Studio Sacramento Podcast: Recent Episodes
PBS KVIE
Join the conversations that matter to our region with host Scott Syphax, who invites questions about the people and issues that are changing our communities. Get an in-depth look at the news – no soundbites or fluff, just balanced discussion.
The Studio Sacramento series is sponsored by Five Star Bank and Western Health Advantage.
California’s girls are achieving in school and beyond, yet many are struggling with serious psychological distress. Dr. Linda Farley, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of Central California, and Girl Scout Amelia Reyes-Stone join host Scott Syphax to discuss the 2026
What can a forgotten ice core reveal about the future of our coastlines? Kathy Kasic, filmmaker and Sacramento State associate professor, joins host Scott Syphax to discuss her Emmy-winning documentary, The Memory of Darkness, Light, and Ice, and the discovery
The 1982 Tylenol murders shocked the nation, changed consumer safety, and remain officially unsolved. Joseph Cibelli joins host Scott Syphax to discuss his book, “The Tylenol Murders: A Father’s Confession to His Son,” and why he believes his own father
From his childhood on a farm near Stockton to his development of signature communities and his role in helping launch UC Merced, Fritz Grupe has shaped California for more than six decades. Fritz Grupe joins host Scott Syphax to discuss
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, learn, and make decisions — and its impact is being felt in Sacramento. But who shapes that future? Jesse Delgado of the AI Collective joins host Scott Syphax to discuss how communities can
Catholic schools have long been a cornerstone of education in Sacramento, but today they face declining enrollment, rising costs, and major change. With Jesuit High School set to admit girls, Dr. John Moran of St. Francis High School and alumna
Sacramento sits in the heart of one of the world’s richest agricultural regions, where chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs are redefining regional food culture. Chef and restaurateur Brad Cecchi of Canon joins host Scott Syphax to discuss innovation in the kitchen,
Jorge Aguirre-Alvarado joins host Scott Syphax to share his personal story as his spouse remains detained by immigration authorities. Sacramento City Councilmember Eric Guerra and Opening Doors CEO Jessie Mabry also join the conversation to discuss due process, family separation,
What’s the reality of Sacramento’s economic future? Barry Broome, CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, joins host Scott Syphax to discuss the forces shaping affordability, job growth, and investment in our region — and the tradeoffs that will define
What’s ahead in 2026 as Sacramento and California face national tensions, change, and rising costs? Marcos Bretón, California Opinion Editor at The Sacramento Bee, joins host Scott Syphax to explore the key issues shaping the year ahead.
Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools, the largest adult education charter in the region, faces potential closure after a state audit raised serious concerns. Executive Director Jonathan Raymond joins host Scott Syphax to discuss reforms and what’s next.
Senator Angelique Ashby joins host Scott Syphax for a candid conversation on leadership, policy, and her vision for Sacramento as she represents the 8th District in the California State Senate.
Jean-Francois Coget, Dean of the College of Business at Sacramento State, joins host Scott Syphax to discuss how the school is preparing students for an evolving, AI-driven economy and helping shape the future of the region’s workforce.
Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty joins host Scott Syphax to share his plans for tackling homelessness, housing, public safety, and economic growth to build a stronger future for the city.
Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, one of two candidates in the November 2024 Sacramento mayoral election, joins host Scott Syphax to share his inspiring journey into politics, his motivations for seeking the mayor’s office, and his vision for Sacramento’s future.
Dr. Flojaune Cofer, a candidate in the November 2024 Sacramento mayoral election, joins host Scott Syphax to share her journey into politics, her motivations for seeking the mayor’s office, and her vision for Sacramento’s future.
Downtown Sacramento has been severely impacted due to the rise of remote work since COVID and its effect on the local economy. Can it be reimagined? Downtown Sacramento Partnership CEO Michael Ault and local developer Kipp Blewett of Rubicon Partners
Many individuals and families struggle to navigate our mental health care system, especially during a crisis. WellSpace Health’s Christie Gonzales and Dr. Jonathan Porteus join host Scott Syphax to share their insights on the issues of accessing mental healthcare in
Congressman Tom McClintock has served the region since 2009 and represents California’s 5th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. He joins host Scott Syphax to discuss his views on the significant issues of the day and how
With a projected $60 million shortfall, the City of Sacramento’s proposed budget may significantly impact its residents, particularly its youth. Sacramento Assistant City Manager Leyne Milstein and Former Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer join host Scott Syphax for a conversation
Sacramento is home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the United States. Mai Vang, Sacramento City Councilmember, District 8, and Nancy Xiong of Hmong Innovating Politics join host Scott Syphax to give us an insider’s view into this
Governor Newsom’s budget could close the doors of safety-net providers, which protect and support children in crisis and their families. Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento Executive Director Glynis Butler-Stone and Board Member Heidi Sanborn join host Scott Syphax for a
Sacramento County Supervisors recently voted to adopt the All In Sacramento plan, which strives to address the issues of people experiencing homelessness. In a candid conversation about homelessness in Sacramento County, homeless advocate Erin Johansen and Sacramento Cottage Housing’s Kris
The recession that most economists predicted would happen didn’t happen. Economist Sanjay Varshney joins host Scott Syphax to share his insights on what happened and where the economy may go next.
Dr. Ami Bera has served the Sacramento region since 2013 and represents California’s 6th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. He joins host Scott Syphax to discuss his views on the significant issues of the day and
The recent outbreak of violence between Israel and Hamas has claimed over 9,000 Palestinian lives. This conflict has driven protests and anger from all points across political and religious spectrums. CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central CA Executive Director Basim Elkarra joins host
Many call the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, Israel’s 9/11. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg issued a strong statement in the attack’s aftermath. He joins host Scott Syphax to share his perspective as a local leader and a member of
The recession that most economists predicted didn’t happen. Most indicators – like inflation, supply-chain shortages, and rising interest rates – all seem to show improvement. What happened and what’s next? Economist Sanjay Varshney joins host Scott Syphax to share his insights on the economy and its direction.
Leading Sacramento County’s fight against crime, District Attorney Thien Ho brings a unique perspective to issues like homelessness, gun violence, and human trafficking. He joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about his plans to address Sacramento County’s challenges and his personal story.
Issues related to the transgender community are among the most contested areas in political debate in America today. Alexis Sanchez of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about her journey as a transgender person and an activist for the LGBTQ+ community.
The slogan “Made at Sac State” takes on new meaning as Dr. Luke Wood assumes the role of Sacramento State President. Dr. Wood graduated from Sacramento State in 2005, and he joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about returning to his alma mater and his vision for the future.
The losses of regional community banks, starting with Silicon Valley Bank, have made many of us wonder if our money is safe and if there are more risks to come. Five Star Bank President and CEO James Beckwith and Luther Burbank Savings President and CEO Simone Lagomarsino join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about what happened in the latest bank failures.
Meaningful communication is part of every healthy relationship. "Bridge the Gap" co-authors Jennifer Edwards and Katie McCleary join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about their book, which helps us understand communication traps and how to escape them.
Sacramento is the first American city to host the Homeless World Cup. The event brings attention and hope to those who experience homelessness. Tiffany Fraser and Lisa Wrightsman of Street Soccer USA join host Scott Syphax to talk about the event in Sacramento and its mission for strengthening our region.
The ability to read is a gift that many of us may take for granted. Not being able to read can adversely impact a child’s future. April Javist, Executive Director of Sacramento Literacy Foundation, and Michael Lynch, Co-Founder and CEO of Improve Your Tomorrow, join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the importance of literacy in childhood education.
Discovering our ancestral stories is a passion for Nick Sheedy, Lead Genealogist of Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Nick joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about working on the show and why it’s important to know where we come from, so we can better understand who we are.
Founded in 1966 to challenge police brutality, the Black Panther Party was one of the most recognizable and influential movements of the 1960s. Former Black Panther Party Members Akinsanya Kambon and Van Taylor join host Scott Syphax to share their stories and perspectives on the movement and its relevance now.
Is antisemitism on the rise? According to the Anti-Defamation League, approximately 60% of American Jews have faced antisemitism. Rabbi Mona Alfi of Congregation B’nai Israel and Kiyomi I. Kowalski, and April Powers of Project Shema join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the reality of antisemitism and how to gain understanding.
Ken Burns’ film Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness takes us inside our country’s youth mental health crisis. Featured in the film are mental advocate Makalynn Powell and Dr. Tom Insel of Vanna Health. They join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about youth mental health.
Housing is always at the top of the agenda for our region and its future. Local entrepreneur and Unseen Heroes CEO Roshaun Davis joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about a new approach to building housing and community.
Rising interest rates, war overseas, and inflation are contributing to declining consumer and business confidence in the economy. Is recession inevitable? Sanjay Varshney, the chief economist of the Sacramento Business Review, shares his insights with host Scott Syphax.
The Sacramento Bee is bringing fresh perspectives to its editorial pages by adding new members who are younger with different points of view. Some of these new editorial members – Yousef Baig, Robin Epley, and Hannah Holzer – join California Opinion Editor Marcos Bretón and host Scott Syphax for a conversation about The Sacramento Bee’s editorial work.
Kids are back in school after the pandemic. But what are the long-term impacts on their learning? Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica, 2022 Placer County Elementary Teacher of the Year Tiffany McGuire, and Visions in Education Superintendent Steve Olmos join host Scott Syphax to share what they learned during the pandemic and how education will change permanently.
Spanning 23 miles and 4,800 acres, the American River Parkway is an urban gem. While it provides nature and recreational opportunities to enjoy, it’s also a part of our region’s homelessness issue. American River Parkway Foundation Executive Director Dianna Poggetto joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the importance of the parkway.
What is UC Davis Aggie Square? Aggie Square is being called the biggest economic development investment in Sacramento in a generation and aspires to transform the university and the capital region. UC Davis Chancellor Gary May joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the project’s future.
From humble beginnings on Old Sacramento’s Delta King, Capital Stage has gained a reputation for bold and thought-provoking theater that entertains and drives discussion. Capital Stage Artistic Director Michael Stevenson joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the power of theatre and its future in Sacramento.
For the first time in a generation, inflation is back, and everything seems more expensive than before. Economist Sanjay Varshney joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about how our economy got to this point and where it might go from here.
Three opponents of California’s State Capitol Annex Project join host Scott Syphax to discuss why Sacramentans should care whether the building is restored and rehabilitated or torn down and replaced. Featuring representative Richard F. Cowan of Public Accountability for our Capitol, Paula Peper of Save Our Capitol!, and Mark Hulbert of Preservation Architecture.
As numbers drop, it's easy to think that COVID is behind us, but the collateral impact for healthcare workers directly fighting on the front lines continues. Nurses Michelle Linenberger and Andrea Vega-Breaux and Dr. Peter Yellowlees from UC Davis Health share their experiences with host Scott Syphax.
The HistoryMakers, an extensive repository of digital biographies, records first-person narratives from accomplished and influential African American figures who have made their mark on history. The visionary behind The HistoryMakers, Julieanna Richardson, joins host Scott Syphax to discuss this impressive video oral history collection, which is housed at the Library of Congress.
World-renowned Harvard professor, philosopher, and author Michael Sandel joins host Scott Syphax for a discussion about his recent book “The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good?”
Before becoming Mayor of West Sacramento, Martha Guerrero served her city for over 15 years and advocated for issues ranging from aging to mental health. Mayor Martha Guerrero joins host Scott Syphax for a discussion about her experience in public service and her vision for West Sacramento’s future.
The beginning of 2022 might feel like the beginning of 2021 with a spike in the pandemic being the leading issue of a new year. California Opinion Editor Marcos Bretón of The Sacramento Bee and Ed Goldman of The Goldman State join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the issues and people they think will dominate the headlines and our conversations in the coming year.
A vibrant arts and cultural community bring life to a city. How do we grow the creative community and the population that supports it? Allison Cagley of Friends of Sacramento Arts and Megan Van Voorhis of the City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about Sacramento’s plans for the future of the arts and its importance in education.
Prior to the pandemic, the Sacramento region was on a roll. Now as we try to recover, what’s next for our economy, and how do we grow our region’s prosperity? CEO Barry Broome from the Greater Sacramento Economic Council joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about his insights on the future of the capital region.
The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Sacramento State, just released its first economic report on the Hispanic community. Rita Gallardo Good of Sacramento State, Lydia Ramirez of Five Star Bank, and Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about this community’s role in our region’s future.
The role of Black athletes and the use of their voices and bodies on and off the field is a charged topic among many sports fans, commentators, and the players themselves. Dr. Vernon Andrews, author of “Policing Black Athletes: Racial Disconnect in Sports,” joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about this issue and how it relates to the players and the public that watches them.
Sacramento’s Police Chief Daniel Hahn will be retiring after four years leading the department. Chief Hahn joins host Scott Syphax to share his perspective on his time in command and the events he’s faced along the way.
The sun could provide cooking fuel for almost half of the world’s population. Based in Sacramento, Solar Cookers International is leading the movement bringing solar cooking to the world. CEO Caitlyn Hughes joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the environmental, social, and life-improving benefits of solar cooking.
We all hoped for a much better year in 2021 after a very tough 2020, but for many, the year has become more of the same. The Sacramento Bee’s California Opinion Editor Marcos Bretón joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about 2021, California’s political landscape, the recall effort on Governor Gavin Newsom, the state’s future, and more.
El Concilio – based in Stockton, California – provides the San Joaquin Central Valley with services ranging from job readiness to family wellness. CEO Jose Rodriguez joins host Scott Syphax to share the stories of the people the organization helps and the work yet to come.
Sacramento is a hub of entertainment with popular events like Aftershock and Farm to Fork and a new performing arts center. With COVID cases on the rise, our region is navigating staying safe while trying to return to the things we enjoy as a community. Mike Testa of Visit Sacramento joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about what’s happening in Sacramento – now and in the future.
With the upcoming recall vote deciding the fate of Governor Gavin Newsom, political experts Rob Stutzman and David Townsend join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about their views on the recall effort and the issues shaping the future of California politics.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has experienced increased levels of hatred and violence. Manjusha P. Kulkarni of A3PCON and Stop AAPI Hate, Daniel Sakaya of Crossings TV, and Sacramento Councilmember Mai Vang join host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the roots of this hostility and what is being done about it.
From current efforts to recall Governor Gavin Newsom or running for Governor in 2024, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about his case for the recall and his plans and vision for California if he’s elected governor.
What is the current status of the COVID-19 vaccination efforts in California? Appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom, California Government Operations Agency Secretary Yolanda Richardson leads the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in California. She joins host Scott Syphax for a conversation about the current status of the COVID-19 vaccination process.