Policy Chats

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Bixenmann from the California Council of Science and Technology talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the importance of careers in science policy. About Dr. Ryan Bixenmann: Ryan Bixenmann, Ph.D. is a Senior Science Officer at the California Council of Science and Technology (CCST). In this role, Ryan connects relevant experts to decision-makers that request additional technical information to carry out their mission and better serve Californians. Learn more about Dr. Ryan Bixenmann via https://ccst.us/people/staff/ryan-bixenmann/ Podcast Highlights: “I knew I wanted to do something outside of just research-I wanted to have an impact on society.” -       Dr. Ryan Bixenmann on the topic of science careers focused on policy, not research. “Knowing that people who are doing the cool stuff you want to do had help getting there and they talked to someone...” -       Dr. Ryan Bixenmann on the topic of advancing your career through networking.  “When you're sitting there with the power to make decisions, it's really difficult when you have a bunch of diverse stakeholders because they all have different perspectives, priorities, and needs.” -       Dr. Ryan Bixenmann on the challenges of decision-making and the vast factors that need to be considered.  Guest: Dr. Ryan Bixenmann (Senior Officer at CCST) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Johanna Arias (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, UCR Professor of Public Policy Dr. Richard Carpiano talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about COVID-19 and its future. About Dr. Carpiano: Richard M. Carpiano is a Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside. Trained as public and population health scientist and medical sociologist, Carpiano studies how social factors, such as socioeconomic status, race-ethnicity, social connections, and community conditions, contribute to the physical and mental health of adults and children. His research focuses on an extensive range of health issues and populations, spanning the life course and US and international contexts. Learn more about Dr. Carpiano via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/rcarpian Podcast Highlights: “There was this sort of false binary that you were either for public health...or you were somehow pro-economy.” -       Dr. Carpiano on the politicization of COVID-19 and the divisions that were created.  “I worry that we're getting in that same mindset again, cases are dropping, we can return to normal...and we're just not there yet.” -       Dr. Carpiano on the cycle of opening and closing society.  “This really is, in many respects, our new normal.” -       Dr. Carpiano on the topic of COVID-19 being the "new normal" for our society.   Guest: Dr. Carpiano (Professor of Public Policy) Interviewer: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities Kiril Tomoff and Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Paul D'Anieri talk with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the Russian-Ukraine conflict. About Kiril Tomoff: Kiril Tomoff is the Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities at UCR. His research interests include the intersection of musical life and Russian and Soviet history, as well as twentieth-century world history, transnational cultural exchange, and the Cold War. Learn more about Kiril Tomoff via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/kiril About Paul D'Anieri: Paul D’Anieri is a Professor of Political Science and Public Policy. He studies politics in the former Soviet Union, focusing on Ukraine and on Ukraine-Russia relations. He also teaches and studies economics and budgeting in universities, based on his experience as an administrator at UCR, the University of Florida, and the University of Kansas. Learn more about Paul D'Anieri via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/danieri Podcast Highlights: “Putin and the other Russian nationalist elites around him fear the emergence of a democratically elected state with a functioning civil society in Ukraine, not because such a state poses a direct threat to Russia, but because the example it provides for Russians who might unfavorably compare that to the regime he's created in Russia.” -       Kiril Tomoff on the topic of Putin's underlying fears and goals embedded in the motives over the Ukrainian invasion. “Putin's entire basis of power is based on the idea that democracy was a disaster and that Russia is not suited for democracy and democracy is not suited for Russia.” -       Paul D'Anieri on the topic of Putin's anti-democratic stance. Guests Kiril Tomoff (Associate Dean of Arts and Humanities) Paul D'Anieri (Professor of Political Science and Public Policy) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Mufida Assaf (UCR Business and Political Science Double Major, Executive Vice President of ASUCR) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Co-Director of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine Dr. Julianne McCall talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about scientific and evidence-based policymaking. About Julianne McCall: Julianne McCall serves as Co-Director of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine, housed within the California Governor's Office of Planning and Research. In that role, she oversees cross-sector health policy working groups and projects, research grantmaking, and state government interagency efforts, which include serving on Governor Newsom's COVID-19 Testing Task Force and as a writer of the forthcoming CA Surgeon General's Report on Adverse Childhood Experiences. Learn more about Julianne McCall via https://sciencetopolicy.ucr.edu/professional-leadership Podcast Highlights: “We don't see the world objectively; that's why we have tools, censors, devices that are detecting phenomena at granular levels that we are completely blind to.” -       Julianne McCall on the topic of human nature in research and policymaking “The distribution of a finite resource that matters the most.” -       Julianne McCall on the role and importance of funding in regards to research and solutions to problems.  “A number of Americans and Californians have this lens within their faith communities, within a goodwill or golden rule framework, and ensuring fairness is top of mind for many folks.” -       Julianne McCall on the topic of equity when it comes to solving real-world problems. Guest: Julianne McCall (Co-Director of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Professor of Economics Dr. Joab Corey talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the evolving economies of the world. Learn more about Dr. Corey via https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/jcorey Podcast Highlights: “This COVID-19 pandemic has actually led to an increase in real wages among the lowest quartile of earners...” -       Dr. Corey on one of the complex impacts the pandemic has had.  “A lot of people are using this opportunity to not stay at a job they decided they don't like, but use this opportunity to create a new job for themselves that may be more fulfilling.” -       Dr. Corey on the topic of self-employment. “There is a greater variety of quality now than ever before.” -       Dr. Corey on the idea that consumers have more quality options now than ever before. Guest: Joab Corey (Professor of Economics) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Zeno Marganian (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Former District Attorney of San Bernardino County Michael Ramos talks with a student from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Crime Prevention. About Michael Ramos: Michael A. Ramos was elected as San Bernardino County’s District Attorney in 2003 and served in the position until 2019. He currently serves as one of the External Relations Directors for the Robert Presley Center of Crime and Justice Studies at the UCR School of Public Policy. Learn more about Michael Ramos via https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people#external_relations_directors Podcast Highlights: “Not every family has that, and so when they get to that point where they start their education, they're already behind.” -       Michael Ramos on the impact education has on kids who miss pre-school. “I think that's where our communities need to step up....it really comes down to our local communities, mayors, cities councils...” -       Michael Ramos on the importance of local communities in helping kids beyond school.  “I think that people are curious about people's backgrounds and are more open to learning about one another.” -       Michael Ramos on the societal and cultural changes that are creating new ideas. Guest: Michael Ramos (Former District Attorney) Interviewer: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound https://www.fretbound.com/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40 Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp Commercial Credits: Eboni Odior, Johanna Arias This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Former Riverside Chief of Police Sergio Diaz talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the challenges of policing. About Sergio Diaz: Sergio G. Diaz was the chief of police for the city of Riverside, California between July 1, 2010, and September 19, 2019. Prior to joining the Riverside Police Department, Sergio was a police officer in the city of Los Angeles for 33 years, retiring at the rank of Deputy Chief in 2010. Learn more about Sergio Diaz via https://presleycenter.ucr.edu/about/people#external_relations_directors Podcast Highlights: “Policing is one of those professions where people believe that they know what's involved.” -       Sergio Diaz on the topic of the misconceptions that exist on policing.  “But what we can all do to be safer is to invest more and better in our children.” -       Sergio Diaz on the topic of crime prevention.  “The best thing you can do to encourage good policing is to refrain from encouraging bad policing.” -       Sergio Diaz on the challenges involved in creating safe communities and how police can improve. Guest: Sergio Diaz (External Relations Director and Former Chief of Police) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Zeno Marganian (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound https://www.fretbound.com/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40 Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp Commercial Credits: Eboni Odior, Johanna Arias,  This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, California State Controller Betty Yee talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about her career in public office. About Betty Yee: State Controller Betty T. Yee was elected in November 2014, following two terms of service on the California Board of Equalization.  As Controller, she continues to serve the Board as its fifth voting member.  Reelected for a second term as Controller in 2018, Ms. Yee is only the tenth woman in California history to be elected to statewide office. Learn more about Betty Yee via https://www.sco.ca.gov/eo_about_bio.html Podcast Highlights: “The other frustrating part, I have to say, is being a woman. We are still not taken seriously. I know I had an opponent who specifically ran against me because he thought that he could beat a woman.” -       Betty Yee on the disadvantages of running as a woman. “I'm convinced today, that this is the case, (and the government has to do a better job making the connection) that any challenge being faced anywhere in California can be solved in California.” -       Betty Yee on the challenges of public office. “Do it in an informed way and the most informed way is to know yourself first.” -       Betty Yee's advice to students interested in running for office. Guest: Betty Yee (California State Controller) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Johanna Arias (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625   https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase   Upbeat Emotive by Fretbound https://www.fretbound.com/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/F_8EMeRnd40 Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp Commercial Credits: Eboni Odior, Johanna Arias, Raiyan Kalam This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Professor of Economics Dr. Bree Lang talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about Low-Income Housing and the Housing Crisis. About Bree Lang: Bree Lang is an economics professor at the University of California, Riverside. Her research areas include urban economics, taxation, subsidized housing, and public finance. Learn more about Bree Lang via https://sites.google.com/site/breejoneslang/  Podcast Highlights: “The US Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordability as someone who is spending 30 percent or less of their income on housing. And if you look in California in particular, in the mid-2010s, 80 percent of households were spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. In the mid-2000s, 30% of people were spending over 50% of their income on rent.” -       Bree Lang on the severity of the housing crisis and its effect on families.  “If I want to be optimistic for just one moment, I think that COVID has also shined a light on a lot of these root problems where we are talking about kind of this inequality and upward mobility. I think that we're more likely to be having conversations about those big picture issues.” -       Bree Lang on the topic of COVID-19 and its impact on the discussion surrounding the housing crisis. “I think it's important to be open-minded about these things and to be willing to listen to people so that we can come to a solution that's going to work for everybody.” -       Bree Lang on the topic of solving the housing crisis. Guest: Dr. Bree Lang (Professor of Economics) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Raiyan Kalam (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

In this episode, Senior Advisor of the California Council on Science & Technology Dr. Jun Bando talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the role science plays in public policy. About Jun Bando: K. Jun Bando is the Senior Advisor to the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST). She focuses on guiding strategic planning and organizational transformation to enhance CCST’s contributions to strengthening California’s policies with science. Learn more about Jun Bando via https://ccst.us/people/staff/jun-bando/ Podcast Highlights: “  One thing that is really helpful in this regard is training scientists to be science translators-topic of going from science/research to policy.” -       Jun Bando on the topic of going from science/research to policy.  “As with all major change, taking full advantage of these tools is going to require vision, strong leadership, and institutional cultures that really embrace innovation and collaboration.” -       Jun Bando on the topic of online learning and the new opportunities and challenges students and schools face. “Science really needs to work to build a more diverse, inclusive and equitable culture within the field.” -       Jun Bando on the topic of racial justice issues within the science field and the effort it will take for reform Guest: Dr. Jun Bando (Senior Advisor at CCST) Interviewers: Kevin Karami (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean’s Chief Ambassador) Sean Nguyen (UCR Public Policy Major, Peer Academic Advisor) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: https://spp.ucr.edu/ba-mpp https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.