Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Join San Francisco Pride and The Commonwealth Club for the latest edition of Lavender Talks, a moderated panel discussion emceed by Michelle Meow (host of "The Michelle Meow Show" and a former president of the SF Pride Board of Directors). On Thursday, July 30, panelists Imani Rupert-Gordon (executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights), Masen Davis (interim executive director of Transgender Europe), Tony Hoang (managing director of Equality California), and Fausto Cardenas (the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Queering Democracy community organizer) will discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQ-centered nonprofits as the fight for equal rights enters its sixth decade. NOTES In association with San Francisco Pride Made possible by the generous support of Gilead and Comcast And thanks to San Francisco Pride Legacy Partners: Bud Light Hilton San Francisco Union Square KPIX 5 CBS Bay Area Kaiser Permanente Genentech Gilead GLBT Historical Society KBCW TV Parc 55 San Francisco Smirnoff Recology T–Mobile

Robert Reich is at the forefront of the progressive fight for higher worker wages, expanded health care and stronger unions. He argues that years of stagnant wages and volatile job markets show that the financial system is fixed and serving only a select few with enough money to control it. Reich shows how wealth and power have eviscerated the middle class and undermined democracy to its core. He exposes how people at the top propagate myths about meritocracy, corporate social responsibility and the “free market” to accumulate extraordinary capital and influence. How can we restore confidence back in our political and economic system? Join us for a conversation with Robert Reich as he calls upon Americans to instill fundamental change and demand that democracy works for the majority once again.

From sports to politics, women are taught to conform themselves to the rules and dictates of a male-dominated world. Jennifer Palmieri, former White House communications director and the communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, reflects on her career to call out a societal infrastructure that not only subordinates women to men but also pits women against women. In her new book, She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World, Palmieri challenges us to imagine a world in which a female-oriented workplace and life is no challenge. In fully rejecting our traditional systems, Palmieri argues, women can build a world that allows them to advance as equals. Join Palmieri at INFORUM for a discussion on politics, feminism and dismantling the patriarchal values that continue to stymie female success. This program will be moderated by Aimee Alison, founder and president of She The People.

The U.S. president has the power to end the world in minutes. Right now, no one can stop him. Since the Truman administration, America has been one “push of a button” away from nuclear war—a decision that rests solely in the hands of the president. Without waiting for approval from Congress or even the secretary of defense, the president can unleash America’s entire nuclear arsenal. Almost every governmental process is subject to institutional checks and balances. Our guests ask, Why is potential nuclear annihilation the exception to the rule? They say that for decades, glitches and slip-ups have threatened to trigger nuclear winter: misinformation, false alarms, hacked warning systems, or even an unstable president. And a new nuclear arms race has begun, threatening us all. At the height of the Cold War, Russia and the United States each built up arsenals exceeding 30,000 nuclear weapons, armed and ready to destroy each other—despite the fact that just a few hundred are necessary to end life on earth. As we approach the anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, join an important discussion on the terrifying history of nuclear launch authority, from the faulty 46-cent microchip that nearly caused World War III to President Trump’s tweet about his “much bigger & more powerful” button.

Just north of San Francisco lies Marin County, which like many California counties is facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases just as the county was following its careful re-opening plan. Hospitalizations and deaths are up, and some aspects of the county’s re-opening have been halted, including the restarting of many businesses. Marin now finds itself on the state's watch list for additional protection measures. What do all of these changes mean for the county and its residents, particularly its business, cultural arts and nonprofit sectors? Please join us for an important discussion with key Marin County community leaders who will discuss the road ahead for one of the Bay Area’s most unique areas. NOTES Part of the Club’s Marin Conversations series, supported by the Marin Community Foundation and Relevant Wealth Advisors

As state and local governments continue to provide assistance to millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition to a purely digital interface has been difficult to navigate. In response, a few of the country’s leading technology experts founded the U.S. Digital Response, a nonprofit that connects governments with experienced pro bono technologists to quickly solve problems during the COVID-19 crisis, and deliver important resources to the people who need them. Members of USDR include Jen Pahlka (formerly with Code for America), Raylene Yung (formerly with Stripe), and Raphael Lee (formerly with Lob and Airbnb) They all join INFORUM to discuss bottom-up solutions to help government leaders and solve critical issues, like how to deliver the biggest uptick in unemployment insurance we've seen in our time, or helping states develop tools to help their residents determine if they're eligible for stimulus funds. They will also lay out USDR’s progress and goals, the role of technology in optimizing government services, and their takes on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This conversation will be moderated by data scientist DJ Patil. NOTES:This program is generously supported by Postmates. We are grateful for their support and hope others will follow their example to support the Club during these uncertain times.

While much of the social and political attention surrounding the nationwide opioid epidemic has focused on the dramatic increase in overdose deaths among white, middle-class, suburban and rural users, the impact of the epidemic in communities of color has received less attention. It is important to recognize and be responsive to historical and ongoing trauma, particularly trauma experienced in health systems and through the criminalization of the war on drugs. This trauma is often perpetuated by the lack of community-based prevention, intervention and access to treatment, especially culturally competent care, as well as the lack of addressing cultural stigma related to seeking treatment in communities of color. Join this important discussion about the wide ranging impact of the opioid epidemic. NOTES Supported by Bay Area Community Health

Two exceptional scientists share their perspectives about the earth and our moon. Are we doing enough to protect our planet, and what have we really learned about the moon since we last visited 50 years ago? In our first segment, we introduce you to world renowned British scientist and Astronomer Royal Martin Rees. According to him, humanity has reached a critical moment, in which there is no plan B for planet Earth. He also says the future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. Next, we set our sights on the moon with Andrew Fraknoi, the esteemed former chair of the astronomy department at Foothill College in Los Altos, California. Known for explaining astronomical developments in everyday language, he shares knowledge and little-known stories about our only natural satellite.

