The San Francisco Experience

In the ranks of global spycraft, the UK continues to punch above its' weight, competing with the US, Russia, China and Israel. And at the heart of any nation's intelligence operation is a sophisticated information gathering apparatus consisting of Signals Intelligence (Sigint) and Communications Intelligence (Comint). GCHQ is the UK's equivalent of America's NSA.  Professor John Ferris of the University of Calgary was allowed unprecedented access to GCHQ's archives - one of the world's most secretive intelligence agencies - to write an authorized history.

Matt Continetti is a Senior Fellow at The American Enterprise Institute and a frequent contributor to The New York Times, Atlantic, Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. He has also been a contributing editor to the National Review and Commentary magazine. In his latest book, The Right, he traces the evolution of the American Conservative movement from 1920s populism, through the Goldwater and Reagan eras to the populism of Donald Trump and Sarah Palin. A comprehensive, well researched and documented study of American Conservatism's roots.

Women have rarely participated in peace negotiations, though they suffer a disproportionate share of civilian injuries and suffering in modern day conflicts. Enter Sanam Naraghi Anderlini who has worked tirelessly for over 25 years both on the frontlines as a mediator and at the international level as a policy advocate to ensure that women play their rightful role in peace negotiations. Sanam is the Director of the Centre for Women, Peace and Security at the London School of Economics as well as Founder and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network. 

James Joyce's great novel of the 20th Century - Ulysses - now has a companion guide with Ambassador Mulhall's new book. In today's episode the Ambassador shares his keen insights into Joyce's greatest work.

Buzzy Martin taught guitar to the convicts at San Quentin Prison for three years and shows how music can transform lives, even for hardened criminals. The book and soon to be released motion picture present a compelling message about rehabilitation in one of America's toughest penitentiaries. With 2.3 million prisoners locked up, mass incarceration in this country needs to be addressed. 

Unleashed is a story of loss, healing and growing stronger from dealing with unexpected tragedy. The protagonists all gain comfort and insight from each other and their animals. Skye shares her thoughts on the writing practice and her journey as a writer. 

Israel has built a broad and deep technology ecosystem in Silicon Valley. And it is a two way street. In addition to the numerous California tech companies with operations in Israel, there are many Israeli companies flourishing in Silicon Valley in the fields of cybersecurity, fintech, mobility, agtech and water. Our two guests discuss in depth how this close relationship benefits both countries.

The 94th Academy Awards was one for the history books to paraphrase Chris Rock, one of the presenters. The best actor award went to Will Smith for his starring role in King Richard. But the Motion Picture Academy is weighing whether to sanction Smith. Jessica Chastain won best actress for The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Best film went to Coda. 

Russia's post Communist democratic reforms in the 1990's gave the country a representative form of government with a relatively free press. But under Vladimir Putin's 22 year rule, the country has slipped back into an autocratic style of governance. Professor Pankina recounts how the Communist regime absorbed many of the governing structures of the Tsarist era which continue to influence Russia's civil society even to this day. An additional blogpost on this podcast will follow.