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

Carla talks with Tahlia Shahani, founder of REACH, a student-led community organization teaching media literacy, online safety, journalism ethics, and empathy to younger students. The conversation explores how a mix of family influence, international travel, and real classroom experience led her to create a program that helps kids question what they see online and think more critically about news and information. We discuss how Reach grew from a one-person idea into a 15-person team across two states, how its five pillars shape the curriculum, and why TaHlia believes youth voices should lead this work.

Learn more:

Reach website: REACH — From Headlines to Humanity

As a completely volunteer-driven organization, support from donors like you is critical to help us continue our activism and community organizing. Your donation can help us grow:

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Indivisible Mid-Peninsula - Indivisible Mid-Peninsula – Community Organized Activism

Indivisible National - ⁠Homepage | Indivisible⁠

In this episode, we talk with Mariya about how postcarding is a great way to take action and be a part of the solution to issues affecting us today. We discuss its effectiveness, strategies, and how volunteers can get involved to make a difference in elections.

As a completely volunteer-driven organization, support from donors like you help us continue our activism and community organizing. Your donation can help us grow:

Indivisible Project on a local level — Donate via ActBlue

Learn more through these links:

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula - Indivisible Mid-Peninsula – Community Organized Activism

Indivisible National - ⁠Homepage | Indivisible⁠

In this episode, Carla interviews Nelmarie from the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center to explore how conflict is an inherent part of human interaction and how understanding and managing it can lead to transformation and stronger relationships. Learn more at Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center,https://www.pcrcweb.org/

Key Topics

• Conflict as a natural and beneficial part of human interaction
• The importance of seeing conflict as a tangible and manageable issue
• Skills for effective communication and conflict management
• The impact of vulnerability and empathy in resolving disputes
• Restorative justice practices in schools and communities
• The ripple effect of one person's change on the community
• Success stories of conflict transformation at the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center

As a completely volunteer-driven organization, support from donors like you help us continue our activism and community organizing. Your donation can help us grow:

Indivisible Project on a local level — Donate via ActBlue

Learn more through these links:

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula - Indivisible Mid-Peninsula – Community Organized Activism

Indivisible National - ⁠Homepage | Indivisible⁠

In this conversation, Neela from Indivisible Mid Peninsula discusses the critical importance of voting rights and civic engagement. She emphasizes the need for community mobilization, early voting, and the significance of every individual's vote. The discussion covers strategies for protecting voting rights, the importance of voter registration, and building a supportive community to ensure a fair electoral process. Neela encourages listeners to take action, participate in civic groups, and make their voices heard in the upcoming elections.

In this episode Carla and guest co-host Vic Passion talk about the importance of voting, why it matters, and how to get involved.

Head over to https://indivisiblemp.org/takeaction to find out how you can help keep democracy alive and well.

Be Brave. Keep Hope alive. Take action. Find the helpers.

Stop cruelty when you see it. Make the world better.

Join Indivisible Mid-Pen:

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula – Community Organized Activism

Donate to help us reach others:

Indivisible Project on a local level — Donate via ActBlue

In this insightful interview, city councilwoman and former Foster City Mayor Stacy Jimenez shares her journey, the importance of civic engagement, and practical ways to get involved in local politics. Discover how local actions influence daily life and learn strategies to foster civil discourse and accountability.

We discuss:

The Importance of local politics and civic engagement
Strategies to increase voter turnout among youth
Ways to get involved civically at the local level
How to hold elected officials accountable
Fostering civil discourse and reducing polarization

Be Brave. Keep Hope alive. Take action. Find the helpers.

Email us at BraveInTheBay@gmail.com

Stop cruelty when you see it. Make the world better.

Join Indivisible Mid-Pen:

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula – Community Organized Activism

Donate to help us reach others:

Indivisible Project on a local level — Donate via ActBlue

This episode shares a powerful story of one US citizen's initiative to help a detained immigrant, highlighting issues in the immigration detention system and the importance of compassion and civic responsibility.

Events – Indivisible Mid-Peninsula

Questions or comments? email us at BraveInTheBay@gmail.com

States Win, formerly Sister District, builds power in state legislatures by supporting candidates, mobilizing volunteers, empowering lawmakers, and educating voters. Learn more at StatesWin.org. States Win (FKA Sister District)

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula works to protect and strengthen our democracy by resisting the MAGA agenda, advocating for policies that promote equity and social justice at all levels of government, supporting vulnerable communities, and building a powerful grassroots movement to achieve electoral victories in 2026 and beyond. Indivisible Mid-Peninsula – Community Organized Activism

In this episode Carla interviews Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet, author, educator, social worker, and optimist. She is discussing her book, It Rained Warm Bread, that poetically tells the story of her father, Moishe Moskowitz. Moishe survived not just one, but several Jewish concentration camps and 3 death marches during World War II. He lost his entire family, but eventually immigrated to the United States, where he married and had 4 children. His story of hope, paired with determined action, is one that can inspire us all.

Be Brave. Keep Hope alive. Take action. Find the helpers.

Email us at BraveInTheBay@gmail.com

Stop cruelty when you see it. Make the world better.

Join Indivisible Mid-Pen:

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula – Community Organized Activism

Donate to help us reach others:

Indivisible Project on a local level — Donate via ActBlue

Rita Mancera, Executive Director of Puente de la Costa Sur, and Diane Savage talk about the great work Puente does for its communities. As stated on their website, Puente fosters wellness and prosperity in the San Mateo County South Coast communities of Pescadero, La Honda, Loma Mar, and San Gregorio by promoting and advocating for equitable access to education, health, and economic security.

Find our more at mypuente.org by clicking this link:

Our Vision - Puente de la Costa SurPuente de la Costa Sur

Find out more about Indivisible Mid-Peninsula at IndivisibleMP.org by clicking this link:

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula – Community Organized Activism

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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