Okay, confession time — I’m officially in Group 7!

“Okay, who else is in Group 7? 🙋‍♀️ Sophia James totally broke the internet with her TikTok experiment — seven posts, and somehow we all ended up in the lucky one.

If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen Sophia James’ posts blowing up your feed. She’s this indie artist who decided to outsmart the algorithm by posting seven videos in a row — and somehow, number seven became the magic one. Now, the rest is viral history.


If you’re in Group 7 too, let me know — tag us or drop a comment. And go stream her latest single ‘So Unfair’ — it’s the perfect soundtrack for anyone who’s ever wanted to beat the algorithm and win.”


How this all happened...

October 2025, Sophia James posted seven consecutive TikTok videos, each numbered (“post number 1”, “post number 2”, …, “post number 7”). 


In the seventh video she says: “I have posted seven videos tonight — and this is the seventh one … this is a little science experiment … if you are watching this video, you are in Group 7.” 


She says her intent was to test which video got the most reach (the algorithm)… “It always has been and always will be me versus the algorithm, and today I have decided that I am winning.”

Here's what the NY Times had to say: What Is Group 7 on TikTok? Sophia James Explains Her Exclusive Club. - The New York Times

What “Group 7” came to mean online:


The seventh video went viral (millions of views) and TikTok users began declaring themselves part of “Group 7” if their “For You” page had “shown them” that video first.


It became a kind of in-joke/meme about exclusivity: “You’re either in Group 7 or you’re no one,” as one influencer put it. 


Many brands, influencers, and even sports teams referenced “Group 7” as a badge of being part of “the elite group” or “cool people.” 

Sophia’s own commentary:

She clarified that all the groups (1–7) were part of the experiment and that there weren’t really exclusive groups beyond Group 7; the grouping was arbitrary. 

She called it “a little science experiment” (her words) and said the reason was to get her song heard, test algorithms.

Here's her (8) Instagram

Triple threat, Director-Writer-Actor, Jonah Feingold will be in conversation with KUCI host, Janeane Bernstein on 10/22 at 9:30am. Feingold will share details on his new film 31 CANDLES which was screened at NBFF on Friday Oct 17, at 8pm.

Triple threat, Director-Writer-Actor, Jonah Feingold will be in conversation with KUCI host, Janeane Bernstein to share details on his new film 31 CANDLES which screened at NBFF on Friday Oct 17, at 8pm.

The film follows Leo Kadner (Feingold), a hopeless romantic New Yorker who reconnects with his childhood crush Eva Shapiro while preparing for his 31-year-old Bar Mitzvah. The journey to the religious milestone is a whirlwind of relationships of the past (and future), an unexpected reconnection with faith, and the pressure of his family’s approval tightly woven into a return-to-rom-com special. Feingold’s goal in filmmaking has always been to bring back the nostalgia of the classic romantic comedy, a la Harry Met Sally and Notting Hill, with some Jewish joy added in, and his new film is no exception.

The trailer, which was released exclusively via IndieWire, can be viewed HERE. In addition to serving as the director and writer, Feingold stars in the film alongside beloved actors such as Jackie Sandler, Sarah Coffey, Caroline Aaron, among others.

You can buy tickets here: https://romantical.kit.com/31candles
It opens in LA on Dec 5!

JONAH FEINGOLD BIO

Jonah Feingold is one of the most exciting emerging filmmakers of his generation, with a passion for storytelling across mediums ranging from independent film to big-budget studio projects to digital short-form content. A graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he spent a decade honing his craft in Los Angeles before returning to New York to pursue his filmmaking dreams.

His latest film 31 CANDLES, which he wrote, directed, and stars in, had its world premiere at The Miami Jewish Film Festival and will have a theatrical release via Level 33 this fall. The story follows Leo Kadner (Feingold), a hopeless romantic New Yorker who reconnects with his childhood crush Eva Shapiro (Sarah Coffey) while preparing for his 31-year-old Bar Mitzvah. The journey to the religious milestone is a whirlwind of relationships of the past (and future), an unexpected reconnection with faith, and the pressure of his family’s approval tightly woven into a return-to-rom-com special.

Feingold recently wrapped buddy comedy BUSBOYS starring David Spade and Theo Von, which is currently in post. Previously, he directed EXMAS for Freeve/Amazon starring Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell, which premiered in November 2023, and the film AT MIDNIGHT, starring Monica Barbaro and Deigo Boneta, which premiered on Paramount+ the same year.

DATING & NEW YORK, Feingold’s feature film debut, which he wrote, produced, and directed, originally premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival before it was released in theaters domestically via IFC in September that same year. As a lifelong fan of the pioneers of classic romantic comedies, such as Nora Ephron, Feingold used a mixture of his own, and those of his generation’s, trials and tribulations of dating in the modern era of dating apps and cell phones as inspiration for the film, which starred breakouts Jabuokie Young-White and Francesca Reale, with New York City’s natural romanticism as the backdrop. The film, which is rounded out by supporting cast members Catherine Cohen, Brian Muller, Jerry Ferrara, Arturo Castro, Taylor Hill, and Alex Moffat, among others, has also been acquired by Blue Fox for international distribution.


Under the banner of his creative studio, Romantical, Feingold has directed the viral filmette GOOD TO SEE YOU, which has reached more than 1.3 million views on YouTube and 9.6 million views across Instagram Reels, sparking a stream of dialogue around independent, creator-led content. Building on the success of festival standouts like Dating & New York and upcoming theatrical releases such as 31 Candles and Busboys, Feingold’s Romantical blurs the lines between traditional Hollywood cinema and digital-first storytelling — offering audiences modernized romantic comedies and genre-bending tales that celebrate connection, community, and the art of cinema itself.


