Susan and Josh discuss the evolving political landscape in California, focusing on the implications of recent elections, particularly Prop 50. They explore the polarization within the state, the scramble for congressional seats, and the generational changes in politics. The role of social media, the impact of redistricting, and the diminishing belief in the American dream are also examined. The discussion highlights the challenges of political violence and disenfranchisement, while concluding on a hopeful note based on the results of the most recent elections.
On this guest-free episode of The Sacralegis Podcast, Susan and Josh discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal reflections on birthdays and zodiac signs to the challenges of new jobs and the dynamics of California politics. They delve into the gubernatorial race, public protests, and recent policy updates, including environmental legislation and the importance of bees in agriculture.
Just a quick note to let our loyal listeners know that The Sacralegis Podcast is going to a bi-weekly format...
In this episode of The Sacralegis Podcast, Josh and Susan sit down with Dan Schnur, former candidate for California Secretary of State, longtime political strategist, and civic educator, to dissect the disappearance of the political middle in California and beyond. They explore how polarization has reshaped political incentives, why compromise has become a liability, and what it means for leaders trying to govern in good faith. From Proposition 50 to the top-two primary system, from independent candidates to the crisis of civic engagement in schools, Dan offers both sharp insights and cautious optimism.
In this episode, Dr. Fred Smoller discusses the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon and its implications for California's environmental policies. He shares his journey from witnessing the federally funded Solar Decathlon in DC to creating the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon to emphasize the importance of engaging universities in climate change solutions. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating California's political landscape to secure support for sustainability initiatives and the significance of aligning climate response with innovation.
State Senator Brian Jones, who serves as Senate Minority Leader, joins The Sacralegis Podcast to discuss the evolving role of social media in politics, reflect on the impact and implications of Proposition 50, and offer his personal perspective on the current state of partisan politics in California. From memes to legislative maneuvers, this episode explores how digital platforms shape public perception and how Senator Jones navigates the ideological currents of Sacramento.
Susan and Josh sit down with Josh Fryday—former Navy officer, Director of the Governor’s Office of Service, and current candidate for Lieutenant Governor—to explore how civic engagement and public service can reshape California’s future. From Climate Corps to community resilience, Fryday shares his vision for a state where service isn’t just a value—it’s a core feature and an antidote to polarization in a time of political flux.
Economist Andrew Zimbalist joins The Sacralegis Podcast to explore the high-stakes economics of hosting the Olympic Games. From ballooning budgets to elusive legacies, we explore why “mega-events” like LA 2028 often promise civic glory but deliver fiscal hangovers. Is Los Angeles sprinting toward a global showcase—or hurdling into a financial trap? A candid look at the politics, profits, and pitfalls behind the Olympic dream.
Susan and Josh welcome to the podcast Fiona Ma for a conversation that reflects on service, strategy, and stepping into the spotlight—charting her path from San Francisco supervisor to State Treasurer, and now as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California. With decades of public finance experience and a reputation for political savvy and tireless travel, Ma makes the case for why ambition and accountability can and should go hand in hand.
Susan and Josh welcome to the podcast Tim Myers, a successful musician, founding member and former bassist for the popular rock band One Republic, and current candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California. Tim’s a self-described outsider, a newcomer to politics. The conversation delves into his motivation for running and his plans to use the “bully pulpit” of the office of Lieutenant Governor to achieve his goals of making California a safer, more affordable, and more livable place for all.
Susan and Josh welcome former Stockton mayor and current candidate for California Lieutenant Governor Michael Tubb. In 2016, at just 26 years old Tubbs became the youngest mayor of a major American city, pioneering bold initiatives like universal basic income and community-based justice reform. As a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, he’s advocating for housing affordability and expanding educational opportunity as well as bringing fresh energy and equity-driven leadership to an office which has historically gotten fairly little attention.
Susan and Josh sit down with State Senator John Laird, one of the most accomplished and effective members of the state legislature, for a wide-ranging conversation across a range of current issues, to include the impact of federal cuts on California, the prospective impacts and implications of the controversy over Congressional redistricting in Texas and possibly California, and his experience and insights from a career in public service that now spans more than four decades.
On this week’s episode, Susan and Josh welcome not one but two distinguished guests to the podcast. The first guest is Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, a non-partisan organization comprised of the senior executive leadership of the state’s major companies, to talk about some of the recent developments on the national stage and how they affect California.
Susan and Josh gather for their weekly podcast on Sacramento-related goings on, looking forward to having as this week's guest Tim Myers, former member of the rock band OneRepublic and recently announced candidate for Lieutenant Governor. As you'll hear in this slightly abbreviated version of the Sacralegis Podcast, not everything goes as planned, although of course the show must go on...
Susan and Josh are joined by their former colleague Cristina Garcia, who represented the Long Beach area in the Assembly from 2021 to 2022. While in office, she was a fierce and fearless champion for women, local communities, and the environment, and has continued to fight for and support similar causes in her post-elective life as well.
Susan and Josh mull over some recent items in the news, along with revisiting four of their favorite conversations from earlier episodes of The Sacralegis Podcast, with a particular eye on legislative progress and other developments since then.
Susan and Josh welcome Mike Madrid, a recognized authority on Latino politics, the principal of California-based public affairs firm Grassroots Lab, and author of a critically acclaimed book, "The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy," which was published last June, for a spirited conversation on the impact of changing Latino attitudes toward politics in California and beyond.
Susan and Josh welcome former colleague State Senator Catherine Blakespear for an in-depth discussion on some of her current legislation in the critical areas of dignity-in-dying and making progress on California’s ongoing homelessness crisis, as well as her thoughts on the legislation providing for exemptions from the California Environmental Quality Act, which were tied to the recent passage of the state’s annual budget.
Susan and Josh welcome Bode Gower, the Founder and Chair of the Northern California Youth Policy Coalition, which aims to amplify rural youth voices on state-level issues, as well as the host of his own podcast, “The Gower Hour,” which offers a youth perspective on politics by interviewing local elected officials, for a discussion of how young people are thinking about and participate in politics these days.
Susan and Josh are joined by their former colleague State Senator Tom Umberg, a decorated Army veteran, former prosecutor and assistant drug czar and current Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee for a conversation about recent events around immigration enforcement and the use of federal military assets in its conduct.