Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Perhaps nowhere is the worldwide erosion of democracy, fueled by social media disinformation campaigns, more starkly evident than in the authoritarian regime of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Journalist Maria Ressa places the tools of the free press—and her freedom—on the line in defense of truth and democracy, and as a result she has faced a series of lawsuits, most recently resulting in a conviction for "cyberlibel" for reporting on Duterte. What makes this outspoken journalist continue her work? What is the situation for independent journalists in The Philippines, where Duterte continues to receive sky-high approval ratings? Join us for an interview with Maria Ressa and Filipino-American documentary filmmaker Ramona S. Diaz. Diaz's new film, A Thousand Cuts, tells Ressa's story and explores the conflicts between the press and Duterte's government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join San Francisco Pride and The Commonwealth Club for the latest edition of Lavender Talks, a moderated panel discussion emceed by Michelle Meow (host of "The Michelle Meow Show" and a former president of the SF Pride Board of Directors). On Thursday, July 30, panelists Imani Rupert-Gordon (executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights), Masen Davis (interim executive director of Transgender Europe), Tony Hoang (managing director of Equality California), and Fausto Cardenas (the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Queering Democracy community organizer) will discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQ-centered nonprofits as the fight for equal rights enters its sixth decade. NOTES In association with San Francisco Pride Made possible by the generous support of Gilead and Comcast And thanks to San Francisco Pride Legacy Partners: Bud Light Hilton San Francisco Union Square KPIX 5 CBS Bay Area Kaiser Permanente Genentech Gilead GLBT Historical Society KBCW TV Parc 55 San Francisco Smirnoff Recology T–Mobile Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert Reich is at the forefront of the progressive fight for higher worker wages, expanded health care and stronger unions. He argues that years of stagnant wages and volatile job markets show that the financial system is fixed and serving only a select few with enough money to control it. Reich shows how wealth and power have eviscerated the middle class and undermined democracy to its core. He exposes how people at the top propagate myths about meritocracy, corporate social responsibility and the “free market” to accumulate extraordinary capital and influence. How can we restore confidence back in our political and economic system? Join us for a conversation with Robert Reich as he calls upon Americans to instill fundamental change and demand that democracy works for the majority once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From sports to politics, women are taught to conform themselves to the rules and dictates of a male-dominated world. Jennifer Palmieri, former White House communications director and the communications director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, reflects on her career to call out a societal infrastructure that not only subordinates women to men but also pits women against women. In her new book, She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World, Palmieri challenges us to imagine a world in which a female-oriented workplace and life is no challenge. In fully rejecting our traditional systems, Palmieri argues, women can build a world that allows them to advance as equals. Join Palmieri at INFORUM for a discussion on politics, feminism and dismantling the patriarchal values that continue to stymie female success. This program will be moderated by Aimee Alison, founder and president of She The People. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. president has the power to end the world in minutes. Right now, no one can stop him. Since the Truman administration, America has been one “push of a button” away from nuclear war—a decision that rests solely in the hands of the president. Without waiting for approval from Congress or even the secretary of defense, the president can unleash America’s entire nuclear arsenal. Almost every governmental process is subject to institutional checks and balances. Our guests ask, Why is potential nuclear annihilation the exception to the rule? They say that for decades, glitches and slip-ups have threatened to trigger nuclear winter: misinformation, false alarms, hacked warning systems, or even an unstable president. And a new nuclear arms race has begun, threatening us all. At the height of the Cold War, Russia and the United States each built up arsenals exceeding 30,000 nuclear weapons, armed and ready to destroy each other—despite the fact that just a few hundred are necessary to end life on earth. As we approach the anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, join an important discussion on the terrifying history of nuclear launch authority, from the faulty 46-cent microchip that nearly caused World War III to President Trump’s tweet about his “much bigger & more powerful” button. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just north of San Francisco lies Marin County, which like many California counties is facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases just as the county was following its careful re-opening plan. Hospitalizations and deaths are up, and some aspects of the county’s re-opening have been halted, including the restarting of many businesses. Marin now finds itself on the state's watch list for additional protection measures. What do all of these changes mean for the county and its residents, particularly its business, cultural arts and nonprofit sectors? Please join us for an important discussion with key Marin County community leaders who will discuss the road ahead for one of the Bay Area’s most unique areas. NOTES Part of the Club’s Marin Conversations series, supported by the Marin Community Foundation and Relevant Wealth Advisors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As state and local governments continue to provide assistance to millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition to a purely digital interface has been difficult to navigate. In response, a few of the country’s leading technology experts founded the U.S. Digital Response, a nonprofit that connects governments with experienced pro bono technologists to quickly solve problems during the COVID-19 crisis, and deliver important resources to the people who need them. Members of USDR include Jen Pahlka (formerly with Code for America), Raylene Yung (formerly with Stripe), and Raphael Lee (formerly with Lob and Airbnb) They all join INFORUM to discuss bottom-up solutions to help government leaders and solve critical issues, like how to deliver the biggest uptick in unemployment insurance we've seen in our time, or helping states develop tools to help their residents determine if they're eligible for stimulus funds. They will also lay out USDR’s progress and goals, the role of technology in optimizing government services, and their takes on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This conversation will be moderated by data scientist DJ Patil. NOTES:This program is generously supported by Postmates. We are grateful for their support and hope others will follow their example to support the Club during these uncertain times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While much of the social and political attention surrounding the nationwide opioid epidemic has focused on the dramatic increase in overdose deaths among white, middle-class, suburban and rural users, the impact of the epidemic in communities of color has received less attention. It is important to recognize and be responsive to historical and ongoing trauma, particularly trauma experienced in health systems and through the criminalization of the war on drugs. This trauma is often perpetuated by the lack of community-based prevention, intervention and access to treatment, especially culturally competent care, as well as the lack of addressing cultural stigma related to seeking treatment in communities of color. Join this important discussion about the wide ranging impact of the opioid epidemic. NOTES Supported by Bay Area Community Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two exceptional scientists share their perspectives about the earth and our moon. Are we doing enough to protect our planet, and what have we really learned about the moon since we last visited 50 years ago? In our first segment, we introduce you to world renowned British scientist and Astronomer Royal Martin Rees. According to him, humanity has reached a critical moment, in which there is no plan B for planet Earth. He also says the future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. Next, we set our sights on the moon with Andrew Fraknoi, the esteemed former chair of the astronomy department at Foothill College in Los Altos, California. Known for explaining astronomical developments in everyday language, he shares knowledge and little-known stories about our only natural satellite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first segment follows the powerful story of Congresswoman Jackie Speier finding her courage to get started in politics. Congressman Leo Ryan was killed on the airstrip tarmac in Jonestown, where he and a delegation had gone to learn firsthand about Jim Jones' Peoples Temple cult. As a member of the delegation, Jackie Speier was shot five times at point-blank range. Left for dead, the choice to survive against unfathomable odds eventually empowered her with a resolve to become a vocal proponent for human rights. Hers is a story of true resilience, one that will inspire other people to draw strength from adversity in order to do what is right—no matter the challenges ahead. In the second segment, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the unusual teamwork that took place in the gubernatorial mansion while Jerry Brown served as the state's 39th governor. Join us as we listen in on the first public appearance by the former governor and first lady since he left office. Here’s a rare opportunity to hear their views on issues impacting the state, the United States and the world, in addition to learning about their unique relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices