Santa Cruz Voice: A Community Platform for Storytelling and Change

By Yassiri Moo

Founded with the spirit of grassroots communication, Santa Cruz Voice  is more than just a radio station — it’s a community platform. The station is home to diverse hosts, programs, and conversations that reflect the realities and aspirations of the Santa Cruz community, connecting neighbors and sparking meaningful change.

When I first spoke with Mari Segura, host of The Noon Balloon, she joined our call from home, balancing a difficult family moment yet radiating warmth and presence. During our conversation, she also introduced me to Michael Olson, co-founder of Santa Cruz Voice. As Michael described, the station operates like a farmer’s market for ideas: Santa Cruz Voice provides the facilities and support, while independent hosts bring their own voices, guests, and perspectives. Apart from the two unbreakable rules — no profanity and no personal attacks — hosts have full independence.

The result?

A vibrant mosaic of over 40 local voices, each reflecting a different heartbeat of Santa Cruz life.

Building a Space for Connection

For Mari, the midday slot of The Noon Balloon was a natural fit. “Lunch hour is when people are tuned in and open to community news,” she explained. Her show has become a place where listeners can “drop in” and immediately feel connected to local issues and events.

Her programming highlights hidden community resources, small businesses, and multicultural initiatives. As a bilingual host, she hopes to expand Spanish-language programming to reach even more residents — and her work has already led to tangible change.

One unforgettable episode featured a couple who transitioned from homelessness to stable housing with help from Mysti’s Adult and Family Services. Their story of resilience and gratitude moved listeners and underscored the power of connection. “Most people are good people — they’re just having a hard time and don’t know how to connect with help,” Segura reflected.

Another project rallied donations for a rural school abroad that had only one laptop for all students and teachers. Thanks to community generosity, the school received a shipment of computers and supplies, transforming the learning experience. “It’s selfish in a good way,” Segura said, describing the joy of seeing generosity make a real difference.

A Conversational Approach

Unlike heavily scripted programs, The Noon Balloon emphasizes natural, personal conversation. Mari’s easygoing reassurance — “We’re just having a talk” — invites authenticity and allows storytelling to unfold naturally. Listeners often describe the show as feeling like they’re part of an intimate conversation.

One particularly touching segment featured a grandmother sharing heartfelt reflections live on air. It reminded everyone of the deep wisdom held by seniors and the barriers many face — from no longer being able to drive to reduced mobility. “Aging should be seen not as an ending, but as another stage of giving and sharing,” Segura said, “and as a community, we need to make the effort to reach out”.

Partnerships and Community Priorities

Segura values collaborations with local organizations like Mysti’s, where partnerships go beyond sharing stories to opening doors for real action. Together with Olson, she envisions Santa Cruz Voice addressing critical community priorities — from housing affordability and homelessness to child hunger and gaps in school meal programs. Their shared belief is simple yet powerful: change begins with solidarity.

The Heart Behind the Mic

For Michael Olson, the mission is rooted in restoring local media. In a time when consolidation has silenced many community voices, Santa Cruz Voice stands out as a living model of grassroots broadcasting — 40 hosts strong, each bringing their own authenticity and expertise.

For Segura, it’s always been about people. “We all have stories,” she told me. “Even if you think you don’t, you do.” Radio, for her, is a safe space for anyone — no matter their background — to speak, be heard, and belong.

The Power of Storytelling

Both Olson and Segura believe in the transformative power of storytelling. As Olson put it: “If you can share the story, you can win the business.” Segura added: “Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.”

And that’s the heartbeat of Santa Cruz Voice — a reminder that sharing our stories doesn’t just build connection; it builds community and creates momentum for change.

Santa Cruz Voice, community media, radio storytelling, Mari Segura, Michael Olson, Mystis Adult and Family Services, Santa Cruz news, local journalism, bilingual radio, human connection, grassroots leadership, California community stories