Playlist: Gina Baleria's Portfolio
A weekly podcast focused on discussing the issues that impact how information is delivered, how we consume it, and how that affects our interactions with each other.
Recent Episodes
Mental Health and the Pandemic: Learning Lessons from the Mental Health Arena, with Jeff Bell
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 59:00
In this episode, we explore mental health throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic… including the mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic… as well as what all of us can learn to cope from coping methods taught by mental professionals.
My guest is Jeff Bell, Bay Area broadcast journalist, and co-founder & president of the Adversity to Advocacy Alliance (A2A). Jeff is also author of two books on OCD: Rewind, Replay, Repeat and When in Doubt, Make Belief.
Find out more at A2AAlliance.org and HEAR and SHARE messages of hope at ProjectHopeExchange.com.
If you’re facing mental health challenges, connect with a professional, get emotional support from friends and mental health support organizations, and take care of yourself - including getting sleep and exercise.
For more resources, check out The National Institute of Mental Health… Mental Health America, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the International OCD Foundation.
Voting as Speech: Elections & the First Amendment with Lata Nott
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we explore the First Amendment aspects of voting, elections, and campaigns - in particular how voting and related activities might be considered speech, and how the courts have come to view the First Amendment’s role - or lack thereof - in voting.
My guest is Lata Nott, First Amendment Fellow at the Freedom Forum; and deputy policy director for State Voices, a voting rights organization.
In this episode, we explore the First Amendment aspects of voting, elections, and campaigns - in particular how voting and related activities might be considered speech, and how the courts have come to view the First Amendment’s role - or lack thereof - in voting.
My guest is Lata Nott, First Amendment Fellow at the Freedom Forum; and deputy policy director for State Voices, a voting rights organization.
Working toward free & fair elections, & Fighting efforts to suppress voices, with Jonathan Mehta Stein, ED at CA Common Cause
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we explore elections issues that make it harder for us to participate in democracy, the consequences of that, and how we can address these issues and improve our civic health.
This includes redistricting, campaign finance, voter suppression, weaponizing the recall, and other issues.
My guest is Jonathan Mehta Stein, executive director of California Common Cause.
In this episode, we explore elections issues that make it harder for us to participate in democracy, the consequences of that, and how we can address these issues and improve our civic health.
This includes redistricting, campaign finance, voter suppression, weaponizing the recall, and other issues.
My guest is Jonathan Mehta Stein, executive director of California Common Cause.
Making the U.S. Tax System Work Better, with Annette Nellen
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we discuss the state of U-S tax policy, as well as some ideas for how to overhaul the system to make it more equitable, efficient, and coherent.
We also discuss some current tax structures… and their practical impacts on the items we buy… the money we make… and who bears an unequal share of the tax burden.
My guest is Annette Nellen, Tax Professor and Director of the Graduate Tax Program at San Jose State University.
This is part two of our conversation. You can hear Part 1 at news-in-context-dot-net.
In this episode, we discuss the state of U-S tax policy, as well as some ideas for how to overhaul the system to make it more equitable, efficient, and coherent.
We also discuss some current tax structures… and their practical impacts on the items we buy… the money we make… and who bears an unequal share of the tax burden.
My guest is Annette Nellen, Tax Professor and Director of the Graduate Tax Program at San Jose State University.
This is part two of our conversation. You can hear Part 1 at news-in-context-dot-net.
Professor Nellen also writes the Blog 21st Century Taxation.
For more information on the topics discussed in this episode and Pt. 2, check out these resources:
- Treasury Resources on Taxes and Society
https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/faqs/taxes/pages/taxes-society.aspx - Some information on income distribution:
- Joint Committee on Taxation, Present Law And Background On The Taxation Of High Income And High Wealth Taxpayers, 5/10/21
https://www.jct.gov/publications/2021/jcx-24-21/ - Chicago Booth Review, Never mind the 1 percent, Let's talk about the 0.01 percent, by Gold
https://review.chicagobooth.edu/economics/2017/article/never-mind-1-percent-lets-talk-about-001-percent
- Joint Committee on Taxation, Present Law And Background On The Taxation Of High Income And High Wealth Taxpayers, 5/10/21
- Links to tax reform hearings on the 117th Congress (and earlier)
https://www.sjsu.edu/people/annette.nellen/website/117th-hearings.htm - Simpson-Bowles report of 2010
https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/moment-truth-report-national-commission-fiscal-responsibility-and-reform-december-2010 - President Bush's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform (2005) (home mortgage deduction proposal is on page 70 of chapters 5 - 7)
https://govinfo.library.unt.edu/taxreformpanel/ - My 21st Century Taxation website and blog
http://www.21stcenturytaxation.com/
http://21stcenturytaxation.blogspot.com/
The Persistence of Racist, Sexist, & Anti-Semitic Imagery in Art, with Letha Ch'ien
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we explore how the imagery and visuals that are infused into racist and misogynistic tropes today can be traced to classical works of art, including both the intentional messaging of the artist… as well as the cultural context we bring, and how we interpret and use that imagery.