To date, Feingold’s online directorial work has accumulated over 100 million views and can be seen on: Facebook Watch, BuzzFeed, Funny or Die, CNN, HuffPost and more. His viral Kickstarter backed short film BANGARANG (a prequel to Rufio from HOOK) broke the internet trending number one on Reddit, and number four on Twitter global.

He was previously the co-host of Hinge’s official dating and relationship podcast “Dating Sucks,” which then rebranded into a new podcast, “Seeing Other People,” and has been ranked #6 in relationship podcasts in the U.S.

Academy Award nominated film director, Jessica Kingdon, joins Janeane on Wednesday 10/22 at 9:00am to talk about the new documentary, ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE, premiering on PBS stations nationwide.

Getty and PBS SoCal Host Los Angeles Premiere Event for

New PBS Documentary ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE

Ahead of National Broadcast Premiere Friday, October 17

 

Artists and Scientists Unite at the Getty Center to

Unveil Sneak Peek of Getty’s Iconic “PST ART” Event

From left to right: Panel participants include Moderator Dr. Cara Santa Maria, Artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, Artist Lauren Bon and Director Jessica Kingdon at PBS SoCal’s ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE premiere at

The Getty Center on October 14, 2025. Photo courtesy of PBS SoCal

PBS SoCal recently celebrated its new documentary, ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE, with a premiere event that took place Tues., Oct. 14 at the Getty Center). Guests enjoyed an outdoor beer/wine reception with an exceptional buffet of light bites prior to an exclusive sneak peek at the film as well as multiple examples of PBS SoCal content focused on Getty’s PST ART initiative, followed by a panel discussion. Getty Foundation Director Joan Weinstein kicked off the evening with a brief welcome, followed by opening remarks from PBS SoCal President and CEO Andrew Russell and an introduction to the content from PBS SoCal Chief Content Officer Tamara Gould. The panel was moderated by science communicator Dr. Cara Santa Maria and included Artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, Artist Lauren Bon and the film’s Director Jessica Kingdon.

LISTEN to today's show featuring Jessica Kingdon.

The film weaves together compelling stories of artists participating in the Getty’s 2024-2025 Southern California art event, PST ART. Exploring the deep, often overlooked connections between two fields commonly seen as opposites — art and science — the film highlights collaborations between artists and scientists in Southern California to address some of humanity’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and space exploration to biodiversity and environmental justice. The program is produced for PBS by PBS SoCal, in association with Actual Films (“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” and “Athlete A”) and Academy Award-nominated filmmakers, Director Jessica Kingdon and Producer Serin Marshall.



The one-hour special ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE premieres Fri., Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and at 10 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings) on PBS stations nationwide, PBS.org and the PBS App.

The new documentary, ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE, directed by Academy Award nominated film director, Jessica Kingdon, weaves together compelling stories of artists participating in the Getty’s 2024-2025 Southern California art event, PST ART. See press release below.

Exploring the deep, often overlooked connections between two fields commonly seen as opposites — art and science — the film highlights collaborations between artists and scientists in Southern California to address some of humanity’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and space exploration to biodiversity and environmental justice.

The one-hour special ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE premieres locally in Southern California on Fri., Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and at 10 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings) on PBS stations nationwide. Streaming on PBS.org and the free PBS App.

About Jessica Kingdon
Jessica Kingdon is a Chinese-American documentary director/producer named one of “25 New Faces of Independent Film” by Filmmaker Magazine and selected for the DOC NYC “40 Under 40” list. She is currently directing Untitled Animal Project, supported by Sandbox Films and Impact Partners. 

Her first documentary feature, ASCENSION登楼叹 (2021), won a nomination at the 94th Academy Awards in the Best Documentary Feature category as well as Best Documentary at the Tribeca Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival. The film has received nominations from the the DGA Awards, Spirit Awards, the Gotham and the International Documentary Association along with five Cinema Eye nominations and six Critic’s Choice nominations. 

Her award-winning short COMMODITY CITY (2017) is an observational documentary about the world’s largest wholesale mall in Yiwu, China and played at over 50 film festivals. She co-directed the short IT'S COMING! (2020), and ROUTINE ISLAND (2019). Her work has been supported by organizations including SFFILM, Chicken & Egg, Cinereach, Sundance, Field of Vision, and Firelight Media. Jessica has served in producorial roles on Tania Cypriano’s BORN TO BE (NYFF 2019), Nathan Truesdell’s THE WATER SLIDE (True/False 2018), and Johnny Ma’s OLD STONE (Berlinale 2016). Residencies include UnionDocs, MacDowell and Yaddo. She is a member of the Brooklyn Filmmakers Collective and Brown Girls Doc Mafia.

New Documentary ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE

Premieres Friday, October 17 on PBS

The PBS SoCal Film Brings to Life Getty’s Iconic “PST ART” Event,

Where Artists and Scientists Unite to Reimagine Our World

pbssocal.org/art&sciencecollide

Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App. Members of PBS SoCal get extended access through PBS Passport.


Los Angeles, Calif. – Sept. 16, 2025 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, announced today its new documentary, ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE, which weaves together compelling stories of artists participating in the Getty’s 2024-2025 Southern California art event, PST ART. Exploring the deep, often overlooked connections between two fields commonly seen as opposites — art and science — the film highlights collaborations between artists and scientists in Southern California to address some of humanity’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and space exploration to biodiversity and environmental justice. 

The program is produced for PBS by PBS SoCal, in association with Actual Films (“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” and “Athlete A”) and Academy Award-nominated filmmakers, Director Jessica Kingdon and Producer Serin Marshall. The one-hour special ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE premieres Fri., Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and at 10 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings) on PBS stations nationwide, PBS.org and the PBS App.


