Comstock's Talks
Business & Finance
About
Comstock's Talks is a product of Comstock's magazine, the premier business publication for California's Capital Region. Our podcast features local leaders from varying perspectives brought together to offer unique insight into local issues and provide tangible action items for listeners who want to have an impact on their community.
Episodes
- Women in Leadership 2026
Get to know our 2026 Women in Leadership during a reception at Scott's Seafood on the River in Sacramento. To read about the honorees, visit comstocksmag.com. It's even better in print. Subscribe to the magazine today! Hosted by Dakota Mor…
- Tariff Troubles? With Steven Yoder
Comstock's contributor Steven Yoder discusses his January cover story on how tariffs are affecting local businesses and why they aren't necessarily the biggest factor shaping the economy in 2026. For more on this topic, you can read our we…
- Young Professionals 2025 With Charanjeet "Charlie" Kaur Tiwana-Purewal and Freddie Silveria
How do you choose your career? When is it a good idea to start a business? How do you maintain momentum? Comstock's Young Professionals Charanjeet "Charlie" Kaur Tiwana-Purewal and Freddie Silveria offer insight. Get to know all of Comstoc…
- Athletic Wolves With Steve Martarano and Judy Farah
Editor Judy Farah, Managing Editor Dakota Morlan and contributor Steve Martarano discuss April's cover story on the A's, the gray wolf's California comeback and whether or not dire wolves are a good idea. Improve your business outcomes and…
- Women in Leadership 2025 With Cassandra Jennings and Yvonne Pire
How do you lead diverse teams with differing opinions? Where do you find the confidence to make big career moves? Are women leaders expected to be nicer than men? Comstock's Women in Leadership honorees Cassandra Jennings and Yvonne Pire j…
- Predicting the Economy With Steven Yoder
Predicting the future is hard, but we still like to try. Comstock's contributor Steven Yoder breaks down his cover story " New Year, New Administration. What Can We Expect? " in which economists offer their insight on the next few years in…
- Is Our Future Tied to the Tracks? with James Stout
Journalist James Stout delves into his latest feature for Comstock's " What's Holding Up Valley Rail? " where he investigated delays in railway expansion throughout the Central Valley. We discuss the hurdles that are baked into the system,…
- Reflecting On 35 Years of Comstock's
Host and Assistant Editor Dakota Morlan is joined by Editor Judy Farah and Senior VP and Director of Business Development Clayton Blakley as we celebrate 35 years of Comstock's magazine, remember how we got here and muse about where we're…
- A Life in the Arts with Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya
Sacramento's performing arts powerhouse and Comstock's 2024 Young Professionals honoree Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya shares how he's found success in an elusive field, his vision for the Sac arts scene and why he (sometimes) works for free. Get…
- Bio-informed Flight with Christina Harvey and Michelle Hawkins
Inventive minds have always looked to the skies for inspiration, but new imaging tools have unlocked a more intricate study of bird flight. In this episode, UC Davis faculty members Christina Harvey, an aerospace engineering expert, and Mi…
- Women in Leadership Night at the Jacquelyn
In this special episode, we get to know some of our 2024 Women in Leadership while exploring the Jacquelyn , a new bar, restaurant and private club venue in Sacramento. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morla…
- The Rise of Medical Aesthetics with Shawna Chrisman
Nurse practitioner and founder of Destination Aesthetics Shawna Chrisman is on a mission to dispel the myths surrounding aesthetic treatments. In this episode, we discuss unusual patients, "the natural look," emerging technologies, how muc…
- 'Awe-Inspiring Biofluid': The Science of Breast Milk with Jennifer T. Smilowitz
Jennifer T. Smilowitz, assistant professor of the cooperative extension in the Department of Nutrition at UC Davis, is a breast milk expert and devotee. In this episode we talk about the science, potential medical applications, cultural co…
- New Depths: Sub Sea Systems is Making Our Oceans Accessible for All
Father and daughter Jim Mayfield and Hannah de Bie of Sub Sea Systems discuss marine tourism, VR integration, Saudi Arabia's entertainment megaproject Qiddiya, the importance of ocean exploration and working with family. Hosted by Dakota M…
- 'Fight City': The Past, Present and Future of Stockton with Phillip Merlo
San Joaquin County Historical Museum's executive director and fifth generation Stocktonian Phillip Merlo speaks on the rich history, abundant opportunities and dogged optimism of the port city. Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic T…
- Bracing for the AI Revolution with Eric Howard
Fathom co-founder Eric Howard discusses generative AI tools, artistic value and how creatives can adapt to a changing industry. To read the article, visit comstocksmag.com . Hosted by Dakota Morlan Produced by Dominic Tassinari and Dakota…
- 2023 Young Professionals Roundtable
Comstock's Young Professionals Lauren Oto and Nathan Langley talk about mentors, working with AI and what it was like to be a "Rock Star" in this issue's spread . Host: Dakota Morlan Producers: Dominic Tassinari and Dakota Morlan Music: Ti…
- The Medium Is the Message
Boutique marketing agencies in the Capital Region consider the medium to be just as important as the message itself. They recognize the demand for video on platforms like TikTok and YouTube as reflective of our need for human connection an…
- Working From Home as an Extrovert
Are you frequently labeled "a lot," "difficult" or "loud" at work? Do managers often not know what to do with you? Do you accidentally alienate coworkers with your "a-lotness"? Do people look you in the eye and call you exhausting? Why not…
- Inflation Hits the Market Basket
In a year of rising costs, farmers still have quality as an advantage. Still, farmers market vendors and shoppers are struggling to stretch their dollars. Writer and reader: Kate Gonzales Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan Music: T…
- Young Professionals Roundtable
Comstock's invited some of our Young Professionals honorees for happy hour at Canon Restaurant to talk mentorship and nonlinear career paths. Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Danna Sweidan, Johnny Flores and Vanessa Labi Music: Time Out by Atc…
- The Return of Arts and Music Festivals
Capital Region music festivals attract tens of thousands of fans from nearby areas and from all around the country, shaping its identity and boosting the local economy. Writer and reader: Steve Martarano Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Vaness…
- Pop-Ups Are Popping Off
The pop-up model allows independent chefs to experiment with new concepts and creative menus without investing in overhead. Writer and reader: Vanessa Labi Host: Vanessa Labi Producer: Vanessa Labi Music: Time Out by Atch ( CC BY 3.0 ) (in…
- Tourism Out of Troubled Times
As national and international tourism decreased during the pandemic, regional visitation saw a boost. We profile three small picturesque towns that got a big increase in visitors. Writer and reader: Scott Thomas Anderson Host: Vanessa Labi…
- 2022 Women in Leadership Panel Discussion
Comstock's magazine invited three of our 2022 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 Preet Ahluwalia, the investment offic…
- The New Fusion Food (February 2022)
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 he…
- It's Complicated (January 2022)
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…
- Final Frontiers (December 2021)
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…
- Generation to Generation (October 2021)
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 D…
- Are You Ready for the TikTok Challenge?
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
- Film Production in the Capital Region Thrives (July 2021)
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/f…
- Capital Region Golf Courses Are Teed Up for Success (June 2021)
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/…
- The Power of Empathy (May 2021)
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: Empat…
- A Tarnished Past (May 2021)
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 o…
- A Blend for Success (April 2021)
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
- Evil HR Lady: Should a New Hire Be Allowed to Take a Trip?
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…
- Rise and Shine (March 2021)
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
- Evil HR Lady: Were You Passed Over for a Promotion?
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…
- Women in Leadership Roundtable
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 controlle…
- Evil HR Lady: Switching Careers Doesn't Mean Starting Over
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 tak…
- The Next Chapter: Still Swinging Away (February 2021)
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 pur…
- The Next Chapter: A New Mission (February 2021)
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 n…
- The Next Chapter: Camera Ready (February 2021)
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 professiona…
- The Next Chapter: Game of Skill (February 2021)
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…
- Career Detour (February 2021)
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
- The Next Chapter: Agriculture and Beyond (February 2021)
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 p…
- The Next Chapter: 'Somebody' Again (February 2021)
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 pur…
- Evil HR Lady: Be Fair When Considering Outside Candidates
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…
- Neighborly by Design (January 2021)
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 Rache…
- Evil HR Lady: New Systems Require Proper Training and Patience
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 the…