The San Francisco Experience
We are a "deep dive" news podcast, for Americans who get their news from the Internet. Our mission is to give the listener succinct, fact based analysis both non-ideological and independent from a California, Silicon Valley perspective. Your host Jim Herlihy is a published author: his novel “Deceit and Dirty Money” is available on line. He served as President of the SF Public Library Commission 1992 - 1996. While working in Latin America, he was a stringer for The Economist, The Times and the BBC. Jim serves as a director on two SF sister city boards : Bangalore, India and Cork, Ireland.
S30 E18 · Mon, April 14, 2025
The Telepathy Tapes: A British Perspective. Talking with Michael Marshall.
Joe Rogan interviewed the Telepathy Tapes producer Ky Dickens. Michael Marshall is the co-host of The Know Rogan Experience and critically analyses the claims made about telepathy in the interview. He is also editor of The Skeptic Magazine.
S30 E17 · Thu, April 10, 2025
Jim: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn's Comrade. Talking with author, Professor Shelley Fisher Fishkin.
Mark Twain's novel features an enslaved man Jim who teams up with young Huck rafting down the Mississippi to freedom. But Jim has become one of the more controversial characters in American Literature. This book sheds new light on one of Mark Twain's most endearing albeit misunderstood characters.
S30 E16 · Tue, April 08, 2025
Portal: San Francisco's Ferry Building and the Reinvention of American Cities. Talking with John King, The San Francisco Chronicle's former urban design critic.
San Francisco's venerable Ferry Building opened in 1898 but by 1938 with the opening of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, the need for commuter ferries vanished overnight. And with that, the grand transit hub fell on uncertain times. But through luck and civic activism the iconic former transportation hub has reinvented itself yet again, and is the centerpiece of a revived Embarcadero.
S30 E15 · Fri, April 04, 2025
The Lost and The Found. A True Story of Homelessness, Found Family and Second Chances. Speaking with author Kevin Fagan.,
Veteran San Francisco Chronicle journalist Kevin Fagan wrote a 5 part series on homelessness in 2003 called "Shame of the City". Some of the characters profiled in that series became lifelong friends and were profiled in The Lost and The Found. Kevin had a 32 year career at The Chronicle.
S30 E14 · Wed, April 02, 2025
Canada: A defining moment for our neighbor to the North. Talking to Marci Surkes, former advisor to Justin Trudeau, the outgoing Prime Minister.
Canada has a new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and faces a General Election on April 28, 2025. The key - some would say existential - issues facing Canadian voters are the Economy and managing the US relationship with the Trump Administration. Marci Surkes served as advisor to Justin Trudeau, the former Prime Minister and witnessed historic policy debates and decisions.
S30 E13 · Thu, March 20, 2025
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the new Millennium. Talking with author Martin Gurri.
Technology has reversed the information balance of power between the public and the elites .
S30 E10 · Mon, March 17, 2025
The Open Society as an Enemy: How Free Societies turned against themselves. Talking with Professor J. McKenzie Alexander
Populist agendas of the Left and Right threaten to undermine fundamental principles that underpin liberal democracies. What can we do to reverse the trend ? Is it too late ?
S30 E12 · Thu, March 13, 2025
Safe and Sound: a proven program that reduces childhood abuse, neglect and trauma. Talking with Pegah Faed, CEO of Safe and Sound.
San Francisco has over 4500 reports of child abuse annually. Safe and Sound for over 50 years has been working with at risk families to deal with the problem and prevent recurrences.
S30 E11 · Wed, March 12, 2025
The Zodiac Killings: Still Unsolved. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
As an example of American True Crime stories, the Zodiac killings in the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and 1970s, continue to fascinate. In today's episode, we discuss the 2007 movie, Zodiac and the 2024 Netflix docuseries, This is the Zodiac speaking.
S30 E9 · Wed, March 05, 2025
The Science of Weird Shit: Why our minds conjure the Paranormal. Talking with Professor Chris French.
Paranormal phenomena are all around us: UFOs, Telepathy, alien abductions. But what is the psychology behind such beliefs ? Anomalistic Psychology seeks to explain the psychological bases of these beliefs.
S30 E8 · Mon, March 03, 2025
In conversation with Dr. Deepak Srivastava, President of the Gladstone Institute.
The Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco is an independent biomedical research institution that empowers world class scientists to find new pathways to cure disease.
S30 E7 · Thu, February 27, 2025
A Man's Guide to Healthy Aging. Talking with co-author Ed Thompson.
Men have a different relationship with their health and doctors than women have. And it continues to evolve for the better as men are more likely to seek care earlier than they would have done 30 plus years ago. But there is still a cultural bias against appearing to be weak: more change is warranted.
S30 E6 · Mon, February 24, 2025
Extreme Wealth is the leading social problem of our time. Author Sarah Kerr discusses her new book, Let's Talk Wealtherty.
New tech has created many billionaires and with that, extreme wealth. With AI and other advanced technologies on the horizon, the prospect of even greater wealth creation is highly likely. But how is social policy evolving to address the social ills that accompany new technology and new wealth ?
S30 E5 · Mon, February 17, 2025
The United States, Russia and Ukraine: Peace Talks begin. Talking with noted global strategist Alp Sevimlisoy, Defense Policy expert and CEO of his Defense Representation Company.
President Trump has convened a meeting with Russia in Riyadh to discuss Peace in Ukraine. President Macron also convened a meeting of European leaders while President Zelensky of Ukraine is meeting with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara. First steps to end the three year conflict.
S30 E4 · Mon, February 17, 2025
Presidents' Day: What do we celebrate ? Talking with Professor Jack Pitney.
The third Monday of February is a federal holiday established to honor our first President George Washington. But since 1970 when it was created, the holiday has evolved to acknowledge all of the 45 men who have served as President.
S30 E3 · Wed, February 12, 2025
Thanks to Life : A biography of Violeta Parra, the Chilean folksinger. Talking with Ericka Verba.
Violeta Parra was a renowned folksinger whose Chilean folk songs have been popularized around the world. She also ventured into painting and ceramics and was well received in Europe. Though the Chilean public was less excited about her art in the 1960s.
S30 E2 · Mon, February 10, 2025
Tusk: Building a new search engine. Talking with founder and CEO, Jeff Bermant
Google dominates the search market with an 89.6% share. With most Americans getting their news from the Internet, Google News is a major delivery system. Yet 63% of its stories lean Left, per All Sides Media, 16% Center and 6% Right. Tusk is working to level the playing field and to address that ideological skew.
S30 E1 · Sat, February 08, 2025
The Telepathy Tapes: Autism and Telepathy - A scientific perspective. Talking with Stuart Vyse.
The wildly popular podcast series Telepathy Tapes now in its' second season, argues that some non verbal autistic children can communicate via telepathy. But traditional psychologists are skeptical, arguing that the subjects in the series and communication methods used are not subject to rigorous scientific testing and scrutiny.
S29 E18 · Mon, February 03, 2025
Awake Forever in a Sweet Unrest. Talking with author Chuck Rosenthal
A library worker in Venice, California is transported back in time to the era of the Romantic Poets - Keats, Percy, Mary Shelly, Lord Byron - and shares their lives and intimacies. Can she change the course of their lives and history ?
S29 E20 · Thu, January 30, 2025
Deep Seek Artificial Intelligence. Did China leapfrog the US in the AI race ? Talking with Dr. Charles Martin
Deep Seek, a Chinese AI model, shook up the stock market with its' launch on the Apple Store this week. The developers claim it only cost $5.6 million and 6 months to build. Meanwhile Sam Altman's Open AI is trying to raise $40 billion from investors. Will we see more of these low cost AI models proliferate at the expense of OpenAI, Anthropic etc ?
S29 E19 · Wed, January 29, 2025
Infantilised: How our Culture killed Adulthood. Talking with author Keith Hayward
Adulthood used to be an aspirational destination as adolescents progressed through life. But increasingly, the markers of adulthood, marriage, career, home purchase, are being delayed if not eschewed. We are raising Kidults rather than adults and popular culture seemingly encourages it. What happened to adult agency ?
S29 E16 · Mon, January 27, 2025
Telepathy and Autism: Is there a link ? Talking with Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell.
The Telepathy Tapes is a Spotify podcast which explores the profound abilities of non-speakers with Autism.
S29 E17 · Thu, January 23, 2025
The Israel Hamas War Ceasefire: Will it last ? Talking with Michael Pregent
The Ceasefire came into effect on January 19th, 2025. Mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar, it is a temporary and fragile peace which shows signs of fraying at the edges. The Trump Administration will be scrutinizing the terms with a view to re-negotiating an agreement more favorable to Israel and the US.
S29 E15 · Tue, January 21, 2025
The Trump Inauguration and Transition. Talking with Brian Sobel.
Donald Trump's second inaugural address hewed closely to his campaign pledges. In that sense, it was more like a State of the Union Speech: This is what we have done, what we will do and how and when it will be accomplished. Almost 200 Executive Orders are due to be signed today.
S29 E14 · Mon, January 20, 2025
Is Greenland in Play ? Talking with Professor Zhiqun Zhu.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of 57,000. Greenlanders depend on Denmark to the tune of an annual subsidy of $500million. But Greenland is rich in strategic minerals like rare earths, oil and natural gas. President -elect Trump has floated the idea of the US acquiring the dependency from Denmark.
S29 E13 · Thu, January 16, 2025
The Los Angeles Wildfires: What we know so far. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Movie and TV Blog, Hill Place.
As we enter the second week of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, containment is modest and the dry, easterly Santa Ana winds continue to menace the City. The political repercussions for the Mayor of LA and the Governor of California are growing. Recall petitions are circulating to vote them out of office because of their inept response to the conflagrations.
S29 E12 · Wed, January 15, 2025
The Holy Land at War. A journey through Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Speaking with author Mark Patinkin.
Veteran syndicated journalist for The Providence Journal, Mark Patinkin, stepped forward to cover the Gaza War first hand, on the ground. Sending daily dispatches back to Rhode Island, he was a traditional war correspondent, drawing on his own resources like Ernest Hemingway in the Spanish Civil War.
S29 E11 · Thu, January 09, 2025
Freeman's Challenge: The murder that shook America's original prison for profit. Talking with Professor Robin Bernstein.
The prison for profit system was developed in the North, at Auburn, NY in 1816. Its' successor Auburn Correctional Facility exists to this day and manufactures all of the license plates for the state of New York.
S29 E9 · Sat, December 14, 2024
Gobsmacked: The British Invasion of American English. Talking with author, Professor Ben Yagoda.
George Bernard Shaw said that England and America are two countries separated by a common language. Over time Americanisms have infiltrated popular British culture. But increasingly, Britishisms are gaining traction in the US, in part with the rise of social media and instant communication.
S29 E10 · Wed, December 11, 2024
The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai became a billionaire, Hong Kong's greatest dissident, and China's most feared critic. Talking with author Mark L. Clifford.
Jimmy Lai, 77, successful newspaper publisher and entrepreneur, ran afoul of the CCP and has been imprisoned in Hong Kong on political charges for four years. President - elect Trump has said he will work to free him when he takes office.
S29 E8 · Thu, December 05, 2024
The Latino Century: How Americas' largest minority is transforming Democracy. Talking with author Mike Madrid. h
Upwards of 45% of Latino males voted for Donald Trump for President, primarily based on economic issues like the cost of living, inflation and interest rates. Democrat cultural issues had little resonance for Latino voters.
S29 E7 · Tue, November 26, 2024
Fatal Inheritance: How a family misfortune revealed a deadly medical mystery. Talking with author Larry Ingrassia.
Hereditary Cancer is a relatively recent discovery in the annals of medical science. The Li-Fraumeni Syndrome relating to a genetic mutation of the P-53 gene afflicts family members with multiple cancers for those who carry the gene. The Ingrassia family is one such case.
S29 E6 · Thu, November 14, 2024
New Zealand charts its' own course. Talking to Dr. Patricia O'Brien
New Zealand has followed an independent foreign policy path since the mid 1980s. But as the globalization of trade faces headwinds, tariffs and protectionism, NZ is reassessing its' place in the world and stepping up its' security strategy.
S29 E5 · Fri, November 08, 2024
San Francisco elects a new Mayor, Daniel Lurie. Talking with Brian Sobel.
San Francisco voters have elected Daniel Lurie Mayor, 56% to 44% defeating incumbent Mayor London Breed. She conceded the election November 7th.
S29 E4 · Thu, November 07, 2024
Donald Trump wins in a Landslide. Talking with Professor David McCuan, Chair of Political Science, Sonoma State University.
David McCuan analyzes the 2024 Presidential Campaign and the November 5th election - historic in many respects.
S29 E3 · Tue, November 05, 2024
The Power of Liberal Nationalism. Talking with Professor Steven Fish.
The Left and Center Left needs to embrace love of country and patriotism when advocating legal or regular immigration. Up to this point they have ceded Nationalism and its' symbols to the Right on immigration.
S29 E2 · Fri, November 01, 2024
The historic 2024 presidential campaign is winding to a close. Talking with Professor Jack Pitney.
Since 1945 there have been 20 Presidential Campaigns but none have been as historic and consequential as this one.
S28 E19 · Mon, October 28, 2024
Climate Change Twin Cities: San Francisco's weather could become like Los Angeles' . Talking with Professor Matt Fitzpatrick
Global warming will see America's climate transformed with San Francisco trading its cool, foggy Summers for Southern California heat and sunshine.
S29 E1 · Thu, October 24, 2024
Mongol Zurag: A new tradition in Mongolian Art. Talking with Professor Orna Tsultem.
An exhibit of contemporary Mongolian art is on exhibit at the Venice Biennale through the end of November 2024. It features the work of four prominent Mongolian painters and is curated by Professor Urna Tsultem of the University of Indiana.
S28 E20 · Tue, October 22, 2024
Epigenetics: What your Mother or Grand Mother ate could affect your Genes. Talking with Professor Nathaniel Johnson.
Dietary choices whether voluntary or forced, may manifest as conditions like obesity and Type II Diabetes for multiple generations of offspring. Can those impacts be reversed ?
S28 E18 · Tue, October 15, 2024
Terre Haute Takedown: Cracking a 20th Century Election Conspiracy. Talking with author Sasha Issenberg.
Terre Haute, Indiana was the site of an election conspiracy that was unearthed by an unlikely duo of a prim Suffragist and an ex-con lawyer. The precedent that was set still governs today.
S28 E16 · Mon, October 14, 2024
In conversation with Ben Kaplan, candidate for SF Community College Board of Trustees.
San Francisco's Community College is facing another threat to its existence for the second time in ten years, due to declining enrolment, board incompetence and political infighting. Ben Kaplan offers a plan to get the College back on track.
S28 E17 · Wed, October 09, 2024
Broken City: Land Speculation, Inequality & Urban Crisis. Talking with author Professor Patrick Condon.
Vancouver has tripled its housing stock through upzoning and continues to be the most livable city in North America. But notwithstanding the densification and massive increase in its housing stock, Vancouver has become the least affordable city in Canada. Increased housing supply has seen affordabilty plummet making it the most expensive housing market in Canada. Why ?
S28 E15 · Mon, October 07, 2024
The Hezbollah AR 924 pager explosions: What we know two weeks on. Talking with Michael DiMino, Public Policy Manager & Fellow, Defense Priorities
The Exploding pagers in Beirut last week neutralized dozens if not hundreds of Hezbollah operatives. This attack was followed by the killing of their leader Hassan Nasrallah. Now without a secure communication method, has Hezbollah been rendered inoperative ?
S28 E14 · Fri, October 04, 2024
Converting Empty Office Buildings to Housing. Talking with Chris Thornberg, Founding Partner at Beacon Economics.
San Francisco has 30 million square feet of empty office space. If it was converted to apartments, given our average apartment size of 756 sf that would create over 39,000 new dwellings. Is that the solution to our housing shortage ?
S28 E13 · Wed, October 02, 2024
The Vice Presidential Debate: J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. Talking with Professor Jack Pitney.
Tonight's debate is the last scheduled encounter between the candidates and the only vice presidential debate. Vance seemed polished and self assured while Walz was nervous and missed many opportunities to pursue Vance.
S28 E11 · Wed, September 25, 2024
Does Eliminating Cash Bail cause Violent Crime to increase or decrease ? Talking with Ken Good noted bail attorney
Bail Reform's mixed record of success.
S28 E9 · Mon, September 23, 2024
New Alzheimer's medications are changing how we age. Talking with Dr. Dennis Selkoe.
Two new Alzheimer's medications slow cognitive decline in patients by 30% and are being actively prescribed to patients.
S28 E12 · Wed, September 18, 2024
Disabled Ecologies. Lessons from a Wounded Desert. Talking with author, Professor Sunaura Taylor
Tucson is the site of a massive TCE Superfund site which has caused birth defects, health problems and environmental degradation.
S28 E10 · Wed, September 11, 2024
Showdown in Philadelphia: The Trump Harris Debate. Talking with Professor David McCuan.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris faced off in the first - perhaps only - debate between the two. Was it a defining moment in the Presidential Campaign ?
S28 E8 · Tue, September 10, 2024
Will California regulate Artificial Intelligence ? Talking with Dan Schnur.
A controversial bill sits on Governor Newsom's desk to rein in AI: will he approve it or veto it ? Leading members of Congress like Nancy Pelosi and Ro Khanna oppose it along with many Silicon Valley leaders. State Senator Scott Wiener seems to have misread the political climate for SB 1047.
S28 E7 · Wed, August 28, 2024
Nationalism: Nato's need to balance members' own identity with the Alliance's vision of unity. Talking with global strategist Alp Sevimlisoy
Nationalism versus Atlanticism: how Nato is balancing rising nationalist movements with its' own unifying vision.
S28 E6 · Mon, August 26, 2024
The Outlook for the California economy, Labor Market, Immigration and Housing. Talking with Chris Thornberg, Co-Founder of Beacon Economics.
Is California a failing state or are its' best days yet to come ?
S28 E6 · Tue, August 20, 2024
The Children of Madness. Talking with author Jarrett Brandon Early.
This is Jarrett's fourth novel in the Fantasy genre and arguably his best to date.
S28 E5 · Mon, August 19, 2024
The San Francisco Mayor Race. Talking with Candidate Daniel Lurie.
San Franciscans will elect a new Mayor on November 5th. The five leading candidates include Daniel Lurie, a successful private sector executive, who does not have City Hall experience. He is touting his corporate track record as an example of new leadership San Francisco needs.
S28 E4 · Tue, August 13, 2024
San Francisco School Board Elections: Talking with candidate Laurance Lee.
The San Francisco Public school system is the oldest one in California, founded 1851. With more than 49,000 students in grades K through 12, it has its' fair share of challenges but opportunities abound. Laurance is running for one of three open seats on the four member board.
S28 E3 · Wed, August 07, 2024
Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as her VP Running Mate, Talking with Professor David McCuan, Chair of the Political Science Dept. Sonoma State University
Tim Walz Governor of Minnesota, edged out Josh Shapiro for Kamala Harris' VP.
S28 E2 · Tue, August 06, 2024
San Francisco's Mayor Race: Speaking with Candidate Mark Farrell
San Francisco will elect a new Mayor November 5th, 2024. There are five leading candidates across a field of 24. We have invited the top five to speak about the issues. Mark Farrell is the first to accept and joins us from the campaign trail.
S28 E1 · Thu, August 01, 2024
The 550th Anniversary Edition
Our twice weekly podcast began in March 2020 at the start of the Pandemic. Over the last four years we have built a global audience with regular listeners in 60 countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland. But the podcast has been listened to and has fans in 144 countries including non English speaking markets like China, Russia, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kazakhstan and Israel to cite a few. The podcast is featured on all major platforms.
S27 E20 · Mon, July 29, 2024
How to burn a Rainbow. My Gay Marriage didn't make me whole but my Divorce did. Talking with author Karl Dunn
Karl Dunn relates the story of a bitter divorce after fighting for many years for Marriage Equality. He found that he was on his own, charting new territory with little information available to same sex couples about navigating the treacherous waters of the California divorce system. But in the end, he argues he is a better person because of the divorce.
S27 E19 · Thu, July 25, 2024
Black Woman on Board. Claudia Hampton and the fight to save Affirmative Action at CSU. Talking with author Dr. Donna Nicol
The California State University System is the largest public university in the United States with 475,000 students, 53,000 faculty and 23 campuses. This book recounts the implementation of Affirmative Action programs from the 1970s until Proposition 209 banned such programs in 1996
S27 E18 · Mon, July 22, 2024
Joe Biden Out, Harris In and the Republican Convention
Three historic and tumultuous weeks in American politics saw the Democrats reject incumbent Joe Biden for Kamala Harris. At the same time Republican Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt, appointed a 39 year old Senator from Ohio as his running mate and closed out the Convention on a note of unity to face the Democrats in November.
S27 E17 · Tue, July 16, 2024
Donald Trump picks J.D. Vance as Vice President. Talking with Professor Jack Pitney.
Donald Trump chose the 39 year old junior Senator from Ohio as his running mate at the Republican Convention in Milwaukee. Vance is a cultural conservative who will likely play a key role campaigning in MidWest swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.
S27 E16 · Mon, July 15, 2024
Digital Currency or Digital Control: The future of Money. Talking with author Nick Anthony.
Will the US Federal Reserve issue a digital currency (CBDC) ? 127 countries are studying or piloting CBDCs for their citizens including economic powerhouses like China, EU, India, the UK among others. But it seems like the benefits to the consumer are limited while government control and surveillance seem to be the principal benefits. Do we really want to surrender our financial independence and privacy to a central bank ?
S27 E16 · Tue, July 09, 2024
The British Election Results: A new political order. Talking with Vince Cable
Britain's July 4th General Election marked a reset of the political landscape in the UK with the Labour Party winning a landslide victory of 412 seats in the 650 seat Parliament. The Conservative Party lost over 200 seats, But the moderate Liberal Democrat Party surged into third place with 72 seats, And the Reform Party headed by Nigel Farage garnered four seats. Vince Cable, former leader of the LibDem Party and Government Minister shares his analysis of the reults.
S27 E15 · Tue, July 09, 2024
The French Election Results : Lessons for US Democracy. Talking with Professor Jonah Levy
The Snap French elections have resulted in stalemate. But US voters should take heed as we approach our own elections in November in a polarized political environment.
S27 E14 · Wed, July 03, 2024
Invisible Rulers: The people who turn lies into reality. Talking with Rene DiResta
With the advent of social media, there has been a radical change in the dynamics of power and influence with new Influencers blurring truth with disinformation.
S27 E13 · Tue, July 02, 2024
The US Supreme Court Ruling on the Trump Immunity Case. Talking with Professor Luke Boso
The Supreme Court handed down its' awaited decision on immunity for the former President. It was wider ranging and more momentous than many observers had anticipated.
S27 E11 · Mon, July 01, 2024
The SS Jeremiah O'Brien. The last of the WWII Liberty ships. Talking with Forrest Booth.
2700 Liberty ships were built in WWII to transport materiel, munitions, food and troops to the front lines. It was the greatest logistical undertaking in military /naval history.
S27 E8 · Sat, June 29, 2024
BetaNXT: A Private Equity success story. Talking with Chairman and CEO Stephen Daffron.
BetaNXT provides end to end solutions across the investment lifecycle.
S27 E12 · Fri, June 28, 2024
The Biden Trump Debate: A pivotal moment in the 2024 race for the White House. Talking with Jack Pitney.
Joe Biden's disastrous performance in the debate last night has amplified concerns about his fitness for office - mental acuity and physical stamina. Democrats have even called for him to withdraw as a candidate. Uncharted territory in presidential debate history. Professor Pitney helps to put it in perspective, but it is a volatile situation.
S27 E9 · Wed, June 26, 2024
Is San Francisco the Worst Run City in the United States ? Part 2. Talking with Professor Patrick Murphy.
USF Professor of Urban and Public Affairs, gives a more nuanced interpretation of the recent Wallet Hub article that ranks San Francisco management dead last at 148 among US cities.
S27 E10 · Tue, June 25, 2024
San Francisco ranks as the Worst Run City in the country. Talking with Cassie Happe of WalletHub.
San Francisco ranked dead last at #148 with subpar governance. Six categories Financial Stability, Education, Health, Public Safety, Economy and Infrastructure were measured. Three of them - Public Safety, Financial Stability and the Economy - set off flashing red lights, tanking the overall score.
S27 E8 · Thu, June 20, 2024
BetaNXT: A Private Equity Success Story.
Motive Partners, a specialist PE firm that invests in financial technology companies, acquired BetaNXT in 2022. With 50 million clients, 37million daily transactions and 70,000 financial advisors using the platform, BetaNXT is a key part of the broker dealer/investor experience. Connected Data is what BetaNXT provides to clients. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-herlihy/message
S27 E7 · Wed, June 19, 2024
Stem Cell Therapy: a new approach. Talking with Mattias Bernow, CEO of CellCoLabs.
Stem Cell Therapy has produced very positive results in the limited FDA approved therapies which are permitted. But Medical tourism to light touch regulation countries like Mexico, Panama, The Bahamas, is opening the therapy uses and possibilities very quickly. CellCoLabs is an open source company which plans to sell its' stem cells globally.
S27 E6 · Thu, June 13, 2024
Why Nuclear Power and Why Now ? Talking with Andy Poreda Responsible Investing at Sage Advisory.
Is Nuclear Power in the United States about to experience a renaissance given its' "clean" environmental footprint, not contributing to the carbon footprint of electricity generation.
S27 E5 · Tue, June 11, 2024
China's Alternate Order and What America can learn from it. Talking with Elizabeth Economy, Hargrove Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University.
Liz Economy served as China Advisor to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimundo from 2021 to 2023. The Commerce Department oversees US economic policy for China.
S27 E4 · Thu, June 06, 2024
A Class Apart: UK Prime Ministers origins impact their world views. Talking with Professor Lee Elliot Major.
76% of the UK's Prime Ministers in the last 80 years graduated from Oxford. There is no comparable University concentration among American Presidents. Does British policy creation suffer as a result of such a narrow leadership pool ?
S27 E3 · Tue, June 04, 2024
A Mediterranean Union: Boosting the security on NATO's Southern flank. Talking with noted geopolitical strategist Alp Sevimlisoy, CEO of his Defense Representation Company, defending Atlanticism.
Creating a Mediterranean Union is key to defending the Southern flank of Nato for this key trading and shipping route.
S27 E2 · Mon, June 03, 2024
The Trump Verdict: What's Next ? Talking with David McCuan, Professor and Chair of the Political Science Dept. at Sonoma State University.
The historic conviction of a former President of the United States on business record falsification charges continues to reverberate throughout America. When will he appeal ? What will his sentence be ? And how will the result affect voters ?
S27 E1 · Thu, May 30, 2024
Enough: Why it's time to abolish the Super Rich. Talking with author Luke Hildyard.
Are the super rich entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg solely responsible for creating their wealth, or have government subsidies and incentives been a major contributor ? In which case, should they be taxed at a higher rate ? And what about the Top One Percent : should they pay more tax ?
S26 E20 · Wed, May 29, 2024
Neptune finishes the Round the World Ocean Global Race. Talking with skipper Tann Raffray and supporter Amy Bridge.
Neptune successfully completed the round the world sailing race and crew member and Parkinson's patient Bertrand Delhom has completed a lifelong dream.
S26 E14 · Mon, May 27, 2024
The Conservative Futurist. How to create the Sci Fi World we were promised. Talking to author Jim Pethokoukis.
The Techno Optimist and Techno Pessimist camps - UpWing or DownWing respectively as the author refers to the two views of progress - have been in conflict since the 1970s. The Techno Pessimist view was in full flight recently with the fears of AI posing an existential threat to humanity. But we have been down this road before with Jeremiahs bemoaning the risks of nuclear power or most recently MRNA vaccines. The author argues that we as a society need to jettison these 50 year old shibboleths that are holding back progress and embrace new technologies.
S26 E19 · Thu, May 23, 2024
Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb. The Oscar winning film's Hollywoodification of Nuclear Weapons. Talking with Haydn Belfield.
CSER is a Cambridge University center that studies extinction and civilizational collapse risk. Haydn Belfield is a researcher who works on nuclear weapon issues. His review of the Oppenheimer film brings a unique perspective of one who studies the actual impact of nuclear arms on humanity.
S26 E18 · Thu, May 23, 2024
Comeback: Routing Trumpism, Reclaiming the Nation and Restoring Democracy's Edge Steven Fish with Laila Aghaie.it
Comeback reads like an insider's Presidential Campaign Manual. And it pulls no punches as regards criticisms, painful admissions and much needed prescriptions for the Biden Campaign. With the first Presidential debate slated for June 27th - five weeks away - and Biden lagging in the polls, the author proposes a compelling revamp of the President's messaging.
S26 E17 · Fri, May 17, 2024
Soul by Soul. The Evangelical Mission to spread the Gospel to Muslims. Talking with author Adriana Carranca.
The Pentecostal Evangelical Movement has begun to focus its proselytizing activity on the Muslim World - countries like Afghanistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan. Adriana relates the unlikely story of a Brazilian missionary couple who along with other Latin American missionaries are having greater success in making conversions.
S26 E16 · Wed, May 15, 2024
Day of Reckoning: How the Right declared War on Democracy. Talking with author Mike Wendling of the BBC.
With Donald Trump the presumptive Republican candidate for President, to be confirmed at the Republican Convention in Milwaukee, July 15 - 18, his MAGA Movement, will be taking a prominent place on the national stage. There are some new groups and issues that are part of the MAGA lineup for 2024 joining the group like the Proud Boys and others. Mike walks us through what to look for.
S26 E15 · Tue, May 14, 2024
Jimmy Lai on Trial: Why the outcome is so important to US China Relations. Talking with Sebastian Lai.
Jimmy Lai, a media mogul and self made billionaire is paying the price for his pro-Democracy views as his trial enters its fourth month. Despite the US, UK and other countries calling for his immediate release from a show trial with a certain guilty verdict, the Chinese Government has ignored those calls. His son is campaigning for his release.
S26 E13 · Wed, May 08, 2024
Carnaval San Francisco. Talking with Director Rodrigo Duran.
Carnaval San Francisco is a two day - May 25 & 26 - extravaganza celebrating the many Latin and Caribbean cultures represented in the Bay Area, through dance, music, culture and cuisine. The unique parade takes place on Mission Street on Sunday May 26. The theme is Honor Indigenous Roots and the Grand Marshal of the parade is Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, also a winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize.
S26 E12 · Tue, May 07, 2024
San Francisco's tourism industry on the rebound. Talking with David Perry.
San Francisco's tourist industry is a pillar of our economy. With 30,000 hotel rooms, world class cultural activities, and one of America's leading airports, visitors are coming back. The state earned $150 billion in 2023 from tourism.
S26 E11 · Fri, May 03, 2024
Prosper Marketplace and Fintech Innovation. Talking with CEO David Kimball
Prosper is the first Peer to Peer lending platform in the United States. It has 2 million members and has facilitated $27 billion in loans since inception. All personal loans are made by WebBank.
S26 E10 · Fri, May 03, 2024
Defending Australia against China without AUKUS: The Echidna Strategy. Talking with author Sam Roggeveen of the Lowy Institute.
