Comstock's Talks

Connecting California's Capital Region businesses and professionals to the resources they need to succeed. Comstock's Talks is a product of Comstock's business magazine.

Young Professionals 2025 With Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal and Freddie Silveria 07/22/2025

Young Professionals 2025 With Charanjeet “Charlie” Kaur Tiwana-Purewal and Freddie Silveria How do you choose your career? When is it a good idea to start a business? How do you maintain momentum? Comstock's Young Professionals and offer insight. Get to know all of Comstock's (and start thinking about who you want to nominate next year!) It's even better in print. to the magazine today! Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/37515290

Athletic Wolves With Steve Martarano and Judy Farah 04/22/2025

Athletic Wolves With Steve Martarano and Judy Farah Editor Judy Farah, Managing Editor Dakota Morlan and contributor Steve Martarano discuss April's on the A's, the gray wolf's and whether or not dire wolves are a good idea. Improve your business outcomes and career trajectory by keeping up with Comstock’s. today. Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/36265395

Women in Leadership 2025 With Cassandra Jennings and Yvonne Pire 03/13/2025

Women in Leadership 2025 With Cassandra Jennings and Yvonne Pire How do you lead diverse teams with differing opinions? Where do you find the confidence to make big career moves? Are women leaders expected to be nicer than men? Comstock's Women in Leadership honorees and join us for a special episode recorded in the wine cellar at Mulvaney's B+L in Midtown Sacramento. Get to know all of our (and start thinking about who you want to nominate next year!) Improve your business outcomes and career trajectory by keeping up with Comstock’s. today. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Time Out by Atch (CC BY 3.0) /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/35675045

Predicting the Economy With Steven Yoder 01/22/2025

Predicting the Economy With Steven Yoder Predicting the future is hard, but we still like to try. Comstock's contributor Steven Yoder breaks down his cover story "" in which economists offer their insight on the next few years in the Capital Region. Which areas will see the most growth? Is it time to make the big moves or to play it safe? Find out in our latest episode. Read more from Steven Yoder . Improve your business outcomes and career trajectory by keeping up with Comstock’s. today. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: by Atch () /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/34960245

Is Our Future Tied to the Tracks? with James Stout 10/14/2024

Is Our Future Tied to the Tracks? with James Stout Journalist James Stout delves into his latest feature for Comstock's "" where he investigated delays in railway expansion throughout the Central Valley. We discuss the hurdles that are baked into the system, changing attitudes towards public transit and whether hopping on a train might be more commonplace in future America. James Stout's work focuses on conflict, migration and anti-fascism. He has written for National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, Esquire and more, and he produces his own podcast, "" Improve your business outcomes and career trajectory by keeping up with Comstock’s. Subscribe to the magazine . Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: by Atch () /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/33453302

Reflecting On 35 Years of Comstock's 08/07/2024

Reflecting On 35 Years of Comstock's Host and Assistant Editor Dakota Morlan is joined by Editor Judy Farah and Senior VP and Director of Business Development Clayton Blakley as we celebrate 35 years of Comstock's magazine, remember how we got here and muse about where we're headed. Read the digital edition of our anniversary issue . Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: by Atch () /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/32484177

A Life in the Arts with Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya 06/28/2024

A Life in the Arts with Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya Sacramento's performing arts powerhouse and Comstock's 2024 Young Professionals honoree Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya shares how he's found success in an elusive field, his vision for the Sac arts scene and why he (sometimes) works for free. Get to know Comstock's 2024 Young Professionals . Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: by Atch () /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/31931142

Bio-informed Flight with Christina Harvey and Michelle Hawkins 04/22/2024

Bio-informed Flight with Christina Harvey and Michelle Hawkins Inventive 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: by Atch () Read the featured story “Fly Like an Eagle” . /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/30940218

Women in Leadership Night at the Jacquelyn 03/25/2024

Women in Leadership Night at the Jacquelyn In this special episode, we get to know some of our 2024 Women in Leadership while exploring the , a new bar, restaurant and private club venue in Sacramento. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: by Atch () Read more about Comstock's Women in Leadership . /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/30530438

The Rise of Medical Aesthetics with Shawna Chrisman 02/14/2024

The Rise of Medical Aesthetics with Shawna Chrisman Nurse 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: by Atch () Read the featured story “The Evolution of Aesthetics” . /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/29956078

'Awe-Inspiring Biofluid': The Science of Breast Milk with Jennifer T. Smilowitz 12/27/2023

'Awe-Inspiring Biofluid': The Science of Breast Milk with Jennifer T. Smilowitz Jennifer 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: by Atch () Read the featured story "Beyond the Bottle" . To subscribe to Comstock's magazine, visit . /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/29243058

New Depths: Sub Sea Systems is Making Our Oceans Accessible for All 10/24/2023

New Depths: Sub Sea Systems is Making Our Oceans Accessible for All Father and daughter Jim Mayfield and Hannah de Bie of 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: by Atch () Read about Sub Sea and other unique family businesses . To subscribe to Comstock's magazine, visit . /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/28414559

'Fight City': The Past, Present and Future of Stockton with Phillip Merlo 09/18/2023

'Fight City': The Past, Present and Future of Stockton with Phillip Merlo San 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: by Atch () Read the featured story "Manufacturing a New Vision for Stockton" . To subscribe to Comstock's magazine, visit . /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/28058760

Bracing for the AI Revolution with Eric Howard 08/22/2023

Bracing for the AI Revolution with Eric Howard co-founder Eric Howard discusses generative AI tools, artistic value and how creatives can adapt to a changing industry. To read the article, visit . Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: by Atch () /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/27820551

2023 Young Professionals Roundtable 07/19/2023

2023 Young Professionals Roundtable Comstock's Young Professionals and talk about mentors, working with AI and what it was like to be a "Rock Star" in this issue's . Host: Dakota Morlan Producers: Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: by () /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/27511026

The Medium Is the Message 02/17/2023

The Medium Is the Message Boutique 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: by () Read the story here: /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/25970460

Working From Home as an Extrovert 11/29/2022

Working From Home as an Extrovert Are 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: by () Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/working-home-extrovert /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/25163358

Inflation Hits the Market Basket 09/20/2022

Inflation Hits the Market Basket In 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: by () (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/inflation-hits-market-basket /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/24433473

Young Professionals Roundtable 08/05/2022

Young Professionals Roundtable Comstock'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, and Vanessa Labi Music: by () Read Latoya Jackson-Lainez's profile and Amber Celmer's profile : /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/23969211

The Return of Arts and Music Festivals 06/23/2022

The Return of Arts and Music Festivals Capital 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: by () (include links) Read the story here: (link) Teaser sentence Writer and reader: (name) Host: (name) Producer: (name) Music: by () (include links) Read the story here: (link) /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/23522783

Pop-Ups Are Popping Off 05/23/2022

Pop-Ups Are Popping Off The 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: by () (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/pop-ups-are-popping /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/23203517

Tourism Out of Troubled Times 04/18/2022

Tourism Out of Troubled Times As 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: by () (include links) Read the story here: (link) /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/22827947

2022 Women in Leadership Panel Discussion 03/25/2022

2022 Women in Leadership Panel Discussion Comstock’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: by () (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/women-leadership /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/22571783

The New Fusion Food (February 2022) 02/16/2022

The New Fusion Food (February 2022) Young restaurateurs in the Capital Region are rewriting the definition of authenticity. Writer and reader: Jennifer Fergesen Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: by () (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/new-fusion-food /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/22144064

It’s Complicated (January 2022) 01/31/2022

It’s Complicated (January 2022) After 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 /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/21965189

Final Frontiers (December 2021) 12/28/2021

Final Frontiers (December 2021) As 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: /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/21617444

Generation to Generation (October 2021) 10/25/2021

Generation to Generation (October 2021) A 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: by () Read the story here: /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/20928488

Are You Ready for the TikTok Challenge? 08/25/2021

Are You Ready for the TikTok Challenge? Social 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: /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/20260877

Film Production in the Capital Region Thrives (July 2021) 07/27/2021

Film Production in the Capital Region Thrives (July 2021) Movies, 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 /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/19933256

Capital Region Golf Courses Are Teed Up for Success (June 2021) 06/23/2021

Capital Region Golf Courses Are Teed Up for Success (June 2021) Capital 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 /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/19581839

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