National Review's Radio Free California Podcast

National Review
  • 4.8 (704)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A show about the perilous state of the Golden State—and what that means for you, wherever you live. California is the hothouse lab of the Left, the nation-state creating the statist policies, art, and lifestyles of the future – and generating the political dollars to make them a reality in a community near you. Hosts Will Swaim (California Policy Center) and David Bahnsen (The Bahnsen Group, Fox Business News commentator, conservative activist) beam this weekly show internationally, from mostly undisclosed pirate-radio platforms west of the Sierra Nevada. [Intro music graciously provided by Los Angeles-based Metalachi, the metal/mariachi soundtrack of the near-future. Find them at Metalachi.com.]

  1. Episode 447: What Xavier Becerra Knew

    4D AGO

    Episode 447: What Xavier Becerra Knew

    The Democrats’ leading candidate for governor, Xavier Becerra, claims he was the victim of a financial fraud directed by his own chief of staff in the Biden administration. Now, he’s dealing with claims that he greenlit the crime. Bonus track! Lance Christensen takes us deep into the state capitol. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: The Mussel Slough Tragedy Governor Newsom announces revised budget that eliminates California’s deficit, maintains investments for working families, healthcare, education, and businesses LAO: Initial Comments on the Governor's May Revision Former Newsom chief of staff pleads guilty to scheme that bled money from Becerra’s account A surge in Nevada data center construction threatens the electricity supply for 49,000 Californians Energy company disputes claim that 50,000 Tahoe residents will lose power next yea California’s Bullet Train May Not Even Reach Downtown Bakersfield - You Can’t Make This Up Pelosi endorses a successor in San Francisco’s testy House race San Francisco's Outdoor Smoking Ban Won't Improve Public Health, but It Will Hurt the City's Bars and Taverns UC Davis festival apologizes for drum circle: ‘cultural appropriation’ Pre-roll:Duke Energy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 44m
  2. Episode 446: Life Is Like a Box of Diapers

    MAY 14

    Episode 446: Life Is Like a Box of Diapers

    Governor Gavin Newsom says his delivery of free diapers is another win for affordability -- “a first-in-the-nation program” to deliver the things new parents need most. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Ben Sasse Writes About Kids and Technology What to learn from the worst business deal in history Media mergers and dividend growth ‘Star Wars’ hails the once and future space western Why the Paramount-Skydance deal is good for California The Case Against State Involvement in a Warner Bros. Deal Newsom again shuts down gas tax holiday amid skyrocketing fuel prices in California California hospitals will soon provide free diapers to newborns thanks to new state program Why Did California Award This Alleged Hamas Front $40 Million? Judge bars Jewish DA from trying Stanford anti-Israel protesters, alleging conflict California Democrats Want Muslim Holidays In State Law — But Not The Jewish High Holidays Scott Wiener passed laws that made it easier to build in California. Can he do the same in Congress? California Mayor Will Plead Guilty to Working as Agent of China ‘We can shut down the city’: Lurie’s budget cuts spark a showdown with labor Lights, cameras, growth: CPC report on the Paramount deal Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 25m
  3. Episode 445: Heroes and Neros

    MAY 11

    Episode 445: Heroes and Neros

    In this special episode, Will talks with Sheila Bowen, whose Central Valley family is at the center of Remnants, a new documentary about the challenges of ranching in the era of Gavin Newsom-created wildfires. In other news, we hear from Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Jeremy Talcott about his crushing win over the California Coastal Commission, and we return to our friends at the Hoover Institution for a dramatic update in their assessment of the billionaire wealth tax coming up on the November ballot. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Jeremy Talcott, Pacific Legal v Coastal Commission California Supreme Court reins in coastal agency’s permit power in unanimous opinion Jeremy Talcott bio Remnants Remnants trailer Moving Picture Institute Paul Olivett, Moving Picture Institute, paul@thempi.org Hoover Institution’s Benjamin Jaros & Joshua Rauh on the Billionaire Wealth Tax  The Fiscal Losses from California's Billionaire Tax Act The Commitment Problem at the Heart of California’s Billionaire Tax Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 40m
  4. Episode 444: Rorschachian Xavier Becerra

    MAY 6

    Episode 444: Rorschachian Xavier Becerra

    In the simmering race for governor, Democratic Party insiders are coalescing around Xavier Becerra, a lifetime placeholder who is neither left nor right but who can be counted on to do absolutely nothing. Also: Ritchie Valens, Elon Musk, Kamala Harris, heroic El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, and the guy who burned down Pacific Palisades. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: “La Bamba” (Original)  “Come on, Let’s Go!” (Ramones)  California braces for uncertainty as last shipment of Persian Gulf oil arrives in Long Beach The Torching of Los Angeles Was Anti-Capitalist Vigilantism California Regulators Apologize to Elon Willie Brown endorses Tom Steyer for California governor Democratic and Republican candidates for Calif. governor lead latest poll How Xavier Becerra became the Joe Biden of California’s governor race Kamala Harris endorses L.A. Mayor Karen Bass for reelection Kamala Harris bought a Malibu home. Her neighbors think that means something. LAO: California spent more than it could afford El Cajon sues California, alleges state ‘sanctuary’ laws illegally entice undocumented immigrants Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min
  5. Episode 443: SoCal’s Solipsistic Shooter

    MAY 1

    Episode 443: SoCal’s Solipsistic Shooter

    We discuss the bizarre manifesto of Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, Calif. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Hightower agrees to buy $9.5bn practice The Bahnsen Group A May Day Push to ‘Shut It Down’ Takes Shape Across the Country Read Here: The full manifesto by accused shooter at White House Correspondents' Dinner The pile-on that wasn’t Anti-Billionaire ‘OUR REVOLUTION’ Endorses Billionaire Steyer for Gov California Voter ID Measure Qualifies For November Ballot ‘A betrayal:’ California to share data on immigrant drivers nationally Governor Newsom launches first new conservancy in 15 years to accelerate progress at the Salton Sea Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea | KQED Truly CA Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min
  6. Episode 442: The Wizard of Oz Wrap Party

    APR 24

    Episode 442: The Wizard of Oz Wrap Party

    Just six weeks from the California gubernatorial primary, Democrats are still auditioning for a lead — and risk watching Republicans steal the show. Can someone please introduce candidate Tom Steyer to the U.S. Constitution? State Senator Scott Wiener’s attempt to muzzle ICE melts in the Ninth Circuit. A fake bear wreaks fake terror on luxury vehicles in Lake Arrowhead. Bonus! A brief history of California’s Modoc War. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Trump ally Roger Stone hired to lobby for Bay Area tribe seeking control of Presidio ‘San Francisco treasure’: City, state leaders blast Trump for firing Presidio Trust board 3 sentenced for insurance fraud after using bear costume to stage fake attacks on luxury cars Takeaways from the first California governor’s debate since Eric Swalwell’s exit ‘Becerra Bounce.' How Xavier Becerra surged from behind to be a frontrunner in governor's race ‘Dark Horse’ Gets Sudden Jolt in Packed California Race Steyer proposes ending ICE, jailing police 9th Circuit blocks California limits on anonymous immigration agents G.B. V. Environmental Protection Agency (9th Cir. 2026) How Newsom Boosted His Book Sales With $1.5 Million From His PAC CA hasn’t signed off on a promised deal to help bail out LA if the Olympic Games lose money Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
  7. Episode 441: Making a Federal Case of It (Emergency Episode)

    APR 16

    Episode 441: Making a Federal Case of It (Emergency Episode)

    United Teachers of Los Angeles activists are celebrating the massive salary hike they won on Tuesday, but Lance Christensen says all Californians will pay the price. That same day, attorneys for Rocklin Unified School District asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision of a little-known California administrative court that California Justice Center attorney Emily Rae says violates the federal rights of parents of schoolchildren. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Emily Rae: Follow @EmilyRaeCJC Rocklin Unified Takes Parental Notification Fight to U.S. Supreme Court Lance Christensen: Follow @lancelands The price of LAUSD union peace will be $1.2 billion a year. Next up is paying for it Strike or not, Los Angeles Unified is on an unsustainable trajectory Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min
  8. Episode 440: Swalwell Hits Cesar Chavez Speed