The AUKUS security agreement would furnish Australia with 8 nuclear powered submarines and other advanced weapons technologies. But it is costly and does Australia have the engineering expertise to build such a fleet ? And would the country become a target for China's wrath with US and UK nuclear subs stationed in Western Australia and US aircraft located in Northern Australia ?
S26 E9 · Wed, April 24, 2024
Is AI racially biased ? Talking with Alejandro Salinas of the Stanford Law School.
Racial and Gender bias were the subjects of a study at Stanford Law School led by Professor Julian Nyarko, Alex Salinas and Amit Haim. They used an audit approach which is common in employment and housing discrimination studies. The answer is yes to bias and it can be corrected, the team found.
S26 E8 · Tue, April 23, 2024
Peak Economic Security in US China Relations. Talking with Matt Ferchen, Senior Fellow at Yale Law School
Increasingly the two nations are emphasizing the issue of economic security using export controls, tariffs and approvals which have the effect of reducing the volume of trade between the two. There is a lot at stake: who will blink first ?
S26 E7 · Thu, April 18, 2024
The Science behind AI and how it will improve our lives. Talking with Charles Martin.
Chuck has develop a software program - weightwatcher.ai - which helps identify the emergence of signatures of Artificial General Intelligence in Large Language Models. His research reveals early stage emergence of these signatures but more work needs to be done.
S26 E6 · Wed, April 17, 2024
HiDo: Managing Medication through AI and Robotics. Talking with CEO Charles Gellman
The US spends $500 billion annually on medical costs that could be avoided if more Americans took their prescribed meds for chronic diseases. HiDo has developed a technology to improve medication adherence while improving patient health.
S26 E5 · Thu, April 11, 2024
The Chamber of Progress. Talking with Founder and CEO Adam Kovacevich.
The Chamber promotes policies that ensure all Americans benefit from technology and that the tech industry operates responsibly and fairly.
S26 E4 · Wed, April 10, 2024
Spillover: Animal Infections and the next Human Pandemic. Talking to author David Quammen.
Spillover, or zoonosis, is the infection of humans with animal viruses. In his book Spillover, David Quammen recounts the frightening phenomenon whereby EBOLA, HIV, SARS among other diseases have moved into human populations. About 60% of human diseases originated in animals. And what is the probable origin of the next pandemic ?
S26 E3 · Fri, April 05, 2024
The Real Roots of Xi JinPing Thought: When Marx met Confucius. Talking with Rana Mitter, Professor Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
The CCP is promoting the compatibility of traditional Confucian philosophy and Marxist theory. As China rejects the liberal democratic tradition of the World Order it looks to a home grown philosophy as the foundation of its worldview.
S26 E2 · Fri, March 29, 2024
Thriving ! How to create a Healthier, Happier, and more Prosperous Life. Talking with author Rand Selig.
We should all aspire to not only survive but to thrive in our lives. In this book, Rand Selig outlines a roadmap to achieving a meaningful life of purpose, intentionality and focus.
S26 E1 · Thu, March 21, 2024
Australia and the AUKUS Pact. In conversation with Gareth Evans, former Foreign Minister of Australia.
The UK and the United States have entered into a tripartite agreement to share nuclear submarine technology with Australia. The multi year arrangement will furnish 8 nuclear attack submarines through the 2040s. The submarines will replace 6 diesel powered Collins Class subs that will be based in Perth WA. The agreement also encompasses undersea weapons, AI capabilities and training of Australian sailors.
S25 E20 · Mon, March 18, 2024
Atlanticism versus Eurasianism Redux. When Worlds Collide. Talking with Alp Sevimlisoy.
Two competing world views - Atlanticism (Liberal Democracy, Free Markets, Rule of Law) and Eurasianism (Authoritarianism, non-independent judiciaries, state controlled economies) present a stark choice as geopolitics dominates international relations. Russia and China are the principal proponents of Eurasianism whereas the United States and the West subscribe to Atlanticism.
S25 E19 · Sat, March 16, 2024
The Lie Detectives. In search of a playbook for winning elections in the Disinformation Age. Talking with author Sasha Issenberg.
Anti-Disinformation operatives helping to sort fact from fiction. And with the advent of AI in the 2024 election cycle, voters need to be wary, basing their choice on facts.
S25 E18 · Mon, March 11, 2024
Advanced Trauma Life Support in Ukraine. Talking with Dr. Michael Baker
Dr. Michael Baker retired after a 40 year career in general surgery and a parallel career in the military, teaches an Advanced Trauma Life Support course to Ukrainian medical personnel in country. He is preparing for his fourth deployment to Ukraine and shares his experience with us.
S25 E17 · Thu, March 07, 2024
Will Mexico elect its' first Woman President ? Talking with Professor Tony Payan.
Mexico has become America's largest trading partner. June 2nd, presidential elections will feature two female candidates running in first and second place: our neighbor is likely to elect its first woman President.
S25 E16 · Wed, March 06, 2024
Super Tuesday Results and the California Primary. Talking with Professor David McCuan
With the Biden and Trump camps close to wrapping up their respective parties' nominations, focus shifts to other key races. One of them is for the open California Senate seat left vacant with the death of Dianne Feinstein. A surprising backfired result where front runner Adam Schiff in an effort to elevate Republican Steve Garvey handed him first place in a field of 5 candidates !
S25 E15 · Tue, March 05, 2024
Women in Fintech: Talking with Andrew Harrison, Head of US Digital Partnerships, BMO.
BMO, the 8th largest bank in North America, sponsors an innovative program for Women entrepreneurs with start ups in the Fintech field. Chicago where BMO has its' US headquarters, has the distinction of fostering women tech founders. 37% of tech startups in Chicago are headed or co-headed by women.
S25 E14 · Wed, February 28, 2024
Putin's Exiles: Talking with author Paul Starobin.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine two years ago, almost 1 million Russians have left the country taking up exile in Georgia, Armenia, Western Europe and beyond. And the death of Alexei Navalny on February 16th may galvanize them in the lead up to Putin's re-election, March 2024, with his widow Yulia Navalny vowing to take up his mantle.
S25 E13 · Tue, February 27, 2024
Milton Friedman The Last Conservative. Talking with author Jennifer Burns.
Milton Friedman was a Nobel Prize winning economist who championed the Monetarist School of Economics at University of Chicago and beyond. In addition to his economic policy making role he was also a political philosopher whose views were implemented in the United States and abroad.
S25 E12 · Wed, February 21, 2024
Ocean Globe Race Leg 3 - Auckland NZ to Punta delEste, Uruguay. Talking with Skipper Tann Raffray and Amy Bridge.
This is the fourth episode in our coverage of the Ocean Global Race around the world, following the French boat Neptune. One of the crew suffers from Parkinsons ; raising awareness of the disorder is one of the goals of the Neptune crew.
S25 E11 · Mon, February 19, 2024
The AI Super Computer Race to the top. Will the US maintain its' lead over China, Russia and the Middle East ?
Can America wall off other countries from access to high speed processors essential to build super computers and the development of Artificial Intelligence ?
S25 E10 · Wed, February 14, 2024
Sweden, Turkey, Nato and the $23 billion F16 deal. Talking with Dr. Rich Outzen.
Turkey finally agrees to Sweden's NATO application, with a $23 billion F16 deal and tougher Swedish anti-terrorist laws. But Hungary will have the last word.
S25 E9 · Thu, February 08, 2024
The Techno-Optimist Manifesto by Marc Andreessen. Are you an accelerationist or a doomer ?
Marc Andreessen lays out a 5000 word case to be optimistic and welcoming to new technology for the economic betterment of all as narrated by host, Jim Herlihy.
S25 E8 · Wed, February 07, 2024
BBC and Social Media. Talking with Mike Wendling, US National Digital Reporter.
Half of Americans get their news from social media like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X and even TikTok. Mike brings a critical eye to this space and helps listeners to be more discerning consumers of news sourced from social media outlets.
S25 E7 · Mon, January 29, 2024
The Subplot: What China is reading and why it matters. Talking with author and critic Megan Walsh
Chinese fiction has exploded with the arrival of the Internet. Who are the leading authors and what genres do Chinese readers favor ? How is a book published in China ? Does the Internet make fiction more accessible ?
S25 E6 · Thu, January 25, 2024
Looking at Mexico, Mexico looks back. Talking with writer and photographer Janet Sternburg.
Acclaimed photographer and writer Janet Sternburg moved to San Miguel de Allende in 2022. Her latest collection of photographs in Mexico - 90 - features people, places and objects accompanied by text and commentary by Janet and her Mexican collaborator, Jose Alberto Romero Romano.
S25 E5 · Mon, January 22, 2024
I am a Tinkerer: Talking with Professor Dr. Rolf Hut
The Maker, Tinkerer culture is very active globally. I met Professor Rolf Hut of the Technical University, Delft, the Netherlands at the American Geophysical Union Conference in San Francisco. He loves to MacGyver !
S25 E4 · Thu, January 18, 2024
Critical Thinking: Your essential guide. Talking with Dr. Tom Chatfield.
Critical Thinking skills are especially important in a world where we are awash in information, opinions and disinformation. And with the advent of AI, our ability to question, challenge and understand what we are told is more crucial than ever. Tom Chatfield offers a practical guide to think critically for all ages and all situations.
S25 E3 · Tue, January 16, 2024
Ecuador fights the drug gangs for control of the country. Talking with Sebastian Hurtado, President and CEO of Profitas.
Ecuador's President Noboa has declared war on the Drug organizations which have infiltrated every institution in the country which have made Ecuador a key transhipment player in the global cocaine trade.
S25 E2 · Fri, January 12, 2024
2024 the year of global elections. How we vote and how we count the vote. Talking with author Professor Brendan Sullivan.
An Introduction to the Math of Voting Methods, is a readable book that presents math in a civics wrapper accomplishing two goals: civic education and improved math skills.
S25 E1 · Wed, January 10, 2024
Britain's growing diplomatic presence in California. Talking with Tammy Sandhu, Consul General of the United Kingdom in San Francisco.
There is a growing collaboration between the Golden State and the UK through the Consulate General on legislative issues as diverse as AI, Climate Control, Alternate Energy and even Housing. It's a two way street where best practices from both jurisdictions inform policy in California and the UK.
S24 E20 · Fri, January 05, 2024
Rubik's Cube turns 50: Talking with Tom Rokicki.
Tom Rokicki will be speaking at the Joint Mathematics Meetings 2024, Saturday, January 6 at 9am about Serious Recreational Mathematics. His research shows that the Rubik Cube can be finished in 20 moves.
S24 E19 · Tue, January 02, 2024
Cancelling a prominent author in China: Acclaimed novelist and screenplay writer Geling Yan fights back.
Geling Yan reached the pinnacle of success as a critically acclaimed writer in her native China and around the world. Yet when she spoke out on the handling of the Covid 19 crisis in China she was cancelled. Her books are no longer published or sold in China. But she decided to fight back: she has set up her own publishing company and has launched its first book Milati. She is in San Francisco to promote it.
S24 E16 · Tue, December 26, 2023
Remembering Henry Kissinger: the last of the great architects of Chinese American relations. Talking with Dr. Andrew Scobell
Henry Kissinger's passing seemed to be covered more effusively and positively in China rather than the US where the coverage was muted and low key. China lamented that passing of a Great Man who reminded the Chinese public of the golden era of the bilateral relationship in the 1970s and 80s. In today's episode we will look at his legacy from both points of view.
S24 E18 · Mon, December 25, 2023
Shohei Ohtani's $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers: Talking with Vince Gennaro
Shohei Ohtani the 29 year old Japanese pitcher and designated hitter has signed a 10 year, $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers. It is the largest contract in professional sports history. Sports expert Vince Gennaro analyzes the ground breaking deal for us.
S24 E17 · Thu, December 21, 2023
CapeTown to Auckland: The Ocean Globe Around the World Sailing Race: Talking with Skipper Tan Raffray and Amy Bridge
In our third podcast about the OGR competition, formerly known as the Whitbread, Skipper Tan Raffray relates the 7250 nautical mile journey across the Indian Ocean from South Africa to New Zealand. It took almost 6 weeks of sailing the Neptune to reach Auckland without incident.
S24 E15 · Mon, December 18, 2023
A Digital US Dollar: the Pros and Cons. Talking with Nick Anthony of The Cato Institute.
Eleven nations have already adopted Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and the United States is considering such a plan. But for what benefit ? In this episode we explore what a CBDC is and whether it would benefit most Americans.
S24 E14 · Thu, December 14, 2023
Our American Experiment: In conversation with Byron Williams
Our American Experiment is a collection of short stories, some fictionalized, some not that use paradox to highlight the differences in the African American versus White life experience. A thought provoking read that draws no conclusions nor makes judgments but simply sets out stories that challenge your beliefs.
S24 E13 · Mon, December 11, 2023
Yoodlize - the Rent Anything App. Talking with founder Jason Fairbourne.
Over 80 Million Americans use sharing economy Apps like AirBnB, Uber, Instacart, DoorDash. And Yoodlize is the latest access economy App that lets you rent out almost anything you own, from power tools, to skis, furniture, garden equipment, you name it. How does a start up with national ambitions raise capital in a crowded and highly competitive Venture Capital market ?
S24 E12 · Sat, December 09, 2023
Henry Kissinger and China: One man's legacy. Talking with Professor Mark Storella of Boston University
Henry Kissinger died on November 29th at the age of 100. As National Security Adviser and Secretary of State for Presidents Nixon and Ford, he was one of the most consequential Secretaries of State of the 20th Century. But his work to engage China and forge a bilateral relationship with the United States is still producing results today.
S24 E11 · Tue, December 05, 2023
The Three Ages of Water: Prehistoric Past, Imperiled Present and Hope for the Future. Talking with author, Dr. Peter Gleick
Our conversation about the role of water in the human experience is timely, given COP 28 is underway in Dubai. It is the UN Climate Change Conference that runs from November 30 to December 12.
S24 E10 · Wed, November 29, 2023
Was China behind Sam Altman's ousting - Tech may not be interested in Geopolitics, but Geopolitics is interested in Tech. Talking with Dr. Pippa Malmgren.
The debacle over Sam Altman's firing and quick re-hiring at OpenAI underscores the fact that AI technology and the vast resources needed to fund it knows no borders. Will English be the dominant language of AI models or will it be Chinese or Arabic ?
S24 E9 · Mon, November 27, 2023
Sparks: China's Underground Historians and their battle for the future. Talking with Pulitzer Prize winning author Ian Johnson.
China's modern history has been whitewashed by the CCP to conform with the approved narrative. But a brave group of writers, filmmakers and chroniclers are using digital technology to document an accurate history of China and to spread the word.
S24 E8 · Thu, November 23, 2023
India as it is: Talking with author Daniel Markey, Senior Advisor on South Asia, at the United States Institute of Peace.
Daniel Markey discusses his recent article in "Foreign Affairs" about India and the US' growing strategic relationship.
S24 E7 · Tue, November 21, 2023
Does China's CCP see the US as an existential threat ? Talking with Matt Turpin, visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Has a Cold War between China and the US already begun ? And if so, how will we manage the relationship ?
S24 E6 · Sat, November 18, 2023
APEC 2023 Conference Day 6 and 7.
The APEC Economic Leaders Week culminated in a series of events that were both policy focused and social in nature. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework was showcased.
S23 E5 · Thu, November 16, 2023
APEC 2023 Conference Day 5. Presidents Biden and Xi meet on the sidelines of the APEC Conference.
The two Presidents met at a mansion 26 miles South of San Francisco, away from the congestion and bustle of downtown San Francisco. Their meeting lasted four hours and both leaders re-iterated the importance of the bilateral relationship between America and China.
S24 E4 · Wed, November 15, 2023
APEC 2023 Conference. Day 4.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai convene the Foreign Ministers of APEC.
S24 E3 · Tue, November 14, 2023
APEC 2023 Conference, Day 3
Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen's press conference, after having met with the APEC Finance Ministers. The press conference lasted about 22 minutes and she answered five questions from Bloomberg News, The Wall Street Journal and Reuters among other outlets.
S24 E2 · Mon, November 13, 2023
APEC 2023 - Day 2.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hosted a series of bilateral meetings on Sunday with APEC member Finance Ministers with a view to continue to align key policies. She emphasized three finance track themes: 1) the responsible development of digital assets; 2) support for effective energy transitions; 3) sustainable finance.
S24 E1 · Sun, November 12, 2023
The APEC 2023 Conference: Opening Day.
The San Francisco Experience Podcast will feature brief daily summaries of Conference proceedings through November 17, 2023.
S23 E20 · Sat, November 11, 2023
Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative. Talking with Professor Emeritus, Jerry Porras.
The SLEI program is open to Latino owned businesses that are generating $1million in annual sales and provides the tools to scale up operations. There are three pillars of the program, research, scaling and ecosystem. Dr. Porras has over 50 years of experience with the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is also the co-author of the best seller, "Built to Last".
S23 E19 · Fri, November 10, 2023
The Gun, the Ship and the Pen: warfare, constitutions and the making of the modern world. Talking with author, Professor Dame Linda Colley
From 1750 to 1918, there was an explosion of constitutional theory and adoption of written constitutions throughout the world, often in the wake of wars. A constitution was a sign of modernity and often served to mend a fractured nation. As civil society grew and literacy increased a constitution served as a binding promise between rulers and governed, primarily men.
S23 E18 · Thu, November 09, 2023
PM Rishi Sunak Convenes a Global AI Safety Summit. Talking with Simon Greenman, Partner at Best Practice AI
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak convened a global meeting about regulating AI Safety at Bletchley Park, the iconic stately home North of London where Alan Turing led a team that cracked the German Enigma Code. 29 countries including China attended. What was accomplished ? The US, EU and China have already created their own regulatory regimes. So what was Sunak's end game ?
S23 E17 · Thu, November 02, 2023
Enterprise China: Adopting a competitive strategy for business success. Talking with co-author, Professor of Global Management. Allen Morrison.
Xi Jinping has put politics before business in China, making it more difficult for Chinese and expat managers to run businesses in the Middle Kingdom. How will the two leaders, Biden and Xi Jinping face off at the APEC 2023 conference in San Francisco ?
S23 E16 · Wed, November 01, 2023
Ocean Global Race. Neptune arrives in Cape Town South Africa. Talking with Skipper Tann Raffray and Amy Bridge.
The Ocean Global Race is a 27,000 mile 'round the world race from Southampton, Cape Town, Auckland, Punta del Este, Southampton. 14 ocean going sail boats from 8 countries are participating. Neptune has an additional mission : to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease. One of the crew has Parkinson's but he joined the 10 person crew to fulfil a lifetime dream to sail around the world.
S23 E15 · Thu, October 26, 2023
Discovering Alien Life in the Universe. Talking with Professor Nikku Madhusudhan
Deploying the James Webb Space Telescope, Madhu and his team at Cambridge University have discovered the first hints of DMS on an exoplanet 120 light years distant from Earth. On Earth, only living organisms produce DMS. More research is necessary to confirm the presence of DMS on exoplanet K2-18b, but the first hints of such are a breakthrough in itself.
S23 E14 · Wed, October 25, 2023
Don't Cry for me Argentina. The Presidential Runoff: Massa versus Milei. Talking with Professor Laura Gomez Mera.
The second and decisive round of Argentina's presidential contest takes place November 19. And the choice is - a left wing populist who presided over a 138% inflation rate, Sergio Massa, or a self styled Libertarian who describes himself as an anarcho-capitalist, Javier Milei.
S23 E13 · Fri, October 20, 2023
Daniel Noboa: Ecuador's newly elected, 35 year old President. Talking with Sebastian Hurtado.
Daniel Noboa, a member of Congress and a business heir, won the second round of Ecuador's presidential election with 52% of the vote, defeating leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez who garnered 48% of the vote. She was endorsed by former President Rafael Correa who lives in Belgium.
S23 E12 · Thu, October 19, 2023
The 5 Eye Intelligence Chiefs meet in Silicon Valley to combat Chinese tech espionage. Talking with Dexter Roberts.
The intelligence chiefs of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US had a public meeting at Stanford University on Tuesday to warn Silicon Valley and the global tech community, that China has mounted an unprecedented campaign to steal cutting edge technology from the West, before the door of sanctions and regulations slams shut.
S23 E11 · Tue, October 17, 2023
Weight Loss Drugs: Are they a cure all ? Talking with pediatric endocrinologist, Robert Lustig.
Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are being trumpeted as a cure for obesity. While they are proven to induce weight loss, the underlying issues that cause obesity - ultra processed food - are largely unaddressed. Metabolical is Rob Lustig's latest book on the topic
S23 E11 · Sun, October 15, 2023
Australia's Voice to Parliament Referendum. Talking with Professor Chris Wallace, University of Canberra
On October 14th, 2023, The Voice to Parliament Referendum which would have given Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders a body to advise Parliament, was defeated 60% to 40%. Professor Chris Wallace analyses what went wrong and the impact the defeat will have on Australian politics and race relations.
S23 E10 · Fri, October 13, 2023
Elon Musk's $13 billion debt bomb versus Wall Street. The state of play with the Banks. Talking with William D. Cohan of PUCK News.
Elon Musk's X/Twitter owes a syndicate of 7 banks $13 billion, $10 billion of which is secured by Twitter assets and $3 billion is unsecured. All $13 billion is non-recourse debt. In other words, Musk does not guarantee it. All quarterly interest payments have been paid, even as X's EBITDA has plummeted. The Banks are eager to sell the debt but who will buy it and at what price ?
S23 E9 · Tue, October 10, 2023
The State is everything. Talking with noted strategist and geopolitical expert Alp Sevimlisoy
What is the State ? How has it evolved ? Is it different from nationhood ? And what about failed states ? As Louis XIV said "L'Etat c'est moi."
S23 E8 · Mon, October 09, 2023
Covid 19 and Masks: Are they effective ? Talking with Dr. Katrine Wallace, noted epidemiologist at the University of Illinois, Chicago
As Covid 19 becomes a seasonal illness, a new booster shot is being rolled out alongside the flu shot as an annual update to increase our defenses. But masking skepticism and medical misinformation still deter many people from taking the precautionary shot.
S23 E7 · Thu, October 05, 2023
Alfred Hitchcock and the Censors. Talking with author John Billheimer.
Movie Codes were introduced in the UK and the US in the 1920s and 30s. The US model focused on sex and violence while the UK monitored class divisions and other social issues. Alfred Hitchcock successfully navigated both Codes first in the UK where he began his film career and then in the US.
S23 E6 · Thu, October 05, 2023
Talking with Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chairwoman of the EXIM Bank of the United States.
Exim Bank is playing a growing role in financing the export drive of US small business. In California alone, they have 650 exporter clients who ship overseas, product worth $14 billion.
S23 E5 · Wed, October 04, 2023
Senator Laphonza Butler, California's new junior Senator. Talking with David McCuan, Professor and Chair of Political Science, Sonoma State University
Governor Newsom, in the wake of the death of Senator Dianne Feinstein, has appointed Laphonza Butler to serve out the remaining 15 months of her term. A labor activist, political consultant and a lesbian, Senator Butler's appointment is historic. Will she run for a full term in 2024 ?
S23 E4 · Mon, October 02, 2023
The Communist Party of China and the Chinese Military: How they work together. Talking with James Char, Research Fellow at RSiS.
The Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese Military have a unique relationship among developed nations. James Char explains how the two work closely together.
S23 E3 · Fri, September 29, 2023
Senator Dianne Feinstein: A San Francisco Legend. Talking with Jason McDaniel, Professor of Political Science, San Francisco State University.
California's senior Senator Dianne Feinstein passed away September 28, 2023. Her life and legacy are unique and reflective of the San Francisco values she embodied.
S23 E1 · Fri, September 29, 2023
Human Skin Color is the Product of Evolution. In conversation with Professor Nina Jablonski.
Professor Jablonski is a biological anthropologist at Penn State University. She has done extensive research in the fields of the evolution of skin and skin color.
S23 E2 · Thu, September 28, 2023
Overreach. How China derailed its' peaceful rise. In conversation with Professor Susan L. Shirk
Since the mid 2000s, China has taken a more aggressive stance on the world stage and towards the United States in particular. President Xi Jin Ping reformed the constitution, got rid of term limits and is effectively President for Life. He has rejected collective rule of his predecessors and has concentrated power in his office, much like Mao Zedong. Where will these changes lead China and America ?
S22 E20 · Fri, September 22, 2023
Barbie: The Motion Picture, Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Barbie, the Summer blockbuster which has already grossed $1.34 billion worldwide, is a unique film that caught the public's attention at a unique moment in time. It has become a cultural phenomenon and stirred debate.
S22 E19 · Thu, September 21, 2023
The Putin Kim Summit: What were the results ? Talking with Seong Hyeon Choi of the South China Morning Post.
Is Russia so desperate for old Soviet era shells and ammunition still made by North Korea and interoperable with Russian armaments, that they would trade their advanced high tech weapons with Kim ? And what does China - North Korea's largest donor - make of this unlikely alliance ?
S22 E18 · Tue, September 19, 2023
Imperial San Francisco: Urban Power, Earthly Ruin. Talking with author Gray Brechin.
San Francisco's great wealth creation in the 19th and 20th centuries as well as the emergence of dynastic family elites largely developed as a result of exploitation of nearby natural resources. But most great cities have followed a similar path. And today's Silicon Valley fortunes are little different in that respect, but substitute the mining of academic excellence for natural resources.
S22 E17 · Thu, September 14, 2023
When the Sound hits the Walls: The Hyde Street Studios and the San Francisco Sound. Talking with Producer John Montoya
Award winning film maker, John Montoya discusses the 10 part docuseries entitled When the Sound hits the Walls which he is producing . It will feature the Hyde Street Studios, where Rock and Roll Greats like Herbie Hancock, the Headhunters, Creedence Clearwater, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills and Nash and Jefferson Airplane produced iconic hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
S22 E16 · Wed, September 13, 2023
Shattered Nation: Inequality and the Geography of a Failing State. Talking with author, Professor Danny Dorling, Oxford University
Shattered Nation, written by Oxford Professor Danny Dorling, demonstrates how the United Kingdom has been fundamentally damaged by 40 years of neoliberal policies of successive Conservative and Labour governments. Inequality is on the rise while life expectancy is declining and infant mortality is on the upswing. What has caused the reversal in social progress in the UK and how can it be turned around ?
S22 E15 · Wed, September 06, 2023
Friends with Benefits: The India - US Story. In conversation with author Seema Sirohi.
The India and US relationship is growing in importance and per Prime Minister Modi and President Biden will be the defining global relationship of the 21st Century. And the 4 million Indian American community serves as a cornerstone of the growing trade, academic, business, finance and cultural links between the two countries.
S22 E14 · Tue, September 05, 2023
Sweden, Turkey and NATO: Where do we stand ? Talking with Paul Levin, Professor at Stockholm University.
Sweden's path to NATO membership has been made more arduous by Turkey, itself a NATO member. Despite Turkish President Erdogan's agreement at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Swedish concessions, the process drags on. Turkey's Parliament reconvenes on October 1, 2023 to consider the issue. Professor Paul Levin of the Stockholm University Institute of Turkish Studies (SUITS), walks us through the history.
S22 E13 · Sun, September 03, 2023
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's mission to China. Talking with Dexter Roberts of the University of Montana.
Gina Raimondo spent four days in Beijing and Shanghai discussing the US' position on tariffs, investment and export controls. And making it clear to her hosts that US National Security concerns will play an important role in our $700 billion trade relationship.
S22 E12 · Mon, August 28, 2023
CFIUS: How the US monitors foreign investments in sensitive industries, Talking with Professor Sarah Bauerle Danzman.
The US is taking a closer look at restricting the export of sensitive dual use technology to China through CFIUS and the recent Executive Order of President Biden. Putting the brakes on globalization.
S22 E11 · Thu, August 24, 2023
David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs - Is he on the way out ? Talking with William D. Cohan of PUCK News.
Goldman's CEO has had a rough few months: second quarter earnings were down 58%. And his strategic push into consumer finance has stalled. Pre-eminent financial journalist William D. Cohan who profiled David Solomon for Vanity Fair shares his impressions.
S22 E10 · Wed, August 23, 2023
Reducing Russia's Nuclear Threat in the Baltic Region. Talking with Dr. Marion Messmer of Chatham House.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has rattled his nuclear saber. But Russia is not at existential risk and its' security concerns are of its' own making. Why has he introduced the use of nuclear weapons into his confrontation with Ukraine and its' erstwhile supporters in NATO ?
S22 E9 · Thu, August 17, 2023
The Shadow Docket. In conversation with author, Professor Stephen Vladeck, University of Texas at Austin, School of Law.
The Emergency Docket of the US Supreme Court was a rarely used way to seek the intervention of the Court. But during the Trump Administration and more recently the Biden Administration it has become more widely used. It is now called the Shadow Docket. Professor Vladeck walks us through his book explaining the implications.
S22 E8 · Wed, August 16, 2023
The growth of the Artificial Intelligence Industry in the San Francisco/Silicon Valley Bay Area. In conversation with Dr. Sean Randolph, Senior Director of the Bay Area Council.
11 of the top 16 AI companies in the world - Nvidia, ChatGPT, OpenAI - are located in the Bay Area. And new venture capital investment and talent is flocking to the area. But how will regulation impact the development of the industry.
S22 E7 · Fri, August 11, 2023
ESG scorecard dropped by Standard and Poors. Talking with Professor Tom Lyon, Dow Chair of Sustainable Science, Technology and Commerce, University of Michigan.
Environmental, Social and Governance(ESG) as an investment framework has been in the news through 2023. Is ESG under threat because of its' political profile ?
S22 E6 · Wed, August 09, 2023
California's High Number of Alzheimers Cases: In conversation with Dr. Kumar Rajan, Professor, Rush University Medical Center.
California has the largest number of Alzheimers cases of all 50 states according to a recent study from Rush Medical College in Chicago. Several counties - MiamiDade in Florida, Baltimore, Maryland and Bronx, New York - showed higher concentrations of the disease than expected. What factors contribute to Alzheimers and what lessons can we learn from this nationwide study ?
S22 E6 · Tue, August 08, 2023
The Ocean Globe Race: Talking with Tan Raffray and Amy Bridge.
The Ocean Globe Race is the successor to the Whitbread Round the World Race and 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Whitbread. Starting from Southampton in September the 7 month race will have three ports of call: Cape Town, South Africa, Auckland, New Zealand and Punta del Este, Uruguay. Tan Raffray will skipper the French entrant ,the Neptune, one of 14, representing 8 countries. One of his 10 person crew Bertrand, a seasoned sailor, has Parkinsons - an added challenge that will give inspiration to those living with the condition. Amy Bridge will be supporting the efforts of The Neptune, the 60 foot ocean going sailboat from California.
S22 E5 · Fri, August 04, 2023
Oppenheimer: In conversation with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
An intense and gripping film about the Father of the Atom Bomb, who led the Manhattan Project in World War II, Robert Oppenheimer.
S22 E3 · Tue, August 01, 2023
The Anthropocene Epoch: Humanity's impact on the Earth. In conversation with Colin Waters, Chair of the Anthropocene Working Group.
The Anthropocene is a new geological epoch that began in the 1950s when humans started altering the planet with various forms of industrial and radioactive material. The International Geological Congress will meet in Korea in 2024 to consider the Anthropocene designation.
S22 E4 · Thu, July 27, 2023
Centers of Progress: 40 cities that changed the World. Talking to Chelsea Follett of the Cato Institute
In her new book, Chelsea Follett, Managing Editor of Human Progress.org recounts 40 cities from antiquity to modern day where epoch making innovations were created that changed the path of human development for the better. It seems that once our hunter gatherer ancestors settled in communities, they unleashed unparalleled creativity, innovation and productivity.
S21 E20 · Mon, July 24, 2023
The Titan Submersible: An accident waiting to happen. Talking with Professor Stefan Williams, University of Sydney.
Our guest today specializes in marine engineering and is the head of the Australian Center for Field Robotics. He was a frequent commentator for international media during the search for the Titan submersible during the four days of late June.
S22 E2 · Fri, July 21, 2023
Shadow of a Doubt: Talking with Shaun Chang of The Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Shadow of a Doubt was reportedly Alfred Hitchcock's favorite film of the many he made. Set in Santa Rosa, California, it tells the tale of an errant uncle with a big secret to hide who comes to stay with his sister's family. But his cover is blown when his niece suspects he is a serial killer and then she herself is threatened by her uncle.
S22 E1 · Thu, July 20, 2023
Artificial Intelligence: Where does an investor begin ? Talking with Simon Greenman, Co-founder and Partner with Best Practice AI.
Without a doubt, AI has become an important investment theme in 2023. How can investors participate in this latest wave of technological innovation ? Simon brings his experience and insights in the field of AI to the conversation.
S21 E19 · Thu, July 13, 2023
AI and Cardiovascular Medicine. In conversation with Professor, Dr. Collin Stultz
How AI is changing the manner in which cardiovascular illness is diagnosed. And the future is unfolding before us with new predictive analytics, remote monitoring and precision medicine. Dr. Stultz is both a Ph.D. in Computer Science as well as a Cardiologist and brings both fields of practice together in a unique fashion.
S21 E18 · Wed, July 12, 2023
AI and the future of Education: The Promise and Pitfalls. Talking with Ittai Shiu, UC Berkeley Extension Instructor.
Artificial Intelligence is being integrated into curriculums and the upcoming academic year will be the first full school year since Chat GPT, the generative AI chatbot burst on the scene in early 2023. All educators from Universities, to high schools and elementary schools are working to fit the new technology into teaching practices.
S21 E17 · Wed, July 05, 2023
DeRisking China: Is America's 50 year love affair with investing in China over ? Talking with Jeremy Mark, Senior Non Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council.
Are America and its' allies stepping back from engagement with the Chinese juggernaut ? Derisking or Decoupling from the world's second largest economy.
S21 E15 · Mon, July 03, 2023
Fentalife ads focus on San Francisco's failed approach to drugs. Talking to Kanishka Cheng, CEO of Together SF.
Fentalife is an ad campaign that uses sarcasm and parody to spotlight the squalor of SF's open air drug markets. Together SF is working to bring about change.
S21 E16 · Fri, June 30, 2023
The Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action. In conversation with Luke Boso, Associate Professor of Constitutional Law, at the University of San Francisco, School of Law.
The US Supreme Court released two decisions on June 29, 2023 which will have a profound effect on Affirmative Action. Luke Boso, a constitutional specialist, analyses the rulings.
S21 E14 · Wed, June 28, 2023
Captain of Her Soul : The Life of Marion Davies. Talking with author Lara Gabrielle.
Marion Davies was a Hollywood star of the 1920s and 1930s. She was also the life partner of press baron William Randolph Hearst. Author Lara Gabrielle has written a fascinating life story based on meticulous first hand research.
S21 E13 · Wed, June 28, 2023
Prime Minister Modi's trip to Washington: A game changer or business as usual ? Talking to Seema Sirohi columnist for The Economic Times, India's leading business daily.
Prime Minister Modi's three day state visit to Washington was a whirlwind of meetings with President Biden. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan described it as a "Hinge moment in Geopolitics." Was it ?
S21 E12 · Fri, June 23, 2023
The Struggle for the people's King: How politics transforms the memory of the Civil Rights Movement. Talking with Dr. Hajar Yazdiha
Over the last 40 years, different political groups have sought to politically appropriate the mantle of legitimacy of the Civil Rights Movement. What effect does that have on our collective memory ?
S21 E11 · Thu, June 22, 2023
The World is becoming better off and more equal. Talking with Chelsea Follett of the Cato Institute.
By every measure, equality and prosperity are transforming countries like India, China, Indonesia, Brazil and Nigeria. Yet The New York Times and other influential opinion influencers seem frozen in time, ignoring the rise of global equality by constantly showcasing inequality. The Cato Institute has developed a new global equality index using eight criteria that demonstrates how equality is spreading throughout the world to better inform the public and policymakers.
S21 E10 · Fri, June 16, 2023
The Birds' 60th Anniversary. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Alfred Hitchcock's horror film classic, "The Birds" was released in March 1963. Filmed on location in San Francisco and Sonoma County - Bodega Bay, Bodega and Valley Ford - it launched the movie career of Tippi Hedren. It is as scary today as it was 60 years ago. But there are also some strong performances by stars Rod Taylor, Suzanne Pleshette and Jessice Tandy.
S21 E9 · Tue, June 13, 2023
The Siberia Job: In conversation with John Kleinheinz
When Russia privatized the 45,000 state owned companies after the fall of Communism, every man, woman and child in Russia was given a Privatization Voucher. The Siberia Job is a fictionalized account of the efforts of a young American fund manager who participated in the introduction of free market enterprise in the former USSR as an investor.
S21 E8 · Sat, June 10, 2023
Quantum Entanglement is not that Spooky after all. Talking with author, Professor Chris Ferrie.
Chris' recent article in Scientific American highlights the role that the Principle of Entanglement , the research of which earned Physicists Aspect, Clauser and Zeillinger the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2022, in the development of Quantum computers.
S21 E7 · Wed, June 07, 2023
Finntopia: What we can learn from the World's happiest country ? Talking with author, Professor Danny Dorling.
Finland has ranked #1 in the World's Happiest Country listing for the sixth year in a row. How did this small Nordic country of 5 million, which 100 years ago was the poorest country in Europe and bullied by Russia for much of the 20th Century, become the happiest place in the world ? Oxford University Professor Danny Dorling breaks down the statistics and the reasons may surprise you.
S21 E6 · Fri, June 02, 2023
Pakistan: Origins, Identity and Future. In conversation with Professor Pervez Hoodbhoy
In this sweeping amalgam of history, politics, philosophy and culture, Professor Hoodbhoy gives us a detailed profile of Pakistan. Perceptive insights about this strategic nation that straddles the Middle East and Central Asia.
S21 E5 · Wed, May 31, 2023
Becoming the Ex-Wife: The Unconventional Life and Forgotten Writings of Ursula Parrott. Talking with author, Professor Marsha Gordon.
Ursula Parrott was a very successful author from 1929 to the late 1940s. A member of the Lost Generation, her body of work consists of 130 novels, short stories and magazine articles that recounted the lives of young women navigating the post WWI world of women's equality. Largely forgotten since the 1950s, Marsha Gordon is re-introducing Parrott's work to the reading public.
Mon, May 29, 2023
Memorial Day: What it means to me.
What do we celebrate on Memorial Day ?
S21 E3 · Fri, May 26, 2023
Del Seymour founder of Code Tenderloin talks to Jim Herlihy
Del Seymour, the founder of Code Tenderloin, shares his personal journey from addiction to recovery on the streets of the Tenderloin.
S21 E2 · Thu, May 25, 2023
Who killed Jerusalem ? Talking with author George Albert Brown
San Francisco in the 1970s was dominated by larger than life characters like Jim Jones of the Peoples' Temple, Patty Hearst the heiress turned terrorist, the Zodiac killer, Harvey Milk, George Moscone and Dan White. Author George Albert Brown evokes those heady times with equally colorful characters in "Who killed Jerusalem", in this whodunit with a literary homage to 18th Century English poet William Blake set against the backdrop of San Francisco.
S21 E1 · Thu, May 18, 2023
Airport 1975 : Talking to Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Arthur Hailey's 1968 novel Airport was turned into the successful 1970 film Airport. And through the 1970s a series of other Airport films were produced inspired by the popular Disaster genre. Shaun Chang discusses the genre, the cast and the backstory of Airport 1975.
S20 E17 · Wed, May 17, 2023
A conversation about Prevention, Intervention and Harm Reduction: a crisis in San Francisco, with Leandro Gonzales.
Prevention, Intervention and Harm Reduction in the face of a Fentanyl crisis in San Francisco.
S20 E20 · Tue, May 16, 2023
The Turkish Elections: the State Continuity Doctrine. Talking with noted geopolitical strategist Alp Sevimlisoy.
Turkey is headed for an historic presidential runoff election on Sunday May 28, 2023 with incumbent Erdogan facing challenger Kilicdaroglu. Alp Sevimlisoy outlines what is at stake for the Turkish Republic and its people.
S20 E19 · Thu, May 11, 2023
Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Investing under scrutiny. Where do investors stand ? Talking with Andy Poreda of Sage Advisory.
ESG investment considerations for the last ten years have had a growing influence on the asset management industry. But of late, they have generated controversy and some states have even enacted anti ESG legislation. What is at play in this debate that impacts every investor and publicly traded company, why is it important and how will your investments and 401K be impacted ?
S20 E18 · Wed, May 10, 2023
Everyday War: talking with author Greta Uehling.
What goes through the minds of non-combatant civilians when war comes to their doorstep as in Ukraine ? Greta Uehling looks at war from the inside perspective of non-combatants and how they rise to heights of bravery in what she terms the dialectic between violent conflict and the ethics of care.
S20 E16 · Thu, May 04, 2023
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: What is the difference ? Talking with Aleksander Madry, Cadence Design Systems Professor of Computing at MIT.
Professor Madry recounts the rapid integration of AI and Machine Learning into the US Economy and the fundamental impact it will have on our way of life. Every aspect of life - Business, Healthcare, Academia and Government will be profoundly transformed and adoption is already under way.
S20 E15 · Wed, May 03, 2023
The Myth of Chinese Capitalism: The Worker, The Factory, and the Future of the World. Talking with author Dexter Tiff Roberts
Dexter Roberts worked as a journalist for Bloomberg Businessweek in their Beijing bureau for over 20 years. He brings a unique perspective and is able to draw back the curtain on the Chinese economy, in particular the growing wealth gap between wealthy urban middle classes and impoverished rural dwellers. The 300 million migrant workers who were drawn to factory jobs in coastal cities are often left in a no man's land of uncertainty because of Hukou registration tying them to their poor, native rural villages for social benefits.
S20 E14 · Wed, April 26, 2023
Cooperation: A political, economic and social theory. Talking with author, Professor Bernard E. Harcourt
Professor Harcourt outlines a theory based on cooperative initiatives called Cooperism. This is a political theory grounded in the recognition of our interdependence. It draws on existing cooperative practices common in Western society and is especially timely given the polarization in our political system today.
S20 E13 · Mon, April 24, 2023
Peking to Paris: The ultimate motoring challenge. Talking to Jim Gately.
The Peking to Paris motor race began in 1907 as a long distance endurance motor rally and was revived in 1997. For 36 days covering 8,500 miles, across 11 countries, and 8 time zones, 100 plus competitors raced their classic and collectible cars across Asia and Europe in June 2019. Jim Gately relates his epic journey in his 1937, 4 door, Cadillac convertible.
S20 E12 · Fri, April 21, 2023
Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Turner Classic Movies hosts an annual four day film festival in Hollywood featuring a selection of top classic films as well as panel discussions with stars and industry leaders. Shaun attended the 14th Festival last weekend and shares his first hand impressions of the extravaganza.
S20 E11 · Wed, April 19, 2023
The Pawn. Superheroes in Popular Culture - Looking for Diversity. Talking with author Mark Sneed
Mark Sneed talks about the lack of diversity among popular superheroes and in his latest book The Pawn, he creates one. He explores how the protagonist Ren Armitage begins to recognize that he possesses unusual powers of strength and popularity. It's a tale that draws the reader in, wanting more.
S20 E10 · Thu, April 13, 2023
The Rage of Innocence: How America criminalizes Black Youth. Talking with author, Professor Kristin Henning.
Every adolescent has a right to experiment and make mistakes on the path to adulthood. Unfortunately, our Juvenile Justice System is more likely to treat black kids more harshly than whites and is quicker to criminalize. And Police in schools may have become counter productive. Professor Henning details the disparities but ends on an upbeat note of reforms.
S20 E9 · Mon, April 10, 2023
The Black Sea Strategic Triangle: Talking with Rich Outzen of the Atlantic Council.
In today's episode Rich Outzen reviews Turkey's support for Ukraine in the first year of its' war with Russia while maintaining a delicate balance of diplomatic and commercial ties with Russia. He also discusses the outlook for Turkey's Ukraine policy in light of the May presidential and parliamentary elections.
S20 E8 · Thu, April 06, 2023
Carnaval : Celebrating San Francisco's diverse Hispanic Heritage through Music and Dance. Talking to Rodrigo Ehecatl Duran.
Rodrigo Ehecatl Duran Executive Director of Carnaval San Francisco 2023 talks about the 45th two day extravaganza of live music and dance culminating with a parade down Mission Street, May 27 and 28. With headliner bands from Colombia and Cuba, dozens of other performers, artists and culinary experts will appear in a 17 block area of San Francisco's historic Mission District, Saturday and Sunday May 27 and 28 to celebrate Hispanic culture.
S20 E7 · Tue, April 04, 2023
Suppressed: Confessions of a former New York Times Washington Correspondent. Talking with author Robert M. Smith.
Bob Smith covered the White House for the New York Times during the Nixon Administration. Acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray gave him an early scoop on the Watergate scandal, before Woodward and Bernstein began publishing their revelations in the Washington Post. But inexplicably, the Times failed to publish the story. He also contrasts the NYT coverage of President Nixon and President Trump.
S20 E6 · Sat, April 01, 2023
The Political Consequences of Donald Trump's Indictment. Talking with Professor David McCuan, Chair of Political Science at Sonoma State University.
Donald Trump's unorthodox political career will mark a new precedent next Tuesday when the former President is arraigned in a Manhattan courtroom on charges of paying and covering up hush money payments to a porn star. The sealed indictment will be opened so we will know the full scope of the charges against him. David McCuan brings his signature insight and analysis to this latest chapter in Trump's political fortunes as the 2024 campaign begins.
S20 E5 · Sat, April 01, 2023
The Indictment of Donald Trump. Talking with Matt Bennett, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, at Third Way
Donald Trump's indictment by the Manhattan DA regarding the payment and cover up of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels is an unprecedented development for a sitting or former President. He will turn himself in on Tuesday in New York, and the sealed indictment may be opened at that time. Matt Bennett walks us through the legal process and the impact on Campaign 2024.
S20 E4 · Thu, March 30, 2023
We need to think critically. Talking with Helen Lee Bouygues, Founder and CEO of the Reboot Foundation.
The majority of Americans get their news from social media sites like Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook rather than dedicated news sites like the BBC, The New York Times, Bloomberg. Often social media substitutes opinion for factual news. Our ability to seek out reliable information, analyze and critique it is essential to know what is happening in our world. Youngsters are especially at risk and there is a move to regulate their use of social media the same as we do for tobacco and alcohol, given its' similar addictive qualities.
S20 E3 · Fri, March 24, 2023
Tik Tok in the Dock: Shou Chew's Car Crash Congressional Hearing
By any standard, the CEO of Tik Tok, Shou Chew did little to shore up the credibility of the social media giant or his own image during the Congressional hearing. When the hearing was over Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy said he would consider a ban on Tik Tok. It was a very bad day for the 40 year old millennial executive.
S20 E2 · Thu, March 23, 2023
Money in Politics needs a watchdog: The Federal Election Commission. Talking with former Chair Ann Ravel.
In addition to having served as Chair of the Federal Election Commission and California's Fair Political Practices Commission, Ann has also served as an International Election Observer in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Puerto Rico. Committed to the democratic process at home and abroad.
S20 E1 · Wed, March 22, 2023
Guaranteeing Bank Deposits: Talking with Professor Anat Admati of the Stanford Graduate School of Business
On March 10, 2023 Silicon Valley Bank collapsed . More than 90% of its' deposits exceeded the FDIC limit of $250,000 but the regulators acted quickly to assure the financial markets by extending the guarantee to all of SVB's deposits. Professor Admati dissects the SVB debacle - it is a cautionary tale. She also discusses her 2013 book The Bankers' New Clothes and the 2023 update to be published in the Fall of 2023.
S19 E20 · Tue, March 21, 2023
Global Banking Turmoil and the Illusion of Control. Talking with Jon Danielsson, Professor of Finance at the London School of Economics and Director of the Systemic Risk Center.
Professor Danielsson discusses global banking turmoil and the role of Risk Management in banks. His new book, Illusion of Control, takes a fresh look at managing risk. Diversification of banks' business models should provide shock absorbers to financial markets, helping to lessen the impact of bank failures on the economy.
S19 E19 · Fri, March 17, 2023
Irene Tsu, star of stage, film and TV. In conversation with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Irene recounts working with Elvis Presley, Jimmy Stewart, John Ford, John Wayne, Jeff Bridges and Doris Day. For two years, she dated Frank Sinatra. With 80 credits to her name she has been a presence in the entertainment world since the 1960s.
S19 E18 · Tue, March 14, 2023
Oscars 2023: Talking with Shaun Chang of The Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
The 95th Oscar Award Show was held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Everything, Everywhere All at Once swept the awards as expected. Shaun gives a frank review of the film and its' stars.
S19 E17 · Mon, March 13, 2023
Can Americans travel to Cuba ? Talking with Citizen Diplomat Bill Boerum
Though the United States and Cuba enjoy diplomatic relations, the US bans general tourism to the island. To travel to Cuba the purpose of the trip must fall into one of twelve generally humanitarian categories. Bill relates the rules and regulations for compliant US travel to Cuba and his impressions of the country and its' people while on a recent visit.
S19 E16 · Sun, March 12, 2023
Silicon Valley Bank Implodes: Talking with Alexander Yokum, with CFRA Research
Silicon Valley Bank, the 16th largest bank in the US, collapsed on Friday and its assets were transferred to the FDIC. Market fears for contagion are of concern, since 95% of SVB's deposits exceeded the $250,000 limit. Will a large bank acquire the remains of SVB to keep all depositors whole ? And what about the ripple effects on the tech economy which is already contracting ?
S19 E15 · Thu, March 09, 2023
The Aftermath: The last days of the Baby Boom and the future of power in America. In conversation with author Philp Bump
The 76 million Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 are retiring and putting pressure on Social Security and housing values. But the Millennials an equally large generation born between 1981 and 1996, have other social, economic and political priorities. Is generational tension likely to play out to the benefit of one or both generations ?
Sun, March 05, 2023
American Midnight: The Great War, a Violent Peace and Democracy's Forgotten Crisis. Talking with author Adam Hochschild.
Author of eleven books, Adam Hochschild discusses the 1917 to 1921 period a tumultuous but little studied period in US history spanning our involvement in WWI. The war plays out against a backdrop of social upheaval at home: Labor versus Capital, Nativists versus Immigrants and Black versus White.
S19 E13 · Tue, February 28, 2023
The 92nd All Black Division of the US Army in WWII: Remembering my uncle, Bill Perry. In conversation with Jonathan Speed.
As Black History Month draws to a close, Jonathan Speed profiles the highly decorated 92nd All Black Division, in which his uncle, Bill Perry served with distinction. The 92nd earned more than 12,000 decorations and citations, as well as two Medals of Honor - America's highest award for for military valor in action.
S19 E12 · Mon, February 27, 2023
Philanthropy at Work: Talking with Mark Lees and Chris Septer.
Philanthropy plays an outsize role in animal welfare. The EE Mori Foundation and the South Florida SPCA are collaborating to assist in the care of larger mammals like horses, cows and other animals who are abandoned and overlooked. Mark Lees the Vice President of the EE Mori Foundation and Chris Septer the Executive Director of the South Florida SPCA discuss philanthropy for larger mammals.
S19 E11 · Thu, February 23, 2023
Salesforce and the Future. Talking with Brody Ford of Bloomberg News.
Salesforce has been one of Silicon Valley's big success stories. But in 2022 the company's fortunes suffered a setback resulting in 8000 layoffs and five shareholder activist groups demanding change. While the company is profitable and counts Walmart and Amazon among its biggest customers, change is coming. Will CEO and founder Marc Benioff lead the company to continued growth and profitability ? 2023 will be a critical year for the company.
S19 E10 · Wed, February 22, 2023
Unstoppable Trends and your Investment Portfolio. Talking with Chris Watling, CEO and Founder of Longview Economics Ltd.
2022 saw trends like Energy Security, US China Rivalry, emergence of a Global Authoritarian block and Deepening Digitization dominate global markets. Chris Watling, founder of Longview Economics puts emerging global trends in perspective for investors, avoiding pitfalls to enhance investment returns.
S19 E9 · Wed, February 22, 2023
The Wounded World. In conversation with author Professor Chad L. Williams
W.E.B. Du Bois and the African American Experience in the First World War is the subject of the book. 380,000 African Americans served in the War and their experience both on the battlefield in France and when they returned home was a seminal moment for American Society in the 20th Century. The after effects are still reverberating to this day. Historian Chad L. Williams walks us through this little studied chapter in American history.
S19 E8 · Mon, February 20, 2023
Raquel Welch and Stella Stevens: We bid farewell to two Hollywood stars. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Raquel Welch and Stella Stevens, two iconic actresses of the 1960s and 1970s passed away last week. Both were hardworking and driven to succeed in the film industry and left a lasting legacy in popular American culture through their screen personas. Shaun Chang discusses their careers.
S19 E7 · Fri, February 17, 2023
JFK: the Oliver Stone Film. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Oliver Stone's JFK film popularized a conspiracy theory that was set in New Orleans. The District Attorney Jim Garrison, crusaded or grandstanded - depending on your point of view - a weak case that ended up putting Clay Shaw on trial. He was acquitted and the conspiracy theory rejected by the jury after one hour of deliberation.
S19 E6 · Thu, February 09, 2023
Performance Evaluations : Are they on the way out ? Talking with Senior Work Shift Reporter at Bloomberg News, Matthew Boyle.
In the business cycle, the first quarter of the year in corporate America is Performance Evaluation season, where you sit down with your boss to review the past year's performance and discuss compensation. Gone are the days of Jack Welch's forced ranking system but what new evaluation techniques are being implemented post Covid ? Matthew Boyle of Bloomberg News gives us an update.
S19 E5 · Wed, February 08, 2023
Poverty and Inequality in California: Talking with Michael Tanner Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute.
California for all of its' wealth and abundance has the highest poverty rate in the nation. Overburdened with regulation that makes housing unaffordable, skilled jobs hard to access , criminal justice in short supply and education too ideological, Michael Tanner's report prescribes 24 reforms to level the playing field and make the economy more inclusive.
S19 E4 · Tue, February 07, 2023
The US Supreme Court and the issue of Capital Punishment. In conversation with Professor Bernard Harcourt, Columbia University.
Professor Harcourt represents death penalty cases originating in the state of Alabama. He shares with us several recent cases he has worked on.
S19 E3 · Thu, February 02, 2023
Freedom: Are we as free as we think ? In conversation with Ian Vasquez from the Cato Institute, co-author of the Human Freedom Index, published by the Cato Institute and the Fraser Institute.
The Human Freedom Index presents the state of human freedom around the world based on a broad measure that covers personal , civil and economic freedom. The United States ranks 23 out of 165 nations included in the index.
S19 E2 · Thu, February 02, 2023
The Andrea Riseborough Oscar Controversy: A Post Mortem. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
To most cineastes' surprise, Andrea Riseborough was nominated for Best Actress - one of five coveted slots in the category - for her role in "To Leslie". Were Academy lobbying rules broken as Hollywood stars pushed for her nomination ? And some lamented that more deserving actresses were passed over. But the Academy decided not to rescind her nomination. So it is now in the hands of the Academy voters.
S19 E1 · Tue, January 31, 2023
Ambassador Charles Ray: A Career of Service. Black History Month
Ambassador Charles Ray kicks off TSFEP's celebration of Black History Month. A true renaissance man, he has had distinguished careers as an Army officer, a senior Foreign Service Officer and an author. You will enjoy his interview.
S18 E20 · Thu, January 26, 2023
On Learning to Heal or What Medicine does not know, In conversation with author, Professor Ed Cohen.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, science grew to dominate the practice of medicine, all but abandoning the practice of healing which had been its cornerstone for millennia. Ed Cohen shows that the revival of healing as a part of medical practice has an important and fulfilling role to play.
S18 E19 · Thu, January 26, 2023
What the Fusion break through means. Talking with Professor Lee Bernstein of UC Berkeley and the Nuclear Data Group Leader at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
In December 2022, nuclear fusion ignition occurred at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Physicists have pursued the technology to achieve such a break through for decades. Nuclear fusion power promises limitless, clean energy. It is the energy that fuels the sun and the stars.
S18 E18 · Fri, January 20, 2023
Chips: Where do the US and China stand on this strategic issue ? Talking with Cameron Johnson, Tidal Wave Solutions.
In the 1990s the US accounted for 37% of global chip production. Today that metric has plummeted to 12%. In October the Biden Administration introduced tough export measures against China to stem the flow of advanced technology. And the 2022 CHIPS Act earmarks $280 billion over 10 years to boost R&D, onshore chip plant construction and STEM education to regain a leading role in the Semiconductor industry. Is it enough ?
S18 E17 · Thu, January 19, 2023
Spare: Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV blog.
Prince Harry's memoir is a combination of a car crash interview and a settling of scores to let his father, brother and step mother know what he really thinks of them. All 410 pages of it.
S18 E16 · Wed, January 18, 2023
Rent Control: Who benefits and who loses ? Talking with Ryan Bourne of the Cato Institute.
As inflation surges and wages fail to keep pace, housing costs and especially rents are rising. Numerous US cities and states are adopting rent control measures but in the long run, do we create even more housing unaffordability ?
S18 E15 · Thu, January 12, 2023
My Shake Alert App: California's early warning earthquake alert system app.
Richard Allen, Director of the UC Berkeley Seismology Lab and his team, have developed an early warning system for earthquakes. The app can be downloaded to smartphones. During December's 6.4 quake in Ferndale, California, the app alerted 3 million users before the shaking started. Download the app at the App store, either IOS or Android
S18 E14 · Wed, January 11, 2023
Global Discord: Values and Power in a Fractured World Order. Talking with author Paul Tucker.
The World Balance of Power emerging in the 2020s is dividing into two blocs : the Authoritarians (China and Russia) and the Democratic West (US, EU, Nato, UK, Japan, Australia). China's increasing economic clout is prompting it to challenge the existing international order starting with the global reserve currency the US Dollar. At the same time, Xi Jin Ping's 7 No's represent a repudiation of fundamental Western values. Are we facing a Super Power Struggle and a new Cold War ? The Thucydides Trap.
S18 E13 · Thu, January 05, 2023
Ruth Paine remembers Lee Harvey Oswald and Marina his wife. In conversation with Jim Herlihy.
Ruth Paine is one of the last surviving Warren Commission witnesses. She was a key witness in helping the Commission establish Oswald's whereabouts in the October and November weekends leading up to the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963. She secured the job for him at the Texas School Book Depository and he spent his last night of freedom at her home on November 21, 1963. His rifle was stored in her garage, unbeknownst to her. She was interviewed by Jim Garrison the New Orleans DA and testified at the Clay Shaw trial. She shares her recollections of Oswald in this podcast interview.
S18 E12 · Thu, January 05, 2023
The Inclusive Economy: How to bring wealth to America's poor. Talking with author and Senior Research Fellow at the Cato Institute, Michael Tanner.
Michael takes on the conventional wisdom of both liberals and conservatives looking at the reasons for poverty while offering a detailed agenda for increasing wealth, income and opportunity. Criminal justice reform, education innovation, housing equity and access to financial products are all elements of his reform agenda.
S18 E11 · Tue, January 03, 2023
Your personal investment outlook. Talking with Joe Gilbert of Integrity Asset Management.
While major market indices for 2022 ended the year on a down note, 2023 offers more challenges. Rising interest rates, the prospect of a recession and inflation at a 40 year high make managing your 401k and investments more complex. Joe Gilbert of Integrity Asset Management shares his firm's strategies for 2023 to help navigate your choices.
S18 E10 · Fri, December 23, 2022
6.4 Earthquake in Humboldt County, California. Talking with Dr. Lori Dengler, Professor Emeritus, Cal Poly Humboldt.
Tuesday December 20 at 2.34am, a 6.4 earthquake struck the Northern California region of Humboldt County, 260 miles North of San Francisco. 46% of US earthquake activity happens in Humboldt County. Only Alaska is more active. The region has experienced 40 plus magnitude 6 to 7 quakes in the last 100 years, but Tuesday's temblor was one of the most violent. Dr. Dengler gives us a thorough explanation.
S18 E9 · Fri, December 23, 2022
Three Christmas films you may have missed. Shaun Chang talks about his favorite Christmas themed movies.
Part of the Holiday tradition for many of us is to watch classic Christmas movies that take us back to our childhood celebrating with loved ones. Shaun Chang picks his three most favorite films to enjoy over the Holidays.
S18 E8 · Mon, December 19, 2022
Deep State: An overview of the current state of espionage during the age of Great Power Competition. Talking with Alp Sevimlisoy, geopolitical strategist and national security expert.
2022 has been a year of global turmoil starting with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, roiled energy markets and realignment of global powers. NATO has experienced a renaissance and regional powers like Turkey are playing a bigger role on the world stage. Democracies versus authoritarian regimes are increasingly reliant on tradecraft to understand what their adversaries next moves might be.
S18 E7 · Thu, December 15, 2022
Don't punish Crypto for the Sins of FTX. Talking with Jack Solowey, policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives.
With the spectacular collapse of the FTX Crypto Currency Exchange and the arrest of founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, will the US Congress overreact with harsh regulation to stifle the US crypto currency ecosystem ?
S18 E6 · Mon, December 12, 2022
The Black Athlete Revolt: The Sport Justice Movement in the Age of Black Lives Matter. Talking with Associate Professor of Communications, Dr. Shaun Anderson, Loyola Marymount University.
Black athletes have used their influence to force social change for over 100 years. Today's Sport Justice Movement is the next iteration of this tradition.
S18 E5 · Fri, December 09, 2022
Red's Java House: Talking with Mr. Tom McGarvey, San Francisco Native Son.
Tom McGarvey, 95 years of age, was born in San Francisco's tough Potrero Hill district in 1927. From selling newspapers to longshoremen on the Embarcadero when he was 6 years old, to going to Sea at 15 years old, and owning the iconic Red's Java House for 40 years, Tom has experienced it all. Listen to today's episode - #350 - to hear how he made his way in life on the streets of San Francisco.
