Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Salmon is the keystone species of the Northern Rim. Their annual migrations support hundreds of species including bears, eagles and whales as well as dozens of indigenous groups and local fishing based economies that provide one of the last healthy sources of wild protein for humankind. Wild salmon runs are declining on both sides of the Pacific Rim, triggering multibillion dollar restoration efforts. Guido Rahr will describe the salmon’s fate and campaign to save critical stronghold rivers, from Japan to the wilds of the Russian Far East to Alaska, British Columbia and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, to focus on the battle to stop a massive open gold pit and copper mine proposed in the headwaters of Alaska's Bristol Bay—home to the greatest wild salmon runs left on Earth. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Ann Clark NOTES MLF: Environment & Natural Resources This program contains some EXPLICIT language.

Peter Georgescu arrived in this country as a penniless Romanian refugee and rose to prominence as the CEO of Young & Rubicam. It’s an American dream success story that could not play out in today’s economic environment—one that is plagued with disappearing jobs, flat wages and a shrinking middle class. In his latest book, Capitalists, Arise!, Georgescu argues that the stark reality of our current economic malaise and social breakdown can be attributed, in large part, to the short-term thinking spawned by shareholder primacy. With deeply sobering statistics and new research, Georgescu points the way toward a future that will only be possible with enlightened capitalism. The author will offer concrete steps forward. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Elizabeth Carney NOTES MLF: Business & Leadership

Stephen Kinzer is the author of nine books, including: The True Flag, The Brothers, Overthrow and All the Shah’s Men. He is also an award-winning foreign correspondent and writes a world affairs column for The Boston Globe. His new book tells the astonishing story of the man who oversaw the CIA’s secret medical experiments of the 1950s and ’60s. Drawing on original interviews, survivors’ testimonies and documentary research, Kinzer brings to light this massive hunt for the secret of mind control that spanned several countries, including the work of Nazi scientists, and lead to experimentation on government employees (willing and unwilling), foreign politicians, children, prisoners, sex workers and anyone else the poisoner in chief deemed threatening or expendable. Come hear a startling tale of the most powerful unknown Americans of the 20th century and of government lies and deception. This program is part of our Good Lit series, underwritten by the Bernard Osher Foundation.

In a world where creativity is finally being rewarded, award-winning photographer and visionary entrepreneur Chase Jarvis argues that unleashing your creativity is the first step to rediscovering your personal power in life. Known for his collaborations with major brands such as Apple and Nike, Jarvis is the host of “The Chase Jarvis Live Show,” where he interviews the world’s top creative entrepreneurs and thought leaders, and is the co-founder of CreativeLive, an online learning community that’s produced over 1500 curated classes for over 10 million creators across the world.  As the author of three books, Jarvis shares his enthusiasm for innovation and encourages his readers to create a life of fulfillment. In his newest book, Creative Calling: Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life, Jarvis urges his readers to establish a creative practice using his IDEA system (Imagine your dream, design a daily exercise, execute your ambitions and amplify your impact). Embracing creativity and implementing creative habits into our everyday lives will change the way we live, and according to Jarvis, deliver vitality to everything we do. Known for embracing failure as life’s greatest teacher, Jarvis lives with a resilient optimism that’s not only inspirational but downright contagious. Join us for a conversation with a self-starter and world-renowned creator as he guides us towards living a fuller life. *This program contains EXPLICIT language*

The landscape of sex, love and romance in New York City has undergone dramatic changes in the 20 years since Candace Bushnell published the iconic Sex and the City, which broke down major barriers in cultural representations of single women and reshaped the landscape of pop culture. Now the trailblazing Bushnell is back to ask the vital question: Is there still sex in the city for women 50+? Join Bushnell at INFORUM as she, once again, guides us through a new and entangled dating scene. Her newest book, Is There Still Sex in the City?, follows a whole new cohort of female friends: Sassy, Kitty, Queenie, Tilda Tia, Marilyn and Candace, as they face the modern-day sex arena as middle-aged women, including younger partners, dating apps, divorce, children and the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. Equal parts hilarious and heart wrenching, and filled with Bushnell’s signature short, sharp social commentary, Is There Still Sex in the City? not only provides a colorful look at love after 50 but also asks audiences to take a more nuanced look into the lives of women.

