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
Changing Lives, One Dog at a Time:
Raising Heroes on Four Paws
What does it take to turn an eight-week-old puppy into a highly skilled service dog? Discover the inspiring story of Canine Companions, from its volunteer puppy raisers and professional training program to the life-changing moment when a highly skilled dog is paired with a child, adult, or veteran with a disability—all at no cost to the recipient. Learn how compassion, dedication, and four paws make independence possible.
Floranne Fanti, Canine Companions
Changing Lives, One Dog at a Time:
Raising Heroes on Four Paws
What does it take to turn an eight-week-old puppy into a highly skilled service dog? Discover the inspiring story of Canine Companions, from its volunteer puppy raisers and professional training program to the life-changing moment when a highly skilled dog is paired with a child, adult, or veteran with a disability—all at no cost to the recipient. Learn how compassion, dedication, and four paws make independence possible.
Oct 25, 2026
David McCuan, Sonoma State Univ
Mid-Term 2026: Election Analysis & Forecast
The 2026 elections may reshape the balance of power in America at one of the most turbulent political moments in decades. David McCuan will break down the forces driving voter behavior, the races most likely to determine the nation’s direction, and the surprises that could upend conventional wisdom. Packed with real-world political insight, this talk offers a front-row seat to the drama, strategy, and stakes of the 2026 election season.
David McCuan, Sonoma State Univ
Mid-Term 2026: Election Analysis & Forecast
The 2026 elections may reshape the balance of power in America at one of the most turbulent political moments in decades. David McCuan will break down the forces driving voter behavior, the races most likely to determine the nation’s direction, and the surprises that could upend conventional wisdom. Packed with real-world political insight, this talk offers a front-row seat to the drama, strategy, and stakes of the 2026 election season.
Nov 1, 2026
Mark Randol
Blue Planet, Red Alert!
The ocean shapes every breath we take, every storm we endure, and every climate shift now unfolding around us — yet it remains one of the least understood places on Earth. In this riveting talk, Mark Randol, one of Oakmont’s favorite speakers, explores the dramatic changes transforming our oceans which will deeply impact our future lives, economies and communities everywhere.
Mark Randol
Blue Planet, Red Alert!
The ocean shapes every breath we take, every storm we endure, and every climate shift now unfolding around us — yet it remains one of the least understood places on Earth. In this riveting talk, Mark Randol, one of Oakmont’s favorite speakers, explores the dramatic changes transforming our oceans which will deeply impact our future lives, economies and communities everywhere.
Nov 8, 2026
Greg Sarris, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
What the Bear Knows
What if the line between humans and the natural world isn’t as fixed as we think? In this mesmerizing talk, acclaimed author and tribal leader Greg Sarris explores storytelling, identity, and our fragile relationship with nature. This thoughtful talk will touch on part myth, part warning, and part profound reflection on what it means to be human.
Greg Sarris, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
What the Bear Knows
What if the line between humans and the natural world isn’t as fixed as we think? In this mesmerizing talk, acclaimed author and tribal leader Greg Sarris explores storytelling, identity, and our fragile relationship with nature. This thoughtful talk will touch on part myth, part warning, and part profound reflection on what it means to be human.
Nov 15, 2026
Laurie Jacobson
Lipstick, Lies & Limousines: Hollywood's Naughty List
Step behind the velvet curtain with Laurie Jacobson for a wildly entertaining romp through Hollywood’s juiciest scandals, outrageous feuds, secret romances, and legendary bad behavior. From studio cover-ups to star-studded disasters, Laurie dishes out the stories the tabloids only hinted at — with wit, charm, and impeccable insider knowledge. Funny, shocking, and deliciously gossipy, this is old Hollywood at its most irresistible.
Laurie Jacobson
Lipstick, Lies & Limousines: Hollywood's Naughty List
Step behind the velvet curtain with Laurie Jacobson for a wildly entertaining romp through Hollywood’s juiciest scandals, outrageous feuds, secret romances, and legendary bad behavior. From studio cover-ups to star-studded disasters, Laurie dishes out the stories the tabloids only hinted at — with wit, charm, and impeccable insider knowledge. Funny, shocking, and deliciously gossipy, this is old Hollywood at its most irresistible.
Nov 22, 2026
Kim Mazzuca
Changing Lives One Degree at a Time
At 10,000 Degrees, education is more than a diploma — it’s a pathway to opportunity, confidence, and lasting change. Kim Mazzuca will share how the 10,000 degrees is helping students from low-income backgrounds achieve college success through scholarships, mentorship, and comprehensive support. Joining her will be two graduates of the 10,000 Degrees program who will share how this remarkable program, plus their own determination, helped open doors that once seemed out of reach — powerful real-life stories of resilience, transformation, and hope.
Kim Mazzuca
Changing Lives One Degree at a Time
At 10,000 Degrees, education is more than a diploma — it’s a pathway to opportunity, confidence, and lasting change. Kim Mazzuca will share how the 10,000 degrees is helping students from low-income backgrounds achieve college success through scholarships, mentorship, and comprehensive support. Joining her will be two graduates of the 10,000 Degrees program who will share how this remarkable program, plus their own determination, helped open doors that once seemed out of reach — powerful real-life stories of resilience, transformation, and hope.