Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Corporations and their boards are under great pressure these days. Scandals and malpractice at companies like Theranos, WeWork, and Uber have raised questions among regulators, shareholders and the public about the quality of corporate governance. Renowned global economist and veteran board director Dambisa Moyo argues that corporations need boards that are more transparent, more knowledgeable, more diverse and more deeply involved in setting the strategic course of the companies they lead.Come hear Dr. Moyo's insights on corporate ethics and necessary steps to insure that companies benefit employees, shareholders, and society at large.SPEAKERSDambisa MoyoGlobal Economist; Contributor, The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times; One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World; Author, How Boards Work: And How They Can Work Better in a Chaotic WorldIn Conversation with Jonathan RosenbergFormer Senior Vice President, Google; Manager Adviser, Alphabet; Twitter @jjrosenbergIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on May 12th, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food processing isn’t listed on the nutrition facts food label. The label tells you what’s in the food. Critics say this is mostly irrelevant—what you really need to know is what’s been done to the food, and no label tells you that. In this program, Dr. Robert Lustig will expllain nutrition and food science. He says that essentially, all you need to know are two precepts, six words total: 1) protect the liver, 2) feed the gut. Those foods that satisfy both precepts he deems to be healthy; those that do neither are poison, and those that do one or the other are bad (but less bad)—no matter what the USDA and FDA allow to be stated on the package. Only items that meet both of Lustig's criteria qualify as real food—i.e., that hasn’t been stripped of its beneficial properties and sprinkled with toxins that will hasten our demise.Dr. Robert H. Lustig is professor emeritus of pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco. He specializes in the field of neuroendocrinology, with an emphasis on the regulation of energy balance by the central nervous system. His research and clinical practice has focused on childhood obesity and diabetes. Lustig holds a Bachelor’s in Science from MIT, a Doctorate in Medicine from Cornell University Medical College, and a Master’s of Studies in Law from U.C. Hastings College of the Law. Lustig has fostered a global discussion of metabolic health and nutrition, exposing some of the leading myths that underlie the current pandemic of diet-related disease. He believes the food business, by pushing processed food loaded with sugar, has hacked our bodies and minds to pursue pleasure instead of happiness; fostering today’s epidemics of addiction and depression. Yet by focusing on real food, he says we can beat the odds against sugar, processed food, obesity and disease.MLF ORGANIZERPatty JamesNOTESMLF: Health & MedicineSPEAKERSRobert H. LustigM.D., M.S.L., Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, University of California, San Francisco; Author, MetabolicalPatty JamesM.S., N.C. Nutritionist; Chef; Author—ModeratorIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on May 11th, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What motivates the activists? Grassroots activism can take many forms, from protests to letter-writing to citizen science to community organizing. But these often more local forms of activism can get short shrift compared to the more powerful, national players in climate and environmental movements.Nick Mullins, a former fifth-generation coal miner, grew up seeing multiple generations of his family endure hardships created by our nation’s demand for cheap coal. In search of decent pay, he became a miner himself – but he eventually left the industry in search of justice for his mountain communities. James Coleman started his career as a teenage climate activist before becoming the youngest elected public official in California in over 100 years. San Francisco activist Marie Harrison fought against environmental contamination of her community by the U.S. Navy and a fossil-fuel-burning power plant – and now her daughter, Arieann Harrison, has picked up her mantle to continue pushing for environmental justice.  Mullins, Coleman, and dozens of activists featured in Audrea Lim’s book The World We Need, Stories and Lessons from America’s Unsung Environmental Movement represent just a fraction of those motivated to take action on climate. “The thing about grassroots activism, actually, apart from the stereotype is that it’s really just people in a community who see a problem and then they get together on their own and try to find a solution to it,” says Audrea Lim.What can grassroots activists do that national organizations can’t? And what can their stories and experiences teach us?Guests:Nick Mullins, former fifth-generation coal miner, blogger, Thoughts of a Coal MinerAudrea Lim, Journalist & Editor, The World We Need, Stories and Lessons from America’s Unsung Environmental MovementJames Coleman, City Councilor, South San Francisco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cycles are hard to break. Once you get into the habit of eating badly, not exercising, or procrastinating, finding purpose and success can seem like an insurmountable goal. No matter how many books you read, podcasts you listen to, or YouTube how-to videos you watch, you're still not where you want to be. But maybe there’s still hope. Award-winning Wharton professor and "Choiceology" podcast host Katy Milkman understands the blockages she says are preventing you from making change. She has spent her career studying behavior change, and she offers a new strategy for breaking bad habits to make personal change.In her new book How to Change, Milkman suggests new solutions for getting where you want to be. Backed by case studies, personal narratives and innovative research, Milkman encourages readers to focus on timing, turn temptation into assets, and give others advice to help people achieve more and meet success. Turning an uphill battle into a downhill one is the key to success, and Katy Milkman is here to show how it can be done.Join us as Katy Milkman offers an indispensable, research-based approach for designing your life and achieving your goals, once and for all.SPEAKERSKaty MilkmanJames G. Dinan Professor, The Wharton School; Author, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to