David Chiu: Inside the Fights Shaping San Francisco

Carol Isen: Merit, Equity, and the Modern City Workforce

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Carol Isen, Director of Human Resources for the City and County of San Francisco. Carol traces her journey from Detroit activist roots to becoming one of SF’s leading voices on workforce development, labor relations, equity, and public service.She shares stories from her early days as a union organizer, what it was like being on the Bay Bridge during the 1989 earthquake, how her department navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and the massive modernization efforts underway to improve hiring and support city workers. We also dive into her love of music, LGBTQ history in SF, and the essential people who keep this city running. sf.gov/DHR

Jorge Rivas: How SF Supports Immigrant Families

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Jorge Rivas, Executive Director of the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA). Jorge shares his powerful story as the son of immigrants, his mission to remove barriers for newcomers, and how San Francisco became the first city in the nation to earn a 5‑star Welcoming America certification. From Pride Month to his favorite Sunset breakfast spot, this episode dives into culture, community, and what it takes to make San Francisco the most welcoming city in the world. Learn more about OCEIA’s programs, community ambassadors, language access, citizenship pathways, and the June 8th City Hall celebration. https://sf.gov/oceia

David Chiu: Inside the Fights Shaping San Francisco

Join us in the basement of San Francisco City Hall for an in‑depth conversation with City Attorney David Chiu, who breaks down the biggest legal battles shaping the city—from the lawsuit targeting ultra‑processed food companies to the urgent fight against AI‑generated deepfake pornography. He explains how these cases impact public health, safety, and civil rights, while also touching on housing enforcement, worker protections, and San Francisco’s pushback against harmful federal policies. City Attorney Chiu also shares his personal journey from growing up as one of the only Asian kids in his Boston neighborhood to discovering his passion for civil rights and eventually becoming SF’s City Attorney. Along the way, he reflects on AAPI representation, the resilience of San Francisco, his favorite hidden gems, and even a bit of Boston sports nostalgia. If you care about justice, civic leadership, or the future of San Francisco, you’ll love this episode.

Manijeh Fata: How to Film in the Most Cinematic City

Go behind the scenes of San Francisco’s film renaissance with Manijeh Fata, Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Commission. In this deep‑dive conversation, we explore SF’s iconic cinematic history, the city’s powerful new $1M filming incentive, how the film office kept productions alive during the pandemic, and the exciting wave of movies and series returning to shoot in the city.Manijeh shares her personal journey from community activism to filmmaking, memorable celebrity encounters (including Keanu Reeves!), and her vision for empowering local storytellers and underrepresented creatives. Whether you’re a film professional, an SF lover, or a movie geek, this episode pulls back the curtain on how San Francisco is reclaiming its role as one of the most cinematic cities in the world.https://www.filmsf.org/

Gabbie Listana: San Francisco Youth Are Heard

Meet Gabrielle “Gabbie” Listana, the 18‑year‑old Chair of the San Francisco Youth Commission representing more than 175,000 young people across the city. In this episode, Gabbie opens up about growing up in the Tenderloin and SOMA, leading major youth‑driven legislation like Free Muni for Youth, pushing for language access, fighting for environmental justice, and supporting immigrant and LGBTQ+ youth. She also talks about AI in the classroom, the impact of social media on youth well‑being, and what adults often misunderstand about young people. From her father’s activism to her own grassroots organizing — including a massive youth walkout that took over four city blocks — Gabbie represents the bold, informed, and passionate voice of San Francisco’s next generation.