Healthy Society Series—America @250: What Kind of America Do You Want?

Healthy Society Series—America @250: What Kind of America Do You Want?

Author: Commonwealth Club of California July 15, 2026 Duration: 1:06:43
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was issued, and it contains the DNA of the future United States of America.  At the heart of this remarkable document that sought to overthrow existing governmental institutions is the profound statement that echoes through the ages. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter, or abolish it, and to establish a new Government . . . as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” As we celebrate 250 years since this document was created, we will ask the question: What kind of America do you want? This is at a time of great social disruption, with many people believing that their life, liberty and happiness are under daily threat. This discussion will focus on where we go from here. A Health & Medicine Member-led Forum program. Forums and Chapters at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums. Organizer: Robert Lee Kilpatrick  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For nearly a century, the Commonwealth Club of California Podcast has served as a vital platform for civic dialogue, directly from the nation's largest public affairs forum. Each episode captures live, thoughtful conversations with leading voices from across the political spectrum and various fields, all committed to exploring the most pressing issues of our time. As a nonpartisan and nonprofit operation, the Club’s priority is substance over soundbite, fostering a depth of discussion that is increasingly rare. You’ll hear authors, policymakers, scientists, and cultural figures engage in nuanced debates and detailed analyses, reflecting a genuine diversity of perspectives. This isn't just a recording of events; it's an ongoing, accessible chronicle of American and global thought. The audio you find in this podcast feed originates from the longest-running weekly radio broadcast of its kind in the United States, a tradition started in 1924, now shared with a modern audience. Updated frequently throughout the week, the feed ensures you have direct access to a forum where complex ideas about government, society, and current events are given the time and respect they deserve. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that challenges assumptions and provides context far beyond the daily headlines.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Commonwealth Club of California Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Gad Saad: Suicidal Empathy - Dying to Be Kind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:50
What happens when a society elevates victimhood to a virtue and decides that punishment is cruel? You get the disease Dr. Gad Saad calls suicidal empathy. And the West may be terminally infected. Saad says “maladaptively…
Barbara McQuade: Saving American from a Mob-Style Government [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:05
Bestselling author and former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade returns to Commonwealth Club World Affairs to share her exposé on the escalating threat of far-right politics—and a clear roadmap for saving our democracy. McQu…
Fair Play: Welcoming the World, Protecting Our Communities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:40
Celebrate Pride House SF’s launch with soccer, celebration, community, and a powerful conversation on human rights in sports. Pride House SF officially opens its doors with an evening of celebration, community, and conve…