We also discuss how the art we think of as canon was actually deliberately and intentionally defined in an early and successful PR effort that persists to today.
My guest is Letha Ch’ien, Ph.D., assistant professor of art history at Sonoma State University.
In this episode, we explore how the imagery and visuals that are infused into racist and misogynistic tropes today can be traced to classical works of art, including both the intentional messaging of the artist… as well as the cultural context we bring, and how we interpret and use that imagery.
We also discuss how the art we think of as canon was actually deliberately and intentionally defined in an early and successful PR effort that persists to today.
My guest is Letha Ch’ien, Ph.D., assistant professor of art history at Sonoma State University.
Works of art mentioned in this episode include:
Trauma, Stress, & Self-Care in Journalism with former News Producer Misha LeClair
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we explore how journalists experience trauma and manage - or fail to manage - the stressors that are inherent to the job. My guest is Misha LeClair, a former Bay Area TV news producer, who decided to switch careers as an act of self-care - walking away from a profession she had dedicated nearly 20 years to - after realizing that she was being negatively impacted by the cumulative trauma of covering major news stories and the stressors of a sometimes toxic work environment.
TRIGGER WARNING: Misha and I begin our conversation by discussing in-depth the police killing of Oscar Grant at BART’s Fruitvale Station on New Year’s morning, 2009. This discussion may be upsetting for some listeners.
In this episode, we explore how journalists experience trauma and manage - or fail to manage - the stressors that are inherent to the job. My guest is Misha LeClair, a former Bay Area TV news producer, who decided to switch careers as an act of self-care - walking away from a profession she had dedicated nearly 20 years to - after realizing that she was being negatively impacted by the cumulative trauma of covering major news stories and the stressors of a sometimes toxic work environment.
TRIGGER WARNING: Misha and I begin our conversation by discussing in-depth the police killing of Oscar Grant at BART’s Fruitvale Station on New Year’s morning, 2009. This discussion may be upsetting for some listeners.
Vaccines - the science and our perceptions, with Science Magazine Senior Reporter Meredith Wadman
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we discuss the realities of COVID-19 and other diseases on our health and well being - and how vaccines have both saved us from the grim realities, and led us to forget just how bad diseases can get without vaccines to keep them at bay.
My guest is Meredith Wadman, senior reporter with Science Magazine in Washington, D.C., and author of The Vaccine Race: Science, Politics, and the Human Costs of Defeating Disease.
In this episode, we discuss the realities of COVID-19 and other diseases on our health and well being - and how vaccines have both saved us from the grim realities, and led us to forget just how bad diseases can get without vaccines to keep them at bay.
My guest is Meredith Wadman, senior reporter with Science Magazine in Washington, D.C., and author of The Vaccine Race: Science, Politics, and the Human Costs of Defeating Disease.
Communicating Science: Vaccine Efficacy, Public Health, & Combatting Misinformation, with Greta Keenan
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we discuss vaccines – the science that has brought us such an incredible solution to public health crises; the human response to vaccines, mandates, and scientific information; and how misinformation has derailed clear communication.
My guest is Greta Keenan, program specialist for science & society at the World Economic Forum.
In this episode, we discuss vaccines – the science that has brought us such an incredible solution to public health crises; the human response to vaccines, mandates, and scientific information; and how misinformation has derailed clear communication.
My guest is Greta Keenan, program specialist for science & society at the World Economic Forum.
California's Redistricting Process & the Impact of the 2020 Census w/CalMatters Reporter Sameea Kamal
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we discuss California’s redistricting process, and the maps recently certified after the latest round of map drawing in the state. This is only the second time California’s non-partisan redistricting commission has convened.
My guest is Sameea Kamal, reporter for CalMatters who covers redistricting.
In this episode, we discuss California’s redistricting process, and the maps recently certified after the latest round of map drawing in the state. This is only the second time California’s non-partisan redistricting commission has convened.
My guest is Sameea Kamal, reporter for CalMatters who covers redistricting.
The importance of local news and how to keep it healthy, w/Washington Post Media Reporter Elahe Izadi
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we discuss local journalism, and the important role it continues to play - both in the health of our democracy - and in holding powerful organizations, companies, and government officials to account.
We also explore the challenges local journalism faces, and how news audiences can support robust local news in their communities.
My guest is Elahe Izadi, media reporter for the Washington Post.
In this episode, we discuss local journalism, and the important role it continues to play - both in the health of our democracy - and in holding powerful organizations, companies, and government officials to account.
We also explore the challenges local journalism faces, and how news audiences can support robust local news in their communities.
My guest is Elahe Izadi, media reporter for the Washington Post.
Using Humanizing Language to Connect Communities & Create Inclusive Realities, with Aubrey Nagle of Reframe at Resolve Philly
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we explore the power of language, and the importance of using humanizing language in journalism.
