I Left My Podcast in San Francisco

Dean Crispen: Inside SFFD's Leadership, Innovation & Community Jul 20, 2026

Take a deep dive into the San Francisco Fire Department with Fire Chief Dean Crispen, a 34‑year veteran dedicated to service, equity, and innovation. From drones and thermal cameras to a massive new Bayview training facility, Chief Crispen breaks down how SFFD is evolving to keep our neighborhoods safe. He also shares stories of bravery, volunteering at Ground Zero, and what it means to serve the city he grew up in.Recorded at City Hall for “I Left My Podcast in San Francisco,” this conversation highlights community preparedness, hands‑only CPR, youth programs, and the heart behind San Francisco’s firefighters.www.sf-fire.org

Anne Taupier: Rebuilding the Heart of the City — Creativity, Commerce & Community Jul 13, 2026

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, host Franco Finn sits down with Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic & Workforce Development, for one of the most inspiring conversations about the future of our city.We dive into: -The Vacant to Vibrant program that’s drawing 800+ small businesses to downtown-How SF is reinventing itself as a 24/7 mixed‑use neighborhood-Workforce programs like CityBuild and TechSF preparing residents for the jobs of tomorrow-Why San Francisco is the global capital for AI AND a powerhouse for arts and cultureHidden neighborhoods, new restaurants, and the rise of night markets-What makes San Francisco such a magnetic, resilient, and innovative cityIf you love this city, live in it, work in it, or are curious about its comeback — this episode is for you.www.sfgov.org/oewd

Becca Prowda: One City Day, A Culture of Service Jul 06, 2026

Join us for a powerful conversation with Becca Prowda, First Lady of San Francisco, as she shares the inspiration and mission behind One City Day — San Francisco’s brand‑new, citywide day of service happening July 11.In this episode, Becca explains why service is at the heart of the city’s future, how One City Day was created, and what it means for all 11 districts, Treasure Island, our parks, green spaces, and neighborhoods. We also talk about her journey in public service, her love for SF’s neighborhoods, and the importance of reconnecting as a community.Sign up for One City Day:Visit sf.gov and search “One City Day” to choose from hundreds of volunteer opportunities across the city.Let’s roll up our sleeves and show what our #OneCity can do together.

Honey Mahogany: Equity, Culture & Pride Jun 29, 2026

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Honey Mahogany, Director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI)—an activist, artist, entrepreneur, and public servant.

From growing up in the Outer Sunset and performing in musical theater and drag to practicing social work and shaping city policy, Honey shares a powerful journey rooted in service, community, and equity.

We talk about her San Francisco roots, her early social work at the Rainbow Community Center, co‑owning The Stud to preserve queer culture, and co‑founding the Transgender Cultural District.

She reflects on the surge in anti‑trans legislation nationwide and the resulting migration to refuge cities, updates to SF’s Fair Chance Ordinance to protect people criminalized for gender‑affirming or reproductive care and for performing drag, and the importance of representation inside City Hall.

https://sf.gov/transcitysf

Dennis Herrera: Public Service, Infrastructure, and San Francisco Jun 23, 2026

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Dennis Herrera, General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). From his early days serving on city commissions to nearly two decades as San Francisco City Attorney and his leadership at the SFPUC, Dennis shares stories from a career dedicated to public service.

He reflects on landmark legal battles that helped shape California and the nation, including the fight for marriage equality, protecting immigrant communities, defending access to health care, and holding corporations accountable.

We talk about his transition to leading the SFPUC during a pivotal moment for the agency, the progress made on public power, environmental stewardship, and major infrastructure investments that will serve generations to come.

Dennis also reflects on leadership, public service, and the values that have guided his work on behalf of San Franciscans.

https://www.sfpuc.gov

Sherrice Dorsey-Smith: The Heart of SF’s Youth Programs Jun 15, 2026

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Sherrice Dorsey‑Smith, Executive Director of the Department of Children, Youth & Their Families (DCYF). From her early days in AmeriCorps to leading one of SF’s most impactful departments, Sherrice shares an inspiring journey rooted in service, equity, and commitment to young people.

