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Restoring the California Dream One Bold Idea at a Time
California 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.
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18 Episodes
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Guest: Laura Powell — Civil Rights Attorney Guest Bio: Laura Powell is a civil rights attorney and founder of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation. A fearless advocate for parental rights, free speech, and equal treatment under the law, Powell has emerged as a bold voice challenging the political corruption of California’s public institutions. Through high-impact legal efforts and public advocacy, she’s fighting to restore balance, reason, and constitutional principles to the Go...
Guest: Edward Ring – Director of Water & Energy Policy, California Policy Center Guest Bio: Edward Ring is the Director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center and a founding member of the think tank. He is also the author of The Abundance Choice: Our Fight for More Water in California. With decades of experience analyzing state infrastructure, environmental policy, and governance, Edward offers a data-backed and often controversial lens on what’s fueling Californ...
Guest: Curt Pringle - Former Speaker of the California Assembly and Mayor of Anaheim Guest Bio: Curt Pringle is a seasoned political leader and strategist with deep roots in California governance. He served as Speaker of the California State Assembly and later as Mayor of Anaheim, where he spearheaded major housing developments and infrastructure reforms. With decades of experience navigating California’s political evolution, Pringle brings a candid and seasoned voice to today's most ur...
Guest: Sonja Trauss – Founder & Exec Director of YIMBY Law Guest Bio: Sonja Trauss is the founder and executive director of YIMBY Law, a groundbreaking organization using litigation and advocacy to enforce housing laws and expand all types of housing across California. A former math teacher turned activist, Sonja helped ignite the Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) movement and has become one of the state’s most passionate and fearless voices for housing abundance, zoning reform, and enviro...
Guest: Alexandra Macedo – Member of the California State Assembly Guest Bio: Alexandra Macedo is California’s youngest-ever Republican assemblywoman, a fourth-generation farmer, and a fierce advocate for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and common sense reform. Raised in the Central Valley with deep roots in dairy and farming, she’s built her own environmental compliance business, earned her law degree while working full-time, and is now fighting for policies that serve working families, ...
Guest: Steve Hilton, Republican Candidate for Governor of California Guest Bio: Steve Hilton is a political commentator, former senior advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, and now candidate for Governor of California. In the U.S., he's best known as the host of The Next Revolution on Fox News and for his passionate advocacy around housing, common sense governance, and community-led solutions. A California resident for nearly a decade, Steve co-founded Golden Together, a move...
Guest: Fox News LA Anchor Elex Michaelson Guest 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 Summ...
Guest: Fmr. San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown Guest 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 ...
Guest Catherine Reheis-Boyd - President & CEO, Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) Guest Bio Catherine 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 befor...
Guest: Steve Westly - Founder, 21st Century Alliance & Former CA State Controller Guest Bio Steve 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...
Guest: Elizabeth Barcohana - Commentator, Activist & LA County RCC Member Guest Bio Elizabeth 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 ...
Guest: Dan Schnur - Professor, Strategist, and Former California FPPC Chair Guest Bio Dan Schnur is a veteran political strategist, educator, and commentator who has worked on four presidential campaigns, three gubernatorial campaigns, and served as Director of Communications for Governor Pete Wilson. A former Republican turned No Party Preference candidate, he teaches politics at UC Berkeley, USC, and Pepperdine. Dan is widely respected as a “raging moderate” — someone who believes in conser...
Guest: Assemblyman David Tangipa Guest Bio David Tangipa is the youngest member of the California State Assembly, representing the Fresno area. A proud son of Tongan immigrants and a disabled U.S. veteran, David brings a powerful voice shaped by lived experience in underserved communities. His early career in local politics and public safety set the stage for his bold entry into state leadership. David is known for speaking hard truths on California’s fiscal irresponsibility, skyrocketing cos...
Guest: Gloria Romero - Former California Senate Majority Leader Guest Bio Gloria Romero is the former Majority Leader of the California State Senate and a long-time advocate for education reform. With a PhD in psychology and her fearless approach, she has challenged powerful special interests from inside and outside the Capitol. In 2023, she made headlines by switching from Democrat to Republican, publicly endorsing Trump, and speaking out about the dysfunction in both Sacramento and th...
Guest: Joe Patterson - Member of the California State Assembly Guest Bio Joe Patterson is a California State Assemblyman representing District 5 and a leading advocate for government transparency, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. A former Rocklin City Councilmember and father of four, Patterson brings a fresh, no-nonsense approach to Sacramento, calling out waste, bureaucracy, and special interest influence. He has been one of the few voices in the Capitol speaking out about th...
Guest: Jennifer Hernandez – Partner, Holland & Knight Guest Bio Jennifer Hernandez is a legendary land use and environmental attorney at Holland & Knight, with over 30 years of experience leading legal battles for housing, equity, and environmental justice across California. Known for her fearless critique of the state’s broken regulatory system, she has become a powerful voice in the fight to reform CEQA (the California Environmental Quality Act), and dismantle the bureaucratic...
Guest: David Crane - Founder, Govern for California Guest Bio David Crane is a businessman, educator, and former special advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is the founder of Govern For California, an organization focused on strengthening democracy and advocating for fiscal responsibility and education reform. Known for his direct, data-driven approach, Crane has been one of the state's most vocal critics of public pension mismanagement and government overspending. Show Summar...
California 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 ...
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