BeIn Conversation with Charles DuhiggContributor, The New Yorker; Author, Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real ProductivityIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on May 11th, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for an in-depth dialogue about race relations and turning words into action.Our panelists will explore changing the narratives about critical issues in the deeper layers of race relations. What does "stand together” mean and what are some of the roadblocks? How can communities preach beyond the choir and impact interactions in our daily lives?This timely deep-dive discussion promises to be thought provoking—don’t miss it.NOTESPresented in association with the APA Heritage Foundation.SPEAKERSAlicia GarzaPrincipal, Black Futures Lab; Strategy & Partnerships Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance; Co-creator, #BlackLivesMatter and the Black Lives Matter Global Network; Co-founder, Supermajority; Twitter @AliciaGarzaHala HijaziCommissioner, San Francisco Human Rights Commission; Member, Board of Directors, San Francisco Interfaith Council; Co-director, Truman National Security Project San Francisco ChapterJon OsakiExecutive Director, Japanese Community Youth Council; Filmmaker, Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066Dr. Jennifer Kim-Anh TranAssistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, CSU East Bay; Executive Director, Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of CommerceIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on May 6th, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s always a conversation no one wants to have, whether it's about a tricky financial situation, failing relationships or the often-avoided topic of aging. As the host of the WNYC podcast "Death, Sex and Money," Anna Sale invites people to talk precisely and openly about these uncomfortable topics in a larger effort to foster solidarity and connection with one another. In her new book Let’s Talk About Hard Things, Sale highlights five themes to explain how and why we should conduct these fraught conversations: death, sex, money, family and identity. When we shed the expectations of “polite conversation,” she argues, we can have important and life-changing dialogues.At INFORUM, Sale will elaborate on the complexities and advantages of talking, as her book title suggests, about hard things. This conversation will be moderated by Lori Gottlieb, author of the New York Times best-seller Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.SPEAKERSAnna SalePodcast Host, "Death, Sex & Money"; Author, Let's Talk About Hard ThingsLori GottliebWriter; Psychotherapist; Author, Maybe You Should Talk to SomeoneIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on May 5th, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month, Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration reported a quarter of a million Californians experiencing homelessness requested help in 2020—numbers that skyrocketed from previous estimates in some Bay Area counties. The Golden State is lauded for its job opportunities and diverse population, but it’s also the state with some of the highest housing and transportation costs in the nation. Now, Californians are demanding change, and a cross-sectional group of affordable housing and homelessness advocates created Roadmap Home 2030, a definitive plan to end homelessness and create affordable homes for all over the next 10 years.Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and dozens of experts and advocates identified 57 policy solutions to create affordable homes, protect low-income renters, end homelessness and ensure racial equity. With their detailed plan of creative solutions, coupled with dedicated leadership, this ambitious group believes a better California is doable. The wealth gap and a shortage of affordable homes in the state prohibits Californians from building healthy and fulfilling lives. With considerable energy and influence, this coalition of housing advocates are seeking to make bold, structural change to create an equitable future where everyone has a safe place to live.Join our expert panel for a conversation about equity, change and the fight to dramatically shift the landscape on affordable housing and homelessness in the Golden State.About the SpeakersRuby Bolaria-Shifrin is director of housing affordability for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). As part of CZI’s commitment to ensuring access to safe, stable and affordable housing, she works with community leaders, advocates, researchers, policymakers and investors to help more people find housing that meets their needs.As one of San Francisco’s voices in Sacramento, Assemblymember David Chiu is an outspoken advocate for housing reform and equity. He currently chairs the California State Assembly’s Committee on Housing and Community Development.With more than 20 years of leadership and work in the field, Tomiquia Moss brings expertise in the issues of housing, public policy and community development. She is the founder and chief executive of All Home, a Bay Area-focused nonprofit. Prior to All Home, Tomiquia served as chief of staff for Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and as executive director for the HOPE SF initiative under the late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.A native Angeleno, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk is the executive director of Los Angeles Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LA LISC). She is a seasoned community and economic development practitioner of more than 15 years, with both nonprofit and private sector experiences. Her strengths range from community advocacy to asset and real estate development around neighborhood revitalization.SPEAKERSRuby Bolaria-ShifrinDirector of Housing Affordability, Chan Zuckerberg InitiativeDavid ChiuCalifornia State Assemblymember, 17th DistrictTomiquia MossFounder and Chief Executive, All HomeTunua Thrash-NtukExecutive Director, Los Angeles Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LA LISC)Molly SolomonReporter for Housing Affordability, KQED Public Media—ModeratorIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on April 27th, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a special Zoom discussion featuring AAPI women leaders exploring the topic of building coalition and community.About the SpeakersBo Thao-Urabe is a practice-based possibilian who focuses on creating