CONVERSATIONS! 2023

Admiral L.J. Goldstein, Founder of Krewe du Jieux

The Krewe du Jieux in New Orleans describes itself as “a free spirited parade organization committed to deflating the stereotypes that have historically been aimed at the Jewish people.” Chuck interviews Admiral L.J. Goldstein about the founding of the Krewe, their annual Mardi Gras parade, the wonderfully irreverent “Running of the Jieux” and other events. You will not believe the Krewe’s hilarious, in your face, antics.

 
 

Deepak Puri, Co-Founder of The Democracy Labs

Whether you are interested in winning elections, supporting people who are, or advocating for change with policymakers and elected officials, you want to watch this interview with Deepak Puri.

Deepak has been cited in Newsweek and NBC as an expert in identifying effective low and no cost technologies. You will meet a fascinating man who resigned from his executive positions in Silicon Valley to work pro bono helping progressive causes and candidates win with leading edge technologies.

Dr. Philip Zazove, Retired Chair of the UM Family Medicine Department

Enjoy watching the CONVERSATION! with Charles Newman interviewing Philip Zazove, M. D.

Born almost totally deaf, he has spent his entire life beating the odds. He was one of the first children mainstreamed in the northern Chicago suburbs, excelled at Northwestern University (where he made the football team as a walk-on) and overcame numerous rejections for admittance to medical school.

He became a respected and well-loved doctor and recently retired as the Chair of the UM Family Medicine Department. Hear how he overcame discrimination due to his hearing loss to become a doctor as well. Chuck will also explore the numerous improvements to patient care in family medicine due to his efforts.

 
 

Julie Ellis, Joy Wolfe Ensor and Avishay Hayut – The Ones Who Remember

Hear how they honor their parent’s courage and resilience and how they live with the aftermath of their parents’ inconceivable experiences.

“What was unimaginable did, in fact, happen. We know because those who survived told us. Truth needs light. Truth needs telling. Truth bears repeating. Read these accounts. And never forget.” — Harry Smith, NBC News

 
 

Climate Action Now!

Chuck’s guests on CONVERSATIONS! are his sons, Mike and Steve Newman, both of whom are considered experts in evaluating what practices can and cannot help mitigate climate change.

We know we need climate action, and we need it fast. But WHICH actions will be effective? New systems and new ways of thinking are needed in so many domains and what we can do to see that this happens.

Climate Change is 87% Business. The real climate action takes place in the business world. It’s critical that we find ways to change the behavior of businesses, not just individuals. If Carbon Offsets are the Answer, What is the Question?

 
 

Be inspired by Oxford shooting survivors who are fighting to keep our children safe.

This CONVERSATION! gives us some insight into the failure of many of our legislators to put the safety of our children ahead of their political interests. Our guests put their safety at risk and became critical contributors to the historic passage of gun safety legislation. You will get the inside story of what’s involved in finally passing this legislation and where we are in finishing the process.

 

How will Artificial Intelligence change the world? CHATGPT PART ONE

How will Artificial Intelligence change the world? CHATGPT PART TWO

Bernie Banet demonstrates during two episodes of CONVERSATIONS! the power, promise and threat posed by A.I. powered tools and their ability to create texts, letters, articles, emails and other forms of written communication.

 
 

Are chatbots intelligent? What harm and good can they do now and in the future?

Steve has earned accolades for his extensive research and well-reasoned analysis of climate issues, documented on his blog, Climateer. Now, he’s doing the same for A.I., and he will share what he has learned on CONVERSATIONS!

 
 

Michael Thompson Clemency Project

CONVERSATIONS! has an enlightening interview with Michael Thompson, a man who was incarcerated for nearly 25 years for selling three pounds of marijuana. We’ll delve into the efforts of the Michael Thompson Clemency Project, which aims to assist individuals serving disproportionately harsh prison sentences by securing clemency and commutations for them.

 
 

Live from Ukraine

Olena Novytska reports live from Ukraine on how day to day life is under the current state of their country, the ongoing conflict, and personal experiences. It is essential that we hear her narrative.

 
 

The views expressed by Chuck Newman and his guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ann Arbor JCC.

With questions, please contact Charles Newman.

CONVERSATIONS! is presented by the Jewish Cultural Arts and Education (JCAE) Department of the Ann Arbor JCC. For more information on this or other JCAE programs, please contact Marie Pattipati, Director of Jewish Cultural Arts and Education.