State of Gold

Guest:Joel Kotkin, Chapman University ProfessorGuest Bio: Joel Kotkin is a renowned urban studies scholar, author, and fellow in urban futures at Chapman University. His work has appeared in Forbes, The Daily Telegraph, City Journal, and more. A longtime Californian, Kotkin has spent decades analyzing demographic trends, class shifts, and political transformations shaping the Golden State. His recent commentary focuses on the decline of middle-class opportunity, rising costs of living, and the unintended consequences of progressive policy.Show SummaryWhat happened to the California Dream? In this powerful conversation, Joel Kotkin joins Jon Slavet to unpack the root causes of California’s middle-class crisis. From skyrocketing housing costs and regressive climate policies to the rise of oligarchic politics and the exodus of working families, Kotkin makes a compelling case for how the state lost its promise — and what it will take to restore it.He also calls out how the YIMBY movement, climate dogma, and one-party rule are shaping a state that serves the ultra-wealthy and subsidized poor — while leaving the middle class behind. If you care about California’s future, this is essential watching.Chapters00:00 – California's Middle-Class Collapse01:10 – Kotkin on Coming to California in the 1970s03:00 – Climate Policy: Idealism or Ideology?05:00 – Who Really Pays for Green Mandates06:30 – Why Reform Feels Impossible08:00 – Billionaire Tax and Class Warfare09:30 – Government Growth and Wealth Redistribution11:00 – Why the Rich Get Richer in California13:00 – California's Startup Problem15:00 – Why the Middle Class Can't Stay16:00 – The YIMBY Agenda Critiqued18:00 – King for a Day: Kotkin’s First Fix19:30 – The Closing Thought: Potential vs. RuinConnect with Joel KotkinTwitter: https://x.com/joelkotkin?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joelkotkinSubstack: https://joelkotkin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kotkin-1883922/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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

GuestJoel Fox, "On California" PublisherGuest Bio Joel Fox is one of California’s most respected policy voices, known for his leadership of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, his work on Prop 13, and his longtime role as publisher of Fox & Hounds. With decades of experience in Sacramento, Joel served as a senior advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and remains a go-to analyst on elections, tax reform, and political strategy.Show SummaryJoel Fox passed away shortly after this episode was recorded. His decades of service to California politics, policy, and public discourse left an enduring legacy. We’re honored to share one of his final interviews.Why has California become politically uncompetitive — and what will it take to turn things around? In this conversation, Joel Fox unpacks the rise of one-party rule, the collapse of Republican unity, and why policies like Prop 13 still matter nearly 50 years later.He also shares insights from his time with Governor Schwarzenegger, discusses the uphill battle Rick Caruso faces in LA, and explains why the “new direction” voters crave might be closer than it seems — if the right candidates step up.Chapters00:00 – Why California’s One-Party Rule Is Failing01:50 – How Republicans Can Win Again03:00 – Stop the In-Fighting: 80% Allies Aren’t Enemies04:40 – The Legacy & Future of Prop 1307:58 – Working With Schwarzenegger: A Tax Story09:00 – Can Rick Caruso Win LA Mayor in 2026?11:30 – The Unexpected Poll Finding on Newsom12:25 – Caruso vs. Buetner in the Westside Primary12:50 – Rapid Fire: Fixing Representation13:20 – What Makes Joel Hopeful13:46 – California Is… “Dominant”Connect with Joel FoxSubstack: https://joelfox1.substack.com/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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Katy Grimes, Editor of the California Globe Guest Bio: Katy Grimes is the Editor of the California Globe and author of California’s War Against Donald Trump. A veteran investigative journalist with decades of experience covering Sacramento politics, she’s known for her fearless reporting on corruption, policy failures, and the unchecked power of public unions. Her work consistently challenges the status quo and gives voice to Californians who feel left behind by the system.Show SummaryFrom education breakdowns to energy dysfunction, California is in crisis — and Katy Grimes is not holding back. In this hard-hitting episode, Katy joins Jon Slavet to talk about the deep-rooted problems affecting California’s schools, housing, and energy grid. She unpacks how powerful public unions, misaligned incentives, and entrenched political interests have led to rising costs, failing schools, and an exodus of residents.Grimes also shares her perspective on the ongoing feud between Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump, and why she believes voters are hungry for real reform. Whether you agree with her or not, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Trump vs. Newsom: The War Rages On03:10 – Democrat Supermajority: Rigging the System?06:20 – What Happened to Balance in CA Politics08:45 – Is the Trump-Newsom Feud Just Theater?11:00 – Education Meltdown: What’s Gone Wrong13:50 – The Role of Teachers Unions in the Crisis16:05 – Why K-12 Budget Mandates Hurt Reform18:45 – New Leadership & Breaking the CTA’s Hold21:00 – The Governor’s Race & Poll Skepticism24:00 – What Californians Actually Want from Government27:05 – Defund Sacramento: Shrinking State Bureaucracy28:50 – Rapid Fire: Hope, Change & Fixing CaliforniaConnect with Katy GrimesX: https://x.com/KATYSaccitizenX:https://x.com/CaliforniaGlobeWebsite: https://californiaglobe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaliforniaglobe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiaglobe/?hl=enEnjoyed 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Legendary Talk Show Host John KobyltGuest Bio: John Kobylt is a legendary California talk radio host and co-host of the long-running “John and Ken Show” on KFI AM 640. Known for his sharp wit, no-filter commentary, and relentless scrutiny of California politics, John has spent decades exposing the state’s political dysfunction — from homelessness to taxation to public safety failures. He’s interviewed presidents, grilled governors, and continues to be a provocative and passionate voice in the Golden State.Show SummaryWhy does California keep voting the same way while everything gets worse? In this fiery conversation, longtime talk radio host John Kobylt joins Jon Slavet to pull back the curtain on the deep-rooted dysfunction driving the state’s decline. From skyrocketing gas prices and homelessness spending scams to Gavin Newsom’s baffling popularity and what 2026 could hold, this episode takes aim at the policies — and voter psychology — that keep California stuck.John also shares his experience interviewing Trump, his frustrations with media narratives, and why he still believes California is worth fighting for — if we can wake up.Chapters00:00 – Why Newsom’s Approval Rating Keeps Rising01:12 – California’s Self-Inflicted Wounds03:00 – Trump, Law Enforcement & Public Perception06:45 – Is 2026 a Turning Point for Republicans?07:50 – What Other States Are Doing Better08:40 – Why California Gas Prices Are Outrageous09:45 – LA’s Dysfunction & Government Collapse11:15 – The Homeless Housing Scam Exposed12:20 – Can Rick Caruso Make a Comeback?13:30 – Social Media’s Role in Voter Apathy14:45 – Rapid Fire: Kobylt’s Fix for California15:15 – What Gives Him Hope16:30 – California Needs an Intervention17:00 – Why He Still Loves CaliforniaConnect with John KobyltFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnandkenshow/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkobyltradio/Twitter: https://x.com/JohnKobyltRadioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnkobyltradioYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKobyltShowEnjoyed 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Show SummaryWhat do leading Californians actually think about the state they call home? From frustration with government policy to unwavering pride in the state’s beauty and diversity, this bonus episode features a series of raw, honest, and surprising reflections from leaders who’ve appeared on State of Gold this season.Hear perspectives on everything from the state’s budget crisis and housing issues to its enduring magic and promise. This isn’t about political soundbites — it’s about real voices, real opinions, and a deeper look at what makes California both broken and beautiful.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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Mike Madrid, GOP Political ConsultGuest Bio: Mike Madrid is a veteran political strategist, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and one of the most insightful voices on Latino voter behavior in America. A lifelong Republican and fierce critic of Trumpism, Mike has spent over three decades analyzing demographic shifts and advocating for policy-driven, people-first governance in California. He’s also the author of The Latino Century and a frequent media commentator on U.S. politics.Show SummaryWhy are Latino voters leaving both political parties behind — and what does it mean for California’s future? Mike Madrid joins Jon for a hard-hitting conversation on the evolving Latino electorate, the failures of both Democrats and Republicans, and how California’s manmade policy disasters are hurting the very people the Democratic political elite claim to support.Mike doesn’t hold back as he critiques Republican messaging, Democratic hypocrisy on issues like CEQA, and the urgent need for bold leadership. From housing and healthcare to immigration and affordability, this episode offers a no-BS look at what’s broken in California — and how it can be fixed.Chapters00:00 – Latinos & California Politics02:03 – Misconceptions About the Latino Vote03:38 – Immigration Views Within the Latino Community06:06 – The GOP in California: 30 Years Later07:19 – Republican Policy Ideas vs. Party Perception10:14 – Do Republicans Have Solutions?12:11 – The Health Care Policy Gap12:47 – Are Democrats Serious About Affordability?14:40 – CEQA Reform for the Rich?16:09 – The Irony of Democratic Policies18:14 – What Mike Told the Senate Dems18:37 – King for a Day: Fixing Housing18:52 – Why Mike Is Hopeful19:23 – Wildest Political Moment?19:48 – Final Thoughts: California Is Broken But FixableConnect with Mike MadridX: https://x.com/madrid_mikeLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-madrid-5b787356Threads: https://www.threads.com/@madrid_mike1Enjoyed 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Lance Christensen, Vice President of the California Policy Center Guest Bio: Lance Christensen is a policy expert and former candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. He currently serves with the California Policy Center, advocating for education reform, school choice, and smarter government. With a bold voice on California’s economic and energy challenges, Lance is a leading thinker on how to restore prosperity and common sense across the state.Show SummaryIs California’s K-12 system beyond repair — or just in need of bold reform? In this energetic conversation, Lance Christensen joins Jon to unpack the deep-rooted challenges in public education, from low literacy rates to union influence, and why many teachers still don’t know about their right to opt out of unions. They also dive into California’s failing energy policy, sky-high living costs, and the long-term economic damage of misguided climate mandates.Lance shares what he’d do on day one if he were Governor, and why real change requires more local accountability, not just new policies. Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or frustrated Californian — this one’s for you.Chapters00:00 – Why Education Affects Everyone01:29 – California's Failing K-12 System02:15 – The Federal Tax Credit No One’s Using03:41 – The Power of Teachers Unions & Janus Decision05:25 – The Impact of DEI in Schools07:45 – The Economic Fallout of Policy Failures09:15 – Why California Sends Jobs to Other States10:37 – What’s Driving Sky-High Energy Prices12:42 – We Need an “All of the Above” Energy Plan13:37 – Wildfires Are Undermining Climate Goals15:24 – First Moves as Governor: Expand the Legislature?17:06 – California Leader Lance Most Admires17:50 – Why California Is Still Worth Fighting ForConnect with Lance ChristiansenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancechristensenX: https://x.com/Lance4CASuperWebsite:lancechristensen.com/ 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Ethan Penner, Independent Candidate for Governor Guest Bio: Ethan Penner is a prominent investor and finance innovator best known for helping to create the modern commercial mortgage-backed securities market. Now, as an independent candidate for California governor, he’s proposing sweeping reforms—from an audacious flat tax plan to a state-run insurance mutual and a unified solution to homelessness. A thought leader who blends economic insight with a community-first vision, Penner offers a bold roadmap for revitalizing the Golden State.Show SummaryIn this compelling episode, independent gubernatorial candidate Ethan Penner lays out his radical blueprint for a better California. He breaks down his proposal to eliminate all state income and corporate taxes in favor of a single 15% consumption tax—with a built-in “prebate” for lower-income residents to avoid regressive impacts.Penner also unveils his plan for a public, non-profit property insurance mutual to address California’s insurance crisis, plus his vision to replace the “homeless industrial complex” with one accountable statewide model. He finishes with powerful insights on education reform, including pay-for-performance family incentives, extended school hours, and working around entrenched systems like CTA to honor great teachers.Whether you agree or not, Penner's ideas will challenge your thinking and spark conversation.Chapters00:00 – Ethan Penner’s Bold Tax Proposal01:46 – Making the Tax Non-Regressive with a Pre-bate03:51 – Tax Implications for High Earners & Behavioral Impact06:32 – Audit Spending, Not Income08:08 – A New Public Insurance Model for CA11:16 – Rewarding Good Behavior with Premiums12:54 – Statewide Fire Prevention + Early Warning Systems14:12 – Fixing the Homelessness Crisis with One Plan16:05 – Why the Incentive Structure Must Change17:25 – The Education Crisis: Real Incentives for Families18:28 – Rethinking Time in School & Homework Support20:04 – The CTA Barrier and Talking Directly to Teachers22:22 – Rapid Fire: First Action & Final ThoughtsConnect with Ethan PennerWebsite: https://www.pennerforgovernor.