S18 E4 · Wed, December 07, 2022
Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon. In conversation with author William D. Cohan.
New York Times bestselling author William D. Cohan discusses his latest book Power Failure. Bill interviewed three of the last four CEOs of General Electric, among many other insiders, to get a first hand account about the demise of General Electric. Under new leadership, the once corporate colossus is a mere shadow of what it was at its' peak under CEO Jack Welch in the 1980s and 1990s. Bill's very readable book is a corporate autopsy of what went wrong at GE and why. It should be required reading for any student of corporate management and any investor .
S18 E3 · Thu, December 01, 2022
"Who hears here. " In conversation with author Dr. Guthrie Ramsey Professor Emeritus of Musicology, University of Pennsylvania.
Our guest today is a renaissance man of music: an accomplished musician, a recording artist, a published author and Emeritus Professor of Musicology at University of Pennsylvania. We explore the African American lexicon of music over a 400 year period.
S17 E20 · Mon, November 28, 2022
The Crown: Season Five. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Season Five of The Crown portrays the travails of the Queen and the Royal Family during the tumultuous period of 1992 to 1997 when Charles' and Diana's marriage was publicly falling apart. Their competing confessional TV interviews prompts the Queen to urge them to divorce in the final episode.
S18 E2 · Tue, November 22, 2022
LatinaVida: Developing a new Generation of Leaders. Talking with Tammy Ramos J.D.
While Latinos represent 19% of the US population, and generate $2.7 Trillion of the nation's $23 Trillion GDP, they are under represented in corporate leadership positions. Only 3% of all professionals and executives in the US are of Latino background. Latina Vida is on a mission to change the status quo.
S18 E1 · Mon, November 21, 2022
Britain's Number 1 Art Forger. Max Brandrett, The life of a Cheeky Faker. Talking with Clay Small and Jim Herlihy
Max Brandrett has lived a colorful life of hard knocks, from poverty, to being sent to Dr. Barnardo's, running away to join the circus and jail time for forgery . But through it all, he has pursued his passion for painting, bringing joy to countless people. And in his own words, would not change anything . An upbeat and inspiring life story.
S17 E19 · Fri, November 18, 2022
James Bond 007 as portrayed by Pierce Brosnan: Behind the scenes. Talking with Michael Nathanson former President and COO of MGM and Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV blog.
Former President of MGM Michael Nathanson gives us a candid look at what it was like to oversee Pierce Brosnan's 007 movies, the decision to replace him with Daniel Craig and the Broccoli family's control of the James Bond franchise.
S17 E18 · Wed, November 16, 2022
In the footsteps of the assassin: Lee Harvey Oswald's New Orleans. Talking with David Feldman.
Lee Harvey Oswald was born in New Orleans in 1939 and spent much of his childhood there. David Feldman leads a a revealing and behind the scenes walking tour of Oswald's haunts, places where he lived, worked, partied and plotted. 59 years after the assassination of President Kennedy, Oswald remains as enigmatic today as he did when he first entered the nation's consciousness on November 22, 1963. In no small measure, this uncertainty is due to successive Presidents continuing to withhold key assassination records from the public.
S16 E11 · Tue, November 15, 2022
Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics. Talking with author Adam Rutherford
A sweeping history of Eugenics starting in Victorian England, and how US Eugenics practices and laws were profoundly based on that research. Up to today with the Genome, gene editing technology and ethical questions which remain as regards how such technology is deployed.
S17 E17 · Thu, November 10, 2022
The Midterm Election Results : Where do we stand ? Talking with Professor David McCuan, Chair Political Science Department, Sonoma State University
Two days after the Midterm elections and we are still waiting to find out if Democrats or Republicans will control the US Congress. And what happened to the Republican Red Wave ? David McCuan shares his perspective on the outcome.
S17 E16 · Thu, November 10, 2022
Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion - Talking with author Professor Evelyn Alsultany.
As America's Muslim population increases, and integrates into the mainstream, their depiction in popular culture must move beyond the stereotypes of terrorist, veiled women, greedy oil sheik and fanatical religious extremist. More nuanced Muslim characters are beginning to appear on the screen. Crisis Diversity has helped usher in more realistic portrayals of Muslims as Professor Alsultany demonstrates in her book.
S17 E15 · Thu, November 03, 2022
The Forger's Forgery: In conversation with author Clay Small.
Clay Small's second novel is an intricate crime story with the themes of art forgery, revenge and redemption featuring prominently in the plot. And notorious Dutch forger who copied Dutch masterpieces of Old Master Vermeer, Han Van Meegeren, plays a central role.
S17 E14 · Wed, November 02, 2022
The Midterm Elections: What to Watch for. Talking with Professor Dan Schnur.
In the closing days of Campaign 2022, polls remain very close in four key Senate races which will determine which party controls the Upper House. The House of Representatives appears to be on track to gain a Republican majority. Inflation, gas prices, sliding 401K values, rising mortgage rates and crime seem to be top of voters' minds. The Democrats are trying to shift the narrative to the January 6th and Democracy in the closing days but with limited success.
S17 E13 · Tue, November 01, 2022
Saudi Arabia: No longer our reliable ally ? Talking with Professor Nicholas Grossman of the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
Saudi Arabia announced oil production cuts at the OPEC meeting in October by 2million barrels daily or 2% of global production. President Biden had asked the Kingdom's leadership to increase production in July. The Saudi move seemed to favor Russia and work against Western economic sanctions against Russia's Ukraine war. Why did they do it and what do they have to gain ? Professor Nicholas Grossman explains what is at play with this key US ally.
S17 E12 · Mon, October 31, 2022
Rishi Sunak: Britain's new Prime Minister. Talking with Professor Jonathan Hopkin of the London School of Economics.
Rishi Sunak, 42 became Britain's youngest Prime Minister in 200 years. Born in Southampton of immigrant parents, he is the first Prime Minister of Asian descent. But he takes over amidst the financial turmoil of the Liz Truss government, Covid recovery , soaring energy prices and lingering Brexit economic uncertainty. Professor Jonathan Hopkin profiles Rishi Sunak and the challenges facing his new administration.
S17 E11 · Mon, October 24, 2022
The Elon Musk Twitter Saga. Talking with financial journalist and best selling author William D. Cohan
Elon Musk has said he is overpaying for Twitter at $44 billion. The deal must close by Friday night, October 28, to avoid a trial in Delaware's Chancery Court. How did he get trapped in this morass ? Bill Cohan walks us through the missteps that have led up to this point.
S17 E10 · Fri, October 21, 2022
In conversation with Liz Nugent, Ireland's First Lady of Crime Fiction, Emerald Noir.
Critically acclaimed author Liz Nugent talks about her body of work in the Emerald Noir subgenre and shares with us a preview of her upcoming book, "Strange Sally Diamond"
S17 E9 · Fri, October 21, 2022
Blonde: The Film. In conversation with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV blog.
Ana de Armas plays Marilyn Monroe in the screen adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates novel, "Blonde". Described by Oates as a fantasy or even fairytale , Blonde is a fictional and at times brutal take on events in the Hollywood star's life. It is a study of American celebrity as personified by Marilyn Monroe.
S17 E8 · Wed, October 19, 2022
Citizen Diplomat: Talking with Bill Boerum, former Chairman of Sister Cities International.
Created by President Eisenhower in 1956, SCI fosters people to people contacts and programs between Americans and the global community. American soft diplomatic power and influence, cultural, educational, technical and professional, is a key part of US foreign policy. Bill Boerum shares with us his perspective and impressions from attending three international conferences in his role as a citizen diplomat in Peru, Italy and Mexico in the last six weeks.
S17 E7 · Wed, October 12, 2022
The Nobel Prize for Economics, 2022. Talking with Professor Ludwig Chincarini, Professor of Finance, School of Management, University of San Francisco.
The 2022 Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to Ben Bernanke, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank, Douglas Diamond, University of Chicago and Philip Dybvig, Washington University in St. Louis. All three and their research played a pivotal role in successfully navigating the 2008-2009 Financial Crisis. Professor Chincarini shares his commentary.
S17 E6 · Mon, October 10, 2022
Oaksterdam University: talking with Dale Sky Jones, Executive Chancellor, President and CEO of Oaksterdam University.
President Biden announced a blanket pardon for Americans federally charged with minor drug possession. Is this a turning point ?
S17 E5 · Thu, October 06, 2022
Atlanticism versus Eurasianism : talking with Alp Sevimlisoy, the foremost Atlanticist in the Turkish Republic.
Our guest is geopolitical strategist and noted Atlanticist, Alp Sevimlisoy of the Atlantic Council. Ukraine is not only a battleground for Russian territorial aggrandizement, but also for a confrontation between two competing world views, Atlanticism and Eurasianism. The former enshrines Western liberal democracy ideals while the latter eschews the rule of law and promotes authoritarianism.
S17 E4 · Mon, October 03, 2022
160 Years of Community: The story of St. Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California and its' pioneer founders.
Today's episode is a presentation which will be made on Saturday, October 8, 2022 to commemorate the 160 anniversary of the founding of St. Teresa of Avila Church and to celebrate its' pioneer founders.
S17 E3 · Thu, September 29, 2022
The UK Pound flirts with US Dollar parity. Talking with James Herlihy, Hedge Fund Consultant.
Turmoil in UK financial markets has pummeled the value of Sterling and caused havoc with UK Government bonds, in the wake of a large tax cut announced last week by Kwasi Karteng, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Is Supply side economics back in the UK ? Listen to James Herlihy's perspective.
S17 E2 · Thu, September 29, 2022
Frisco, a Novel. Talking with author Daniel Bacon
Frisco is a historical novel set in San Francisco in 1934, amidst the first General Strike in US History. The General Strike was one of our City's defining moments, along with the Gold Rush of 1849 and the 1906 Earthquake.
S17 E1 · Thu, September 22, 2022
Inflation, Retirement Savings and Your Future. Talking with Professor Aswath Damodaran, Stern School of Business, New York University.
How do you plan for a secure financial future with headline inflation running at 9%, rising interest rates, a looming recession and global turmoil ? Professor Damodaran shares his insights.
S16 E20 · Wed, September 21, 2022
Has Russia Lost the War ? Talking with Nicholas Grossman, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
Last week marked a turning point in Russia's war in Ukraine. Ukrainian troops re-took the city of Kharkiv in the North East, along with 2000 square miles of territory, routing the Russian Army. That humiliating defeat likely prompted Putin's address to the nation, announcing a mobilization of 300,000 Army reservists and a series of referenda to be conducted this weekend in four Ukrainian territories occupied by the Russians. He also made veiled threats to use nuclear weapons.
S16 E19 · Sat, September 17, 2022
LA Confidential, 25th anniversary. Film Producer and Former Studio Head Michael Nathanson speaks with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
This award winning 1997 film portrays Los Angeles in 1953, where Hollywood celebrity collides with police corruption. Michael Nathanson produced LA Confidential which won two Oscars, and Shaun Chang interviews him.
S16 E18 · Fri, September 16, 2022
Frontier Justice: Bass Reeves Deputy US Marshal. Talking with author Charlie Ray
Bass Reeves was one of the first African Americans to be named a Deputy US Marshal West of the Mississippi in the late 1800s. He arrested more than 3000 fugitives in the Oklahoma Territory and the West. With a photographic memory, he was able to recall warrant details which stood him in good stead, as he couldn't read or write. Charlie Ray shines the light of history on the prominent role that African Americans played in the Old West, contrary to the Hollywood version.
S16 E17 · Mon, September 12, 2022
The UK has a new monarch and prime minister. Talking with Georgina Wright of the Institut Montaigne, Paris.
Last week saw momentous change in the UK as a new Prime Minister was appointed on Tuesday. Thursday the Queen suddenly passed, succeeded by her eldest son Charles III. Georgina joins us to put it all in perspective and gives us a sense of what to expect.
S16 E16 · Thu, September 08, 2022
Queen Elizabeth : In Memoriam
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II after a 70 year reign, the second Elizabethan Age draws to a close. Her son and heir, King Charles III ascends the throne with Camilla as Consort Queen. Today's episode is a series of reminiscences about the Queen.
S16 E15 · Tue, September 06, 2022
Strive Asset Management launches a new Energy Index Fund. Excellence Capitalism versus Social Agendas. Talking with Justin Danhof, Head of Corporate Governance.
Are America's energy companies being distracted from creating shareholder value by Environmental, Social and Governance mandates (ESG) ? And do the large asset managers like BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street for instance with $20 Trillion of assets under management wielding too much power in corporate boardrooms and shareholder meetings and out step with average American investors ? Is Excellence Capitalism the antidote to getting America's companies back to basics ?
S16 E14 · Wed, August 31, 2022
Turkey and Ukraine: Walking a tightrope between NATO and Russia. Talking with Rich Outzen, geopolitical consultant and nonresident fellow of the Atlantic Council.
Turkey has adroitly maneuvered between the warring parties of Ukraine and Russia during the current conflict. But Turkey clearly wants Ukraine to win and has supplied drones and other materiel to its' neighbor. At the same time it is trying to broker a peace deal between the warring parties. Rich Outzen walks us through Turkey's grand strategy.
S16 E13 · Sun, August 28, 2022
Kim Jong Un: North Korea's savvy but brutal dictator.
North Korea is a hereditary, dynastic dictatorship, under the control of the Kim family for 77 years. Kim Jong Un is the third member of the family to rule this impoverished, Stalinist nation of 22 million people.
S16 E12 · Fri, August 26, 2022
China's push into the South Pacific: A New Zealand Perspective. Talking with Senior Lecturer at Victoria University, Iati Iati.
China has been building its' diplomatic, economic and security ties with the island nations of the South Pacific: It recently signed a security pact with the strategic Solomon Islands. The United States is concerned and is trying to re-engage after years of neglect. We are reopening our embassy in the Solomon Islands that we closed in 1993 and opening new embassies in Tonga and Kiribati.
S16 E10 · Wed, August 24, 2022
Imagining the next 9/11: Creating fictional narratives to visualize and prevent national security threats. Talking with Peter Singer.
Peter Singer is a strategist and senior fellow with New America, a think tank in Washington. He is also the founder and managing partner of Useful Fiction which creates fictional narratives to help policy makers visualize some of the most complex national security threats like nuclear accidents, bio terrorism, artificial intelligence and cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. Visualizing before an event can lead to more effective policies to thwart such attacks.
S16 E9 · Sun, August 21, 2022
Russian Speakers in NATO Countries : A Red Line for Putin ?
Will Putin use the pretext of protecting the Russian speaking minorities in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to attack them as he did in the Donbas Region of Ukraine ? Such a move would trigger Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, provoking a unified NATO response. Or would it ?
S16 E8 · Fri, August 19, 2022
Bullitt starring Steve McQueen. In conversation with Shaun Chang of The Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
The 1968 film Bullitt starred Steve McQueen at the peak of his acting career and features the iconic car chase up and down the hilly streets of San Francisco. McQueen gives a nuanced performance and still engages audiences 54 years since the film debuted.
S16 E7 · Tue, August 16, 2022
Stuck Improving: Racial Equity and School Leadership. Talking with author Dr. Decoteau Irby
School leadership is key to ensuring that black and brown students in particular get a good education. Decoteau Irby recounts a five year project where he led a project to improve racial equity in a school that saw black and brown students increase from 8% of the student body to 30%.
S16 E6 · Fri, August 12, 2022
Merrick Garland, Mar A Lago and the FBI. Why did the FBI search former President Trump's home ? Talking with Larry Gerston, noted political analyst.
The unsealed warrant which was used to search his residence and resulted in 10 boxes of documents being taken away by the FBI, indicates that the former President is being investigated under the Espionage Act.
S16 E5 · Wed, August 10, 2022
Making sense of today's economy: Inflation, Rising Interest Rates, Unemployment and Recession. Talking with Alex Domash, Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.
In today's episode Alex Domash gives us an overview of the Fed's fight against inflation and the prospects of a recession in the next 12 to 24 months.
S16 E4 · Mon, August 08, 2022
Think Big : Take small steps and build the future you want. In conversation with Dr. Grace Lordan, Associate Professor, The London School of Economics
Think Big is essential to your career. Dr. Lordan, a noted Behavioral Scientist at the LSE gives us a toolkit based on data to set and achieve our career goals. She has an engaging style, proven track record and a compelling message to help you succeed and reach your goals.
S16 E3 · Thu, August 04, 2022
Speaker Pelosi's trip to Taiwan: the Aftermath. In conversation with Brian Klein, Chief Global Strategist of RidgePoint Global.
Did Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan change the status quo of the US China relationship ?
S16 E2 · Thu, August 04, 2022
The UK's Conservatives choose a new leader and Prime Minister. In conversation with Georgina Wright, Director and Senior Fellow at the Institut Montaigne, Paris.
Georgina Wright works for the Paris based Think Tank, Institut Montaigne. She brings 10 years of Think Tank experience working on European and British issues in London and Brussels. Today she focuses on the Conservatives' vote to replace ousted Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The race is between Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary and Rishi Sunak, former Chancellor of the Exchequer.
S16 E1 · Thu, August 04, 2022
The Towering Inferno : Talking with Shaun Chang of The Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Set in San Francisco in 1974, the world's tallest building - 138 stories tall - is being inaugurated. But amidst the ceremonies, a fire breaks out and panic and pandemonium ensues. Shaun Chang recounts the plot, the backstory and discusses the ensemble cast including Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Faye Dunaway, William Holden and Fred Astaire to mention some of the outstanding cast. He also talks about the disaster film genre popular in the 1970s.
S15 E20 · Mon, August 01, 2022
Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan: Will she or Won't she ?
Will Nancy Pelosi be the highest ranking US elected official to visit Taiwan in her trip to Asia in 25 years? The Beijing authorities are vehemently opposed to such a trip and even President Biden has said that the US military thinks it's not a good idea. Is it just a showy, counter productive gesture at a time when US China relations are so fraught ?
S15 E19 · Fri, July 29, 2022
Upon This Rock - The Sequel. In conversation with author David Eugene Perry.
Critically acclaimed and prize winning thriller, Upon This Rock was David's debut novel in 2020. Set in Orvieto Italy, it is a story of intrigue, terrorism, history, art and the secrets of the Church. The sequel features the same protagonists, Lee and Adriano, a gay couple from San Francisco, set in one of Spain's beautiful "pueblos blancos", Grazalema. The small town's Civil War scars and secrets serve as the backdrop.
S15 E18 · Tue, July 26, 2022
The long arm of Chinese censorship and author Geling Yan. In conversation with Larry Walker.
Acclaimed Chinese American novelist and screen play writer Geling Yan has published 28 novels which have been translated into 18 languages. But when she dared to criticize the Chinese Government handling of the Covid 19 outbreak in early 2020, she has been the victim of an official erasing in China. Her business manager and husband Larry Walker recounts the tale of her fight to get credit for a Chinese film being distributed in the West "The Second". The New York Times wrote an article about the film controversy, without fully detailing the extent of Geling's censorship.
S15 E17 · Fri, July 22, 2022
Downton Abbey, A New Era. The Movie. In conversation with Shaun Chang, of the Hill Place, Movie and TV Blog.
Shaun Chang returns to the podcast to discuss the most recent Downton Abbey film. As always, Shaun brings his in depth insights, opinions and lively commentary to bear on the second Downton Abbey movie.
S15 E16 · Tue, July 19, 2022
The Midcoast - A Novel. In conversation with author Adam White.
Adam White's debut novel is a national bestseller and is featured as a New York Times Editor's Choice book. A crime drama set in small town Maine, it contrasts the fortunes of two very different families. One has become very successful though townsfolk question how did they make their money. And the other family by contrast, or at least the husband seeks to answer that question.
S15 E15 · Thu, July 14, 2022
oXYGen Financial: A private CFO for Generation X and Y investors. Talking with CEO and Founder Ted Jenkin
oXYGen Financial takes a different approach to financial planning, focused on strategy, tracking and accountability. And yes, you will likely need a supplemental source of income in addition to pension, social security and investments. Ted maps out the alternatives.
S15 E14 · Wed, July 13, 2022
The Politics of appointing San Francisco's new District Attorney, Brooke Jenkins. Talking with Jason McDaniel, Associate Professor of Political Science, San Francisco State University.
Mayor Breed's appointment of Brooke Jenkins after the historic recall of Chesa Boudin, the duly elected DA, is a political minefield. Played out against the backdrop of San Francisco's fractious political scene, Brooke faces the voters in little more than 90 days. Jason walks us through how the race might unfold.
S15 E13 · Thu, July 07, 2022
The best and the worst US cities for first time home buyers.
America's most affordable city for first time homebuyers is Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania with a median home price of $169,000. But one of its' least affordable cities is San Francisco with a median home price of $1,100,000. Why the huge disparity and how is affordability gauged ? Listen to today's episode for some answers.
S15 E12 · Thu, July 07, 2022
How I built my own company: Talking with Victoria Sanchez DeAlba, CEO of DeAlba Communications.
Victoria shares with us her journey from agricultural worker in the fields of Salinas, California - the Nation's Salad Bowl - through her career as a journalist and today head of her own Communications firm. It's a story of determination and commitment to her passion, her career and social justice.
S15 E11 · Thu, June 30, 2022
Family Plot: Alfred Hitchcock's last film. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Set in San Francisco in the mid-1970s, Hitchcock captures the Zeitgeist of the City by the Bay at that time. A light hearted thriller that features an amusing couple as the protagonists - she a clairvoyant, he an aspiring actor/taxi driver, they cross paths with a calculating pair of villains. Listen to this podcast before watching the film for a richer more nuanced experience.
S15 E10 · Wed, June 29, 2022
Tik Tok: Will Apple and Google remove the popular app from their stores ?
US Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr has written to Apple and Google requesting that they remove the Tik Tok app from their stores. He argues that Tik Tok fails to adhere to Apple's and Google's own security practices and as such, should be dropped as an App Store offering. The ball is in the tech giants' court to respond.
S15 E9 · Sat, June 25, 2022
Roe versus Wade overturned. In conversation with Associate Professor of Constitutional Law Luke Boso at University of San Francisco School of Law.
The United States Supreme Court overturned this 49 year landmark precedent which gave a woman the right to an abortion. As a result of this decision, regulation of abortion will be de-constitutionalized and returned to the states. But 26 states plan to restrict or abolish abortion. The remaining 24 states where abortion will remain available may become sanctuaries for women to obtain abortions.
S15 E8 · Fri, June 24, 2022
Is a Recession inevitable ? Talking with Jeff Krumpelman, Chief Investment Strategist at Mariner Wealth Advisors.
Jeff gives us a broad market overview discussing inflation, interest rates and the stock market. He also shares Mariner's best thinking for investors in these choppy markets.
S15 E7 · Tue, June 21, 2022
Prisoners of Geography : 10 maps that explain everything about the world. By Tim Marshall. A Review by Jim Herlihy
The physical geography of countries, mountains, rivers, lakes, coastlines etc largely dictate the political decisions of their leaders. We tend to overlook those critical facts when conflicts arise. And no country is as much a victim of its flawed geography as Russia. On the other hand, few nations are as advantaged by their geography as the United States.
S15 E6 · Fri, June 17, 2022
Power to change lives: How to leverage life's obstacles to reach financial success. Talking with author Helen Chong.
In her memoir, Helen illustrates the power of the Chinese word for Crisis: the two characters for the word are Danger and Opportunity. She seems to have found opportunities where others might have stepped away.
S15 E5 · Thu, June 16, 2022
Woke Inc. Inside America's Social Justice Scam by Vivek Ramaswamy. Talking with Justin Danhof of Strive Asset Management
Vivek lays out a critique of stakeholder capitalism, saying it robs everyday Americans of our voice, money and identity by mixing morality with consumerism. Instead he prescribes a different approach to capitalism based on Excellence, Opportunity and Civility. He has founded Strive Asset Management which will manage investments based on those principles.
S15 E4 · Thu, June 16, 2022
Patriot Front plot to disrupt Gay Pride March is foiled. Talking with Quinn Welsch, reporter for the Spokane Spokesman Review
The white supremacist group the Patriot Front, planned a riot in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on Saturday, June 11 during the Gay Pride Parade. They were apprehended and arrested and charged before they could carry out their plan. Quinn Welsch has been covering the story for the Spokane newspaper.
S15 E3 · Tue, June 14, 2022
Under a Broken Sky: talking with award winning author, Kris Calvin
Kris' latest mystery is set in Sacramento, California. It's an intricate and multi-layered story with several plotlines and well crafted characters that continue to reveal secrets until the very end of the book. Lots of twists and turns with an unexpected outcome ! A must read.
S15 E2 · Thu, June 09, 2022
Managing your money amidst Inflation, Soaring gas prices, Rising interest rates, threat of Recession and Geopolitical Risk: Talking with Art Hogan Chief Market Strategist, National Securities Corp.
Art Hogan shares his investment insights with us. As Art says, It's always darkest before the dawn and the US and Global economy is certainly faced with strong headwinds. But he brings the perspective of a 25 year career in the financial markets and has weathered numerous economic cycles successfully. He has an engaging style while being very informative.
S15 E1 · Wed, June 08, 2022
The Chesa Boudin Recall and the Los Angeles Mayor's Race: Talking with Professor David McCuan, Chair of Political Science at Sonoma State University.
The historic recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and the first place showing for former Republican Rick Caruso - a billionaire - in the first round of the LA Mayor's race, have triggered political shockwaves throughout California's Democrat establishment. Is this the end of Defund the Police and other Progressive core values ? Will these two standout results have an impact on the November midterm elections ? As goes California so goes the nation. Listen to David McCuan's keen political insights as he dissects what California voters in San Francisco and Los Angeles did on Tuesday !
S14 E20 · Tue, June 07, 2022
San Francisco Women Artists Gallery : Promoting Women in the Arts. Talking with Pam Borrelli, President of the Board of Directors of SFWA
San Francisco Women Artists Gallery was founded 100 years ago to identify, support and promote the talents of women artists in San Francisco and across the Bay Area. It provides opportunities for emerging and established artists to exhibit their art and for the public to experience it.
S14 E19 · Thu, June 02, 2022
The Innocence Commission of San Francisco : Righting a wrongful conviction. In conversation with Commission Head, Professor Lara Bazelon.
Professor Lara Bazelon recounts the first exoneration case successfully presented by the Commission when Joaquin Cirica was freed after 32 years in prison, having been wrongfully convicted. This Innocence Commission is the only one of its kind in the United States.
S14 E18 · Thu, June 02, 2022
Top Gun Maverick, starring Tom Cruise. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog
Top Gun Maverick, Tom Cruise's sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun, opened last weekend to rave reviews and $154 million in revenues. In this episode, Shaun Chang and I discuss the plot, the cast and popular reaction to the film.
S14 E17 · Wed, June 01, 2022
Art at the Source: Sonoma County opens its' artists studios to the world. Talking with Sally Baker, President of the Sebastopol Center for the Arts.
124 artists studios in Sonoma County will be open to the public on June 4th and 5th as well as June 11th and 12th. To view the catalog for Art at the Source go to www.sebarts.org.
S14 E16 · Tue, May 31, 2022
See me naked: Black women defining pleasure in the Interwar years. Talking with author, Professor Tara Green.
Lena Horne, Moms Mabley, Memphis Minnie and Yolande du Bois Williams were four accomplished Black women whose careers took off before World War II and each one made her mark. Tara Green recounts their path to self-actualization - pleasure - in their personal and public lives.
S14 E15 · Thu, May 26, 2022
Chesa Boudin Recall Campaign: the Closing Arguments. Talking with Brooke Jenkins.
With the historic campaign to recall San Francisco's District Attorney drawing to a close as election day - June 7th - looms before us, the two campaigns are in high gear. Brooke Jenkins with the recall campaign makes the closing arguments with a data driven approach. In contrast ,the No on Recall campaign strategy has been to paint the recall as a Republican conspiracy, in a city with fewer than 20% of voters registered Republicans. Listen in and make up your own mind.
S14 E14 · Tue, May 24, 2022
Ambitious Like a Mother: Why prioritizing your career is good for your kids. Talking with Lara Bazelon.
In her latest book, Lara Bazelon demolishes some popular myths about working Moms : the perfect life/work balance, the selfless mother and toxic female ambition among other tropes. She calls on women to embrace the imbalances of working and raising kids and to demand flexibility in the workplace and the home. The book is a blend of personal memoir and interviews of numerous career women and their stories. Lara shares her professional and personal accomplishments in this warm, fast paced interview.
S14 E13 · Sat, May 21, 2022
Putin scores own goal: Sweden and Finland to join NATO. The Law of Unintended Consequences. In conversation with Pierre Morcos, Visiting Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Neutral Sweden and non-aligned Finland will join NATO in reaction to Putin's invasion and war against Ukraine. An adamant foe of NATO expansion, Putin has achieved what he long railed against - NATO on Russia's doorstep.
S14 E12 · Fri, May 20, 2022
Day for Night: a film by Francois Truffaut, Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
Truffaut's 1973 ensemble comedy is a movie about making a movie. Jacqueline Bissett was one of the cast members and principal lead. The movie won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 1974 with French filmmaker Truffaut accepting the award. It is one of his best films and worth re-watching.
S14 E11 · Tue, May 17, 2022
Nashville, The Film. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV blog.
Robert Altman's 1975 drama takes place in Nashville, Tennessee and chronicles the intersecting lives of numerous people - the main cast numbers 24 actors - with country music, the entertainment industry and politics the principal themes. The film runs 2 hours and 40 minutes and at times feels like a documentary. A 1970s classic.
S14 E10 · Thu, May 12, 2022
Roe v Wade Overturn : In Canada abortion is a medical procedure, not a right. In conversation with Sean Fine, Justice writer for the Globe and Mail, Canada's largest daily newspaper.
Abortion in Canada was decriminalized in 1988, 15 years after the American Roe v Wade decision. While the Roe decision treated abortion as a woman's right, Canada treats it as a medical procedure to be discussed and agreed to by the pregnant woman and her doctor. Has Canada's approach been better than America's ? Sean Fine walks us through our neighbor's very different approach to terminating a pregnancy.
S14 E9 · Mon, May 09, 2022
The Roe v Wade Leaked Opinion: In conversation with Luke Boso, Associate Professor of Constitutional Law, University of San Francisco School of Law.
Last week's unprecedented leak of an unpublished Supreme Court decision - the first time in the Court's history - has rocked Washington. And the prospect of overturning a 49 year old legal precedent which will take away a woman's right to an abortion at least nationally, is just beginning to sink in. Will other Supreme Court decisions such as legalization of contraception or gay marriage be under threat next ? American society is about to undergo a massive and historic change.
S14 E8 · Sat, May 07, 2022
"Freezing Order". Why Vladimir Putin hates author, Bill Browder for his latest New York Times best seller.
Freezing Order is a true story of money laundering, murder and surviving Vladimir Putin's wrath. Bill Browder's latest expose of Russian graft and criminality recounts a Russian tax refund scam, that the Interior Ministry created for the financial benefit of Putin's oligarch cronies, and then sued Browder in US courts as the engineer and beneficiary. With Vladimir Putin as one of the likely recipient's of part of the deal, the Russians pulled out every legal and political trick to divert the trail to the despot.
