Shows / KNX Hero of the Week
Episodes
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet our KNX Heroes of the Week, Teri and Howie Naftalin! The parents of a U.S. Navy sailor are spearheading an effort to send care packages to military ships!
After getting word that morale was low among their son Ethan’s shipmates, the Naftalins reached out to their SoCal community to send dozens of care packages to…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet our KNX Hero of the Week, Mike Enriquez of the SoCal Drum Party!
Driving inclusivity and community - with drums! Mike Enriquez is the founder of the SoCal Drum Party! He and his team are bringing the joy of drumming to…
KNX Hero of the WeekShe's leading the way among her classmates and inspiring all those around her! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, Ellie Yoshino!
Ellie Yoshino is a senior in the Ballet and Contemporary Dance Conservatory at the Orange County School of the Arts. She also started her own outreach club at…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet LAPD Officers Joseph Murphy and Yevgeny Shipley, our KNX Heroes of the Week!
Turning a moment of tragedy into a heroic moment of teamwork - and saving a man’s life! Hear this inspiring story by clicking the link. Photo: LAPD Officers…
KNX Hero of the WeekGifting bikes and boosting hearts! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, Elaine Pease of the Burbank Bike Angels!
Elaine Pease has been bringing joy to kids all over SoCal for many years, with the Burbank Bike Angels. It began with giving bikes to a few kids whose names…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Deputy Sayra Valencia, our KNX Hero of the Week!
Deputy Sayra Valencia of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is going above and beyond to help her community! She recently helped a mother and young…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet our KNX Hero of the Week, Team USA para archer Damon Whittaker! He’s inspiring others to be great, with his eyes set on LA28!
Damon Whittaker of Inglewood turned a life-altering injury as a teenager into a successful career as an athlete! He’s also an archery coach for Angel City…
KNX Hero of the WeekOur KNX Heroes of the Week, the Lizarraga family! They are helping adoptable, furry friends find their forever homes!
For the past four and a half years, Karen Lizarraga and her family have fostered about 200 animals in Southern California! From big dogs to infant puppies and…
KNX Hero of the WeekOur KNX Hero of the Week is lifting up spirits through song! Meet volunteer leader, Deborah Pearl, with the National In Choir!
She’s lending her voice and making a difference! Deborah Pearl is the director and co-founder of the National In Choir, based in Los Angeles. It was also…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Steve and Patty! Our KNX Heroes of the Week are two volunteer tutors who are going above and beyond to motivate their students!
Steve and Patty Tiso of Irvine are partners in life, and partners when it comes to being volunteers, as well! The two help out with the non-profit School on…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Lucinda Lambros, our KNX Hero of the Week! The creator of Handbags for Hearts is helping women feel strong and confident!
The certified financial analyst and advisor from Orange County is involved in several clubs and organizations - but it’s Lucinda Lambros’ outreach project that…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet our KNX Hero of the Week, Stefanie Yoshii of UCI Health! The patient relations manager goes above and beyond, also working as a volunteer who helps people cope after a devastating trauma.
Stefanie Yoshii’s work as a volunteer truly makes her a community hero! Stefanie helps with the Orange County Trauma Intervention Program, or TIP. She meets…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Rosa Alcala, our KNX Hero of the Week! The community outreach manager has spent her career making sure others are okay and healthy!
For the past 23 years, Rosa has helped lead the mobile health unit with AltaMed Health Services. Its an outreach program for the non-profit. Rosa and her team…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet the amazing Carl Stromstedt! At 94 years old, the Navy Veteran spends his days fostering dogs saved by the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue!
Carl Stromstedt of Orange County is a hero for so many reasons! Over the last few years, Carl has cared for 24 dogs that have been saved through the Southern…
KNX Hero of the WeekWe check in with former KNX Hero of the Week Rene Amy of Altadena, who sowed over 250-million poppy seeds to “poppify” the community devastated by the Eaton Fire.
Rene Amy lost his home and everything he owned in the Eaton Fire, along with many of his neighbors. The Great Altadena Poppy Project is just one of the…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet U.S. Navy Veteran and singer, Keisa Souza! Our KNX Hero of the Week!
