Comstock's Talks
100 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★ - 2 ratingsComstock's Talks is a product of Comstock's magazine, the premier business publication for California's Capital Region. Our podcast features local leaders from varying perspectives brought together to offer unique insight into local issues and provide tangible action items for listeners who want to have an impact on their community.
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Episodes
Bio-informed Flight with Christina Harvey and Michelle Hawkins
April 22, 2024 20:04 - 30 minutes - 35.4 MBInventive minds have always looked to the skies for inspiration, but new imaging tools have unlocked a more intricate study of bird flight. In this episode, UC Davis faculty members Christina Harvey, an aerospace engineering expert, and Michelle Hawkins, director of the California Raptor Center, discuss a Defense Department-funded research project to inform future drone technologies. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY ...
Women in Leadership Night at the Jacquelyn
March 25, 2024 15:57 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBIn this special episode, we get to know some of our 2024 Women in Leadership while exploring the Jacquelyn, a new bar, restaurant and private club venue in Sacramento. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read more about Comstock's Women in Leadership here.
The Rise of Medical Aesthetics with Shawna Chrisman
February 14, 2024 18:44 - 24 minutes - 28.3 MBNurse practitioner and founder of Destination Aesthetics Shawna Chrisman is on a mission to dispel the myths surrounding aesthetic treatments. In this episode, we discuss unusual patients, "the natural look," emerging technologies, how much is too much, looking younger in the workplace and why medical aesthetics aren't just for women anymore. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the featured story “The Evolu...
'Awe-Inspiring Biofluid': The Science of Breast Milk with Jennifer T. Smilowitz
December 27, 2023 17:17 - 48 minutes - 55.3 MBJennifer T. Smilowitz, assistant professor of the cooperative extension in the Department of Nutrition at UC Davis, is a breast milk expert and devotee. In this episode we talk about the science, potential medical applications, cultural context, barriers to breastfeeding and why there is no true substitute for human breast milk. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the featured story "Beyond the Bottle" here....
New Depths: Sub Sea Systems is Making Our Oceans Accessible for All
October 24, 2023 22:11 - 46 minutes - 52.9 MBFather and daughter Jim Mayfield and Hannah de Bie of Sub Sea Systems discuss marine tourism, VR integration, Saudi Arabia's entertainment megaproject Qiddiya, the importance of ocean exploration and working with family. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read about Sub Sea and other unique family businesses here. To subscribe to Comstock's magazine, visit comstocksmag.com.
'Fight City': The Past, Present and Future of Stockton with Phillip Merlo
September 18, 2023 12:00 - 36 minutes - 42 MBSan Joaquin County Historical Museum's executive director and fifth generation Stocktonian Phillip Merlo speaks on the rich history, abundant opportunities and dogged optimism of the port city. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the featured story "Manufacturing a New Vision for Stockton" here. To subscribe to Comstock's magazine, visit comstocksmag.com.
Bracing for the AI Revolution with Eric Howard
August 22, 2023 16:20 - 48 minutes - 55.4 MBFathom co-founder Eric Howard discusses generative AI tools, artistic value and how creatives can adapt to a changing industry. To read the article, visit comstocksmag.com. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
2023 Young Professionals Roundtable
July 19, 2023 16:34 - 38 minutes - 43.7 MBComstock's Young Professionals Lauren Oto and Nathan Langley talk about mentors, working with AI and what it was like to be a "Rock Star" in this issue's spread. Host: Dakota Morlan Producers: Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0)
The Medium Is the Message
February 17, 2023 21:55 - 15 minutes - 20.8 MBBoutique marketing agencies in the Capital Region consider the medium to be just as important as the message itself. They recognize the demand for video on platforms like TikTok and YouTube as reflective of our need for human connection and a growing demand for more “unfiltered” content. Writer and reader: Robin Douglas Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/medium-message
Working From Home as an Extrovert
November 29, 2022 16:58 - 8 minutes - 14.7 MBAre you frequently labeled “a lot,” “difficult” or “loud” at work? Do managers often not know what to do with you? Do you accidentally alienate coworkers with your “a-lotness”? Do people look you in the eye and call you exhausting? Why not try: working from home? Writer and reader: Melody White Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/working-home-extrovert
Inflation Hits the Market Basket
September 20, 2022 16:08 - 11 minutes - 20.6 MBIn a year of rising costs, farmers still have quality as an advantage. Still, farmers market vendors and shoppers are struggling to stretch their dollars. Writer and reader: Kate Gonzales Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/inflation-hits-market-basket
Young Professionals Roundtable
August 05, 2022 13:53 - 36 minutes - 49.7 MBComstock's invited some of our Young Professionals honorees for happy hour at Canon Restaurant to talk mentorship and nonlinear career paths. Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan, Johnny Flores and Vanessa Labi Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read Latoya Jackson-Lainez's profile here and Amber Celmer's profile here:
The Return of Arts and Music Festivals
June 23, 2022 16:13 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MBCapital Region music festivals attract tens of thousands of fans from nearby areas and from all around the country, shaping its identity and boosting the local economy. Writer and reader: Steve Martarano Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Vanessa Labi and Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: (link) Teaser sentence Writer and reader: (name) Host: (name) Producer: (name) Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) ...
Pop-Ups Are Popping Off
May 23, 2022 19:12 - 10 minutes - 14.6 MBThe pop-up model allows independent chefs to experiment with new concepts and creative menus without investing in overhead. Writer and reader: Vanessa Labi Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Vanessa Labi Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/pop-ups-are-popping
Tourism Out of Troubled Times
April 18, 2022 17:19 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBAs national and international tourism decreased during the pandemic, regional visitation saw a boost. We profile three small picturesque towns that got a big increase in visitors. Writer and reader: Scott Thomas Anderson Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: (link)
2022 Women in Leadership Panel Discussion
March 25, 2022 15:20 - 59 minutes - 81.9 MBComstock’s magazine invited three of our 2022 Women in Leadership honorees to join us for a discussion on the ways women are shaping the future of the Capital Region. Listen in on our conversation with Preet Ahluwalia, the investment officer who graced our cover this year; Amber Hoiska, VP of Pac Shield Roof Services; and Lora Anguay, chief zero carbon officer of SMUD. Host: Vanessa Labi, Jennifer Fergesen Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) ...
The New Fusion Food (February 2022)
February 16, 2022 11:00 - 10 minutes - 18.4 MBYoung restaurateurs in the Capital Region are rewriting the definition of authenticity. Writer and reader: Jennifer Fergesen Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/new-fusion-food
It’s Complicated (January 2022)
January 31, 2022 16:54 - 14 minutes - 26.4 MBAfter a once-in-a-century pandemic, what happens next? The Capital Region's economic experts weigh in. Written and read by Jeff Wilser Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen Produced by Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/its-complicated
Final Frontiers (December 2021)
December 28, 2021 18:52 - 15 minutes - 27.8 MBAs remote work continues to be normalized within the technology industry, techies are migrating to the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. Written and read by Dakota Morlan Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen Produced by Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/final-frontiers
Generation to Generation (October 2021)
October 25, 2021 14:22 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MBA dedication to the past allows some family restaurants in the Capital Region to survive through the decades, including El Novillero, Genova Bakery and Club Pheasant. Written and read by Judy Farah Hosted by Jennifer Fergesen Produced by Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/three-capital-region-restaurants-keep-it-family
Are You Ready for the TikTok Challenge?
August 25, 2021 18:36 - 12 minutes - 8.84 MBSocial media can grow a business’s audience — but only if it’s done right. Written by Jeff Wilser Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/are-you-ready-tiktok-challenge
Film Production in the Capital Region Thrives (July 2021)
July 27, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.85 MBMovies, sitcoms, commercials and more are still filming in the Capital Region, thanks to the work of local film commissioners. Written by Rachel Leibrock Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/film-production-capital-region-thrives-despite-year-uncertainty
Capital Region Golf Courses Are Teed Up for Success (June 2021)
June 23, 2021 17:06 - 10 minutes - 8 MBCapital Region golf courses saw a boom last year as the game emerged as the perfect socially distanced activity. Will new players stick around? Written by Bob Burns Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/capital-region-golf-courses-are-teed-success
The Power of Empathy (May 2021)
May 24, 2021 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.99 MBTechnology tends to be associated with things like computers, algorithms and machines, but the world of technology and innovation has long embraced a concern for other humans. And it’s not just a matter of altruism or having a heart: Empathy is innovation’s secret sauce. Written by Jeff Wilser Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/power-empathy
A Tarnished Past (May 2021)
May 06, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 84 MBStakeholders in the Sierra Nevada are confronting the lasting legacy of the gold rush. Written, hosted and produced by Sena Christian. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. “The Days of ‘49” is by Logan English and Billy Faier, courtesy of Smithsonian Folkway Recordings. “The Gold Rush is Over” is by Smokey Hormel, courtesy of Free Music Archive. (Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License.) “Spring Song” is by Shelly Covert, courtesy of Shelly Covert....
