In this episode of the History of California Podcast, host Jordan Mattox welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Michael Hiltzik. Hiltzik is the author of Golden State: The Making of California, a fascinating survey of California’s history in the tradition of Kevin Starr’s acclaimed work. As a columnist and reporter for the Los Angeles Times, Hiltzik has written extensively about California’s political, economic, and cultural landscape, as well as authoring several books on the state’s history.

Enjoy this fun and wide-ranging conversation exploring the forces that shaped the Golden State and the insights behind Hiltzik’s compelling storytelling.