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Keisa Souza protected our freedom. Now, as a retired veteran, she's sharing her voice in stadiums and arenas all over California!…
KNX Hero of the WeekHelping foster youth to become successful, independent adults! Meet our KNX Heroes of the Week, Gina Stevens and Carolyn Olsen of the non-profit, Fostering Youth Independence!
Two friends in the Santa Clarita Valley have created a special place for older foster youth to find support and inspiration, and a path to post-secondary…
KNX Hero of the WeekBuilding partnership and a healthier community! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, Omar Covarrubias of The 5AM Crew!
A couple times a week, Omar Covarrubias leads a large group of hikers to the summit of Mount Hollywood! The group is called The 5AM Crew and everyone is…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Madeline Smith of OC Sober Gals! Our KNX Hero of the Week is creating a fun, unique community for women all over SoCal!
It can be hard as an adult, to find new friends or like-minded people to hang out with. For women who are also sober - it can be very hard finding places where…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet LAPD Officer David Marroquin, our KNX Hero of the Week!
LAPD Officer David Marroquin used his alertness and basic first responder training to save the life of a colleague! He noticed the man struggling to breath…
KNX Hero of the WeekLeading the way with kindness and creativity! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, Seannice Archie!
As the co-coordinator of RAMP 22, Seannice Archie helps lead her co-workers at the Riverside Transit Agency with kindness, encouragement and creativity! She…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet rescue volunteers, Schuyler and David! Our KNX Heroes of the Week aid a local mountain rescue team, saving lives while risking their own!
Schuyler Senft-Grupp and David Weidner are members of West Valley Search and Rescue. It's a group of incredible, skilled and courageous volunteers that hike…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet our incredible KNX Heroes of the Week, Rose Domantay and her three amazing daughters!
Rose Domantay has spent over 30 years working as a registered nurse at Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. She not only takes care of…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Leah Wetter! Our KNX Hero of the Week is a teenager from Tarzana who’s bringing “invisible illnesses” into the conversation, and making a difference!
The ambitious and outgoing teenager has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive eye condition that severely affects her eyesight, and there is no cure. She…
KNX Hero of the WeekWe catch up with former KNX Hero of the Week, Dr. Katie Nenneker - who’s inspiring the next generation of veterinarians!
Horses, llamas, pot belly pigs and more! Katie Nenneker has spent these last few years taking care of our biggest, lovable pets and our favorite farm animals!…
KNX Hero of the WeekHe’s using rhythm to heal anxiety, increase reading capabilities and improve life skills! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, the musically talented and compassionate Steven Angel!
Steven Angel is the President and Founder of the non-profit, Drumming For Your Life Institute. It helps young people and adults who struggle with reading…
KNX Hero of the WeekThe first ever “Denim Run” is coming up! We catch up with KNX Hero Summer Willis, who is changing the landscape when it comes to reporting sexual violence & supporting survivors!
Heather Jordan chats with former KNX Hero of the Week Summer Willis about the new “Denim Run” running event in Santa Monica on April 12th, 2026. Summer is a…
KNX Hero of the WeekJoy is contagious, and so is Kevin Schatz! Our KNX Hero of the Week is using joyful music to brighten the lives of young people!
You may know him as a radio host on our sister station “K-EARTH 101” - but to young kids all over SoCal, Kevin Schatz is merely a musician, who is full of fun…
KNX Hero of the WeekThis month, we are celebrating incredible women who are making a big impact! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, Christian Starks!
Guided by her mother's compassionate spirit, Christian Starks is creating healthier communities across SoCal! She is the Director of Community Health for…
KNX Hero of the WeekCamille Wright is a full-spectrum doula who goes above and beyond to make sure moms are healthy and well after giving birth! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week!
Camille Wright specializes in helping out during those crucial days leading up to, and after, the birth of the baby. She also volunteers for a group called 4th…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Sarah Sobel, our KNX Hero of the Week! The Sierra Canyon Junior is making sure everyone has a good pair of shoes to wear.
