Dr. Julpohng “JP” Vilai (he/him/his) is a board-certified pediatrician who joined Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Medicine in 2023. He has had a variety of roles in both academic and private practice as well as rural and urban settings, including medical director of a clinic for youth experiencing homelessness, pediatric/neonatal hospitalist, co-owner of a private practice, telemedicine for tribal communities, and school-based health. Dr. Vilai has also consistently maintained a commitment to medical education. His current responsibilities are to assist in the development of the foundational, clinical, and clerkship curriculum for the College of Medicine’s anticipated undergraduate medical education program. He is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and serves as Vice President of the Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Vilai’s clinical interests include infectious disease, children with chronic healthcare needs, underserved populations, behavioral and mental health, telehealth, transplantation medicine, and LGBTQIA+ and adolescent medicine. Through his practice at Roseman Medical Group, Dr. Vilai provides healthcare services at Shannon West Homeless Youth Center. Dr. Vilai received awards for Faculty Educator of the Year (2022 & 2023) and Faculty Mentor of the Year (2023) from the UNLV Pediatrics Residency Program. He is passionate about contributing to medical education and improving health outcomes in his hometown of Las Vegas by exemplifying and teaching value-based care in the context of humanism and social determinants of health.

In this episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete, Joe sits down with Kimberly Trueba, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada. Kimberly shares her inspiring journey, from working at Walt Disney World and in interior design, to a successful career in hospitality, and now leading one of the region’s most impactful youth organizations. The conversation dives into the mission of the Girl Scouts, leadership development, and the value of mentorship. Kimberly also reflects on how her diverse professional background can offer meaningful insights to Roseman University as it launches its new medical school. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on leadership, empowerment, and building stronger communities.

In this episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete, Joe welcomes Dr. ReneeCoffman, Pharm, Ph.D., BS, President and Co-Founder of Roseman University of Health Sciences, for a deep dive into the journey of opening a new medical school. Dr.Coffman shares the vision and milestones that have defined Roseman's path to expanding its impact in healthcare education, including the exciting launch of Roseman’s new College of Medicine. She also reflects on what this new school means for the future of Nevada and how it continues to build on Roseman’s legacy of innovation, excellence, and community commitment. In a personal moment, Dr. Coffman shares her pride in having her daughter enrolled at Roseman’s College of Dental Medicine, highlighting her deep belief in the institution’s mission. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, vision, and the future of healthcare in Nevada.

In this episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete, Joe sits down withWendell Williams, educator, community leader, and founder of the Las VegasMLK Parade. Wendell shares stories from his upbringing, what led him to become an educator, and his impactful work in the community. He also reflects on the inspiration behind founding the Martin Luther King Jr. DayParade in Las Vegas, widely praised as one of the best in the country for its diversity and strong sense of community. This year marked its 43rd annual celebration. Discover what makes the Las Vegas MLK Parade so special and how Wendell’s lifelong dedication to civil rights, education, and community empowerment continues to shape the future of Las Vegas

During this episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete, he hosts Dr. Ravin has presented at the national and international professional meetings on various topics focusing on delivery of psychiatric care, mental health laws, and medical ethics. Dr. Ravin provided expert opinions to the Nevada State legislature on the topics of assisted outpatient treatment; application, certification and medical clearance for emergency admission of an allegedly mentally ill person to a mental health facility; duty to warn, duty to protect; competency restoration treatment; psychiatric advance directives; chemical restraint; and coordination of care. 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.

Driven by a deep sense of creative and social frustration, Izaac channeled his inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge into founding Recycled Propaganda. With a background that includes undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the U.K., his journey has been shaped by a profound curiosity about history, societal injustices, and the complexities of the modern world. This quest for understanding, coupled with a desire for change, inspired Izaac to use art as his outlet. Rejecting traditional mediums, he embraced reclaimed materials and unconventional formats to create work that critiques pressing issues such as environmental decline, corporate power, and social inequality. From wearable art to street art and stickers, his creations aim to engage audiences in thought-provoking ways. Over time, Izaac gravitated toward murals, finding fulfillment in their scale and the accessibility they offer to the public. Today, he has completed more than 20 public murals in the Las Vegas area, with aspirations to expand his work to a global stage.

