I Left My Podcast in San Francisco

Latest Episodes:

Trent Rhorer: Building San Francisco’s Safety Net Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Join us for an in‑depth conversation with Trent Rau, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA), as we explore the programs, policies, and personal experiences that shape the city’s safety net for more than 275,000 residents each year. Trent shares his journey from growing up in Sacramento to leading one of San Francisco’s most impactful public agencies. He reflects on the early career moments that pulled him toward public service, the transformation of child welfare and foster care in the city, and the innovations that have helped thousands of families gain access to food assistance, health care, and supportive services.We also look at the challenges posed by HR1 and how San Francisco is responding to protect Medi‑Cal and CalFresh recipients. Trent talks about the creation of the CalFresh Community Works program, the launch of the Mobile Benefits Center, and the city’s commitment to ensuring benefits are accessible to those who need them most. This episode offers an inside look at the human stories, policy decisions, and community partnerships that keep San Francisco’s safety net strong.www.sfhsa.org

Kate Sofis: Behind the Curtain at the SF War Memorial and Performing Arts Center Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kate Sofis, Managing Director of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. We dive into her upbringing in Buffalo’s symphony scene, her journey through manufacturing and public service, and how she now helps shape one of the country’s most historic performing arts campuses.Learn about the War Memorial’s venues, its evolving role in the city, crossover performances, community impacts, and why Kate believes San Francisco is one of the most welcoming places in the world.www.sfwarmemorial.org

Julie Kirschbaum: Buses, Bikes & Better Streets - SFMTA’s Vision Ahead Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Go behind the scenes of San Francisco’s transportation system with SFMTA Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum. From her Midwest roots to 20 years improving Muni, Julie shares how SFMTA keeps the city moving — cable cars, bus routes, bike safety, street design, parking, paratransit and more.We talk about free Muni for youth, the system’s financial challenges, her favorite routes, hidden gems in the city, and why San Francisco is such a special place.If you care about transit, equity, or the future of San Francisco, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Kelly Dearman: How SF Supports Aging and Disability Communities Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, Executive Director Kelly Dearman of the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) joins us for a wide‑ranging conversation about accessibility, aging, disability rights, and the magic of growing up in San Francisco.We talk about her personal journey as a native San Franciscan, her family’s legacy in public service, and how DAS supports more than 30,000 older adults and people with disabilities through programs like IHSS, senior centers, meal services, culturally relevant food programs, and cutting‑edge accessibility initiatives.Kelly also shares insights into the Disability Cultural Center, inter‑agency collaboration, pandemic response, and her long‑term vision for making SF a city where everyone can thrive with dignity and independence.

Diana Aroche: Latina Leadership in Action: Inside SF’s Women’s Agenda Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Join us for an inspiring Latino Heritage Month episode as we sit down with Dr. Diana Aroche, Executive Director of San Francisco’s Department on the Status of Women. Diana shares her family’s immigrant journey from El Salvador, the cultural roots that shaped her activism, and her path through public health, violence prevention, and city leadership.We talk about the Women’s Agenda, maternal health equity, gender representation, policy wins, and her vision for a more inclusive San Francisco. Plus — her favorite Mission food spots, memories from the Chicano Moratorium, and the SF movie she loves most.

Mike Levine: A New Chapter in SF’s Homelessness Response Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Meet Mike Levine, the new Executive Director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. We dive into how the city is tackling homelessness, supportive housing, community partnerships, and the city’s multi-year procurement plan,. This episode explores public service leadership, the homelessness response system, supportive housing programs, nonprofit collaboration, and the future of San Francisco’s housing strategy. If you care about SF, civic innovation, public policy, or homelessness solutions, this conversation is a must‑listen.

Greg Wagner: From Budgets to Better Streets - The Controller’s Role in SF Life Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Meet SF Comptroller Greg Wagner — the city’s financial watchdog keeping San Francisco running behind the scenes. From Ed Lee stories to street-cleanliness reports to Sunset hidden gems, Greg breaks down what the Controller’s Office REALLY does for our city.

http://sfcontroller.org/

Sheela Jivan: Reimagining Treasure Island - A Vision for the Future Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

A deep dive into the transformation of Treasure Island — one of San Francisco’s most ambitious redevelopment projects.

Host Franco Finn sits down with Executive Director Sheela Jivan of the Treasure Island Development Authority to explore housing, transportation, history, sustainability, community engagement, Bay FC’s new training facility, and the vision for a world-class island neighborhood.

Discover the past, present, and future of Treasure Island in this inspiring conversation recorded at City Hall.

Dan Tsai: Inside SF Public Health - Leadership, Equity & Recovery Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Take a deep dive into San Francisco’s public health landscape with SFDPH Director Dan Tsai, who joins host Franco Finn in the basement of City Hall for an inspiring conversation. Dan shares his journey from transforming Medicaid nationally to taking on SF’s most urgent challenges — substance use, behavioral health, seniors, unhoused neighbors, and health equity. Learn how SFDPH’s 8,000 staff work across hospitals, clinics, street teams, and aging services to make San Francisco the healthiest place on earth for all people.We explore Chinatown’s 100-year-old health center renovation, new overdose recovery initiatives, the Living Proof campaign, and Dan’s favorite SF pastimes, including cycling over Hawk Hill and joining his first SF Pride Parade with DPH.www.sfgov.org/sfdph

Maria Su: Reimagining Public Education in San Francisco Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Maria Su, Superintendent of SFUSD, joins I Left My Podcast in SF to share how her own journey—from immigrating as a young child to working in community nonprofits—shapes her commitment to expanding access and equity for every student in San Francisco. She explains how stabilizing the district’s finances, protecting educators, and aligning curriculum have led to rising literacy and math outcomes across SFUSD. Maria highlights several major initiatives transforming the district, including the opening of Mission Bay Elementary with its innovative STEM Hub, the creation of a new special education school that keeps essential services close to home, and the launch of a Mandarin immersion K–8 school driven by family demand. She also shares the excitement around programs like Freedom School, expanded transitional kindergarten, preschool options for three- and four-year-olds, and hands-on internships across city departments. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this episode reveals how SFUSD is rebuilding trust, investing in innovation, and shaping the future of education in San Francisco. www.sfusd.edu

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

I Left My Podcast in San Francisco

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected