Elex Michaelson On California’s Political Future: Newsom, Kamala & The 2026 Shakeup
Guest:Fox News LA Anchor Elex MichaelsonGuest Bio: Elex Michaelson is the co-anchor of Fox 11 News in Los Angeles and host of the weekly political show The Issue Is. Known for his thoughtful interviews and debate moderation, Elex has spoken with some of the nation’s most influential political leaders and received eight Emmy Awards and seven Golden Mikes. A native Californian, he brings deep insight into the state’s political dynamics, media landscape, and upcoming elections.Show SummaryFrom Gavin Newsom’s calculated media strategy to Kamala Harris’s next move and the growing appeal of centrist disruptors like Rick Caruso, this episode is a masterclass in California’s political future. Award-winning journalist and political commentator Elex Michaelson joins Jon Slavet for a candid conversation on what’s really happening behind the scenes — from deepening divides in LA to the state’s national image, and whether Republicans even stand a chance in 2026. Chapters00:00 – Newsom’s New Persona: The Left’s Anti-Trump01:12 – Meet Elex Michaelson02:20 – What’s Dividing Los Angeles04:30 – Mayor Bass: Firestorm Fallout vs. Political Wins06:40 – Fires, Permitting, and AI Solutions08:30 – Rick Caruso’s Next Move10:42 – Newsom’s Media Playbook and 2028 Ambitions13:10 – Authenticity and the Problem with “Shifting”15:50 – Kamala vs. Caruso: What’s Next in 2026?18:20 – Can Republicans Win in California?21:10 – Why Local Issues Get Derailed by National Politics24:15 – Prop 36, Party Pushback, and the Center-Left Surge26:00 – Rapid Fire: Education, Stereotypes, and Hope for CAConnect with Elex:X: https://x.com/elex_michaelsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elexmichaelson/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elexmichaelsonLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elexmichaelson/Website: https://www.youtube.com/elexmichaelsonEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
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Willie Brown On Power, Politics & The Future Of California
Guest:Fmr. San Francisco Mayor Willie BrownGuest Bio: Willie Brown is a legendary figure in California politics — the first African American Speaker of the California Assembly and former two-term Mayor of San Francisco. Known for his unmatched political savvy, deep relationships, and bold leadership style, Brown served in public office for over 40 years and helped launch the careers of many of California’s most prominent leaders. He remains an influential voice in shaping the state’s political direction and public policy discourse.Show SummaryWhat does it take to lead — and last — in California politics? In this rare and candid sit-down, Jon Slavet is joined in person by former California Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown for a wide-ranging conversation on power, leadership, and the real challenges facing California today. From behind-the-scenes stories of Gavin Newsom’s early political rise to bracing advice for Kamala Harris and reflections on homelessness, CEQA reform, and the next governor’s race — this episode delivers straight talk from one of the sharpest minds in American politics.Chapters00:00 – Willie Brown on Positivity, Longevity & Leadership02:00 – California’s Exploding Budget: Why We Spend So Much05:15 – Mission Bay, Baseball, and Transforming San Francisco07:50 – Gavin Newsom’s Unlikely Rise (and How It Started)11:45 – Advice to Newsom: Be Bold, Be Known, Be Everywhere13:30 – San Francisco’s New Mayor & Homelessness Promises17:00 – What It Takes to Solve the Crisis in SF18:50 – Private-Public Partnership: The Missing Piece20:20 – The “Farmer Newsom” Strategy for Statewide Homelessness23:00 – Kamala Harris: Her Strengths, Her Path, and Missed Opportunities26:00 – Who Might Really Run (and Win) in 202628:30 – CEQA Reform & What Newsom Got Right31:30 – Jerry Brown’s Late-Career Power Move33:00 – Political Lessons from a Lifetime of Power39:00 – Final Thoughts: Relationships, Listening & Leading in PersonEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
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California’s Energy Emergency: What No One’s Telling You About Gas Prices, Jobs & Policy Failure
Guest Catherine Reheis-Boyd - President & CEO, Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA)Guest BioCatherine Reheis-Boyd is President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), representing major petroleum companies in California and the western U.S. With decades of experience, she’s one of the most influential energy advocates in the state, leading policy discussions on refinery closures, energy affordability, and environmental regulation. She has testified before the legislature, served on numerous state commissions, and remains a powerful voice in the push for balanced energy policy that safeguards both the economy and the environment.Show SummaryWhy are California’s gas prices the highest in the country — and what’s really driving refinery closures and rising costs? In this candid conversation, Catherine Reheis-Boyd breaks down the policy decisions and regulatory bottlenecks that have put California’s energy supply — and economy — at risk. From importing crude oil from Iraq and Ecuador to shutting down local pipelines and refineries – Catherine and Jon Slavet explore how political decisions have created a perfect storm of costs, confusion, and bad consequences for consumers. With upwards of 500,000 California jobs on the line, Catherine offers a powerful case for pragmatism, collaboration, and urgent action before it’s too late.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Refinery Closures and Job Loss01:20 – Why Is Gas So Expensive in California?03:40 – Hidden Taxes and Regulatory Costs06:05 – Are We Managing in Crisis Mode?08:10 – Why We Import Oil While Sitting on Reserves10:30 – Greenhouse Emissions Hypocrisy12:35 – Politics Over Policy: The Kern County Crude Debate14:50 – Pipelines at Risk: A Real-Time Infrastructure Problem16:45 – Can the Industry Meet Environmental Standards?19:15 – The Real Cost of a Gallon of Gas21:30 – Workforce Impact and Job Losses in Oil & Gas23:50 – What a “Just Transition” Really Means25:00 – What Should Change in 2027?27:40 – Solutions: CEQA Reform, Collaboration, and Balance29:25 – Why “Hope is Not a Plan”31:10 – What Happens if We Don’t Act?32:30 – Rapid Fire: Hopes, Leadership, and California’s FutureConnect with Catherine:Twitter: https://x.com/WSPAPrezLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-reheis-boyd-71964411/Website: https://www.wspa.org/staff/catherine-reheis-boyd/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
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Can California Reform Itself? Steve Westly On Budget Bloat, Housing, And Hope
Guest: Steve Westly - Founder, 21st Century Alliance & Former CA State ControllerGuest BioSteve Westly is a business leader, investor, and former California State Controller who has spent decades working to make state government more efficient and accountable. A longtime supporter of education and economic innovation, Steve brings both private-sector and public-sector experience to bear on some of California’s most stubborn challenges. His expertise spans budgets, accountability, public education, and housing policy, making him a leading voice for reform-minded solutions in the Golden State.Show SummaryCalifornia is the world’s 4th largest economy — so why does the state struggle with massive budget deficits? In this thoughtful conversation, Steve Westly joins Jon to break down what’s gone wrong with the state budget, why education keeps failing students, and how outdated policies have fueled California’s housing crisis.From the rise of unsustainable spending to the need for a more accountable state workforce, Steve lays out hard truths about what really holds California back. He also shares an optimistic vision for how voters, civic leaders, and the next generation of policymakers can turn things around. Whether you’re frustrated by fraud and waste or still hopeful about California’s potential, this episode offers a clear look at how we might rebuild the California Dream.Chapters00:00 – California’s Success: The Bigger Picture02:00 – Public Education’s Broken Promises04:30 – The Science of Reading and Reform06:30 – The Real Role of Teachers’ Unions08:30 – Budget Bloat and California’s Spending Problem11:00 – Where to Start Cutting Costs13:00 – Holding State Agencies Accountable15:00 – Fraud, Waste, and Missed Oversight17:00 – The Housing Affordability Nightmare19:30 – Fixing CEQA and Building Faster22:00 – Why He Still Believes in California23:30 – 2026 Elections: Can Real Change Happen?25:30 – Who Can Lead California Forward?27:00 – Rapid Fire: Best California Leaders29:00 – What Outsiders Get Wrong About California30:00 – What Gives Steve Hope for California’s FutureConnect with SteveX: https://x.com/SteveWestlyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevewestly/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevewestly/Website: https://westlygroup.com/steve-westly/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
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The Plan to Red-Pill L.A. County: Elizabeth Barcohana’s Fight for California’s Future
Guest: Elizabeth Barcohana - Commentator, Activist & LA County RCC MemberGuest BioElizabeth Barcohana is an attorney, mother of four, and a rising voice in California’s Republican Party. After working at a major law firm while raising her young family in Los Angeles, Elizabeth entered politics during the COVID school closures, driven by frustration over policies that put unions and politics ahead of kids’ education. She currently serves on the LA County Republican Central Committee, is a delegate to the California Republican Party, and a regular contributor on Fox News. Elizabeth’s core passion is voter registration, and her approach connects everyday issues in people’s homes to bigger political forces – making her one of the most influential new voices in California conservative circles.Show SummaryWhat will it take for Republicans to actually win in California? In this energizing mini-episode, Elizabeth Barcohana joins Jon to break down how voter registration determines everything from strategy to outcomes for the Republican party in California – and why independents might actually be hurting their own cause. If you’ve wondered whether change is really possible in deep-blue California, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 – Why School Closures Sparked Elizabeth’s Activism01:00 – Understanding Voter Registration’s Hidden Power02:30 – The Data That Drives Political Strategy04:00 – How Independents Marginalize Themselves05:00 – Project 460K: A Viral Idea Is Born06:30 – How a Conversation on X Went Viral08:00 – Final Thoughts on California’s FutureConnect with ElizabethX: https://x.com/e_barcohana?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethfromcalifornia/# #Website: https://www.elizabethbarcohana.comEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com
Restoring the California Dream One Bold Idea at a TimeCalifornia was once a beacon of prosperity, hope and innovation – symbolized by the Gold Rush, Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Today it’s the least affordable state in the nation and plagued by poverty, homelessness, and sky-high taxes. How did we get here, and how do we turn California around?State of Gold is a media platform and citizens’ movement dedicated to restoring the California dream. Host and longtime real estate and tech executive Jon Slavet combines practical wisdom and insurgent energy, as he sits down with voices from across the spectrum. The show will examine and promote the best ideas from any corner to solve the state’s most pressing issues. State of Gold cuts through the noise to explore what’s gone wrong in the Golden State – and what it’ll take to make things right.www.stateofgold.com
USA