CIIS Public Programs

Author and psychoanalyst, Pilar Jennings is joined by CIIS’s Sergio Rodriguez-Castillo for a conversation about the intersection of Buddhism and psychology.

Author Jabari Asim and CIIS’s Dean of Diversity and Inclusion Denise Boston in conversation about his new book. It's about a different side of American history - one that doesn't depend on a narrative steeped in oppression, but rather reveals African American voices telling their own stories.

Artificial intelligence research scientist Julie Carpenter, and human sexuality researcher Brianna Booth explore the future of human-robot sexual interaction, considering the subject from both robot and human perspectives

Author and teacher Oren Jay Sofer in conversation with CIIS’s Terese Gjernes about mindful and nonviolent communication skills.

Chef Nik Sharma talks with CIIS Dean of Alumni Richard Buggs to share the stories and recipes that have shaped his life and work. This conversation was part of The Haresh & Joan Shah Lecture & Performance Series.

Author Huda Al-Marashi talks with CIIS Professor Daniela Koenig about the process of navigating love and expectations while straddling two cultures.

Author Adrienne Mayor is joined by CIIS Professor Carolyn Cooke to explore how some of today's most advanced innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence were foreshadowed in ancient myth.

Clinical neuropsychologist Mario Martinez is joined by CIIS’s Natalie Metz to discuss his research on aging and longevity.

Improviser and writer Marlee Grace talks with Julia Plevin, the creator of Forest Bathing Club about Marlee’s book: How To Not Always Be Working.

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of nine books, including the blockbuster Eat, Pray, Love, in conversation with author and illustrator Lisa Congdon, about creativity, magic, fear, and grief.

Author Steven Johnson and CIIS Professor Carolyn Cooke consider how to make decisions - drawings lessons from cognitive science, social psychology, military strategy, and great works of literature.

Philosopher John Kaag and author Mark Greif discuss Nietzsche's ideals and how they relate to the messy experience of living in the 21st century.

Award winning young author JM Holmes is joined in conversation by Stephanie Anne Johnson to discuss the inspiration for his debut collection of short stories.

Sharmila Sen, executive editor of Harvard University Press, discusses her recent book about growing up as an immigrant in America with CIIS Professor Jyoti Rao. This event was part of The Haresh & Joan Shah Lecture & Performance Series.

Writer and commentator Lindy West is joined in conversation by body positivity activist Jes Baker for a conversation on feminism, politics, and activism.

In this episode, mechanical engineer and author David Hu talks with Kat Snow from KQED Public Radio about how scientists are inspired by animals to develop cutting-edge technology.

Geologist and cosmochemist Natalie Starkey is joined in conversation by CIIS’s Joshua Fields to explore her work studying the composition and behavior of comets.

Journalist Vince Beiser is joined in conversation by CIIS Professor Jacob Sherman to explore the compelling true story of a hugely important and diminishing natural resource: sand.

Kathy Littles, the Dean of the School of Consciousness and Transformation at CIIS, explores how western museums have historically held power and authority in matters of race.

International labor lawyer, Y-Vonne Hutchinson, and Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley, Clair Brown, explore the positive and negative impacts of technology on the world of work. This conversation was a collaboration with the Kapor Center for Social Impact in Oakland.

Boots Riley, the writer and director of Sorry To Bother You, and lead singer of The Coup discusses creativity and activism with local writer Chinaka Hodge.

In this episode, poet and scholar Cameron Awkward-Rich discusses his work, which broke new ground in Trans, Queer, Black, and American poetry. He was joined in conversation by writer and curator James Fleming.

In this episode, psychologist and professor Alinne Barrera joins psychiatrist and UCSF Clinical Informatics fellow Steven Chan to explore how recent advances in technology and artificial intelligence are changing the way we seek and provide mental health care.

Stanford Professor and author Leah Weiss is joined in conversation by CIIS Dean of Alumni Richard Buggs to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for using ancient wisdom traditions to improve your work.

In this episode, psychologist and author Stuart Ablon is joined in conversation by Nicolle Zapien, CIIS’s Dean of Professional Psychology and Health, to explore the science of how people change.