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Joe sits down with Dr. Marin Gillis, PhD, LPh, Senior Executive Dean for Faculty Affairs and Learning Innovation and Professor in the Department of Bioethics, Humanism, and Policy at Roseman University College of Medicine. A philosopher, bioethicist, and internationally recognized educational leader, Dr. Gillis shares her unique path through philosophy, bioethics, and medical education. She discusses her role in leading the Office of Faculty Affairs & Learning Innovation (OFALI), a transdisciplinary team focused on empowering faculty through scholarly development, inclusive leadership, and equity-centered support. Dr. Gillis talks about her passion for professionalism, arts in medicine, and ethical reasoning, and how her work bridges the classroom, clinic, and community. She reflects on her leadership journey, including her service with the Cambridge Consortium for Bioethics Education, the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, and the AAMC’s Group on Women in Medicine and Science. With experience across multiple institutions and a deep commitment to advancing underrepresented faculty, Dr. Gillis brings insight into building innovative, just, and humanistic medical education for the future. Be sure to tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

Joe sits down with Julpohng “JP” Vilai, MD, Pediatrics Clerkship Director and Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Roseman University College of Medicine to talk about his journey into medicine and his deep commitment to community health in his hometown of Las Vegas. As Vice President of the Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Dr. Vilai shares how value-based care, humanism, and mentorship shape his work. He discusses his leadership role at Roseman Medical Group, providing care to the underserved youth at the Shannon West Homeless Youth Center, and his passion for adolescent, LGBTQIA+, and behavioral health. They also discuss the Roadrunner Visits and his dedication to training future physicians through compassionate, community-driven care.

About oir guest: Kimberly Trueba's appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada (GSSNV) in April 2018 marked the beginning of a transformative era. With a wealth of experience spanning twenty-eight years in real estate development, hospitality design, business strategy, organizational development, and operations, Trueba possesses a unique blend of expertise that she generously shares with those around her. Her ability to nurture talent and foster growth within the Girl Scouts community is unparalleled, inspiring girls and adult volunteers alike to strive for excellence and unleash their full potential. Before her tenure with GSSNV, Trueba played a pivotal role in shaping experiential environments within the hospitality, restaurant, and entertainment sectors as Managing Principal, for an award- winning international hospitality design firm, TAL Studio and development executive with Forte Specialty Contractors. As a second-generation design professional, Trueba began her journey at Walt Disney Imagineering, where she left an indelible mark over a decade by leading iconic projects within the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts portfolio. Hailing from Wichita, Kansas, Trueba earned her degree in Interior Architecture from Kansas State University, where she continues to be recognized for her outstanding contributions, receiving the Honoree Alumni Award. Actively engaged in professional networks, she has been a member of the Young President’s Organization for over a decade, demonstrating her commitment to leadership and mentorship. Trueba's dedication to service extends beyond her professional endeavors, as evidenced by her longstanding involvement on various boards, committees and with the Girl Scouts. As a lifetime member and alumna, she draws upon her formative experiences with the organization to drive positive change and empowerment for young women. Her commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and opportunity is reflected in her tireless efforts to uplift communities and create a more equitable and inclusive society for future women. She understands the power of unity and collaboration in effecting meaningful change and actively seeks out opportunities to amplify voices that are often marginalized or overlooked. Under Trueba's visionary leadership, GSSNV reached new heights, marked by the historic receipt of the largest single private property gift in Girl Scouts of the USA history. The generous donation of 70 acres of property and land from the Charles and Phyllis M. Frias Charitable Trust, valued at nearly $9 million, enabled GSSNV to restore local overnight camp opportunities, an essential element of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Trueba's ability to inspire philanthropy and uplift communities creates an enduring legacy of empowerment and opportunity for generations to come.