    APR 15

    Episode 440: Swalwell Hits Cesar Chavez Speed

    As his career prospects evaporate, disgraced former Representative Eric Swalwell now begs exemption from the “believe women” standard he applied to his conservative political opponents. An Easter Egg hunt in Long Beach leads to a human skull, Mayor Karen Bass celebrates the return of Baywatch but says nothing about the return of typhus to L.A., Kamala Korner is back, and the Wiener Watch never left! David offers an explainer on a clash of the tech titans in Musk vs. Altman. Bonus: Kenneth Schrupp discusses Manhattan Institute’s investigation into allegations of fraud in the state’s $30 billion annual In-Home Supportive Services Program. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Eric Swalwell Reaps What He Sows An Easter Egg Hunt in a California Park Leads to a Human Skull Mayor Bass welcomes Baywatch and major productions back to Los Angeles Typhus from fleas hits record level in L.A.:  Where the hot spots are and how to protect yourself World Cup: 2 Months Out, FIFA and Host Cities Sideline Rights ‘Thinking About It’: Kamala Harris Teases 2028 Presidential Run Newsom administration won't say how much Kamala Harris' CHP security detail is costing California taxpayers Senator Wiener Announces Bill To Protect Survivors Of Conversion Therapy Lawmaker backing transgender treatments for kids squirms as man says puberty blockers destroyed him Meta builds AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to interact with staff Elon Musk Lawsuit Claims OpenAI Used a Fake Charity to Build an $800 Billion Empire California tries to criminalize journalism — to protect fraud California unveils hospice fraud arrests, pushing back on ‘kingdom of fraud’ claim by Trump official Kenneth Shrupp, Manhattan Institute Gavin Newsom’s $30 Billion Fraud Magnet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 8m
  9. Episode 439: Newsom’s House of Card Sharks

    APR 8

    Episode 439: Newsom’s House of Card Sharks

    Angling for a White House run, Governor Gavin Newsom talks up his plan to bring white men back to the Democratic Party while his wife warns women that Republicans are working to push women “back into the straitjacket of femininity that is only in service of men.” In other news: Newsom will spend $19 million to persuade Americans that California is awesome and Trump endorses gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton. In the history department, Will and David discuss the 1972 state Supreme Court decision that ended the death-penalty convictions of 107 California killers including Sirhan Sirhan, Charles Manson, and one Robert Page Anderson. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: People v. Anderson UCLA crushes the Other USC to win NCAA women’s basketball national championship ICE Busts Slain Iranian Military Leader’s Niece & Her Daughter Who Called US ‘Great Satan’ In L.A. San Diego warship to recover Artemis II astronauts when they splash down in ocean Friday Trump endorses Steve Hilton in California governor's race Billionaire candidate for California governor catching heat for past business interests, wealth Sexual Harassment Allegations Could Rock Swalwell’s Campaign For Governor Major global PR firm Edelman wins $19 million state contract to promote California in a better light For Democrats, the Era of the Girl Dad and Male Ally Is Over Governor Newsom convenes leaders to confront crisis facing boys and men CNN black sheep Scott Jennings gives withering take on Jennifer Newsom: ‘She’s a real problem’ Jennifer Siebel Newsom Has Bleak Warning For MAGA Women After Recent Firings Gavin Newsom’s wife pushed weird gender films into California classrooms — while paying herself a fortune The great corruption of behested payments in California Air district fines Fairfield Budweiser brewery $2.3M over alleged emissions violations Major cheese producer closes Fresno-area facility, cuts jobs as it opens Texas site Yamaha moves US headquarters out of California after nearly 50 years Public Storage is the latest company to leave California for Texas Public Storage to Acquire National Storage Affiliates in $5.6 Billion Stock Deal The Chinese Billionaires Having Dozens of U.S.-Born Babies Via Surrogate CCSF union president violated policies in antisemitic rant, investigation finds Long Beach City College votes to name its Labor Center in honor of Dolores Huerta Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 16m
  10. Episode 438: Maybe We Call This ‘Jaime Escalante Day’?

