State of Gold

Guest:Legendary Talk Show Host John KobyltGuest 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 SummaryWhy 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.Chapters00:00 – Why Newsom’s Approval Rating Keeps Rising01:12 – California’s Self-Inflicted Wounds03:00 – Trump, Law Enforcement & Public Perception06:45 – Is 2026 a Turning Point for Republicans?07:50 – What Other States Are Doing Better08:40 – Why California Gas Prices Are Outrageous09:45 – LA’s Dysfunction & Government Collapse11:15 – The Homeless Housing Scam Exposed12:20 – Can Rick Caruso Make a Comeback?13:30 – Social Media’s Role in Voter Apathy14:45 – Rapid Fire: Kobylt’s Fix for California15:15 – What Gives Him Hope16:30 – California Needs an Intervention17:00 – Why He Still Loves CaliforniaConnect with John KobyltFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnandkenshow/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkobyltradio/Twitter: https://x.com/JohnKobyltRadioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnkobyltradioYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKobyltShowEnjoyed 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 #stateofgoldpodcastConnect 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 SummaryWhat 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 #stateofgoldpodcastConnect 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:Mike Madrid, GOP Political ConsultGuest 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 SummaryWhy 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.Chapters00:00 – Latinos & California Politics02:03 – Misconceptions About the Latino Vote03:38 – Immigration Views Within the Latino Community06:06 – The GOP in California: 30 Years Later07:19 – Republican Policy Ideas vs. Party Perception10:14 – Do Republicans Have Solutions?12:11 – The Health Care Policy Gap12:47 – Are Democrats Serious About Affordability?14:40 – CEQA Reform for the Rich?16:09 – The Irony of Democratic Policies18:14 – What Mike Told the Senate Dems18:37 – King for a Day: Fixing Housing18:52 – Why Mike Is Hopeful19:23 – Wildest Political Moment?19:48 – Final Thoughts: California Is Broken But FixableConnect with Mike MadridX: https://x.com/madrid_mikeLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-madrid-5b787356Threads: https://www.threads.com/@madrid_mike1Enjoyed 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 #stateofgoldpodcastConnect 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:Lance Christensen, Vice President of the California Policy Center Guest Bio: Lance Christensen is a policy expert and former candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. He currently serves with the California Policy Center, advocating for education reform, school choice, and smarter government. With a bold voice on California’s economic and energy challenges, Lance is a leading thinker on how to restore prosperity and common sense across the state.Show SummaryIs California’s K-12 system beyond repair — or just in need of bold reform? In this energetic conversation, Lance Christensen joins Jon to unpack the deep-rooted challenges in public education, from low literacy rates to union influence, and why many teachers still don’t know about their right to opt out of unions. They also dive into California’s failing energy policy, sky-high living costs, and the long-term economic damage of misguided climate mandates.Lance shares what he’d do on day one if he were Governor, and why real change requires more local accountability, not just new policies. Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or frustrated Californian — this one’s for you.Chapters00:00 – Why Education Affects Everyone01:29 – California's Failing K-12 System02:15 – The Federal Tax Credit No One’s Using03:41 – The Power of Teachers Unions & Janus Decision05:25 – The Impact of DEI in Schools07:45 – The Economic Fallout of Policy Failures09:15 – Why California Sends Jobs to Other States10:37 – What’s Driving Sky-High Energy Prices12:42 – We Need an “All of the Above” Energy Plan13:37 – Wildfires Are Undermining Climate Goals15:24 – First Moves as Governor: Expand the Legislature?17:06 – California Leader Lance Most Admires17:50 – Why California Is Still Worth Fighting ForConnect with Lance ChristiansenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancechristensenX: https://x.com/Lance4CASuperWebsite:lancechristensen.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 #stateofgoldpodcastConnect 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:Ethan Penner, Independent Candidate for Governor Guest Bio: Ethan Penner is a prominent investor and finance innovator best known for helping to create the modern commercial mortgage-backed securities market. Now, as an independent candidate for California governor, he’s proposing sweeping reforms—from an audacious flat tax plan to a state-run insurance mutual and a unified solution to homelessness. A thought leader who blends economic insight with a community-first vision, Penner offers a bold roadmap for revitalizing the Golden State.Show SummaryIn this compelling episode, independent gubernatorial candidate Ethan Penner lays out his radical blueprint for a better California. He breaks down his proposal to eliminate all state income and corporate taxes in favor of a single 15% consumption tax—with a built-in “prebate” for lower-income residents to avoid regressive impacts.Penner also unveils his plan for a public, non-profit property insurance mutual to address California’s insurance crisis, plus his vision to replace the “homeless industrial complex” with one accountable statewide model. He finishes with powerful insights on education reform, including pay-for-performance family incentives, extended school hours, and working around entrenched systems like CTA to honor great teachers.Whether you agree or not, Penner's ideas will challenge your thinking and spark conversation.Chapters00:00 – Ethan Penner’s Bold Tax Proposal01:46 – Making the Tax Non-Regressive with a Pre-bate03:51 – Tax Implications for High Earners & Behavioral Impact06:32 – Audit Spending, Not Income08:08 – A New Public Insurance Model for CA11:16 – Rewarding Good Behavior with Premiums12:54 – Statewide Fire Prevention + Early Warning Systems14:12 – Fixing the Homelessness Crisis with One Plan16:05 – Why the Incentive Structure Must Change17:25 – The Education Crisis: Real Incentives for Families18:28 – Rethinking Time in School & Homework Support20:04 – The CTA Barrier and Talking Directly to Teachers22:22 – Rapid Fire: First Action & Final ThoughtsConnect with Ethan PennerWebsite: https://www.pennerforgovernor.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennerforca/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pennerforca?_t=ZP-8yGvZjgEJGZ&_r=1X: https://x.com/pennerforca?s=21Enjoyed 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 #stateofgoldpodcastConnect 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