We talk about her first experiences in San Francisco, the mission of DCYF and the 249 programs they fund, and the massive pivots her team made during the pandemic, including building Community Hubs that served more than 6,000 children. Sherrice also reflects on the importance of mental health and supporting the “whole child,” the department’s work in youth violence prevention, community needs, and family summits, as well as her Women’s History Month recognition and her vision for the future of San Francisco.https://dcyf.org

Carol Isen: Merit, Equity, and the Modern City Workforce Jun 08, 2026

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Carol Isen, Director of Human Resources for the City and County of San Francisco. Carol traces her journey from Detroit activist roots to becoming one of SF’s leading voices on workforce development, labor relations, equity, and public service.She shares stories from her early days as a union organizer, what it was like being on the Bay Bridge during the 1989 earthquake, how her department navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and the massive modernization efforts underway to improve hiring and support city workers. We also dive into her love of music, LGBTQ history in SF, and the essential people who keep this city running.

sf.gov/DHR

Jorge Rivas: How SF Supports Immigrant Families Jun 01, 2026

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Jorge Rivas, Executive Director of the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA). Jorge shares his powerful story as the son of immigrants, his mission to remove barriers for newcomers, and how San Francisco became the first city in the nation to earn a 5‑star Welcoming America certification.

From Pride Month to his favorite Sunset breakfast spot, this episode dives into culture, community, and what it takes to make San Francisco the most welcoming city in the world.

Learn more about OCEIA’s programs, community ambassadors, language access, citizenship pathways, and the June 8th City Hall celebration.

https://sf.gov/oceia

David Chiu: Inside the Fights Shaping San Francisco May 26, 2026

Join us in the basement of San Francisco City Hall for an in‑depth conversation with City Attorney David Chiu, who breaks down the biggest legal battles shaping the city—from the lawsuit targeting ultra‑processed food companies to the urgent fight against AI‑generated deepfake pornography. He explains how these cases impact public health, safety, and civil rights, while also touching on housing enforcement, worker protections, and San Francisco’s pushback against harmful federal policies.

City Attorney Chiu also shares his personal journey from growing up as one of the only Asian kids in his Boston neighborhood to discovering his passion for civil rights and eventually becoming SF’s City Attorney. Along the way, he reflects on AAPI representation, the resilience of San Francisco, his favorite hidden gems, and even a bit of Boston sports nostalgia. If you care about justice, civic leadership, or the future of San Francisco, you’ll love this episode.

Manijeh Fata: How to Film in the Most Cinematic City May 18, 2026

Go behind the scenes of San Francisco’s film renaissance with Manijeh Fata, Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Commission. In this deep‑dive conversation, we explore SF’s iconic cinematic history, the city’s powerful new $1M filming incentive, how the film office kept productions alive during the pandemic, and the exciting wave of movies and series returning to shoot in the city.Manijeh shares her personal journey from community activism to filmmaking, memorable celebrity encounters (including Keanu Reeves!), and her vision for empowering local storytellers and underrepresented creatives. Whether you’re a film professional, an SF lover, or a movie geek, this episode pulls back the curtain on how San Francisco is reclaiming its role as one of the most cinematic cities in the world.https://www.filmsf.org/

Gabbie Listana: San Francisco Youth Are Heard May 11, 2026

Meet Gabrielle “Gabbie” Listana, the 18‑year‑old Chair of the San Francisco Youth Commission representing more than 175,000 young people across the city.

In this episode, Gabbie opens up about growing up in the Tenderloin and SOMA, leading major youth‑driven legislation like Free Muni for Youth, pushing for language access, fighting for environmental justice, and supporting immigrant and LGBTQ+ youth. She also talks about AI in the classroom, the impact of social media on youth well‑being, and what adults often misunderstand about young people.