“Providing all Americans with free access to the arts is a cornerstone of our mission, now more than ever,” said Wendy Llinás, Senior Director, General Audience Programming & Development at PBS. “With ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE, we aspire to ignite curiosity and creativity, strengthening the cultural health of our nation by bringing communities together through the rich exchange of science and arts education.”


The film showcases PST ART, the largest art project in the United States, which also serves as a revolutionary model for public programming at an unprecedented scale. Getty’s PST ART featured over 800 artists in mind-expanding explorations of the intersections of art and science, both past, present and future across Southern California. Topics ranged from ancient cosmology to Indigenous sci-fi, and from artificial intelligence to environmental justice. Other programs ranged from cutting-edge performing arts commissions to rocket launches and from participatory art projects and action-centered discussions to free outdoor art and science family festivals.


“I’m incredibly proud to help make the groundbreaking work of PST ART accessible to audiences nationwide,” said Katherine E. Fleming, President & CEO of The J. Paul Getty Trust. “PBS is one of the most powerful cultural platforms in the country, and this partnership offers an extraordinary opportunity to share the creativity, collaboration, and innovation in art and science that emerged from PST ART’s many Southern California institution partners with viewers everywhere.”


The documentary highlights a range of powerful collaborations. The five main artists profiled in the film include:

· American Artist reimagines the early days of rocket science through the lens of science fiction writer Octavia Butler. Their project, “The Monophobic Response,” includes a recreation of a 1936 rocket test, exploring themes of racial equity, climate crisis and alternate futures. It positions space exploration not as a corporate dream, but as a necessity for marginalized communities envisioning survival beyond Earth.

· Cannupa Hanska Luger introduces large scale figures wearing “sovereignty suits”—futuristic, cultural armor that blends Indigenous knowledge traditions with speculative technology. His sculptures act as time-travelers, carrying ancestral wisdom between multiple realities of space and time. He reframes survival as cultural continuity and critiques the dominant, colonial narratives of space travel.

· Special Species is an artist collective formed by Jason Chang, Joel Fernando, and Yesenia Prieto. They spotlight California’s special-status species through piñata-based representations. Drawing on Mexican folk traditions, they blend education, conservation and dreamlike imagery to raise awareness about biodiversity. Their work reclaims undervalued crafts and overlooked animal species as vital parts of our ecosystem.

· Environmental artist Lauren Bon recounts her long-term intervention in the L.A. River’s concrete infrastructure through her project “Bending the River.” Her work reveals the hidden flows beneath the city—both underground rivers and the buried histories of the floodplain—and demonstrates the regenerative potential of soil, water and native crops such as corn. Through these acts, Bon frames environmental healing and reparation as inseparable from art-led activism.

· Themes of permeability, memory and microbiota emerge in the work of Hayv Kahraman. A refugee from Iraq, she explores how bodies—especially migrant bodies—interact with their surroundings at microscopic and spiritual levels. Her meditative flax-based marbling reflects both trauma and resilience, asking what it means to dismantle borders and embrace interconnection.

Additional artists and experts appearing in the film include John Mulchaey, President, Carnegie Science; Joel Ferree, Program Director, LACMA Art + Technology Lab; Andrew Perchuk, Deputy Director, Getty Research Institute; Katherine Fleming, President and CEO, J. Paul Getty Trust; Ahmed Best, Actor, Director, Educator, and Futurist; Shana Nys Dambrot, Art Critic; JoanWeinstein, Director, Getty Foundation; Chris Weisbart, Associate Vice President, Exhibitions, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; Debra Scacco, Curator, “Brackish Water” and Fiona Lindsay Shen, Director, Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Art Collection.


As part of PBS SoCal’s efforts around PST ART, the organization produced 11 short films featuring some of Southern California’s top arts and culture destinations that included the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, California African American Museum, The Autry Museum of the American West and many more.


Other original content from PBS SoCal created around PST ART included the organization’s award-winning environmental series EARTH FOCUS episode titled “Fast Fashion,” featuring textile artist Porfirio Gutierrez as well as the Los Angeles Emmy®nominated documentary, ARTBOUND “Blended Worlds: The Fusion of Art & Science at JPL,” which showed how a passion to explore space informs art and vice versa. All of this content and more is available to stream on the free PBS app and PBS SoCal’s YouTube Channel.


“Our region is blessed to have so many wonderful arts institutions and we are so honored to highlight their work,” commented PBS SoCal Chief Content Officer Tamara Gould. “As Southern California’s convener for the arts, we are humbled by the sheer scale of creative collaboration, which will inspire the whole country through this film. This documentary showcases artists who are breaking new ground in exploring the unique intersection of art and science, which is a part of what makes Southern California such an iconic destination for arts and culture.”

"The documentary film ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE underscores that both art and science are ways of knowing, imagining and shaping the world,” commented Oscar®-nominated Director Jessica Kingdon. “Ultimately, the film points to the ways creativity, knowledge and empathy are not separate pursuits, but intertwined forces that reveal our interdependence in a shared, complex world.”
ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE will be available to stream on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS app, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and VIZIO.


Major funding for the documentary film ART & SCIENCE COLLIDE was provided by John & Louise Bryson. Additional funding was provided by the Frieda Berlinski Foundation, the California Community Foundation and PBS.


The program is produced for PBS by PBS SoCal, in association with Actual Films, whose documentaries have won Emmys and Peabodys and an Academy Award nomination. Justine Nagan, Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk are Executive Producers along with PBS SoCal’s Tamara Gould and Angela Boisvert. The producer is Emmy Award-winning Serin Marshall, and the Academy Award-nominated director is Jessica Kingdon. Wendy Llinás is the executive in charge for PBS.

For more information, follow us on social at @pbssocal

ABOUT PBS SOCAL
PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal manages 7 channels — including 2 primary broadcast channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus as well as 5 digital subchannels. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal is reaches nearly 19M viewers in the region with programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture.  PBS SoCal programming is available to viewers over-the-air, on all key streaming platforms via the free PBS App and PBS KIDS App. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free.

About PBS
PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 36 million adults on linear primetime television, more than 16 million users on PBS-owned streaming platforms, 53 million viewers on YouTube, and 60 million people view PBS content on social media, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs and to take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’s broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS LearningMedia for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. As the number one educational media brand, PBS KIDS helps children 2-8 build critical skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality content on TV — including a PBS KIDS channel — and streaming free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app, games on the PBS KIDS Games app, and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at PBS.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, Facebook, Instagram, or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on X.

About Actual Films
Actual Films creates powerful works of documentary cinema to have a positive impact for change in the world. Over the past 20+ years, the company has created critically acclaimed, award-winning films such as Athlete A, Audrie & Daisy, An Inconvenient Sequel, The Island President and The Lost Boys of Sudan. Recent work includes the Academy-Award nominated short Lead Me Home and Make A Splash, which premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. Distribution partners include Netflix, HBO, Paramount, ESPN, Disney+, PBS and Samuel Goldwyn. Founded by filmmakers Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, Actual Films’ documentaries have won Emmys and Peabodys, and been nominated for an Academy Award. Together with Head of Production Justine Nagan, Actual Films frequently collaborates with passionate filmmakers across the country and from around the San Francisco Bay.


About PST ART:
Southern California’s landmark arts event Pacific Standard Time—now PST ART—returned with more than 70 exhibitions from museums and other institutions across the region, all exploring the intersections of art and science—past, present, and in the imaginable future. Dozens of cultural, scientific, and community organizations have joined the latest edition, PST ART: Art & Science Collide, to share groundbreaking research, create indelible experiences for the public, and generate new ways of understanding our complex world. PST ART: Art & Science Collide follows Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA (September 2017–January 2018) and Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945–1980 (October 2011– March 2012).


PST ART is presented by Getty. Lead partners are Bank of America, Alicia Miñana & Rob Lovelace, and the Getty Patron Program. Principal partners are Simons Foundation; Eva and Ming Hsieh, Co-Founders of Fulgent Genetics; and Peggy and Andrew Cherng, Co-Chairs and Co-CEOs of Panda Express.


For more information about PST ART: Art & Science Collide, please visit: pst.art. 

About Getty
Getty is a leading global arts organization committed to the exhibition, conservation, and understanding of the world’s artistic and cultural heritage. Based in Los Angeles, Getty’s Foundation, Conservation Institute, Museum, and Research Institute work collaboratively with partners around the world. Getty shares art, knowledge, and resources online at Getty.edu and welcomes the public for free at its Getty Center and the Getty Villa.

Stronger Than You Think, featuring shark attack survivor and Paralympic swimmer, Ali Truwit, makes it's West Coast Premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Ali shares her journey on KUCI Wednesday 10/15 at 9:30am from surviving a shark attack to competing in the 2024 Paris Paralympics

LISTEN
to today's show featuring Ali Truwit

Stronger Than You Think with Ali Truwit is making its West Coast Premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival!

Ali’s story is one of courage, resilience, and reclaiming strength after a life-changing shark attack.

Join us in celebrating her journey, the film, and the message:

You are stronger than you think.

About Stronger Than You Think

Against all odds, Ali Truwit survived. 

Just days after her college graduation, a snorkeling trip turned into a nightmare when the accomplished collegiate swimmer was attacked by a shark. The brutal encounter would test every ounce of her strength and will to live. 

Against staggering odds, Ali survived — but her life was forever altered. The loss of her leg marked not just a physical transformation, but an emotional reckoning. Faced with unimaginable trauma, Ali made a powerful choice: to reclaim her story and use her experience to inspire others. 

Leaning on the values that had always guided her, she set her sights on a nearly unthinkable goal — earning a spot on the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team... just one year after the attack. This film follows her extraordinary journey: through the pain of recovery, the battle to return to the water, the triumph of making Team USA, and ultimately, rising to the podium in Paris. It’s a story of survival, strength, and a young woman’s unbreakable spirit — a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets purpose.

Showings – select to order tickets:
Sun, Oct 19th, 12:30 PM @ Triangle Cinemas, Screen 4 (SOLD OUT)

There are still tickets for the second screening:
Wed, Oct 22nd, 5:30 PM @ Triangle Cinemas, Screen 4

Get tickets and more details. 

Year: 2025

Runtime: 98 minutes

Language: English

Country: United States

Premiere: West Coast

Director: Janice C. Molinari, Melissa Forman

Producer: Allyson J. Davis, Melissa Forman

Executive Producer: Allyson J. Davis, Melissa Forman, Janice C. Molinari

Cast: Alexandra Truwit, Jody Truwit, Mitch Truwit, Jamie Barone

Cinematographer: Holly Fischer

Editor: Janice C. Molinari

Looking UP, Produced and Directed by Elena Neuman, makes its California Premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival October 18th at 1pm - Regal Edwards Big Newport. Elena joins Janeane LIVE on October 15th at 9:00am.

Looking Up – West Coast Premiere at the
Newport Beach Film Festival

LISTEN
to today's show featuring
Producer/Director Elena Neuman 

About  the film
LOOKING UP is the inspiring story of Eitan Armon, a young man facing encroaching blindness who takes on the challenge of climbing the world’s most epic granite wall.
At age 20, while serving in the military, Eitan is diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare and incurable genetic disease that causes blindness. With time running out and only 5% of his central vision remaining, Eitan decides to challenge himself and ascend Yosemite’s daunting El Capitan. Looking Up documents Eitan’s journey and resilience, demonstrating the endless possibilities for those who approach life with positivity.

The film follows Eitan Armon, a young man facing progressive blindness from Retinitis Pigmentosa, as he takes on the extraordinary challenge of climbing El Capitan.

With appearances by renowned positive psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, retinal researchers Drs. Edwin Stone and Budd Tucker, and climbing partners Jay Lefkowitz and Willie Benegas, the film is both a testament to hope and an exploration of human resilience. 

TRAILER
LookingUP Trailer (2024) - Wall Climbing Documentary | Eitan Armon

A post-screening Q&A offers a unique chance to delve deeper into the story. Screening: Saturday, October 18, 2025 - 1:00 PM — Regal Edwards Big Newport, with a Q&A to follow.

Showings – select to order tickets:
Sat, Oct 18th, 1:00 PM @ Big Newport, Screen 5
Tue, Oct 21st, 5:00 PM @ Triangle Cinemas, Screen 4

Looking Up

Get tickets!

Year: 2024

Runtime: 72 minutes

Language: English

Country: United States

Premiere: California

Director: Elena Neuman
Producer: Elena Neuman

Cinematographer: Dani Tenenbaum, Damian Benegas

Editor: Dennis Clark

Music: Michael Bryan Stein

Looking Up

America’s Test Kitchen hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison will make their LA debut appearance (along with their latest cookbook) at PBS SoCal’s upcoming Weds., Sept. 24 event “Go Inside America’s Test Kitchen with Julia and Bridget.”

After 25 years on set, Julia and Bridget will share time-tested techniques, favorite recipes and tools, as well as kitchen essentials—LIVE on stage with select audience members getting to participate in technique demonstrations and win exciting prizes.

Taking place at the Skirball Cultural Center’s Herscher Hall (2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., LA, CA 90049), the exclusive event will allow local fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with two of the culinary world’s best. Attendees can choose between two ticketing options as listed below which only require a donation to PBS to attend. More information on the event and ticketing options can be found at www.pbssocal.org/atk.

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN Comes to Los Angeles on September 24

Join Hosts Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster for a LIVE,

Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Test Kitchen in Action!

Pictured L to R: Beloved AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN

Hosts and Chefs Julia Collin Davison and Bridget Lancaster.

(Image courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen)


pbssocal.org/atk



Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org
and the free PBS App.

Members of PBS SoCal get extended access with PBS Passport.


Los Angeles, Calif. – August 14, 2025 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, announced today an exciting event partnership with America's favorite cooking show – America’s Test Kitchen. Taking place Weds., Sept. 24 at the Skirball Cultural Center’s Herscher Hall (2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., LA, CA 90049) the exclusive event will allow local fans the opportunity to join beloved chefs and America’s Test Kitchen hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison for a 90-minute deep dive into the heart of the show. After 25 years on set, Julia and Bridget will make their PBS SoCal LA debut appearance at the event entitled “Go Inside America’s Test Kitchen with Julia and Bridget,” sharing their best stories, time-tested techniques, favorite tools, and kitchen essentials—LIVE on stage. Guests can choose between two ticketing options as listed below which only require a donation to attend. More information on the event can be found at www.pbssocal.org/atk.


The AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN event “Go Inside America’s Test Kitchen with Julia and Bridget” gives long-time fans and newbies a behind-the-scenes look at how recipes are developed, products and ingredients tested and the science that makes cooking both delicious and foolproof. Chefs Bridget and Julia will share what they’ve learned after 25 years on set including techniques and tips, favorite recipes and what they can’t live without in their own kitchens. From recipe development to product and ingredient testing, to the science behind cooking, for the event that features ideas and inspiration with two of the culinary world’s best. Select audience members will get to participate on stage for technique demonstrations and trivia featuring exciting prizes.



Ticketing Options:

$90 – General Admission -- Program begins at 7:00 PM

General Admission seating in the theatre

Your choice of cookbook (one per order):

The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2021–2026

Baking for Two

Access to the cash bar in the lobby

Access to PBS SoCal’s most popular member benefit: PBS Passport



$150 – Exclusive Experience (Limited to 50 guests!) -- Exclusive ‘Meet & Greet’ begins at 6:00 PM

VIP seating closer to the stage

Meet & Greet Reception with Julia & Bridget (6:00–7:00 PM)

Complimentary beer & wine + light hors d'oeuvres

Personalized signed copy of Baking for Two

Access to PBS SoCal’s most popular member benefit: PBS Passport



For 25 years, AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN has been a trusted staple in home kitchens across the country, combining scientific precision with a love of great food. Since its debut in 2001, the show has brought viewers behind the scenes of the test kitchen, where recipes are tested, perfected, and made accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Airing on public broadcasting stations nationwide, AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN has built a legacy rooted in curiosity, culinary expertise and an unwavering commitment to teaching. Over the years, it has evolved from a TV program into a beloved brand that includes cookbooks, magazines, podcasts, and digital content — all designed to help people cook with confidence. As the show celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, it continues to honor the values that made it a public broadcasting favorite: education, reliability, and a deep respect for the home cook.



Viewers can tune in to the latest season of AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN on PBS SoCal's broadcast channel, PBS SoCal Plus Thursdays at 11 a.m. PT and again on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. PT. The new season of AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN will premiere on Thurs., Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. PT.



