“The Intricacies of Family History, Politics, and Life as a Big City Mayor” with Sam Liccardo
This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes Sam Liccardo, the 64th mayor of San Jose, for an insightful discussion on technology's impact on legacy and memory. Join us on a fascinating journey as we explore his lineage and the intriguing blend of Sicilian, Irish, and Mexican roots that converge in his family tree. During this engaging episode, Sam Liccardo delves into the unique leadership challenges he encountered, particularly those faced by mayors of big cities. A role often regarded as one of the most demanding. Yet amidst these difficulties lie opportunities for growth and resilience.Tune in to this conversation filled with captivating stories about our past while providing thought-provoking insights about our present and future! In this Episode:Unity and Division: A Historical PerspectiveTechnology's Role in Remembering Personalities Candid Conversations with LeadersAncestry Documentation and its SignificanceDebunking 'The Good Old Days' Concept Future Technology and Social ImplicationsThe Power of Mementos Transition from Physical Spaces to Virtual Studios Story Topping: A Conversation KillerPolitics, Human Interaction, and Quick ConnectionsDoor-to-Door Politics: A Deep Insight into Community Concerns The Rise of AI and Trust IssuesResilience: A Recurring Theme Ego and Hubris: Obstacles to Scientific DiscourseHousing Crisis: Need for Innovation Balancing Ideological Differences: Finding Middle GroundPandemic Response: Challenges and TriumphsHigh Construction Cost: Need for Innovative ModelsDigital Divide: Bridging the GapLeadership Effectiveness in High-Pressure Situations Name-dropping and Celebrity EncountersFuture Political Aspirations: A Return to Public ServiceFree Speech and Diverse Viewpoints This episode is sponsored by:Habana CubaDignity MemorialAbout Sam:Sam Liccardo became the 64th mayor and one of the youngest individuals to serve in San José, California’s highest elected office. A member of the Democratic Party, Sam was elected mayor in November 2014. He was re-elected in 2018 with 75.8% of the vote. After graduating from Bellarmine College Preparatory in San José, Sam attended Georgetown University, where he rowed crew as captain of the heavyweight squad. He graduated magna cum laude in 1991 and enrolled at Harvard Law School and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. After graduating with honors with a law degree and a master’s degree in public policy, Sam returned to the Bay Area in 1996. Sam’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and other publications.Under his leadership, San Jose thrived with his efforts by growing the economy equitably, supporting struggling neighbors and broadening inclusion, investing in youth, beautifying San Jose and advancing smart environmental policies, improving public safety, building a 21st-century transportation network, and embracing innovation in the government. Sam and his wife, Jessica Garcia-Kohl, live near downtown San Jose.Website: https://www.samliccardo.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamLiccardo1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samliccardo/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sliccardo/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-liccardo-a9a1759/www.GaryScottThomas.com