Curt Pringle would like to introduce “Talking Issues”, a series from CP&A where Curt sits down with experts to discuss some of the important public policy issues facing our communities.

Hearing from a Gold Medalist in Olympic Volleyball
Featuring Karch Kiraly
Head Coach, USA Men’s National Volleyball Team

In episode 33, Curt Pringle sits down with Olympian Karch Kiraly, the newly appointed head coach of the USA Men’s National Volleyball team, as he discussed his process of curating and training a team to take to the LA 2028 Olympics. Discover why the team moved their training base from Colorado Springs to Anaheim and how the Honda Center could be an Olympic venue for indoor volleyball in LA 2028. Plus, get an inside look at the surreal experience of being a part of Team USA, flying into the Olympics, settling into the Village, marching in the opening ceremonies, and competing on the world stage.

Exposing the Dark Truths of Sex Trafficking
Featuring Brian Joseph
Freelance Journalist and Investigative Reporter

In episode 32, during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Curt Pringle sits down with Brian Joseph, freelance journalist and investigative reporter, to discuss his research and his book Vegas Concierge, and the grim reality of prostitution and sex trafficking in Las Vegas and beyond. Also listen in to hear discussions regarding news media and its shift in both format and consumption over the past 30 years and how the industry has adapted to this change.

Check out our past episodes below

Episode 31 – Freedom is Key When Speech is Under Fire
In episode 31, Curt Pringle sits down with Dr. Lisa Sparks, Endowed Professor in Behavioral Sciences at Chapman University as she discusses her role in building out the Health and Strategic Communication department. Hear how she uses her years of experience to prepare students to teach healthcare professionals how to communicate with patients and others in their field. Also, hear how she sees the importance of free speech – even when it is uncomfortable, the impacts of COVID-19 still to this day in students, her appointment to the board on the OC Department of Education, and her run-in with the KGB when she was 20.

Episode 30 – This is Everything Good and Right About Sports
In episode 30, Curt Pringle sits down with Bill Shumard, long-time President/CEO of Special Olympics Southern California as he shares his experience leading the organization. Hear about his background in sports management and how it allowed him to grow the Special Olympics from 8,000 to 38,500 athletes in a matter of years. Also hear the passion he has for the athletes who have intellectual disabilities and why he believes the Special Olympics embodies everything good and right about sports.

Episode 29 – One Man’s Vision to Transform Santa Ana
In Episode 29, Curt Pringle sits down with Mike Harrah, one of California’s most ambitious builders, as he shares his vision and projects in and around Santa Ana. Hear about his many investments into Santa Ana including the Orange County School of the Arts and what one day could be the tallest building in the county. Hear about his hobby of flying aircraft in feature films and about his near-death experience flying his helicopter home.

Episode 28 – OCVIBE: Orange County’s New Downtown
In Episode 28, Curt Pringle sits down with Bill Foltz, CEO of OCVIBE as he discusses the plan-in-motion to reimagine the vast area surrounding the Honda Center. OCVIBE is set to be a state-of-the-art performance and entertainment district introducing brand-new music venues, countless new restaurants, retail spaces, new residential communities, large green spaces, a hotel, office space, and much more to the heart of Anaheim’s Platinum Triangle. Hear about all the exciting movement towards a complete project and their hopes in making the Honda center a host stadium in the 2028 LA Olympics.

Episode 27 – Is Comedy Dead? Featuring Comedian Nazareth
In Episode 27, Curt Pringle sits down with Comedian Nazareth to discuss the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy. Hear how Nazareth emigrated from the Middle East to America and why he decided to pursue a career in comedy full-time. Learn about the pivotal role his Christian faith plays in his career and how it inspired him to establish Voice of Refugees, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to helping refugees assimilate into American culture.

Episode 26 – Wisdom from a Tech Giant Featuring Safi Qureshey
In Episode 26, Curt Pringle sits down with tech executive, Safi Qureshey, to discuss his fascinating life coming to America from Pakistan for college leading him to found AST Research among various other businesses through his career. Hear his philosophy of “life as a team sport”, his optimistic view of Orange County’s future, and his passion for helping underprivileged youth through intentional mentorship.

Episode 25 – Serving as a Powerful Federal Court Judge Featuring Hon. Andrew Guilford
In Episode 25, Curt Pringle sits down with Former Federal Court Judge Hon. Andrew Guilford, who presided over more than 400 civil and criminal cases. They discuss his experiences on the bench, his views on Supreme Court stacking, the growing role of courts in the political process, and the significance of judges’ lifetime appointments in protecting minority rights. Additionally, they delve into his final case as a trial lawyer, representing the City of Anaheim in the “Anaheim Angels” name change lawsuit, before his appointment to the Federal Court.

Episode 24 – Building a Tree Trimming Empire Featuring Pat Mahoney
In Episode 24, Curt Pringle sits down with President of West Coast Arborists Pat Mahoney to discuss how he turned a small business into a tree trimming empire servicing over 300 cities. Hear how he utilizes IT to track over 7 million trees, what the best trees for cities are, and how he partners with Street Tree Revival to repurpose removed lumber into usable pieces for furniture, guitars, and more.

Episode 23 – Tracking Tax Dollars: Insights from OC Treasurer-Tax Collector
In Episode 23, Curt Pringle sits down with Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich as they discuss her role, how Orange County property tax dollars are collected, spent, and used and the advancements she has made in bringing payments and tax bills online.

Episode 22 – Are You a Master of Your Profession? Michael Jordan is!
In Episode 22, Curt Pringle sits down with Master Sommelier Michael Jordan as they discuss Michael’s experience as a Master Sommelier. Hear about his early life working at his father’s restaurant, his service in starting Disney’s Napa Rose Restaurant in Anaheim, and his role at Jackson Family Wines. Hear about the secret to making great wine and how the industry has become more globalized as online sales increase.