Our first segment follows the powerful story of Congresswoman Jackie Speier finding her courage to get started in politics. Congressman Leo Ryan was killed on the airstrip tarmac in Jonestown, where he and a delegation had gone to learn firsthand about Jim Jones' Peoples Temple cult. As a member of the delegation, Jackie Speier was shot five times at point-blank range. Left for dead, the choice to survive against unfathomable odds eventually empowered her with a resolve to become a vocal proponent for human rights. Hers is a story of true resilience, one that will inspire other people to draw strength from adversity in order to do what is right—no matter the challenges ahead. In the second segment, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the unusual teamwork that took place in the gubernatorial mansion while Jerry Brown served as the state's 39th governor. Join us as we listen in on the first public appearance by the former governor and first lady since he left office. Here’s a rare opportunity to hear their views on issues impacting the state, the United States and the world, in addition to learning about their unique relationship.

On this episode of "Insights," we explore the question, What makes you, you? First, we dig into the topic with our guests CNBC news anchor Bill Griffeth and author Paula Williams Madison, who share the surprising results they found while researching their family genetics. Madison’s story takes us on a fascinating trip around the world—from New York to Jamaica to China, while Griffeth’s story ends up uncovering a surprising family secret that one family member hoped would never be discovered. Later, we explore a different approach to what makes you you; Mindfulness, empathy and compassion. Are these characteristics something you’re born with? Or are they something we can train ourselves to achieve? Stanford business school professor Dr. Leah Weiss explores research that shows mindfulness improves all the aspects of emotional intelligence-self awareness, self management, awareness of what is going on with the people around you—and how you manage your relationships, personally and professionally. How do you integrate mindfulness into your daily routine?

What is the secret to success? For more than 40 years, Al Roker has been the venerable weatherman and beloved anchor on NBC’s “The Today Show.” For the first time, he looks back at his own career and shares valuable “Altruisms” to weather the storm of life. Roker’s savvy advice includes personal anecdotes and life lessons accumulated from his many years in television. Most important, Roker reflects on the keys to embracing and achieving a life of happiness.

The murder of George Floyd has sparked a momentous, national wave of protests and calls for police reform. Activists across America and around the globe are now asking the same question: How can elected officials effectively respond to this moment? San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin was elected in 2019 on a platform of criminal justice reform, with the goals of ending mass incarceration and eliminating cash bail. He has responded to the social unrest by doubling down on his efforts to reduce racial disparity, as he understands that people of color are disproportionately affected by crime and police brutality. Elected during the historic 2018 midterms, Rep. Ayanna Pressley is a leader of the push for criminal justice reform in Congress. In late 2019, she introduced the People’s Justice Guarantee, a radical reimagining of the American criminal legal system that would center the conversation of reform around the voices of the people most impacted by injustice in America. Join DA Boudin and Rep. Pressley at INFORUM and The Commonwealth Club, where they will discuss police accountability, their roles in the future of police reform and this pivotal time in American culture.

The votes of Black Americans are being blocked by the very nation they built. Despite the fact that Black voters played a huge role in the Democrats’ 2018 success, the political power of the Black vote continues to be suppressed and subverted by policies and media coverage alike. In her new book, Say It Louder!, political analyst Tiffany Cross delivers a sweeping snapshot of American Democracy and the role that Black voices have played in its construction while also diving into the many political forces aligned to silence and undermine black voters. Cross describes the ways in which America’s composition was designed to exclude Black voters, but paradoxically would likely cease to exist without them. Pulling from her own expertise in media, histories of campaign leadership, and Black voter data, Cross describes the enduring efforts endlessly attempting to deny people of color the right to vote—a basic tenet of American democracy. Join us for timely conversation about the Black vote, the future of our nation’s politics and what to pay attention to in the upcoming November election.

Gerald Harris, chair of the Technology and Society Forum, will interview Ian Mitroff and Melanie Ensign. Mitroff will lay out the theory and ideals of companies performing in a socially responsible manner, and Ensign will share her experience with those ideals in the real world of firms such as Uber and Facebook. Join us for an engaging discussion about how crises are managed and what the communications challenges are with the public. MLF ORGANIZER Gerald Harris NOTES MLF: Science & Technology

Trauma can come at any time in the life span and have significant impact on one's life. Trauma comes early to those who have been abused or neglected as children or arrive in the world facing the challenges of poverty and discrimination. It may come later as people deal with the pain of broken relationships, overwhelming job stress, sexual harassment, the dangers of combat or a life-threatening or serious illness. For those who live long enough, contending with the loss of loved ones, physical frailty and impending death brings still more trauma. How does one heal from trauma whenever it comes? James S. Gordon, an authority on post-traumatic stress and an acclaimed mind–body medicine pioneer, has worked for decades with individuals and communities around the world to address the damage done by trauma. In his new book, The Transformation: Discovering Wholeness and Healing After Trauma, Gordon offers the first comprehensive, evidence-based program for reversing the biological and psychological damage from trauma and for discovering and growing through its challenges to become the people we’re meant to be. Offering eye-opening research, innovative prescriptive support and inspirational stories, The Transformation, for the first time, gives the reading public clear guidance in the methods that Gordon has developed and that he and his team at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine have used to relieve the suffering of hundreds of thousands of children and adults around the world. Come hear from one of world's leading experts on trauma and how to transform the lives of those suffering from it.