Take a deep dive into San Francisco’s public health landscape with SFDPH Director Dan Tsai, who joins host Franco Finn in the basement of City Hall for an inspiring conversation. Dan shares his journey from transforming Medicaid nationally to taking on SF’s most urgent challenges — substance use, behavioral health, seniors, unhoused neighbors, and health equity. Learn how SFDPH’s 8,000 staff work across hospitals, clinics, street teams, and aging services to make San Francisco the healthiest place on earth for all people.We explore Chinatown’s 100-year-old health center renovation, new overdose recovery initiatives, the Living Proof campaign, and Dan’s favorite SF pastimes, including cycling over Hawk Hill and joining his first SF Pride Parade with DPH.www.sfgov.org/sfdph

Dr. Maria Su, Superintendent of SFUSD, joins I Left My Podcast in SF to share how her own journey—from immigrating as a young child to working in community nonprofits—shapes her commitment to expanding access and equity for every student in San Francisco. She explains how stabilizing the district’s finances, protecting educators, and aligning curriculum have led to rising literacy and math outcomes across SFUSD. Maria highlights several major initiatives transforming the district, including the opening of Mission Bay Elementary with its innovative STEM Hub, the creation of a new special education school that keeps essential services close to home, and the launch of a Mandarin immersion K–8 school driven by family demand. She also shares the excitement around programs like Freedom School, expanded transitional kindergarten, preschool options for three- and four-year-olds, and hands-on internships across city departments. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this episode reveals how SFUSD is rebuilding trust, investing in innovation, and shaping the future of education in San Francisco. www.sfusd.edu

Go behind the scenes at San Francisco International Airport with Director Mike Nakornkhet, the first Asian‑American to lead SFO. From childhood aviation dreams to managing one of the world’s most beloved airports, Mike shares insights on SFO’s culture, future expansion, sustainability, the Gate Explorer Pass, and how the airport helps tell the story of San Francisco. If you love travel, planes, or the city itself, this episode is full of stories and inspiration.iflysfo.com

Join host Franco Finn as he sits down with Mawuli Tugbenyoh, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, for an inspiring deep dive into equity, public service, and the work being done behind the scenes to uplift communities across the city.Mawuli shares his personal journey growing up in the Bay Area, how experiences like seeing Nelson Mandela speak shaped his passion for activism, and what the HRC is doing today to enforce civil rights, protect immigrant communities, and invest in San Francisco’s youth through programs like Opportunities for All.We also talk about food, hidden hiking gems, Ed Lee’s unforgettable jokes, and the vision for a more equitable and thriving San Francisco.

Take a deep dive into the San Francisco Fire Department with Fire Chief Dean Crispen, a 34‑year veteran dedicated to service, equity, and innovation. From drones and thermal cameras to a massive new Bayview training facility, Chief Crispen breaks down how SFFD is evolving to keep our neighborhoods safe. He also shares stories of bravery, volunteering at Ground Zero, and what it means to serve the city he grew up in.Recorded at City Hall for “I Left My Podcast in San Francisco,” this conversation highlights community preparedness, hands‑only CPR, youth programs, and the heart behind San Francisco’s firefighters.www.sf-fire.org

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, host Franco Finn sits down with Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic & Workforce Development, for one of the most inspiring conversations about the future of our city.We dive into: -The Vacant to Vibrant program that’s drawing 800+ small businesses to downtown-How SF is reinventing itself as a 24/7 mixed‑use neighborhood-Workforce programs like CityBuild and TechSF preparing residents for the jobs of tomorrow-Why San Francisco is the global capital for AI AND a powerhouse for arts and cultureHidden neighborhoods, new restaurants, and the rise of night markets-What makes San Francisco such a magnetic, resilient, and innovative cityIf you love this city, live in it, work in it, or are curious about its comeback — this episode is for you.www.sfgov.org/oewd

Join us for a powerful conversation with Becca Prowda, First Lady of San Francisco, as she shares the inspiration and mission behind One City Day — San Francisco’s brand‑new, citywide day of service happening July 11.In this episode, Becca explains why service is at the heart of the city’s future, how One City Day was created, and what it means for all 11 districts, Treasure Island, our parks, green spaces, and neighborhoods. We also talk about her journey in public service, her love for SF’s neighborhoods, and the importance of reconnecting as a community.Sign up for One City Day:Visit sf.gov and search “One City Day” to choose from hundreds of volunteer opportunities across the city.Let’s roll up our sleeves and show what our #OneCity can do together.

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Honey Mahogany, Director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI)—an activist, artist, entrepreneur, and public servant. 

From growing up in the Outer Sunset and performing in musical theater and drag to practicing social work and shaping city policy, Honey shares a powerful journey rooted in service, community, and equity.

We talk about her San Francisco roots, her early social work at the Rainbow Community Center, co‑owning The Stud to preserve queer culture, and co‑founding the Transgender Cultural District. 

She reflects on the surge in anti‑trans legislation nationwide and the resulting migration to refuge cities, updates to SF’s Fair Chance Ordinance to protect people criminalized for gender‑affirming or reproductive care and for performing drag, and the importance of representation inside City Hall. 

https://sf.gov/transcitysf

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Dennis Herrera, General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). From his early days serving on city commissions to nearly two decades as San Francisco City Attorney and his leadership at the SFPUC, Dennis shares stories from a career dedicated to public service.

He reflects on landmark legal battles that helped shape California and the nation, including the fight for marriage equality, protecting immigrant communities, defending access to health care, and holding corporations accountable.

We talk about his transition to leading the SFPUC during a pivotal moment for the agency, the progress made on public power, environmental stewardship, and major infrastructure investments that will serve generations to come.

Dennis also reflects on leadership, public service, and the values that have guided his work on behalf of San Franciscans.

https://www.sfpuc.gov

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Sherrice Dorsey‑Smith, Executive Director of the Department of Children, Youth & Their Families (DCYF). From her early days in AmeriCorps to leading one of SF’s most impactful departments, Sherrice shares an inspiring journey rooted in service, equity, and commitment to young people.

We talk about her first experiences in San Francisco, the mission of DCYF and the 249 programs they fund, and the massive pivots her team made during the pandemic, including building Community Hubs that served more than 6,000 children. Sherrice also reflects on the importance of mental health and supporting the “whole child,” the department’s work in youth violence prevention, community needs, and family summits, as well as her Women’s History Month recognition and her vision for the future of San Francisco.https://dcyf.org