    APR 1

    Episode 438: Maybe We Call This ‘Jaime Escalante Day’?

    Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency bill to rename the Cesar Chavez holiday “Farmworkers Day.” Will and David suggest we commemorate instead the East Los Angeles teacher who was the subject of the 1988 movie Stand and Deliver -- and was then driven from teaching by his own union. Representative Eric Swalwell earned a key campaign endorsement from the California Teachers Association -- a kind of Surgeon General’s Warning for voters in the state’s June primary. In other news: Tech’s very bad week in court, and it’s time for San Francisco to defund its corrupt “Defund the Police” campaign. Bonus tracks! Red State reporter Jen Van Laar on LAUSD’s all-in-the-family negotiations with the state’s largest teacher’s union, and former Los Angeles Times religion reporter Bill Lobdell on the Catholic Church sex-abuse scandal, televangelists, Cesar Chavez, and California’s public schools. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes Newsom signs law renaming Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day A Calculated Move : Jaime Escalante Prepares to Leave to Teach in Sacramento UTLA’s response The USC professor at the center of the debate debacle A big weekend for Eric Swalwell F.B.I. Said to Dig Up Old Investigative Files on Democratic Lawmaker Swalwell campaign in the hot seat after accepting almost $15K from CCP-tied law firm: 'Stop playing footsie' Social media trials usher in Big Tech's latest moment of reckoning Top S.F. official who led Dream Keeper equity program charged with felonies: ‘abuse of power’ Holed up: L.A. tries closing off manhole where people live, nearly sealing someone inside LA’s Declining Homelessness Numbers: Real or Illusory? California introduces financial literacy course starting with class of 2030-31 'New Era': Landmark Policy to Expand Tribal Stewardship for At Least 7.5 Million Acres in California Jen Van Laar Literal bedfellows among teacher union activists and the district negotiating their pay package Bill Lobdell “Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America and Found Unexpected Peace” Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 48m
  11. Episode 437: The Labor Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight

    MAR 23

    Episode 437: The Labor Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight

    The union behind the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act says it will generate $110 billion for public health programs, but Hoover Institution researchers calculate that it will actually cost California $25 billion. In the “Why Now Department,” Will and David consider multiple hypotheses about the timing of claims that United Farm Workers founder Cesar Chavez raped young women half a century ago. The legal case against Meta and YouTube asks us to believe that social media companies bear absolute responsibility for addictive use of social media. Will tells the true story of Ah Louis, a California Gold Rush-era immigrant who became the unofficial mayor of San Luis Obispo’s Chinatown. Bonus! Lance Christensen provides a first look at the year’s legislative Race to Absurdity. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Read the Statement From Dolores Huerta on Cesar Chavez’s Abuse From streets to murals, the erasure of Cesar Chavez is fast underway in California The complicated legacy of César Chávez ‘I will miss them’: Khanna mocks tech billionaires threatening to leave California for wealth tax Kathy Hochul’s Seller’s Remorse The Fiscal Losses from California's Billionaire Tax Act Gavin Newsom’s $114 Million Butterfly Bridge Jury deliberations continue in landmark social media addiction trial against Meta, Google Social media use is tied to well-being, according to the new World Happiness Report Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 23m
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4.8
out of 5
704 Ratings

About

A show about the perilous state of the Golden State—and what that means for you, wherever you live. California is the hothouse lab of the Left, the nation-state creating the statist policies, art, and lifestyles of the future – and generating the political dollars to make them a reality in a community near you. Hosts Will Swaim (California Policy Center) and David Bahnsen (The Bahnsen Group, Fox Business News commentator, conservative activist) beam this weekly show internationally, from mostly undisclosed pirate-radio platforms west of the Sierra Nevada. [Intro music graciously provided by Los Angeles-based Metalachi, the metal/mariachi soundtrack of the near-future. Find them at Metalachi.com.]

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