Be Curious Contra Costa is a podcast talking everything Contra Costa County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. From local happenings, to the people, to supporting local business and upcoming events.
102: Brian Lawrence Brian Lawrence Talks Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Mount Diablo Unified School District Trustee Brian Lawrence discusses his return to the school board, district finances, special education funding, student achievement and the challenges facing public education.
Mount Diablo Unified School District Board Trustee Brian Lawrence joined the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about public education, including the district’s roughly $500 million annual budget, its decision to spend down reserves, challenges surrounding special education funding, and the controversy involving an unauthorized press box constructed at College Park High School.
Lawrence, who previously served on the school board from 2012 to 2020, returned following an appointment to fill a vacancy in Trustee Area 4. He is now seeking a full four-year term.
28 Oct 2026
101: Rebecca Barrett Discusses Future of Community Colleges, AI and More
Contra Costa Community College District Trustee Rebecca Barrett joined the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of higher education, the challenges facing students, artificial intelligence, education funding, workforce development and the importance of critical thinking.
During the nearly two-hour conversation, Barrett reflected on her personal educational journey, her passion for public policy and the difficult decisions facing community colleges as technology, student needs and California's financial outlook continue to change.
For more information on Barrett, visit: www.rebeccabarrett.org
19 Oct 2026
100: Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis
Contra Costa Supervisor Diane Burgis Reflects on Life, Leadership and Kindness
For the 100th episode of the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis joined us for a conversation that went well beyond politics.
Rather than focusing on county government, elections or the latest political controversies, the milestone episode took a more personal approach, exploring Burgis' childhood, life experiences, leadership philosophy, the challenges of social media and why she believes society needs more kindness, curiosity and critical thinking.
Burgis, who previously served on the Oakley City Council and East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors, also played an important role in encouraging host Mike Burkholder to launch the podcast in the first place.
Burkholder acknowledged that Burgis spent nearly two years encouraging him to start a podcast before he finally agreed. Now, 100 episodes later, the two reflected on how the show has evolved and the importance of giving people an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
3.5 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
66
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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Guest appearances
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