Guest:

Chad Peace, Co-Founder – Independent Voter Network

Guest Bio: 

Chad Peace is an election reform advocate and representative of the Independent Voter Project, an organization focused on expanding voter participation and reducing partisan control over the primary process. He has been deeply involved in California’s transition from closed primaries to the current top-two open primary system, and continues to advocate for structural reforms that empower independent voters and increase electoral competition.

Show Summary

Nearly half of voters nationwide now identify as independent. In California, No Party Preference voters are the fastest-growing bloc. So why does the political system still revolve around partisan extremes?

In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Chad Peace to unpack the rise of independent voters, the origins of California’s top-two open primary system, and the unintended consequences that followed.

They explore whether the “jungle primary” has improved democracy, why both parties often resist reform, and what a top-five ranked-choice primary system could look like in California. The conversation also dives into voter ID, ballot harvesting, election confidence, and the broader debate over how to restore trust in the electoral process.

From redistricting battles to Supreme Court strategy, this is a candid discussion about who gets to participate in elections and whether California is living up to its democratic ideals.

Chapters

00:03 – The Rise of Independent Voters

01:17 – Why Both Parties Are Moving to the Extremes

01:33 – The Origins of California’s Open Primary

02:47 – Has the Top-Two System Improved Democracy?

05:06 – The Unintended Consequences of the Current System

07:50 – Top-Five Primaries & Ranked Choice Voting Explained

09:08 – Redistricting, Prop 50 & Partisan Power Plays

12:04 – The Supreme Court & The Right to Vote in Primaries

12:38 – Voter ID: A 70/30 Issue

15:43 – Mail-In Voting, Ballot Harvesting & Election Confidence

17:50 – Politics, Culture & Attack of the Killer Tomatoes

19:21 – Rapid Fire: One Reform to Fix California

19:39 – What Gives Him Hope

20:18 – California Is…

Connect with Chad Peace

• Twitter: https://x.com/ChadPeace
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadpeace/

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:

Lanhee Chen, Stanford Hoover Fellow and Policy Expert 

Guest Bio: 

Lanhee Chen is a policy expert, former candidate for California State Controller, and national commentator on fiscal policy and healthcare reform. He has advised at the highest levels of government and regularly contributes analysis on California’s budget, tax structure, and long-term economic outlook. Known for his data-driven approach, Chen focuses on accountability, structural reform, and restoring fiscal discipline to state government.

Show Summary

California can swing from a $150 billion surplus to a $150 billion deficit in just a few years. Why?

In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet talks with Lanhee Chen to break down California’s structural budget problems in simple terms. From an antiquated tax system heavily reliant on capital gains to ballooning fixed costs and voter-approved spending mandates, Chen explains why the state is trapped in boom-and-bust cycles.

They dive into the proposed billionaire tax and why, despite sounding appealing, it will drive high earners and founders out of California while reducing long-term revenue. Chen also outlines the risks of taxing unrealized gains and how that precedent could impact entrepreneurs and future innovators.

The conversation then turns to waste, fraud, and abuse in programs like unemployment insurance, Medi-Cal, and IHSS. Finally, Chen shares his vision for healthcare reform, including radical price transparency, expanding provider supply, and creating a more competitive healthcare marketplace.

If you want a clear, non-theatrical breakdown of California’s fiscal challenges and what real reform could look like, this is it.

Chapters

00:00 – California’s Boom and Bust Budget Cycles

02:37 – The Structural Deficit Problem Explained

03:20 – How Should California Reform Its Tax System?

05:06 – Revenue Problem or Spending Problem?

05:39 – Why the Billionaire Tax Is a Bad Idea

07:12 – The Dangerous Precedent of Taxing Unrealized Gains

08:51 – Waste, Fraud & Abuse in State Programs

09:21 – The Unemployment Insurance Scandal

10:30 – Medi-Cal, IHSS & Systemic Accountability Failures

12:06 – Fixing Healthcare Without Government Takeover

13:10 – Radical Price Transparency in Healthcare

14:00 – Expanding Supply & Reducing Consolidation

15:27 – Incentivizing Preventive Care

17:13 – Rapid Fire: One Big Reform for California

18:09 – What Gives Him Hope

18:40 – Is California Punching Under Its Weight?

Connect with Lanhee Chen

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanheechen/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lanheechen
• X: https://x.com/lanheechen

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 Bio: 

Michael Pierce is a venture capitalist, technology executive, and founder of American Gun Owners, a California-based company focused on making legal, responsible gun ownership accessible to everyday Americans. Michael brings a unique perspective to public safety, entrepreneurship, and the growing demand for self-defense in major cities. Raised on a cattle ranch and surrounded by firearms from a young age, he approaches gun ownership as a practical tool rather than a political statement.

