California Sun Podcast

Bay Area author Sylvia Brownrigg embarked on a captivating journey to uncover family secrets, set against the backdrop of California's allure of reinvention. In her new memoir, "The Whole Staggering Mystery," a lost package sparks an exploration that intertwines identity, hidden family histories, and the enduring influence of the past on the present. Through her evocative storytelling, Brownrigg juggles the essence of reinvention and the longing for self-discovery.

Max Podemski is an urban planner, writer, and illustrator who currently serves as a transportation planner for the city of Los Angeles. In his new book, "A Paradise of Small Houses," he traces the evolution of American housing types, from the Philadelphia row house and Chicago workers cottage to the California bungalow. Podemski argues that California's rich history of desirable multifamily housing could hold a solution to the state's housing crisis.

The California wine industry is under siege. A global wine glut, younger generations turning away from alcohol, and a contentious battle over the future of Napa County wineries have left the enemy inside the gates. As if this weren't enough, Justice Department investigators have subpoenaed dozens of wine industry figures, including a member of the Board of Supervisors, and in January the head of Napa County's farm bureau died by apparent suicide. Stu Smith, proprietor of Smith-Madrone Winery in St. Helena and a longtime small winery activist, joined us to tell the story.

Though Haiti may seem distant, it is arguably as relevant to us as Ukraine or Israel. The Caribbean country serves as a global example of failed governance rooted in tribal strife. Amy Wilentz, a prominent voice in bringing attention to the horrors endured by the people of Haiti, has been covering the nation since the 1980s. A long-time resident of Southern California, she is a recipient of a National Book Critics Circle Award and a frequent contributor to the Los Angeles Times. Wilentz also teaches literary journalism at the University of California, Irvine.

Bonnie Portnoy, granddaughter of celebrated California impressionist Tilden Daken, is the author of a new biography of his life, "The Man Beneath the Paint." Portnoy unveils the mysteries of an artist whose life was as colorful as his paintings of California's natural landscapes, filled with daring adventure, personal tumult, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression.

Dr. Susan Partovi, a pioneer in street medicine, recounts her journey of providing compassionate care to the homeless on L.A.'s Skid Row in our conversation and in her recent memoir, "Renegade, M.D." With a career spanning decades, Dr. Partovi offers a unique perspective on results-based healthcare for the most marginalized. Her approach, shaped by early experiences and a commitment to treating patients as family, emphasizes the urgent need for listening to her patients on the streets to address the homelessness crisis. Her story is a testament to the power of caring and bravery in medicine.

Andrew Cockburn's cover story for the March issue of Harper's Magazine, titled “The Pentagon’s Silicon Valley Problem,” illuminates the longstanding and increasingly intricate relationship between Silicon Valley's tech leaders and the Pentagon. Cockburn, the Washington editor of Harper's and a distinguished figure in journalism, argues that the traditional "military-industrial complex" has evolved into a more contemporary "military high-tech complex." This transformation signals a deeper integration of technological advancements with military operations, occurring within our own backyard.

James Brosnahan is one of California's most distinguished litigators, with a career that spans the Robert Kennedy Justice Department, 55 years in private practice in California, and more than 150 jury trials. His cases have mirrored the issues of our times, tackling challenges like refugees, gender battles, sexual taboos, terrorism, government misconduct, wrongful imprisonment, free speech, legal work in war zones, poverty and murder on Native American Reservations, and hunger in America. He shares his story with us and in his memoir, "Justice at Trial: Courtroom Battles and Groundbreaking Cases."

The Berkeley Institute for Young Americans, part of the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, examines the evolving generational dynamics of millennials and Gen Z. The institute serves as a hub for exploring the aspirations and challenges of young people, offering unique perspectives on their impact in the workplace and across cultural and political landscapes. Joining us on the podcast are Sarah Swanbeck, the institute’s executive director, and Erin Heys, its policy director. Together, they delve into how today’s generational shifts are influencing everything from labor markets to climate change policies, emphasizing the pivotal role of these younger cohorts in crafting our future.

Harold Bronson discusses his memoir "Time Has Come Today: Rock and Roll Diaries 1967-2007." The book chronicles Bronson's journey in the music industry from writing for UCLA's Daily Bruin to co-founding Rhino Records. He covers four decades of rock history, highlighting the shift from fun and rebellion to business. Bronson's story is rooted in California, where he developed his passion for music and witnessed the state becoming a hub for the music industry. He introduces readers to great music and underscores the enduring legacy of California's influence on the music scene.

