Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Is this the end of the road for the internal combustion engine? California isn’t the first major economy to ban gas-powered cars and trucks, and it won’t be the last. Fifteen countries, including some of the world’s top auto markets, have announced plans to phase out gas-powered engines as a step toward a 100% zero-emission vehicle future. It’s a bold move, but a critical one for climate. Transportation emits more greenhouse gas than any other sector of the US economy, and 15% of all global emissions come from road transport. What does this mean for drivers, for automakers, for infrastructure and for businesses that depend on a gas-powered economy? Can we get to a zero-emission future quickly enough? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Transgender Awareness Month, join a dynamic post-election discussion with trans leaders and advocates on the fight for trans rights. The event also includes an important discussion on trans health equity and wellness in the time of COVID and beyond. Trans and gender nonconforming communities—especially trans communities of color—continue to be disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased needs for inclusive and community-led services and solutions. Kicking off with remarks by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, our host and panelists include Akira Jackson, Aria Sa’id, Nicole Santamaria, Clair Farley, Maceo Persson, Michelle Meow, and more. Get information and learn how to support essential community services, including housing, mutual aid programs, employment, and more. Learn how people can improve trans health care, testing and mental health services in a time of COVID. Learn strategies to address the increased anti-trans violence and systemic racism in our communities. Find out how allies can get involved and support trans rights. Come learn how you can take action and get involved during Trans Month and beyond. NOTE: This program contains EXPLICIT language Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few 18-year-olds have thousands of Twitter followers, unless they're actors or boy band stars. But Georgia teenager Niles Francis' 21,500 Twitter followers—including many established political journalists, analysts and strategists—follow him because of his expertise at analyzing voting trends and data. A regular contributor to Decision Desk HQ, Francis has earned praise for his insight and skill. Atlanta Journal-Constitution political reporter Greg Bluestein praised Francis in Jewish Insider, saying he has "quickly made a mark on Georgia politics with his quick wit and incisive analysis. Most people are stunned to discover he’s a teenager and not a grizzled veteran politico—a testament to his remarkable political aptitude.” Join us for a live conversation with the Atlanta-based political wunderkind about analyzing votes, trends, and just what he makes of the rare double-run off elections for U.S. senators in his home state of Georgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our distinguished panel will discuss the history of the conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan to gain control of Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory within Azerbaijan mainly populated by Armenians. The influence that Russia, Turkey, America, Iran, etc. have in the dispute and the specter of a regional war will also be discussed. MLF ORGANIZER Celia Menczel NOTES MLF: Middle East Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a virtual conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Ricks to discuss four founding fathers, their educations and, in particular, their devotion to the ancient Greek and Roman classics—and how that influence would shape their ideals and the new American nation. Ricks, provoked by the 2016 presidential election, awoke the next morning wondering what kind of nation we had now. He decided to go back and read the philosophy and literature that shaped the founders’ thinking, and the letters they wrote to each other debating classics like The Iliad, Plutarch’s Lives, and the works of Xenophon, Epicurus, Aristotle, Cato and Cicero. Ricks creates fresh portraits of the presidents we thought we knew by showing that Washington absorbed the classics mainly from the elite culture of his day, Adams from the laws and rhetoric of Rome, Jefferson from classical philosophy, especially Epicureanism, and Madison from his years studying the ancient world like a political scientist. First Principles follows these four from their youth on, as they grapple with questions of independence, and forming and keeping a new nation. But Ricks not only interprets the effect of the ancient world on each president, and how that shaped our constitution and government, he also offers us a startling contrast with our leaders today, reinforcing the currently overlooked idea that learning from history is more socially productive than canceling it. MLF ORGANIZER George Hammond NOTES MLF: Humanities This program contains EXPLICIT language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Hope Bryant says American opportunity is not dead. In his new book, Mr. Bryant outlines the mindset and practices that he says will allow all of us to achieve the American Dream, no matter what our current circumstances. He discusses his own rise from humble beginnings, and argues that individually, we can change our mindset from survivor to thriver to winner, and move beyond just getting by or being financially independent to becoming wildly successful. Mr. Bryant is a prominent thought leader on financial inclusion, economic empowerment and financial dignity. His Operation HOPE, Inc.is the largest nonprofit, best-in-class provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment services in the United States for youth and adults. Bryant is also founder and principal of The Promise Homes Company, the largest minority-controlled owner of single-family rental homes in the United States. He has been listed as one of Time magazine’s “50 Leaders for the Future." The last five United States presidents have recognized Bryant's work, and he has served as an advisor to the last three sitting U.S. presidents from both political parties. He is responsible for financial literacy becoming the policy of the U.S. federal government. Bryant has received Oprah Winfrey’s Use Your Life Award, the John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education from the U.S. Treasury, and The Commonwealth Club's Distinguished Citizen Award. Come for an inspirational discussion with real world advice for achieving financial security. This program is generously underwritten by First Republic Bank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a rare conversation with renowned statesman George Shultz, former long-time State Department official James Timbie and economist Adele Hayutin about opportunities facing the United States and the world at this unique point in history. In their new book, Hinge of History, our speakers say that the world is at an inflection point. They argue that with advancing technologies, great demographic changes, and governance in disarray, a new world is emerging and it is still possible to make positive changes. They present concrete proposals for the United States to lead the way in addressing such issues as immigration, K–12 education, updating the social safety net, maintaining economic productivity, protecting democratic processes, and improving national security. Come for a discussion about how to foster international cooperation, constructive engagement, and strong governance and ultimately create a better future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the role of the Peace Corps? Where is the Peace Corps going in the future? What are some of the changes envisaged? How does the National Peace Corps Association connect and work with Peace Corps? Join us for an in-depth conversation with two leaders of this unique movement. Peace Corps Director Jody K. Olsen was sworn into office as the 20th director of the Peace Corps in March 2018. Olsen began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer, serving in Tunisia 1966–1968. She has since served the agency in numerous leadership positions. Prior to returning to the Peace Corps in 2018, Olsen was a visiting professor at the University of Maryland-Baltimore School of Social Work and director of the University's Center for Global Education Initiatives. Throughout her career, Olsen has championed the expansion of service, learning and international opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds. Glenn Blumhorst is president and CEO of National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), a 501(c)(3) enterprise at the center of a community of more than 180 grassroots affiliate groups and 235,000 individuals who share the Peace Corps experience. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., NPCA’s mission is “to champion lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals.” Blumhorst launched his career by serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala from 1988 to 1991. He holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, both from the University of Missouri-Columbia. MLF ORGANIZER Frank Price NOTES MLF: International Relations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please join us for an exclusive and comprehensive docent art talk by Kathryn Zupsic on the exhibit "Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving," currently showing at the de Young Museum. We'll take a close look at some of Kahlo's personal items, photographs and paintings that reveal the many ways the artist constructed her identity. The talk will be followed by Q&A, so bring your questions as we decipher the world of Frida. MLF ORGANIZER Robert Melton NOTES MLF: Arts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harvest season is especially hard this year, as the pandemic strains farmers and food systems, highlighting a deeply divided and often unjust America. Black farmers are no strangers to the intersection of these challenges, as structural racism in the food system makes it increasingly challenging for non-white farmers to own and profit from land. Is small-scale, regenerative agriculture the solution to climate disruption? How have years of redlining and discriminatory real estate policies shaped land ownership in the US? How is climate gentrification shaping access to land? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices