CIIS Public Programs

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.

In this episode, Doug Vakoch, the President of Messaging Extra Terrestrial Intelligence - or METI, and CIIS professor, examines the social and cultural aspects of extraterrestrial contact.

Author and activist Julia Serano is joined by CIIS professor Zara Zimbardo for a conversation about how to make feminist and queer movements more inclusive.

Author and anthropologist David Graeber is joined by debt researcher Jason Wozniak for a conversation about the phenomena of meaningless jobs.

In this episode, comedian, activist, and author Franchesca Ramsey is joined in conversation by author and comedian Sarah Cooper about the many ways we communicate with each other.

Mycologist and author Paul Stamets explores the magical world of mushrooms, deepening our understanding of the planet and its people.

Activist, author, and former Black Panther Party member Angela Davis talks with CIIS Professor Danielle Drake about her life and work.

Ethnobotanist Kathleen Harrison is joined in conversation by CIIS's Natalie Metz to explore entheogens and the rich and complex relationship between plants, mushrooms, and human beings.