Because we're not part of the 'formal system' and we have no other agenda, we are seen as credible and trustworthy. All we want to do is promote fair practices.

(The ombudsman office) is seen as a way to address things constrictively. It acts as a balance to more formal, grievance-oriented or adjudicative kind of processes.

Just having the opportunity to know that they can come in and speak openly, be very respectfully listened to, and get a very clear, forthright and reality-based response that very much factors in their interests. It's not just the party line, and that in and of itself is a weight off of people's shoulders.

A good record transports you to another place.

I'm jamming 'Black Sabbath Vol. 4' all the time. Zappa's 'Cruising With Ruben & The Jets.' A lot of Gong lately. Some Hawkwind. The Residents' 'Duck Stab' is amazing. Some Fugs. Lots of stuff, man. I'm pretty schizophrenic with records.

My dad is a lawyer and my mom is an artist. So growing up was exactly what it sounds like - strict household but a lot of creativity. They are so psyched that I get to make music for a living. My parents rule.