Commonwealth Club Of California Podcast

Liana Finck’s deeply insightful and delightfully odd work as a cartoonist and illustrator with The New Yorker has earned her a devoted following who look to her columns and cartoons as a refreshing depiction of collective experiences in today’s world. She is also a social media sensation, with almost 300,000 followers on Instagram who visit her page daily for their dose of comedically dark insights on love, dating, self-esteem, mental health and much more. While her cartoons appear simple, they shed light on some of human existence’s most complex themes. Finck’s new book, Excuse Me: Cartoons, Complaints, and Notes to Self, is a collection of her most beloved work from Instagram and The New Yorker, and it combines the personal with the relatable to explore common anxieties, no matter the reader. She joins INFORUM to discuss her trademark mix of absurdity, melancholy and humor and to share her sharply deft views of the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Amazon to the Congo to California, our planet’s forests are being decimated. And along with them, the stability of our climate. Why? Because trees are among our most effective weapons against carbon emissions. The Amazon alone is responsible for removing five percent of the world’s 40 billion tons of CO2 emissions from the air each year. When forests burn, carbon storage is lost -- along with biodiversity, indigenous culture, and more. Join us for a conversation about the climate factors and the global consumerism driving deforestation, as well as the seeds of change being planted by organizations, corporations, governments and individuals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Rice, President Obama’s former national security adviser and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is heralded as one of the most influential foreign policy voices of our time. Having dedicated her career to public service, Rice is now a distinguished visiting research fellow at American University, a senior fellow at Harvard University, a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and author of the new book Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For. With humor and grace, Rice reflects upon the pivotal moments of her career on the front lines of American diplomacy and foreign policy. With unflinching honesty, Rice navigates her readers through the well-known 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya, as well as the untold stories involving a secret channel to Iran and behind-the-scene confrontations with Russia and China. A dedicated public servant, join Susan Rice as she invites us to take a look at some of her biggest triumphs and failures, while teaching some important life lesso

Is clinging to habits and cravings destroying our future? An outspoken critic of factory farming and animal-centric diets, Jonathan Safran Foer writes that stopping climate change begins with a close look at what we eat — and don’t eat — at home for breakfast. At the office, industry leaders like Google are taking steps toward veggie-forward diets by reducing meat, rather than cutting it out entirely. But when it comes to global food habits, are societies up for changing norms — individually and collectively — at a scale ambitious enough to meet the challenge? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Segment #3 of 3, 3–3:30 p.m.: Next Generation Connections - Working Together Join a discussion on how our shared history and the unique legacy of Fort Ross State Historic Park can be a platform for cooperation and exchange between Russians and Americans, even amid severe challenges in relations between Washington, D.C. and Moscow. The final panel looks towards the future by bringing four young Russians and Americans from different disciplines to discuss their bilateral work and ideas for the future. A native Californian, Margo Poda chose to study the Russian language as an undergraduate at Georgetown University—her interest in the language and region stemming from Russia’s unique history and culture. After graduating, Poda headed home to Silicon Valley and worked at a series of tech start-ups as a project marketing manager, focusing on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Now she has returned to school pursuing a joint MBA/MA in international policy and development at the Middlebury Institute of Interna

Segment #1 of 3, How our shared history and the unique legacy of Fort Ross State Historic Park is a platform for cooperation and exchange between Russians and Americans, even amid severe challenges in relations between Washington, D.C. and Moscow. Panel 1—1–2:15 p.m. Panelists will discuss the current state of U.S.–Russia relations and assess whether and how enhanced communication, better crisis management and more fruitful cooperation between our countries may be possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Segment #2 of 3, 2—2:30–3 p.m.: Russian America and the Native California Collection at the Kunstkamera This panel will explore historic ties between Native California Indians and Russia by sharing images from a rare collection of Native California artifacts collected during the Fort Ross era. Ksenia Vozdigan, leading coordinator of exhibition department at the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, will describe how the largest collection of Native California artifacts came to reside in Russia. Jerry and Kaylee Pinola, from the Kashaya Pomo and Coast Miwok Tribes, will talk about their 2014 trip to the museum in St. Petersburg to see their ancestral artifacts for the first time, and they will describe how this connection with Russia remains relevant today. Notes: In partnership with the Fort Ross Conservancy and the Kennan Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert Kaplan has served as the 13th president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas since September 8, 2015. He also represents the 11th Federal Reserve District on the Federal Open Market Committee in the formulation of U.S. monetary policy. Prior to joining Harvard in 2006, Kaplan was vice chairman of the Goldman Sachs Group Inc., with global responsibility for the firm's investment banking and investment management divisions. Previously, he served as global co-head of the investment banking division. He serves as chairman of Project ALS and co-chairman of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, a global venture philanthropy firm that invests in developing nonprofit enterprises dedicated to addressing social issues. Come for a rare conversation with a representative of the Federal Reserve about international and national economies and U.S. monetary policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning journalist Lauren Duca is an unmistakable voice in the middle of a chaotic post-Trump political arena, famously penning the viral Teen Vogue op-ed “Donald Trump is Gaslighting America” just after Trump's election. Since the piece’s publication, she’s risen as a fresh voice in the millennial consciousness, often unafraid to challenge anyone who crosses her path … or her Twitter feed. In her new book, How to Start a Revolution: Young People and the Future of American Politics, she argues that Trump’s election sparked a political awakening in young people that does not seem to be waning anytime soon, and that it’s up to them to fix our ailing political system. Join Duca at INFORUM where she will discuss her sharp and funny guide to changing the world and empowering society towards real equality. Note: This program contains EXPLICIT language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Lizz Winstead is a sharp-witted truth-teller"—that was Ms. magazine's judgment of political satirist Lizz Winstead. From creating some of the most groundbreaking media to leading a reproductive rights organization, Winstead has succeeded in changing the media landscape, as well as fearlessly tackling serious political issues, including leading an abortion activist organization. Her record of accomplishments led Entertainment Weekly to name her one of its 100 Most Creative People. Join us for a conversation with this sharp-witted truth-teller—and probably a bit of political satire to put a smile on your face. This program contains EXPLICIT language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Security Agency (NSA) is both a member of the Defense Department and an Intelligence Community agency. NSA’s expertise is cryptology—making and breaking codes. The agency’s goal is to discover adversaries' secrets, protect U.S. secrets and outmaneuver adversaries in cyberspace, executing this mission while balancing the privacy rights of the American people. Jonathan Darby has been with the agency since 1983, when he was initially assigned as a Russian language analyst. Darby has served in a variety of field and operations positions at NSA/CSS, including currently as the director of operations. Previously, he served as the signals intelligence directorate deputy director of analysis and production and the deputy chief of cybersecurity operations. Darby will characterize the security threats to our nation, our primary adversaries and their objectives. He will also talk about the role of NSA and what they are doing about these threats, providing some basic guidance for actions the public can take.

Salmon is the keystone species of the Northern Rim. Their annual migrations support hundreds of species including bears, eagles and whales as well as dozens of indigenous groups and local fishing based economies that provide one of the last healthy sources of wild protein for humankind. Wild salmon runs are declining on both sides of the Pacific Rim, triggering multibillion dollar restoration efforts. Guido Rahr will describe the salmon’s fate and campaign to save critical stronghold rivers, from Japan to the wilds of the Russian Far East to Alaska, British Columbia and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, to focus on the battle to stop a massive open gold pit and copper mine proposed in the headwaters of Alaska's Bristol Bay—home to the greatest wild salmon runs left on Earth. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Ann Clark NOTES MLF: Environment & Natural Resources This program contains some EXPLICIT language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Georgescu arrived in this country as a penniless Romanian refugee and rose to prominence as the CEO of Young & Rubicam. It’s an American dream success story that could not play out in today’s economic environment—one that is plagued with disappearing jobs, flat wages and a shrinking middle class. In his latest book, Capitalists, Arise!, Georgescu argues that the stark reality of our current economic malaise and social breakdown can be attributed, in large part, to the short-term thinking spawned by shareholder primacy. With deeply sobering statistics and new research, Georgescu points the way toward a future that will only be possible with enlightened capitalism. The author will offer concrete steps forward. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Elizabeth Carney NOTES MLF: Business & Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Kinzer is the author of nine books, including: The True Flag, The Brothers, Overthrow and All the Shah’s Men. He is also an award-winning foreign correspondent and writes a world affairs column for The Boston Globe. His new book tells the astonishing story of the man who oversaw the CIA’s secret medical experiments of the 1950s and ’60s. Drawing on original interviews, survivors’ testimonies and documentary research, Kinzer brings to light this massive hunt for the secret of mind control that spanned several countries, including the work of Nazi scientists, and lead to experimentation on government employees (willing and unwilling), foreign politicians, children, prisoners, sex workers and anyone else the poisoner in chief deemed threatening or expendable. Come hear a startling tale of the most powerful unknown Americans of the 20th century and of government lies and deception. This program is part of our Good Lit series, underwritten by the Bernard Osher Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices.

