WE ARE SF PODCAST

Listen to the San Francisco podcast that's more than a podcast.

Episode #15: Meet the Candidates: Catherine Stefani | We Are San Francisco

Episode #15: Meet the Candidates: Catherine Stefani | We Are San Francisco

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Catherine Stefani, the District 2 Supervisor of San Francisco, for a candid discussion on her aspirations, her tenure, and the pressing issues facing the city.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
51
min running time
April 5, 2024
Episode #14: Meet the Candidates: Ahsha Safai | We Are San Francisco

Episode #14: Meet the Candidates: Ahsha Safai | We Are San Francisco

The second episode of the 'Meet The Candidates' series features Ahsha Safai, a current member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, as he discusses his background, career in city government, and mayoral candidacy with host Ben Kaplan.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
75
min running time
March 28, 2024
Episode #13: Meet the Candidates: Daniel Lurie | We Are San Francisco

Episode #13: Meet the Candidates: Daniel Lurie | We Are San Francisco

In the first episode of We Are San Francisco's special 'Meet The Candidates' series host Ben Kaplan delves into the city's political landscape with mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
47
min running time
March 8, 2024
Episode #12: Shaping Urban Policy with Todd David

Episode #12: Shaping Urban Policy with Todd David

In this episode of "We Are San Francisco," host Ben Kaplan dives into an interesting conversation with Todd David, a prominent figure in San Francisco's political landscape. Todd's journey from a concerned parent to a key player in local politics showcases the power of grassroots activism and the impact of community involvement.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
47
min running time
February 23, 2024
Episode #11: 'Analyzing Politics' with Mary Jung

Episode #11: 'Analyzing Politics' with Mary Jung

In this episode, we delve into the intricate web of San Francisco's political landscape with Mary Jung, former chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and a key political powerbroker in our city. We explore the city's shift from a collegial to a polarized environment, dissecting the dynamics between moderates and progressives.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
48
min running time
January 25, 2024
Episode #10: 'Uplifting Small Business' with Katy Tang, Teddy Kramer and Ben Bleiman

Episode #10: 'Uplifting Small Business' with Katy Tang, Teddy Kramer and Ben Bleiman

Discover the heartbeat of San Francisco's entrepreneurial spirit in this electrifying final episode of 'We Are San Francisco.' Join our live panel of city's trailblazers - Katy Tang, Ben Bleiman, Ben Kaplan and Teddy Kramer - as they unravel the challenges and triumphs of small business in the iconic city.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
63
min running time
January 15, 2024
Episode #9: 'Reversing City Dysfunction' with Myrna Melgar

Episode #9: 'Reversing City Dysfunction' with Myrna Melgar

Join host Ben Kaplan in a compelling episode of 'We Are San Francisco' featuring Myrna Melgar, a dedicated member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 7. This episode delves into the nuances of urban planning and governance in one of America's most dynamic cities.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
51
min running time
January 5, 2024
Episode #8: 'Unleashing Local Commerce' with Rodney Fong

Episode #8: 'Unleashing Local Commerce' with Rodney Fong

In this thought-provoking episode of "We Are San Francisco," join host Ben Kaplan as he engages with Rodney Fong, a fourth-generation San Franciscan and influential figure in the city's business and planning landscape. As President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Rodney brings a unique blend of historical perspective and forward-thinking vision to the discussion.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
42
min running time
December 29, 2023
Episode #7: 'Building Movements' with Lily Ho

Episode #7: 'Building Movements' with Lily Ho

In this episode of "We Are San Francisco," host Ben Kaplan sits down with Lily Ho, a dynamic force in the community and a key figure in the historic recall of three members of the San Francisco Board of Education. Dive into a tale of grassroots activism, as Lily shares her journey from observing the impact of school closures on vulnerable youth to spearheading a citywide movement for change.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
49
min running time
December 18, 2023
Episode #6: 'Staffing Police' with Matt Dorsey

Episode #6: 'Staffing Police' with Matt Dorsey

In this episode of "We Are San Francisco," host Ben Kaplan interviews Supervisor Matt Dorsey about the city's police staffing crisis. Dorsey proposes the Police Full Staffing Act, a charter amendment aimed at establishing minimum staffing levels and creating a police recruiting fund. The discussion centers on the necessity of a fully staffed police department for law enforcement and community safety.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
54
min running time
December 12, 2023
Episode #5: Elevating Asian Issues with Forrest Liu

Episode #5: Elevating Asian Issues with Forrest Liu

In this must-listen episode, Forrest Liu and Ben Kaplan take you on an emotional and inspiring journey from being an "accidental activist" to a community leader fighting for justice in San Francisco's Asian community. Discover how one man's personal experience ignited a city-wide movement, and how you, too, can make a difference.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
27
min running time
September 27, 2023
Episode #4:  Rethinking City Planning with Rachael Tanner

Episode #4: Rethinking City Planning with Rachael Tanner

In this episode of the "We Are San Francisco" podcast, join us as Rachael Tanner, president of the San Francisco Planning Commission, and Ben Kaplan delve deep into the intricate strategic plans shaping the city's future. Whether it's a revised strategic plan to end homelessness or strategies to combat the drug crisis, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the city's multifaceted planning approach and how to improve it.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
50
min running time
August 15, 2023
Episode #3:  Fixing City Government with Kanishka Cheng

Episode #3: Fixing City Government with Kanishka Cheng

In this week's episode, Ben sits down with Kanishka Cheng, founder and executive director of the prominent non-profit, Together SF. Fueled by the financial support of venture capitalist Michael Moritz, Together SF works diligently to confront some of the city's most critical issues: the ongoing drug crisis, rising homelessness, and escalating crime rates.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
53
min running time
August 1, 2023
Episode #2:  Making Change Happen with Chris Larsen

Episode #2: Making Change Happen with Chris Larsen

In this in-depth conversation, host Ben Kaplan is joined by Chris Larsen, the billionaire co-founder of Ripple and renowned San Francisco philanthropist. They delve into the challenges that San Francisco faces, as well as the potential solutions that could bring about transformative change in the city.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
36
min running time
July 18, 2023
Episode #1:  Solving Housing with Sam Moss

Episode #1: Solving Housing with Sam Moss

In this debut WE ARE SAN FRANCISCO episode, host Ben Kaplan invites Sam Moss, Executive Director of Mission Housing Development Corporation, to decode the complex housing crisis in San Francisco. From zoning laws to political will, Sam Moss presents a unique perspective on the city's housing woes and potential solutions.

Ben Kaplan
Ben Kaplan
27
min running time
July 4, 2023