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennerforca/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pennerforca?_t=ZP-8yGvZjgEJGZ&_r=1X: https://x.com/pennerforca?s=21Enjoyed 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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:Graham Knaus CEO, California State Association of CountiesGuest Bio: Graham Knaus is CEO of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) – whose mission is to serve, support, and advocate for the state's 58 counties to ensure they can effectively serve their communities. With deep experience in public finance and governance, Knaus has been a fierce advocate for empowering counties to address core issues like homelessness, affordability, housing, and disaster response. He believes in a commonsense formula: Let the state set the goals, and let local governments decide how to get the job done.Show SummaryWhat if California’s most expensive problems—homelessness, housing, affordability—aren’t being solved simply because no one knows who’s responsible? In this episode, Graham Knaus delivers a powerful breakdown of why top-down state mandates keep failing and what it will take to rebuild from the bottom up.From misaligned funding and broken incentives to the absence of clear accountability regarding homelessness, Knaus calls for a simple but radical shift: give local governments the authority, tools, and flexibility to meet their communities’ needs. He also shares candid insights into California’s affordability crisis, overregulation, CEQA’s unintended consequences, and what it would really take to let our counties thrive. If you're ready to understand California’s dysfunction—and how to fix it—this episode is a must.Chapters00:00 – The Role of Counties vs. the State01:30 – Why Homelessness Efforts Keep Failing04:25 – Who Should Be Accountable?06:00 – Where the $30B Homeless Funds Went07:25 – A Broken Housing System09:30 – Planning for Water, Disasters & the Future11:55 – Affordability Crisis and Overregulation13:30 – California’s Hidden Strengths14:08 – Rapid Fire: Governor for a Day, Jerry Brown, and What Outsiders Get WrongConnect with  Graham KnausLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-knaus-4102596b/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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com

Guest Bio: Harmeet Dhillon is the U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, a nationally recognized constitutional attorney, and a former Republican National Committeewoman for California. Known for her legal battles on behalf of free speech and equal protection, Dhillon has taken on cases involving Big Tech censorship, UC Berkeley, and controversial DEI policies. A former candidate for RNC Chair, she now leads the federal government’s Civil Rights Division under the Trump administration, steering it in a bold new direction focused on protecting the rights of all Americans.Show SummaryIn this no-holds-barred conversation, Harmeet Dhillon joins Jon Slavet to talk about her powerful new role reshaping the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ. She discusses her ongoing investigation into UC Berkeley’s response to violent protests, explains why DEI policies may be on their way out, and shares how she's pushing back against the old status quo.Dhillon also offers a candid diagnosis of California’s legal system, why she calls it the "utopian petri dish of bad ideas," and what she would do—if King for a day—to fix the state. Her views are bold, controversial, and grounded in decades of legal experience. Whether you agree or disagree, you’ll walk away thinking differently about the future of civil rights and California politics.Chapters00:00 – Why Civil Rights Should Protect All Americans00:49 – Free Speech & Violence at UC Berkeley02:29 – State of Free Speech on College Campuses03:09 – Competing Trends: Conservative vs. Anti-Speech Culture05:50 – Race in Admissions: What’s Really Changing08:23 – Rewriting the Mission of the Civil Rights Division11:30 – Comparing Civil Rights Priorities Under Past Administrations13:09 – How Lawsuits & DEI Are Hurting California15:45 – Corruption & One-Party Rule in Sacramento17:16 – Why Californians Still Vote Blue18:02 – If King for a Day: Dhillon’s Top Fix18:14 – What Gives Her Hope About the State19:31 – Admired Political Leaders & California’s FutureConnect with Harmeet DhillonX: https://x.com/HarmeetKDhillonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pnjaban/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harmeet-k-dhillon-543773/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 GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com