Policy Chats

UCR School of Public Policy
  • 5.0(10개의 평가)
  • 정치
  • 격주 업데이트

Join us for chats with various voices in the public policy world about today's most pressing societal issues. This podcast is a production of the School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside.

  1. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Iran, Nuclear Risk, and U.S. Strategy

    19시간 전

    Diplomacy Under Pressure: Iran, Nuclear Risk, and U.S. Strategy

    In this episode of Policy Chats, Thomas Countryman joins host Dori Pham to discuss his career in diplomacy and the realities of nuclear arms control policymaking. Drawing on his experience as Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation, he explains how negotiations actually work inside government and why consistency is critical in preventing nuclear proliferation. The conversation explores the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, current U.S.–Iran tensions, and the challenges of balancing ideal goals with practical outcomes in diplomacy. The episode concludes with insights on the future of global arms control and why sustained dialogue remains essential in reducing nuclear risk.- Thomas Countryman’s path to becoming a career diplomat- The role of the State Department in arms control and nonproliferation- How diplomacy works behind the scenes vs. public perception- The importance of consistency in nuclear nonproliferation policy- The 2015 Iran nuclear deal and lessons from its negotiation- Current U.S.–Iran tensions and challenges in modern diplomacy- The role of NGOs like the Arms Control Association in shaping policy- The future of global arms control and nuclear risk reduction📍 This episode is produced by the UC Riverside School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Thomas Countryman, former Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation and Chair of the Board of the Arms Control Association🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats 🎵 Music by Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

    48분
  2. The Craft of Diplomacy: Trust, Negotiation, and U.S. Foreign Policy

    4월 13일

    The Craft of Diplomacy: Trust, Negotiation, and U.S. Foreign Policy

    In this episode of Policy Chats, Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis joins host Dori Pham to discuss his career in diplomacy and key moments in U.S. foreign policy. Drawing on his experience in Cuba and at the United Nations, he explains how trust, emotional intelligence, and negotiation shape diplomatic outcomes. The conversation explores the 2015 U.S.–Cuba normalization, challenges in global conflict such as U.S.–Iran tensions, and why diplomacy remains essential in preventing escalation. The episode concludes with practical advice for students interested in pursuing a career in the foreign service. Topics Covered - Ambassador DeLaurentis’s path to becoming a career diplomat - How Georgetown SFS and Columbia SIPA shape diplomatic training - U.S.–Cuba relations and the 2015 normalization process - Comparing bilateral vs. multilateral negotiations - Diplomacy in times of conflict, including U.S.–Iran tensions - Lessons from the Cuban Missile Crisis and nuclear negotiations - Career advice for students interested in the foreign service 📍 This episode is produced by the UC Riverside School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, former U.S. Ambassador for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations and former Chargé d’Affaires in Cuba 🎙️ Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats 🎵 Music by Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

    34분
  3. Designing Healthier Cities: Inside the Blue Zones Project Riverside

    4월 3일

    Designing Healthier Cities: Inside the Blue Zones Project Riverside

    In this episode of Policy Chats, Erin Edwards, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Riverside, joins Dean Mark Long, host Dori Pham and Shivani Narang to discuss how place based policy and community design shape public health and longevity. Drawing on her background in local government and nonprofit leadership, Edwards explains how the Blue Zones model turns global research into practical strategies for local communities. The conversation examines key challenges in implementing health focused policy, including community engagement, barriers in the built environment, and the limits of long term public health evidence. Edwards highlights the need for cities to act on best practices and adapt policies to local needs. The episode also explores how the Blue Zones Project drives change through its focus on people, places, and policy. From walkability and food access to tobacco regulation and workplace wellbeing, Edwards shows how local actions can build healthier and more connected communities. The episode concludes by reflecting on sustainability and how Riverside’s efforts contribute to broader public health change over time. 🔍 Topics Covered - The Blue Zones framework and the “Power Nine” principles of longevity - The role of community engagement in local policymaking - Structural barriers to building healthier urban environments - Challenges of evidence-based policymaking in public health - Place-based policies: walkability, food systems, and tobacco regulation - The three pillars of Blue Zones: people, places, and policy - Public-private partnerships and community-based implementation - Measuring success through wellbeing data and long-term indicators - Sustainability and scaling local health initiatives nationally Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Erin Edwards, Executive Director, Blue Zones Project Riverside 🎙️ Hosted by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Shivani Narang 🎵 Music by: Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

    47분
  4. Education Freedom vs. Public Systems: Can We Do Both?

    3월 9일

    Education Freedom vs. Public Systems: Can We Do Both?

    In this episode of Policy Chats, Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, sits down with host Dori Pham to discuss education policy and the role of school choice in expanding opportunity for students. Drawing on his experience in education reform, Mitchell explains how policies such as charter schools, education savings accounts, and voucher programs aim to give families more options and improve educational outcomes. The conversation explores key debates surrounding school choice, including accountability, funding structures, and equity. Mitchell also discusses how competition and innovation can influence school quality and how policymakers attempt to balance parental choice with oversight. The episode concludes with a reflection on how education policy shapes economic mobility and why future policymakers must carefully consider incentives, institutional design, and long-term investment in education. 🔍 Topics Covered The foundations and goals of modern school choice policy Charter schools, vouchers, and education savings accounts Expanding educational opportunity for underserved communities The relationship between competition, innovation, and school quality Policy debates around accountability and public funding Balancing parental choice with oversight and equity Education policy as a pathway to economic mobility Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow, American Federation for ChildrenInterviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Andrew Shannon, Dean's Brand Ambassador🎵 Music by Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

    54분
  5. From Liberalism to State Capitalism: Markets, Power, and the Future of Policy

    3월 2일

    From Liberalism to State Capitalism: Markets, Power, and the Future of Policy

    In this episode of Policy Chats, host Dori Pham sits down with Professor Babcock, Associate Dean and Professor at the UC Riverside School of Public Policy, to discuss liberalism, economic reasoning, and the changing role of government in today’s policy environment.Professor Babcock argues that recent policy decisions reflect a shift away from evidence-based, deliberative policymaking toward a more centralized, personality-driven approach. He explains how tariffs, industrial policy, and regulation can reshape incentives and create uncertainty for businesses, producers, and global partners, and he contrasts market-based decision-making with state-directed capitalism.Using California as a case study, the conversation explores trade-offs between equity, efficiency, and long-term investment, including how legal and regulatory veto points can slow housing, infrastructure, and climate progress. The episode closes with how UCR’s School of Public Policy is strengthening training in data, economics, and political science as part of its 10-year anniversary theme of abundance—building the skills students need to analyze policy in a rapidly changing world.🔍 Topics Covered-Liberalism, markets, and the foundations of U.S. policymaking-State capitalism, tariffs, and industrial policy under the current administration-Economic uncertainty and its effects on business investment-Trade-offs between equity, efficiency, and long-term growth-Environmental policy, fossil fuels, and green energy transitions-International alliances, global trust, and U.S. foreign policy risks-How UCR’s School of Public Policy is preparing future policymakers📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside.🎧 Guest Speaker: Professor Bruce Babcock, Associate Dean and Professor, UC Riverside School of Public PolicyInterviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Jaz Williams🎵 Music by Vir Sinha🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

    47분
  6. Disaster Dollars: How Climate Shocks Reshape Local Budgets

    2월 23일

    Disaster Dollars: How Climate Shocks Reshape Local Budgets

    In this episode of Policy Chats, host Dori Pham sits down with Professor Wei Guo, Associate Professor at the UCR School of Public Policy, to discuss how climate related disasters strain state and local public finances and what that means for equity and long term resilience.Professor Guo explains why disaster recovery spending often remains elevated for years, while revenue effects especially property tax revenue vary depending on institutional structures. Using California as a case study, she highlights how Proposition 13 can produce unexpected fiscal outcomes after wildfires through property reassessments tied to housing turnover.The conversation also examines how reimbursement based disaster aid can unintentionally discourage climate adaptation, reinforce rebuilding in high risk areas, and deepen inequalities for marginalized communities with limited upfront fiscal capacity. The episode concludes with a call to move from reactive recovery toward proactive climate adaptation, with stronger leadership and investment from state and federal governments.🔍 Topics Covered-How climate disasters affect state and local government budgets-Why disaster-related spending remains high years after recovery-Property tax revenue, disasters, and California’s Proposition 13-Equity challenges in disaster relief and reimbursement systems-Climate resilience, managed retreat, and wildfire policy-The limits of local government finance in climate adaptation-Why state and federal governments play a critical role in resilience planning 📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Wei Guo, Associate Professor at the UCR School of Public Policy Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Jaz Williams 🎵 Music by Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

    49분
  7. When “Nonpartisan” Isn’t Neutral: Police Union Endorsements and City Polarization

    2월 14일

    When “Nonpartisan” Isn’t Neutral: Police Union Endorsements and City Polarization

    In this episode of Policy Chats, Professor Jennifer Gaudette joins host Dori Pham to discuss polarization in local politics and how voters make decisions in nonpartisan elections with limited information. She explains how the absence of party labels and the decline of local news push voters to rely on shortcuts like endorsements. Professor Gaudette shares her research showing that police union endorsements are increasingly read as a conservative signal in mayoral and city council races, while teachers union endorsements often signal a more liberal candidate. The conversation also highlights why firefighters unions do not create the same polarized reactions, and what that reveals about endorsements tied to expertise versus ideology. The episode closes with reflections on campaign strategy, the future of nonpartisan local democracy, and how local journalism and short-form social media shape political trust and misinformation. Topics Covered: - How voters decide in nonpartisan local elections with limited information - Why police union endorsements have become more polarized over time - Endorsements as “information shortcuts” when party labels are absent - How local candidates strategically pursue targeted endorsements - The case for (and controversy around) partisan versus nonpartisan elections 📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Jennifer Gaudette, Assistant Professor at the UCR School of Public Policy Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats & Vir Sinha 🎵 Music by Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

    49분
  8. Bridging Silicon Valley and Washington: AI, Entrepreneurship, and Public Service

    1월 5일

    Bridging Silicon Valley and Washington: AI, Entrepreneurship, and Public Service

    In this episode of Policy Chats, Congressman Jay Obernolte joins host Dori Pham and guest co host Lloyd Levine for an in depth conversation on artificial intelligence policy, innovation, and democratic governance. Drawing on his background as a computer engineer, entrepreneur, former mayor, and state legislator, Congressman Obernolte explains how his technical training shapes his approach to federal policymaking on emerging technologies. As Chair of the House Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Congressman Obernolte walks listeners through how Congress is thinking about AI beyond headlines and hype. He breaks down key distinctions between generative and non generative AI, deterministic and non deterministic systems, and why focusing on outcomes rather than tools is central to effective regulation. Using real world examples from healthcare, transportation, and consumer protection, he explains how sector specific oversight can better manage risk while still supporting innovation. The discussion also explores the national and global dimensions of AI policy. Congressman Obernolte compares the United States approach with the European Union model, outlines the task force report he led on a federal AI framework, and explains the proposed hub and spoke system that coordinates sector regulators with shared technical standards. He addresses tensions between federal and state authority, arguing for clear national guardrails that preserve interstate commerce while allowing states to regulate AI use within sectors they already oversee. From a student perspective, Dori Pham raises questions about AI in education, productivity, and the future of work. The conversation turns to how lawmakers can set guardrails that protect the public from misuse without slowing innovation that could expand opportunity and economic growth for younger generations. The episode closes with reflections on bipartisan cooperation, public trust, and the challenge of misinformation in an AI driven world. Topics Covered Congressman Obernolte’s path from AI researcher to entrepreneur to federal policymaker What artificial intelligence means beyond generative models Deterministic versus non deterministic AI explained in plain language Sector specific regulation versus one size fits all approaches The House AI Task Force report and proposed federal framework Balancing innovation with accountability and public safety Federal and state roles in AI policy and interstate commerce AI and global competition with China and other nations 📍 This episode is produced by the UCR School of Public Policy and reflects our mission of creating solutions that improve lives locally and globally. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewers and guests alone and do not reflect the official positions of the UC Riverside School of Public Policy or the University of California, Riverside. 🎧 Guest Speaker: Jay Obernolte, Member of Congress for California’s 23rd District and Chair of the House Subcommittee on Research and Technology and Lloyd Levine, National Senior Executive, State Government Strategy at T-Mobile Interviewed by: Dori Pham, Host of Policy Chats 🎵 Music by Vir Sinha 🔗 Learn more: spp.ucr.edu/podcast 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ucr_spp 👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how policy shapes our future.

    57분
모두 보기(113개)

평가 및 리뷰

5
최고 5점
10개의 평가

소개

Join us for chats with various voices in the public policy world about today's most pressing societal issues. This podcast is a production of the School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside.

정보

  • 제작진
    UCR School of Public Policy
  • 방송 연도
    2020년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    113
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © UCR School of Public Policy
  • 웹사이트 보기
    Policy Chats

좋아할 만한 다른 항목