Wednesday, December 27, 2023

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Daniel Sokatch: A Pivotal Figure in Modern Jewish Dialogue and Israeli Affair is Redefining Jewish Advocacy

On October 7th, a pivotal event in Israel echoed globally, deeply affecting the local Israeli community. This impact extended worldwide, influencing international politics and discourse, from the Red Sea to capitals like Moscow, Washington, and Beijing. In the U.S., notably in Los Angeles and San Francisco, streets filled with protests, mirroring societal divides. These events highlighted the interplay of geopolitics and history, shaping future narratives about Israel, Judaism, and anti-Semitism. 

In California, local issues mirrored these global dynamics, showcasing our world's interconnectedness. Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund since 2009, is a key figure in this narrative. A former CEO of the Jewish Community Federation in San Francisco and founder of what is now Bend the Arc, he's recognized as a major Jewish influencer. Author of 'Can We Talk About Israel: A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted' (2021), Sokatch is a notable author and commentator.

To access my conversation with Daniel Sokatch, please go to our new Substack page By doing so, and signing up, you'll receive them directly in your email and ensure that you don't miss anything during our transition to Substack.

Monday, December 11, 2023

Unmasking the Elepahant

My WhoWhatWhy conversation with legendary campaign strategist Stuart Stevens, whose new book THE CONSPIRACY TO END AMERICA looks deep into the GOP’s True Colors and its dying future.




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Monday, December 4, 2023

Jonathan Taplin vs. the tech billionaires


Jonathan Taplin, a film producer, scholar, and director emeritus of the Annenberg Innovation Lab, is a vocal critic of excessive techno-optimism. In his book, "The End of Reality: How Four Billionaires are Selling a Fantasy Future of the Metaverse, Mars, and Crypto," he argues that the California-centric billionaires Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Marc Andreessen are diverting public attention from critical issues. He criticizes the media's role in glorifying them and advocates for a cultural shift that emphasizes real solutions over escapist narratives.

My California Sun podcast with Jonathan Taplan:

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