Show Summary

Why are more Californians who never wanted guns now feeling like they need one?

Michael Pierce joins Jon Slavet to explain why rising crime, slow police response times, and social unrest have pushed ordinary Californians toward personal self-defense. Michael shares the real-world conversations that inspired him to launch American Gun Owners and why California, despite being one of the most restrictive states, is exactly where this business needed to be built.

They dive into the challenges of buying a firearm legally in California, the confusion first-time buyers face, and how American Gun Owners uses technology and education to simplify the process. The conversation also explores policing shortages, deterrence, elites disconnect from everyday safety concerns, and what California must do to restore confidence and economic momentum.

This episode offers a grounded, non-political look at guns as a utility, public safety as a core government responsibility, and why fear has become a daily reality for many Californians.

Chapters
00:00 – Why Michael Is Building American Gun Owners in California

01:45 – Crime, Social Unrest & Slower Police Response Times

02:19 – Why LA Is Dangerously Under-Policed

03:50 – First-Time Gun Buyers and the Education Gap

04:19 – How People End Up with the Wrong Firearm

05:40 – Guns as a Utility, Not a Political Statement

06:55 – Why Buying a Gun Legally Is So Complicated

07:36 – How American Gun Owners Solves the Problem

08:23 – Using AI to Match People With the Right Firearm

10:05 – California Compliance, Training & Safe Storage

12:30 – Liability, Self-Defense Law & Castle Doctrine

14:13 – Crime in Wealthy Neighborhoods Isn’t Rare Anymore

16:02 – Deterrence and Why Signs Actually Matter

17:19 – What Elites Don’t Understand About Feeling Unsafe

19:50 – Fixing California’s Business Climate

23:02 – Rapid Fire: One Fix for California

23:09 – What Still Gives Him Hope

Connect with Michael Pierce

• Twitter: https://x.com/mpierce_ago
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpiercela
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americangunowners.online/
• Website: https://www.americangunowners.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:
Dr. Houman David Hemmati, Entrepreneur & Political Activist

Guest Bio: 
Dr. Houman David Hemmati is a physician, scientist, entrepreneur, and public advocate for medical freedom and ethical healthcare reform. With a background in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and ophthalmology, he’s advised pharmaceutical companies, led biotech ventures, and become an outspoken voice on issues ranging from pandemic policy to the misuse of scientific authority. Dr. Hemmati is also a frequent media contributor and a passionate advocate for patient rights, transparency, and innovation in medicine

Show Summary
Los Angeles is collapsing in real time and Dr. Houman Hemmati says it’s not accidental.

In this episode, Dr. Hemmati joins Jon Slavet to expose what he calls the “homeless industrial complex,” a system incentivized to grow rather than solve the crisis. From Westwood turning into “Skid Row West” to taxpayer-funded housing scams costing up to $2 million per unit, Dr. Hemmati details how California’s homelessness policies have failed both the vulnerable and the public.

The conversation then turns to the proposed billionaire tax, why it threatens startup founders and innovation, and how taxing unrealized wealth could permanently drive entrepreneurs out of California. Dr. Hemmati explains why the state doesn’t have a revenue problem, but a spending problem, and why tough love may be the only path forward.

This is a candid, no-holds-barred look at the policies, incentives, and political realities shaping California’s future and what gives him hope that voters may finally be reaching a breaking point.

Chapters
00:00 – Dr. Houman Hemmati’s Path from Doctor to Activist
00:36 – Westwood’s Decline and “Skid Row West”
02:30 – The Failure of Local Government in Los Angeles
03:18 – How COVID Supercharged the Homeless Crisis
04:45 – Prison Releases, Incentives, and Manufactured Chaos
06:05 – The Homeless Housing Scam and Taxpayer Theft
07:15 – Moral Hazard and Why Current Policies Make Things Worse
08:40 – The Billionaire Tax Explained Simply
10:51 – Why Entrepreneurs and Capital Are Leaving California
12:45 – Taxing Unrealized Wealth and Constitutional Concerns
14:30 – California’s Spending Problem vs Revenue Problem
16:24 – Why California Needs an Intervention
18:10 – Rapid Fire: One Fix to Save California
18:21 – What Finally Gives Him Hope
21:45 – Why Ordinary Citizens Are Starting to Push Back

Connect with Dr. Houman David Hemmati

• X: https://x.com/houmanhemmati/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/houman-david-hemmati-md-phd-aa0486/

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:

Joel Kotkin, Chapman University Professor

Guest Bio: 

Joel Kotkin is a renowned urban studies scholar, author, and fellow in urban futures at Chapman University. His work has appeared in Forbes, The Daily Telegraph, City Journal, and more. A longtime Californian, Kotkin has spent decades analyzing demographic trends, class shifts, and political transformations shaping the Golden State. His recent commentary focuses on the decline of middle-class opportunity, rising costs of living, and the unintended consequences of progressive policy.

