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To The Mountaintop

To The Mountaintop

Written by: Cloudcast
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 To The Mountaintop is a social-emotional podcast series where professional athletes raised in San Diego share their journeys. From the mountains they climbed, to the valleys they walked, they provide the fuel to inspire San Diego students as they ascend, as they soar, as they struggle, as they dream and as they grit their way to the mountaintop.
To help capture the heart, soul, fears and challenges of the athletes, To The Mountaintop is co-hosted by students from the alma mater of each athlete! A generation or more apart, we learn from the student and the athlete what it took and what it takes to power through life built upon a solid foundation, and able to grow, scaffold and soar through the boulders and inclement weather life will bring on the way to the mountaintop.Copyright Cloudcast Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Episode 12 | To The Mountaintop with Paul Vaden

    Episode 12 | To The Mountaintop with Paul Vaden
    Nov 13 2025
    In this episode of the "To The Mountaintop" podcast, Drew Schlosberg and Jean-Evna Lusca, a student at Patrick Henry High School, interview Paul Vaden, a professional world boxing champion and San Diego native, who shared his journey from childhood dreams to becoming a world champion. Inspired by Muhammad Ali, Vaden began boxing at eight and trained at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Vaden discussed overcoming challenges, including losing his first trophy and the impact of a fatal fight in 1999. He highlighted the significance of mentors like Robert Coons and Ron Cheatham. Vaden advised students to maintain faith, embrace challenges, and always strive for betterment, emphasizing that success is a continuous process.Paul Vaden's Early Life and InspirationsPaul Vaden shares his upbringing in Southeast San Diego, emphasizing his dream of greatness from a young age.He recounts his admiration for Muhammad Ali, which inspired his pursuit of boxing.Paul discusses the impact of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA on his development as an athlete and human being.He reflects on the significance of his first fight and the lessons learned from it.Challenges and Role Models in Paul's CareerPaul talks about the challenges of balancing his high school studies with his extensive travel for boxing and basketball.He mentions his role models, including Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, and Sugar Ray Leonard.Paul emphasizes the importance of giving back and uplifting others, as exemplified by Ali.He shares his experiences of overcoming obstacles and the support he received from his community.High School Experience and Personal GrowthPaul describes his high school experience at Patrick Henry, highlighting his unique style and the influence of Michael Jackson.He recalls the camaraderie and the sense of community at his school.Paul discusses the challenges of traveling and maintaining academic performance.He reflects on the importance of hard work and discipline, which he learned through boxing.Paul's Journey to Becoming a World ChampionPaul recounts his early successes and the setbacks, such as losing his first trophy.He shares the story of his first competitive fight and the lessons learned from it.Paul discusses the importance of perseverance and the impact of external voices on his motivation.He reflects on the significance of his 30-year anniversary as a world champion.Empathy and Mentorship in Paul's LifePaul emphasizes the importance of empathy and supporting others, especially underdogs.He shares his experiences with mentors like Robert Coons and Ron Cheatham, who guided him both as an athlete and a person.Paul discusses the role of his mother as a constant source of support and encouragement.He reflects on the impact of his faith and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.Advice for Students and Future AthletesPaul advises students to answer the bell, meaning to persevere and overcome challenges.He emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills and building strong relationships.Paul encourages students to have faith in themselves and to see each setback as an opportunity for growth.He shares his motto of never arriving, meaning to always strive for more and to help others achieve their goals.Final Thoughts and ReflectionsPaul reflects on the privilege and honor of sharing his story and inspiring others.He emphasizes the importance of giving back and supporting the next generation of athletes.Jean-Evna Lusca shares her thoughts on the importance of faith and perseverance in achieving goals.Drew Schlosberg thanks Paul and Jean-Evna for their insights and contributions to the podcast.About Cloudcast Media | PODucationAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "To The Mountaintop" throught its SchoolCAST and PODucation platforms to help amplify, augment, and accelerate knowledge-acquisition for students while driving innovative new educational models. Podcasts reflect the greatest up-to-date, mobile, and accessible knowledge base ever created and PODucation is bridge to linking podcasts and curriculum to student brains. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media. About Classroom of the Future Foundation ince 1997, the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) has united business, community, and educational leaders to create innovative learning environments in San Diego County public schools. CFF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to advance its mission by ensuring that San Diego students are prepared to thrive in a competitive global society.CFF is an extension of the San Diego County Office of Education and is known for being the convener of business, community, and educational leaders around innovation in education in our region. Moreover, CFF is a catalyst and champion for the creation of learning programs that apply proven business ...
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    42 mins
  • Episode 11 | To The Mountaintop with Jerica Williams

    Episode 11 | To The Mountaintop with Jerica Williams
    Nov 13 2025
    In this episode of the "To The Mountaintop" podcast, host Drew Schlosberg and Deandre Little, a student from Mount McGill High School, interview Jerica Williams, a former basketball player at UCLA and San Diego State, to discuss her journey and experiences. Jerica was joined by her son, Jeriah, a high school student. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in coaching and leadership, sharing her unique role as the only active female coach in men's college basketball. Jerica founded "Her We", an organization aimed at empowering young women through sports. The conversation touches on the value of staying present, the impact of mentorship, and the broader world beyond sports.Jerica Williams' Basketball Career and Early LifeJerica discusses her basketball career, starting at UCLA and then transferring to San Diego State.She reflects on her experience at UCLA, feeling humbled and needing to start over.Deandre asks Jerica about her upbringing in San Diego, and Jerica shares her journey from Spring Valley to Mount McGill High School.Jerica recounts winning a free throw contest at Spring Valley Rec, which sparked her interest in basketball.Role Models and MentorsDrew asks Jerica about her role models, and she mentions Tom Davis, the creator of the podcast series.Jerica shares a story about Tom Davis, highlighting his continued passion for basketball.Deandre talks about his high school experiences and community service, and Drew praises his involvement.Jerica discusses her interest in biology and the influence of her mentors in shaping her career path.Empathy and CoachingDeandre asks Jerica about the importance of empathy, and she emphasizes its role in coaching and leadership.Jerica shares her experience as the only active female coach in men's college basketball and the unique challenges she faced.She discusses the importance of listening and connecting with players, using her coaching experience as an example.Drew and Jerica talk about the significance of empathy in breaking down walls and fostering collaboration.Jerica's Organization and Personal GrowthJerica explains the purpose of her organization, Her We, which aims to give girls and young people a voice.She shares her motivation for starting the organization and the importance of hearing the voices of young women.Deandre asks Jerica about her advice for him as a rising freshman at San Diego State, and she emphasizes the importance of being present and enjoying the moment.Jerica reflects on her own experiences as a student-athlete and the challenges of balancing academics and sports.Final Thoughts and ReflectionsDeandre asks Jerica about her childhood and how the hype of being a top athlete affected her.Jerica shares that she was so focused on her work that she didn't realize the impact she had until later in life.Deandre asks Jerica about her future plans, and she expresses her desire to stay present and enjoy each moment.Jeriah shares his interest in computer science and artificial intelligence, and his experiences with robotics and coding.About Cloudcast Media | PODucationAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "To The Mountaintop" throught its SchoolCAST and PODucation platforms to help amplify, augment, and accelerate knowledge-acquisition for students while driving innovative new educational models. Podcasts reflect the greatest up-to-date, mobile, and accessible knowledge base ever created and PODucation is bridge to linking podcasts and curriculum to student brains. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media. About Classroom of the Future Foundation ince 1997, the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) has united business, community, and educational leaders to create innovative learning environments in San Diego County public schools. CFF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to advance its mission by ensuring that San Diego students are prepared to thrive in a competitive global society.CFF is an extension of the San Diego County Office of Education and is known for being the convener of business, community, and educational leaders around innovation in education in our region. Moreover, CFF is a catalyst and champion for the creation of learning programs that apply proven business and technology-based practices in the school setting. CFF is also a trusted resource for school districts, and a thought leader on innovation in the classroom.About National University At National University we’re changing lives through education. National University is a Veteran-founded nonprofit and a top provider of credentials for teachers in the United States. It prepares more teachers for credentialing than any other institution in California. Driven by our mission and our 50+ year history of excellence, we empower students to join the ranks of our more than 230,000+ alumni worldwide and become well-rounded professionals striving to share their success ...
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    42 mins
  • Episode 10 | To The Mountaintop with Tina Mickelson-Topacio

    Episode 10 | To The Mountaintop with Tina Mickelson-Topacio
    Nov 13 2025
    In this episode of the "To the Mountaintop" podcast, Drew Schlosberg alongside co-host Kimberly Lodge, a junior at Patrick Henry High School, interview Tina Mickelson-Topacio, a professional golfer and teaching pro. Tina shares her experiences growing up in San Diego, her passion for golf, and her transition from gymnastics to golf. She discusses the importance of confidence, empathy, and the value of mentors like Jeff Johnson and Tom Addis. Tina emphasizes the significance of handling tasks independently and the impact of failure, highlighting her multiple attempts to pass the PGA playing ability test. Kimberly asks insightful questions, particularly about empathy and listening. The conversation underscores the importance of support systems, teamwork, and personal growth in both sports and academics.Tina Mickelson's Early Life in San DiegoTina Mickelson-Topacio describes her childhood in San Diego as idyllic, with easy access to beaches and a small-town feel.She shares her experiences in the golf world, including playing at Presidio Hills Golf Club and developing a fast pace of play to get candy bars from the pro shop.Tina mentions her brother, who is 16 months younger, and her younger brother, with whom she plays golf now.Her father's passion for golf is highlighted as a significant influence on her and her siblings.Role Models and Family DynamicsTina identifies her parents as her primary role models, emphasizing their influence on her decision-making.She discusses her children's interests in sports, including her son's love for baseball and her daughter's interest in volleyball and gymnastics.Tina's husband is also an avid golfer, which she supports and appreciates for its positive impact on the family.Drew and Tina discuss the importance of having mentors and role models in one's career.Academic and Athletic ExperiencesTina explains her focus on gymnastics during high school and college, which she loved for its body awareness and nutrition benefits.She transitioned back to golf after her gymnastics career, realizing her passion for teaching the game.Tina shares a pivotal moment when helping a friend with his golf swing made her realize her desire to teach golf.She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong golf game to be respected as a teacher.Challenges and Overcoming ObstaclesTina identifies lack of confidence as a significant obstacle in her professional golf career.She discusses her strategy of "faking it until you make it" to build confidence and overcome self-doubt.Tina reflects on the importance of confidence in sports and how it affects performance.She shares her experiences of watching her brother, a top golfer, compete and the family support they provided.Importance of Empathy and ListeningTina highlights the importance of empathy in sports and team environments, emphasizing its role in elevating performance.She discusses the difference between hearing and listening, stressing the importance of genuine engagement.Tina advises against preaching and being right, suggesting that effective communication involves understanding and respect.She praises Kimberly for her listening skills and engagement during the interview.Mentorship and Professional DevelopmentTina credits her mentors, Jeff Johnson and Tom Addis, for teaching her the true meaning of professionalism in golf.She emphasizes the value of having mentors with different perspectives to gain a broader understanding of the game.Tina discusses the importance of being a gentleman or gentlewoman in golf, highlighting the integrity of calling penalties on oneself.She reflects on the significance of empathy in various team environments, including families, companies, and task forces.Final Thoughts and TakeawaysTina encourages students to think about how their actions can positively impact others and create a better environment.She praises Kimberly for her foresight in joining the golf team to support her school and teammates.Drew and Tina discuss the importance of highlighting and celebrating student-athletes.The podcast concludes with Tina expressing her support for the podcast's mission and the importance of athletics in youth development.About Cloudcast Media | PODucationAs the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "To The Mountaintop" throught its SchoolCAST and PODucation platforms to help amplify, augment, and accelerate knowledge-acquisition for students while driving innovative new educational models. Podcasts reflect the greatest up-to-date, mobile, and accessible knowledge base ever created and PODucation is bridge to linking podcasts and curriculum to student brains. For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media. About Classroom of the Future Foundation ince 1997, the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) has united business, community, and educational leaders to create innovative learning environments in San Diego County public schools. CFF,...
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    29 mins
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