Matthias Gafni, an investigative reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, delves into the darkest corners of the streets of San Francisco. For a recent project, he attempted to attribute names, faces, and families to 24 overdose deaths during a particularly harrowing week in 2023. They were not mere statistics but individuals with stories: a recent immigrant dreaming of a new life; a star student and athlete; a mechanic striving to escape his past, among others. Each narrative sheds light on the complex interplay of drug use, mental illness, and profound, systemic issues fueling the city’s drug crisis.

This Sunday, Feb. 4, will mark the 50th anniversary of Patty Hearst's kidnapping, a saga that remains a captivating and perplexing chapter of California history. For those who lived through it, this event was more than a headline; it epitomized an era. Yet, regardless of how vividly we recall the saga, the full truth has remained elusive. Roger Rapoport helps bridge the gaps in our understanding in our conversation and in his new book, "Searching for Patty Hearst: A True Crime Novel." 

Daniel Sokatch, a prominent figure in the Jewish community in California and across America, has served as CEO of the San Francisco-based New Israel Fund since 2009 and previously led in the Jewish Federation of San Francisco. His role became crucial on Oct. 7 when Hamas's attack on Israel reverberated around the world, including in American Jewish communities. Sokatch emerged as a voice of reason as protests roiled American cities. These protests not only mirrored global divisions but also highlighted deep-seated issues within American life. 

Matt Mahan, the 66th mayor of San Jose, advocates for addressing a select number of specific issues rather than engaging in what he perceives as performative politics that aims to solve every problem for all constituents. During his first year as mayor, he has made some progress in tackling housing and homelessness. A Watsonville native and Harvard alumnus, Mahan's background includes heading student government at Harvard, constructing irrigation systems in Bolivia, teaching middle schoolers with Teach for America, and founding a company as a tech entrepreneur. 

In his new book "Welcome to the O.C.," Rolling Stone's chief television critic, Alan Sepinwall, provides an oral history of a cultural phenomenon that became an example of unpredictable success. Despite many shows featuring attractive casts and glamorous California settings, "The O.C." managed to stand out — and change the formula for television teen dramas. Its story offers insights into the cultural context of California and Orange County in the early aughts and underscores the elusive nature of hits in entertainment.

As we usher in the new year, we talk with David Kipen about his latest work, "Dear California: The Golden State in Diaries and Letters." The anthology is a heartfelt ode to California, skillfully interweaving its diverse strands — from historic letters to contemporary tweets — creating a dialogue that transcends time. It reflects on California's evolving landscapes and captures the quintessence of what makes the state “a place apart.”

Ryan Bedsaul explores how Anthony Bourdain’s on-screen work, especially "Parts Unknown," helped him connect to and navigate the vast, enigmatic city of Los Angeles. In this week's podcast and in his recent article for Current Affairs, Bedsaul reflects on his experiences of living in Los Angeles and how Bourdain’s work has reoriented his attitude toward the city, and impacted his engagement with its people and places.

John King, urban design critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, explores how San Francisco’s Ferry Building mirrors the city's evolution and broader urban American challenges in his book new "Portal." More than a historic transportation hub, the Ferry Building's journey from glory to neglect and resurgence symbolizes San Francisco's shifting narrative. King delves into the interplay of preservation, development, and adaptation, while addressing existential threats like climate change and seismic risks. He reveals how a single landmark encapsulates a city's history, growth, and future uncertainties.

Jonathan Taplin, a film producer, scholar, and director emeritus of the Annenberg Innovation Lab, is a vocal critic of excessive techno-optimism. In his book, "The End of Reality: How Four Billionaires are Selling a Fantasy Future of the Metaverse, Mars, and Crypto," he argues that the California-centric billionaires Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Marc Andreessen are diverting public attention from critical issues. He criticizes the media's role in glorifying them and advocates for a cultural shift that emphasizes real solutions over escapist narratives.

The narrative in Katya Cengel's new memoir "Straitjackets and Lunch Money" is set in motion by her volunteer work at a juvenile detention facility in the Bay Area in 2012. The experience served as a catalyst, unearthing memories of her own past. In 1986, at the age of 10, Cengel was hospitalized in the now defunct psychosomatic unit of Stanford Children’s Hospital, battling an extreme eating disorder. At the time of her admission, she weighed a mere 55 pounds. Her story is a reflection on the evolving landscape of mental healthcare and support for young people facing similar challenges.