Episode 21 – Ensuring 19 Million People Have Clean Water
In Episode 21, Curt Pringle sits down with Adán Ortega, Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Hear about his role on the Board, where Southern California gets its water, how water usage has become more efficient over the last 30 years, and what future alternatives are available as current water sources are becoming less reliable.

Episode 20 – The Mind of a Retail Craftsman
In Episode 20, Curt Pringle sits down with retail craftsman, Shaheen Sadeghi, as they discuss the changing landscape of retail. Hear about the cultural shift from national chains to little American businesses, his time developing shopping experiences across SoCal, and his philosophy on micro-manufacturers being today’s innovators.

Episode 19 – Small Town America in OC
In Episode 19, Curt Pringle sits down with Los Alamitos Mayor Tanya Doby as they discuss her open-minded perspective on politics and how she came to be elected. Hear discussions on the military presence in the town, what she is doing to turn the small town into a small city, and how groupthink is hurting local politics.

Episode 18 – 2500 Homes Powered by One Windmill
In Episode 18, Curt Pringle sits down with the CEO of BayWa r.e. Wind, LLC, Gordon MacDougall, as they discuss the incredible potential of clean energy around the world. Hear discussions on the terms “renewable” and “clean” energy, how batteries are being used in tandem with solar panels and windmills, and the surprising struggle in building clean energy sources in California.

Episode 17 – Former Adversaries, Today
Curt Pringle sits down with State Senator Tom Umberg as they discuss their history of running against each other for the California State Assembly. Also listen in on how the legislature has changed over the last 30 years, differing opinions on term limits, homelessness, and the future of California.

Episode 16 – Are Smart Cars Coming Soon?
Curt Pringle sits down with Ryan Hall, OmniAir Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, as they discuss a new technology that will help make roadways safer by bringing interconnectivity to all vehicles on the road. Also, hear about issues surrounding data collection and how gas tax relates to electric vehicles.

Episode 15 – He was Everywhere in California Politics
Curt Pringle sits down with the Honorable James E. Rogan, Judge of the Orange County Superior Court, as they discuss his fascination with politics, his time as a judge, a member of Congress and a California State Assembly Member, and his experience as an impeachment manager during the Clinton trial.

Episode 14 – Does Land Development Work in California?
Curt Pringle sits down with Adrian Foley, President & CEO of Development at Brookfield Properties, as they discuss the challenges faced when building developments in California, why housing is so expensive in the state, and how office spaces can survive in the ever-increasing shift to remote work.

Episode 13 – A Great Future for Santa Ana
Curt Pringle sits down with Santa Ana City Manager Kristine Ridge as she discusses her journey working in local government, the continual improvements she and her staff are making in the city, and what the future holds for Santa Ana.

Episode 12 – A Stanley Cup Life Story
Curt Pringle sits down with Stanley Cup Champion and entrepreneur Joe DiPenta as he discusses his passion for hockey, his dedication to the Anaheim Ducks that won him a championship, and his transition post-NHL to become an entrepreneurial coach for business owners.

Episode 11 – City Challenges Led to Successes
Curt Pringle sits down with Councilmember Jed Leano from Claremont as they discuss his start in politics, the challenges he faces working in local government, and an in-depth discussion on the current problems and solutions surrounding California’s homelessness crisis.

Episode 10 – A Beer Maker’s Tale
Curt Pringle sits down with beer and libations expert, Brian Rauso, as he talks about his start in the OC brewery business, the challenges he faced during COVID, and what he believes it takes to succeed in the industry.

Episode 9 – An Entrepreneurial Life
Curt Pringle sits down with Orange County business icon Bill Taormina. Listen in as he describes his start in the waste management industry and how he is using his knowledge in the private sector to address homelessness issues.

Episode 8 – Where does $2.1M go in Anaheim?
Curt Pringle sits down with Visit Anaheim CEO, Jay Burress, to talk about travel and tourism and how their team is able to keep the Anaheim Convention Center as one of America’s busiest event destinations.

Episode 7 – Wahoo’s Fish Tacos Survived
Curt Pringle sits down with Wing Lam, owner of the iconic Orange County restaurant chain, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos. Hear about his inspiring journey to becoming one of California’s most successful restaurateurs on this episode of Talking Issues.

Episode 6 – Does Government Work?
Curt Pringle sits down with Chairman Don Wagner of the Orange County Board of Supervisors to discuss the dynamics of state, county, and city elected office in California.

Episode 5 – Are there Roads in Your Future?
Curt Pringle sits down with Ryan Chamberlain, Caltrans District 12 Director. The two share in a great discussion unpacking some of California’s greatest transportation challenges.

Episode 4 – What Happened to Public Safety?
Curt Pringle sits down with Michael Reynolds, Partner at the law offices of Snell & Wilmer, for an in-depth discussion on criminal justice. Mr. Reynolds has a unique perspective on criminal justice and was directly involved with the development of California’s Three Strikes Sentencing Law in the early 1990’s.

Episode 3 – Why is California so Behind?
Curt Pringle sits down with President/CEO Laura Archuleta of Jamboree Housing to discuss the issue of affordable housing in Orange County and Southern California.

Episode 2 – Is Sustainable Energy Doable?
Curt Pringle sits down with former CP&A Vice President Antonia Castro-Graham to discuss her experience and perspective on energy and sustainability issues within Orange County.

Episode 1 – Salvation for the Homeless
Curt Pringle sits down with Major Nesan Kistan of The Salvation Army to discuss the big issues of homelessness, addiction, and mental health.  Major Kistan serves as the Divisional Secretary (CEO) for The Salvation Army Orange County.