Data for the People!

Every day, millions of Americans rely on federal data—often without realizing it. From checking the weather forecast to planning retirement, from tracking disease outbreaks to measuring economic growth, government datasets power decisions that shape our daily lives and drive billions in economic activity. 

Data for the People! is a new podcast from the Data Foundation that shines a light on this essential but often overlooked infrastructure. Hosted by J.B. Wogan, each episode features conversations with leaders from the public and private sectors about the national datasets that belong to the American people and the policy changes in Washington that could enable—or limit—their use.

County Conversations

Sacramento County is proud to announce the launch of ”County Conversations: Sac County Podcast.” This monthly podcast series aims to provide listeners with an engaging and transparent look into the County’s operations, programs, and the individuals who lead them. With a commitment to showcasing the human side of County governance, ”County Conversations” will feature in-depth interviews with County leaders and discussions about various programs. Through these conversations, listeners will gain valuable insights into the County’s efforts to serve its residents effectively.

China in the Homeland

Over the last few years, China has proven to be both an adversary abroad and a direct homeland security threat. Using a wide array of tactics, China is targeting vulnerabilities at the state and local levels, including institutions of higher education, critical infrastructure, supply chains, and pension funds, among many other facets of American life. Driving many of these malign efforts is the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front strategy — a harmless sounding name that in reality is a methodical, malicious political warfare campaign.

As the CCP moves to infiltrate the homeland, it has become clear state policymakers must do their part to support the federal government in “battening down the hatches.” To help with this mission, The Vandenberg Coalition is pleased to announce a new limited series podcast, “China in the Homeland.” Each episode will demystify an elements of the CCP’s United Front efforts and other malign tactics and discuss potential policy prescriptions for a more secure heartland. From the classroom to the power grid, states must become proactive about kicking the Chinese Communist Party out for good.

Real Life With The Older Americans Act

What does federal aging policy look like in everyday life? This podcast explores the real people and real communities that benefit from the Older Americans Act (OAA)—the nationwide law that supports older adults’ safety, independence and quality of life.

OAA programs are the backbone of community-based services yet are often hidden in plain sight. As the U.S. population ages rapidly and caregiving needs grow, the services supported by the OAA have never mattered more for health, dignity and connection.

Host Bob Blancato, nationally recognized leader and policy expert on aging, has spent decades shaping programs that improve the health, dignity and well-being of older adults. Bob and his stellar podcast guests bring unparalleled insights into how older adult programs and policies translate into real-world impact for older adults, families and communities across the country.

Listen and learn from engaging policy experts, real-life participants and volunteers, and members of the aging network workforce who are engaged in community services supported by the OAA that provide:
– Nutritious meals improving diet quality, food security, independence and social connection
– Aging and disability support services and hospital care transitions that return $1.30 to $7.10 per dollar invested
– Evidence-based workshops enhancing physical function, self-management, mental well-being and fall prevention contributing to fewer injuries, hospitalizations, and long-term care needs
– Caregiver and dementia-capable services and supports reducing caregiver stress and preventing hospitalizations and institutionalization
– Native American services demonstrating ~36% fewer hospital visits and ~10% fewer falls per year
– Elder Justice initiatives raising awareness, reporting, safety, and service coordination for vulnerable older adults
– Older adult employment and training resulting in ~48% unsubsidized employment, 80% one-year employment retention, 32% improved physical health and 76% increased positive outlook/mental health

This series is proudly sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation, a national, nonpartisan philanthropy dedicated to improving care for older adults, and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), a leading organization advocating for community-based senior nutrition programs and staff.

Learn more about the key role of the Older Americans Act by going to: What To Know About The Older Americans Act And The Services It Provides (https://www.kff.org/medicare/what-to-know-about-the-older-americans-act-and-the-services-it-provides-to-older-adults/).

The Speaker’s Scoop

A few minutes a week behind the scenes with Washington State Speaker of the House of Representatives Laurie Jinkins

Two-Faced: John of God

To thousands of people around the world, João Teixeira de Faria was known as John of God, a traditional Brazilian spiritual healer famous for performing miraculous medical procedures without anesthesia. But in 2018, it became clear that John of God was keeping a dark secret that would ultimately lead to his downfall. In this series, we follow a guru who built a holy empire, the criminal activity that made it possible and the powerful network of believers who protect him even to this day. Two-Faced: John of God is a story about the reach of global faith healing movements, the power of belief and just how far we will go before we question it all.You can also find this show en español wherever you get your podcasts. Just look for Dos Caras: Juan de Dios.

UNMARKED: A True Crime Podcast

UNMARKED is a new true crime podcast and YouTube series built on rare interviews, real police evidence, and never-before-heard audio from some of the most infamous cases in North America.
From inside prison phone calls to lost tapes and forgotten case files, these are the stories that were never meant to be heard — told by award-winning true crime filmmaker James Buddy Day.
REAL CASES. REAL TAPES. NEVER-BEFORE HEARD.
Exclusive interviews & archival recordings
No reenactments. No gimmicks. Just the truth.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. 

The Joy of Democracy

The Joy of Democracy is a public affairs podcast hosted by Joy Silver, chair of the Riverside County Democratic Party. Episodes cover local government, grassroots organizing, voting rights, public policy, community issues, and the choices that shape quality of life. The show also spotlights the work of candidates, community leaders, volunteers, organizers, and everyday activists who are driving change at the local and state level.

Through in-depth interviews and real-world stories, listeners gain insight into the people and movements shaping the future of Riverside County and California politics. Perfect for listeners interested in California politics, local government, civic action, and grassroots movements and people who believe in democracy as lived practice, civic responsibility, public power—and political consequence.

Voices of Joplin

Making sense of Joplin public affairs, one episode at a time. Hosted by Political Science alumni and policy enthusiasts. Focused on the Joplin City Council, regional growth, and local policy. Proudly based in the heart of Joplin, Missouri!

Inside Goodyear

Inside Goodyear is your all-access pass to one of the fastest-growing cities in the country!  Get the inside scoop on big projects, hidden gems, and the stories that make Goodyear such a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just curious about what makes our city thrive, Inside Goodyear will keep you informed, inspired, and connected!