In a world where creativity is finally being rewarded, award-winning photographer and visionary entrepreneur Chase Jarvis argues that unleashing your creativity is the first step to rediscovering your personal power in life. Known for his collaborations with major brands such as Apple and Nike, Jarvis is the host of “The Chase Jarvis Live Show,” where he interviews the world’s top creative entrepreneurs and thought leaders, and is the co-founder of CreativeLive, an online learning community that’s produced over 1500 curated classes for over 10 million creators across the world.  As the author of three books, Jarvis shares his enthusiasm for innovation and encourages his readers to create a life of fulfillment. In his newest book, Creative Calling: Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life, Jarvis urges his readers to establish a creative practice using his IDEA system (Imagine your dream, design a daily exercise, execute your ambitions and amplify your impact). Emb

The landscape of sex, love and romance in New York City has undergone dramatic changes in the 20 years since Candace Bushnell published the iconic Sex and the City, which broke down major barriers in cultural representations of single women and reshaped the landscape of pop culture. Now the trailblazing Bushnell is back to ask the vital question: Is there still sex in the city for women 50+? Join Bushnell at INFORUM as she, once again, guides us through a new and entangled dating scene. Her newest book, Is There Still Sex in the City?, follows a whole new cohort of female friends: Sassy, Kitty, Queenie, Tilda Tia, Marilyn and Candace, as they face the modern-day sex arena as middle-aged women, including younger partners, dating apps, divorce, children and the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. Equal parts hilarious and heart wrenching, and filled with Bushnell’s signature short, sharp social commentary, Is There Still Sex in the City? not only provides a colorful look at love after 50 but also asks a

From the kitchen to the mercado and on the Internet, Bay Area Latinx innovators are leading an inclusive economy with strategies targeting immigrants to increase access to affordable financial services and provide support for immigrant entrepreneurs who in turn strengthen their communities and add jobs. Learn how they developed their award-winning financial inclusion strategies and how they collaborate (with each other and others) to scale and deepen impact in immigrant communities. Understand how a shifting political climate has impacted their clients and outreach strategies. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Elizabeth Carney NOTES MLF: Business & Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first Week to Week political roundtable of the Impeachment Era. It’s been far too long since we gathered together for a discussion of the latest political events. We might have been on vacation, but the politicos have not, so we have a lot to discuss. We will discuss the biggest, most controversial and sometimes the surprising political issues with expert commentary by panelists who are smart, are civil and have a good sense of humor. Our panelists will provide informative and engaging commentary on political and other major news, and we'll have audience discussion of the week’s events and our live news quiz! And come early before the program to meet other smart and engaged individuals and discuss the news over snacks and wine at our members social (open to all attendees). ** This Podcast Contains Explicit Language ** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly half of all Americans are dealing with a new mental stressor: climate anxiety. Whether we get it from the news, the trauma of a natural disaster, or fear of a warming planet, it’s undermining our health and well-being, according to the American Psychological Association. So what’s the solution to preventing stress, fear, and helplessness from taking a toll on your well-being? Can we simultaneously enjoy a beautiful day in nature and worry about the future of human civilization? Join us for a conversation about cultivating awareness and resilience in an age of unprecedented disruption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Climate change is turning one of Miami’s poorest neighborhoods into some of the most desirable real estate around. But there’s only so much Little Haiti to go around. And as hurricanes pummel the coast and rising seas lap at Florida’s shoreline, Midwestern cities like Detroit look more and more appealing. Is the Motor City ready for a Sunshine State invasion? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices