Episodios

  • Episode 5 | Lynelle Boamah: 30 Years of Service, Strength and Purpose!

    Episode 5 | Lynelle Boamah: 30 Years of Service, Strength and Purpose!
    Jul 9 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this lastest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy introduces Michael Castro as a new co-host and guest Lynelle Boamah, a transitioning military physician with 30 years of service. Lynelle shares her challenging upbringing in Baltimore, her early interest in medicine, and her journey through medical school and the Navy. She highlights her resilience, mentorship, and leadership roles, including directing a pediatric residency program and serving as Chief Medical Officer for the Navy's Third Fleet. Lynelle emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams, hard work, and the support of mentors and family.Renato Paiva introduces the Access Granted podcast, emphasizing its focus on stories of hope, perseverance, inspiration, and impact.The podcast aims to explore the lives of guests, their opportunities, pivotal moments, and their journey to becoming difference makers.Renato Paiva highlights the connection between sports and social change, quoting Mandela on the power of sports to unite people.The podcast aims to go beyond sports, discussing the doors that open in life, the moments that shape journeys, and the people who help others step through to the next level.Introduction of Lynelle BoamahLynelle Boamah, a board member of Access Youth Academy, is introduced as the special guest.Lynelle is invited to share her story, starting with what she currently does.Lynelle describes her role as a transitioning military physician, having served in the Navy for nearly 30 years.Lynelle's Early Life and EducationLynelle shares her childhood experiences growing up in a dangerous part of Baltimore in the 1970s and 1980s.She describes her mother as a single parent who did her best to provide for the family despite their poverty.Lynelle recounts her early interest in medicine, inspired by her experiences with doctors and her desire to help others.She mentions the support she received from teachers like Beverly Boston and Joe Thomas, who helped her navigate her educational journey.Transition to Medical School and Navy CareerLynelle discusses her journey to medical school at the University of Maryland, driven by her passion for medicine.She explains how her sister's advice led her to join the Navy as a doctor, securing a health profession scholarship.Lynelle describes her initial struggles as an intern in the Navy, feeling out of place and lacking confidence.She credits a mentor, Al Twyman, for helping her regain her confidence and excel in her role.Career Highlights and AchievementsLynelle shares her career highlights, including her role as a training program director and residency program director.She describes her experiences leading a hospital ship and a large Marine Corps base, highlighting her leadership and impact.Lynelle reflects on her journey from struggling intern to leading significant medical programs and roles.She emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and continuous growth in her career.Impact of Sports on Family and Personal DevelopmentLynelle discusses the role of sports in her family, particularly in teaching responsibility, timeliness, and sportsmanship.She shares her children's achievements in various sports, including soccer, track and field, and volleyball.Lynelle highlights the importance of sports in developing well-rounded individuals who are both academically and athletically accomplished.She reflects on how sports have helped her children understand the value of hard work and sacrifice.Advice for Young People and Final ThoughtsLynelle offers advice to young people, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and not give up on their goals.She emphasizes the importance of finding mentors and support systems to help them achieve their potential.Lynelle shares her belief in the power of hard work and resilience, urging young people to push through challenges and seize opportunities.The podcast concludes with Renato Paiva expressing gratitude to Lynelle for sharing her story and inspiring the audience.About Access Youth AcademyAccess Granted is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is to transform the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility and leadership using sports as a catalyst. We believe every child should have equal access to achieve their full potential. To Learn more about Access Youth Academy and explore how you can become a game changer, please visit our website. https://accessyouthacademy.org/About Cloudcast MediaAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "Access Granted" throught its CauseCast platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media. This episode was produced by high school student Associate Producer Natalie ...
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Episode 4 | Renato Paiva, CEO, Access Youth Academy, Introduces Michael Castro To The Team

    Episode 4 | Renato Paiva, CEO, Access Youth Academy, Introduces Michael Castro To The Team
    Jun 25 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy, introduces a new member of the team, Michael Castro. Michael shares his journey from high school sports in San Diego to a career in law and social impact. He discusses his early influences, including his parents and stepfather, and his transition from sports to political science. Castro highlights his work with nonprofits like All Star Advocacy and Kinship Advisors, focusing on civic engagement and social impact. He emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and making a difference in the community. Castro recently joined Access Youth Academy as Development Director, aiming to amplify the organization's impact and serve more kids through sports and education.Introduction of Michael CastroRenato Paiva welcomes Michael Castro, highlighting his journey in sports and philanthropy in San Diego.Michael Castro expresses his excitement about the conversation and thanks Renato Paiva for the opportunity.Renato Paiva invites Michael to share his starting story, starting from his early years in sports and family background.Early Years and Family InfluenceMichael Castro describes his upbringing in East County, San Diego, surrounded by a large Mexican family.He credits his parents, especially his father, for instilling a focus on sports and life lessons through Little League and soccer.Michael's mother, a career educator, also played a significant role in his upbringing, emphasizing music and arts.He shares memories of growing up with his older brother and the core memories formed during his sports activities.High School Sports and Academic JourneyMichael Castro discusses his high school years, playing tennis, baseball, and soccer, with a focus on baseball and soccer.He highlights the competitive nature of high school sports and the impact on his personal development.Michael mentions his senior year in high school and the inauguration of Barack Obama, which sparked his curiosity about politics.He decided to pursue a junior college education, initially considering kinesiology but eventually shifting to political science.Transition to Political Science and Early CareerMichael Castro shares his experience at Grossmont College, where he took an introductory political science course.He credits a Professor for sparking his interest in political science and global power structures.Michael transferred to Cal State Long Beach, focusing on law and policy, and gained his first internship at the Long Beach County Courthouse Legal Aid.He describes his role in helping with eviction cases and translating documents, which solidified his interest in advocacy.Impact of Personal Loss and Career DecisionsMichael Castro recounts the passing of his grandmother, which reinforced the importance of living a passionate life.He graduated from Cal State Long Beach and was hired at Gomez Law Firm, a personal injury firm in San Diego, where he gained valuable experience in legal advocacy.Michael's mentors at the firm encouraged him to pursue a career in law, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal structures.He decided to attend law school, studying at Cal Western, and met his future wife, Christina, during his first year.Law School and Early Career in Sports and Social ImpactMichael Castro discusses his law school experience, including the Socratic method and joining the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.He met his wife, Christina, who influenced his career path, including an internship with an agency handling immigration matters for athletes.Michael's interest in sports and social impact led him to consider a career in law and sports management.He studied for the LSAT, attended law school, and eventually decided to pursue a career in sports and social impact.Formation of All Star Advocacy and Early Nonprofit WorkMichael Castro and his colleagues formed All Star Advocacy, a nonprofit focused on civic engagement and voter education.The nonprofit aimed to educate the community about local elections and the importance of civic participation.Michael describes the challenges and successes of running a nonprofit during the COVID-19 pandemic.The nonprofit collaborated with local athletes to host webinars and teach-ins, educating the community about voting and local issues.Transition to Kinship Advisors and Regional ImpactMichael Castro joined Kinship Advisors, a social impact firm based on the East Coast, working with NBA and NFL athletes.He worked with clients like Drew and Lauren Holiday and Jalen Brown, helping them manage their foundations and social impact initiatives.Michael describes the regional impact of his work, supporting nonprofits and small businesses in various cities where the athletes played.He gained valuable experience in managing social impact initiatives and working with high-profile athletes.Return to San Diego and Joining Access Youth AcademyMichael Castro returned to San Diego in 2024, ...
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    57 m
  • Episode 3 | Greg Lucier: From Pinning Success In Wrestling to Healthcare CEO

    Episode 3 | Greg Lucier: From Pinning Success In Wrestling to Healthcare CEO
    Jun 13 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTEDIn this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy interviews Greg Lucier, an Executive Chairman at Corza Health, about his journey from a blue-collar town in Pennsylvania to a successful career in healthcare and technology. Lucier discusses his early years, including his wrestling career and decision to pursue engineering, influenced by his father. He highlights key moments in his career, such as his time at GE and his role in turning around NuVasive. Lucier emphasizes the importance of humility, dedication, and continuous learning, and shares insights on the value of sports and reading in personal development.Renato Paiva introduces the Access Granted podcast, emphasizing its focus on stories of hope, perseverance, inspiration, and impact.The podcast aims to explore the who, what, when, and why of guests' lives, highlighting pivotal moments and opportunities that shaped their paths.Mandela's words on the power of sports as a catalyst for social change are featured, aligning with the mission of Access Youth Academy.Renato Paiva outlines the podcast's goal to discuss the doors that open in life, the moments that shape journeys, and the people who help others step through to the next level.Introduction of Greg LucierRenato Paiva welcomes Greg Lucier, highlighting his impressive career in healthcare and technology, including his role as Executive Chairman of Corza Health.Greg expresses his excitement about being on the podcast and mentions his background in healthcare and technology.Renato Paiva asks Greg to share his early years, focusing on his high school experiences and involvement in sports.Greg Lucier's Early Life and Sports BackgroundGreg describes growing up in Norristown, Pennsylvania, a blue-collar town, and attending a Catholic school.He shares his involvement in wrestling, becoming the Captain of the wrestling team and a Pennsylvania state champ wrestler in his senior year.Greg explains how his father influenced his decision to pursue wrestling instead of football due to his older brother's injuries.He discusses the competitive nature of wrestling in Pennsylvania and his eventual choice to attend Penn State University.Decision to Pursue Engineering and Early CareerGreg reveals his initial desire to be an engineer, influenced by his father's advice on his technical and people skills.He shares his high school experience, graduating from a large school with a small percentage attending college, and the impact of his father's guidance.Greg talks about his decision to pursue engineering at Penn State and later attending Harvard Business School for an MBA.He describes his early career at International Paper Company and his transition to General Electric (GE), where he learned valuable general management skills.Transition to Healthcare and Leadership LessonsGreg recounts how Jack Welch at GE encouraged him to move to Milwaukee to work in the medical business, despite his lack of experience in healthcare.He shares the challenges and successes of building the medical business within GE, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and guidance.Greg highlights the role of his father as a mentor and the impact of his wife's support in his career.He discusses the importance of humility and the ability to reflect upon and learn from mistakes, using his experience at NuVasive as an example.Sports and Personal DevelopmentGreg talks about his involvement in extreme sports like helicopter skiing and racing motorcycles, which he finds thrilling and challenging.He also mentions his interest in precision sports like golf and pickleball, which require technical skill and dedication.Renato and Greg discuss the importance of purposeful sports participation and the transferable skills gained from sports to other areas of life.Greg shares his admiration for the dedication and excellence of the students at Access Youth Academy and the impact of their mentorship.Commitment and Resilience in Career and SportsGreg emphasizes the importance of commitment and the ability to bounce back from setbacks, using his experience at GE and NuVasive as examples.He discusses the value of staying committed to long-term goals and the importance of perseverance in achieving success.Renato shares his experiences with students at Access Youth Academy, highlighting the importance of grit, kindness, and hunger in life.They discuss the challenges of balancing sports and academic commitments and the importance of staying focused and dedicated.Advice for Young People and Final ThoughtsGreg advises young people to read serious newspapers daily to stay informed and engaged with the world.He emphasizes the importance of having a point of view and being able to contribute to meaningful conversations.Renato shares a personal story about the impact of reading and engaging with knowledgeable individuals, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning.Greg expresses his admiration for the ...
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    33 m
  • Episode 2 | Dr. Mary Walshok Reflects on Innovation, Education, Community, and Social Capital Through Sports

    Episode 2 | Dr. Mary Walshok Reflects on Innovation, Education, Community, and Social Capital Through Sports
    May 29 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTED. In this latest episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy was joined in studio by a true legend of the San Diego educational, entrepreneurship, and innovation world, the one and only Dr. Mary Walshok. Mary, a Swedish immigrant born in 1942, shared her journey on the "Access Granted" podcast. She discussed her upbringing, her passion for music, and her career at UCSD, where she helped establish the Connect program and UCTV. Mary emphasized the importance of social capital and regional collaboration in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. She highlighted her knighthood from Sweden for her contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship. Mary also stressed the significance of Access Youth Academy in building social capital through sports, competence, and confidence, encouraging young people to discover their strengths and opportunities. Below you'll find a summary of the conversation between Renato and Mary. Introduction of Mary WalshokMary shares her background, including her birth in 1942, her Swedish immigrant parents, and her upbringing in Palm Springs, California.Mary discusses her early experiences traveling in Europe, which shaped her worldview and cultural connections.She mentions her love for music, her initial aspiration to be an opera singer, and her eventual pivot to sociology and a PhD from UCSD.Early Life and InfluencesMary describes her upbringing in a binational family, speaking Swedish before English and singing before talking.She shares her experiences of traveling to Europe, witnessing the aftermath of World War II, and developing a unique perspective on the world.Mary talks about her parents' decision to move to California, where they lived in Palm Springs, exposing her to a glamorous and culturally diverse environment.She emphasizes the importance of her early musical training and her social scientist curiosity, which led her to pursue a PhD in sociology.Career and ContributionsMary discusses her career at UCSD, her involvement in the development of San Diego's tech ecosystem, and her role in creating the Connect program.She highlights the importance of regional collaboration and the impact of her work on innovation and entrepreneurship.Mary shares her experiences with the Order of the Polar Star, a knighthood awarded by the King of Sweden, and her involvement with the Prince Daniel Foundation.She reflects on the significance of her contributions to building platforms and fostering regional development.Passion for Sports and ArtsMary talks about her passion for tennis and racket sports, and how they have been a significant part of her life.She shares her experiences playing tennis with friends and the beauty of watching racket sports and track and field events.Mary discusses her involvement in supporting the arts in San Diego and the importance of living an artful life.She mentions her brother's work in the government of Brazil on cultural and music-related projects.Involvement with Access Youth AcademyMary explains her connection with Access Youth Academy and her belief in the power of sports to create opportunities for young people.She emphasizes the importance of social capital and the role of mentors and sponsors in building opportunities for youth.Mary discusses the impact of Access Youth Academy on building competence, confidence, and connections in young athletes.She shares her experiences with the program and the importance of providing access to tutors, the right path, and ongoing support.Advice for Young PeopleMary advises young people to resist the pressure to excel in a narrow definition of success and to be open to discovering their strengths and passions.She emphasizes the importance of finding the right school and environment that allows them to discover their life vocation.Mary shares her own experiences of being in the right place at the right time and the importance of seizing opportunities.She encourages young people to be open to different paths and to find where they can make a difference.About Access Youth AcademyAccess Granted is the official podcast of Access Youth Academy, a social impact organization whose mission is to transform the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility and leadership using sports as a catalyst. We believe every child should have equal access to achieve their full potential. To Learn more about Access Youth Academy and explore how you can become a game changer, please visit our website. https://accessyouthacademy.org/About Cloudcast MediaAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "Access Granted" throught its CauseCast platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media. This episode was produced by high school ...
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    52 m
  • Episode 1 | Bill Kellogg, President of La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

    Episode 1 | Bill Kellogg, President of La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
    May 15 2025
    Welcome to ACCESS GRANTED. In the very first episode of Access Granted, Renato Paiva, the CEO of Access Youth Academy was joined in studio by Bill Kellogg, a prominent figure in La Jolla's sports community. Bill shared his journey from early tennis and soccer experiences to becoming a tennis coach and club manager. He highlighted his time at Dartmouth, where he captained both the tennis and soccer teams, and his pivotal role in organizing major tennis tournaments. Bill recounted his experience as a linesman at Wimbledon and his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of fun and cross-training. He also discussed the growth of racket sports and the need for better public sports facilities. Bill's advice to youth: enjoy sports, avoid over-specialization, and maintain a balanced approach to athletic development. Below you'll find a summary of the conversation between Renato and Bill. Bill Kellogg's Early Sports ExperiencesBill shares his early exposure to sports, starting with his father taking him to tennis doubles games at a young age.He describes how he would hit against the garage door while his father played tennis with friends.Bill mentions his involvement in various sports, including little league baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and horseback riding.He recounts his experience as captain of the high school soccer team and the humorous incident of being removed from the basketball team for aiming at the wrong basket.Bill's Tennis Journey and High School CompetitionsBill talks about starting tennis at a very young age, with his father encouraging him to play in tournaments.He describes the competitive environment of high school tennis and the challenges of balancing school and sports.Bill shares his experience of playing in tournaments as a young child and the impact of high school requirements on his tournament participation.He reflects on the fun and challenges of playing tennis and other sports during his high school years.College Tennis and Leadership at DartmouthBill discusses his decision to attend Dartmouth College and his experience playing tennis there.He describes the challenges of not being recruited by the varsity tennis team and having to play on the freshman team.Bill highlights his role as captain of the freshman team and his eventual transition to the varsity team.He reflects on the special experiences of traveling with the Dartmouth tennis team and the leadership skills developed through competitive sports.Impact of Coaches and Early Career in TennisBill credits his father and Coach Dick Leach as significant influences in his tennis career.He shares his experience of working for Dick Leach as an assistant pro and learning various aspects of tennis club management.Bill describes the challenges and opportunities of managing a tennis club at a young age, including handling large clinics and managing finances.He reflects on the importance of having role models and mentors in his tennis journey.Transition to La Jolla and Management of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis ClubBill talks about joining the family business at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club in 1979.He describes the responsibilities he took on, including computerizing payroll, managing accounts payable, and upgrading facilities.Bill shares his experience of working closely with his father and other mentors to modernize and improve the club.He reflects on the valuable lessons learned from managing the club and the importance of hard work and dedication.Bill's Role in Major Tennis TournamentsBill discusses his role as tournament director for major tennis events, including the National Men's and Women's 40 Hardcore Championship.He shares his experience of organizing and running these tournaments and the challenges involved.Bill reflects on the importance of learning from his mentors and the skills developed through managing these events.He highlights the significance of these experiences in his career and the impact on his ability to manage large-scale events.Bill's Experience as a Linesman at WimbledonBill recounts his experience as a linesman at Wimbledon, including how he and his friend Kevin Clark got the opportunity.He describes the special moments of officiating matches and the impact of working closely with top tennis players.Bill shares anecdotes about memorable matches and players he encountered, including Pancho Gonzalez.He reflects on the unique experience of being a linesman at Wimbledon and the lessons learned from it.Bill's Coaching Style and PhilosophyBill discusses his coaching style and the importance of making tennis fun and enjoyable for players.He emphasizes the value of learning from coaches like Dick Leach and the engineering approach to tennis.Bill reflects on the impact of his coaching on his own game and the importance of helping others improve their skills.He shares his philosophy of leading by example and the importance of developing leadership qualities through sports.Bill's Thoughts on the ...
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    57 m