Guest:

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner

Guest 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 Summary

What 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with Jon Slavet to reveal what he calls “the quiet crisis” in California elections — a system flooded with ballots, outdated rolls, and slow results.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 reform

From 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.

Chapters

00:00 – Running for Secretary of State

00:32 – California’s Broken Voting System

01:10 – Voter ID, Ballot Integrity & Legal Reform

02:00 – A Dog Voted in Orange County?

03:00 – Rapid Fire: Fixing CA, Reagan's Legacy & Hope for the Future

Connect with Don Wagner

• X: https://x.com/DonWagnerCA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donwagnerca/?hl=en
• Facebook: 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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Southern California News Group Columnist Susan Shelley

Guest 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 Summary

What’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.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Susan Shelley Intro

00:32 – The Hidden Cost of Climate Mandates

02:21 – Cap & Invest: How You’re Paying for It

03:46 – Are Energy Companies Really Gouging Us?

04:44 – California’s Regulatory Burden

06:49 – How Environmentalism Got Hijacked

07:38 – California’s Taxes: Where’s the Money Going?

08:39 – Prop 13 Explained & Why It Matters

10:46 – The Truth About SB 79 & Housing Policy

16:56 – Unintended Consequences of Density Mandates

18:01 – Cuts to Insurance & Food Assistance Programs

21:03 – Prop 50: A “Gross” Power Grab

25:02 – Rapid Fire: Greenhouse Mandates, Reagan & COVID

26:54 – Save Prop 13: Why It Matters Now

Connect with Susan Shelley

• X: https://x.com/Susan_Shelley
• Linked 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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

CA State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil

Guest 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 Summary

Why 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.

Chapters
00:00 – Why She Left the Democratic Party

01:26 – Reaction to Trump Assassination Attempt & Political Rhetoric

02:42 – Katie Porter's Comments on Ignoring 40% of Voters

03:25 – The Bill That Let Strangers Sign Out Kids From School

05:15 – The Moral Hazard Hidden in the Legislation

06:34 – Rural California Is Being Ignored

09:12 – Political Fallout After Her Party Switch

11:37 – Rapid Fire: Fixing California, Leadership, & Her Teacher Hero

Connect with Marie Alvarado Gil

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvaradogilforsenate2022/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senator_alvaradogil/?hl=en
• X:https://x.com/AlvaradoGilSD4?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Assemblyman Carl DeMaio

Guest Bio: 

Carl DeMaio is a longtime political reformer, policy expert, and the Chairman of Reform California. Based in San Diego, he’s known for calling out corruption in both parties and spearheading grassroots campaigns around voter ID, tax reform, and ballot accountability. In this episode, Carl pulls no punches about the dysfunction in Sacramento — and what voters can do to take back control.

Show Summary

Why is California so broken — and what can actually fix it? Carl DeMaio joins the show to expose why the state’s political system is rigged against the people, and how bipartisan dysfunction has made both parties part of the problem. From redistricting to crime to school reform, Carl outlines why grassroots movements — not career politicians — are the only hope to restore democracy in the Golden State. Plus, he shares how a new Voter ID initiative could shake things up.

Chapters

00:00 – Why California’s Political System Is Broken

00:32 – The Real Problem Behind Homelessness, Crime & Cost of Living

01:19 – What Other States Are Doing Better

02:45 – Why Politicians Ignore 70% Consensus

04:30 – Prop 36, Crime Reform & Sacramento's Inaction

05:45 – Calling Out Republicans for Surrendering

06:30 – How the Lobbyist Culture Corrupts Both Parties

07:20 – What Real Republican Reform Should Look Like

08:00 – The Power of Grassroots Candidates

08:40 – His Case for Voter ID

09:40 – Who He Actually Sees as California’s Real Leaders

10:15 – There’s No White Knight — It’s Up to Us

11:00 – What We’ve Lost — And Can Regain

11:35 – Final Thoughts on Hope, Action & VoterIDpetition.org

Connect with Carl DeMaio

X: https://x.com/carldemaio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carldemaio/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carldemaioca/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/carldemaioCA

Website: https://carldemaio.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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

California Assemblyman David Tangipa

Guest 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 Summary

Why 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.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome Back, David Tangipa

00:16 – What Prop 50 Really Means

01:40 – Why It’s a Sham Power Grab

03:14 – Why Voters Tune Out Redistricting

04:38 – The Ballot Lies and Fiscal Secrets

05:14 – Kicked Off Committees & Silenced

05:43 – What Sacramento Doesn’t Want You to Know

06:50 – Excluded from the AAPI Caucus

07:25 – Racism Inside the California Legislature

08:06 – Fighting for Real Representation

08:42 – Why He’s Staying in the Fight

09:05 – Final Thoughts

Connect with David Tangipa

X: https://x.com/DavidTangipa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjtangipa/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tong_ee_pa?_t=ZP-8xI2L7bsQFK&_r=1

Linked 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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco

Guest 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 Summary

Is 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.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Sheriff Chad Bianco

00:14 – Why He’s Voting No on Prop 50

01:16 – How Power Is Being Taken from the People

02:38 – Why He’s Running for Governor

05:45 – California’s Economic Pain Points

06:08 – The Real Problem: Taxes & Regulation

08:18 – Free Market Solutions vs. Government Control

09:03 – What He’d Do as Governor on Day One

09:25 – His Hope for California’s Future

11:55 – What He’s Learning on the Campaign Trail

13:11 – California Is… 

Connect with Chad Bianco

X: https://x.com/ChadBianco

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheriffbianco/?hl=en

Linked 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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Elizabeth Funk - CEO of DignityMoves

Guest 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 Summary

California 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.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Is Homelessness Worse After $24 Billion?

