State of Gold

Show SummaryIn the Rapid-Fire close to each episode Jon asks every guest “which California leader do you most admire?” – and we’re proud to bring you some of those answers from our guests in 2025. From Ronald Reagan’s optimism and Pete Wilson’s pragmatism to Pat Brown’s legacy of building – the answers reveal a longing for principled leadership, effective governance, and the return of California’s bold vision. This is a unique reflection on the values Californians still hold — and what they want to see in the state’s future.Chapters00:00 – Which California Leaders Still Inspire Respect?02:15 – Why Ronald Reagan’s Style Still Resonates04:20 – Pete Wilson and the Art of Practical Politics06:00 – Remembering Pat Brown’s Bold Infrastructure Vision08:10 – Pat Brown’s Balance of Environment & Economy09:45 – The Leadership of George Deukmejian11:00 – Scott Wiener’s Policy Persistence12:05 – The Power of Bipartisanship & Compassion13:45 – Lessons from Hiram Johnson’s Reform Era15:20 – What We Need from Today’s Leaders17:10 – A Call for Dignity, Respect & ResultsEnjoyed 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:Candidate for Governor of California Ian CalderonGuest Bio: Ian Calderon was the first millennial elected to the California State Assembly and later served as the Assembly Majority Leader. During his time in office (2012–2020), he was deeply involved in major budget and policy negotiations. After leaving office, he became a small business owner, giving him a dual perspective on both governance and entrepreneurship. Now, as a candidate for Governor of California, he’s focused on fixing California’s housing crisis, improving affordability, and restoring common sense to state government.Show SummaryIs California still a place where families can thrive? Former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon joins Jon Slavet for a candid conversation about what it would take to restore affordability, unlock housing, and lead the state into a more hopeful future.Calderon shares his experience navigating budget negotiations, the unintended costs of overregulation, and why he believes single-family homeownership must be restored as a priority. He outlines a path to fiscal responsibility and explains how technology could revolutionize state government. Chapters00:00 – Why He’s Running: From Majority Leader to Governor01:35 – What Legislative Experience Brings to the Governor’s Office03:45 – California’s Affordability Crisis Explained05:55 – Single-Family Housing, Zoning & Choice08:11 – What He’d Do to Lower Costs09:45 – How to Incentivize Developers and First-Time Buyers12:00 – Tackling Institutional Investors & Housing Supply14:18 – Budget Reality: What He’d Cut16:00 – Using Blockchain to Modernize Government17:50 – Revenue, Taxes & the Role of the Governor19:55 – Could AI Shrink California’s Government Workforce?20:34 – Rapid Fire: First Priority as Governor20:41 – Leader He Most Admires21:18 – What Outsiders Get Wrong About California Politics22:21 – California Is…Connect with Ian CalderonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianforca2026/X: https://x.com/iancalderonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ianforca2026Enjoyed 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:Orange County Supervisor Don WagnerGuest Bio: Don Wagner is the Mayor of Irvine and a former California State Assemblyman, known for his long-standing public service across multiple levels of government. With deep experience in state and local politics, Wagner is now running for California Secretary of State in 2026. His campaign centers on restoring voter integrity, cleaning up voter rolls, and ensuring secure, transparent elections in the Golden State.Show SummaryWhat if your dog could vote in California? In this eye-opening (and yes, partly hilarious) conversation, Don Wagner sits down with Jon Slavet to reveal what he calls “the quiet crisis” in California elections — a system flooded with ballots, outdated rolls, and slow results. Wagner shares why he’s running for Secretary of State, his plans to implement voter ID, and what he sees as the public's overwhelming demand for election reformFrom the story of a dog who allegedly voted in a recall, to the legal battles between state officials and cities like Huntington Beach, this episode exposes a side of California politics that’s both urgent and surprising. Wagner argues that fixing our voting system is step one in restoring public trust, accountability, and the California Dream.Chapters00:00 – Running for Secretary of State00:32 – California’s Broken Voting System01:10 – Voter ID, Ballot Integrity & Legal Reform02:00 – A Dog Voted in Orange County?03:00 – Rapid Fire: Fixing CA, Reagan's Legacy & Hope for