Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

Introducing Jan Sramek on California Forever and the future of cities from Possible.

Follow the show: Possible

What if we could build the ideal sustainable city from scratch? This week’s guest is aiming to do that, and he has unique insight into what making that dream a reality can look like. Jan Sramek is the founder of California Forever, a company aiming to build an affordable, urban community in Solano County, California. Reid—an investor in California Forever—and Aria sat down with Jan to talk about the vision for the city, where it draws inspiration from, and some of the controversy that has sprung up around the initiative since it was announced in 2023. Why build a new city rather than developing existing ones? How will this new city be connected to the surrounding community? And when might the first residents be able to move in?

Read the transcript of this episode here.

For more about: 

California Forever/East Solano Plan (https://eastsolanoplan.com/) 

Zipline (https://www.flyzipline.com/) 

Living Carbon (https://www.livingcarbon.com/) 

JFK speech at Rice University (https://www.rice.edu/jfk-speech) 

For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ 

Topics:

03:45 - Hellos and intros

04:25 - Where does Jan draw inspiration from

05:57 - Jan’s journey to real estate

08:18 - What is California Forever’s timeline?

10:44 - AI weighs in on initiatives to refresh existing cities

13:07 - Cities to look to for inspiration

14:48 - How to create economic opportunity in a new city

17:58 - The importance of local jobs

21:23 - Responding to criticism

24:30 - Most exciting developments

25:55 - Most common misconceptions

27:04 - Community feedback and climate efforts

30:53 - How to connect to public infrastructure

32:38 - How feasible is California Forever, exactly?

35:14 - Learning from past and present initiatives

39:52 - Nonprofit and government stakeholders

42:24 - Why is building from scratch greener?

45:08 - Rapid-fire questions

Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection’s Pi, OpenAI’s ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

We are getting into all the Shark Week fun here on Getting Curious with Dr. Gavin Naylor! Jonathan and Gavin dive deep into all things sharks: Are attacks really becoming more common, or is that just our perception? Why are there only 530 species of sharks, and what makes them so resilient? What does intrauterine cannibalism mean? And Dr. Naylor tells us about how he’s able to study the marvels of evolutionary biology through his focus on sharks and what makes them so unique.

Dr. Gavin Naylor is the director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History. He focuses his research on evolution, genetics, biogeography and the natural history of sharks. Dr. Naylor is also interested in the exploration of the biodiversity of sharks and rays, phylogenetic inference, protein folding, molecular evolution and the origin of architectural novelty.

You can follow the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History on Instagram and YouTube @FloridaMuseum

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com.

Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing When Prints Charming Is Away, The Other Editors Shall Play from The Run-Through with Vogue.

Follow the show: The Run-Through with Vogue

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Introducing Mike Campbell-Guitarist-Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Dirty Knobs from takin' a walk.

Follow the show: takin' a walk

Join @TheBuzzKnight for this episode of Takin A Walk with the great guitarist Mike Campbell. Mike was a member of The Heartbreakers with Tom Petty, and he is also the leader of his band The Dirty Knobs. This episode celebrates the new release from The Dirty Knobs on BMG called ""Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits."

If you have questions, comments or suggestions, share them at [email protected].

Connect with Buzz on Twitter @TheBuzzKnight and Instagram @takinawalkpodcast.

Like this show? Leave us a review here. Review

Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

If you’re anything like us, then you have endless burning questions about acupuncture: How exactly does it work? Can it relieve my stress? Indigestion? Headaches? Chronic pain? Acne? Dr. Eileen Li joins Jonathan to answer all this…and more! She shares her approach to treating the body’s whole health with both a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine perspective, and how acupuncture can bring out our inner beauty. Plus, are Blue Zone Diets all they’re cracked up to be?

Dr. Eileen Li is a second generation licensed acupuncturist & Chinese medicine herbalist, and licensed physical therapist. Her journey began as a physical therapist, obtaining a clinical doctorate at Simmons University in Boston, MA. From there, she worked in the physical rehabilitation field specializing in chronic pain research, pediatrics, geriatrics, inpatient psychiatry, and schools. She then decided to further pursue a career in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. With ten years of clinical experience from all different facets of healthcare practices, Dr. Li continues to expand her knowledge as our medicine evolves and specializes in orthopedics, chronic and acute pain, anxiety, sleep, stress, digestive issues, and general wellness.

Follow Dr. Eileen Li on Instagram and TikTok @anew.acu.

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our associate producer is Allison Weiss. Our engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Discover Natural Wonders with Lulu Miller from Via Podcast.

Follow the show: Via Podcast

On the latest episode of the Via Podcast, hosts Michelle Donati and Mitti Hicks explore a few of the incredible natural wonders located throughout the West—a dogsled excursion to view the northern lights in remote Alaska is just the tip of the awe-inspiring iceberg.

Guest Lulu Miller, host of the podcasts Radiolab and Terrestrials, takes you on a journey to discover the science behind these natural creations and reveals her own adventures in search of them.

Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi is here to tell us all about the major policy efforts that are making historic gains in the fight against climate change. Jonathan and Ali cover it all: from Ali’s journey to this work, to environmental justice concerns, to the many ways in which investing in these policies help strengthen local economies. Plus, how people just like you can get involved in a greener future with the American Climate Corps, which trains young people in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience skills to help tackle the climate crisis.

Ali Zaidi serves as Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor. In this role, he leads the White House Climate Policy Office, which coordinates policy development and President  Biden’s all-of-government approach to tackle the climate crisis, create good-paying union jobs, and advance environmental justice. Zaidi helped design and negotiate the President’s historic climate and clean energy investment agenda – including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Zaidi has also worked for the Obama Administration and the state of New York. Ali immigrated from Pakistan and grew up outside Erie, Pennsylvania. He received an A.B. from Harvard University and J.D. from Georgetown University.

You can follow Ali Zaidi on X @alizaidi46.

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com.

Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Closing The AI Workforce Gap Through Education from Technically Speaking: An Intel Podcast.

Follow the show: Technically Speaking: An Intel Podcast

The AI revolution is expected to create 97 million new jobs by 2025, and the workers entering the field will possess some of the most sought-after skills in any industry. But how much work is needed to close the AI skills gap for our future workers? Enter Intel and Dell, which have partnered to launch the AI for the Future Workforce program to foster the next generation of AI innovators and prepare a diverse, skilled workforce for the digital economy. In this episode, Graeme is joined in conversation with veteran educator Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins, who discusses the success of the program at a Houston community college and offers valuable insights for students, parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of work and AI's impact on society.

Learn more about how Intel is leading the charge in the AI Revolution at intel.com/AIeverywhere.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Jessie & Lennie Ware sat down with JVN for a good old chit-chat on their podcast Table Manners, and we’re bringing you some highlights from that incredible conversation, plus some of our standard Pretty Curious fare! We go deep on how Jessie puts together looks for her album covers, Lennie’s classic red lip, and Whitney Houston’s “I Look To You.” Plus, does Jessie think vocal rest is meh or MAJOR?

Jessie Ware is an English singer and songwriter. She came to prominence following the release of her 2012 debut studio album, Devotion. Her fifth studio album, That! Feels Good! just came out last year. Jessie has won seven Brit Awards nominations including one for Best New Artist and four for British Female Solo Artist and two Mercury Prize nominations. In 2018, Jessie and her mom Lennie began co-hosting the Table Manners podcast all about family, food and the art of a good old chit-chat.

Jessie Ware is on Instagram and TikTok @jessieware. Follow Table Manners on Instagram @tablemannerspodcast and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Jan Sramek on California Forever and the future of cities from Possible.

Follow the show: Possible

What if we could build the ideal sustainable city from scratch? This week’s guest is aiming to do that, and he has unique insight into what making that dream a reality can look like. Jan Sramek is the founder of California Forever, a company aiming to build an affordable, urban community in Solano County, California. Reid—an investor in California Forever—and Aria sat down with Jan to talk about the vision for the city, where it draws inspiration from, and some of the controversy that has sprung up around the initiative since it was announced in 2023. Why build a new city rather than developing existing ones? How will this new city be connected to the surrounding community? And when might the first residents be able to move in?

Read the transcript of this episode here.

For more about: 

California Forever/East Solano Plan (https://eastsolanoplan.com/) 

Zipline (https://www.flyzipline.com/) 

Living Carbon (https://www.livingcarbon.com/) 

JFK speech at Rice University (https://www.rice.edu/jfk-speech) 

For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ 

Topics:

03:45 - Hellos and intros

04:25 - Where does Jan draw inspiration from

05:57 - Jan’s journey to real estate

08:18 - What is California Forever’s timeline?

10:44 - AI weighs in on initiatives to refresh existing cities

13:07 - Cities to look to for inspiration

14:48 - How to create economic opportunity in a new city

17:58 - The importance of local jobs

21:23 - Responding to criticism

24:30 - Most exciting developments

25:55 - Most common misconceptions

27:04 - Community feedback and climate efforts

30:53 - How to connect to public infrastructure

32:38 - How feasible is California Forever, exactly?

35:14 - Learning from past and present initiatives

39:52 - Nonprofit and government stakeholders

42:24 - Why is building from scratch greener?

45:08 - Rapid-fire questions

Possible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Whether it's Inflection’s Pi, OpenAI’s ChatGPT or other AI tools, each episode will use AI to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].