Let's face it. This time of year can bring up a lot—joy, grief, stress, loneliness, or all of it at once. If you’re listening today, and things feel heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone.

credit: thefemalehustlers via Instagram

If tonight feels quiet, complicated, or lonely, please know you are not invisible.

This time of year, it is not unusual to be socially disconnected, even when we are in a room of people at that loud and crowded holiday party.


I am sharing a report that just might resonate with you from the Social Connection in America sharing findings from their 2025 survey.

The survey was led by Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad and a team sponsored by the Barnes Family Foundation. The Social Connection in AmericaTM survey project prioritizes transparency, scientific integrity, and public benefit.


Genz and Millenials tuning in today or reading this report, your feelings are real. Read more about what the report revealed about loneliness in America:
🔗 https://bit.ly/SCIAReport

#SocialConnectionInAmerica #Loneliness #socialisolation #Millenials #GenZ

RESOURCES

If you or someone you love needs support, help is available. You can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, anytime—day or night. It’s free, confidential, and you don’t have to be in a crisis to reach out.


You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.

And if you’re not in immediate distress but just need someone to talk to, reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or community resource can make a real difference.


The holidays can bring tough triggers for alcohol or other substance use—but you don’t have to face them alone. Help is available if you would like support with your recovery: samhsa.gov/find-help



Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

In crisis? Call/text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Treatment for mental and substance use disorders: findtreatment.gov

Get ready for an incredible 2026 line-up of stellar shows at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts! Can't wait for The Wiz January 13, 2026 - January 25, 2026 Segerstrom Hall. The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back. THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Broadway tour.

The WizJanuary 13, 2026 - January 25, 2026Segerstrom Hall

The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back.

THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America
in an all-new Broadway tour.

The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets” and the Chicago Tribune proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!”

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.

Everybody rejoice--this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road!

Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), director Schele Williams (The Notebook), award-winning choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black is King), additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers”), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), and Emmy Award®-winning music director and Grammy Award®-winning writer, Adam Blackstone and Terence Vaughn (Dance Music Arrangers) conjure up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop bring a whole new groove to easing on down the road.


The principal cast includes Dana Cimone, making her national tour debut, as Dorothy, Alan Mingo Jr., returning to the role he originated on the pre-Broadway tour and played on Broadway as The Wiz, also making their national tour debuts Sheherazade as Glinda and Kyla Jade as Aunt Em/Evillene, D. Jerome (MJ the Musical, Hamilton) as the Tinman, Cal Mitchell (The White Rose, The Color Purple) as the Lion and Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Ain't Too Proud, Motown The Musical) as the Scarecrow.


THE WIZ premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. 

That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) – and 1,672 performances – on Broadway. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne, and marked Quincy Jones’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson. The most recent Broadway revival played from March to August 2024 at the Marquis Theater in NYC.

Home | Segerstrom Center for the Arts

South Coast Repertory and UCI Arts Launch Pilot Program for Emerging Artists. The Next Stage places UC Irvine Drama students into South Coast Repertory's professional environment, providing real-world Experience, mentorship and more

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 — Bridging the gap between the classroom and the stage, UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts (Claire Trevor Dean of the Arts Tiffany López and Department of Drama Chair Joel Veenstra) and South Coast Repertory (SCR) (artistic director David Ivers and managing director Suzanne Appel) are partnering on a new program — The Next Stage — that immerses M.F.A. theatre students in professional theatre. The Next Stage will pair mentorship from SCR’s artists and leaders with invaluable onstage experience, classroom instruction and theatre attendance opportunities.

The collaboration provides UC Irvine Department of Drama graduate students with paid, hands-on experience in acting, design, dramaturgy and stage management, equipping students with practical experience in real-world productions, mentorship from professional artists and invaluable insight into the operations of one of the country’s leading regional theatres.

The program serves as a model for partnerships nationwide, replicating and innovating a template that has worked for a small number of professional theatres nationally that partner with Master's of Fine Arts programs.

“Since 2019, it’s been one of my goals to formalize this vitally important and mutually beneficial relationship between UC Irvine and South Coast Repertory,” said Ivers. The Next Stage program will offer both institutions a predictable and reliable partnership to advance learning in theatre. It’s also beautiful example of collaboration on the institutional level, as well as for individual artists — both students and professionals. Along my decades-long career path, I’ve had the great privilege of creating theatre with the stellar faculty, students and alumni of The Claire Trevor School of the Arts. I’ve been directed by Robert Cohen and Eli Simon, and I’ve worked extensively with Andrew Borba, Philip Thompson, Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz and many others. Together, we’ll make a great impact on tomorrow’s artists and artistic leaders. Go Anteaters!”

“The Next Stage represents the very best of what we strive to do at UCI Arts, creating professional pathways that connect our students to Orange County’s thriving creative economy,” said López. “We are deeply committed to expanding access to hands-on experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers in the arts. This partnership with South Coast Repertory exemplifies how higher education and professional organizations can work together to cultivate the next generation of artists and leaders who will shape the future of live theatre and creative communities.”

The Next Stage begins in January 2026 with a residency program in SCR’s rotating repertory of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza. UC Irvine M.F.A., Ph.D. and undergraduate students will immerse themselves fully into the theatre’s 2025/26 season centerpiece, while receiving hands-on instruction from Ivers, directors Marco Barricelli (God of Carnage) and Lisa Rothe (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), designers and stage managers and SCR Theatre Conservatory Teaching Artists. God of Carnage runs Jan. 23-March 21, 2026 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? runs Jan. 24-March 21, 2026, both on the Segerstrom Stage.

Image: (left to right) David Ivers, Suzanne Appel and Joel Veenstra outside of SCR. Photo by Will Tee Yang.

“The Next Stage is a hope-and joy-filled step forward for the future of M.F.A. education and the theatre field," said Appel. "Universities across the country are cutting back on professional training programs while theatres are searching for sustainable models. This pilot program addresses those challenges and brings productions of the classics and other great plays on a large scale to audiences. This will help us attract audiences, particularly young people. Expanding South Coast Repertory’s 50-plus year education mission to include professional training for M.F.A. students from UC Irvine is the kind of investment that will provide generations of dividends, paid in spectacular live theatre experiences for our audiences.”

The program will engage more than 500 UC Irvine students. Two UC Irvine M.F.A. students will serve as understudies, while between three and eight M.F.A. students in design, stage management or Ph.D. students in dramaturgy will be immersed in those disciplines during the productions. In addition, 40 undergraduate actors will receive course credits for instruction and 400 undergraduate and graduate students will attend performances of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and God of Carnage.

Along with those practical experiences, Ivers will provide coaching and audition tips to M.F.A. acting students and professional teaching artists from SCR’s highly respected Theatre Conservatory will teach acting classes for undergraduates.

The Next Stage embodies UC Irvine’s mission to advance knowledge through research, teaching and creative expression by documenting the program as a research-based model for arts education, while delivering applied, experiential learning within a professional environment. It also fosters creativity and innovation through live theatre practice.

The $1.5 million program, inclusive of the repertory productions at SCR, is supported by funding from a number of donors, including The Nicholas Endowment, The Claire Trevor School of the Arts and Department of Drama, SCR Season Producers Apriem Advisors, Lead Repertory Honorary Producer Michael Ray, Repertory Honorary Producers Richard and Lisa de Lorimier and Timothy and Jean
Weiss, honorary producers of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Elaine and Mike Gray, the honorary producers of God of Carnage.

“We’re thrilled about the partnership between SCR and UCI, which opens up exceptional opportunities for students,” said Daniel T. Stetson, trustee and executive director of The Nicholas Endowment, whose mission is to enrich our community and the world by supporting the performing and visual arts, assisting in the advancement of science and education, and engaging other charities to make a difference in people’s lives. “Through this collaboration, students will receive top-tier training from some of the most respected professionals in the industry. They’ll also have the chance to apply and refine their newly developed acting skills on stage at SCR.”

About South Coast Repertory: Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, founded in 1964, is led by Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel. SCR is widely recognized as one of the leading professional theatres in the United States. While its productions represent a balance of classic and modern plays and musicals, SCR is renowned for its extensive new-play development program — The Lab@SCR — which includes one of the nation’s largest commissioning programs for emerging, mid-career and established writers. Of SCR’s more than 550 productions, one-quarter have been world premieres. SCR-developed works have garnered two Pulitzer Prizes and eight Pulitzer nominations, several Obie Awards and scores of major new-play awards. SCR’s education programs foster the next generation of artists and audiences through a variety of ticketing and learning opportunities, including the award-winning Theatre Conservatory, which offers year-round acting and playwriting classes for kids, teens and adults. Located in Costa Mesa, CA., SCR is home to the 507-seat Segerstrom Stage, the 336-seat Julianne Argyros Stage and the 94-seat Nicholas Studio. www.scr.org

About the Claire Trevor School of the Arts: The UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts is where scholarly research and creative activity converge. As the only comprehensive arts school in the University of California system, it includes four departments: art, dance, drama and music. The school offers 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and two minors that combine rigorous artistic training with a world-class liberal arts education. Named for Academy Award-winning actress Claire Trevor, the school presents more than 200 public performances, exhibitions and lectures each year. Students and faculty engage in studio practice, performance, academic study and interdisciplinary research, often collaborating across campus and within the community. Recognized nationally for its excellence, access and affordability, the school prepares the next generation of creative leaders who shape culture, drive innovation and make a difference in the world. For more information, visit www.arts.uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI 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, UCI 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 UCI, visit www.uci.edu.

Coming up 12/17 at 9:00am - Ellen Braaten, PhD is Founding Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School.

LISTEN to today's show

THE MOTIVATION MINDSET WORKBOOK:

Helping Teens and Tweens Discover What They Love to Do

by Ellen Braaten, PhD, and Hillary Bush, PhD

In her new book, THE MOTIVATION MINDSET WORKBOOK, Ellen Braaten, PhD, offers practical tools, suggestions, ideas and activities to help kids get off their phones, and unleash their excitement and engagement with life and others.

Dr. Braaten and Dr. Bush in the Press:

CBS News: Help kids get back to school by changing anxiety to anticipation and excitement

All Things Considered: Some people are turning to executive function 'coaches' for help with daily life

Raising Good Humans Podcast: Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up


THE MOTIVATION MINDSET WORKBOOK:

Helping Teens and Tweens Discover What They Love to Do

by Ellen Braaten, PhD, and Hillary Bush, PhD



Advance Praise for the Book:


“I appreciate the emphasis on encouraging teens and tweens to identify their own interests, strengths, and values, rather than solely trying to meet others’ expectations. I recommend this book for parents, caregivers, and any young person who could use help overcoming barriers to success.” —Hilary Adams, PhD, Clinical Director, Therapy Lab Kids


“This indispensable resource gives teens the tools to discover what motivates them (and what doesn’t), what their goals are, and the action steps they can take to move toward those goals. Most important, the book helps teens build self-awareness and a sense of control over the direction of their lives. Highly recommended!” —Richard Guare, PhD, BCBA-D, author of Smart but Scattered



“What are my strengths? What makes me happy? What do I wish the adults in my life understood? These simple yet challenging questions are especially crucial for the many tweens and teens today who seem to have lost interest in everything (except possibly their phones!). Harvard psychologist Ellen Braaten’s Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less offered an in-depth look at motivational difficulties and how to overcome them. Now Dr. Braaten and Dr. Hillary Bush present The Motivation Mindset Workbook, bursting with practical tools and activities to unleash kids’ excitement and engagement with the world. Parents can use this book to help their child discover what they love to do and vault over obstacles holding them back. Teachers and therapists will find innovative, science-based ways to light the spark of motivation with individuals or groups. Note: The e-book edition offers fillable, downloadable versions of the book’s 82 worksheets.


“Whether you’re a parent working with your own individual child or leading a group, the children and teens who work with you through this book will learn about what gives them pleasure, begin to understand the basic concepts of motivation, discover more about their strengths and weaknesses, and become better prepared to integrate these ideas into a way to help them feel and act more motivated.”

– Ellen Braaten, PhD, and Hillary Bush, PhD


About Dr. Braaten and Dr. Bush

Ellen Braaten, PhD, is Founding Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Braaten is widely recognized as an expert in the field of pediatric neuropsychological and psychological assessment, particularly in the areas of assessing learning disabilities and attentional disorders. ellenbraatenphd.com




Instagram: @ellenbraaten

LinkedIn: @Ellen Braaten



Hillary Bush, PhD, is a psychologist in private practice in Boston, where she provides neuropsychological assessments and therapy for children, teens, and young adults.

Instagram: @thank.you.so.much

Sharing some resources for when life gets stressful this holiday season and throughout the year

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They are the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization.

NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Our Alliance includes more than 650 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need.

Didi Hirsch: Dedicated Mental Health Care Center

Mission statementDidi Hirsch provides compassionate mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services to individuals and families, especially in communities where discrimination and injustice limit access.

Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration

Find Help and Treatment for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA

Ways to Share Kindness This Holiday Season! Have other ideas? Reach out to Janeane and she will share with listeners!

 

Here are just a few opportunities

to share your kindness and generosity 

of spirit this holiday season.

Want to Volunteer in OC for Thanksgiving? Need Holiday Food & Meal Resources? I got you! Here are some details and resources - be sure to share, too!

If you’re looking for a way to feel connected this Thanksgiving — maybe you don’t have big plans, or you want to give back — there are places around OC that could really use a hand. Organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, CAPOC, Orange County Rescue Mission, and The Hub OC are often looking for volunteers to help with food distribution, meal‑service, and community support. Even an hour or two can make a huge difference to someone in need.”

I encourage you to check the organizations’ websites or call ahead — many volunteer slots fill fast around the holidays.


What People Should Know Before Volunteering


Sign up early — holiday volunteer spots are often in high demand.


Some places require a minimum age or that minors be accompanied by adults (especially at food banks).


A small commitment — even a few hours — helps. Many of these groups welcome individuals, couples, or groups of friends.


Volunteering doesn’t have to be big or permanent to matter. It can be a one‑time thing on Thanksgiving or a longer‑term commitment.
Orange County Rescue Mission — They host a Thanksgiving‑day meal (and often dinner‑after) and invite volunteers to help with setup, kitchen help, serving and cleanup. Orange County Rescue Mission


Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County — They regularly need help with sorting, packing, and distributing food — especially during high‑need seasons like Thanksgiving and the holidays. Second Harvest OC+1


CAPOC (Community Action Partnership of Orange County) — Offers volunteering opportunities such as assembling food boxes or helping with food‑bank operations; good for individuals or groups. Capoc+1




Holiday Food & Meal Resources — Orange County (OC)

If you or someone you know needs a free meal or food assistance this holiday season, here are trusted organizations and food‑pantries around OC. Most are free of charge — no complex requirements. If you don’t know where to start, calling 211OC (dial 2‑1‑1) is often the fastest way to find help near your ZIP code.
Key Food Banks & Pantries

Organization / ProgramLocation / Contact InfoWhat They Offer / NotesSecond Harvest Food Bank of Orange County (Feed OC) Irvine HQ: 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618 • Phone: (949) 653‑2900 Second Harvest OC+1 Network of nearly 300 community partners that distribute free groceries — no cost, no strict qualifications. Use their “Find Food” map (by city/ZIP) or call 2‑1‑1. Second Harvest OC+1
South County Outreach (SCO) 7 Whatney, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618 • Phone: (949) 380‑8144 South County Outreach Orange County+1 Monthly “Food Market” — pick up groceries (fresh produce, staples, dairy, etc.). Good for families in south OC. South County Outreach Orange County+1
Share Our Selves (SOS) 1550 Superior Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 • Phone: (949) 270‑2100 South County Outreach Orange County+1 Offers free groceries for individuals/families; often ramps up support around holidays. South County Outreach Orange County
Serve the People Community Food Bank 1206 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • Phone: (714) 352‑2911 South County Outreach Orange County+1 Provides food bags and fresh produce; operates set distribution days — good for regular community support. OC Health Care Agency+1

How to Access Help

Visit Feed OC’s website and use their “Find Food” map by city, ZIP, or pantry name. Their directory is updated frequently. Second Harvest OC+1


Call or text 2‑1‑1 (211OC) — Orange County’s 24/7 referral line — to get connected to open pantries, hot‑meal programs, holiday distributions, or other social‑service supports. Second Harvest OC+1


For monthly support, some pantries like South County Outreach require a valid ID + short intake form. It helps to bring some form of ID and proof of address. South County Outreach Orange County+1


Many of these resources accept walk‑ins. For holiday‑day meals or special distributions, it’s best to check websites or call ahead — slots may fill quickly.
Quick Contacts


Second Harvest Food Bank OC: (949) 653‑2900 — feedoc.org


South County Outreach: (949) 380‑8144 — sco-oc.org


Share Our Selves (SOS): (949) 270‑2100 — shareourselves.org


Serve the People: (714) 352‑2911


24/7 Referral & Resource Line: 2‑1‑1 (or visit 211OC.org)



If you or someone you know might go without a warm meal or groceries this week — you’ve got options.

• Use Feed OC’s pantry map or call 2‑1‑1 to find your nearest free-food site.
• Walk-in friendly pantries like South County Outreach or Share Our Selves often have fresh food, staples, and holiday support.
• It only takes a call or a short drive — and no cost, no judgment.

The Hub OC — Their seasonal holiday/Thanksgiving‑related programs sometimes call for volunteers or donations; may be a good fit for listeners looking for easier, community‑level involvement.