S14 E7 · Fri, April 29, 2022
Elon Musk acquires Twitter. In conversation with Professor Ludwig Chincarini.
Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion on April 25. The deal will close later this year. Musk has stated that he believes in Freedom of Speech and looks forward to ensuring that the social media messaging platform continues to remain open to all. But major changes are bound to follow in the business operations of Twitter once Musk takes control.
S14 E6 · Thu, April 28, 2022
Russian Sanctions - 2 months in - Are they working ? Talking with Economics writer Phillip Inman of The Guardian and Observer newspapers.
Two months ago Russia's foreign reserves were frozen and crippling economic sanctions were imposed on the country. The goal was and is to push Russia into a deep recession, cause runaway inflation and bring a speedy end to the war in Ukraine. Have they started to bite ? But could they be thwarted by China, India and Israel providing a back door lifeline to bust the sanctions ?
S14 E5 · Thu, April 21, 2022
Chesa Boudin Recall Election: Talking with former Assistant District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
San Francisco's District Attorney faces an unprecedented recall election in less than seven weeks - June 7 - and the polls augur ill for him. 68% of San Francisco voters want to get rid of Chesa Boudin, mid way through a four year term. Bungled cases, judicial admonitions, high staff turnover and rising crime rates show Boudin has an uphill struggle to hold onto his office. Can he engineer a Hail Mary pass to save his office or is it a lost cause ?
S14 E4 · Tue, April 19, 2022
Behind the Enigma: GCHQ, Britain's Secret Cyber Intelligence Agency. Talking with author, Professor John Ferris.
In the ranks of global spycraft, the UK continues to punch above its' weight, competing with the US, Russia, China and Israel. And at the heart of any nation's intelligence operation is a sophisticated information gathering apparatus consisting of Signals Intelligence (Sigint) and Communications Intelligence (Comint). GCHQ is the UK's equivalent of America's NSA. Professor John Ferris of the University of Calgary was allowed unprecedented access to GCHQ's archives - one of the world's most secretive intelligence agencies - to write an authorized history.
S14 E3 · Fri, April 15, 2022
The Right: The 100 Year War for American Conservatism. Talking with author Matthew Continetti.
Matt Continetti is a Senior Fellow at The American Enterprise Institute and a frequent contributor to The New York Times, Atlantic, Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. He has also been a contributing editor to the National Review and Commentary magazine. In his latest book, The Right, he traces the evolution of the American Conservative movement from 1920s populism, through the Goldwater and Reagan eras to the populism of Donald Trump and Sarah Palin. A comprehensive, well researched and documented study of American Conservatism's roots.
S14 E2 · Tue, April 12, 2022
Women Peace Builders: Women, Peace and Security. Talking with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, M.B.E.
Women have rarely participated in peace negotiations, though they suffer a disproportionate share of civilian injuries and suffering in modern day conflicts. Enter Sanam Naraghi Anderlini who has worked tirelessly for over 25 years both on the frontlines as a mediator and at the international level as a policy advocate to ensure that women play their rightful role in peace negotiations. Sanam is the Director of the Centre for Women, Peace and Security at the London School of Economics as well as Founder and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network.
S14 E1 · Fri, April 08, 2022
Ulysses: A Reader's Odyssey. In conversation with Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, Daniel Mulhall.
James Joyce's great novel of the 20th Century - Ulysses - now has a companion guide with Ambassador Mulhall's new book. In today's episode the Ambassador shares his keen insights into Joyce's greatest work.
S13 E20 · Thu, April 07, 2022
The five acts of Diego Leon. Talking with author Alex Espinoza.
Diego Leon flees his home in 1920s revolutionary Mexico for Los Angeles. Like most immigrants from Mexico, he is ambitious, hard working and driven. And he won't let Hollywood's exploitative culture stop him from achieving his dream of being an actor.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/james-herlihy/message
S13 E19 · Tue, April 05, 2022
Don't shoot, I'm the Guitar Man ! Talking with author Buzzy Martin
Buzzy Martin taught guitar to the convicts at San Quentin Prison for three years and shows how music can transform lives, even for hardened criminals. The book and soon to be released motion picture present a compelling message about rehabilitation in one of America's toughest penitentiaries. With 2.3 million prisoners locked up, mass incarceration in this country needs to be addressed.
S13 E18 · Sat, April 02, 2022
Unleashed: In conversation with author Skye Blaine.
Unleashed is a story of loss, healing and growing stronger from dealing with unexpected tragedy. The protagonists all gain comfort and insight from each other and their animals. Skye shares her thoughts on the writing practice and her journey as a writer.
S13 E17 · Wed, March 30, 2022
Silicon Valley to Silicon Wadi: California's economic ties with Israel. Talking with Israeli Consul General Shlomi Kofman and Bay Area Council Economic Institute Senior Director, Sean Randolph.
Israel has built a broad and deep technology ecosystem in Silicon Valley. And it is a two way street. In addition to the numerous California tech companies with operations in Israel, there are many Israeli companies flourishing in Silicon Valley in the fields of cybersecurity, fintech, mobility, agtech and water. Our two guests discuss in depth how this close relationship benefits both countries.
S13 E16 · Tue, March 29, 2022
Mayhem and Drama at the Academy Awards. Talking with Shaun Chang of the Hill Place Movie and TV Blog.
The 94th Academy Awards was one for the history books to paraphrase Chris Rock, one of the presenters. The best actor award went to Will Smith for his starring role in King Richard. But the Motion Picture Academy is weighing whether to sanction Smith. Jessica Chastain won best actress for The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Best film went to Coda.
S13 E15 · Mon, March 28, 2022
Origins of Russia's shifting political regime. In conversation with Professor Tomila Lankina of the London School of Economics.
Russia's post Communist democratic reforms in the 1990's gave the country a representative form of government with a relatively free press. But under Vladimir Putin's 22 year rule, the country has slipped back into an autocratic style of governance. Professor Pankina recounts how the Communist regime absorbed many of the governing structures of the Tsarist era which continue to influence Russia's civil society even to this day. An additional blogpost on this podcast will follow.
S13 E14 · Fri, March 25, 2022
Women in the Cannabis Industry. Talking with Chase Roberts.
Cannabis sales passed $17.5 billion in the United States during 2020 which was a 46% increase over 2019. Sales in California reached $4.4 billion in 2020. With 18 states having legalized recreational marijuana and 5 more states weighing ballot measures in 2022, the trend to nationwide legalization is growing. Women are playing an increasing role in the industry and in this episode, Chase Roberts discusses several of them.
S13 E13 · Wed, March 23, 2022
From Silicon Valley to Napa Valley: Talking with entrepreneur Barry Waitte.
Barry Waitte took his entrepreneurial skills and drive from the center of the tech industry in Silicon Valley and headed 85 miles North across the Golden Gate Bridge to create an award winning winery. And along the way he took up endurance horse back riding, learning to ride a horse at the age of 39 ! Listen to today's podcast to learn how to transfer your entrepreneurial drive to your dream career.
S13 E12 · Mon, March 21, 2022
The Ukrainian War Week Four - Russia's strategic mistakes and What role for NATO ? In conversation with retired British General Sir Chris Deverell.
Sir Chris Deverell is a retired British General. He served from 2016 to 2019 as one of the UK Chiefs of Staff in the Joint Forces Command, now called Strategic Command. His 40 years of experience in the British Army included assignments in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Germany.
S13 E11 · Wed, March 16, 2022
The Great Firewall of China: How to build and Control an Alternative Version of the Internet. Talking with author James Griffiths.
China believes in internet sovereignty, whereby each country should control its' own internet. And it is looking to influence Internet governance and free speech policies through international organizations and the UN. Most recently, Russia has implemented controls on its' citizens access to internet information following China's example. Are the free wheeling days of the world wide web numbered ?
S13 E10 · Mon, March 14, 2022
The Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival. Talking with Co-Director and Lead Programmer, Jean McGlothlin
Sebastopol's 15th annual Documentary Film Festival premiers March 24 through the 27 with 73 films featured. Over 600 films were submitted for consideration from around the world. The Motion Picture Academy has approved the festival as a qualifying festival for the Documentary Short Subject Category for the Academy Awards. Of the 8000 film festivals that cover the whole gamut of films, only 158 have qualified for this coveted status.
S13 E9 · Fri, March 11, 2022
The Lost Promise: American Universities in the 1960s. In conversation with Dr. Ellen Schrecker
American Universities in the 1960s were caught up tumultuous times. On the one hand, resources flowed liberally to expand the number of campuses and faculty to educate the Baby Boomers. But at the same time, academia was transformed as Civil Rights and Vietnam War protests brought a growing and unprecedented politicization to campuses across the country. Dr. Schrecker recounts her professional experience during the 1960s and the echoes of that era are still felt to this day.
S13 E8 · Wed, March 09, 2022
Why the Russian Army is bogged down in Ukraine. In conversation with military analyst, Colonel Brendan Kearney, USMC, (Retired)
The Russian Army was led to believe that their invasion of Ukraine would last a matter of days, resulting in their sweeping the capital Kyiv and installing a puppet President. But 13 days in, the Russians have met with fierce Ukrainian resistance. Retired US Marine Colonel Brendan Kearney explains the quagmire the Russians have created and history does not augur well for the invaders or Putin for that matter.
S13 E7 · Sun, March 06, 2022
Welcoming back Falcon Crest : With Shaun Chang of the TV and Movie Blog Hill Place.
1980's TV was renowned for its lavish primetime soap operas like Dallas and Dynasty. But the San Francisco Bay Area was celebrated and showcased through Falcon Crest, set in the mythical Tuscany Valley - read Napa Valley. After being absent from TV for many years, it has come back on Amazon Prime, IMDB-TV streaming. So all nine seasons of wine country escapism can be enjoyed by another generation. And after two years of the pandemic and now a Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are ready for some 1980's lavish TV.
S13 E6 · Fri, March 04, 2022
Live Update from Lviv, Ukraine. Talking with Oleg Tolmachev, Head of Production, Naftagas, Ukraine's national Natural Gas Corporation.
Speaking to us from his office in Lviv, in Western Ukraine, Oleg gives us a sense of the nation's drive to maintain infrastructure and energy supplies to this Texas size, nation of 44 million, in the middle of Winter. Gas production is only down 1.1% in the midst of the war with Russia. How has life changed as we enter week two of the invasion ?
S13 E5 · Thu, March 03, 2022
Intention: by Dr. Ian Brooks
Ian Brooks is a business coach and founder of Rhodes Smith LLC. He works to help clients transform their lives and their companies. In his book, he outlines the tools you need to transform your life when faced with change in order to live your best life. Award winning and one of the best Self Help books of 2021.
S13 E4 · Thu, March 03, 2022
Live Interview from Karkhiv, Ukraine. A brave young woman on the frontlines speaks out.
Karkhiv is the second largest city in Ukraine with a population of 1.5 million in the North East of the country, 440 kilometers from Kyiv, the capital. Julia recounts what it's like to live day to day in the war zone that her city has become, with the Russian Army 35 kilometers away.
S13 E3 · Tue, March 01, 2022
Minouche Shafik, Director of the London School of Economics: In Profile. A conversation with Phillip Inman of The Guardian and The Observer.
Phillip Inman, Economics correspondent for the UK's The Guardian and Economics Editor for The Observer recently profiled Minouche Shafik, Director of the LSE. He shares his impressions with us in today's podcast episode.
S13 E2 · Tue, March 01, 2022
Black History Month. African American Women who served in the WAVES and WAACS in WWII. Talking with Jonathan Speed
African American women who served in the US armed forces in World War II had a double disadvantage to surmount - racism and sexism. Jonathan Speed recounts these tales of accomplishment for Black History Month.
S13 E1 · Wed, February 23, 2022
Black History Month: Love, Activism and the Respectable Life of Alice Dunbar Nelson. Talking with Professor Tara T. Green
Alice Dunbar Nelson was a poet, journalist, educator, political activist and feminist, born 1875 in New Orleans. Her mother had been born into slavery. Alice was also a thought leader in the African American community and beyond. Professor Green brings this remarkable woman and her accomplishments into sharp focus in this episode.
S12 E20 · Tue, February 22, 2022
Assessing the Right wing terror threat one year after 1/6/21: In conversation with Professor Dan Byman.
As sundry groups like the Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and Boogaloo Bois stand accused of organizing and abetting the Capitol siege last year, white supremacy groups have spread throughout the world. Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Greece, Australia and the UK are seeing a rise in their activity. Professor Dan Byman of Georgetown University, a noted terrorism and counter terrorism expert, discusses his new book on the subject - Spreading Hate: the Global Rise of White Supremacist Terror.
S12 E19 · Fri, February 18, 2022
Does Anyone Still Care About the Oscars ? Talking with Shaun Chang from the Movie and TV Blog Hill Place.
During the Golden Age of Television, the 1950's to the 1980's, Oscar Night was almost as big as the Super Bowl is today. Families would gather in front of the TV to soak up the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. But of late, TV audiences have steadily declined for the the Academy Awards, due in no small measure to its' pompous solemnity and preachy virtue signaling. Is Oscar Night following the Miss America Pageant into oblivion ?
S12 E18 · Wed, February 16, 2022
Fusion Power Breakthrough: Clean, Limitless Power. What you need to know.
A fusion power experiment last week in Oxfordshire, England at the Joint European Torus (JET) facility marked a breakthrough in the quest for fusion power. See the episode cover art for a picture of the white hot plasma which was generated. The results from JET will be analyzed and used to refine the design of a much larger Takamak reactor in Cadarache, France, with a view to eventual commercial production of fusion based electricity.
S12 E17 · Fri, February 11, 2022
My CIA Career - Talking to Douglas London, about his book " The Recruiter, Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence."
Doug London is a retired, decorated, 34 year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency's Clandestine Service, With assignments in the Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia he recruited numerous agents in many countries. His CIA subject matter expertise includes Iran, Counterterrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction.
S12 E16 · Wed, February 09, 2022
Gary Hoover: Entrepreneur Extraordinaire. Talking about his book, Bedtime Business Stories.
Serial entrepreneur Gary Hoover is the former Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Texas, McCombs School of Business, Austin, Texas. Founder of two public companies, Book Stop and Hoover's Business Information Company, he is high energy and creative with great mentorship skills. Listen in for some tips for entrepreneurs at the American Business History Center.
S12 E15 · Wed, February 09, 2022
Chesa Boudin: I demand Justice for my murdered brother, Ed French. Lorrie French speaks out.
Ed French was murdered in a senseless act of violence atop Twin Peaks, San Francisco iconic highpoint with its vistas of the city he loved. Yet almost 5 years later, the case has not come to trial, even though the murder was caught on film. Lorrie French, Ed's sister has doggedly pursued justice for her brother but so far no results. Justice delayed is Justice denied.
S12 E14 · Fri, February 04, 2022
Chesa Boudin: Recalling San Francisco's District Attorney. Talking with Public Affairs Consultant Sam Singer
Chesa Boudin, San Francisco's 29th District Attorney faces an historic recall election on June 7, 2022. It is a first for San Francisco in the 166 year history of the office and a very rare move in a major American city. Rampant crime, deteriorating public safety and failure to enforce the laws on the books prompted 83,000 San Francisco voters to sign a petition to get the recall on the ballot - 53,000 signatures were needed.
S12 E13 · Thu, February 03, 2022
Joe Rogan Spotify and Covid 19 Misinformation: What you need to know.
Joe Rogan's recent statements about Covid 19 which the BBC fact checked and found to be false or at best misleading, prompted two 1960s pop singers Neil Young and Joni Mitchell to ask Spotify to remove their songs from the Spotify site. Spotify now requires an advisory warning on Covid related podcasts. But is the Joe Rogan Spotify marriage heading for the rocks ?
S12 E13 · Tue, February 01, 2022
The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Era of Great Power Conflict. Talking with Elbridge Colby.
At the heart of Colby's treatise on the rise of China is that the United States is no longer the undisputed, sole super power which has been the case since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. There is a new Superpower on the block - China - and it is seeking hegemony in East Asia where 40% of Global GDP is concentrated. Can the United States work to prevent that hegemony becoming a fait accompli to assure our freedom and prosperity.
S12 E12 · Thu, January 27, 2022
Tonga: the Volcano Eruption and Tsunami: Talking with Sia Akauola
A Firsthand/FaceTime account of the eruption on January 15, 2022. Tonga native Sia Akauola, who was in San Francisco, was on the phone to her sister in Tonga when the volcano erupted. Three loud explosions - heard 500 miles away in Fiji - then silence and no contact with her family for 5 agonizing days. Sia recounts what it was like for her family to live through the eruption and now to begin the recovery process. A very moving story.
S12 E11 · Wed, January 26, 2022
Kamala Harris one year: Where did it go wrong for her ? Talking with BBC North America Correspondent Anthony Zurcher.
Vice President Kamal Harris' first year in office has been very rock. The two issues the White House assigned to her - Immigration and Voting Rights - proved to be too challenging for her and her staff. A recent poll shows that only 28% of Americans want President Biden to seek re-election. Can Kamala turn around her political fortunes ?
S12 E10 · Mon, January 24, 2022
DAVOS: What you need to know.
The World Economic Forum (WEF), stages an annual forum for global leaders in Davos, Switzerland every January. This year it has been postponed to May 22 - 26. Peter S. Goodman, Global Economics Correspondent for The New York Times, has published a book critical of Davos attendees "Davos Man: How the billionaires devoured the world." We will briefly discuss it in today's podcast.
S12 E9 · Fri, January 21, 2022
The Wife starring Glenn Close and Jonathan Price: Talking with Shaun Chang from the Movie and TV Blog Hill Place.
As noted American novelist Joe Castleman and his wife Joan set out to Stockholm, we learn about their complex and secret filled marriage. Joe has won the Nobel Prize for Literature but his lifetime's work is not all that it seems. His wife Joan was not only his muse, but some say has written all of Joe's books. A fascinating study of a marriage and the bonds that hold a man and woman together.
S12 E8 · Wed, January 19, 2022
The Vanishing: In conversation with War Reporter and Author Janine di Giovanni
Faith. Loss and the Twilight of Christianity in the Land of the Prophets. The ancient Christian communities of Iraq, Syria, Gaza and Egypt which date from the time of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, are under threat through persecution, war, terrorism and emigration. Some observers fear they will be extinct in the next fifty years. Janine is a war correspondent who brings 35 years of on site experience in the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans. She has written nine books and her articles appear regularly in The Hew York Times and The Washington Post.
S12 E7 · Tue, January 18, 2022
Chesa Boudin: Recalling San Francisco's District Attorney. In conversation with former Assistant DA Brooke Jenkins.
Chesa Boudin, San Francisco's 29th District Attorney is facing an unprecedented recall election on June 7, 2022, the first time in the 166 year history of the office. 83,000 San Franciscan voters signed a petition to put the recall on the ballot - 30,000 more signatures than required. Former Assistant DA Brooke Jenkins resigned from the office last October, in frustration with Boudin's leadership and the blurring of lines of the roles of District Attorney and Public Defender. She has volunteered for the recall campaign and walks us through the issues in the special election.
S12 E6 · Mon, January 17, 2022
The Oath Keepers: Talking with journalists Phil Barber, Andrew Graham and Emily Wilder of The Press Democrat
Phil, Andrew and Emily authored a wide ranging profile of Oath Keeper members in the San Francisco North Bay Region on January 9th. Many readers were surprised that the right wing, extremist organization had a membership base in the left leaning, liberal Bay Area. They revealed some surprising results with their report which they discuss in today's podcast.
S12 E5 · Thu, January 13, 2022
There is Nothing for you here: Finding Opportunity in the 21st Century. Talking with Dr. Fiona Hill
Dr. Hill served as Senior Director for Europe and Russia at the National Security Council as a foreign policy advisor to President Trump from 2017 to 2019. She was also a witness in November 2019 at the House Hearings on the first impeachment of Donald Trump. Her personal story is inspirational rising from a modest beginning in the North East of England to serving three US Presidents.
S12 E4 · Wed, January 12, 2022
There You Go, Wherever You Are. Emily Fromm Solo Show. 111 Minna Gallery
Emily Fromm, noted visual artist whose cityscapes of San Francisco are growing in popularity has added classic scenes from New York and London to her urban art portfolio. She is best known for the massive mosaic, entitled Four Corners, which graces the Harvey Milk Terminal at SFO. Four of San Francisco's famous neighborhoods - the Castro, Chinatown, Embarcadero and the Mission are depicted in the massive 40 x 10 feet mural. Four Corners has become one of the terminal's favorite art installations. Emily's Solo Show, featuring over 50 of her works opens at the 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna Street, San Francisco, 94105 on January 13 at 5pm and will be open to the public until February 17. She plans to open a new studio in the Tenderloin district soon.
S12 E3 · Sat, January 08, 2022
Backlash: How China's aggression has backfired. In conversation with author Helen Raleigh
America and China seem to be moving in very different directions. Why are we seeing so much friction and historic shifts in the relationship ? Helen Raleigh addresses some of the fundamental misunderstandings in US China strategic relations and argues that Washington policymakers must be more clear eyed in their dealings with the Chinese Communist Party leadership.
S12 E2 · Thu, January 06, 2022
Warrior Entrepreneur: from the Battlefield to the Boardroom. Talking with Zachary L. Green, Founder of LumAware Safety Inc.
Zac Green takes us on a journey fighting through the abyss, the crucible and the three pillars of a successful business plan as he transitions from the US Marine Corps, into the fire service and eventually as the founder of a company. And the lessons learned in the USMC - Never Give Up, Mission Accomplishment, Grit, Adaptability sacrifice and morality - that saw him through the tough times of creating a successful $30 million company. An inspirational lesson learned.
S12 E1 · Thu, December 30, 2021
California 2021 Wrap-up and 2022 Outlook: Talking with Professor David McCuan, Chair of the Political Science Department, Sonoma State University.
California politics were especially tumultuous in 2021. And 2022 with the mid-term elections likely to swing control of Congress from Democrat to Republican, will no doubt prove equally seismic in political terms for the Golden State's four leading politicians, Speaker Pelosi, Vice President Harris, Governor Newsom and Senator Feinstein. Professor David McCuan brings his sharp political insights and experience to the year ahead, while putting the outgoing year to bed.
S11 E20 · Wed, December 29, 2021
Her Secret War: In conversation with author Pam Lecky
Her Secret War is Pam Lecky's fifth novel published in the United States. It's a great historical novel set in WWII. A twisty tale of intrigue and deception, Irish author Pam Lecky weaves many different genres into the story, like espionage, suspense, mystery and action, all against the backdrop of wartime Britain and neutral Ireland.
S11 E19 · Wed, December 22, 2021
Single in America: Talking with Harry Bruinius, New York Bureau Chief, The Christian Science Monitor
40 % of American adults between the ages of 25 and 54 are single according to the Pew Research Center. That represents a 30% increase since 1990. What implications does this new trend portend for American society ?
S11 E18 · Tue, December 21, 2021
Safe Enough Spaces: A pragmatist's approach to Inclusion, Free Speech, and Political Correctness. In conversation with Michael S. Roth, President of Wesleyan University.
Safe spaces, trigger warnings, political correctness - we hear these terms so often in the context of the College experience today. Often we wonder what has happened to the classic college experience. But President Roth gives us reassuring, pragmatic approach to today's on campus experience.
S11 E17 · Fri, December 17, 2021
Chile on the Brink: the Presidential Runoff Election. Talking to John Bartlett, The Guardian foreign correspondent in Santiago, Chile.
Chile faces a hotly contested and polarized runoff election Sunday, December 19, pitting the extreme right and left against each other. The country has not faced such a stark choice since the 1970 election of Marxist Salvador Allende. John Bartlett is covering the election for The Guardian, the UK newspaper and brings an informed and incisive perspective on the race.
S11 E16 · Fri, December 17, 2021
California's Plan to provide Healthcare for All: Talking with Carmen Comisti of the California Nurses' Association
California Assembly Bill 1400 comes up for Committee consideration in January. The Legislation would provide universal health care insurance for 40 million Californians on a single payer basis. The single payer would be the State of California. With Democrat super majorities in the State Legislature, a Democrat Governor and a Democrat Administration in Washington, the political stars are aligning. Could 2022 be the year California leads the nation again with universal health coverage ?
S11 E15 · Thu, December 16, 2021
Being the Ricardos: In conversation with Shaun Chang, Blogger at the TV and Movie Blog Hill Place
Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem star in this Aaron Sorkin written and directed film about the creative genius of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz who created the I love Lucy sitcom. Three crises dominate one week in 1952, Lucy's pregnancy, Desi's philandering and charges of Lucy's membership of the Communist Party. Well acted, written and directed - just released in time for the Academy Award nominating process !
S11 E14 · Thu, December 09, 2021
Radio Meets Podcasting: the Future. Talking with James Cridland, Editor of Podnews
Radio and Podcasting seem to be natural allies. In this episode Radio Futurologist James Cridland discusses the future of these two audio mediums, the Power of Voice and the Power of Listening.
S11 E13 · Tue, December 07, 2021
Omicron Covid Variant comes to America
First identified and isolated in South Africa on November 24, 2021, the Omicron Covid variant is highly transmissible and breakthrough infections are more common. The first case in America was identified in San Francisco, December 1, 2021, a vaccinated traveler returning to the Bay Area from South Africa via London. What's next ?
S11 E12 · Thu, December 02, 2021
The Curse of Student Loans
America's student loan iceberg totals $1.7 Trillion, with one in six Americans -46million- carrying some student debt. The median loan amount is $17,000. But 6% have debt in excess of $100,000 as high cost graduate programs, med school, law school and business school expand at a faster rate than undergrad debt. Is loan forgiveness the best way to curtail this drag on the US Economy ?
S11 E11 · Tue, November 30, 2021
Solar Earth Technologies - Solar Power 2.0. Talking with CFO Anders Kruus.
The next phase of solar power technology is fast approaching. Our focus in today's podcast will be what lies ahead specifically in the field of photovoltaics embedded in existing infrastructure: sidewalks, driveways, trails, garage roofs and more. It's coming fast.
S11 E10 · Wed, November 24, 2021
Ringside with A.J.Kirsch: Life as a combat sports announcer and broadcaster.
A.J. began his career as a pro wrestler competing in the ring. His career has included such highs as working with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and getting back in the ring as an announcer for wrestling, boxing and MMA matches. Listen to AJ's unique path to success which brings together announcing, broadcasting and being in the ring.
S11 E9 · Wed, November 24, 2021
The 25th James Bond Film. In conversation with Shaun Chang of the Movie and TV Blog Hill Place. We
In today's episode film critic Shaun Chang reviews the most recent Bond film and Daniel Craig's fifth and last one, No Way to Die. We also discuss the development of the franchise over the last 60 years.
S11 E8 · Fri, November 19, 2021
Collateral Damage is Optioned as a Documentary: an update conversation with author Mark Shaw
Mark Wahlberg's "Unreasonable Ideas" production company has optioned Collateral Damage for a Documentary. Mark Shaw's book connects the dots between the 1962 death of Marilyn Monroe, the 1963 assassination of JFK and the 1965 death of ace investigative journalist and TV personality Dorothy Kilgallen, with Bobby Kennedy playing a lynchpin role.
S11 E7 · Thu, November 18, 2021
Storytelling to build a better San Francisco: In conversation with Carly Schwartz, Editor in Chief, The San Francisco Examiner
The venerable SF Examiner is under new ownership and management. Editor in Chief Carly Schwartz, after stints at The Huffington Post and Google has a 5 prong strategy to reorganize the paper: Findings, Fixes, Faces, Forum and Fanfare. And it will be a crusading force against some of the City's chronic problems. A new broom sweeps clean !
S11 E6 · Wed, November 17, 2021
I've been Walking: Los Angeles Photographs. In conversation with Janet Sternburg
Janet Sternburg is a fine art photographer who walked the streets of Los Angeles during the Covid lockdowns capturing images and scenes of a semi deserted city. Her book features 73 images all of which were taken with her iPhone camera. In this interview she shares with us her process and art. She was Co-Recipient of the Redcat Award in 2016, which is given to individuals who exemplify creativity and talent that define and lead the evolution of contemporary culture.
S11 Enull · Wed, November 17, 2021
Hollywood Confidential: In conversation with Tommy Lightfoot Garrett
Tommy Lightfoot Garrett is a veteran Hollywood publicist who has worked with the great stars of screen and stage: Bette Davis, Doris Day, Charlton Heston, Glenn Ford, Joan Fontaine, Jane Wyman as well as Julia Roberts and Jude Law, to mention but a few. And over the years, he has amassed the second largest collection of Hollywood photographs, second only to Ted Turner. With 4 celebrity biographies to his credit, he is finishing up his latest on Antony Perkins, due out in 2022. In this episode, he raises the curtain on Hollywood's behind the scenes history. Tommy is an engaging raconteur who really knows Hollywood !
S11 E4 · Fri, November 12, 2021
Dallas Texas: My Hometown. Talking with Tom Keener.
Dallas native Tom Keener talks about Dallas as it is today and as he remembers it in 1963. And he shares his personal memoir of Friday, November 22, 1963 when he and his mother went to Love Field to await the arrival of Air Force One, President Kennedy and the First Lady. What a day ! Even 58 years later his memories are fresh and vivid. The episode cover picture features the Keeners in the rope line greeting JFK and Jackie.
S11 E3 · Fri, November 05, 2021
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Film discussion with author Tom Lisanti and writer/blogger Shaun Chang.
Quentin Tarantino's 9th film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie gives set in 1969 Hollywood, gives a Through the Looking Glass ending to the Sharon Tate/LaBianca murders by the Manson Family.
S11 E2 · Wed, November 03, 2021
San Francisco's Major Image Problem. In conversation with Sam Singer, of Singer Associates, Public Relations. Specialist in Crisis Management.
San Francisco's city government has been described as dysfunctional by the influential news magazine, The Economist. And other global newspapers like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail, regularly highlight our many travails like homelessness, City Hall corruption, rampant crime, inept school governance and stratospheric housing prices. Yet our civic leadership seems incapable or unwilling to fix them. Sam Singer, one of the nation's top Crisis Management consultants shares his analysis with us and his pragmatic solutions.
S11 E1 · Fri, October 29, 2021
My Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska. Talking with Tim McGargill
Anchorage is the largest city of the 49th state, with a population of 291,000. Close to 5 national parks, 60 glaciers and enjoying the Northern Lights, the great outdoors plays a major role in this diverse city. Tim McGargill is a recent transplant to Alaska, following 19th Century advice to Go West Young Man, he is living life on the Last Frontier. An ultra marathon runner, he is learning to share his running trails with Moose and bears !
S10 E20 · Mon, October 25, 2021
Forced Sterilizations: Sonoma County's shameful history.
California legalized involuntary sterilizations in 1909. Between 1919 and 1952, 5500 such procedures were performed, representing 25% of the involuntary sterilizations which occurred in California.
S10 E19 · Thu, October 21, 2021
Arson Profiler: Ed Nordskog.
Arson arrests in California were up to 120 in 2020 versus 70 in 2019. To paraphrase our guest, the wildland arsonist is the most dangerous criminal in the country and can burn down a whole town in one hour. Yet such cases are not considered in the same destructive category as a weapon of mass destruction. Why not ? And what makes an arsonist tick ?
