Comstock's Talks

Young restaurateurs in the Capital Region are rewriting the definition of authenticity. Writer and reader: Jennifer Fergesen Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: Time Out by Atch ( CC BY 3.0 ) (include links) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/new-fusion-food

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

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: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/final-frontiers

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: Time Out by Atch ( CC BY 3.0 ) Read the story here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/three-capital-region-restaurants-keep-it-family

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: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/are-you-ready-tiktok-challenge

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

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

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

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 Billy Faier , courtesy of Smithsonian Folkway Recordings . "The Gold Rush is Over" is by Smokey Hormel , courtesy of Free Music Archive . (Licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3....

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

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 m...

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

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...

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 Cate...

Q: When is it too late to change careers? I'm 40 and hate my job. But with almost 20 years invested in my field, I really don't want to start over with an entry-level position in a new area. How possible is it to switch careers without taking a massive pay cut?​ Written by Suzanne Lucas Produced by Shoka Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dile...

After 15 years as a Major League Baseball player for five teams, Greg Vaughn now focuses on Vaughn's Valley Foundation. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Tom Couzens Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/still-...

Roger Valine helped transform VSP from a small local company to an international operation by 2006 when he decided to retire. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Graham Womack Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/articl...

Michele McCormick sold her public relations company and became a model, actor and photographer who specializes in travel and nature photography. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Shoka Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag...

In December 2019, a few months before the fastest drop in global stock markets in financial history, Mark Otero launched Alice Capital, a hedge fund designed to bypass emotion.  This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Jennifer Fergesen Read and produced by Robin E...

After losing his bid for reelection as Stockton mayor, Michael Tubbs is weighing his options. Written by Marcus Crowder Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/career-detour

Pam Marrone, who retired as CEO of Marrone Bio Innovations in 2020, didn't take a break; she still works 10-12 hour days. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Jennifer Junghans Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/articl...

Carl Landau had spent 37 years in publishing and event organizing when he decided to launch Pickleball Media last year. This profile is part of The Next Chapter, in which we check in with Capital Region professionals who moved into new pursuits or retirement after successful careers. Written by Sena Christian Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/som...

Q: I had a midlevel manager recently leave for another position, and I'm about to post the job. I know that several of the people who worked for her want that position, but I think the company might be better served by going for an outside hire. How should I proceed so I don't anger my current employees and risk losing them too? Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phi...

Cohousing communities are neighborhoods where physical spaces, outdoors and indoors, give residents a place to interact outside of their private homes. These communities are growing in popularity across the Capital Region.  Written by Rachel Leibrock Read and produced by Robin Epley Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/neighborly-design

Q: Early next year, our company will begin using new software for most everything we do. It's already so late in the process, so what can we do quickly to ensure that our employees are adequately trained and don't feel like they are on their own?​ Written by Suzanne Lucas. Produced by Shoka. Audio engineering by Phillip Baldwin. Read more here: https://www.comstocksmag.com/article/dilemma-month-ne...