“On the next episode of the Cuba Pete Podcast, we’re honored to welcome Mason, a highly accomplished veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom—Afghanistan. Mason’s remarkable career includes receiving numerous achievement and commendation medals for his honorable service and holding prestigious positions such as Aeromedical EvacuationLiaison, Operations Officer, Aeromedical Control Team OIC, Chief of Medical Readiness, Aeromedical Chief of Administration, Assistant Director, and Director of Operations. Mason earned a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida and graduated from the Healthcare Administrator School of the U.S. Air Force. His leadership and expertise in aeromedical evacuation and healthcare administration are sure to inspire. Tune in for an incredible conversation!”

About our guest … Jose Gomez, known professionally as Drix, was born and raised locally in Las Vegas and lives happily with his wife and two beautiful. As a 27-year-old father and husband, Drix often finds himself balancing his time as a provider of his home, working as a barber at LXVE Studios and owner of DRIX LLC. Drix’s interests extend beyond his personal life by developing his passion with his talent and creativity in the art industry. Drix is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur based in Las Vegas, Nevada. As an Artist, Drix serves as the Creative Director of his brand, UNAPLGTIC, where he specializes in abstract street art. This artistic vision recently culminated in the design of the new GENESIS Apple Art Car, representing a seamlessly cutting-edge technology creative expression. Dedicating to fostering community and personal; growth, Drix finds great joy in seeing people achieve their goals and succeed in their endeavors.

Dr. Jonathan E. Sherin, M.D., Ph.D., currently holds the position of Executive Vice President for Military Communities and Chief Medical Officer at Volunteers of America. With a distinguished career in the Department of Veteran Affairs, he has served in various clinical, teaching, research, and administrative roles. Dr. Sherin is renowned for his expertise in mental health care for veterans, having previously been Chief of Mental Health for the Miami VA Healthcare System. His academic pursuits include significant contributions to neurobiology research, particularly in identifying a core sleep circuit in mammals. Notably, he received the Kempf Award from the American Psychiatric Association for his conceptual model of the psychotic process. Dr. Sherin's recent focus involves exploring the neurobiology of white matter in relation to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and aging. He completed his education at Brown University, the University of Chicago, Harvard Medical School, and UCLA, and continues to contribute to academia as a faculty member at the University of Miami while volunteering psychiatric care to veterans at the VA.

Congresswoman Susie Lee was born to a working family of ten in Canton, Ohio. A product of the public education system, she attended Carnegie Mellon University where she used a combination of scholarships, loans, and part-time jobs to pay for her education. Congresswoman Lee moved to Las Vegas in 1993, where she became an education non-profit leader. She worked to improve the education system, decrease school dropout rates, and provide after-school programming for Nevada students. Her career taught her how to take on tough problems, roll up her sleeves, and bring people together to find solutions for Nevada's problems. In Congress, she is fighting to improve our education system, honor our promise to our veterans, and tackle rising health care costs. Congresswoman Lee believes in working across the aisle and bringing people together to solve problems, which is why she serves as Vice Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and has been ranked the #1 most bipartisan member of Congress among all U.S. Representatives, Senators, and governors. She now lives in Las Vegas with her two children.

In this episode of "No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete," Joe welcomes Alex De Castroverde for a reflective discussion. They will discuss Alex's family background, upbringing and their connection to the Bay of Pigs invasion. Alex shares insights into his professional journey in the Las Vegas community and his active involvement in various community initiatives. This episode offers listeners a unique glimpse into Alex De Castroverde's life and his impactful contributions to the Las Vegas community, making it a must-listen.