S10 E18 · Thu, October 21, 2021
Carol Lynley: Her Hollywood Career. Talking with author Tom Lisanti, author of Carol Lynley her films and TV career and along for the discussion Shaun Chang, of the Movie and TV Blog, "Hill Place."
Carol Lynley had a remarkable 40 year career in films, TV and on the stage. And who could ever forget The Poseidon Adventure ? She was a hardworking actress who graduated from model to teen actress to adult roles during the turbulent 1960s when social and cultural norms were changing. But she adapted to the times.
S10 E17 · Fri, October 15, 2021
Wildfire Arsonists: A disturbing trend ?
Three recent arson cases in Northern California's forests, during our dangerous annual wildfire season, have raised the fear that deliberately set fires are on the rise and contributing to the megafires plaguing the Golden State. Cal Fire says that arson arrests jumped from 70 in 2019 to 120 in 2020. How can we stop this trend ?
S10 E16 · Wed, October 13, 2021
My Hometown: Liverpool, England. Talking with native son and actor Frank Cannon.
Liverpool is located 178 miles North West of London. A port and a city of colorful history, it has produced two Premier League Soccer Teams, The Beatles, countless actors and artists and has always been an immigrant melting pot. A key transportation artery during the Industrial Revolution, it played a role in the American Civil War facilitating the cotton trade, hosting a Confederate consulate and overseeing the building of a Confederate warship. Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth is rumored to have fled to Liverpool, his ancestral home and lived incognito avoiding capture.
S10 E15 · Sat, October 09, 2021
Minneapolis votes to ditch its' Police Department and Chief.
Measure 2 is on the Minneapolis ballot November 2. It would remove the Police Department and Chief from the city charter. A new Department of Public Safety would be set up driven by public health considerations. Would police officers even be recruited in the future ? And if it passes, will other cities around the country follow suit ? If so, what impact would a national police department revamp have on the 2022 mid-term elections ?
S10 E14 · Wed, October 06, 2021
King Richard. Nixon and Watergate: an American Tragedy. In conversation with author Michael Dobbs.
Michael Dobbs was Moscow Bureau Chief for the Washington Post. He has written seven books. King Richard and several others deal with presidential crises. For King Richard he listened to the Nixon tapes at the presidential library in Yorba Linda for a first hand account of how the coverup that forced the President's resignation unfolded. The book zeroes in on the first 100 days of 1973 after the January 20th second inaugural. This was the timeframe when the fate of the Nixon presidency was sealed.
S10 E13 · Fri, October 01, 2021
U.S. white male life expectancy drops 2.2 years in 2020 and 2021.; 3 plus years for blacks and latinos. Why ?
Covid 19 fueled a 2.2 year decrease in US white male life expectancy and over 3 years for black and latino men. That was the largest drop in 75 years. While other Western European countries saw a drop also, the US decline was the largest. Why ? In today's podcast we will explore the treasons.
S10 E12 · Fri, October 01, 2021
Mexican American Moxie: Talking with author, Professor Frank P. Barajas
The rise of the Mexican American community in California is notable in many fields. But back in the middle of the 20th Century until the 1970s, The future was littered with struggle, poverty and lack of opportunity. Frank Barajas takes us through that period when giants like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta were laying the groundwork for the emergence of Mexican Americans as a political, social and economic force to be reckoned with.
S10 E11 · Fri, September 24, 2021
Men Give Up on College: We Don't Need No Education.
Male College enrolment in 2020 was 40.5% male and 59.5% female. Since the mid-1980s women have earned more bachelors degrees than men. The good news is that women have excelled in higher education. But men have become disillusioned with the college experience and fewer are enrolling. So how will our society change if that trend continues for another 10 or 20 years ?
S10 E10 · Wed, September 22, 2021
Migrations: In conversation with author J.L. Torres
Award winning author J.L. Torres, discusses his critically acclaimed collection of short stories, Migrations. The Puerto Rican journey back and forth between the island and New York is the locus of the strong women and men he profiles. Inaugural winner of the Tomas Rivera Prize, this is a book which brings us to the heart of being Puerto Rican
S10 E9 · Fri, September 17, 2021
Newsom Recall Post Mortem: Talking with Dan Walters of CalMatters.org
The second Gubernatorial recall in California's 171 years history as a state failed. Governor Gavin Newsom handily saw off the challenge to oust him, 64% to 36%. Does his victory mean a renewed mandate to solve the state's big problems like homelessness, wildfires and healthcare ? Or was it a one off victory ? Veteran political opinion columnist for Cal Matters Dan Walters, joins us to analyze the results
S10 E8 · Thu, September 16, 2021
My Hometown: Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Talking with Marcel van Walt van Praag
Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, with a population of 870,000 is a cosmopolitan city known for its artistic heritage, commerce, 165 canals, and the legacy of its' 17th and 18th Century Golden Age. City resident Marcel shares with us his impressions and insights of his hometown, Amsterdam.
S10 E7 · Wed, September 15, 2021
Christians Against Christianity: How Right Wing Evangelicals are destroying our Nation and our Faith. In conversation with Dr. Obery Hendricks.
The Evangelical Right has played a prominent role ensuring its agenda is part of the national debate especially during the presidential elections of 2016 and 2020. But is that agenda soundly based in scripture as they would have us believe ? Dr. Obery Hendricks a biblical scholar, social activist and one of the foremost commentators on the intersection of religion and politics, debunks that agenda as not being based in scripture. And argues that it is largely antithetical to Christ's teaching.
S10 E6 · Mon, September 13, 2021
The Eve of the California Recall Election: In conversation with Professor David McCuan
The second recall election of a California Governor in 171 years of statehood takes place tomorrow, Tuesday September 14. The polls are predicting a landslide victory for Gavin Newsom. But the seasoned political scientist Professor David McCuan breaks down the meaning of the race and its' impact on national politics.
S10 E5 · Fri, September 10, 2021
Escape to the Stars: Talking with author Mark T. Sneed
Escape to the Stars is a work of science fiction, but with an African American protagonist and hero. All too often the science fiction genre and space travel/adventure stories leave out people of color, and author Mark Sneed rectifies that shortcoming and gives us a unique and new perspective in his sixth novel. Christian Drake the protagonist unlike most space adventurers seems to have a live and let live tolerance for the aliens he encounters - another singular characteristic in science fiction !
S10 E4 · Thu, September 09, 2021
Gavin Newsom's handling of Covid is both an advantage and a liability in the Recall. Talking with Kaiser Health News journalist Angela Hart.
While the Governor's management of California's response to the Covid pandemic has been an issue in the Recall, he has earned praise and criticism. Angela Hart frames the issues around his handling of Covid and further previews some major MediCal reforms coming in January which will transform the state's healthcare programs especially for the homeless.
S10 E3 · Thu, September 02, 2021
The California Recall Update: Talking with Alexei Koseff, State Capitol Reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle
With less than two weeks left before the historic Recall Election of Governor Gavin Newsom, the tide of opinion polls seems to be turning in his favor. But are there potential minefield issues like raging wildfires and increasing crime that could ambush his ride to victory ? Alexei Koseff, The Chronicle's Capitol reporter in Sacramento who follows the Governor and the Legislature shares his insights.
S10 E2 · Wed, September 01, 2021
Tonga: Memoir of a Peace Corps Volunteer. In conversation with Tina Martin.
Tina Martin joined the Peace Corps in 1969 and served for two years in Tonga, a Polynesian Kingdom in the South Pacific. At times funny and other times moving, she learned the language and lived like a Tongan in a hut teaching English. Her memoir, entitled "Everything I should have learned I could have learned in Tonga", is based on the 28 notebook/diaries she kept of her adventure 50 years ago.
S10 E1 · Mon, August 30, 2021
And the world's most liveable city is...........
The Economist Intelligence Unit has recently published The Global Liveability Index which ranks the top cities in the world by five criteria, Stability, Healthcare, Culture and Environment, Education and Infrastructure. It is the first time that the full brunt of the Covid 19 pandemic was factored into the equation, and just as Covid has upended our lives, so too the global City rankings were significantly changed. Auckland, New Zealand ranks as the #1 most liveable city in the world.
S9 E20 · Fri, August 27, 2021
Station: In conversation with author Jarrett Brandon Early.
In his debut novel - which is an ambitious trilogy - Jarrett has written a work about life's second chances. But a second chance is not always guaranteed to be better than your first chance: it all depends what you make of it. He has a keen eye and incorporates life lessons from his stint as an expat in Thailand into the plot. This is a well crafted work which earned glowing praise from Kirkus Reviews.
S9 E19 · Wed, August 25, 2021
Newsom Recall Election: In conversation with Laurel Rosenhall, political reporter with CalMatters
The special recall election of Governor Gavin Newsom is scheduled for September 14, less than three weeks away. The polls are close and the campaigns are moving into high gear. Lauren Rosenhall gives us her perspective on the state of the race 20 days from election day.
S9 E18 · Wed, August 25, 2021
My Hometown: Cork, Ireland, Talking to Conor Healy, CEO of the Cork Chamber of Commerce.
Cork is Ireland's second city, located in the South West quadrant of the country and close to the Atlantic Ocean. Its a vibrant city with a strong identity, thriving economy, two world class universities and an innovative arts scene. A sister city of San Francisco since 1984, the links between the two cities are deep and historic. Listen to native son Conor Healy talk proudly about his hometown !
S9 E17 · Mon, August 23, 2021
My Hometown: Santander, Spain. Talking to Alfredo Casuso
Santander, located on Spain's North Coast, is a center of finance, industry, culture, tourism and agriculture. Santander native Alfredo Casuso takes us on a tour of this beautiful seaside city.
S9 E16 · Sat, August 21, 2021
Newsom's Recall: Opinion Polls and Issues.
Newsom has a razor thin lead of 1.2% in the Recall race based on an average of polls according to 538.org. At the same time, the Covid Delta surge is reminding voters - Hispanics in particular - how devastating the 2020 lockdowns were for their community. And the Governor is playing a risky Newsom or Bust strategy. We will track the campaign through election day September 14 with special guests to keep you up to speed on this historic vote.
S9 E15 · Tue, August 17, 2021
My Hometown: Orvieto, Italy, Talking to David Perry
Located 78 miles North of Rome, Orvieto is9 in the Umbria Region. Rich in history and culture, David Perry was inspired to situate his critically acclaimed novel and thriller, Upon this Rock, in this beautiful hilltop city. David leads us on a tour of the Orvieto's cathedrals, museums, watering holes and hiking trails. And the sequel to his book is in the works !
S9 E14 · Wed, August 11, 2021
The Retreat: Talking to author Elisabeth de Mariaffi
A closed circle mystery set in the Canadian Rockies as an early Winter sets in, Maeve Martin has come to this mountain top artists' retreat center to focus on the next chapter of her career. At 34 being a lead dancer is fading away. Only seven artists and staff are in residence but beneath the surface lurks vicious intrigue and deception. A freak avalanche isolates them from the outside world and then one of the seven is found dead. Maeve's quest for self realization turns into a nightmarish struggle to survive.
S9 E13 · Wed, August 04, 2021
Did Critical Race Theory trigger school expulsion ? In conversation with Sam Stanton, Reporter at the Sacramento Bee.
Critical Race Theory (CRT) and teaching it in public schools has been banned in 30 states. California may have just entered the fray with the filing of a federal discrimination lawsuit by the parents of a Latino former student at Sacramento's all boys, Jesuit High School. According to the suit, he was apparently expelled because he was critical of CRT.
S9 E12 · Wed, August 04, 2021
My Hometown: Quito, Ecuador. Talking with Fabian Borrero.
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and a city of three million people. My family and I lived there for three years. In today's episode, part of our continuing Hometown series where a local resident gives us their perspective on daily life, Fabian Borrero shares with us his unique perspectives about life in this exquisite city perched almost two miles above sea level in the Andes !
S9 E11 · Wed, July 28, 2021
My Hometown: Barcelona. Talking with Fariba Rezvani and Miguel Valls.
In our continuing series of global cities viewed through the eyes of local residents, we feature Barcelona and Fariba Rezvani and Miguel Valls, the Co-Chairs of the San Francisco Barcelona Sister City Committee. Spain's second largest city after Madrid, Barcelona is a cultural, industrial, artistic and tourist mecca. Fariba and Miguel relocated to Barcelona four years ago and share their impressions of their hometown.
S9 E10 · Tue, July 27, 2021
The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) : Talking with Dr. Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer and Institute Fellow of SETI.
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Silicon Valley, SETI seeks to explore, understand and explain the prevalence of life in the Universe. Its' Allen Telescope Array located 300 miles North of San Francisco, is the ears of SETI, listening for extraterrestrial signals. Seth Shostak predicts by the mid 2030s first contact with Earth will have been made, most likely through advanced, alien Artificial Intelligence (AI).
S9 E9 · Mon, July 26, 2021
Collateral Damage: the mysterious deaths of Marilyn Monroe, Dorothy Kilgallen and the ties that bind them to the JFK assassination and Bobby Kennedy. In conversation with author Mark Shaw.
Linking the 1962 death of Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe and the 1965 death of ace investigative reporter Dorothy Kilgallen with the assassination of JFK might seem like a stretch at first blush. But that is exactly what investigative author Mark Shaw accomplishes when he connects the dots to all three cases. And the lynchpin is Bobby Kennedy.
S9 E8 · Wed, July 21, 2021
The California Recall State of Play: In conversation with Laurel Rosenhall political reporter with CalMatters.
California's recall election of Governor Gavin Newsom is set for September 14, 2021. Over 40 candidates are on the ballot. But the unfolding Delta variant Covid resurgence could prove to be a wild card in what was once regarded as an eminently winnable race for Newsom. https://calmatters.org/gavin-newsom-recall-election/
S9 E7 · Tue, July 20, 2021
Social Media Profiles: the real, the fake and the extreme. In conversation with Professor Chris Bail of Duke University
Chris Bail's new book " Breaking the Social Prism - How to make our platforms less Polarizing," analyzes how we got to this crisis point and steps to defuse the situation. The echo chambers, social prisms that distort users and their comments plus political tribalism is a poisonous trifecta that only social media users can change.
S9 E6 · Wed, July 14, 2021
San Francisco's 49 Mile Drive or the 49 Mile Scenic Route ? Heather Knight of The San Francisco Chronicle does a re-make.
The classic 49 Mile Drive through San Francisco's picturesque neighborhoods and iconic landmarks has not been revamped since 1939 when it was created for the SF World's Fair and it as auto centric. Enter Heather Knight, reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle and her colleague Peter Hartlaub who have come up with a walker, cyclist, public transit friendly alternative featuring 37 City landmarks.
S9 E5 · Tue, July 13, 2021
Life Science Breakthroughs: Talking with Dr. Regis Kelly, UC San Francisco
Reg Kelly discusses the QB3 Life Science incubator, a new mega incubator at UC Berkeley to open in October 2021 and groundbreaking research taking place in the San Francisco Bay Area in the field of BioTechnology. And most importantly, cultivating entrepreneurship among scientists and researchers in the Life Sciences.
S9 E4 · Fri, July 09, 2021
My Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand. Talking with Michael Duggan
Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most affluent city with a population of 1.65 million. It is also the largest city in Polynesia. Rated one of the world's most livable cities, it has also become a very desirable place for relocation: house prices are up 20% in 2021. Native New Zealander Michael Duggan gives us an insider and local perspective on living in this beautiful city.
S9 E3 · Wed, July 07, 2021
Money Matters: The poor and naive meet the rich and dangerous. In conversation with author Brian Finney
Money Matters is a story of two sisters on two different trajectories of life, money, men and personal values. The plot plays out against the seedier side of life in Southern California with major themes of Surveillance Technology, Undocumented Immigration, the 2010 Gubernatorial race and Drug Cartels featuring prominently. It's also a detective mystery with coming of age overtones. A complex and well crafted novel. Finney captures the voice of a 27 year old Valley Girl to a T: no mean feat for a British Emeritus Professor of English Literature !
S9 E2 · Wed, June 30, 2021
Productive Intuition: Connecting to the Subtle. Talking with author AdaPia d'Errico
It's hard to know who to trust in a world of fake news and online relationships. So trusting yourself and listening to your own intuition is more critical than ever. Particularly as ever pervasive Artificial Intelligence supplants human beings in the workforce and service industries. AdaPia shows us how to effectively integrate intuition into our data driven business and life decisions.
S9 E1 · Sat, June 26, 2021
Gavin Newsom's Public Health Crisis: A conversation with California Healthline's Angela Hart
While California has 68% of its population vaccinated, Governor Newsom can hardly run victory laps around the State Capitol. Multiple health crises loom including underfunded public health, single payer insurance, Medicaid for 3 million undocumented aliens and the Covid 19 death toll of 63,490 Californians who died during the pandemic all against the backdrop of a Recall Election in the Fall that arguably he could have avoided..
S8 E20 · Thu, June 24, 2021
Unlocking Longevity: In conversation with Professor Anil Bhushan of UCSF
Professor Bhushan is a founder of Deciduous Therapeutics, a San Francisco based biotech startup. Its' mission is to positively impact the human health span by developing novel medicines to activate our immune systems to eliminate senescent cells, the dead and dying cells that once they accumulate cause inflammation and chronic disease. Cutting edge science to treat diseases of old age.
S8 E19 · Wed, June 23, 2021
Finding My Roots: Talking to Tim Early
After many years searching, I have found my paternal grand father's ancestors through a patrilineal DNA test. The Y chromosome only passes to the male line and often these ancestors share the same surnames centuries later. Libby Copeland, author of The Lost Family and a guest on TSFE suggested the patrilineal DNA test and I am glad she did !
S8 E18 · Thu, June 17, 2021
Her Three Lives: In conversation with author Cate Holohan
Gabriel Garcia Marquez the great novelist famously said that every human being has three lives: the public, the private and the secret. Cate Holohan's latest domestic thriller manipulates that complex trifecta of life's intersections. A romance and planned wedding are upended in a violent home invasion, with a shocking ending I wasn't expecting.
S8 E17 · Mon, June 14, 2021
The Group of 7 Summit: What did it achieve ? A conversation with Trevin Stratton, Chief Economist and SVP of Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The Group of 7, the US, Canada, France, Japan, UK, Germany and Italy met in Cornwall, England for three days to co-ordinate economic policies post pandemic, agree a new infrastructure investment plan and discuss the rise of China as a global economic power. But the G7 members represent less than 45% of global GDP versus over 70% in the early 1990s. And China warned that gone are the days when a small group of countries could dictate world economic policies. Trevin Stratton discusses the outcome of the Summit.
S8 E16 · Fri, June 11, 2021
Elon Musk reads books: What makes him tick ?
Elon Musk is worth $152 billion, but he still finds time to read in his quest for knowledge. In today's episode we will discuss some of the books that have inspired him to reach for the stars and especially to caution us about the development of Artificial Intelligence.
S8 E15 · Wed, June 09, 2021
Baseball Card Mania: the Big Business of Trading Sports Cards. Talking with Ryan Fagan MLB journalist with the Sporting News.
Baseball cards and sports cards generally are not just a youngster's pastime. Investing in culture assets like baseball cards especially is becoming an alternative asset class. A 1952 Mickey Mantle card, for instance, sold for $2.8 million in 2019. A new sports card fund raised $20 million and is up 35% since last September. Ryan Fagan walks us through the world of baseball cards in today's episode.
S8 E14 · Fri, June 04, 2021
A Good Mother: an interview with author Lara Bazelon.
A Good Mother is Lara Bazelon's debut legal thriller novel. A Law Professor at University of San Francisco, School of Law, Lara was formerly a Public Defender in Los Angeles and brings a practitioner's experience to this courtroom drama, featuring the savvy and street smart attorney Abby Rosenberg. A compelling thriller with unexpected plot twists and turns that kept me on edge !
S8 E13 · Tue, June 01, 2021
Pandemic Baby Bust continues the downward trend of US population decline. In conversation with Professor Phillip Levine of Wellesley College
US births in 2020 were actually down by 400,000 by year end 2020 due to the pandemic lockdowns. Professor Levine and his team have identified a correlation between unemployment and the US birth rate: for each 1% increase in the unemployment rate, the birth rate drops by 1%. Instead of the stay at home lockdowns producing a baby boom, they actually have caused a baby bust.
S8 E12 · Fri, May 28, 2021
Los Angeles: A big,hot mess. Talking with Dan Walters, veteran California journalist.
Los Angeles, the nation's second largest city has an unemployment rate of 11.7% versus 5.4% for San Francisco. Poverty and homelessness are on the rise yet politicians utter the same old bromides. Dan Walters with almost 60 years as a California political journalist, gives us a clear eyed analysis of LA's problems and offers some recommendations.
S8 E11 · Wed, May 26, 2021
The Israel Hamas Conflict. A conversation with Professor Ron Hassner, UC Berkeley.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has entered an uneasy stand off with an Egyptian brokered cease fire. The US, EU and other countries have pledged billions in aid to re-build, but will the underlying tensions change ? Professor Ron Hassner takes a clear eyed view of Hamas and the threat it poses to Israel and the Peace Process.
S8 E10 · Fri, May 21, 2021
Reviving California's Gold Mines : An Interview with Ben Mossman, CEO of Rise Gold Corp.
Rise Gold Corp is in the process of re-opening a historic underground gold mine, the Idaho-Maryland mine, first opened in 1863. At its' peak production in the early 1940s it employed 1000 people and was the second biggest gold mine in the US. Once operational, they will employ 300 people and mine 1000 tons of rock daily and 100,000 ounces of gold annually. Today's spot price of gold was $1879.
S8 E9 · Thu, May 20, 2021
5 Oregon counties vote to join Idaho. An interview with Mike McCarter, President of Move Oregon's Borders.
5 rural Oregon counties voted by wide margins on Tuesday to begin the process to join Idaho. That brings the tally to 7 for the leavers, with more than 10 more counties slated to vote on the issue. Is the driver to leave Oregon the usual rural versus urban hostility or is there something more at play ?
S8 E8 · Tue, May 18, 2021
BBC Trending: Social Media watchdog. An interview with editor Mike Wendling
Media literacy is so important today since millions of Americans get their news from Social Media which unlike legacy press and TV is neither edited nor curated. Separating fact from fiction, conspiracy theory, falsehood and agitprop can be a full time job. The BBC Trending program tracks social media and shines the light of researched fact on fake news and disinformation.
S8 E7 · Fri, May 14, 2021
Canada's mysterious brain disease: In conversation with Professor Dr. Neil Cashman.
An undiagnosed neurodegenerative brain disease has occurred in a cluster in New Brunswick on Canada's East Coast. 48 people in the City of Moncton and the Acadian Peninsula have been affected. The cause is unknown and no cure is in sight. Dr. Cashman a neurologist and renowned expert in prion related brain diseases discusses what we know at this point.
S8 E6 · Wed, May 12, 2021
California's vaccination rates and getting back to work: in conversation with Susie Neilson, Data Reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle.
San Francisco has reached the 50% mark in terms of full Covid vaccinations, with 71% of the remaining unvaccinated population saying they plan to get the shots. And more good news on the jobs front - the City by the Bay is down to a 5.4% unemployment rate, better than the national rate, 6.1%, California's rate, 8.25% and Los Angeles' rate, 9%. But what will the workplace look like when offices reopen ? Will those who work from home forego salary and career advancement ?
S8 E5 · Fri, May 07, 2021
How will Putin test Biden ? A conversation with Professor Andrei Tsygankov, Professor of International Relations and Political Science, San Francisco State University.
There is a history of Russian leaders sizing up new American Presidents, starting with Krushchev and JFK, Gorbachev and Reagan and now Putin and Biden. But are they off on the wrong foot ? Biden sees Putin as a killer. Can they put their differences behind them over Ukraine a sticky issue for both ? Strategic nuclear treaties between the two countries expire in 5 years. Professor Tsygankov a graduate of Moscow State University and the University of Southern California gives us his incisive analysis.
S8 E4 · Thu, May 06, 2021
Ranch to Table Meat Supply: Talking to Adam Parks of Victorian Farmstead Meat Company.
Food Safety and Security soared in importance in the wake of Covid 19 meat packing plant infection rates and collapse of the supply chain. Ranch to table meat supply is a shorter, safer, cleaner way to source better quality meat. Owner and Entrepreneur Adam Parks of Victorian Farmstead Meat Company discusses how his business has exploded in the past year.
S8 E3 · Tue, May 04, 2021
Dangerous Conjectures : the critically acclaimed novel by Brian Finney. The Interview.
Dangerous Conjectures tells a tale of the way we were, in the three months leading up to the 2020 Covid lockdowns. Set in Berkeley, California, the novel relates the story of a young professional couple caught up in a "through the looking glass" world of Qanon, misinformation, opioid addiction and marital deception as the Covid 19 pandemic was poised to unleash its lethal fury on America. The hobgoblins of America's dark psyche flare up into an existential threat to the protagonists, Julia and Adam Gosford changing their lives forever.
S8 E2 · Thu, April 29, 2021
Wine Country Resiliency: A conversation with Bill Boerum, Wine Industry Entrepreneur.
Napa and Sonoma Counties are America's premier wine producing regions. 85% of American wine is produced in California with Napa and Sonoma accounting for more than half of that total. Bill recounts the early signs of economic recovery in the wine region North of San Francisco and projects a strong Summer and Fall tourist season. Good news for the whole wine industry ecosystem !
S8 E1 · Wed, April 28, 2021
The Lost Family: How DNA testing is upending who we are. A conversation with author Libby Copeland.
Over 30 million Americans have taken DNA Tests at home, largely for recreational genealogy and family history purposes. This vast array of DNA databases has linked millions of distant cousins and newly discovered relations. In a melting pot culture like the United States where we all hail from somewhere else originally, this DNA based family history culture is raising new cultural opportunities, questions and challenges. Libby Copeland gives us a balanced blend of this new genetic science, data collection and how they intersect with human nature and emotions.
S7 E20 · Thu, April 22, 2021
California school kids' raw deal: Dan Walters, veteran journalist, shares his analysis.
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) the second largest school system in the United States and the largest in California, published a report last week outlining the dire impact of the Covid lockdowns on our state's 6 million public school students. With schools just reopening in the last 10 days, High School drop out and failure rates are projected to double and even worse, over the next 3 years. And California with an 8% unemployment rate - versus 6% nationwide - can ill afford to be turning out unskilled and unqualified young adults for our competitive labor markets that demand high tech skills.
S7 E19 · Tue, April 20, 2021
Poorly Understood: What America gets wrong about poverty. Speaking with co-author Professor Mark Rank about his book.
Poverty in the United States is more widespread than in the other developed OECD countries due to our skimpy social safety net. For instance, 60% of Americans will experience poverty sometime in their life between 18 and 75 years of age. 60 % ! On the other hand we reduced senior poverty from 35% in 1959 to 8% today so we have had targeted successes. Professor Rank breaks down the myths of poverty in our midst.
S7 E18 · Fri, April 16, 2021
Leaving California: Allison Pullins and Neal Richardson discuss their decision to relocate to North Carolina.
A young family weighs a difficult decision to leave San Francisco and move to North Carolina. Mixed emotions confront Allison and Neal as they decide to leave their adopted home in San Francisco for North Carolina. A wistful conversation covering complex choices many Californians are facing .
S7 E17 · Wed, April 14, 2021
Bitcoin and Coinbase: What you should know before investing. In conversation with Anders Kruus, Financial Advisor.
Coinbase went public today, making it easier for individual investors to transact in Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether and Litecoin. Will Coinbase make Crypto more accessible like Apple and Microsoft made clunky home computers easy to use in the 1980s ? And why do you need a cryptocurrency account anyway ? Privacy, secrecy, one global currency ? Will internet based currencies supplant existing currencies ? It looks like money is about to be revolutionized by FinTech.
S7 E16 · Fri, April 09, 2021
George Floyd Trial and Police Reform: A discussion with Martin Kuz, West Coast Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor.
Minneapolis and the nation as a whole are holding their collective breath as the George Floyd murder trial unfolds. Just as the repercussions of his killing by police officer Derek Chauvin last year are still working their way through American society, could the verdict in the trial portend more civil unrest and calls to radically reform the nation's policing capability ? As goes the Minneapolis Police Department, so goes the nation's many police forces.
S7 E15 · Wed, April 07, 2021
Frida Kahlo: Appearances can be deceiving. A conversation with Hillary Olcott, Coordinating Curator, Frida Kahlo Exhibit, DeYoung Museum.
The Frida Kahlo Exhibit is a collection of the artist's most personal artifacts including clothing, photographs, prosthetics, paintings, and jewelry which was stored at her home in Mexico City from the time of her death, 1954, until 2004. The Exhibit also draws on her time in San Francisco and how it influenced her life and art. It is open through May 2, 2021.
S7 E14 · Thu, April 01, 2021
Christo's Running Fence - 45 years later. An interview with Eric Stanley, Historian, Sonoma County Museum.
Running Fence was a 24.5 mile massive art installation on the hills of Sonoma and Marin Counties, ending with a dive into the Pacific Ocean. Rated by the Smithsonian Institution as one of the most important artworks of the second half of the 20th Century, Christo and his wife Jeanne Claude donated the work to the Smithsonian about 10 years ago. But a significant collection of Running Fence artifacts and other Christo works is housed at the Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa. It is a fascinating story of how 59 Sonoma County ranchers were persuaded by an avant garde artist team to host the art installation in 1976.
S7 E13 · Wed, March 31, 2021
A tale of two Covids: Canadaand the United States' different paths. In conversation with Trevin Stratton, Chief Economist of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Canada's Pandemic management in 2020 was exemplary by any measure, lower infection rates and lower mortality rate belied the nation's sense of collective responsibility for all Canadians health. The US has much to learn from our Northern Neighbor. Though the story on Covid vaccine rollout has been mixed. Trevin Stratton gives us a unique perspective on the Team Canada approach to the Covid Pandemic.
S7 E12 · Fri, March 26, 2021
Asian American Violence and Hate: An interview with US Civil Rights Commissioner Michael Yaki
Since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic one year ago, Asian Americans have faced racist violence at a much higher rate than in previous years. In New York City for instance, hate crimes against Asian Americans have jumped 1900% in 2020. And President Biden has signed an executive order as one of his first acts as President denouncing anti-Asian American discrimination. In today's episode we explore why and how to stop it.
S7 E11 · Thu, March 25, 2021
Hate Studies Institute, Gonzaga University. In conversation with Kristine Hoover, Director
Spokane, Washington is the site of the Gonzaga University campus and the Institute of Hate Studies. Located not far from the Idaho panhandle where White Supremacist groups and ideology have flourished, the Institute is on the front lines in the battle against Hate. Kristine Hoover the Director outlines the Institute's mission in this episode.
S7 E10 · Mon, March 22, 2021
California Recall garners more than 2 million signatures. An interview with Professor David McCuan
It looks like the Recall organizers who want to oust California Governor Gavin Newsom have successfully gathered more than enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. Political Scientist Professor at Sonoma State University David McCuan explains the process which will be the national political story of 2021.