About Julia and Bridget
Julia Collin Davison is an executive editorial director for America’s Test Kitchen. She is also co-host of America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country and is an original cast member of both shows, which are two of the highest-rated instructional cooking shows on television. Julia also is host of Julia at Home, which premiered on Pluto TV in November 2021. Julia began working as a test cook for Cook’s Illustrated in 1999 and led recipe development for America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks for more than a decade. Julia has been a guest on Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Ryan, The Today Show, Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family, and The Tamron Hall Show. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996. She received an Augie Award from the Culinary Institute of America and was inducted into the prestigious Disciples d’Escoffier culinary society in 2018.


Bridget Lancaster is an executive editorial director for America’s Test Kitchen.
She’s known to millions of fans as a co-host of America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country, which both air on public television. Bridget began working as a test cook for Cook’s Illustrated in 1998; she was also part of the launch team for Cook’s Country magazine and led the magazine’s recipe development. Bridget is the lead instructor for America’s Test Kitchen Online Cooking School and has created hundreds of instructional videos. In her earlier career she cooked in restaurant kitchens in the South and the Northeast, concentrating on pastry. She was inducted into the prestigious Disciples d’Escoffier culinary society in 2018.

The regional event “Go Inside America’s Test Kitchen with Julia and Bridget” is supported in part by the Skirball Cultural Center.



“Go Inside America’s Test Kitchen with Julia and Bridget” is a ticketed event. Tickets are non-refundable. PBS SoCal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and a portion of donations may be tax-deductible.



For more information, follow us on social at @pbssocal



About PBS SoCal

PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal is available to stream on the PBS app and the PBS Kids App and reaches nearly 19M viewers across 7 Broadcast channels — including 2 primary channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus and 5 digital subchannels. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal offers programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free.



About America’s Test Kitchen

The mission of America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) is to empower and inspire confidence, community, and creativity in the kitchen. Founded in 1992, the company is the leading multimedia cooking resource serving millions of fans with TV shows (America’s Test Kitchen, Cook’s Country, and America’s Test

Kitchen: The Next Generation), magazines (Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country), award-winning cookbooks, a podcast (Proof), FAST channels, short-form video series, and the ATK Essential Membership subscription for digital content. Located in a state-of-the-art, 15,000-square-foot test kitchen in Boston’s Seaport District, ATK has earned the trust of home cooks and culinary experts alike thanks to its one-of-a-kind processes and best-in-class techniques. Fifty full-time (admittedly very meticulous) test cooks, editors, and product testers spend their days tweaking every variable to find the very best recipes, equipment, ingredients, and techniques. Learn more at AmericasTestKitchen.com/.

Joining Janeane 9/17 at 9:30am - Dr Ayoub Bouguettaya, a social scientist at Cedars-Sinai, working out of the Program of Internet, Health and Society.

Dr Ayoub Bouguettaya is a project scientist at Cedars-Sinai, working out of the Program of Internet, Health and Society.
He is a social/health psychologist, and a former assistant professor from the University of Birmingham UK.

He has also worked in two Australian government departments, including the Department of health and the census. His research focuses on the intersection of tech and psychology. His research in top journals like Nature Human Behavior and Science Advances has recently gained him the Early Career Scholar award from the top body for psychologists, the American Psychological Association.



*Note: all views are the sole responsibility of Ayoub Bouguettaya and do not reflect Cedars-Sinai's views, official or unofficial.

LISTEN to today's show 

Dr Ayoub Bouguettaya's Lectures on Tap - Sunday Sept 14th at 6pm!

Lectures on Tap - "Brain Rot & Connection: Surviving the Social Internet"

The following is from the Lectures on Tap website:

Do you ever feel "brain rot" from endless scrolling? The internet promised a connected world but often leaves us feeling more alone. In this interactive lecture, social psychologist Dr. Ayoub Bouguettaya will explore how the digital world became both a curse and a cure for our social lives.

Join us as we reveal the hidden costs of being constantly plugged in, unpacking research on the internet's effects on friendship, romance, and community. We’ll discuss why our digital lives can harm mental health, despite the abundance of online connections.

But there is a path forward. Dr. Bouguettaya will provide evidence-based strategies to reclaim your social life in the digital age and build genuine real-world connections.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from Dr. Ayoub Bouguettaya, a leading researcher on social health and the internet’s impact on our lives!

Joining Janeane Wednesday 9/17 at 9:00am - Dr. Marcelle Hayashida, associate vice chancellor for wellness, health and counseling services at UC Irvine and Dr. Frances S. Diaz, Psy.D. UC Irvine Counseling Center

Dr. Marcelle Hayashida and Dr. Frances S. Diaz, Psy.D will talk about a recent announcement - The University of California, Irvine has received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The national award commends institutions for programs and initiatives that significantly advance the core values of inclusion and belonging.

LISTEN to today's show

Campus is among 71 nationwide to be honored by Insight Into Academia magazine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOTE TO EDITORS: PHOTO AVAILABLE AT
https://news.uci.edu/2025/08/05/uc-irvine-receives-2025-excellence-in-mental-health-and-well-being-award/

Contact: Sheri Ledbetter
949-230-8962
ledbetts@uci.edu

UC Irvine receives 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award

Campus is among 71 nationwide to be honored by Insight Into Academia magazine

Irvine, Calif., Aug. 5, 2025 — The University of California, Irvine has received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The national award commends institutions for programs and initiatives that significantly advance the core values of inclusion and belonging.

UC Irvine will be featured, along with 70 other honorees, in the September 2025 issue of the magazine.

