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Policy Chats

Policy Chats

UCR School of Public Policy 119 Episodes Aug 4, 2026

Policy Chats features conversations with a variety of voices in the public policy world, tackling today's most pressing societal issues. Each episode offers insights from experts and practitioners, providing perspectives on current policy challenges. The podcast is produced by the School of Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside, bringing an academic lens to real-world problems.

Episodes

Inside the MQ-9A: The Role of Remotely Piloted Aircraft & the Future of Technology in the 163d Attack Wing
Inside the MQ-9A: The Role of Remotely Piloted Aircraft & the Future of Technology in the 163d Attack Wing Aug 4, 2026 00:36:50 In this episode of Policy Chats, Colonel David M. Gunty joins hosts Dori Pham and Ari Chung to discuss the intersection of U.S. foreign policy, military operations, and emerging technology. The discussion introduces the mission of one of the nation's few Air Reserve Bases, examines how the 163rd Attack Wing supports both domestic readiness and overseas operations, and highlights the growing im
A Strong, Prosperous, and Independent Vietnam: Diplomacy with Ambassador Ted Osius
A Strong, Prosperous, and Independent Vietnam: Diplomacy with Ambassador Ted Osius Jun 22, 2026 01:03:53 In this episode of Policy Chats, Former U.S. Ambassador Ted Osius joins host Dori Pham to discuss the evolution of U.S.–Vietnam relations, the enduring process of reconciliation, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the bilateral partnership in the twenty-first century.The conversation covers how decades of reconciliation efforts have transformed former adversaries into strategic partners,
The Art of Diplomacy: Balancing Crisis and Long-Term Partnership
The Art of Diplomacy: Balancing Crisis and Long-Term Partnership Jun 5, 2026 00:54:39 In this episode of Policy Chats, Former US Ambassador Barbara K. Bodine joins hosts Dori Pham and Ari Chung to discuss the inner workings of U.S. foreign policymaking, the value of diplomacy and local expertise, crisis management, counterterrorism, post-conflict governance, and the challenges of translating strategic goals into effective action. Through her experiences in the Middle East, she prov
Diplomacy Beyond the Headlines: Ambassador Ronald Neumann on Conflict, Trust, & U.S. Foreign Policy
Diplomacy Beyond the Headlines: Ambassador Ronald Neumann on Conflict, Trust, & U.S. Foreign Policy May 11, 2026 00:34:52 In this episode of Policy Chats, Ambassador Ronald Neumann joins host Dori Pham and Liam Burley to discuss diplomacy in conflict environments. Drawing on his experience as U.S. Ambassador to Algeria, Bahrain, and Afghanistan, he explains how effective diplomacy relies on trust, patience, local knowledge, and credibility.The conversation covers diplomatic leadership in unstable regions, the relatio
Old Systems, New Demands: The Future of Government
Old Systems, New Demands: The Future of Government May 4, 2026 00:51:12 In this episode of Policy Chats, Nick Maduros joins host Dori Pham to discuss how California is modernizing state government and improving public service delivery. Drawing on his leadership experience, he highlights the challenges of reforming legacy systems, streamlining operations, and building a more efficient and responsive government.The conversation explores key barriers to reform, including
From Teacher to Lawmaker: How Education Drives Policy Change
From Teacher to Lawmaker: How Education Drives Policy Change Apr 28, 2026 00:44:46 In this episode of Policy Chats, Mark Takano joins host Dori Pham to discuss his journey from educator to policymaker and how his background shapes his approach to public service. Drawing on over two decades as a public school teacher and his leadership in Congress, he shares insights on education reform, veterans’ policy, and the realities of navigating complex legislation. The conversation highl
Diplomacy Under Pressure: Iran, Nuclear Risk, and U.S. Strategy
Diplomacy Under Pressure: Iran, Nuclear Risk, and U.S. Strategy Apr 20, 2026 00:47:31 In this episode of Policy Chats, Thomas Countryman joins host Dori Pham to discuss his career in diplomacy and the realities of nuclear arms control policymaking. Drawing on his experience as Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation, he explains how negotiations actually work inside government and why consistency is critical in preventing nuclear proliferation.
The Craft of Diplomacy: Trust, Negotiation, and U.S. Foreign Policy
The Craft of Diplomacy: Trust, Negotiation, and U.S. Foreign Policy Apr 13, 2026 00:33:41 In this episode of Policy Chats, Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis joins host Dori Pham to discuss his career in diplomacy and key moments in U.S. foreign policy. Drawing on his experience in Cuba and at the United Nations, he explains how trust, emotional intelligence, and negotiation shape diplomatic outcomes. The conversation explores the 2015 U.S.–Cuba normalization, challenges in global conflict
Designing Healthier Cities: Inside the Blue Zones Project Riverside
Designing Healthier Cities: Inside the Blue Zones Project Riverside Apr 3, 2026 00:47:05 In this episode of Policy Chats, Erin Edwards, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Riverside, joins Dean Mark Long, host Dori Pham and Shivani Narang to discuss how place based policy and community design shape public health and longevity. Drawing on her background in local government and nonprofit leadership, Edwards explains how the Blue Zones model turns global research into practical stra
Education Freedom vs. Public Systems: Can We Do Both?
Education Freedom vs. Public Systems: Can We Do Both? Mar 9, 2026 00:54:16 In this episode of Policy Chats, Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, sits down with host Dori Pham to discuss education policy and the role of school choice in expanding opportunity for students. Drawing on his experience in education reform, Mitchell explains how policies such as charter schools, education savings accounts, and voucher programs aim to give famil
From Liberalism to State Capitalism: Markets, Power, and the Future of Policy
From Liberalism to State Capitalism: Markets, Power, and the Future of Policy Mar 2, 2026 00:46:44 In this episode of Policy Chats, host Dori Pham sits down with Professor Babcock, Associate Dean and Professor at the UC Riverside School of Public Policy, to discuss liberalism, economic reasoning, and the changing role of government in today’s policy environment.Professor Babcock argues that recent policy decisions reflect a shift away from evidence-based, deliberative policymaking toward a more
Disaster Dollars: How Climate Shocks Reshape Local Budgets
Disaster Dollars: How Climate Shocks Reshape Local Budgets Feb 23, 2026 00:49:23 In this episode of Policy Chats, host Dori Pham sits down with Professor Wei Guo, Associate Professor at the UCR School of Public Policy, to discuss how climate related disasters strain state and local public finances and what that means for equity and long term resilience.Professor Guo explains why disaster recovery spending often remains elevated for years, while revenue effects especially prope

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