S7 E9 · Thu, March 18, 2021
Harvey Milk Terminal Murals at SFO: Meet the Artist Emily Fromm
The Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport is our newest and repurposed facility. Local artist Emily Fromm was selected by the SF Arts Commission to create four large mosaic murals in the departure hall depicting the colorful and diverse neighborhoods of the City. She discusses her art and the SFO installation which is likely to become one of the airport's signature artworks.
S7 E8 · Wed, March 17, 2021
CRISPR People. The Science and Ethics of editing the Human Genome
Two women Emanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna won the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for developing the gene editing technique known s CRISPR-CAS9. But in 2018 the first humans were born with edited genes in China, twin girls Nana and Lulu. Their unique human status in the history of mankind came as a result of a rogue genetics researcher who defied all the bioethics standards of science and he was jailed for his illicit efforts by the Chinese Government. Professor Hank Greely renowned bioethicist, and Professor of Law and Director of the Law and Biosciences Center at Stanford University relates the story and discusses the bioethics dilemma of this scientific fiasco.
S7 E7 · Wed, March 10, 2021
David beats Goliath: How a gym owner took on Governor Cuomo and won. An interview with Charlie Cassara.
When Governor Cuomo of New York issued his lockdown orders March 20, 2020, he failed to designate fitness centers as essential services. Notwithstanding the health benefits of exercise and the fact that 73% of the 525,000 Covid deaths in America were among the obese and overweight who would have benefited from exercise, New York State kept gyms closed. But gym owner and entrepreneur Charlie Cassara took on the Governor of New York and filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of thousands of gyms. Cuomo capitulated and fitness centers are now open at 33% capacity. Charlie tells his story forcefully and persuasively and continues to lobby on behalf of his industry as the Chairman of the United States Fitness Coalition.
S7 E6 · Sat, March 06, 2021
Recall the San Francisco School Board: A conversation with Community Leader Joel Engardio
The SF School Board is threatened with being recalled because after one year of Covid related lockdowns, the 127 public schools in the City are still closed to its' 59,000 students. The City is actually suing the School Board to compel them to re-open the schools in compliance with State Law. And their cancel culture antics of renaming 44 of our schools - Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt were unacceptable to them - made San Francisco an international laughing stock when it was learned their "research" on the name change was nothing more than a sloppy Wikipedia search. Long suffering parents and voters are eager to bring about sweeping change to the School Board.
S7 E5 · Thu, March 04, 2021
From Side Hustle to Startup: Ed Rocha gives us a road map to build a business.
Serial Entrepreneur and business coach Ed Rocha sets out a clear step by step strategy to take your gig, side hustle or past time from a concept to a profitable business. He practices what he preaches, having successfully launched three companies from concept to revenue generators. A silver lining of the Covid lockdowns is that many would be entrepreneurs have developed plans for a new business to meet demand from homebound clients - this podcast is for you and Ed Rocha is your man !
S7 E4 · Tue, March 02, 2021
Brexit: The Establishment Civil War. A Conversation with author Josh Hamilton.
The 2016 vote by 52% of the UK electorate to leave the European Union came at the end of a contentious campaign where Social Media dominated. Targeted micro marketing crafted by firms like Cambridge Analytica foreshadowed even greater success for such Social Media strategies in the 2016 Trump victory over Hillary Clinton. Josh Hamilton explains how it happened and why such internet driven political manipulation is here to stay. His book is a must read to stay up to speed on meta data driven political campaigns. Here's the link to Josh's book: https://establishmentcivilwar.co.uk/
S7 E3 · Sat, February 27, 2021
Working from home: You knew it was too good to last.
While most of corporate America has been telecommuting to work from their homes for the last 11 months, that's about to change if Goldman Sachs' CEO David Solomon has his way. He views working from home as an aberration "that we're going to correct as soon as possible." He is a high profile executive whose opinions are closely followed in the corporate world. Today's episode focuses on the pros and the cons.
S7 E3 · Thu, February 25, 2021
Is the Iran Nuclear Deal back on ? A conversation with Citizen Diplomat Bill Boerum
The Biden Administration is seeking to revive negotiations with Iran on the 2015 Obama Administration deal. The Trump Administration abrogated the agreement in 2018. And since then Iran's foes in the Persian Gulf - Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar - have established diplomatic relations with Israel. Israel has said it would do anything to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Iran has sped up its nuclear fuel capability and is in breach of 3 covenants. But they desperately want the economic sanctions lifted. Presidential elections in Iran take place in June: what will Biden do ? Revert to the Obama tack or stick with a tough approach ?
S7 E2 · Sun, February 21, 2021
Recall Fever: I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.
California voters are especially testy these days as we enter our 12 th month of Covid lockdown. Not only is the Governor threatened with Recall over his handling of the crisis, but the San Francisco District Attorney is too, for being soft on crime and hostile to police as well as School Boards. San Francisco's failure to open public schools while private and parochial schools have been in session since the Fall of 2020 is especially galling. Is California in for a sea change politically ?
S7 E1 · Thu, February 18, 2021
Black History Month: In conversation with Jonathan Speed
February is Black History Month when we celebrate and acknowledge the many accomplishments of African Americans throughout the history of the United States. In today's episode, successful Venture Capitalist Jonathan Speed, and a US military historian by avocation, walks us through the sweeping experience of African American service men and women during World War II. The courage, perseverance and dedication of the 2.5 million Black Americans who enlisted during the War is richly honored in today's podcast and dedicated in gratitude for their service to our country.
S6 E20 · Sat, February 13, 2021
Age Discrimination and Telehealth : A Conversation with Andrew Broderick
The Medical profession has aggressively adopted the video call and the Zoom meeting during the Covid lockdown. Over 25 million video doctor visits have taken place in 2020. But as this digital health revolution got underway, seniors have often been left behind because of digital illiteracy, no access to broadband internet or not having a smartphone or computer. A recent TeleHealth Summit in San Francisco addressed these issues and proposed some fixes.
S6 E19 · Mon, February 08, 2021
Ambassador Ric Grenell and the California Recall
Ambassador Ric Grenell served as US Ambassador to Germany from 2018 to 2020. Subsequently he served as Acting Director of National Intelligence in 2020, a cabinet level post. A favorite of Donald Trump for his blunt and forthright speaking style, Sean Hannity and Representative Matt Gaetz were pushing him to declare for Governor in the likely California Recall Election. He was coy, interested, but would not take the bait. In today's podcast we will briefly profile him.
S6 E18 · Sat, February 06, 2021
Governor Newsom's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week.
The first week of February 2021 was not very good to the Governor of California. First, the Recall signature campaign was closing in on 1.4 million signatures with six weeks left before the deadline. Then two Republican candidates announced they would run against him in the Recall and a third one, an Independent was considering a run. Finally the Recall campaign has raised $2.5 million. All that in the space of a week. But political fortunes can turn a dime. Here's our latest thrilling installment on the Perils of Gavin Newsom !.
S6 E17 · Fri, February 05, 2021
Labyrinth of the Wind (2)
Labyrinth of the Wind is the critically acclaimed debut novel of Madhav Misra, our guest in the Meet the Author series. Madhav takes us back in time to the late 1970s when Teheran, Iran was an international city, awash in petrodollars, governed by the autocratic Shah whose rule vacillated between westernization and brutal police state repression. Against this complex backdrop, Madhav weaves a love story entwined with 1970s terrorism, the last days of the Pahlavi Dynasty and the rise of fundamentalist Islam in Iran and throughout the Middle East. The Shah's obsession with Iran's great history still echoes with us today as the current regime struggles to create a homegrown nuclear arsenal.
S6 E16 · Wed, February 03, 2021
Labyrinth of the Wind
Labyrinth of the Wind is the critically acclaimed debut novel of Madhav Misra. Set in Teheran, Iran in the late 1970s as the Shah's regime is coming to an end and the fundamentalist Islamic Revolution of Ayatollah Khomeini is unfolding it is a complex story of a young expat's struggle to serve several masters. A fascinating look back to a Westernizing Iran awash in petrodollars and fabulous wealth but also poverty. And even the Shah wanted to build a nuclear capability for Iran over 40 years ago.
S6 E15 · Mon, February 01, 2021
San Francisco Noir: America's Bad Dream
San Francisco has been picked on by the East Coast press for decades. Of late, they have criticized us for our homelessness mess, high cost of housing, City Hall Corruption - I agree with them on that score - and the recent tech exodus to Austin, Seattle and points East because of the high cost of living. They seem to think we live in a Film Noir Warp. But San Francisco always bounces back. In fact the mythical Phoenix, rising from the ashes, adorns our city flag. Don't count us out !
S6 E14 · Wed, January 27, 2021
Governor George Clooney
With the recall petition against Governor Gavin Newsom having reached 1,200,000 signatures and only 300,000 more valid signatures of California voters necessary to qualify it for the ballot could California be ready for another celebrity Governor ? After all Arnold Schwarzenegger swept in to the 2003 recall election to replace Gray Davis. And even Ronald Reagan was chosen by Californians to lead the state with no elective office experience. Could Clooney or another high profile Hollywood star become Governor in 2021 ?
S6 E13 · Fri, January 22, 2021
A peaceful transfer of power.
Joseph R. Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021. His predecessor Donald Trump did not attend the ceremony, but he left a letter of support for the incoming President in the Oval Office. Biden's 21 minute inaugural address spoke of unity and toning down political rhetoric. While new American Presidents enjoy a honeymoon with the voters, his challenge will be to forge links to the 74 million Americans who chose Donald Trump for President rather than him. Fighting for national unity while the country goes through an impeachment trial of Trump to disqualify him from future political office, will be a tall order.
S6 E12 · Wed, January 20, 2021
Was 2020 or 1968 the worst year ever ? The Past is Prologue.
As awful as 2020 has been been, 1968 was even more momentous with political assassinations, the Viet Nam War, the Prague Spring and Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia as well as major civil unrest throughout America. Amidst all these tectonic changes, a major political realignment occurred with segregationist George Wallace winning four dependably Democrat states. And we even had a mini-Pandemic, the Hong Kong flu. 2020 also witnessed a major political realignment which is still underway. But the jury is still out whether it will be a populist or liberal realignment.
S6 E11 · Fri, January 15, 2021
The Crosstown Trail: America's most beautiful urban hike.
The 17 mile trail that crosses San Francisco from the Bay in the South East corner of the City to Land's End in its' North West Corner, cuts right through the heart of our 49 square miles of natural beauty. It traverses urban gardens, solid neighborhoods, the Presidio, Golden Gate Park and leads you to the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The brainchild of Bob Siegel a one time Peace Corps volunteer and college professor, the Crosstown Trail has become a top attraction during Covid gym shutdowns. It's also becoming an inspiration for cities as far afield as New York and Glasgow to create similar trails.
S6 E10 · Wed, January 13, 2021
Militarization of Politics must Stop
The Siege of the US Capitol one week ago illustrated how US politics have become militarized under Donald Trump. Militias and their members were a visible presence at the infamous rally beforehand and at the storming of the Capitol. The Million Militia March scheduled for Inauguration Day January 20 will be met by 3000 National Guard troops if it turns violent. A 7 foot high unscaleable fence now surrounds the Capitol. And Trump faces a second impeachment for inciting the riot. Yet his followers still back him.
S6 E9 · Sun, January 10, 2021
San Francisco and Bangalore: Is India the new China ?
Air India initiated a new nonstop flight from San Francisco to Bangalore - 17 hours nonstop - over the North Pole. The crew was all female, Captain, First Officer, Navigator. The new flight will link San Francisco's Silicon Valley and India's Technology powerhouse Bangalore which are already Sister Cities. And the 2.7 million Indian immigrants to the United States are very successful. But China's clashes with the Indian Army last Summer and America's trade tariffs seem to be driving India and America into each others arms. Where is this three way relationship heading ?
S6 E8 · Thu, January 07, 2021
25th Amendment: Removal of the President from Office
The 25th Amendment permits the Vice President and a majority of the cabinet to declare a President unable to discharge the duties and powers of his office and replace him. Should Vice President Pence and the cabinet remove President Trump in the last 13 days of his term which expires January 20, 2021 ?
S6 E7 · Thu, January 07, 2021
The Black Swan and Predictions for 2021
The Covid 19 Pandemic was a Black Swan event unleashed on the world in early 2020. A Black Swan event is an extreme outlier occurrence with a huge impact which is only explainable after the fact. Do any Black Swans lurk in our future for 2021 ? By nature they are unpredictable and unknowable beforehand, but we will attempt to predict some areas that could produce black swans in the next twelve months.
S6 E6 · Sun, January 03, 2021
DNA, Ancestry, Roots, Databases: The Darkside to your Christmas present.
DNA genealogical testing is dominated by Ancestry.com and 23 and Me. MIT's Technology Review estimates that 26 million such test kits have been sold by these two companies. While their growth has been explosive, privacy concerns are growing. The sale of genetic data to 3rd parties is especially sensitive. And the open source genealogy website GEDMatch has even fewer privacy safeguards than the Direct To Customer testers. Is your genetic data safe ? Where is the industry headed ?
S6 E5 · Thu, December 31, 2020
The Relocation Dilemma: San Francisco or Houston ?
In 2019 87,00 Californians relocated to Texas. And in 2020 we lost several iconic Bay Area tech companies to the Lone Star state such as Oracle, Hewlett Packard and Palantir. Podcast celebrity Joe Rogan moved to Austin and Tesla founder Elon Musk did likewise. The cost of living in Houston is 65% lower than San Francisco while salaries are 17% less. Can California stem the flow of this exodus ?
S6 E4 · Mon, December 28, 2020
Why do US Presidents want to be Irish ?
When Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021 he will become the 23rd President in history to have Irish roots. 50% of our Presidents have an ancestral link to Ireland - that's quite a high concentration and the story behind it is even more fascinating. Since 1945, 9 of the 13 Presidents have Irish roots along with 35 million fellow Americans. Talk about punching above your weight for the Fighting Irish !
S6 E3 · Sun, December 20, 2020
Newsom Recall: Danger Signals Flash Red.
Governor Gavin Newsom, California's 40th Governor could be facing a recall election in the Spring of 2021 in the midst of the Pandemic. Recall signature gatherers have 850,000 of the 1,500,000 qualified signatures they need to trigger a statewide election. They have 90 days to collect the remaining 650,000 signatures. If he loses, Newsom would be terminated as Governor and a fresh election would be held simultaneous to the recall. Interest in the race has now gone national with Republican leaders like Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich voicing their support.
S6 E2 · Thu, December 17, 2020
Chesa Boudin : Radical Pedigree of the District Attorney
Chesa Boudin, the 40 year old District Attorney of San Francisco was elected November 2019. He has spent his first 11 months in office radically transforming the criminal justice prosecution priorities for our City. But none of the changes is more controversial than his criminal prosecution of three current and former SF police officers on charges as varied as manslaughter, felony battery and assault. The Police Union has locked horns with the DA whom they opposed when he ran for election. Meanwhile as quality of life crimes are not prosecuted more serious crimes like murder, car burglary and assault are on the rise. And the streets of San Francisco are a sordid mess.
S6 E1 · Mon, December 14, 2020
Elon Musk gets out of Dodge: Goodbye California, Howdy Texas !
As the 49 year old's net worth surged to $152 billion last week based on the success of his California companies, Tesla and SpaceEx, he announced he was decamping for Texas. Seriously ? Texas ? California has its' fair share of problems, no doubt, but isn't Musk being an ingrate ? Looks like he is biting the hand that has fed him for the last 25 years becoming the second richest man in America, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index. But like they say, it's complicated !
S5 E20 · Fri, December 11, 2020
FaceBook launches a new cryptocurrency, the Diem: What could possibly go wrong ?
FaceBook will launch a new cryptocurrency the Diem and a financial wallet the Novi to complement it. Target date is early 2021. It will be backed by the US dollar so it will not be digital in the way that Bitcoin is digital. Further, it will have a governing board and the Diem Association which will include FB and other investors will be based in Switzerland. The strategic objective is to create a global consumer finance company based on FB's 2 billion users in 192 countries. Financial transactions will be instantaneous, secure and cheap to finance global retail consumption which has exploded during the Covid lockdowns. But is Facebook the right vehicle for such an undertaking ?
S5 E19 · Mon, December 07, 2020
Anti Vaxxers fight Covid 19 vaccines.
With two new vaccines and their 94% effective rates against Covid 19 pending FDA approval, light is at the end of the tunnel for the Pandemic. But will Americans accept them enthusiastically ? Or will they protest like rejecting the mask mandates and social distancing rules ? The Anti Vaxxer Movement and Vaccine Hesitant Groups are gearing up for a fight. They have shrewdly allied themselves with Church Groups, civil liberties organizations and civil rights associations to fight mandatory vaccination, while sowing doubts about the safety of a genetically modified vaccine. And Hollywood celebrities are leveraging social media - Facebook, Instagram, YouTube - to build opposition to the vaccines.
S5 E18 · Sat, December 05, 2020
California Home Prices: Up, Up and Away !
Not even a once in a century global pandemic seems to be able to slow down the rise in California's robust residential real estate market. The median price for a home hit $712,000 and shows little sign of slowing down. Low interest rates and limited supply of new homes seems to be fueling the price rise. At the same time over 650,000 Californians left the state in 2019 because of unaffordable housing and a heavy tax burden. Yet San Francisco for example, struggles to keep city streets clean and safe while its' budget doubled in the last five years.
S5 E17 · Tue, December 01, 2020
Newsom's Choice : Kamala's Senate Seat Replacement
Governor Gavin Newsom will get to name a new US Senator to fill the vacancy left when Kamala Harris becomes Vice President. The Governor appears to be in no rush to name a successor. While he wants to make an historic appointment, he knows that it is fraught with risk. In the last 56 years, two California Governors appointed successors to fill vacant US Senate seats in 1964 and 1990 and in both cases the appointees went down to historic defeats. There are five frontrunners for the post with one favorite. We will weigh his choices in today's episode.
S5 E16 · Thu, November 26, 2020
Alt Tech meets the Free Speech Network: Social Media turns right.
Twitter, Facebook and the other big social media companies moved toward a curated speech, censorship model during the 2020 campaign. As a result an Alt Tech social media ecosystem has grown up emphasizing the importance of Free Speech in social media. There are now a host of social media companies like Parler that are Free Speech oriented. While they are far smaller than the established players it remains to be seen if they can scale up and compete.
S5 E15 · Sun, November 22, 2020
JFK Conspiracies: Fact, Fiction or Fantasy ?
November 22, 2020 marks 57 years since the assassination of the 35th President, John F. Kennedy. Yet key documents remain hidden from the public including 300 pages of files on George Joannides, a CIA operative who managed the Cuban student group DRE that Oswald tried to join. And most historians and scholars are reluctant to write the history as so many of the facts of the assassination are as murky as they were over 50 years ago. The passage of time has not cleared up the morass of the Kennedy assassination. The Warren Commission in 1964 ruled that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. But the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1978 held that the President probably died as the result of a conspiracy. Where do we stand and will we ever learn the truth ?
S5 E14 · Tue, November 17, 2020
President Kamala: Debunking a Myth
A popular conspiracy theory in right wing circles is that Vice President elect Kamala Harris will soon take over from an incapacitated President elect Joe Biden. When you repeat such a theory you are giving it oxygen some argue, even if your intent is to dismantle and reject it. In today's podcast I will explain how this myth has materialized, its roots in American History and why it is never likely to come to pass.
S5 E13 · Tue, November 10, 2020
Covid 19 Vaccine: The Cure at last ?
Pfizer and its' German partner Biontech, announced on Monday November 9, 2020 that their vaccine has a 90% effectiveness rate in preventing Covid 19. This announcement is the first ray of hope that the Covid 19 pandemic which began in China and has swept the globe in 2020 can be stopped, vanquished and extinguished. Public euphoria was best summed up in the stock market as the Dow Jones surged 1300 points on the news reaching new highs. Pfizer will seek emergency use approval from America"s FDA next week. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill: "It is the end of the beginning ," of the Covid 19 pandemic.
S5 E12 · Sat, November 07, 2020
Trump’s new conspiracy theory.
President Trump, in his 16 minute electoral fraud diatribe from the White House Briefing Room, Thursday November 5 has launched a Conspiracy Theory of a stolen election, before the American people and a global audience. His obvious motivation was anger at seeing his early lead in the election returns slip away in favor of Joe Biden. He has let the conspiracy genie out of the bottle publicly giving his 70 million voters a rallying cry, much like Hillary Clinton's supporters slogan " Resist". His successor as President and the American electoral process is damaged as a result. Since there appears to be no evidence of significant electoral fraud to effect the election outcome, he seems to be laying down a grievance marker for his followers to rally around for years to come.
S5 E11 · Tue, November 03, 2020
Harry Truman's upset win in 1948
72 years ago today, November 2, 1948, President Harry Truman defied all expectations and won re-election, when the national polls had him down 6.5% versus Governor Tom Dewey. His come from behind win was a shock to the nation. Not only did he confound the pundits, but the Democrats recaptured the Congress with healthy majorities. How did he do it ? Are there lessons to be learned for Donald Trump and Joe Biden in tomorrow's election ?
S5 E10 · Sun, November 01, 2020
Gray Wolves: Predator or Victim ?
The gray wolf, one of America's iconic symbols of the Old West, is to lose its' endangered species status. The Trump Administration argues that 45 years of protection has seen its numbers grow six fold to 6000. But conservationists contend that the wolf is not firmly re-established in America. The Pro and Anti wolf lobbies bring a visceral passion to the subject that some have compared to the Abortion campaign. Will the opponents succeed in overturning this delisting action ?
S5 E9 · Wed, October 28, 2020
Violence Post Election: Burn Baby Burn
2020 has been marked by extreme political polarization in the United States, and civilian unrest in most American cities. 56% of Americans polled expect political violence to follow the November 3rd presidential election regardless of who wins. While we have seen political violence in our past - 4 Presidents were assassinated and 18 out of the 45 Presidents were threatened with assassination - our elections and their results have been peaceful. Until 2020.
S5 E8 · Fri, October 23, 2020
Gun Sales Sky Rocket as Election Approaches.
Gun sales in June surged to 3.9 million weapons, an 80% increase over the same month last year. More than 20 million new firearms have been purchased in 2020, fueled by national apprehension over the pandemic, unemployment, economic uncertainty, racial tension and political uncertainty. With more than 400 million weapons already in circulation in this country, there are enough firearms for every man, woman and child and then some. Are people fearful of losing police protection and turning to self protection ? And what about the criminal element which largely operates its gun operations outside of the law ? And why do states with the strictest gun laws like California, New York and Illinois have the most gun crime and biggest prison populations ?
S5 E7 · Mon, October 19, 2020
Kanye West High School: San Francisco eyes re-naming its' schools.
San Francisco is looking to re-name 44 of its' 114 schools. The move was prompted by a review of existing names for slavery links, genocide perpetrators, colonialists, white supremacists etc. 9 US Presidents' names would be stripped from our schools including, Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt. Even Senator Dianne Feinstein would lose her place of honor and our Spanish Colonial historic roots expunged. But San Francisco's schools are still closed to in person learning and many, even in woke San Francisco, feel this is a bridge too far. Has the cancel culture run in to a brick wall in the City by the Bay ?
S5 E6 · Wed, October 14, 2020
JFK and Amy Coney Barrett: No Religious Tests.
JFK took on anti-Catholic bigotry upfront in the 1960 presidential campaign, speaking before a conference of Protestant Pastors in Houston, Texas, September 12 regarding his Catholic Faith. Kennedy went on to win the Presidency, albeit narrowly with 112,000 votes. He reminded the clerics of the No Religious Test provision of the US Constitution (Article VI, Clause 3) and further spoke of his own WWII heroism in the South Pacific. We thought that the concept of Catholics being viewed as "Other" had been set to rest. But the ugly vestiges of anti-Catholic bigotry and Religious Oaths have re-surfaced in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings this week. Judge Barrett needs a forceful JFK moment to put that ugly bigoted genie back in the bottle.
S5 E5 · Mon, October 12, 2020
FBI thwarts Militia plot to kidnap Governor
The Wolverine Watchmen, a Michigan based militia group, plotted to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, try her for treason, storm the State Capitol in Lansing with 200 men and foment a civil war. The FBI arrested the 13 plotters several days ago and charged them with terrorism, conspiracy to kidnap and weapons charges after tracking them on Social Media. Michigan has been a hotbed of militia activity for many years; even Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols the Oklahoma City bombers who killed 168 people had ties to a Michigan militia. Private militias often back up law enforcement as we saw over the Summer during riots in Minneapolis, Kenosha and Louisville, or even the Border Patrol on the Mexican border. They occupy a gray area in the law and are usually allied to right wing groups. Why Michigan ?
S5 E4 · Thu, October 08, 2020
Kamala Harris versus Mike Pence - Urban Prosecutor confronts Evangelical radio host.
Wednesday night's VP debate was more anticipated than past vice presidential meet ups for a host of reasons. After last week's acrimonious shouting match that was disastrous for both Biden and Trump, Mike Pence had to steady the SS Trump which was taking on water; mission accomplished. Kamala Harris, however, had to introduce herself to the American people as a potential President while demonstrating her policy chops. Pence was in his element and confidently played his hand with aplomb, but without insults or recriminations. In short, Harris' debut was unsteady but not disqualifying. Roll on the next presidential debate in Miami, Florida.
S5 E3 · Tue, October 06, 2020
California's Wildfire Apocalypse: a Moonshot Solution
The quickening pace of the destruction of California's forests by wildfire is staggering. In the last 3 months four million acres of our 33 million acres of forest have burned. That's 12%. From 2000 to 2019 4 million acres burned and before that it took 66 years - 1933 to 1999- to burn 4 million acres. The exponential increase in the burn rate is an existential threat to the Golden State. Yet we still do not have an overarching strategic plan to bring the wildfire menace under control. The same old opponents to efficient management of our forests are still dragging their feet. California needs an immediate change to bring in stakeholders like the healthcare industry and emergency services to come up with a broad plan not beholden to narrow but noisy interests.
S5 E2 · Sat, October 03, 2020
Proud Boys: Stand Back, Stand By
Who are the Proud Boys and why did Joe Biden and Chris Wallace give them oxygen at the Presidential debate ? A right wing group the Anti-Defamation League calls Alt-Lite, with a Disney film inspired name wasn't deserving of mention. But they are now part of the 2020 presidential campaign. What do they believe ? What is White Supremacy ? And what about Executive Order #13950 Combatting Race and Sex Stereotyping, dated 9/22/2020. Listen to today's podcast for answers.
S5 E1 · Tue, September 29, 2020
Deceit and Dirty Money an interview with author Jim Herlihy
Deceit and Dirty Money is Jim Herlihy's debut novel written in the late 1990's - a simpler and gentler time before 911, Global financial crises, cell phones, the internet and electric cars. Set in San Francisco, this financial thriller with classic San Francisco Noir overtones, satirizes the City's social elite. Jim also gives an insider's explanation of the writing process and how he developed his unique voice and writing style.
S4 E20 · Mon, September 28, 2020
California Dreamin' or California Leavin' : A new Exodus
California experienced its' smallest net population growth in 2019 - 87,000 or 0.2%, the smallest net increase since 1900. The 2020 net increase is likely to be even smaller. Are the unaffordable housing costs, high taxes and high cost of living, to say nothing about wildfire air pollution and last in the nation Covid re-opening finally starting to bite ? A host of online websites offer one stop shopping Exit California packages. Are we reaching a breaking point ? Meanwhile Texans warn newly transplanted Californians: " Don't California my Texas." Is the bloom off the Golden State's rose ?
S4 E19 · Tue, September 22, 2020
Upon this Rock - Interview with author David Eugene Perry
A new Meet the Author series kicks off today at The San Francisco Experience. David Eugene Perry's debut novel is set in Orvieto, Italy. With a tip of the hat to Dan Brown, this mystery thriller weaves together an intricate plot of murder, intrigue and suspense which threatens to bring down the Catholic Church. The protagonists, Lee and Adriano are a gay couple from San Francisco on sabbatical in Orvieto, 75 miles North of Rome. But instead of a relaxing re-charge of batteries, they are ensnared in a devilish plot. David Perry's critically acclaimed debut novel is available on Amazon in print and electronic format. Armistead Maupin, the San Francisco author of "Tales of the City" describes "Upon this Rock" as an elegant, twisty thriller and I heartily agree !
S4 E18 · Sun, September 20, 2020
San Francisco's Deathly Compassion.
San Francisco's homeless population numbers approximately 24,000. It breaks down into three discrete segments, namely one third mentally ill, one third economic casualties and one third drug users and addicts. Today's podcast focuses on the drug users and addicts. The City Journal and Erica Sandberg in particular has written a detailed account of the Harm Reduction drug culture in San Francisco. Her chilling account of how they facilitate drug use and abuse among the homeless on our streets is shocking. And it is all in the name of misguided compassion.
S4 E17 · Tue, September 15, 2020
Hate Studies : Why we need to learn about Hate.
Gonzaga University's Institute of Hate Studies, located in Spokane, Washington is a center focused on understanding the roots of Hate in the public square and working to eradicate it. The ADL's Pyramid of Hate is a graphic visual depiction of the five progressive steps of hate culminating in Genocide. During the 20th Century, 21 genocides were perpetrated with 14 of them in the last four decades of the century, when most of us were alive. (Mount Holyoke College). Hate speech in particular is one manifestation of Hate which is growing through Social Media amplification, especially during these polarized political times.
S4 E16 · Sun, September 13, 2020
California's Wildfires: a Pathway to Redemption. Who Knew ?
The 3700 California prison inmates who volunteer to be firefighters as we wage war on the Wildfires, will be eligible to have their records expunged as a result of their service. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law yesterday. It's an important step for former inmates to obtain a professional certification as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) the pre-requisite to apply for a civilian firefighter job. the 3700 inmate firefighters make up 26% of those on the frontlines of the wildfires. They earn a nominal $1 per hour versus their civilian comrades who earn $40,000 per year.
S4 E15 · Fri, September 11, 2020
Orange Skies and Poison Air: California in Flames.
San Francisco's skies turned the color of Irish Single Malt Whiskey, even down to that hint of smokiness on Wednesday morning. The deep orange/amber twilight persisted most of Wednesday forcing everyone to turn on their headlights and don N95 surgical masks against the ash that swirled in the air. As if the Coronavirus were not enough. Massive wildfires, 100 miles to the North East of San Francisco exploded to life during overnight wind storms. The resulting mountains of smoke poured into the Bay Area. A heavy marine layer has trapped the smoke in place giving us dirty air with an AQI reading of 227 Friday morning. Delhi, India the city with the worlds dirtiest air had an AQI of 159 Friday morning. That's not a first place San Francisco can be proud of. California needs a practical, proven and immediate Strategic Plan to deal with our wildfires. And then we need to be consistent, persistent and strategic in implementing it.
S4 E14 · Thu, September 10, 2020
Police Chiefs continue to resign across the nation.
Over the last 6 weeks, five major police departments have lost their Chiefs, in large measure because of a breakdown of trust between the Mayor and Chief. Most police chiefs serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and their ongoing working relationship is critical to the morale of the rank and file police officers and to the safety of the community. Trust, confidence and sharing of goals are key to a successful working relationship. In the five cases we cite, the Mayor became beholden to the street protesters destroying the working relationship with the Chief.