From her father’s activism to her own grassroots organizing — including a massive youth walkout that took over four city blocks — Gabbie represents the bold, informed, and passionate voice of San Francisco’s next generation.

Paul Miyamoto: The Sheriff of San Francisco May 04, 2026

What does it mean to serve and protect the city that raised you? In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto shares his story as a fourth‑generation San Franciscan, the first elected Asian American sheriff in California, and a leader dedicated to safety, compassion, and community.Sheriff Miyamoto takes us behind the scenes of the SF Sheriff’s Office—from growing up in Chinatown and the Richmond to building rehabilitation programs inside the jails, launching the new RESET Center for drug stabilization, and working side‑by‑side with SFPD to address the fentanyl crisis.https://joinsfsheriff.com/

José Cisneros: The Office That’s Changing How San Francisco Saves Apr 27, 2026

San Francisco Treasurer José Cisneros joins us to share how his office helps keep the city running — and supports the people who call it home.

From Bank On San Francisco to EITC outreach, free financial counseling, and major small‑business tax relief through Prop M, José breaks down the programs empowering residents across the city.

If you care about community impact, financial empowerment, or how our city’s money really works, this episode is for you.https://sftreasurer.org/

Michael Lambert: The Library That Builds Community Apr 20, 2026

San Francisco LOVES its libraries — and after this episode, you will too. City Librarian Michael Lambert joins us to spotlight the incredible free resources at SFPL — from teen media labs and music studios to AI workshops, vinyl collections, Bay Beats, recovery services, and cultural events like Night of Ideas.

Celebrate National Library Week and discover why San Francisco reads.

Explore resources at https://sfpl.org

Mary Ellen Carroll: Keeping San Francisco Ready Apr 13, 2026

What does it take to keep a world‑class city safe?

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Mary Ellen Carroll, Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management — the woman overseeing 911 dispatch, large‑scale events, emergency operations, disaster planning, coordinated street response, and more.

Mary Ellen shares how her love of surfing and the ocean connects to her leadership style, reflects on guiding the city through COVID, breaks down what DEM actually does, and offers practical tips every SF resident should know to prepare for earthquakes and unexpected emergencies.sf.gov/readysf

Michael Makstman: Digital Backbone of San Francisco Apr 06, 2026

What does it take to keep San Francisco online, secure, and connected? CIO Michael Makstman shares his journey from a 15‑year‑old refugee learning English through Star Trek to leading the city’s technology. From free Wi‑Fi in Chinatown to modernizing fire stations and bringing AI to 30,000 city employees, this episode dives into the tech shaping SF’s future.

Tyrone Jue: San Francisco's Journey to Climate Leadership Mar 30, 2026

San Francisco has been a climate leader for decades — but how did we get here, and what comes next? In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Tyrone Jue, Director of the SF Environment Department, to explore his journey from growing up in Chinatown to shaping the city’s bold climate future to celebrate Earth month.https://www.sfenvironment.org/

Ralph Remington: Don't Sleep on San Francisco Mar 23, 2026

Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs for the SF Arts Commission, joins Franco Finn to talk art, community, leadership, and why you shouldn’t sleep on San Francisco. From his journey through the military and the Obama administration to shaping public art and equity in SF, Ralph shares powerful insights on culture, creativity, AI, and the city’s future.

Joaquín Torres: The City That Sings Mar 16, 2026

From childhood kite‑flying at Ocean Beach to leading one of the most important offices in SF government, Joaquin shares what makes our city truly special: its people, its neighborhoods, and the stories we create together.

Carmen Chu: The Heart Behind City Hall Mar 09, 2026

City Administrator Carmen Chu joins us in the first episode of “I Left My Podcast in San Francisco” to share her personal journey—from her family’s immigrant roots to leading one of the city’s most complex public service operations. We talk resilience, representation, food, neighborhoods, and what it really takes to keep San Francisco running.

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