Mayor Kevin Johnson, Matthieu Ricard, Zoe Saldana, Elijah Wood

Sacramento Mayor and former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson talks aobut his role as president of the nonpartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors and the major challenges faced by his fellow municipal executives.

*Program note: Our interview with Mayor Johnson was taped prior to the shooting massacre that left nine people dead at an historic Black church in Charleston, S.C.  In the hours immediately following the tragedy, Mayor Johnson issued a statement on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Tavis also offered his thoughts in a commentary published in USA Today. We’ll have continued coverage of the shootings on this program next week.

Matthieu Ricard, a French-born Buddhist monk, bestselling author and a scientist with a degree in molecular biology, has been described in various media accounts as the happiest man in the world. He’s combined his life of meditation and reflection with scientific data to show that altruism is the best means for benefiting both individuals and society. He discusses his book, “Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World.” 

Zoe Saldana talks about her role in the new film “Infinitely Polar Bear,” in which she portrays a mother struggling to find a job to support her two young daughters while her husband, played by Mark Ruffalo, copes with a breakdown that landed him in a mental hospital.

Elijah Wood, who gained worldwide fame for his role as Frodo in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise, shares his latest film, “Set Fire to the Stars.” Based on true events, the film stars Wood as an aspiring poet who goes on a transformative weeklong retreat with his hero, Dylan Thomas.