okanagan Charter, which was developed by health promotion professionals to guide colleges and universities to be leaders for developing and modeling health-promoting principles. (UC Irvine adopted the Okanagan Charter in 2021.) As part of this effort, the campus is hosting the Comprehensive Wellbeing Town Hall on May 7 in Middle Earth housing, where students, staff and faculty are invited to learn more about what we are doing to support being a health-promoting university.
Event Overview

In 2001, UCI became one of the first eight campuses in the United States to adopt the Okanagan Charter and become a globally-recognized Health Promoting University. Since that time, we have worked to put into place the infrastructure to support this project, called the Comprehensive Wellbeing Initiative (CWI). This CWI Town Hall is an opportunity to share what has been going on with the initiative over the last few years, as well as an opportunity to get personally involved.

The Town Hall will feature:

– Updates on the four pillars of the CWI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; The Natural & Built Environment; Sustainability; and Culture of Wellbeing

– Guest speakers from Cornell University and the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), will share their experiences and research with health-promoting universities

– Opportunities to network and engage on priorities for the future.

We are pleased to announce that lunch will be served following the presentations, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and further discussion. In order to support a sustainable/green event, remember to bring your reusable silverware, and refillable water bottle as there is a water filling station in the foyer.

This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the UCI community and contribute to the ongoing development of our campus wellbeing initiatives. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please RSVP by Friday, May 2.

Coming up April 29th at 9:00am - Ivan Williams – Award-Winning Producer, Entrepreneur & Changemaker

LISTEN
to this week's show
featuring Ivan Williams

Ivan Williams is the powerhouse behind films like LARPer fan favorite Knights of Badassdom, romcom Big Stone Gap, the dramedy Ramona at Midlife, the film festival sensation Secret Mall Apartment, the acclaimed National Geographic–linked documentary The Wonder and the Worry and the recent German Academy award nominated film Köln 75. After a successful corporate career at ARCO and BP, Ivan transitioned into entertainment, producing socially resonant projects across film, Broadway (First Date), digital series, and the top-ranked podcast Hidden History Happy Hour. His work explores everything from AI and disinformation (How to Build a Truth Engine, executive produced by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and their Smokehouse Pictures) to climate change, urban resistance, and gender equity (This Changes Everything, American Academy-recognized documentary on gender misrepresentation in Hollywood).


His films have premiered at many key festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, South by Southwest, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Bentonville, Woodstock, Hot Docs, Cleveland International, Leeds (UK), Big Blue Festival in Newport, Oregon, Woods Hole (MA), and Newport Beach, California. He even screened his climate change-related films in front of world leaders at events like the Aspen Institute’s Climate Summit and in Dubai at COP28.

A veteran Naval Reserve intelligence officer, Ivan holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from Oregon State University and an MBA from UC Irvine. He lectures as an adjunct professor, participates in major university initiatives, and speaks at campuses across the U.S. He is also the founding CEO of Outer Limits Productions, Wildbrush Media, and Nexus4AI—ventures redefining storytelling at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and impact.

In addition, Ivan co-founded Eco ArtLab and Eco DesignLab, two nonprofit organizations that develop ecologically themed performances, films, and digital tools for creatives.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about how one producer is using Hollywood—and beyond—to drive real-world change.

Ivan's recent film KÖLN 75 just earned four German Film Academy Award nominations!  That’s Germany’s version of the Oscars!!!

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2025-german-film-award-nominations-announced-1236164986/

Following our phenomenal world premiere at Berlinale, a small group of our cast and crew embarked on a cinema tour across 10 cities (Köln → Bonn → Düsseldorf → Frankfurt → Wien → München → Zürich → Leipzig → Hamburg → Berlin). Along the way, we were met with sold-out theaters, fantastic discussions, and standing ovations—a truly unforgettable experience.

Since then, our theatrical run has only grown! KÖLN 75 opened in 138 cinemas across Germany, and this week, we are expanding to 144 cinemas. Even more exciting, we currently have the highest “admissions per screen” average of all films! The hope is to stay in theaters for a long time, and I couldn’t be happier

Are sales are moving fast! You may have seen the announcement in Deadline: https://deadline.com/2025/02/berlin-film-koln-75-mala-emde-john-magaro-sells-europe-asia-1236304997/. We have closed deals for 14 territories so far and are in negotiations for the UK and US. Other major territories, including Asia, Australia, and Latin America, are still to come!

On the festival front, KÖLN 75 will be screening at Sofia, Barcelona, Istanbul (opening night film), Copenhagen (opening night film), and Taipei. Our Italian distributor is also targeting the Rome Film Festival, with more festival announcements to come!

As for release dates, we already know:
• France – June
• Italy & BeNeLux – Fall

https://variety.com/2025/film/global/koln-75-ido-fluk-vera-brandes-keith-jarrett-koln-concert-1236306623/

Additional projects:

Ivan will about some of the following latest films that have just been released, about to be released or are on a special screening campaign:

• Ramona at Midlife (released i2/2025 on TVOD platforms)
• How to Build a Truth Engine (George Clooney executive produced this with us and we are doing special screening events in Europe and soon in the U.S.)
• Black Diamond (released 1/2025 on TVOD platforms)
• Köln 75 (World premiered at Berlinale last month and is already in over 200 theaters in Germany, and the Benelux countries. In the next few months it will be in theaters in over 14 other territories across the globe.)
• Secret Mall Apartment (begins touring the U.S. with a launch In the Providence Place Mall (site of the secret apartment), in Providence, RI on 3/21/25, and them get to L.A. on 4/3/2025 at the cool Eagle Rock Vidiots store and then in DTLA at the Alamo Draft House theater on 4/4/2025).

RAMONA AT MIDLIFE


Trailer
RAMONA AT MIDLIFE - Official HD Trailer - Comedy (Rosemarie DeWitt, Yvonne Woods, Josh Radnor)
youtu.be


The film is currently streaming on Amazon, Apple TV and Google Play and will be screening in person for one night at The Wayfarer Cinema in Highland Park, IL, on May 8.


SECRET MALL APARTMENT

Secret Mall Apartment | Official Trailer HD
youtu.be

We have been or will be on over a 100 theater screens around the U.S. since March 21st.


BLACK DIAMOND
After moving into a secluded cabin, a young woman and her boyfriend meet a local cowboy handyman, turning their idyllic life into a deadly triangle of lust, obsession, and murder.

Black Diamond Trailer #1 (2025)
youtu.be



Along with KÖLN 75, Ivan helped release four feature films in the last four months.


But more are on the horizon…..,


I have another film I produced called, THE WONDER AND THE WORRY, coming out later this year. The documentary explores the careers of Chris Johns, former Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic, and his daughter, Louise, a freelance photographer, through the lens of family, photography, and the power of visual storytelling . It examines the soul of journalism and its role in preserving a planet facing environmental challenges. The film also delves into the history of National Geographic and the transformation of the media landscape





| Films at OSU | Oregon State University
films.oregonstate.edu

Ivan Williams
Producer and CEO
Outer Limits Productions, Wildbrush Media and Nexus4AI
FoothLLrancher@gmail.com
949-632-2172