About our guest … William O’Neil McCurdy II, born on April 16, 1988, is an American politician currently serving as a distinguished member of the Clark County Commission from District D. Elected in 2020, he embarked on his first term on Jan. 4, 2021, and swiftly rose to become the vice-chairman of the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 2, 2024. Before his county-level service, McCurdy left an indelible mark during his two terms in the Nevada State Legislature, representing Assembly District 6. Notably, he made history as the first African American and youngest chair of the Nevada State Democratic Party. His legislative focus encompassed vital areas such as education, public safety, healthcare, and economic development. As Assemblyman, he chaired the Government Affairs Committee and contributed to committees like Commerce and Labor and Legislative Operations and Elections. Additionally, McCurdy played a role in the Homeland Security Commission. Prior to his political career, McCurdy showcased leadership as an organizer with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), eventually becoming the state political director. His commitment to education was evident during his time at the College of Southern Nevada, where he earned an Associate’s degree and served as student body president, advocating against tuition increases and securing scholarships. Born and raised in Las Vegas, specifically Vegas Heights, McCurdy overcame challenges, including becoming a construction worker after having a child in high school. However, at the age of 24, he earned his associate’s degree and later pursued a Bachelor’s of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Not content with his achievements, he aspires to attain a law degree in the future. McCurdy’s political journey began with his election to the Nevada Assembly in 2016, winning a four-way Democratic primary and securing a decisive victory in the general election. Subsequently, he took on the role of chair of the Nevada Democratic Party in 2017, becoming its first black and youngest chair at the age of 28. Outside of politics, McCurdy is actively involved in the community and currently serves on the board of advisors of Let America Vote, an organization founded by former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, aiming to combat voter suppression. With a track record of success, including rising to the role of foreman on a major construction job on the Las Vegas Strip, McCurdy continues to be a dynamic force in both politics and community leadership.

About our guest … Trinh Ding is the Executive Director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Southern Nevada. Trinh leads a peer-led grassroots mental health nonprofit that aims to support, educate and advocate for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. As someone with lived experience with mental health challenges and seeing it first hand with family members, she is a passionate mental health advocate. Trinh completed NAMI’s Family-to-Family 12-week class in 2012 and became a volunteer teacher in 2013, helping dozens of families navigate mental health challenges over the past decade. Trinh spent time in the classroom as a teacher and a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist (PSR) before becoming Executive Director in January 2020. She aims to bring public mental health awareness to the community with empathy, compassion and understanding as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, through NAMI signature presentations, and mindfulness practices by engaging diverse communities. As a mental health advocate, she brings the family and peer voices to legislators and community organizations to ensure that policies and programs incorporate the perspectives of those utilizing the services.

We're excited to announce that Vance Farrow is joining us as the next guest on the No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete podcast. Joe and Vance will discuss the healthcare landscape in Nevada, the pivotal role that medical education plays in shaping the state's health outcomes, and the importance of investing in and prioritizing medical education within our state. Joe also expresses his gratitude to Vance for his continued support as Roseman University College of Medicine embarks on this journey to shape the future of medical education. Thank you for your ongoing support and get ready for another fantastic episode!

During this episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete, Joe is joined by Dr. Joseph Lasky of C4K. They will discuss the story of C4K, Nevada’s only childhood cancer treatment center and facility for pediatric catastrophic diseases. They will also discuss Dr. Lasky’s new role at C4K and explore what future Roseman College of Medicine students should know to be effective when providing services to this population.

We’ve got some thrilling news to share! Our next guest on the No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete podcast is none other than the incredible Kelvin Watson. During this episode, Kelvin will discuss how he started his career as a Commissioned Officer in the Active U.S Army and Army Reserves and what led him to become a thought leader in the library industry. They will also discuss innovation and how libraries play a pivotal role in medical education. Kelvin’s insights and experiences are sure to bring a unique perspective to our podcast and leave you inspired. Thank you for your ongoing support and get ready for an episode that’s truly No Laughing Matter! As always we appreciate your support, and we can’t wait for you to join us in welcoming Kelvin Watson to the podcast.

About our guest ... Dr. Stowe Shoemaker served as Dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality from 2013 - 2023. From 1996 to 2020, Dr. Shoemaker served as a member of the executive education faculty at Cornell University, where he taught courses in strategic pricing, revenue management, strategic marketing for hotels and restaurants, and customer loyalty. From 2010 to 2012, Dr Shoemaker, while at the University of Houston, held a joint appointment at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he brought principles of hospitality into healthcare. Dr. Shoemaker has published two marketing textbooks, Marketing Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism: Strategies and Tactics for a Competitive Advantage and Marketing Essentials in Hospitality and Tourism: Foundations and Practices, and his research has won numerous awards. His third book, Hospitable Healthcare: Just What the Patient Ordered, was released in September 2023.

During this episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete, Joe will discuss with Dr. Matthew Thacker, what led him to dentistry, Roseman's College of Dental Medicine, and the importance of addressing oral health in low-income populations.

During this episode of No Laughing Matter with Cuba Pete, he hosts the president of Nevada State University, Dr. DeRionne Pollard. They will discuss the importance of first-generation college students, collaboration between Nevada State University and Roseman, and being the first Black woman president of any institution within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).