Sarah Sobel is leading the way at Shoes for Souls, a non-profit started by her older sister, Lindsay, back in 2016. Sarah chats with KNX Heroes Host Heather…
KNX Hero of the WeekJennifer Hayakawa is caring for those who care for us! Our KNX Hero of the Week is a critical care nurse who has made it her mission to make sure her colleagues don't suffer from burnout.
As the Director of Nursing Research and Innovation at Rady Children's Hospital OC, Jennifer Hayakawa is creating a safe space for nurses, doctors, techs and…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet John Lopez, our KNX Hero of the Week! John and his incredible staff at Richard Alatorre Pool in El Sereno helped save a person's life!
When a man with a serious gunshot wound stumbled into the Richard Alatorre Pool asking for help, John Lopez and his staff jumped into action to save his life!…
KNX Hero of the WeekFebruary is American Heart Month, and our KNX Hero of the Week has dedicated her career to making sure our community has lots of happy, healthy hearts!
Meet Exercise Physiologist, Michelle Galanti! She is a woman of many talents, and she has a heart for serving others! She works as the Director of Cardiology…
- KNX Hero of the Week
RISING FROM THE ASHES: The finale
The series closes with the voice of Nataly’s late father, Carlo, whose love, artistry, and spirit still echoed through the home he built. As the family returns…
KNX Hero of the WeekListen to Part 2 of Heather Jordan's inspiring interview with Rene Amy of Altadena! #KNXHeroOfTheWeek
You can call him the "Poppy Papi" or even Mr. Altadena! Rene Amy is changing the landscape of Eaton Fire burn areas by sowing millions of poppy seeds across…
KNX Hero of the WeekPoppifying Altadena! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, Rene Amy! Part #1
Rene Amy is bringing hope back to the town of Altadena! He's sowing MILLIONS of poppy seeds all over the community, helping homeowners who lost their homes in…
KNX Hero of the WeekExpanding in 2026! Former KNX Hero Debby Thrailkill is taking "Project Foster" to new heights, with a new partnership!
Joining forces with the Dana Point Women's Club, Debby Thrailkill and her non-profit "My Own - A Case For Kids" is growing into a new warehouse, with…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Andrew So, our KNX Hero of the Week! He's a volunteer skills instructor, teaching caregivers how to navigate through those tough times when caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
As a volunteer with Center for Caregiver Advancement, Andrew shares his experiences caring for his own grandfather, to help others going through similar…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Cara Kim, our KNX Hero of the Week! The Torrance High School senior is making her community better by creating a unique donation store at her school!
Cara Kim created TarTar Threads, a boutique-style donation center, located in a spare classroom at Torrance High School. It allows students dealing with…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet marathon conqueror and KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week, Dr. Guillermo Rios Rios of Dignity Health - St. John’s Regional Medical Center!
Dr. Guillermo Rios Rios is a respected pediatrician who loves to run! Admitting he’s “addicted” to running, the 67 year-old is on track to run a total of 500…
KNX Hero of the WeekWe catch up with former KNX Helpful Honda Hero Steven Zonis and his award-winning therapy dog, Rudy! Click to hear a special extended interview with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan!
Steven Zonis and his 6 year-old standard poodle, Rudy, have spent the year helping first responders, front-line workers and more cope with tragedy and stress…
KNX Hero of the WeekHonoring our veterans, with a trip of a lifetime! Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, Registered Nurse and Volunteer Janet Hewson of Honor Flight Southland!
Janet Hewson has volunteered as a guardian on more than a dozen Honor Flights since 2013, most with the non-profit Honor Flight Southland. She does this in…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet two-time breast cancer survivor, Lousine Adjemian! Our Helpful Honda Hero of the Week is inspiring people all over SoCal with her light… and her dance moves!
Listen to a special extended feature with Lousine Adjemian of RadNet! She's the Director of Mammography Training, and she's created a special dance party to…
KNX Hero of the WeekStepping up for young athletes and guiding them to greatness! Meet Coach Boo, our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week!
He’s inspiring young volleyball players all over the metro! Coach Boo has not only taken the Reseda Charter High School team from a non-winning season to…
KNX Hero of the WeekShe has a servant’s heart! Meet Karin Foreman, our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week!
Clothing, food, school supplies - if it’s needed, Karin Foreman finds a way to provide it! She leads the BE Helping Hands ministry, a program Karin started in…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet our KNX Hero of the Week, Megan Lee! She's an award-winning transitional kindergarten teacher, who's leading our youngest minds towards greatness!
Named as one of the 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year, Mrs. Lee uses an array of hands-on activities to help her students learn quickly, all while having…
KNX Hero of the WeekInspiring positive change! We check in with former KNX Helpful Honda Heroes of the Week, the team at Beauty by Jenna!
Jenna Grabow and her sister-in-law Anna Lundmark are changing the landscape when it comes to employment for people with autism! Jenna, who is autistic…
KNX Hero of the WeekOur KNX Hero of the Week is shining a light of hope and inspiration onto families dealing with trauma or critical illness. Meet Jen Principe of The Phoenix Effect!
Fashion stylist and author Jen Principe is changing lives with her non-profit, The Phoenix Effect! From teenagers going through chemo treatments, to parents…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Jazz musician, Barry Cogert! Our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week has all the right notes to inspire greatness!
Barry Cogert and his fellow team of incredible musicians at Jazz Angels are enriching the minds of middle school students, through the power of music and live…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet Ms. Darcy Blake, our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week!
Ms. Blake is starting her 21st year at Ladera Vista Junior High School of the Arts in the Fullerton School District. The English language arts, honors English…
KNX Hero of the WeekFormer KNX Hero of the Week Austin Varco is making some big moves! Listen in to a special extended interview with KNX!
Race car driver Austin Varco continues to move up the ranks in the racing world, inspiring the autism community along the way! The 25 year-old shares with KNX…
KNX Hero of the WeekLaura Ornest and her husband are honoring Laura’s brother Maury and his incredible talent, while uplifting victims of the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Meet our KNX Heroes of the Week!
Maury Ornest secretly created more than 1,400 paintings and sketches, while battling mental illness. Art was a way to connect with the outside world. His…
KNX Hero of the WeekFinding hope after tragedy. Meet our KNX Hero of the Week, Kim Cantin.
Kim Cantin and her teenage daughter survived the Montecito mudslides in 2018, but sadly, her husband and teenage son did not. Through the devastating loss, Kim…
KNX Hero of the WeekStepping up for seniors! Our KNX Heroes of the Week are two teenage brothers from Tustin, who are teaching technology and more to our older generation!
14 year-old Dhilan Patel and 16 year-old Kavin Patel are helping the Tustin senior community navigate websites and phone apps with their program called Support…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week, Christine Brown of Los Angeles! Her non-profit is rescuing and rehabilitating our favorite neighborhood cats and dogs!
Christine is the founder and executive director of Animals In Need Rescue Network, based in LA County. She and her large team of volunteers offer an array of…
KNX Hero of the WeekTap your heels together three times! We catch up with former KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week, Debora Wondercheck, who’s getting ready for a big, new summer production!
Accomplished cellist and performer Debora Wondercheck is paying it forward once again, with the Arts and Learning Conservatory in Costa Mesa! Her non-profit…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet volunteer construction manager, Conor Ross, of Tustin! Our KNX Hero is helping connect neighbors with a new community playground!
Conor Ross helping lead a special project in the Bishop Manor neighborhood of Santa Ana. They are tearing down the old and broken, and bringing in the new! The…
KNX Hero of the WeekMeet mentor Bryant Sparrow of Moreno Valley! Our KNX Hero of the Week is guiding young men to greatness!
From teaching construction skills to working small jobs, to learning money management and inspiring self love! Bryant is opening a world of possibility to each…
KNX Hero of the WeekWe check in with former KNX Hero of the Week, grad student Shant Kevorkian, who’s quickly moving through the college and professional ranks!
At just 21 years-old, Shant is a rising star within the medical profession! A long-time volunteer, the Glendale native is quickly moving up the ranks in the…