Show Summary

What happened to the California Dream? In this powerful conversation, Joel Kotkin joins Jon Slavet to unpack the root causes of California’s middle-class crisis. From skyrocketing housing costs and regressive climate policies to the rise of oligarchic politics and the exodus of working families, Kotkin makes a compelling case for how the state lost its promise — and what it will take to restore it.

He also calls out how the YIMBY movement, climate dogma, and one-party rule are shaping a state that serves the ultra-wealthy and subsidized poor — while leaving the middle class behind. If you care about California’s future, this is essential watching.

Chapters

00:00 – California's Middle-Class Collapse

01:10 – Kotkin on Coming to California in the 1970s

03:00 – Climate Policy: Idealism or Ideology?

05:00 – Who Really Pays for Green Mandates

06:30 – Why Reform Feels Impossible

08:00 – Billionaire Tax and Class Warfare

09:30 – Government Growth and Wealth Redistribution

11:00 – Why the Rich Get Richer in California

13:00 – California's Startup Problem

15:00 – Why the Middle Class Can't Stay

16:00 – The YIMBY Agenda Critiqued

18:00 – King for a Day: Kotkin’s First Fix

19:30 – The Closing Thought: Potential vs. Ruin

Connect with Joel Kotkin

• Twitter: https://x.com/joelkotkin?lang=en
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joelkotkin
• Substack: https://joelkotkin.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kotkin-1883922/

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

Joel Fox, "On California" Publisher

Guest Bio 

Joel Fox is one of California’s most respected policy voices, known for his leadership of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, his work on Prop 13, and his longtime role as publisher of Fox & Hounds. With decades of experience in Sacramento, Joel served as a senior advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and remains a go-to analyst on elections, tax reform, and political strategy.

Show Summary

Joel Fox passed away shortly after this episode was recorded. His decades of service to California politics, policy, and public discourse left an enduring legacy. We’re honored to share one of his final interviews.

Why has California become politically uncompetitive — and what will it take to turn things around? In this conversation, Joel Fox unpacks the rise of one-party rule, the collapse of Republican unity, and why policies like Prop 13 still matter nearly 50 years later.

He also shares insights from his time with Governor Schwarzenegger, discusses the uphill battle Rick Caruso faces in LA, and explains why the “new direction” voters crave might be closer than it seems — if the right candidates step up.

Chapters

00:00 – Why California’s One-Party Rule Is Failing

01:50 – How Republicans Can Win Again

03:00 – Stop the In-Fighting: 80% Allies Aren’t Enemies

04:40 – The Legacy & Future of Prop 13

07:58 – Working With Schwarzenegger: A Tax Story

09:00 – Can Rick Caruso Win LA Mayor in 2026?

11:30 – The Unexpected Poll Finding on Newsom

12:25 – Caruso vs. Buetner in the Westside Primary

12:50 – Rapid Fire: Fixing Representation

13:20 – What Makes Joel Hopeful

13:46 – California Is… “Dominant”

Connect with Joel Fox

• Substack: https://joelfox1.substack.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:

Katy Grimes, Editor of the California Globe 

Guest Bio: 

Katy Grimes is the Editor of the California Globe and author of California’s War Against Donald Trump. A veteran investigative journalist with decades of experience covering Sacramento politics, she’s known for her fearless reporting on corruption, policy failures, and the unchecked power of public unions. Her work consistently challenges the status quo and gives voice to Californians who feel left behind by the system.

Show Summary

From education breakdowns to energy dysfunction, California is in crisis — and Katy Grimes is not holding back. In this hard-hitting episode, Katy joins Jon Slavet to talk about the deep-rooted problems affecting California’s schools, housing, and energy grid. She unpacks how powerful public unions, misaligned incentives, and entrenched political interests have led to rising costs, failing schools, and an exodus of residents.

Grimes also shares her perspective on the ongoing feud between Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump, and why she believes voters are hungry for real reform. Whether you agree with her or not, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Trump vs. Newsom: The War Rages On

03:10 – Democrat Supermajority: Rigging the System?

06:20 – What Happened to Balance in CA Politics

08:45 – Is the Trump-Newsom Feud Just Theater?