01:10 – California’s Policy Choice: Shelter vs. Housing

03:45 – The True Cost of Living on the Street

04:29 – From Job Loss to Meth: A Personal Story

05:46 – How the Homeless System Is Set Up to Fail

07:00 – Why Shelter Isn’t Enough (and What’s Better)

09:14 – Inside a DignityMoves Site: How It Works

11:52 – Privacy, Pets & Partners: Dignity with DignityMoves

14:24 – Stabilization Before Solutions: A New Model

16:24 – Scaling the Model: 1% to 100%

17:09 – Why Everyone Should Support Interim Housing

18:57 – Who Has a Financial Incentive to Keep This Broken?

20:39 – Misconceptions from Politicians & Citizens

22:20 – How to Get Involved with DignityMoves

24:01 – Rapid Fire: Fixing It, Fast

24:59 – California: A State With All the Tools — And One Big Flaw

Connect with Elizabeth Funk

X: https://x.com/elizabethfunkca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efunksanfran/?hl=en

Linked 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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: 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 Summary

What 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.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Dalton’s New Life in Idaho
00:20 – 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 Dalton

X:https://x.com/TheKevinDalton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekevindalton

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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Elizabeth Barcohana - LA GOP Central Committee Member

Guest Bio: 

Elizabeth Barcohana is a GOP delegate, LA GOP Central Committee member, attorney, and political commentator. She’s actively leading voter education and registration efforts in LA County through initiatives like Vote Gold and Project 460K LA, aiming to correct misconceptions about California’s political landscape and defend voter representation.

Show Summary

Is Prop 50 really about redistricting — or is it a Trojan horse for political control? Attorney and GOP leader Elizabeth Barcohana returns to break down the truth behind what she calls “Newsom’s gerrymander”. From explaining the attack on California’s Independent Redistricting Commission to revealing how this move could lock in Democratic power and disenfranchise voters, Barcahana doesn’t hold back.

She also shares her voter registration campaign in LA County, the confusion voters are facing about Prop 50, and how it’s  laying the groundwork for a 2028 Newsom presidential run. If you want clarity on what’s at stake this November, this is the episode to watch.

Chapters

00:00 – Prop 50 = Newsom’s Gerrymander

00:43 – Why It's Unconstitutional

01:15 – How Redistricting Used to Work

01:50 – What the Citizens’ Commission Did Right

02:35 – Why Competitive Districts Matter

03:45 – The Threat to Fair Maps

04:28 – How Vote Gold and Project 460K LA Work

05:15 – What the Courts Have Done So Far

06:00 – The Voter Education Strategy

07:10 – The Messaging Struggle: "What is Prop 50?"

08:03 – How Newsom Is Using This for 2028

08:49 – Unions, Money, and Political Influence

09:30 – Why Most Voters Don’t See the Bigger Picture

Connect with Elizabeth Barcohana

• X: https://x.com/e_barcohana?lang=en
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethfromcalifornia/#
• Website: https://www.elizabethbarcohana.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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Mitch Mitchell, Chief Legislative Officer - SDG&E & Southern California Gas

Guest Bio: 

Mitch Mitchell leads Legislative Affairs at Sempra, one of the largest energy companies in the U.S. With deep experience navigating California’s complex energy landscape, Mitch brings a rare insider’s perspective on how regulations, well-intended mandates, and outdated policies have distorted costs — hitting working families the hardest. He advocates for practical, consumer-first reforms that bring transparency, fairness, and affordability back to California energy bills.

Show Summary

Why are Californians paying some of the highest energy bills in the country — and what’s really driving the cost? Mitch Mitchell breaks down how overlapping policies, political posturing, and decades-old energy laws have made the system both inefficient and unaffordable.

From the unintended consequences of rooftop solar subsidies to the myth of energy company profits, Mitch lays out how reforming California’s energy playbook could save families money and restore common sense. Whether you rent, own, or just care about your monthly bills — this episode is packed with eye-opening truths and bold ideas for fixing a broken system.

Chapters

00:00 – How Non-Solar Households Are Paying for Solar Grid Access

00:30 – Meet Mitch Mitchell: Head of Legislative Affairs at Sempra

01:12 – The Cost Layering Crisis in California’s Energy Policies

02:17 – Why New Legislators Don’t Understand the Energy System

04:09 – Which Outdated Energy Policies Need to Go

05:28 – The Case Against Over-Electrification

07:00 – Rooftop Solar and the Cost Shift Crisis

09:00 – How Low-Income Renters Subsidize Solar Owners

10:30 – Ruthless Prioritization: Clean Out the Energy Closet

12:15 – Why Sunset Reviews Are the Key to Policy Reform

13:30 – $35 Monthly Savings Proposal Ignored by Lawmakers

15:05 – Gas Stoves and Government Overreach

16:06 – Why Consumer Choice Matters in Energy

18:07 – Rapid Fire: Top Fix for Energy Affordability

18:57 – Misconceptions About Utility Profits

20:30 – Energy Transparency: Know the Cost Before You Vote

21:55 – Final Thoughts

Connect with Mitch Mitchell

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-%E2%80%9Cmitch%E2%80%9D-mitchell-32a81614/
• X:https://x.com/socalgas
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalgas
• Website: https://www.youtube.com/socalgas

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 #stateofgoldpodcast

Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
• Website: www.stateofgold.com