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

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula is a grassroots, action-driven community empowering people to strengthen democracy, advance social justice, and stand up against injustice and cruelty—together.

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Episodes

24 hours ago

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

Thursday Feb 19, 2026

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.
 

Wednesday Feb 18, 2026

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.

Tuesday Feb 17, 2026

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 

Monday Feb 16, 2026

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."

Sunday Feb 15, 2026

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.
 

Friday Feb 13, 2026

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
 

Mindset, Movement and Nutrition

Thursday Feb 12, 2026

Thursday Feb 12, 2026

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

Wednesday Feb 11, 2026

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

Tuesday Feb 10, 2026

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/

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