UpComing Talks
Sundays at Berger Center at 10:30 am
Sundays at Berger Center at 10:30 am
Sept. 13, 2026
Francesco Lecce-Chong, Conductor, Santa Rosa Symphony
Chloe Tula, Harpist & Wine Sommelier
Healing a Fractured World: the Magic of Wine and Music
Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong and musician-sommelier Chloe Tula explore how two of humanity’s oldest arts have the power to bring people together, awaken the senses, and create moments of genuine connection. Blending storytelling, insight, and musical inspiration, this fascination talk promises an uplifting and deeply moving experience about beauty, community, and the human spirit.
Francesco Lecce-Chong, Conductor, Santa Rosa Symphony
Chloe Tula, Harpist & Wine Sommelier
Healing a Fractured World: the Magic of Wine and Music
Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong and musician-sommelier Chloe Tula explore how two of humanity’s oldest arts have the power to bring people together, awaken the senses, and create moments of genuine connection. Blending storytelling, insight, and musical inspiration, this fascination talk promises an uplifting and deeply moving experience about beauty, community, and the human spirit.
Sept. 20, 2026
Suzanne Bontempo
No Bees, No Breakfast
What would the world look like without bees, butterflies, and other pollinators? Hint: your morning coffee, fresh fruit, chocolate, and even wine could start disappearing fast. In this eye-opening talk, Suzanne Bontempo reveals the hidden drama unfolding right outside our windows: the silent struggle of the tiny pollinators that keep our gardens flourishing, our food growing, and our world in bloom and how you can help protect these remarkable little workers before their buzz disappears for good.
Suzanne Bontempo
No Bees, No Breakfast
What would the world look like without bees, butterflies, and other pollinators? Hint: your morning coffee, fresh fruit, chocolate, and even wine could start disappearing fast. In this eye-opening talk, Suzanne Bontempo reveals the hidden drama unfolding right outside our windows: the silent struggle of the tiny pollinators that keep our gardens flourishing, our food growing, and our world in bloom and how you can help protect these remarkable little workers before their buzz disappears for good.
Sept. 27, 2026
Daniel Zoughbie
America & the Middle East: How We Got Here
How did decades of American decisions help turn the Middle East into one of the most volatile regions on earth? In this gripping and timely talk, nationally, acclaimed historian, Daniel Zoughbie traces the high-stakes choices made by U.S. presidents from Truman to Trump—decisions that reshaped nations, fueled conflicts, and continue to reverberate across the globe today.
Daniel Zoughbie
America & the Middle East: How We Got Here
How did decades of American decisions help turn the Middle East into one of the most volatile regions on earth? In this gripping and timely talk, nationally, acclaimed historian, Daniel Zoughbie traces the high-stakes choices made by U.S. presidents from Truman to Trump—decisions that reshaped nations, fueled conflicts, and continue to reverberate across the globe today.
Oct. 4, 2026
Jon Provost
Growing Up With Lassie: A Hollywood Childhood
Jon Provost, forever remembered as the beloved Timmy from Lassie, takes audiences behind the scenes of one of television’s most iconic shows and into the golden age of 1950s–60s Hollywood. With warmth and wit, he will share insider stories, brushes with major stars, and what it was really like to grow up on camera at the height of TV’s early fame. Along the way, he will offer a candid glimpse of the challenges that come with childhood fame and the resilience it takes to navigate life during -- and after -- Hollywood stardom.
Jon Provost
Growing Up With Lassie: A Hollywood Childhood
Jon Provost, forever remembered as the beloved Timmy from Lassie, takes audiences behind the scenes of one of television’s most iconic shows and into the golden age of 1950s–60s Hollywood. With warmth and wit, he will share insider stories, brushes with major stars, and what it was really like to grow up on camera at the height of TV’s early fame. Along the way, he will offer a candid glimpse of the challenges that come with childhood fame and the resilience it takes to navigate life during -- and after -- Hollywood stardom.
Oct. 11, 2026
Margo Robbins,
Cultural Fire Mgmt Council & Yurok Tribal Member
When if Fire Beneficial?
For thousands of years, California’s Indigenous peoples carefully managed forests with controlled burns that reduced catastrophic wildfires and kept ecosystems healthy—knowledge that modern society is only now beginning to rediscover. In this thought-provoking talk, Margo Robbins explains how “good fire” can help prevent devastating megafires, protect communities, and restore balance to the land.
Margo Robbins,
Cultural Fire Mgmt Council & Yurok Tribal Member
When if Fire Beneficial?
For thousands of years, California’s Indigenous peoples carefully managed forests with controlled burns that reduced catastrophic wildfires and kept ecosystems healthy—knowledge that modern society is only now beginning to rediscover. In this thought-provoking talk, Margo Robbins explains how “good fire” can help prevent devastating megafires, protect communities, and restore balance to the land.
Oct. 18, 2026
Floranne Fanti, Canine Companions
What Your Dog Wishes You Knew
Why have dogs become some of our closest companions—and what is really happening inside their minds when they look at us with such devotion, intelligence, and empathy? In this heartwarming talk, Floranne Fanti explores the remarkable bond between humans and dogs, uncovering surprising insights into canine behavior, communication, emotions, and the endearing ways dogs enrich our lives every single day.
Floranne Fanti, Canine Companions
What Your Dog Wishes You Knew
Why have dogs become some of our closest companions—and what is really happening inside their minds when they look at us with such devotion, intelligence, and empathy? In this heartwarming talk, Floranne Fanti explores the remarkable bond between humans and dogs, uncovering surprising insights into canine behavior, communication, emotions, and the endearing ways dogs enrich our lives every single day.