community-centered, asset-based solutions and transforming practices so that there is meaningful change for those most impacted by systemic inequities. Having immigrated to the United States as a refugee child after the Secret War in Laos, Bo’s lived experiences have continuously shaped how she creates to ensure communities can fully participate in, contribute to, and shape our democracy. Her extensive leadership experiences include building and leading local, national, and global efforts.Leanna Louie is born in Toisan China, in February 1972, Immigrated to SF USA in 1979 with family at age 7. Grew up and educated in SFUSD public schools, Spring Valley ES, Marine MS, Mission HS. Joined the US Army at 18 upon graduation from high school. Served 5 years active duty enlisted, trained in general medical and pharmacology at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Stationed in Germany 1991-1993 at the 97th General Hospital. Next duty station was Fort Lewis, Washington at the Madigan Army Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy 1993-1995. Completed an AA in Technology at Pierce College, Washington. Was recommended by Company Commander for Officer School. Attended Pacific Lutheran University, majored in Chinese Studies, minored in History, and trained in ROTC. Upon graduation in 1998, was commissioned 2LT and received further Officer Training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Then was stationed at Seoul, Korea 1999-2000. Returned to U.S. and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington at the 29th Signal Battalion where I ended my military service in January 2001. Did a short stint at SF City Hall as a Legislative Aide. Then proceeded to work for the City of Sacramento in 2002-2012 in a few different Departments including the Neighborhood Services Department as Resource Coordinator, Solid Waste Department as Administrative Analyst, and Fire Department as Administrative Analyst. Moved to San Francisco and became a business partner at Melody Café Organic Mediterranean Cuisine 2013-2018. Started in Glim Super Alkaline High pH Water Cleaner business in January 2018. Glim is now available in over 25 locations in the greater SF Bay Area, Sacramento, and Los Angeles.Nikki Calma aka Tita Aida, is a familiar name to the Bay Area communities for the past twenty years. She is a tireless and proud transgender community leader in the Asian & Pacific islander LGBTQI community and also in the greater LGBTQI of the Bay Area. Her grassroots activism and community advocacy started in the 90’s.Nikki has been recognized by many communities and organizations including the GAPA George Choy Community Award, KQED’s Pride Unsung Hero Award, Transgender Law Center Vanguard Award, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center’s Grassroots Award, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club/Bill Krauss HIV/AIDS Activism Award, SF Pride’s Teddy Witherington Pride Award and the most recently, the Cheryl Courtney- Evans Award at the 1st Torch Awards during the 1st National Trans March in Washington, DC. This recognition comes at a perfect time to commemorate her twenty-five years of activism and advocacy.SPEAKERSTita AidaDirector, San Francisco Community Health CenterLeanna LouieFounder, United Peace CollectiveBo Thao-UrabeExecutive Director, Coalition of Asian American LeadersMichelle MeowProducer and Host, "The Michelle Meow Show" on KBCW/KPIX and Podcast; Member, Commonwealth Club Board of Governors—ModeratorIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on March 26th, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People from BIPOC communities face a myriad of challenges in the entertainment industry, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. From on-screen talent and actors to production crews, publicity teams, talent management, writing and film criticism, marginalized groups often remain underrepresented in all aspects of an industry that has major influence on American culture. Despite evidence that shows addressing these racial inequities could reap an additional $10 billion in annual revenue, efforts by the industry to create parity continue to be inadequate.Join a panel of experts on race in Hollywood at INFORUM, where they will discuss the harsh realities that most people of color face in entertainment, as well as steps toward industry-wide changes meant to increase representation and provide space for a new and diverse generation of creatives.NOTESThis program contains EXPLICIT language.This important community program is made free to the public thanks to McKinsey & Co.SPEAKERSLinda Yvette ChávezFilmmaker; Film and Television Writer; Co-creator, Co-showrunner, Executive Producer, Netflix’s "Gentefied"Franklin LeonardFounder, The Black ListSheldon LynPartner, McKinsey & Co.; Co-Author, Black Representation in Film and TV: The Challenges and Impact of Increasing DiversityRebecca SunSenior Editor, Diversity and Inclusion, The Hollywood Reporter—ModeratorIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on May 4th, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for an inside look at The Adachi Project, a first-of-its-kind storytelling initiative that spotlights powerful stories and unseen perspectives of the U.S. criminal legal system via compelling documentary film, video and photojournalism.Following an introduction to The Adachi Project by Mano Raju and Santhosh Daniel, we'll view one of the films from the project and feature a discussion with the people involved.SPEAKERSSanthosh DanielFounding Partner, The Adachi Project; Founder, Compound; Co-Founder, First Kitchen MediaMohammad GorjestaniFounding Partner, The Adachi Project; Filmmaker and Creative DirectorCarolyn Ji Jong GoossenSan Francisco Policy Director, San Francisco Public Defender’s Office; Leading Member, The Adachi ProjectWilliam M. Palmer II (Tariq)Criminal Justice Advocate; Committee Member, San Francisco Reentry Sentencing Commission, Direct Services; Co-Leader, Subcommittee on Legislation, Policy & Practices; Communications Fellow, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children; CEO, Life After NextHadi RazzaqManaging Attorney, San Francisco Public Defender’s Office; Core Member, The Adachi ProjectMano RajuPublic Defender, City and County of San FranciscoMichelle MeowProducer and Host, "The Michelle Meow Show," KBCW/KPIX and Podcast; Member, Commonwealth Club Board of Governors—HostIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on April 23rd, 2021 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices