Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Dr. Mindy Romero, a political sociologist focused on youth engagement, discusses how institutions often overlook youth-led initiatives. High school senior Sahana Yohannes shares her experiences in creating supportive political spaces in schools. Ashley Kelly emphasizes the importance of local gatherings for civic participation. The panelists highlight alternative forms of engagement like mutual aid and community coalitions, stressing the need for young voices in shaping their democracy despite systemic challenges.

Nina Beguš, a UC Berkeley researcher, discusses her 'artificial humanities' approach to understanding AI's impact on fiction and ethics. James Yu, co-founder of Sudowrite, shares how AI can enhance creative writing, demonstrating practical applications. Award-winning writer Ted Chiang critiques generative AI, arguing it dilutes artistic intention. The trio explores the spectrum of writers' responses to AI, the importance of collaboration, and the nuanced challenges of disclosure and emotional expression in AI-generated content.

Mstyslav Chernov, a Ukrainian filmmaker and Pulitzer Prize winner, discusses his powerful documentary 2000 Meters to Andriivka. He sheds light on the human cost of the Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on the soldiers' emotional connections to their homeland. Chernov emphasizes the importance of personal stories in warfare, warns against desensitization, and reveals the complexity of peace negotiations. His portrayal of resilience and the hope for rebuilding amidst destruction highlights the ongoing struggle faced by many.

Celia Deane-Drummond, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, discusses the legacy of Pope Francis’s encyclical on climate action. Rabbi Jennie Rosenn, founder of Dayenu, shares how Jewish ethics drive climate justice efforts and highlights the importance of grassroots mobilization. Iyad Abumoghli, founder of the Faith for Earth Coalition, emphasizes the role of faith in promoting sustainability through principles from the Quran. Together, they explore how religious communities can lead in addressing climate challenges and inspire meaningful action.

Join Dr. Monica Gandhi, a leading HIV expert from UCSF, Dr. Dimitri Daskalakis, a public health leader addressing PEPFAR funding threats, and Tyler Jameer, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, as they tackle pressing issues in the fight against HIV. They discuss the lifesaving impact of PEPFAR, the chilling effect of federal funding cuts, and the importance of community-led initiatives. Hear about the rising challenges facing vulnerable populations and the need for activism and resilience in addressing these urgent public health concerns.

Tim Wu, a Columbia Law School professor and former White House official, dives into the pitfalls of the internet's promised wealth and democracy. He critiques the power of big tech platforms and their role in economic extraction, which creates new classes while threatening freedom. Wu discusses historical lessons, the impact of corporate mergers, and the implications of Section 230. He urges for stronger antitrust measures and public oversight to reignite competition and ensure tech serves the common good in a rapidly changing world.

Join the multi-talented Jay Kuo for "political and legal analysis with a dose of humor." Jay will discuss issues ranging from the president's use of the National Guard, immigration, Supreme Court decisions and more. About the Speaker Jay Kuo is the chair-elect of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization with more than 3.3 million members. He currently leads its Public Policy Committee to help elect equality-focused candidates at the national, state and local level. Jay is the CEO and founder of The Social Edge, a digital publishing and social media company. As head of "Team Takei,” he built actor and activist George Takei’s social media into an online juggernaut reaching more than 25 million fans. Jay writes a popular daily Substack on politics and law called "The Status Kuo," which has more than 5 million monthly reads. Bu that is not all. He is a two-time Tony winning co-producer for Hadestown and The Inheritance and is currently developing two new musical productions in the U.K. Jay is also a musician and composed the score for the Broadway musical Allegiance.  Jay is a partner in Gaingels, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ investing group. He has worked as an appellate litigator admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit, where he argued the first “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” challenge in 1996, and is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court bar. Jay has previously served on the boards of the Northern California ACLU and the Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom. He currently lives in New York City, where he is a single dad with two beautiful infant children, Riley and Ronan. Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; we welcome donations made during registration to support the production of our programming. See more  Michelle Meow Show programs at Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California. Commonwealth Club World Affairs is a public forum. Any views expressed in our programs are those of the speakers and not of Commonwealth Club World Affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Melody Glenn, an associate professor of addiction medicine and author of 'Mother of Methadone', sheds light on the crucial legacy of Dr. Marie Nyswander, who pioneered methadone treatment for heroin addiction. They discuss the persistent stigma surrounding methadone and its historical roots, which include political and racial biases. Glenn emphasizes the importance of harm reduction and advocates for patient-centered clinical practices. The conversation also touches on the need for improved addiction education and addressing modern challenges posed by fentanyl.

Thien Ho, Sacramento County District Attorney and lead prosecutor on the Golden State Killer case, shares gripping details about the chilling crimes and the relentless investigation that led to justice. He discusses genetic genealogy breakthroughs and the unorthodox methods to obtain the killer’s DNA. Alongside survivor Chris Pedretti, who recounts overcoming trauma and advocating for victims through Phyllis's Garden, they emphasize the importance of healing and community support. Ho also reveals his plans for a congressional run, advocating for representation and justice reforms.

Join Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center and law professor, as he explores the enduring clash between Hamilton's desire for a strong federal government and Jefferson's emphasis on individual liberties. Dive into how these foundational debates influenced pivotal moments in American history, from Lincoln's fight against slavery to modern presidential powers. Rosen also examines the relevance of these ideas today, the complexities of constitutional interpretations, and the importance of restoring civil discourse in political discussions.