Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Elizabeth Yeampierre, an attorney and environmental justice leader at UPROSE, discusses local solar initiatives in Brooklyn that empower communities and reduce energy costs. Arturo Massol-Deyá, from Casa Pueblo in Puerto Rico, shares insights on building resilient solar microgrids after disasters. Skyler Zunk, CEO of Energy Right, talks about promoting solar in conservative rural Virginia, emphasizing energy independence and local economic benefits. Together, they underscore the importance of community-driven clean energy solutions.

Jonathan Karl, Chief Washington correspondent for ABC News and bestselling author, dives deep into the whirlwind of Donald Trump's second campaign. He shares gripping behind-the-scenes stories of election chaos, from Biden's unexpected withdrawal to allegations of assassination attempts. Karl highlights the shift in Trump's administration prioritizing loyalty and discusses the relentless news cycle reporters face. With insights on the future of American politics, he raises concerns about democracy's vulnerabilities and the evolving roles of political figures like J.D. Vance.

Willie L. Brown, Jr., a former San Francisco mayor and civic leader, shares his insights on community-driven solutions and philanthropy. Elisabeth Pang Fullerton discusses merging nonprofit and for-profit impact while advocating for universal healthcare access. Eddy Zheng emphasizes the importance of visibility and trust-based philanthropy in supporting incarcerated individuals. The dynamic roundtable allows attendees to share success stories, covering innovative initiatives like tiny homes for homelessness and tech solutions for nonprofit accountability.

Join Marjan Philhour, Nancy Tung, and Kiki Lopez as they dive into the vibrant Big Asian Energy (BAE) initiative aimed at uplifting AAPI leadership. Marjan shares insights on breaking cultural norms while Kiki discusses transgender advocacy within queer AAPI communities. Nancy highlights the importance of civic engagement and the challenges faced by Asian American women. The panel also explores fostering mentorship and the need for accessible services for monolingual Asian elders. It's a celebration of identity, activism, and community empowerment!

In this enlightening discussion, Adrienne Heinz, a clinical research psychologist at Stanford University, highlights the mental health challenges post-disasters and introduces innovative community support strategies. Roxanne Brown, VP at United Steelworkers, addresses the impacts of legislative rollbacks on industrial jobs and the importance of transitioning language for clean energy. Meanwhile, Pattie Gonia, a drag performer and environmental activist, shares how joy and queer advocacy can inspire diverse communities to engage in environmentalism. Together, they explore the pressing issues of 2025.

In a compelling chat with Nalini Elkins, Vinita Gupta shares her journey as the first woman of Indian origin to take a US company public. They discuss breaking cultural barriers, the importance of risk-taking, and why women should embrace rule-breaking. Vinita also delves into the evolving landscape of Silicon Valley, the impact of social media on business, and her passion for competitive bridge. With insights on resilience, reinvention, and the future of India-U.S. relations, Gupta offers a playbook for aspiring founders and advocates.

Mark Shaw, a bestselling author and historian known for his investigations into high-profile assassinations, delves into the dark connections between mob boss Carlos Marcello and the deaths of JFK, Dorothy Kilgallen, and RFK. He reveals how Marcello allegedly used 'patsies' like Lee Harvey Oswald and Sirhan Sirhan to execute his vendettas. Shaw shares a shocking FBI confession from Marcello regarding JFK's assassination and discusses the implications of Kilgallen's mysterious death. His insights challenge mainstream narratives and unveil a web of conspiracy.

In this insightful discussion, Shruti Chandrasekharan introduces the pressing mental health challenges faced by AAPI youth, fueled by TAF's groundbreaking study. Rushika Fernandopulle emphasizes the need for culturally relevant care. Reid Bowman shares his struggles with identity and support systems in the AANHPI and LGBTQ+ communities. Quynh Nguyen highlights intergenerational dynamics affecting youth. Rupesh Shah discusses data from Crisis Text Line, revealing high demand for support, while Tone Va’i argues for community-driven approaches. Together, they aim to redefine success and promote mental health awareness.

Alexander Vindman, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and national security scholar, delves into the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and the delicate balance between values and geopolitics. He critiques past U.S. foreign policy for fostering Russian aggression and discusses the importance of prioritizing democratic values over transactionalism. Vindman assesses the current military dynamics in Ukraine, warns against U.S. troop withdrawals, and evaluates leadership under President Zelensky, while framing the global struggle as one between democracy and authoritarianism.

Jonathan Foley, Executive Director of Project Drawdown and a leading climate science communicator, discusses the importance of clear, science-based climate solutions. He emphasizes that addressing climate change can simultaneously enhance our world, much like effective medicine for a patient. Foley highlights the significant impact of food systems on emissions and critiques the lack of funding for this area. He champions meaningful climate actions while cautioning against ineffective solutions, advocating for hope and collaboration in the fight against climate change.