the FutureConnect with Don WagnerX: https://x.com/DonWagnerCAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/donwagnerca/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonWagnerCA/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:Southern California News Group Columnist Susan ShelleyGuest Bio: Susan Shelley is the Vice President of Communications at the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, a columnist for the Southern California News Group, and a leading voice on California’s fiscal policy, tax reform, and constitutional protections.Show SummaryWhat’s really driving California’s skyrocketing cost of living? In this conversation with Jon Slavet, Susan Shelley breaks down how climate mandates, hidden taxes like Cap & Invest, and misguided housing laws are crushing working Californians. From the impact of SB 79 and CEQA to the truth about Prop 13 and California’s bloated budget, Susan delivers a passionate and informed critique of the state’s current path — and offers bold, realistic alternatives.She also shares insights on COVID policies, insurance premiums, the social safety net, and why the Save Prop 13 initiative is more urgent than ever.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Susan Shelley Intro00:32 – The Hidden Cost of Climate Mandates02:21 – Cap & Invest: How You’re Paying for It03:46 – Are Energy Companies Really Gouging Us?04:44 – California’s Regulatory Burden06:49 – How Environmentalism Got Hijacked07:38 – California’s Taxes: Where’s the Money Going?08:39 – Prop 13 Explained & Why It Matters10:46 – The Truth About SB 79 & Housing Policy16:56 – Unintended Consequences of Density Mandates18:01 – Cuts to Insurance & Food Assistance Programs21:03 – Prop 50: A “Gross” Power Grab25:02 – Rapid Fire: Greenhouse Mandates, Reagan & COVID26:54 – Save Prop 13: Why It Matters NowConnect with Susan ShelleyX: https://x.com/Susan_ShelleyLinked In:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/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:CA State Senator Marie Alvarado-GilGuest Bio: Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil represents California’s 4th Senate District, covering 13 counties and over a million constituents across the Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, and rural California. Formerly a Democrat, she made national headlines in August 2024 when she switched parties, citing extreme ideological shifts and a loss of shared values. With a background in charter school leadership and deep roots in her community, she advocates for parental rights, balanced governance, and elevating underserved regions of the state.Show SummaryWhy would a sitting California State Senator walk away from the Democratic Party — and what happened next? In this bold and revealing conversation, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil joins Jon Slavet to unpack her decision to switch parties and the fallout that followed. From receiving death threats to feeling politically homeless, Marie shares how she found clarity in her values and what California’s heartland voters really need.She also breaks down one of the most controversial bills impacting parental rights, her thoughts on Katie Porter and the CA Dems, the underrepresentation of rural districts, and why she believes it’s time to dismantle the partisan supermajority. If you care about courage, common sense, and California’s future, this is a must-watch.Chapters00:00 – Why She Left the Democratic Party01:26 – Reaction to Trump Assassination Attempt & Political Rhetoric02:42 – Katie Porter's Comments on Ignoring 40% of Voters03:25 – The Bill That Let Strangers Sign Out Kids From School05:15 – The Moral Hazard Hidden in the Legislation06:34 – Rural California Is Being Ignored09:12 – Political Fallout After Her Party Switch11:37 – Rapid Fire: Fixing California, Leadership, & Her Teacher HeroConnect with Marie Alvarado GilLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvaradogilforsenate2022/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senator_alvaradogil/?hl=enX:https://x.com/AlvaradoGilSD4?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorEnjoyed 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

Carl DeMaio, a dedicated political reformer and chairman of Reform California, delves into the dysfunction of California's political landscape. He argues that a system rigged against the people is failing to address homelessness, crime, and education. DeMaio criticizes bipartisan inaction and calls for grassroots movements to reclaim democracy. He highlights the importance of voter ID as a crucial reform and shares insights on inspiring leaders like Ronald Reagan. His passionate plea urges Californians to take control of their state’s future.