My guest is Aubrey Nagle, editor of Reframe at Resolve Philly – “an initiative that aims to help journalists more fairly and accurately report on misrepresented and excluded communities.”
In our conversation, we focus on the importance of recognizing the humanity in the sources and stories journalists cover, and we discuss how we all can elevate humanity, connect with fellow community members, and de-prioritize misinformation and false equivalencies by using humanizing language.
Find out more about Reframe @ReframeNews
In this episode, we explore the power of language, and the importance of using humanizing language in journalism.
My guest is Aubrey Nagle, editor of Reframe at Resolve Philly – “an initiative that aims to help journalists more fairly and accurately report on misrepresented and excluded communities.”
In our conversation, we focus on the importance of recognizing the humanity in the sources and stories journalists cover, and we discuss how we all can elevate humanity, connect with fellow community members, and de-prioritize misinformation and false equivalencies by using humanizing language.
Find out more about Reframe @ReframeNews
Learning to Listen in Different Ways, with Graham Bodie of the Listen First Project
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
It’s no secret that polarization is deepening divides across the US. Over the past few years, many people have started or joined what are called bridging organizations to try and bring people together across those divides and help people bridge their differences by cultivating relationships -helping us see each other’s humanity and connecting on commonalities. The hope is that this helps us work together to solve the problems in our communities and society.
In this episode, we welcome Graham Bodie, professor of integrated marketing communication at the University of Mississippi, and chief listening officer with the Listen First Project.
This is Civity Week on News in Context. Civity is a culture of deliberately engaging in relationships of respect and empathy with others who are different - moving people from us-versus-them to we-all-belong.
Listen First also bridges, focusing its efforts on elevating the impact, visibility, and voice of organizations doing bridging work
We explore how Listen First brings bridging organizations together, and works to bring more people to the experience of connecting across differences, and scale the work of bridging divides in communities across the U.S.
We also discuss the act of listening itself, the importance of learning how to listen, and what listening looks like in different contexts.
It’s no secret that polarization is deepening divides across the US. Over the past few years, many people have started or joined what are called bridging organizations to try and bring people together across those divides and help people bridge their differences by cultivating relationships -helping us see each other’s humanity and connecting on commonalities. The hope is that this helps us work together to solve the problems in our communities and society.
In this episode, we welcome Graham Bodie, professor of integrated marketing communication at the University of Mississippi, and chief listening officer with the Listen First Project.
This is Civity Week on News in Context. Civity is a culture of deliberately engaging in relationships of respect and empathy with others who are different - moving people from us-versus-them to we-all-belong.
Listen First also bridges, focusing its efforts on elevating the impact, visibility, and voice of organizations doing bridging work
We explore how Listen First brings bridging organizations together, and works to bring more people to the experience of connecting across differences, and scale the work of bridging divides in communities across the U.S.
We also discuss the act of listening itself, the importance of learning how to listen, and what listening looks like in different contexts.
Making DEI Work Transformative & Relational, with Jacqueline Font-Guzman
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In this episode, we explore concepts of privilege - and how they color our systems and perpetuate inequities. We also discuss how building relationships across groups in a community can help us begin to address these systemic issues, while at the same time forging connections and building trust.
My guest is Jacqueline Font-Guzman, vice president for diversity, equity, & inclusion at Eastern Mennonite University; and strategic vision director for the Center of Justice & Peace Building at EMU.
In this episode, we explore concepts of privilege - and how they color our systems and perpetuate inequities. We also discuss how building relationships across groups in a community can help us begin to address these systemic issues, while at the same time forging connections and building trust.
My guest is Jacqueline Font-Guzman, vice president for diversity, equity, & inclusion at Eastern Mennonite University; and strategic vision director for the Center of Justice & Peace Building at EMU.
Former San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin on Meaningful Reform of Our Criminal Justice System
From Gina Baleria | Part of the News In Context series | 29:30
In Part Two of my conversation with Chesa Boudin, we explore how his experiences as a child have informed his approach to criminal justice, and his efforts to seek reforms to how we engage with both the accused and the victims of crime.
We also discuss the importance of communicating – both providing data and sharing stories – to help people understand context and demand policies that keep us all safer. And we touch on the challenges of actually implementing change in the face of the status quo.
Chesa Boudin is former San Francisco DA and now founding executive director of the newly created Criminal Law & Justice Center at UC Berkeley School of Law.
- Playing
- Former San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin on ...
- From
- Gina Baleria
In Part Two of my conversation with Chesa Boudin, we explore how his experiences as a child have informed his approach to criminal justice, and his efforts to seek reforms to how we engage with both the accused and the victims of crime.
We also discuss the importance of communicating – both providing data and sharing stories – to help people understand context and demand policies that keep us all safer. And we touch on the challenges of actually implementing change in the face of the status quo.
Chesa Boudin is former San Francisco DA and now founding executive director of the newly created Criminal Law & Justice Center at UC Berkeley School of Law.
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