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.

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

The Power of Empathy (May 2021) 05/24/2021

The Power of Empathy (May 2021) Technology tends to be associated with things like computers, algorithms and machines, but the world of technology and innovation has long embraced a concern for other humans. And it’s not just a matter of altruism or having a heart: Empathy is innovation’s secret sauce. Written by Jeff Wilser Produced by Robin Epley Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/power-empathy /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/19197023

A Tarnished Past (May 2021) 05/06/2021

A Tarnished Past (May 2021) Stakeholders in the Sierra Nevada are confronting the lasting legacy of the gold rush. Written, hosted and produced by Sena Christian. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. “The Days of ‘49” is by Logan English and , courtesy of . “The Gold Rush is Over” is by , courtesy of . (Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License.) “Spring Song” is by Shelly Covert, courtesy of Shelly Covert. Read the story here: /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/18975707

A Blend for Success (April 2021) 04/19/2021

A Blend for Success (April 2021) Wineries in the Capital Region have added an array of amenities to keep oenophiles closer to home. Written by Daniel Barnes Read and produced by Robin Epley Read here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/blend-success /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/18780608

Evil HR Lady: Should a New Hire Be Allowed to Take a Trip? 04/08/2021

Evil HR Lady: Should a New Hire Be Allowed to Take a Trip? Q: A new hire started today. He says he scheduled a trip before applying for the new job. He says he has all his reservations and has paid, so he will be taking the trip. He will finish the onboarding process and then go on the trip. What can I do? Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. This Evil HR Lady column ran in the April 2021 issue of Comstock’s magazine. Read it here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-should-new-hire-be-allowed-take-trip /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/18640409

Rise and Shine (March 2021) 03/21/2021

Rise and Shine (March 2021) 2020 will go down in history as a time when women made remarkable advances on the political scene. Written by Laurie Lauletta-Boshart Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/rise-and-shine /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/18409535

Evil HR Lady: Were You Passed Over for a Promotion? 03/10/2021

Evil HR Lady: Were You Passed Over for a Promotion? Q: I’ve been working in a key position at my company for 20 years. When a management position opened for which I am highly qualified, I applied and, frankly, expected to land the promotion. My company instead promoted a male colleague who has similar experience but has only been with the company for 10 years. Do I have any recourse? Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. This Evil HR Lady column ran in the March 2021 issue of Comstock’s magazine. Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-were-you-passed-over-promotion /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/18237953

Women in Leadership Roundtable 03/08/2021

Women in Leadership Roundtable Comstock’s magazine invited three of our 2021 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 Betty Yee, California state controller; Cassie Gilson, president and managing partner of Axiom Advisors; and Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou, advanced sommelier and co-owner of Allora restaurant and WM Catering and Events in Sacramento. Hosted and produced by Sena Christian and Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. by is licensed under an . /episode/index/show/actionitems/id/18194666

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