A Blend for Success (April 2021)
April 19, 2021 17:39 - 13 minutes - 10 MBWineries in the Capital Region have added an array of amenities to keep oenophiles closer to home. Written by Daniel Barnes Read and produced by Robin Epley Read here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/blend-success
Evil HR Lady: Should a New Hire Be Allowed to Take a Trip?
April 08, 2021 10:00 - 7 minutes - 17.2 MBQ: A new hire started today. He says he scheduled a trip before applying for the new job. He says he has all his reservations and has paid, so he will be taking the trip. He will finish the onboarding process and then go on the trip. What can I do? Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. This Evil HR Lady column ran in the April 2021 issue of Comstock’s magazine. Read it here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-should-new-hir...
Rise and Shine (March 2021)
March 21, 2021 19:27 - 13 minutes - 9.83 MB2020 will go down in history as a time when women made remarkable advances on the political scene. Written by Laurie Lauletta-Boshart Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/rise-and-shine
Evil HR Lady: Were You Passed Over for a Promotion?
March 10, 2021 11:00 - 7 minutes - 18.2 MBQ: I’ve been working in a key position at my company for 20 years. When a management position opened for which I am highly qualified, I applied and, frankly, expected to land the promotion. My company instead promoted a male colleague who has similar experience but has only been with the company for 10 years. Do I have any recourse? Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. This Evil HR Lady column ran in the March 2021 issue of Comstock’s ma...
Women in Leadership Roundtable
March 08, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBComstock’s magazine invited three of our 2021 Women in Leadership honorees to join us for a discussion on the ways women are shaping the future of the Capital Region. Listen in on our conversation with Betty Yee, California state controller; Cassie Gilson, president and managing partner of Axiom Advisors; and Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou, advanced sommelier and co-owner of Allora restaurant and WM Catering and Events in Sacramento. Hosted and produced by Sena Christian and Shoka. Audio engine...
Evil HR Lady: Switching Careers Doesn’t Mean Starting Over
February 25, 2021 18:11 - 7 minutes - 17.8 MBQ: When is it too late to change careers? I’m 40 and hate my job. But with almost 20 years invested in my field, I really don’t want to start over with an entry-level position in a new area. How possible is it to switch careers without taking a massive pay cut? Written by Suzanne Lucas Produced by Shoka Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-switching-careers-doesnt-mean-starting-over
The Next Chapter: Still Swinging Away (The Next Chapter)
February 14, 2021 13:00 - 5 minutes - 3.73 MBAfter 15 years as a Major League Baseball player for five teams, Greg Vaughn now focuses on Vaughn’s Valley Foundation. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Tom Couzens Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/still-swinging-away
The Next Chapter: Still Swinging Away (February 2021)
February 14, 2021 13:00 - 5 minutes - 3.73 MBAfter 15 years as a Major League Baseball player for five teams, Greg Vaughn now focuses on Vaughn’s Valley Foundation. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Tom Couzens Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/still-swinging-away
The Next Chapter: A New Mission (February 2021)
February 13, 2021 13:00 - 4 minutes - 3.25 MBRoger Valine helped transform VSP from a small local company to an international operation by 2006 when he decided to retire. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Graham Womack Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/new-mission
The Next Chapter: Camera Ready (February 2021)
February 12, 2021 18:25 - 4 minutes - 3.27 MBMichele McCormick sold her public relations company and became a model, actor and photographer who specializes in travel and nature photography. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Shoka Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/camera-ready
The Next Chapter: Game of Skill (February 2021)
February 12, 2021 17:00 - 4 minutes - 3.19 MBIn December 2019, a few months before the fastest drop in global stock markets in financial history, Mark Otero launched Alice Capital, a hedge fund designed to bypass emotion. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Jennifer Fergesen Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/game-skill
Career Detour (February 2021)
February 09, 2021 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.9 MBAfter losing his bid for reelection as Stockton mayor, Michael Tubbs is weighing his options. Written by Marcus Crowder Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/career-detour
Comstock's Talks: Agriculture and Beyond (February 2021)
February 09, 2021 20:00 - 4 minutes - 6.88 MBPam Marrone, who retired as CEO of Marrone Bio Innovations in 2020, didn’t take a break; she still works 10-12 hour days. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Jennifer Junghans Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/agriculture-and-beyond
The Next Chapter: Agriculture and Beyond (February 2021)
February 09, 2021 20:00 - 4 minutes - 6.88 MBPam Marrone, who retired as CEO of Marrone Bio Innovations in 2020, didn’t take a break; she still works 10-12 hour days. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Jennifer Junghans Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/agriculture-and-beyond
The Next Chapter: ‘Somebody’ Again (February 2021)
February 09, 2021 18:11 - 4 minutes - 3.49 MBCarl Landau had spent 37 years in publishing and event organizing when he decided to launch Pickleball Media last year. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Sena Christian Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/somebody-again
Evil HR Lady: Be Fair When Considering Outside Candidates
January 29, 2021 10:00 - 6 minutes - 15.3 MBQ: I had a midlevel manager recently leave for another position, and I’m about to post the job. I know that several of the people who worked for her want that position, but I think the company might be better served by going for an outside hire. How should I proceed so I don’t anger my current employees and risk losing them too? Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-be-fair...
Neighborly by Design (January 2021)
January 18, 2021 18:14 - 14 minutes - 21.4 MBCohousing communities are neighborhoods where physical spaces, outdoors and indoors, give residents a place to interact outside of their private homes. These communities are growing in popularity across the Capital Region. Written by Rachel Leibrock Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/neighborly-design
Evil HR Lady: New Systems Require Proper Training and Patience
January 08, 2021 11:00 - 7 minutes - 8.93 MBQ: Early next year, our company will begin using new software for most everything we do. It’s already so late in the process, so what can we do quickly to ensure that our employees are adequately trained and don’t feel like they are on their own? Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-new-systems-require-proper-training-and-patience
Promise for New Proteins (December 2020)
December 14, 2020 10:00 - 13 minutes - 10.4 MBIn September, UC Davis was awarded the first federal funding given to a university to research cultivated meat, positioning the Capital Region to serve as a hub of the advancing technology. Efforts to advance the emerging food market using science and technology have ignited worldwide to address the global challenge of food access and proper nutrition for a growing population and the unsustainable environmental and ethical practices of industrial animal agriculture as it barrels toward the p...
Evil HR Lady: Easy Ways to Thank Employees in a Hard Year
December 10, 2020 18:14 - 8 minutes - 18.6 MBQ: This has been a terrible year. Unfortunately, as a business, we’re just scraping by — and that’s despite the Paycheck Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration. There’s no money for a lavish holiday party, year-end bonuses or even anything more than a $5 gift. What can we do to show our employees how much we appreciate their hard work at year-end? This Evil HR Lady column ran in the November 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine. Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced ...
Protecting Open Land (November 2020)
November 12, 2020 10:00 - 9 minutes - 7.14 MBRanchers and those in the conservation industry know there’s an inherent value to working lands, such as cattle ranches. But how does one monetize that value? Written by Jennifer Junghans Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/protecting-open-land
Evil HR Lady: Why Attendance Policies Are So Important
November 06, 2020 18:23 - 7 minutes - 7.73 MBQ: I have a problem with employees calling in to say they are not coming into work once they’ve reached 40 hours. We have a lot of overtime available, so it’s easy to have worked 40 hours by Thursday. People then call to say they are not coming in on Friday and don’t want to use their paid time off to cover the time, since they’re already getting paid for 40 hours (plus more, because of California overtime laws). It’s really causing problems with scheduling. What can I do? This Evil HR La...
Evil HR Lady: Why Startups Need HR Help Before They Launch
October 30, 2020 19:14 - 9 minutes - 9.39 MBQ: I’m launching my own company this year, with about 12 employees, and I’m thinking about the importance of human resources services. Should I hire someone for that position, or can I use an outside service or an online site? And what are the most important things I should do before I launch? This Evil HR Lady column ran in the July 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine. Written by: Suzanne Lucas Read by: Shoka Produced by: Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/ar...
Lineage of Success (October 2020)
October 20, 2020 04:00 - 16 minutes - 10.9 MBFamily businesses are the heart and soul of Little Saigon in south Sacramento. These businesses and their customers are banding together to keep everyone afloat during the pandemic. Written and read by Lien Hoang Produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/lineage-success
Cooking Up a Neighborhood (September 2020)
September 30, 2020 10:00 - 8 minutes - 6.07 MBWest Sacramento’s Washington District has transformed in the past decade, due to efforts by the City of West Sacramento, developers and food entrepreneurs. This story originally appeared in the September 2020 issue of Comstock's magazine. Read it here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/back-business-not-usual Written by Graham Womack Read and produced by Robin Epley