S4 E13 · Tue, September 08, 2020
The Pacific North West: a center of Hate ?
The recent murder of right wing Patriot Prayer member Jay Danielson by Antifa activist Michael Reinoehl on the streets of Portland, was a dangerous escalation in the street protests of this Summer. Reinoehl was subsequently killed by US Marshals in a gunfight near the Washington state capital Olympia. Does this mark the start of right versus left street killings ? The Southern Poverty Law Center tracks 52 right wing groups in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, but not Antifa. What's wrong with that picture ?
S4 E12 · Fri, September 04, 2020
Antifa member Michael Reinoehl killed in a gunfight with US Marshals
Michael Reinoehl, the confessed murderer of Patriot Prayer member Aaorn Jay Danielson, in Portland Saturday, August 29, has died in a gunfight with a law enforcement Task Force led by US Marhalls, close to Olympia, Washington, Thursday, September 3, 2020. In a series of fast moving events Thursday, Reinoehl acknowledeged that he shot Danielson in self defense, in an interview with Vice News. When the Task Force attempted to arrest him on a murder warrant, a gunfight ensued and he was killed. The law enforcement officers were unharmed. President Trump sent out two Tweets on the matter. The first was a message of sympathy for "RIP Jay" and the second one was critical of the Portland Police in being slow to arrest Reinoehl. Will Reinoehl's social media postings about Antifa and Black Lives Matter turn him into a martyr ?
S4 E11 · Tue, September 01, 2020
Antifa murders Patriot Prayer in Portland: an ominous start to the Presidential campaign.
Aaron Danielson a 39 year old Trump supporter and Patriot Prayer was shot and killed by Michael Reinoehl, 48, years old and a self described 100% Antifa follower. The killing brings into sharp contrast the ideological battle lines of a divided country against the backdrop of 90 nights of continual protests in Portland, Oregon. Will this murder enflame the political debate or could it serve as a timeout for both sides to stop and take stock ? Portland's fraught racial history and the profusion of extremist political movements in the Pacific North West are the subject of today's podcast.
S4 E11 · Sun, August 30, 2020
Wine Country Wildfires: the ungovernable State of California
11,000 dry lightning strikes hit the Golden State overnight August 16 and 17, igniting 347 wildfires. Here in Wine Country, 50 miles North of San Francisco, the fires continue to burn two weeks later, sending massive columns of smoke and ash South to San Francisco and the Bay Area. 2020 marks the fourth straight year the Wine Country has suffered the consequences of massive wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom says this is what climate change looks like. But is that a cop out ? Mismanagement of California's 33 million acres of forestland has been going on for years. At the same time, our population has mushroomed to 40 million but infrastructure has not kept pace and wildfire management is but one more example. California does not even have a Strategic Plan to deal with the wildfire threat, according to the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office (LAO). So what does the future hold for mitigating the threat of wildfires in the Golden State ?
S4 E10 · Tue, August 25, 2020
Qanon, Conspiracy Theories and the Republicans
Qanon is a right wing conspiracy movement with a formidable Social Media presence on Twitter, Facebook and several bulletin board sites like 4Chan, 8Chan and 8kun . Its' theories have been embraced by many Republicans and 14 current Congressional candidates have prominently espoused their views. One, Marjorie Taylor Greene won the Republican primary in Georgia's 14th district, a safe Republican seat with the endorsement of President Trump and is likely to win in November. But Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy wants nothing to do with Qanon. And what role will they play in the race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden ?
S4 E9 · Sun, August 23, 2020
Kamala Harris and Conspiracy Theories
Kamala Harris and Facebook. 4 conspiracy theories quickly emerged after her selection. In today’s episode we will look at each one, and while trying not to give them oxygen, debunk them
S4 E8 · Fri, August 21, 2020
If we knew then what we know now about Covid 19.
6 months into the pandemic,transmission rates are dropping and our changed behaviors wearing masks and socially distancing are making a difference. But the Fog of War on Covid 19 at least initially meant that many mistakes were made and lives lost unnecessarily.
S4 E7 · Sun, August 16, 2020
Edwin Ramos: Kamala Harris’ Willie Horton ?
An illegal alien felon shot and killed a father and his two sons in a working class residential neighborhood of San Francisco in June 2008. District Attorney charged Edwin Ramos with three counts of murder but declined to seek the death penalty despite pleas from the widow and Senator Dianne Feinstein. The controversial case brings together three of Harris’ vulnerabilities - death penalty, sanctuary cities and referring to ICE agents as equivalent to KKK.
S4 E6 · Sat, August 15, 2020
Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Cognition Testing and the Presidential Election Campaign.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are brain diseases of older age. The former can be treated to an extent with lifestyle changes, but the latter is far from finding a cure. Cognition Testing became a presidential campaign issue when President Trump challenged former VP Biden to take one and make the results public. We will focus on both illnesses and the test.
S4 E5 · Tue, August 11, 2020
Implicit Bias and Principled Policing: Does it work ?
Science tells us that 95% of the population has implicit biases yet there is only a 16% correlation between the bias and behavior. So is racist, homophobic and misogynistic behavior not principally triggered by implicit bias ? That's what the science says according to Fast Company magazine, but politicians would have us believe otherwise. I attended a 5 hour Implicit Bias class sponsored by the San Francisco Police Department - the same one that all sworn and unsworn personnel must take. It was very instructive and some useful takeaways to add to your interpersonal toolkit: the four pillars - Voice, Respect, Neutrality and Trust. I was very encouraged by the presentation. Listen to my podcast for the full story.
S4 E4 · Tue, August 04, 2020
2084: Was George Orwell's novel 1984, one hundred years ahead of itself ?
Mass surveillance and totalitarianism are two prominent themes in Orwell's dystopian novel published in 1949. But there are two major mass surveillance systems at play in the world today. In the West, the data mining strategies of the FAANG internet giants with combined market capitalizations of $4.1 trillion dollars, exploit users' personal data for profit. The other system is the Social Credit Report program established by the Chinese Communist Party to reward conforming behaviors and sanction deviant behaviors of its' 1.3 billion people. Harvard Business School Professor Emerita, Shoshana Zuboff has written a book entitled " The Age of Surveillance Capitalism," which is critical of the US model and it is referenced in this episode.
S4 E3 · Sat, August 01, 2020
A Tale of Two States: California and New York amidst Covid 19
California's Summer surge in C-19 cases has put the Golden State in the dubious first place position of 452,000 cases versus 412,000 for New York. What went wrong ? Back in March and April, California had an enviably low number of cases versus New York which was being ravaged by the Coronavirus. But a series of missteps in the last two months set California on its current downward track. Meanwhile, cases in New York are plummeting.
S4 E2 · Mon, July 27, 2020
Science deniers keep schools closed.
California’s powerful teachers’ union the CTA and Governor Gavin Newsom seem to be taking a very slow and hesitant approach to reopening the state’s schools. He has announced that online learning rather than in person classroom instruction is the way to go. But Santa Clara County, Silicon Valley’s HQs is taking the lead asking for waivers to reopen its schools. The state’s Catholic bishops are also urging more clarity. After 4 months of lockdown, California is unprepared to open its’ schools. Why ?
S4 E1 · Wed, July 22, 2020
Tik Tok, a threat to US security. Really ?
Tik Tok the popular lip syncing video app has exploded in popularity globally during the Covid 19 lockdowns. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has threatened to ban it in the US. India and Australia have already done so. Is Tik Tok a Trojan Horse for Chinese Communist Party espionage ?
S3 E20 · Mon, July 20, 2020
Let our kids go back to school !
Over 20 European countries have re-opened their schools but the US lags far behind. Our decentralized and locally controlled as well as politicized schools - school boards are elected and funded with local property taxes - are slow off the mark to re-open. Meanwhile our kids suffer.
S3 E19 · Fri, July 17, 2020
The Coming Population Bust
The world's population stands at 7.8 billion today and has increased by 5.8 billion since 1950. But the British medical journal The Lancet and the University of Washington in Seattle have authored a study which posits that the 21st Century will end with a net decline of 1 billion people. 23 countries will see their current populations cut in half and 90 countries will experience net declines. After an unbroken upward trajectory in population trends since 1800, what is the catalyst for such a reversal ? Female education and emancipation is a big driver of falling birth rates, declining fertility and a drop in the net replacement rate of 2.0 children per woman. The numbers of elderly will explode and the global median age will increase to 42 by 2100, versus 31 today. Tectonic demographic changes are already underway.
S3 E18 · Wed, July 15, 2020
Urban Hiking: Your Gym Replacement.
With San Francisco"s gyms closed for four months, hiking the urban environment of one of America's most beautiful cities affords lots of opportunities for vigorous exercise. But how is urban hiking different from walking ? We want some physical challenge which is demanding and satisfying at the same time. Listen to today's podcast for some tips on changing your city scape into an exciting outdoor adventure venue,
S3 E17 · Sun, July 12, 2020
Facebook: a free speech forum or an advertising surveillance app ?
The Social Media giant is weathering a month long boycott by some of its advertisers, a critical civil rights audit and controversy about political speech. Yet Mark Zuckerberg’s founding principles for Facebook remain: voice and inclusion. How is the company faring ?
S3 E16 · Fri, July 10, 2020
Disinformation and Fake News: How to spot it and How to avoid it.
With the 2020 Presidential election less than 4 months away, Social Media and with it Fake News stories will loom large no doubt, much as they did in 2016. The BBC has a dedicated weekly program called BBC Trending which focuses on Disinformation stories. Why would the world's most respected broadcaster want to give any oxygen to conspiracy theories and disinformation stories ? It is a measure of how far the Internet and its' no holds barred culture has impacted how we get our news. In today's podcast, I interviewed Mike Wendling and I share his insights with you. BBC Trending can be heard on the BBC World Service every Friday at 9.30pm Pacific Daylight Time(PDT). Editor and Co-host is Mike Wendling. Make a point of tuning in, as I do.
S3 E15 · Tue, July 07, 2020
Spanish Missions: The Spine of Modern California
35 million Californians live within 50 miles of one of the 21 historic Franciscan Missions: They are a key part of the California identity. But the recent destruction of statues of Father Junipero Serra, have challenged the legacy of the Missions. Urban legend versus a large, detailed historical record. Set the record straight !
S3 E14 · Fri, July 03, 2020
Homelessness in the Tenderloin: San Francisco's Shame.
The mushrooming of 443 homeless tents on the sidewalks of the Tenderloin, one of San Francisco's poorest and most disadvantaged neighborhoods, caused a group of neighbors, including the well-connected UC Hastings Law School to sue San Francisco on May 4, 2020. A settlement between the parties was announced on June 12, 2020 which provides for dismantling 300 of the tents and housing each homeless person in a hotel at $200 per night. The Board of Supervisors has legislated to rent 7000 hotel rooms to house the homeless, all while the City faces a huge budget deficit as a result of the Covid-19 economic lockdown. San Francisco has mismanaged its homeless problem for decades and the latest move by the Board looks like a costly mistake at a time when the City can least afford it.
S3 E13 · Wed, July 01, 2020
Junipero Serra: the Missions and Presidios of California
The destruction of statues of Junipero Serra in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and in front of Los Angeles' founding church, Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles, was a wanton act of vandalism. Serra, a Franciscan Friar was canonized a saint by Pope Francis in 2015. As well as being one of California's Founding Fathers, literally and figuratively, he is one of the most if not the most prominent Hispanic and Latino figures in American History. His statue graces the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington D.C. How did this 18th century follower of St. Francis of Assisi come in for such vilification and opprobrium ? Both the Archbishops of San Francisco and Los Angeles have defended his legacy. But will his reputation be tarnished forever ?
S3 E12 · Mon, June 29, 2020
Two steps forward and one back: San Francisco and Covid-19.
Cutting edge research coming out of University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in the antiviral field. Are Kinase Inhibitors the magic bullet to kill the Coronavirus ?
S3 E11 · Thu, June 25, 2020
The Boogaloo Bois : Extremists or Fantasists ?
When Steven Carrillo scrawled BOOG in his own blood across the hood of his white van, the US Air Force Sergeant cast his fate with the extremist anti government movement, the Boogaloo Bois. Facing two death penalty charges for killing both a federal security officer and a Santa Cruz County Sheriff deputy, his murderous acts have skyrocketed Boogaloo to national prominence. But who are they ? Can their goal of provoking the downfall of the US government be taken seriously ? We explore the roots of the movement and how Social Media especially during the Covid 19 confinement caused their membership to explode.
S3 E10 · Wed, June 24, 2020
The Rainbow Honor Walk: San Francisco pays homage to the LGBTQ Community
San Francisco's Rainbow Honor Walk serves to acknowledge and memorialize Great men and women of the LGBTQ Community. 44 large bronze plaques have been laid along Castro Street and Market Street sidewalks to memorialize people like James Baldwin, Frida Kahlo, Tennessee Williams, Virginia Woolf to cite but a few. The plan is to eventually place 500 plaques to memorialize luminaries of the LGBTQ community. As the rest of the country witnesses statues being torn down and monuments being defaced, San Francisco's LGBTQ community is quietly acknowledging its' history.
S3 E9 · Mon, June 22, 2020
San Francisco celebrates 75 years of birthing the UN in 1945.
In the closing days of World War II, San Francisco hosted the organizing conference which created the UN. The conference took place at the War Memorial Opera House from April 25 to June 26, 1945. Why did San Francisco get this honor ?
S3 E8 · Sun, June 21, 2020
Post Covid 19 trends for Work, Health, Retail, Dating and Gyms. Don’t be Dense !
Many of our changed behaviors during the Covid 19 confinement are being translated into new policies and procedures by Employers, Healthcare Providers, Retailers and even Significant Others. The overriding theme of the changes is : Don’t be Dense. In other words, give me space. Avoid crowds to stay healthy.
S3 E7 · Wed, June 17, 2020
Tearing down San Francisco's Asian Art Museum for being too white.
As the statue removal movement sweeps across America and England, it has hit the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Artists, academics and art historians are demanding that a bust of its' founder, Avery Brundage be removed from the Museum's foyer. He bequeathed his 8000 piece Asian Art Collection to the people of San Francisco and it is the cornerstone of the the 18,000 piece Asian collection. He served as President of the International Olympic Committee from 1952 to 1972. He died in 1975. Yet he is accused of being anti-semitic and racist. He was always controversial and unpopular throughout his career. Further, the provenance of some of the artifacts is uncertain. Should Museum leadership yield to demands to shun Brundage's bust ? Where does the truth lay ?
S3 E6 · Mon, June 15, 2020
Police unions root out racism from the ranks: a few bad apples or systemic racism ?
The SFPD, LAPD and SJPD police unions announced a reform agenda to combat racist police officers. The plan lays the groundwork for new policies and procedures to be crafted for their departments and beyond. But is the problem one bad apple or systemic racism ?
S3 E5 · Sun, June 14, 2020
San Francisco tackles Police Reform.
San Francisco has seen a 47% drop in Use of Force Incidents involving the police and the public from 2016 through 2019. But racial disparities remain. Mayor Breed’s 4 point reform plan is reasonable. But her first attempt to defund the SFPD by $23 million was unanimously rejected by the Police Commission, which includes her own appointees. She’s also calling to redirect those police budget savings to African American Reparations.
S3 E4 · Wed, June 10, 2020
Assassination of Olof Palme Solved. Maybe....Maybe not.
Swedish prosecutors have named Stig Engstrom as Palme's assassin. It's taken 34 years of mystery, conspiracy and botched investigations in which 130 different people claimed to be the assassin since 1986 to reach a conclusion. Engstrom himself claimed to have tried to resuscitate Palme at the scene. The assassin attempting to revive the man he had just assassinated ! A comedy of errors. Enter renowned Swedish crime fiction author Steig Larsson who mounted his own investigation of the killing which the Swedish police took seriously. The improbable twists and turns of the JFK conspiracy look like child's play as compared to the Palme assassination ! #OlofPalme #ConspiracyTheories #SAPO #BOSS #SwedishRightWing
S3 E3 · Mon, June 08, 2020
Ilhan Omar to Minneapolis Police: You’re toast !
Three issues are covered in this episode: 1) Abolition of the Minneapolis Police Force, 2) the Justice and Policing Bill of 2020, 3) political fallout of Police Reform on the 2020 Presidential Election. #Joerogan. #8cantwait #benshapiro. #policebrutality
S3 E2 · Sat, June 06, 2020
Minneapolis to abolish its’ Police Department ?
The killing of George Floyd has unleashed a flood of police reforms.Minneapolis is considering abolishing its force while Los Angeles and San Francisco are planning to defund their police departments. And what impact will abolition and defunding urban police departments have on the 2020 Presidential Campaign ? Donald Trump wants to run as the Law and Order candidate.
S3 E1 · Thu, June 04, 2020
Trump and Obama agree on one issue: The need for police reform.
While the President and former President acknowledge that reform is necessary, they approach the issue from opposite ends of the political spectrum. What impact will the call for police reform have on the November Presidential Election ? Is reform even achievable given the fact there are 17985 police entities in the United States, and control is at the local not national level. My June 2nd podcast provides a baseline of information on Policing in America, which is so different from most other countries.
S2 E20 · Tue, June 02, 2020
Riots, Looting, Curfews and Chaos in America"s Cities : Is Police Brutality the Cause ?
The proximate cause of the riots and looting is the heinous murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police office Derek Chauvin. But the ensuing civil unrest has been co-opted by a host of bad actors like Antifa who have exploited the tragedy. Weak and uncoordinated responses by the nation's Mayors and Governors has made a bad situation much worse. Tragically, the neighborhoods in Minneapolis that have been looted and torched are predominantly minority. The chaos seems likely to continue this week. America's sprawling and decentralized Law Enforcement Infrastructure is slowing down a strong and effective response.
S2 E19 · Sat, May 30, 2020
Conspiracy Theories around Covid 19.
The Covid 19 pandemic has spawned many conspiracy theories. Cutting through misinformation and getting to the facts is key. But what is fact and what is fiction ?
S2 E18 · Fri, May 29, 2020
Remoteotopia: A New World Order post Covid 19.
Does the Covid 19 pandemic represent an epochal inflection point in American history ? Will we look back on this time as one of those watershed moments of how things used to be so much better or worse ? Or will the confinement, shelter in place and the horrific death toll melt away like other national traumas ? These are some of the questions we confront in today's episode.
S2 E17 · Thu, May 28, 2020
Superspreaders of Covid 19: Who are they ? How do we control them ?
The 80/20 Rule in business says that 20% of your sales team generates 80% of the company's revenue. In a sense something similar applies to Covid - 19. A small number of C-19 victims can infect a huge number of people. And clusters seem to prevail in such circumstances. Why the clusters ? What is unique to the Coronavirus to cause large group infections ? In today's podcast we will look for answers to these and other questions as America re-opens its' doors and tries to get back to a normal existence in the Summer of 2020.
S2 E16 · Tue, May 26, 2020
Re-opening America and the Joe Rogan Experience.
Two news stories this past week included the piecemeal re-opening of the American Economy in the wake of Covid-19 and the acquisition of the internet’s most popular podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience. The two stories illustrate old media and new media styles.
S2 E15 · Mon, May 25, 2020
The Streets of San Francisco. Michael Douglas. Karl Malden. 1972-1977.
The 119 episodes of the TV series were filmed on location in San Francisco. To retain San Francisco authenticity, a sound stage was built in the City to film non-location, indoor scenes. Early 1970s San Francisco comes alive in these episodes. Douglas and Malden are both Oscar winners.
S2 E14 · Sat, May 23, 2020
Podcast 101: the What, Why, Who of podcasting.
Podcasting has become an important information medium in the last 15 years with Apple, Spotify, Google, Anchor, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio and iHeart Radio investing heavily in distribution. While barriers to entry are low, survival of the 850,000 Podcasts is always a challenge.
S2 E13 · Thu, May 21, 2020
She's going to shoot the President. Sara Jane Moore. 1975
On September 22, 1975 would be assassin Sara Jane Moore waited outside the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco's Union Square to kill President Gerald Ford. The first shot missed the President's head by 5 inches. Our 38th President literally and figuratively dodged an assassin's bullet on the streets of San Francisco. I was present at the lunch, met the President, shook his hand and chatted with him before his brush with death. I heard the shots ring out and watched in horror as the presidential motorcade barrelled down Post Street for SFO and the safety of Air Force One. September 22 1975 and San Francisco were never seared into the national psyche the way November 22 1963 and Dallas were after the assassination of President Kennedy. But we were 5 inches away from suffering a smililar nightmarish fate. This is my personal recollection of meeting President Ford on that Friday afternoon and the aftermath.
S2 E12 · Tue, May 19, 2020
California's Curbside Comeback
California began Phase 2 of the Shelter in Place orders which began eight weeks ago. Many of the state's 58 counties entered the early stages of re-opening the California economy - the 7th largest in the world if California were independent - with a series of steps including opening of commerce. But the proposed curbside pick-ups at restaurants, clothing stores and book stores is hardly the jumpstart that Small Business was looking for. While construction and most manufacturing is coming back, office workers are still subject to teleworking for the most part. Every Monday The San Francisco Experience does a wrap up podcast of Re-opening news in California and nationally.
S2 E11 · Mon, May 18, 2020
Bullitt. Steve McQueen. 1968
Bullitt starring iconic 1960s King of Cool Steve McQueen is set in San Francisco. A Chicago mobster is being guarded by Lt. Frank Bullitt (McQueen) and his team pending his appearance as chief witness before a Senate subcommittee. A heart-stopping car chase down San Francisco’s vertiginous hills still revs up the adrenaline !
S2 E10 · Sat, May 16, 2020
Will California Covid-19 cases remain low ?
California's total Covid-19 infections have been remarkably low as compared to New York State. There are a host of reasons for the fact California ranks 5th in the Covid-19 stakes, with New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Massachusetts having more cases and fatalities. As California embarks on a limited re-opening next week, we explore what could throw off the Golden State from a successful re-opening.
S2 E10 · Fri, May 15, 2020
Will California keep Covid-19 cases low ?
California’s Covid-19 cases and fatalities is a fraction of New York’s. As the Golden State begins to re-open next week, can we keep the Coronavirus in check ? While our weekly death rate remains about 500, that number has been stubbornly resistant to coming down. Why, after 8 weeks of Shelter in Place ?
S2 E8 · Wed, May 13, 2020
Reopening goes global: Baby steps to normalcy.
A wrap-up of reopening news in California and Western Europe.
S2 E9 · Wed, May 13, 2020
The Irish and the Choctaw Nation: a debt of gratitude repaid.
In 1847, at the height of the Irish Potato Famine, the Choctaw Nation donated $170 to Irish famine relief. Returning the favor, 173 years later, many Irish are donating to a GoFundMe page for Navajo, Hopi and Choctaw Covid-19 relief.
S2 E7 · Mon, May 11, 2020
Towering Inferno. Steve McQueen. Paul Newman. Faye Dunaway. 1974
The dedication ceremony of the worlds tallest high rise at 138 stories in San Francisco, is the setting for this 1974 disaster film. The film unintentionally provides an eerie foreshadowing of the events of 9/11 and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
S2 E6 · Sat, May 09, 2020
Homeless with Covid 19 in SanFrancisco.
San Francisco’s 8000 homeless people are crowding into the Tenderloin District, pitching tents on city streets. The neighbors have sued the City to compel City Hall to clean up the streets. The Mayor has committed to rent 8250 hotel rooms to house the homeless, but so far only 1000 homeless have moved in. The Mayor has a comprehensive plan to fix the Tenderloin problems but neighbors are skeptical.
S2 E5 · Thu, May 07, 2020
Is the Gig Economy Dead ?
Silicon Valley is beginning to experience a wave of layoffs - a rarity as tech firms considered themselves immune from such cuts in the past. But the Gig Economy with its ride hailing apps and home stay apps will have the biggest challenges to face post pandemic.
S2 E4 · Tue, May 05, 2020
Work.com: a new software tool to re-open America.
Work.com, a creation of Salesforce based in San Francisco, will provide managers the tools to keep employees safe from the Coronavirus in the workplace, as America goes back to work.
S2 E3 · Mon, May 04, 2020
To open or not to re-open: that is the question.
As the US moves to the next phase of the pandemic with almost half the country re-opening for business, California is slower off the mark. Why ? And why has Ireland been able to craft such a winning Roadmap to Re-Opening with the apparent full backing of its citizens ?
S2 E3 · Sun, May 03, 2020
Mrs. Doubtfire. Robin Williams. 1993
Robin Williams was an accomplished comedian and dramatic actor who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in “Good Will Hunting.”. A comedic genius, he died in 2014 at the age of 63.
S2 E2 · Wed, April 29, 2020
Profiles in Covid: California Governor Gavin Newsom and S.F. Mayor London Breed.
Governor Newsom and Mayor Breed are products of San Francisco politics. Their early and effective Shelter in Place policies and practices have helped to keep Covid-19 cases and fatalities low. But their opponents criticize them for being too slow to re-open California.
S2 E1 · Mon, April 27, 2020
My Health or My Privacy: Does it have to be a choice ?
Apple and Google roll out their Coronavirus tracking APP to public health authorities Tuesday April 28. Will it infringe our right to privacy ? Should we care ?
S1 E20 · Sat, April 25, 2020
The Perfect Storm: How Covid - 19 overwhelmed the system.
New data shows that the Coronavirus was coursing through America’s cities much earlier than believed. Our system’s response initially was flat footed at best. But we are making progress.
S1 E19 · Thu, April 23, 2020
Milk. Sean Penn. 2008
Sean Penn’s Oscar winning portrayal of slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk is a powerful dramatization of the last 10 days of his life in November 1978. Milk continues to inspire both Americans and global citizens like Leo Varadkar, Prime Minister of Ireland.
S1 E18 · Tue, April 21, 2020
Tony Bennett to honor SF’s frontline Covid-19 workers:. I left my heart in San Francisco.
Tony Bennett will lead a mass, civic singalong on Saturday April 25 at 12 noon. All 850,000 inhabitants of San Francisco are invited to join in as a thank you to the Covid-19 frontline workers who have taken care of us and kept us safe during the Pandemic.
S1 E17 · Tue, April 21, 2020
Covid 19: Have we made progress in the last 5 weeks ?
The Social Distancing and Lockdown practices of the last 5 weeks has seen a slowing in the rate of increase of C-19 infection rates and fatalities. But global and national numbers still increase. What is next and how does C-19 compare to historic pandemics ?
S1 E16 · Sat, April 18, 2020
The Maltese Falcon. John Huston/Dashiell Hammett, 1941
This film noir is set in 1941 San Francisco and stars Humphrey Bogart in the title role of private investigator Sam Spade, Mary Astor as the manipulative fortune seeker Brigid O’Shaugnessey, Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre. Intrigue, greed, obsession on the streets of San Francisco.
S1 E15 · Sat, April 18, 2020
Tracing Covid-19 victims to break the transmission chain.
A new, massive C-19 testing program will be part of our return to normal. But all new C-19 victims will have to provide names and phone numbers for their contacts who may have been exposed. Those contacts also must self isolate, but what about their privacy ?
S1 E14 · Thu, April 16, 2020
California versus France: a tale of two re-openings.
As California and France appear to have passed the peak of C-19 infection rates, when and how will society get back to normal, the economy start running again and shelter in place be lifted.
S1 E13 · Thu, April 16, 2020
Bill Gates: Coronavirus Warrior
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is actively funding 8 entities working to develop a Covid 19 vaccine. Gates, the visionary who brought personal computing into our lives, is now focused on finding a new vaccine and preventing another Pandemic posing an existential threat to humankind.
S1 E12 · Mon, April 13, 2020
Covid 19 testing: Is it a waste of money ?
Today’s podcast focuses on C-19 policies, practices and technologies in Germany, the U.K. and the US. Best practices, use of data and testing technology to defeat Covid-19.
S1 E11 · Sat, April 11, 2020
The Birds. Alfred Hitchcock 1963
Hitchcock’s thriller and horror film was filmed on location in San Francisco and Bodega Bay, Sonoma County in 1962. The themes of the film, a world out of joint, nature attacking humans, inhabitants seeking shelter from terror are topical for today’s Covid -19 lockdown culture caused by another force of nature gone awry.
S1 E10 · Thu, April 09, 2020
Why is California’s Covid 19 death rate so low ?
California with a population of 40 million has had 374 Covid-19 fatalities. During the same period through 4/7/20 New York State with 19 million people has had 5236 deaths - 14 times more than California. Why ?
S1 E9 · Wed, April 08, 2020
Innovation Update: Covid 19 solutions
Innovation Update is a weekly feature of The San Francisco Experience. In today’s installment we recount 7 innovations created in the San Francisco Bay Area to confront Covid-19 and stop it dead in its tracks.
S1 E8 · Sun, April 05, 2020
Living on Lockdown: Survive and Thrive
In the fifth and final part of the Living on Lockdown series, I explore how and where we get our news on Covid 19 over the rest of the lockdown. With a historic perspective and quotes from Queen Elizabeth II and Henry Kissinger.
S1 E7 · Sat, April 04, 2020
Living on Lockdown: the Art of online board games, gaming and social interactivity.
Social isolation can lead to depression and loneliness. Today’s episode provides an alternative, to let you interact online through games, house parties and group movie watching at a distance.
S1 E6 · Fri, April 03, 2020
Living on Lockdown: the Art of Delivery and Takeout Dining and Grocery Shopping.
In this episode we review 6 apps for takeout and delivery services from restaurants. Best practices for grocery shopping.
S1 E5 · Thu, April 02, 2020
Living on Lockdown: The Art of the Urban Hike.
Urban Hiking is the fastest growing trend in Hiking. It brings the same hiking energy to a CityScape and is a great way to accomplish your cardio fitness goals. Several hiking apps are reviewed.
S1 E4 · Wed, April 01, 2020
Living on Lockdown: the Art of Managing your 401k
The first in our series of podcasts to help you get through your home confinement during Lockdown. We focus on retirement savings in your 401k account and introduce online resources you can access.
S1 E3 · Tue, March 31, 2020
Living in Lockdown: Don’t let a crisis go to waste.
Sharing best Social Lockdown practices from San Francisco, the city that is pioneering how to socially isolate and distance, with a big assist from Social Media.
S1 E2 · Mon, March 30, 2020
Covid 19 - Did early Lockdown and Social Distancing in San Francisco pay off ?
Comparison of early flight bans from China on San Francisco’s low rate of Covid 19 versus New York’s open European flights. Social Distancing Policies and Europe’s varied approach to Social Lockdown and Distancing.
S1 E1 · Sun, March 29, 2020
Vertigo, Alfred Hitchcock 1958
In this episode I discuss the greatest film of all time, Vertigo, as judged by the British Film Institute in 2012. Set in 1957 San Francisco, it is a technicolor travelog of the City by the Bay. It provides a magnificent physical backdrop to the dark and brooding themes of deceit, obsession, unrequited love and insanity as depicted by Alfred Hitchcock. The screenplay was adapted from the French novel “D’entre les morts.” (From among the dead.) written by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac.
Trailer · Fri, March 27, 2020
The San Francisco Experience (Trailer)
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