Success Express

Navigating Immigration Law in California: Employer & Employee Rights

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s California Employment Law Podcast, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs is joined by Christina Liao Tong from The Law Offices of Jane Oak.
Together, they unpack the growing complexities of immigration law in California amidst increased ICE enforcement. The conversation addresses employer compliance with I-9 forms, the risks of paying workers under the table, and the legal challenges tied to undocumented workers. They also explore employee rights, proactive strategies for handling ICE visits, and the broader impact immigration policies have on families, including issues of child labor and trafficking.
About Ward Heinrichs: http://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ About Christina Liao Tong: https://lawofficesofjaneoak.com/staff/christina-liao/ 
🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 
🔊 This episode is also part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Ending Redlining: Josh Silver on Reforming the Community Reinvestment Act

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, longtime fair lending and CRA expert Josh Silver discusses his new book, Ending Redlining: Through a Community-Centered Reform of the Community Reinvestment Act (Armin Lear Press, March 25, 2025). With the first major overhaul of CRA rules in nearly three decades set to take effect in January 2026, Silver explains what these changes mean for banks, communities, and the future of economic justice.
From the rise of online banking and cryptocurrency to the challenges of gentrification and housing affordability, Silver shares why a community-centered approach to banking reform is essential to ensuring fair lending and reinvestment in historically underserved neighborhoods. He also highlights the role of community banks, the power of documenting success stories, and how everyday citizens can take action to foster lasting change.
Learn more about Josh Silver and his work:Website: https://www.endredline.com/ Substack: https://joshsilver.substack.com/ 

The Art of Recording Music - Insights from Joey Stuckey

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" show with Joey Stuckey, the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia, Joey draws on his extensive experience as a blind award-winning guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer to share insights into the art and process of music production. 
From preparing for that first recording session and managing nerves, to budgeting, collaboration, and finding balance between creativity and perfectionism, Joey offers invaluable advice for both emerging and seasoned musicians. The conversation also reflects on the growth that comes from mistakes, the evolving role of home versus professional studios, and the importance of celebrating milestones like Joey’s inspiring Alive Day.
Learn more about Joey and his inspiring musical journey at https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
What You’ll Learn in this Episode- How to prepare for the recording studio and set realistic expectations- Why budgeting and collaboration matter in music production- The value of mistakes and celebrating creative milestones
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Joey Stuckey and His Journey02:27 Preparing for the Recording Studio09:32 Realistic Expectations in Music Production16:09 The Role of Home Studios and Remote Collaboration25:32 The Art of Communication in Music Production36:35 The Role of a Producer vs. Engineer38:22 Artistic Intent and the Creative Process39:57 Understanding the Unconventional41:30 Nerves and Performance Anxiety in Music43:01 Creating a Comfortable Studio Environment45:02 The Importance of Honest Feedback46:32 The Growth Process in Music Production47:24 Recognizing Diminishing Returns in Recording49:20 The Balance of Creativity and Perfectionism51:34 Embracing Mistakes and Learning from Detours54:04 Celebrating Triumphs: Joey Stuckey's Alive Day
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts," "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll," and "Success Express" podcast channels. Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Spotting the Con: Trust and Deception

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUCCESS EXPRESS Business & Career Show, Lea Brovedani, internationally recognized as “The Trust Architect,” dives into the world of con artists, deception, and trust. From the five tenets of trust to the psychology of scams, Lea unpacks why people get conned, how to recognize red flags, and the vital role of gut instincts and verification in protecting yourself.
Through stories, insights, and practical tools, the conversation highlights how con artists exploit human emotions, why reputation and recommendations matter, and how emotional intelligence can help you navigate trust in both personal and professional settings.
🔑 Key Takeaways:• Trust is built on five tenets: caring, commitment, consistency, competence, and communication.• Con artists often exploit trust and caring to manipulate others.• Listening to gut instincts is an important defense against deception.• Verification and research are essential when dealing with unfamiliar people or situations.• Love bombing is a red flag in both relationships and workplaces.• Scams often succeed by playing on desires, vulnerabilities, and emotions.• Investigative journalism plays a vital role in exposing con artists and scams.• Always trust your gut—but verify before you act.
Lea Brovedani has been named one of North America’s Top Thought Leaders on Trust by Trust Across America. She’s an author, speaker, and workshop facilitator, and her books include:📘 Trust Me: Restore Belief & Confidence in an Uncertain World📘 TRUSTED – Secret Lessons from an Inspired Leader
Beyond her leadership work, Lea is also a certified death doula, offering compassionate guidance and support for end-of-life planning.🔗 Learn more about Lea’s work on trust: https://leabrovedani.com 🔗 Explore her end-of-life services: https://souljourneydoula.com 
🎙️ Follow the SUCCESS EXPRESS Podcast: https://success-express-business.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's QUALITY OF LIFE Podcast Channel. 

Self-Awareness – A Leader’s Secret Superpower

Discover why self-awareness is one of the most powerful leadership skills you can develop. In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Supervision Matters” Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever shares how self-awareness helps leaders build trust, improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and create stronger, more effective teams.
You’ll learn practical strategies for increasing self-awareness, fostering it within organizations, and using it to enhance workplace performance and innovation.
📄 Key Topics:- Self-awareness in leadership- Building trust and team culture- Communication and personal boundaries- Conflict resolution and self-management- Encouraging self-awareness in teams
🔗 Resources & Links:🌐 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🎙️ Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 📚 Discover more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Art of Adaptation: Life After Journalism

Join us for an inspiring "Success Express" conversation with Jason Ball, as he shares his remarkable pivot from a thriving career in broadcast journalism to co-owning the charming Old Ranch Inn in Palm Springs with his husband. But Jason's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there! He also delves into the exciting venture of launching his  "Life After News" podcast and the "Desert Dispatch" Palm Springs newsletter, demonstrating how passion and adaptable skills can lead to diverse new paths.
This engaging episode offers an honest look at the exhilarating challenges and profound rewards of entrepreneurship across multiple platforms. Jason also provides a compelling insider's perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, discussing the critical importance of supporting local news and the vital role investigative reporting plays in our communities. Discover the invaluable, transferable skills that journalists possess and why adaptability is not just a buzzword, but an essential trait in today's fast-paced world, whether you're breaking news, making beds, or creating new media.
This discussion highlights the significance of community, the future of journalism in a digital age, and the unpredictable nature of life that often leads to our most fulfilling ventures.
Key Takeaways:- Life is unpredictable, and embracing change can lead to new and diverse opportunities.- The journey from a corporate career to multi-faceted entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding.- Journalists possess a wealth of transferable skills, invaluable in diverse fields like hospitality and new media.- Supporting local journalism is crucial for community engagement and informed citizens.- Adaptability is the cornerstone of success in both career transitions and the evolving media landscape.
Chapters:00:00 Embracing Change in Life and Career06:47 The Journey of Running an Inn11:21 Life After News: Transitioning Careers18:49 The Evolution of Media and Newsletters21:05 The Evolution of Podcasting and Journalism23:56 Navigating the New Media Landscape25:22 The Importance of Adaptability in Journalism29:29 The Shift to Remote Work and Technology in Media33:05 The Journey into Journalism37:23 Supporting Local Journalism and Its Challenges
Keep up with Jason:- Old Ranch Inn in Palm Springs: https://oldranchinn.com/    - Life After News Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-news/id1814231257 - Desert Dispatch Newsletter: https://desertdispatch.beehiiv.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Channel. 

California Minimum Wage Changes 2025: Health Care and Hospitality Workers

In Part 2 of this Big Blend Radio California Employment Law Podcast series covering Minimum Wage Laws, San Diego attorney Ward Heinrichs explores the latest wage increases impacting healthcare and hospitality workers in California. With living costs on the rise and pandemic aftershocks still rippling through the workforce, these new minimum wage mandates are creating both opportunities and legal challenges. This episode breaks down what these increases mean for employers and employees, and why staying legally informed is more critical than ever.
📖 Read & Listen to Part One:“Midyear Reminder of New California Minimum Wage Laws 2025” – Covers the FAST Recovery Act, federal complications, and broader wage law updates.https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/midyear-reminder-of-new-california-minimum-wage-laws-2025/ 
📖 Read the current article:  https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/midyear-reminder-of-new-california-minimum-wage-laws-2025-part-2/ 👨‍⚖️ About Ward Heinrichs: http://bestemploymentattorneysandiego.com/ 🎧 More episodes: https://ward-heinrichs-employment-law.podbean.com/ 🔊 Part of the Success Express Podcast Channel on the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Is Your Workplace Culture Healthy or Toxic?

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Supervision Matters" Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever (author of Supervision Matters and Leading for Justice) explores the complexities of workplace culture, focusing on what distinguishes a healthy environment from a toxic one. She dives into how leadership, communication, HR, and employee feedback play essential roles in shaping and maintaining a positive work culture.
Rita shares actionable insights on building inclusive, value-aligned organizations and emphasizes that culture is not static—it requires continuous reflection and evolution. She also discusses the influence of external societal pressures on internal dynamics and highlights the crucial role HR professionals play in sustaining a thriving workplace.
🎧 Whether you're in leadership, HR, or part of a team looking to create a better workplace, this episode delivers practical and powerful guidance.
🔑 Key Takeaways:- Feedback is essential for fostering a healthy workplace culture.- External societal issues can influence workplace dynamics.- Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping organizational culture.- Culture is defined by how employees interact and align with values.- Hiring practices should reflect the desired culture of the organization.- Workplace culture is not static; it requires ongoing assessment.- Identifying signs of a healthy culture is as important as recognizing toxicity.- Effective communication is key to maintaining a positive culture.- Employee feedback should be collected and acted upon regularly.- HR professionals are vital in promoting a healthy work culture.
📄 Download Rita’s Free Workplace Culture Guide:https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/rysh/ 
🔗 Resources & Links:🌐 Visit Rita Sever: https://supervisionmatters.com/ 🎙️ Listen to all SUPERVISION MATTERS episodes: https://supervisionmatters.podbean.com/ 📚 Discover more business & career podcasts on Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork