Commonwealth Club World Affairs Oct2025

Contact: John Zipperer
VP, Media & Editorial, Commonwealth Club World Affairs
jzipperer@commonwealthclub.org (preferred) or 415-597-6715

SAN FRANCISCO (September 29, 2025) — Speakers at America’s oldest and most active public forum in October include the inventor of the World Wide Web, popular science writers, prison reformers, a governor, philosophers, historians and many others.

The Bay Area has long been a hub of science and technology, and that is reflected in October programs about:

· the Pediatric Moonshot with Dr. Timothy Chou discussing the project to dramatically improve health care for children (Oct. 2, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-02/healthy-society-series-pediatric-moonshot-reducing-health-inequity-lowering-cost )

· a discussion of artificial intelligence and the interplay between regulation and innovation (Oct. 6, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-06/beyond-myth-how-regulation-fuels-smarter-innovation-ai-world )

· cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker on common knowledge (Oct. 8, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-08/steven-pinker-when-everyone-knows-everyone-knows )

· bestselling author Mary Roach on developments in the science of body replacement (Oct. 9, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-09/mary-roach-adventures-human-anatomy )

· Tim Berners-Lee and Brewster Kahle on building and preserving the web (Oct. 9, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-09/building-and-preserving-web-conversation-sir-tim-berners-lee-and-brewster-kahle )

· Hoover Institution’s David Fedor on reinventing nuclear power (Oct. 16, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-16/david-fedor-reinventing-nuclear-power )

Politics also feature in many Club programs in October:

· Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer returns to the Club (Oct. 29, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-29/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-lessons-anyone-who-wants-make-difference )

· a political roundtable with Tim Anaya, Carla Marinucci, and Doug Sovern (Oct. 15, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-15/october-reprise-week-week-political-roundtable-and-social-hour)

· Wesleyan University President Michael Roth on higher education and Trump (Oct. 20, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-20/why-higher-ed-should-stand-trump-michael-roth )

· ACLU National Legal Director Cecillia Wang on civil liberties in hostile times (Oct. 27, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-27/aclus-cecillia-wang-defending-civil-rights-and-civil-liberties-hostile-times )

· Joyce Vance on our democratic ills (Oct. 28, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-28/joyce-vance-giving-unforgivable)

· UC Berkeley Professor Darren Zook on the rule of law (Oct. 30, https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-30/rule-law-what-it-why-it-matters-and-how-it-affects-our-safety-and-security )

And that’s only a sampling of our lineup in October, which also includes a Blue Angels viewing party (https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-11/wings-over-bay-blue-angels-fleet-week-celebration), an intergenerational dialogue on climate solutions (https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-14/greta-and-grandpa-intergenerational-dialogue-climate-solutions), Shaka Senghor on freedom (https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2025-10-07/shaka-senghor-how-be-free), and still more.

Programs at Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at commonwealthclub.org/events.

Many speakers are available for press interviews; to inquire, contact jzipperer@commonwealthclub.org.

Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is the nation's oldest, largest and most active public forum. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, founded in 1903, produces hundreds of live programs each year on politics, business, the environment, international affairs, personal growth, education, arts, social issues, and more. Speakers have included presidents and scientists, activists and artists, business leaders and celebrities. The Club produces two nationally syndicated weekly radio programs, its videos have received tens of millions of views on YouTube, and its podcasts have been downloaded nearly 28 million times. Commonwealth Club World Affairs was formed in 2023 from a merger between The Commonwealth Club of California and World Affairs of Northern California. Additional information available at commonwealthclub.org.

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