“Receiving this recognition is very affirming,” said Marcelle Hayashida, associate vice chancellor for wellness, health and counseling services at UC Irvine. “This presents us with a moment to celebrate the hard work of all our campus partners, communicate our commitment to others, and renew our mission to promote well-being throughout the entire campus.”

Insight Into Academia honored UC Irvine for its extensive support structures for faculty, staff and students, as well as for its Comprehensive Wellbeing Initiative. The campus was also selected for its peer programs for students, basic needs fulfillment and counseling services, in addition to training faculty and staff to discern and respond to mental health challenges.

“We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to their mental health and well-being services and support for their students and employees,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia. “We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

UC Irvine was one of the few campuses in the U.S. to adopt the Okanagan Charter and become an official Health Promoting University in 2021. Shortly afterward, the school launched the Comprehensive Wellbeing Initiative. It focuses on four areas: diversity, equity and inclusion; the natural and built environment; sustainability; and the culture of well-being – crucial to implementing wellness as an institutional value.

“With a culture of well-being as one of its key pillars, the Comprehensive Wellbeing Initiative emphasizes the link between a healthy campus and a flourishing student body and workforce,” Hayashida said.

For more information about the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, visit https://insightintoacademia.com.

About Insight Into Academia: Insight Into Academia magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today. It’s the leader in recognizing inclusive excellence in higher education through its many prestigious awards and in advancing best practices in inclusive excellence and belonging through its website and print magazine.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus studio with a Comrex IP audio codec to interview UC Irvine faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UC Irvine news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at https://news.uci.edu/media-resources.

September 10, 2025 UC Irvine poll: Californians support stricter tech regulations for children Statewide survey reveals backing for school smartphone restrictions, social media bans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOTE TO EDITORS: PHOTO AVAILABLE
https://news.uci.edu/2025/09/10/uc-irvine-poll-californians-support-stricter-tech-regulations-for-children/

Contact: Mimi Ko Cruz
714-932-8589
mkcruz@uci.edu

UC Irvine poll: Californians support stricter tech regulations for children

Statewide survey reveals backing for school smartphone restrictions, social media bans 2,143 California adults were surveyed
82 percent support the Phone-Free Schools Act, which requires public schools to restrict student smartphone use during school hours.
73 percent support a social media ban for children under 16


Irvine, Calif., Sept. 10, 2025 — A new poll of 2,143 California adults conducted by University of California, Irvine researchers reveals overwhelming bipartisan support for stricter regulations on children's use of digital technology, including school smartphone restrictions and social media age limits.

“There are very few issues with this level of bipartisan support in today’s polarized policy environment, but the message from parents and other adults in our poll was clear and crossed party lines. Adults are worried about the impacts of smartphones and social media on children’s learning and mental health,” said the survey’s authors, Kelli Dickerson, research scientist and lead investigator of the study; Gillian Hayes, the Kleist Professor of informatics; and Candice Odgers, Chancellor’s Professor of psychology.

The study found that 82 percent of Californians support the Phone-Free Schools Act, which requires public schools to adopt policies to restrict student smartphone use during school hours by July 2026. Support crossed party lines, with 84 percent of Republicans, 81 percent of Democrats, and 80 percent of Independents backing the measure.

Other findings include: 73 percent of Californians surveyed support banning social media for children under 16, with supporters citing youth safety, well-being and the need to encourage more offline activities.
While support for a social media ban was high, many Californians may not fully realize which platforms a ban may affect. For example, nearly half of Californians did not consider YouTube a form of social media, despite it being the most widely used platform among youth.
61 percent favor allowing generative AI in schools with clear guardrails. However, fewer than half of Californians expressed moderate to complete trust in local, state or federal government, or in technology companies, to make decisions about children and artificial intelligence.

“This research reveals a clear mandate from California families for stronger digital safeguards for children,” Dickerson said. “However, the findings also highlight critical challenges ahead – from confusion about what platforms would actually be regulated to a troubling lack of trust in any institution to effectively oversee these technologies. Policymakers need to address these gaps if they want regulations that are both effective and enforceable.”

The poll revealed some variation in support based on demographics. Parents of minors showed slightly less support for school smartphone restrictions (74 percent) compared to non-parents (87 percent), and support increased with education and income levels. However, backing for social media age restrictions remained consistent across all demographic groups.

The majority (88 percent) of those who supported school smartphone restrictions cited reducing classroom distractions as the main reason driving their support. For social media age restrictions, over 70 percent of supporters cited concerns about excessive technology use and encouraged offline activities, improving mental health and reducing exposure to harmful content.

Those who opposed school smartphone restrictions primarily cited the need to maintain parent-child communication, with 81 percent of opponents wanting to ensure children can reach parents during emergencies. Most opponents (71 percent) of social media age restrictions believed that parents should decide whether their child uses social media.

The research comes as California continues to lead national conversations about technology regulation. The Phone-Free Schools Act is set to take effect in 2026, and legislative discussions continue about social media age verification and AI oversight in educational settings.

While the study found broad support across the political spectrum for regulation, Hayes said it also uncovered a significant trust deficit in who should be charged with regulatory oversight.

“Young people spend much of their time in digital spaces not designed for them, and there’s growing recognition of the need for stronger safeguards,” Hayes said. “However, effective regulation will require not only clearer communication and transparency but also trusted institutions to lead these efforts in partnership with caregivers, educators and young people.”

The study was produced by CERES (Connecting the EdTech Research EcoSystem) and UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology.

About CERES: The CERES network is advancing dynamic, collaborative, and innovative research with real-world impact. CERES leverages strategic partnerships and cutting-edge methodologies to drive meaningful solutions that improve outcomes for children. CERES uses technology-driven solutions to ensure all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, have the resources and support they need to thrive. Learn more at ceres.uci.edu.



About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.



Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus studio with a Comrex IP audio codec to interview UC Irvine faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UC Irvine news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at https://news.uci.edu/media-resources.

Coming up 9/10 at 9:00am on KUCI - Michelle Brouwer Director of Programming, Irvine Barclay Theatre talks about her role in the upcoming 35th season. Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season with Grammy Winners, Notable Dance Companies, Speakers & Renowned Artists

LISTEN to today's show featuring Michelle Brouwer

Michelle Brouwer Director of Programming, Irvine Barclay Theatre joins host Janeane Bernstein to talk about the exciting new season of performances at the Barclay

About Michelle Brouwer 
As the Director of Programming at Irvine Barclay Theatre, Michelle Brouwer has elevated and expanded the breadth of programming at the boutique performing arts venue, which is known for providing intimate experiences with top tier artists. Since joining Irvine Barclay Theatre nearly eight years ago, Michelle has successfully managed numerous projects in various roles, all of which have led to increased revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, rentals and more. 

In her current position, Michelle i
dentifies suitable shows for the IBT Presents season, develops and manages supporting budgets, carries projects through contract negotiation to settlement, and interfaces with artistic and production advances to the final presentation. She also oversees a team that runs the Barclay’s facility rentals program, which annually contracts 60 external rental clients and 20 university departments. 

Overseeing the master calendar of the 750-seat theater venue and its auxiliary spaces, the scope of her work includes the production of special events, conventionally staged performances, and unique celebrations. In addition to overseeing the programming at Irvine Barclay Theatre, Michelle has served as a Volunteer Chair for National Philanthropy Day Orange County since 2023. She is also an avid reader, yoga enthusiast and dedicated mom to two sons.

Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season with Grammy Winners, Notable Dance Companies, Speakers & Renowned Artists

Irvine, CA, August 26, 2025 – Irvine Barclay Theatre, one of Orange County’s top performing arts venues, will kick off its 35th season of bringing top-tier artists to Southern California with a Barclay Block Party, a community celebration of the arts on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 1pm to 2:30pm. 

The free event, held in the plaza in front of Irvine Barclay Theatre, will offer fun for the whole family, including face painting, a caricature artist, a marionette puppet show, music and dance performances, and culminating in a free performance by Phat Cat Swinger at 3pm in the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Known for its intimate setting that provides unique experiences and personal interactions with Grammy winning and other acclaimed performers, Irvine Barclay Theatre presents renowned artists in a wide range of genres, from jazz, classical, folk, pop, and global music, to comedy, dance, theater, captivating speakers, and more. 

Tickets for the 2025-26 season are on sale now, with more shows to be announced.

.

Casting Director Valerie McCaffrey and Lorenzo Lamas, actor/film producer and WCTF spokesperson, share details about World Children’s Transplant Fund (WCTF) and their up-coming Hearts of Gold Dinner honoring, Mr. Mark Wittcoff, Chairman KW Commercial Beverly Hills Los Angeles, CA

The World Children’s Transplant Fund Hosts the Hearts of Gold Dinner

Honoring, Mr. Mark Wittcoff, Chairman KW Commercial
Beverly Hills

Los Angeles, CA

LISTEN to today's show with Valerie McCaffrey and Lorenzo Lamas

What: The World Children’s Transplant Fund (WCTF), and its Founder and Board Chairman, Mark Kroeker, are pleased to host the Hearts of Gold Dinner, celebrating Hearts of Gold Award Recipient Mr. Mark Wittcoff in recognition of his exemplary life of philanthropy and concern for children of our world.



When/Where: September 18, 2025

5:00 PM PST: Cocktail reception and red carpet

6:00 PM PST: dinner and program


Within the elegant showroom housing Galpin Ford’s collection of legendary cars and vehicles. Galpin Auto Sports 15600 Roscoe Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91406


Who: The dinner will be hosted by, mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Araksya Karapetyan, well known KTTV Los Angeles News Anchor. Presenting the award will be Mark Kroeker, former LAPD Deputy Chief and Founder/Chairman of the WCTF. In attendance will be members of the WCTF Board including Former Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine. Join Fiona Dourif, star of NBC’s The Pitt, film star Eric Roberts, along with WCTF spokesman Lorenzo Lamas,

Quotes:

Mark Kroeker, Former LAPD Deputy Chief and Founder of the WCTF stated:

“For more than 35 years the World Children's Transplant Fund has been eagerly assisting to improve the opportunities for children to have lifesaving organ transplants by training surgeons and teams, providing technology where needed and supporting organ donor awareness around the world including right here in the USA."


Interviews and for more information: To request an interview with the WCTF Chairman, or other related parties, please contact Marilee Dahl at 949-842-2286, or Mark Kroker at mark.kroeker@wctf.org or 202-394-0259.


Who:

The World Children’s Transplant Fund (WCTF): Since it was launched 35 years ago, the WCTF has been helping children and transplant surgeons around the world, in such countries as Argentina, Mexico, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Uzbekistan, Armenia. Poland and right here in the USA. Hundreds of children are alive today because of the relentless efforts of the WCTF. For more information, or to make a contribution visit World Children's Transplant Fund

World Children's Transplant Fund


About Mark Wittcoff
Mr. Mark Wittcoff: Mark’s journey began in 1989 when he volunteered as Vice President
and Treasurer of The World Children’s Transplant Fund at just 25. Today, he is the General Partner at KW Commercial Landmark, a real estate firm affiliated with Keller Williams Beverly Hills. His passion for improving communities extends beyond his professional work, as

Mark is the founder and trustee of the Wittcoff Foundation, supporting education, healthcare, climate initiatives, and partnerships aligned with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.