Dr. Renee Coffman is president and co-founder of the Nevada College of Pharmacy, now Roseman University of Health Sciences. She previously served as the University’s Executive Vice President for Quality Assurance and Intercampus Consistency and the Dean of its College of Pharmacy. Before establishing Roseman University, Dr. Coffman became a founding member of the faculty at Western University of Health Sciences, where she also held the position of Facilitative Officer for Student Services. While at Western, Dr. Coffman and four colleagues received Honorable Mention for the AACP Innovations in Teaching Awards. A licensed pharmacist in the state of Nevada, Dr. Coffman earned a Pharmacy degree from OhioNorthern University in 1987 and, following graduation, worked as a pharmacist in her hometown of Bucyrus, Ohio and in Piqua, Ohio. In 1995, Dr. Coffman earned a doctoral degree in Industrial and Physical Pharmacy from Purdue University, where she received the Kienle Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Jenkins-Knevel Award for Outstanding Graduate Research, and was awarded an AAPE-AFPE Association Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Sciences.Dr. Coffman is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American Pharmaceutical Association, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and the International Federation of Pharmacy, as well as Phi Kappa Phi and Rho Chi Honor Societies and the Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society. Dr. Coffman has worked to support pharmacy, education, and improved health care through herwork with the Southern Nevada Medical Industry Coalition, iDO (Improving Diabetes and Obesity inSouthern Nevada), the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy Medication Error Discussion Group, and theNevada State Board of Pharmacy Committee on Standards for Approval of Pharmacy Technician Training Programs.  Additionally, Dr. Coffman was instrumental in successful legislative efforts permitting pharmacists to perform finger-stick blood glucose testing. In recognition of her community service in Southern Nevada, in 2008, she received the “Who’s Who in Healthcare” Award and the “Women of Distinction” Award, both sponsored by In Business Las Vegas, now VEGAS INC. In 2017, the publication recognized Dr. Coffman as one of 12 “Women to Watch” in business. In 2012, she was named a “Distinguished Alumnus” by Ohio Northern University and in 2021 was named a “Distinguished Alumnus” by Purdue University.

Wendell P Williams was born in Saint Joseph Louisiana and received both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Southern University at Baton Rouge LouisianaAfter locating to Las Vegas Nevada, he worked as a classroom teacher and community organizer. His work in education earned him the Crystal Apple Award and among other things the highest award from the National Education Association as well as the MaryMcCloud Bethune Award from the NAACPIn 1987 he was elected to the Nevada Legislature becoming the first teacher in Nevada history to serve in that body. In his freshman term he introduced and passed two paid state holidays, FAMILY DAY and the Dr Martin Luther King state Holiday. Among dozens of countless bills, he authored legislation to rebuild all schools in Las Vegas that were built before 1970.   During his 18 years in the Nevada legislature, he served as chairman of theEducation Committee and Judiciary Committee. He later became the first AfricanAmerican to serve as Speaker of the House.His work in the community includes membership in the Masons, the Order of the Elks theOmega Psi Phi Fraternity among a few. He was a columnist for the Las Vegas SentinelVoice Newspaper and was the founder of Power 88 Radio’s first community affairs talkshow.His community work resulted in the Clark County School District in 2002 opening the first2 story elementary school in the state in his honor “Wendell Phillips Williams ElementarySchool” in his honor. And in 2004 the City of Las Vegas dedicated Wendell Williams Way anew street in his honor. And among his other awards in 2025 President Joseph Biden presented him with the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR SERVICE.1n December of 1981, Williams founded the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Committee of LasVegas as well as the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Birthday Parade. Starting with just 13 Entries the Parade has grown to what is considered the largest King Parade in America. And the celebration spans over 10 days with a mart summit that attracts up to 1000 students and the scholarship gala has helped countless students attain higher education over 40 years.The organization was successful among other things changing the former Highland Blvd to what’s now Martin Luther King Blvd. and the opening of Martin Luther ElementarySchool.However, Mr. Williams feels that his greatest achievement in life in his life was convincing former Jet Magazine Beauty of the Week, Zelda Pur ear to become Mrs. Wendell P Williams.

About our guest … Leon Ravin, MD is currently serving in the position of Statewide Psychiatric Medical Director for the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, DHHS, State of Nevada. In addition to Dr. Raven being a board-certified general adult and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Raven also serves as a member of the Statewide School Safety Task Force for the State of Nevada and a member of the Executive Committee of the Medical Directors Council of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. Dr. Ravin served for four years as a member of the LAI work group for SMI Adviser, an APA and SAMHSA initiative that offers researched, vetted and verified guidance to the best resources on SMI. Since 2010 Dr. Ravin has been a member of the Conference Committee for the Annual National Psychopharmacology Update, the largest psychopharmacology conference in the United States. Additionally, since 2013 Dr. Ravin has been one for the lead trainers for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Influential ResourcesIzaac credits several books for shaping his artistic mindset and career. Early on, works like Think and Grow Rich and How to Win Friends and Influence People taught him the power of manifestation and networking. Books such as 48 Laws of Power and Mastery reinforced the importance of focus and continual skill development. Other impactful reads include The Power of Habit, The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, Origins of Creativity, and Algorithms to Live By. Together,these resources helped him navigate the challenges of being an independent creative, a path that requires both mental resilience and adaptability.Mission and philosophy At the heart of Izaac’s work lies a mission to highlight social issues and spark dialogue. Through the ambiguity of his art,he invites viewers to extract personalized meanings, often resulting in interpretations that reflect opposing perspectives.Far from being a flaw, Izaac sees this duality as a reflection of human complexity and the contradictions that define society.For Izaac, art is a tool to illuminate these nuances and hypocrisies, providing a medium capable of capturing the layered realities of the modern world.Jan21thIzaac Baron Zevalking Artist

About our guest … Mason Van Houweling Mason Van Houweling serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), providing leadership to a diverse team of nearly 5,000 employees who dedicate their careers to delivering Nevada’s highest level of care. While guiding Nevada’s most respected academic medical center and its many off-site clinic locations, Mason’s strategic vision supports the organization’s ability to save and improve the lives of community members. UMC remains dedicated to offering exclusive and highly specialized services, including Nevada's Level I Trauma Center, only Verified Burn Center, and only Center for Transplantation. As a result of his commitment to innovation, UMCnow serves as Nevada’s most sophisticated healthcare system, offering the latest breakthroughs in clinical technology. Mason brings 30 years of healthcare experience to UMC, from small community hospitals to those with more than 1,000 beds. He has a proven track record of balancing a hospital's financial performance while providing uncompromised patient care. Mason’s hospital administration career began at Orlando Regional Medical Center and continued progressing with Tenet Healthcare, CarolinasHealthcare System, and Universal Healthcare. Before joining UMC as Chief Executive Officer, Mason was a Senior Leader at Spring Valley and Valley Hospitals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Get ready for an enlightening episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete as we welcome innovator and Creative Director, Jose Gomez is also known as “Drix”. In this episode of "No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete," Joe is joined by José Gomez, known professionally as Drix, to discuss his journey to art and his work as the Creative Director of UNAPLGTIC. Drix shares his inspiration behind the design of the GENESIS Apple Art Car, focusing on its innovative theme of Technology. Join us for an engaging conversation that explores Drix’s life, his passion for art innovation, and his creative participation in shaping a better future for all. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

In this episode of "No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete," Joe engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jonathan E. Sherin, M.D., Ph.D. They explore Dr. Sherin's extensive advocacy work, spanning local, state, and national levels, focusing on vulnerable populations such as veterans, mental health, and homelessness. The discussion also touches upon the significance of a new medical school in Southern Nevada. This episode provides profound insights into Dr. Sherin's impactful background, and career. It sheds light on critical issues affecting communities, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in healthcare, advocacy, and societal well-being.

They will also discuss the importance of establishing a new medical school in Southern Nevada. This episode offers valuable insights into Congresswoman Lee's multifaceted contributions and promises an engaging exploration of education, community service, and healthcare initiatives. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

About our guest … Alex De Castroverde is a Las Vegas personal injury attorney and the owner of De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers along with his brother, Orlando. Their father, Waldo De Castroverde, was born in Havana, Cuba, and was a paratrooper in the Bay of Pigs invasion. Waldo moved to Reno, Nevada, in 1978, along with his wife Vivian De Castroverde (also born in Cuba) and their four children. After attending law school at night—while he dealt blackjack during the day—Waldo became one of the first attorneys in Nevada to open a law office with the focus of representing the Hispanic Community. In 2005, De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers was formed as a branch of the Law Office of Waldo De Castroverde. The firm has grown from three attorneys to over 20 attorneys and a total team of over 100 employees. The firm now has offices in Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, Reno, Oakland, CA and plans on expanding across the United Sates. The firm concentrates on personal injury, immigration, and criminal defense. In 1995, Mr. De Castroverde received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. He received his J.D. from Nova Southeastern University in 1999. Mr. De Castroverde is active in the Southern Nevada community, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Cristo Rey St. Viator Las Vegas College Preparatory and the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities. He is also on the Advisory Council for the Nevada Independent and serves as a committee member for the Las Vegas Bowl Committee. Mr. De Castroverde is happily married to his wife Cathy of over 14 years, and they have three daughters.

Get ready for an enlightening episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete as we welcome our esteemed guest, Commissioner William O'Neil McCurdy II. Commissioner McCurdy will take us on a journey through his upbringing, offering valuable insights into the experiences and influences that shaped his path. From there, he'll share his experience from his time with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), providing a firsthand perspective on labor advocacy and the fight for workers' rights. Commissioner McCurdy will also delve into the importance of civic engagement, drawing from his own experiences to highlight the power of community involvement and activism. Join us for an engaging conversation that explores Commissioner McCurdy's life, his passion for social justice, and the crucial role of civic participation in shaping a better future for all. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Join us in our latest episode as we dive into the crucial intersection of mental health and medical education with the inspiring Trinh Dang. Trinh brings a wealth of experience as a mental health advocacy.