The Front Porch Podcast

Front Porch Podcast – Episode 5: Welcome Love, Welcome the Stranger (Part 2)

After losing his beloved wife of 50 years, David embraces a new chapter of life. From the inclusive Shabbat services he leads at St. Paul’s Towers, to teaching a class of boisterous first graders, to learning to fall in love…again, David shows us how acceptance of loss and grief, as an essential part of life, can lead to healing and transformation.

The Front Porch Podcast – Episode 4: Who Shall Live? Growing through Grief (Part 1)

David E. Jackson spent his career as an educator, but some of his most profound “life lessons” have come out of navigating loss and grief. After evacuating his Santa Rosa home during the Glass Fire and relocating to St. Paul’s Towers at the height of Covid, David faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife of 50 years to cancer. Yet in moving through the process of grief, David discovered something unexpected: a spiritual awakening, a new appreciation for life and love and the sustaining power of community.

Stay tuned for Part 2, “Welcome Love, Welcome the Stranger,” where David reflects on his renewed connection to his faith, the joy he finds in teaching first graders and the journey of opening his heart to a new love.

The Front Porch Podcast – Episode 3: Former Pro-Wrestler Victor Ceron Pays It Forward

Before Victor Ceron fell in love with senior living he was known in the pro-wrestling world as “Kafu: The Brazilian Beast.” In this episode, Victor shares how his early experiences growing up in Mexico, and his time in the wrestling world shaped his deep appreciation for culture and authenticity.  Now, as the Vice President of Project Management at Front Porch, Victor reflects on what it means to lead with love, find strength in community and to “pay it forward” to the next generation.

The Front Porch Podcast – Episode 2: Building Belonging

From her early years as member of a large migrant family—following the crops from town to town— to her work as teacher, principal and advocate, Dorothy Astorga has always understood the importance of community in fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Now, living at Fredericka Manor, she continues her life’s mission of creating community through cultural connections with Fredericka Manor’s Culture Club. In this heartfelt conversation, she reminds us that true community grows when we listen, share and celebrate the many voices that make us who we are.

The Front Porch Podcast – Episode 1: Discovering Jean

Jean Owen always thought of herself as “somebody’s someone” – first as her mother’s daughter then as her husband’s wife. It wasn’t until she moved to Villa Gardens that she began stepping into her power as “Just Jean.” As president of the resident council and key contributor to Sarah Friedland’s award-winning film Familiar Touch (filmed on location at Villa Gardens), Jean has discovered a renewed sense of purpose and identity. Join us for this fascinating conversation about finding yourself and discovering the power of community at any (and every) age.