From the kitchen to the mercado and on the Internet, Bay Area Latinx innovators are leading an inclusive economy with strategies targeting immigrants to increase access to affordable financial services and provide support for immigrant entrepreneurs who in turn strengthen their communities and add jobs. Learn how they developed their award-winning financial inclusion strategies and how they collaborate (with each other and others) to scale and deepen impact in immigrant communities. Understand how a shifting political climate has impacted their clients and outreach strategies. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Elizabeth Carney NOTES MLF: Business & Leadership

Welcome to the first Week to Week political roundtable of the Impeachment Era. It’s been far too long since we gathered together for a discussion of the latest political events. We might have been on vacation, but the politicos have not, so we have a lot to discuss. We will discuss the biggest, most controversial and sometimes the surprising political issues with expert commentary by panelists who are smart, are civil and have a good sense of humor. Our panelists will provide informative and engaging commentary on political and other major news, and we'll have audience discussion of the week’s events and our live news quiz! And come early before the program to meet other smart and engaged individuals and discuss the news over snacks and wine at our members social (open to all attendees). ** This Podcast Contains Explicit Language **

Scientist Terry Root’s research has helped reveal how climate change puts bird and animal species at risk for extinction. For Root, the climate connection is also personal: she was married to the late Steve Schneider, a Stanford professor and pioneer in communicating the impacts of climate change, who died suddenly in 2010. “It's been a fabulous career, but it has been very painful at times, very painful,” says Root, who was the lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report in 2007 when it was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Vice President Al Gore.

In 1995, Ben Santer authored one of the most important sentences in the history of climate science: “the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate.” It was one of the first statements to identify humans’ role in driving climate change, and it was based on science. But the vitriol that followed was personal and malicious, impacting both Santer’s career and family. “If you spend your entire career trying to advance understanding, you can't walk away from that understanding when someone criticizes it or criticizes you,” says Santer, now a scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Berkeley. With his research contingent upon government funding, Santer is concerned about the future of climate science under an administration that does not prioritize it.

Nearly half of all Americans are dealing with a new mental stressor: climate anxiety. Whether we get it from the news, the trauma of a natural disaster, or fear of a warming planet, it’s undermining our health and well-being, according to the American Psychological Association. So what’s the solution to preventing stress, fear, and helplessness from taking a toll on your well-being? Can we simultaneously enjoy a beautiful day in nature and worry about the future of human civilization? Join us for a conversation about cultivating awareness and resilience in an age of unprecedented disruption.

Climate change is turning one of Miami’s poorest neighborhoods into some of the most desirable real estate around. But there’s only so much Little Haiti to go around. And as hurricanes pummel the coast and rising seas lap at Florida’s shoreline, Midwestern cities like Detroit look more and more appealing. Is the Motor City ready for a Sunshine State invasion?

If we build homeless housing, won't that just attract more homeless people? I read an article about this cool thing they're doing in Utah; why don't we do that? What about tiny homes? We know the causes of and solutions to homelessness, but public opinion is based on anecdotes and personal observation rather than facts. This talk will look at some of the most common misconceptions and provide a nuanced, evidence-based response on one of the country's most pressing issues. MLF Organizer: Patrick O'Reilly MLF: Psychology

How biased are you? According to Jennifer Eberhardt, we live in a world where unconscious bias and innate prejudices affect our visual perception, attention, memory and behavior. These stereotypes can dramatically influence and impact our education, employment, housing and our criminal justice system. Eberhardt has worked extensively as a psychologist and consultant with numerous companies and law enforcement agencies. She shares her groundbreaking research, covering courtrooms, boardrooms, classrooms and prisons, to better understand and invoke change at all levels in society. Eberhardt is the co-founder and co-director of SPARQ (Social Psychological Answers to Real-World Questions), a university initiative that uses social psychological research to address significant social problems. She was also the recipient of a 2014 MacArthur Genius Grant. In association with Wonderfest

In Crossfire Hurricane: Inside Donald Trump’s War on the FBI, CNN analyst and former FBI agent Josh Campbell takes his readers behind the scenes of the FBI during the historic investigation into the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. Campbell argues that President Trump’s unprecedented attacks on the FBI undermine the democratic integrity of the bureau and the men and women who work to uphold the law. Compelled to take action, Campbell provides a narrative that urges readers to discover the truth of what happened in 2016. Campbell served as a career special agent and special assistant to former FBI Director James Comey for over a decade before resigning in February 2018. As a national security expert for CNN, he analyzed developments in Robert Mueller’s special counsel investigation between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia. Campbell also regularly contributes to The Washington Post, USA Today and The New York Times. His Times piece, “Why I Am Leaving the F.B.I.,” went viral after publication in early 2018. Come join us for a conversation with Josh Campbell, who will discuss the dangers of President Trump’s relentless attacks on the FBI and what it means for the future of national security.

Join us for a discussion of "Chosen Fam," a new web series telling stores of queer people of color in the Bay Area. Kyle Casey Chu (aka Panda Dulce) is a Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) core queen who writes about race, power and desire. Her work has appeared on NPR, Vice, HuffPost, Fusion, MTV, NBC, and them. She has spoken and performed at SFMOMA, RuPaul's Drag Con, and universities across the United States. Most recently, she is the co-writer, lead actress and songwriter of the forthcoming QTPOC web series "Chosen Fam." Come for a free midday program, as Michelle Meow brings her long-running radio show to The Commonwealth Club one day each week. Meet fascinating—and often controversial—people discussing important issues of interest to the LGBTQ community, and have your questions ready.