SideBar podcast features Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County CEO Ron Johnson

SideBar: Optimism in Action will air a new episode with Ron Johnson, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The episode spotlights the club’s nearly 60-year role in serving local youth and adds to KAZU 90.3’s digital podcast lineup.

Why it matters: - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County has served local children and teens for nearly 60 years. - The organization reaches hundreds of youth daily with programs tied to learning, mentoring, health, and long-term success. - The SideBar appearance gives listeners a closer look at a major youth-serving nonprofit in Monterey County and the leader guiding it.

What happened: - SideBar: Optimism in Action, a collaboration of KAZU 90.3 and Monterey College of Law, is featuring Ron Johnson, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County. - Johnson’s episode goes live Tuesday, June 16, 2026, on the SideBar podcast page. - The club says its mission is to inspire and empower youth to become responsible, healthy, productive, and successful citizens.

The details: - Johnson joined the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey County in 1992. - The organization named him president and CEO in 2018. - Johnson is a former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver. - He also played college football at Monterey Peninsula College and California State University, Long Beach. - The club offers tutoring and homework help through academic programs. - Mentorship programs connect youth with caring adults. - Social-emotional learning and life-skills programs are designed to build resilience and confidence. - Athletic programs promote fitness and teamwork. - College-prep and career-readiness workshops are intended to help youth plan for the future. - KAZU 90.3 is the NPR affiliate for Monterey, Salinas, and Santa Cruz. - The podcast is sponsored by Monterey College of Law. - SideBar: Optimism in Action is the first non-newscast, locally produced podcast featured on the KAZU website and mobile app. - The podcast is hosted by former law dean Mitch Winick. - David Eakin produces the podcast. - Dena Dowsett handles promotion for the series. - Winick said the podcast focuses on nonprofit leaders, advocates, and community members working on humanitarian, public policy, and charitable needs. - Winick said this season highlights people pursuing positive change during challenging times. - New episodes publish on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at KAZU’s SideBar page. - More than 90 previous episodes are available on SideBarMedia. - The organization’s website is BGCMC.

Between the lines: - The podcast booking fits a broader effort to use local public media to spotlight community nonprofits and civic leaders. - SideBar’s addition to KAZU’s digital programming signals that the station is expanding beyond traditional newscasts with locally produced on-demand content.

What's next: - Johnson’s episode will be available online beginning June 16, 2026. - SideBar will continue publishing new episodes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. - Listeners can use the podcast page and SideBarMedia site to find new and archived conversations.