Brave in the Bay - Indivisible Mid-Peninsula’s Podcast

Former California State Senator Joe Simitian shares his 13 tips for successful advocacy. The world is a busy place, so knowing what you want to communicate and how to best get your ideas or messages implemented are crucial for success. These tips can be used not only in politics, but in everyday interactions at work and with family. Former Senator Simitian is a longtime California leader, policy maker and champion of community-powered democracy. He's served in the CA State Senate and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors among many other endeavors. He's known for his deep listening, pragmatic policy making, and a steady commitment to education, sustainability, and civic engagement. He leads with integrity and teaches people how to turn their values into action. Indivisible Mid-Peninsula is a grassroots, action-oriented organization that provides community engagement opportunities for those wanting to strengthen democracy and social justice and fight against injustice and cruelty. Nancy Nagel has worked and/or volunteered for The Harris for President campaign's Voter Protection Program in Georgia, Faith in Action Bay Area, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, The City of Palo Alto, and others. She is proud to co-lead Indivisible Mid-Peninsula. Joe Simitian‘s 13 tips for successful advocacy: 1.  Develop a relationship before you arrive 2.  Understand what motivates your audience. 3.  Understand what is possible and what is not. 4.  Find a floor manager. 5.  Joe Jackson principal. Tell them what you want. 6.  Bring them solutions not problems. 7.  Describe the elements of a solution rather than insist on your solution. 8.  Do not chastise, insult or threaten the Member of his or her staff. 9.  Understand that sometimes less is more. 10. Layer your campaign. 11. Persistence pays off. 12. Make it easy to say yes. 13. The value of a thank you.  

In this episode, Carla and Jacki Yahn talk with author Elizabeth Chur as she discusses her journey into activism and the importance of engaging in political conversations. Elizabeth emphasizes the joy of talking politics with strangers and the critical role of listening in fostering democracy. Through personal anecdotes and insights from her book, she highlights the transformative power of one-on-one conversations in motivating individuals to participate in the democratic process. The discussion also covers the significance of local elections, the role of volunteers, and techniques like motivational interviewing to enhance political engagement.

In this episode of the Brave in the Bay podcast, host Carla Pursnani discusses the concept of the courage gap as introduced by Margie Warrell in her book, 'The Courage Gap.' She outlines five powerful steps to take courageous action, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what one wants rather than what one fears, re-scripting mental narratives, and embracing discomfort. Carla shares relatable examples to illustrate how individuals can transform fear into courage and highlights that courage is a skill that can be developed through practice. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to take small steps towards courage in their own lives. Your first act of courage will be to read her book! Donations to Indivisible Mid-Peninsula are appreciated: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblemidpen?refcode=podcast 

In this episode of the Brave in the Bay podcast, host Carla engages with community leaders Deb and Michelle to discuss the critical implications of Prop 50, a ballot initiative aimed at countering Republican redistricting efforts in California. The conversation explores the necessity of Prop 50, its key features, and the potential consequences of its rejection. The guests emphasize the importance of community engagement, voter participation, and the role of independent redistricting commissions in preserving democracy. They also address criticisms of Prop 50 and advocate for a fair voting system that empowers citizens. "It levels the playing field." "The vote is the comment." "Vote yes on Prop 50."

In this episode we talk with Susan Austin and Maren Stever from Indivisible Mid-Peninsula about the pillars of authoritarianism and how to protect democracy by taking action to topple those pillars. They discuss the One Million Rising initiative, which aims to mobilize communities against authoritarianism. Topics include the importance of sustained action, the authoritarian playbook, and how individuals can contribute to a collective resistance. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the significance of the 3.5% rule in mobilizing the population, and practical strategies for grassroots activism. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in their communities and resist authoritarian tendencies.  

In this episode, Carla interviews Joanna Thurman, co-founderof the Gandhi Team, who discusses the principles of nonviolence and its importance in today's socio-political climate. She explains the misconceptions surrounding nonviolence, the different forms of violence, and the need fortruth-seeking in addressing societal issues. The conversation also touches on the role of cultural violence, the impact of social media, and the significance of community engagement in fostering a nonviolent movement. Historical examples of successful nonviolent resistance are shared, along with strategies for building a more just and peaceful society. Please donate to help us build a stronger Democracy: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblemidpen?refcode=podcast  

In this episode, Pao Ortega, a reset mind, body, and energy coach, shares her journey from overcoming depression to helping others reclaim their energy and emotional freedom. She introduces her 123 Pao Formula, which emphasizes the importance of mindset, movement, and nutrition in achieving well-being. The conversation explores practical tools for managing stress and anxiety, the science behind breathwork, and the significance of creating effective routines for a balanced life. Pao emphasizes that healing is possible and encourages listeners to take charge of their mental health through self-care and community support. Please donate to help us build a stronger Democracy: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblemidpen?refcode=podcast

In this episode Carla and retired lawyer and current voting rights activist Diane Savage discuss the complexities of voter suppression in the U.S., focusing on the implications of a smokescreen act, the SAVE Act. They discuss how the proposed measures would disproportionately affect marginalized communities, the challenges faced in voter registration, and the importance of civic engagement to protect voting rights. The dialogue emphasizes the need for community action and the hope that arises from collective efforts to safeguard democracy. Please donate to help us build a stronger Democracy: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblemidpen?refcode=podcast

In this episode, host Carla Pursnani talks with Kim Gandy, MD, PhD. Kim is a physician, scientist, entrepreneur, and advocate for academic integrity. She’s the Founder and CEO of Play-it-Health. She received her MD from Northwestern University - The Feinberg School of Medicine and her PhD in immunology from Stanford University. Please donate to help us build a stronger Democracy: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisiblemidpen?refcode=podcast   Learn more about Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlygandy/

In this episode of the Brave in the Bay podcast, host Carla Pursnani and Senior Civil Rights attorney Jessica Plitt talk about the critical role of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in education, particularly for students with disabilities. They highlight the impact of recent cuts to the OCR, which have severely limited its ability to address discrimination and provide necessary oversight. Jessica shares her experiences and the ramifications of the OCR cuts. Carla emphasizes the importance of advocacy, community support, and proactive measures that families and educators can take to ensure that all students receive the education and accommodations they need. Please Donate to help us build a stronger Democracy: Indivisible Project on a local level — Donate via ActBlue

In this episode host Carla engages in a profound conversation about democracy, civic responsibility, and the American dream with an anonymous guest who shares her personal journey as an immigrant. Our guest has chosen anonymity due to the ongoing hostilities immigrants are facing in 2025 America. The discussion highlights the importance of civic engagement, the challenges facing democracy, and the need for education and community support to achieve the American dream. The episode emphasizes the significance of freedom of speech, tolerance, and the collective responsibility of society to uplift one another. Listeners are encouraged to take action and get involved in their communities to strengthen democracy. Please donate to IMP to help promote our cause: Indivisible Mid-Peninsula

The 1st episode of Indivisible Mid-Peninsula's Brave in the Bay Podcast! In this episode, host Carla Pursnani talks with Indivisible Mid-Peninsula's founders, Nancy Nagel and Susan Austin. Indivisible Mid-Peninsula is a grassroots, action-oriented group that provides community engagement opportunities for those wanting to strengthen democracy and social justice and fight against injustice and cruelty. Please donate to help our cause: Donate here by clicking the link. Nancy Nagel has worked and/or volunteered for The Harris for President campaign's Voter Protection Program in Georgia, Faith in Action Bay Area, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, The City of Palo Alto, and others. She is proud to co-lead Indivisible Mid-Peninsula. Susan Austin is a democracy and climate activist and recently retired from a career of leadership in the non-profit sector. Susan focuses on creating positive impact in the world and loves to see the ripple effects of her actions. She is thrilled to co-lead Indivisible Mid-Peninsula. Carla Pursnani is an Indivisible member and concerned citizen. She was spurred on to be civically active to help prevent authoritarianism from taking hold in America. She is thrilled to help the mission of Indivisible Mid-Peninsula through her work with this podcast.