Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

BIG. ASIAN. ENERGY. is a Bay Area cultural force, elevating Asian power, women’s leadership, and the unstoppable vitality of our AAPI communities. Through headline events and community activations, BAE champions economic recovery, public safety, and support for small businesses by bringing bold visibility to Asian stories year-round. It’s a catalyst to celebrate, amplify, and activate the future of San Francisco.  Come and hear more about BAE and how you can join the force. Speakers: Dion Lim, our moderator, is an Emmy Award–winning journalist known for nearly two decades as a TV news anchor and reporter, most recently in San Francsico and the Bay Area. Marjan Philhour is managing director of Mercury’s San Francisco office, bringing more than three decades of experience in government, politics, strategic communications and community advocacy to the firm. Nancy Tung was elected as chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party in April 2024. She previously served as an elected member of the party's local leadership for four years. She deeply understands the impact the Democratic Party has on our local elections and is guiding a new caucus of moderate Democrats in the party. Monica Gandhi M.D., M.P.H., is a professor of medicine and associate chief in the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She is also the director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and the medical director of the HIV Clinic ("Ward 86") at San Francisco General Hospital. Kiki Lopez is a proud immigrant transwoman living with HIV. She is a program manager for the Stop the Hate Program and the California Reducing Disparities Project at San Francisco Community Health Center. She passionately advocates for people living with HIV, immigrant communities, and transgender folks, especially queer and trans Asian and Pacific Islanders. 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

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.

Join Abby Phillip, CNN anchor and author, as she delves into the remarkable legacy of Jesse Jackson, a pivotal figure in the fight for Black political power. She highlights Jackson's unexpected successes in the 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, exploring his coalition-building efforts. Abby discusses the significance of his economic activism through Operation Breadbasket and how his strategies laid groundwork for future leaders like Barack Obama. Enhanced by his dynamic speaking style, Jackson's influence on American politics continues to resonate today.

Youth speakers from the LYRIC Center share their experiences and challenges in today's social landscape. They discuss the importance of community support, the anxiety they face, and the vital role of programs that provide safety and opportunities. Panelists emphasize the need for living wages, affordable housing, and respect for their identities. They call on adults to listen and be consistent allies, while proposing dream programs like animation and activism training. Ultimately, they highlight kindness and intergenerational care as essential for empowering queer youth.

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.