Guest:California Assemblyman David TangipaGuest Bio: David Tangipa is the first Polynesian ever elected to the California State Assembly. Known for his unapologetic advocacy, Tangipa has quickly become a voice for working-class Californians who feel left behind by Sacramento’s status quo. In his short time in office, he's been silenced on the floor, kicked off committees, and shut out of caucuses — all while calling out racism and corruption under the Capitol dome.Show SummaryWhy is Prop 50 a power grab — and what don’t voters understand about the redistricting ruse behind it? Assemblyman David Tangipa returns to State of Gold to break it all down.In this revealing episode, Tangipa explains why California’s political elite are trying to dismantle the Independent Redistricting Commission, and how this move — disguised in Prop 50 — would further concentrate power in Sacramento. He talks openly about being denied entry into the AAPI Caucus, the hypocrisy he’s faced as a minority Republican, and how the real systemic issues live within the Capitol itself.If you care about fairness, representation, and the future of California politics, this is a must-watch.Chapters00:00 – Welcome Back, David Tangipa00:16 – What Prop 50 Really Means01:40 – Why It’s a Sham Power Grab03:14 – Why Voters Tune Out Redistricting04:38 – The Ballot Lies and Fiscal Secrets05:14 – Kicked Off Committees & Silenced05:43 – What Sacramento Doesn’t Want You to Know06:50 – Excluded from the AAPI Caucus07:25 – Racism Inside the California Legislature08:06 – Fighting for Real Representation08:42 – Why He’s Staying in the Fight09:05 – Final ThoughtsConnect with David TangipaX: https://x.com/DavidTangipaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjtangipa/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tong_ee_pa?_t=ZP-8xI2L7bsQFK&_r=1Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-tangipa-819877b2/Website: https://ad08.asmrc.org/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:Riverside County Sheriff Chad BiancoGuest Bio: Chad Bianco leads Riverside County’s Sheriff’s Department, the fourth largest in the nation. With over 30 years of public service and a reputation for fiscal responsibility and tough leadership, Bianco is now running for Governor of California. He’s earned support across party lines for his honesty, policy experience, and commitment to restoring balance in Sacramento.Show SummaryIs California ready for a leadership reset? Sheriff Chad Bianco joins Jon Slavet to discuss his run for Governor — and why he believes Prop 50 is a dangerous power grab. From skyrocketing costs to rising crime, Bianco doesn’t hold back as he breaks down the core issues he sees plaguing the state: Excessive regulation, one-party rule, and a government disconnected from everyday Californians.He outlines what he’d do on day one to fix the economy, restore public safety, and create a more livable future for all. Whether or not you agree with his politics, his no-nonsense approach will leave you thinking hard about where California goes from here.Chapters00:00 – Welcome Sheriff Chad Bianco00:14 – Why He’s Voting No on Prop 5001:16 – How Power Is Being Taken from the People02:38 – Why He’s Running for Governor05:45 – California’s Economic Pain Points06:08 – The Real Problem: Taxes & Regulation08:18 – Free Market Solutions vs. Government Control09:03 – What He’d Do as Governor on Day One09:25 – His Hope for California’s Future11:55 – What He’s Learning on the Campaign Trail13:11 – California Is… Connect with Chad BiancoX: https://x.com/ChadBiancoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheriffbianco/?hl=enLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-bianco-464bb860/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:Elizabeth Funk - CEO of DignityMovesGuest Bio: Elizabeth Funk is the Founder and CEO of DignityMoves, a nonprofit redefining how we get unhoused people off the street through interim housing deployed with speed, dignity, and cost-efficiency. With a background in impact investing and urban innovation, Elizabeth brings real-world solutions to a policy conversation often stuck in ideology. Her mission is simple: To ensure no one is forced to sleep outside in a state as wealthy and resourceful as California.Show SummaryCalifornia has spent more than $24 billion on homelessness during the Newsom administration — so why does the crisis only seem to be getting worse?In this episode, Elizabeth Funk breaks down what’s really behind the persistent homelessness crisis and offers a bold, clear-eyed solution. As the founder of DignityMoves, she argues that the real issue is getting unhoused people off the street asap and providing them with the community and support necessary to turn their lives around.She shares why interim housing needs to come before permanent housing, how interim housing can be built faster and cheaper, and why even well-meaning politicians and nonprofits are incentivized to keep our currently broken system.You’ll also hear how DignityMoves is creating communities with privacy, safety, and dignity — and what it would actually take to scale this model across the state.Chapters00:00 – Why Is Homelessness Worse After $24 Billion?01:10 – California’s Policy Choice: Shelter vs. Housing03:45 – The True Cost of Living on the Street04:29 – From Job Loss to Meth: A Personal Story05:46 – How the Homeless System Is Set Up to Fail07:00 – Why Shelter Isn’t Enough (and What’s Better)09:14 – Inside a DignityMoves Site: How It Works11:52 – Privacy, Pets & Partners: Dignity with DignityMoves14:24 – Stabilization Before Solutions: A New Model16:24 – Scaling the Model: 1% to 100%17:09 – Why Everyone Should Support Interim Housing18:57 – Who Has a Financial Incentive to Keep This Broken?20:39 – Misconceptions from Politicians & Citizens22:20 – How to Get Involved with DignityMoves24:01 – Rapid Fire: Fixing It, Fast24:59 – California: A State With All the Tools — And One Big FlawConnect with Elizabeth FunkX: https://x.com/elizabethfunkcaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/efunksanfran/?hl=enLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-funk/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:Kevin Dalton - Actor turned Conservative Activist Guest Bio: Kevin Dalton is a former actor turned political activist, commentator, and one of California’s most passionate critics and fans — even after moving his family to Idaho. He gained notoriety for his viral takes on homelessness, rising energy costs, and policy mismanagement, and even ran for L.A. County Supervisor in 2020. Kevin’s journey from Hollywood to the heart of America has only deepened his love for California — and his desire to help fix it.Show SummaryWhat does it say about California when someone who left still cares more than most who stayed?In this powerful and often funny episode, Jon Slavet talks with Kevin Dalton to unpack recent California news — from Katie Porter’s viral meltdown to sky-high energy bills and the true cost of homelessness. Dalton calls out California’s failed leadership, debunks elite narratives, and shares his own transformation story: A moment of connection with a homeless man on Hollywood Blvd that changed everything.Whether you agree or disagree, Kevin’s voice is a refreshing mix of realism, heart, and hope. From Prop 50 to Pyromaniacs, no topic is off limits in this candid conversation about what’s really going wrong in California — and what could actually make it right.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Dalton’s New Life in Idaho00:20 – Katie Porter's Viral Interview Fallout 01:15 – Why Her Meltdown Changed the Race 02:42 – What the Gaffe Revealed About Democrats 03:47 – A Big Opening for New Candidates 04:04 – Momentum Shift in California Voter Rolls 05:16 – Prop 50 and What’s at Stake in November 06:10 – Elitism in California Politics 07:27 – Why Are Energy Bills So High? 08:40 – California’s Cost-of-Living Crisis 09:00 – Backwards Climate Policy Explained 10:13 – Palisades Fire and Gavin Newsom’s Blame Game 12:42 – Land Mismanagement and the Real Culprits 13:27 – Is There a Hidden Agenda? 14:41 – Policy Solutions that Empower Homeowners 15:44 – Kevin’s Awakening: From Actor to Advocate 17:00 – Running for Office vs. Speaking Out 19:59 – Why He Still Cares Deeply About California 21:23 – King for a Day: Make Crime Crime Again 21:32 – What Gives Him Hope for the State 22:01 – Leader He Admires: Ronald Reagan 22:45 – Finish the Sentence: "California is… Savable"Connect with Kevin DaltonX:https://x.com/TheKevinDaltonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekevindaltonEnjoyed 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