11:00 – Education Meltdown: What’s Gone Wrong

13:50 – The Role of Teachers Unions in the Crisis

16:05 – Why K-12 Budget Mandates Hurt Reform

18:45 – New Leadership & Breaking the CTA’s Hold

21:00 – The Governor’s Race & Poll Skepticism

24:00 – What Californians Actually Want from Government

27:05 – Defund Sacramento: Shrinking State Bureaucracy

28:50 – Rapid Fire: Hope, Change & Fixing California

Connect with Katy Grimes

• X: https://x.com/KATYSaccitizen
• X:https://x.com/CaliforniaGlobe
• Website: https://californiaglobe.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaliforniaglobe/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiaglobe/?hl=en

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:

Legendary Talk Show Host John Kobylt

Guest Bio: 

John Kobylt is a legendary California talk radio host and co-host of the long-running “John and Ken Show” on KFI AM 640. Known for his sharp wit, no-filter commentary, and relentless scrutiny of California politics, John has spent decades exposing the state’s political dysfunction — from homelessness to taxation to public safety failures. He’s interviewed presidents, grilled governors, and continues to be a provocative and passionate voice in the Golden State.

Show Summary

Why does California keep voting the same way while everything gets worse? In this fiery conversation, longtime talk radio host John Kobylt joins Jon Slavet to pull back the curtain on the deep-rooted dysfunction driving the state’s decline. From skyrocketing gas prices and homelessness spending scams to Gavin Newsom’s baffling popularity and what 2026 could hold, this episode takes aim at the policies — and voter psychology — that keep California stuck.

John also shares his experience interviewing Trump, his frustrations with media narratives, and why he still believes California is worth fighting for — if we can wake up.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Newsom’s Approval Rating Keeps Rising

01:12 – California’s Self-Inflicted Wounds

03:00 – Trump, Law Enforcement & Public Perception

06:45 – Is 2026 a Turning Point for Republicans?

07:50 – What Other States Are Doing Better

08:40 – Why California Gas Prices Are Outrageous

09:45 – LA’s Dysfunction & Government Collapse

11:15 – The Homeless Housing Scam Exposed

12:20 – Can Rick Caruso Make a Comeback?

13:30 – Social Media’s Role in Voter Apathy

14:45 – Rapid Fire: Kobylt’s Fix for California

15:15 – What Gives Him Hope

16:30 – California Needs an Intervention

17:00 – Why He Still Loves California

Connect with John Kobylt

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnandkenshow/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkobyltradio/
• Twitter: https://x.com/JohnKobyltRadio
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnkobyltradio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKobyltShow

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

Show Summary

What do leading Californians actually think about the state they call home? From frustration with government policy to unwavering pride in the state’s beauty and diversity, this bonus episode features a series of raw, honest, and surprising reflections from leaders who’ve appeared on State of Gold this season.

Hear perspectives on everything from the state’s budget crisis and housing issues to its enduring magic and promise. This isn’t about political soundbites — it’s about real voices, real opinions, and a deeper look at what makes California both broken and beautiful.

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
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• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Mike Madrid, GOP Political Consult

Guest Bio: 

Mike Madrid is a veteran political strategist, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and one of the most insightful voices on Latino voter behavior in America. A lifelong Republican and fierce critic of Trumpism, Mike has spent over three decades analyzing demographic shifts and advocating for policy-driven, people-first governance in California. He’s also the author of The Latino Century and a frequent media commentator on U.S. politics.

Show Summary

Why are Latino voters leaving both political parties behind — and what does it mean for California’s future? Mike Madrid joins Jon for a hard-hitting conversation on the evolving Latino electorate, the failures of both Democrats and Republicans, and how California’s manmade policy disasters are hurting the very people the Democratic political elite claim to support.

Mike doesn’t hold back as he critiques Republican messaging, Democratic hypocrisy on issues like CEQA, and the urgent need for bold leadership. From housing and healthcare to immigration and affordability, this episode offers a no-BS look at what’s broken in California — and how it can be fixed.

Chapters

00:00 – Latinos & California Politics

02:03 – Misconceptions About the Latino Vote

03:38 – Immigration Views Within the Latino Community

06:06 – The GOP in California: 30 Years Later

07:19 – Republican Policy Ideas vs. Party Perception

10:14 – Do Republicans Have Solutions?

12:11 – The Health Care Policy Gap

12:47 – Are Democrats Serious About Affordability?

14:40 – CEQA Reform for the Rich?

16:09 – The Irony of Democratic Policies

18:14 – What Mike Told the Senate Dems

18:37 – King for a Day: Fixing Housing

18:52 – Why Mike Is Hopeful

19:23 – Wildest Political Moment?

19:48 – Final Thoughts: California Is Broken But Fixable

Connect with Mike Madrid

• X: https://x.com/madrid_mike
• LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-madrid-5b787356
• Threads: https://www.threads.com/@madrid_mike1

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
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