National Review's Radio Free California Podcast

National Review
  • 4.8 (709)
  • Politics
  • Updated Semiweekly

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.]

Episodes

  1. Oct 13

    Episode 470: Why the California Left Loves Donald Trump

    Governor Gavin Newsom spins Trump’s “threat” to allow Iran to nuke California, alarming almost no one. Bonus conversation with attorney Scott Davison about an infamous memo calling for the FBI to investigate parents who showed up to school council meetings during the Covid-19 pandemic. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsenDavid’s latest book: Profit from the Profit@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: A Modest Proposal for the Purification of California HistoryPro-Hamas Scholar Addresses Claremont Students Virtually on Oct. 7On October 7th Massacre Anniversary, UC-Berkeley SJP Promotes Speaking Appearances of Professor Who Declared ‘I’m With Hamas’Students at LA top college plot ‘depraved’ stunt to mark massacre that shocked the worldTrump suggests letting Iran ‘take out’ Los Angeles and San Diego at campaign rallyKamala Harris, Richard Pan blocked some journalists from covering Sacramento campaign eventKamala Harris Calls Trump’s Media Ban ‘Absolutely Abhorrent’AB-1803 Employment: sexual harassment training and education: anti-hate speech training.(2025-2026)Sex abuse bill fight lands in Assembly racesCalifornia education candidate tells college professors to teach students basic math, rejects SAT requirement Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 470: Why the California Left Loves Donald Trump

  2. Oct 7

    Episode 469: A Wealth Tax That Makes You Poorer

    Will talks with Hoover Institution economist Ben Jaros and legal scholar Aharon Friedman about likely post-election challenges to Proposition 40, the Billionaire Wealth Tax. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsenDavid’s latest book: Profit from the Profit@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Hoover Institution’s latest revision reveals more bad news about Prop. 40 Friedman, Jaros and Rauh, “The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act and the Constitution: Retroactivity, Residency, and the Limits of California’s Taxing Power” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 469: A Wealth Tax That Makes You Poorer

  3. Oct 7

    Episode 468: What Would California Dems Do in the Absence of ‘Trump’?

    In his first and only gubernatorial debate with Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton brought actual policy to counter Becerra’s incantatory use of the word ‘Trump.’ We look at the unintended — but utterly predictable — consequences of L.A.’s Mansion Tax. Vanity Fair’s deep profile reveals Gavin Newsom’s remarkable shallowness. Companies doing business in California are now required to document their ties to slavery.  Bonus! Gene Autry was more than just Hollywood’s ‘Singing Cowboy’ — he was a real American hero. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsenDavid’s latest book: Profit from the Profit@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: A Kelvin Wave Is Heading Toward the California Coast, Bringing TroubleBill Hicks on Los Angeles and Arizona BayThe Net Present Value of the California Billionaire Tax ActThe Effects of the Measure ULA (United to House LA) Transfer Tax on Economic Development and Municipal Finances in Los AngelesICE arrests father on college campus in what may be unprecedented action in CaliforniaHilton blames Democrats. Becerra blames Trump. Little was learned in governor’s race debateCNN Transcript Becerra vs HiltonGavin Newsom Is Ready for His Next Act. Will Democrats Ever Give Him a Shot at the White House?New California reparations law requires companies to disclose past profits from slavery  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 468: What Would California Dems Do in the Absence of ‘Trump’?

  4. Sep 29

    Episode 467: Bari Weiss Beats Bonta

    California AG Rob Bonta has sued for peace in his fight with Paramount’s David Ellison, making Bari Weiss this week’s biggest winner. David says Republicans are poorly positioned to counter the Democrats’ affection for socialism. Will says California Dems finally have former Union general and abolitionist John C. Fremont right where they want him. Harry and Meghan join the California exodus.  Bonus: Cal Policy’s Lance Christensen says Gavin Newsom got it right — four times! Music by Metalachi. Email Us:|dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Oregon QB Dante Moore leaves field on cart, in neck brace after late hit from USC's Desman StephensDavid's Capital Record: A Choice, Not a Socialist EchoGov. Gavin Newsom touts California climate response as Super El Niño approachesRob Bonta Sued Paramount to Counter Political Influence, Then Fell Victim to ItCity of Sacramento announces top pick for renaming Cesar Chavez PlazaNewsom administration proposes removing explorer John C. Frémont’s name from state park, citing his violence against Native AmericansPrince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Con Was Never Going To Last ForeverBonus! Lance Christensen: Where Newsom was Right  Veto: Gives teachers unions another tool to kill charter schools (AB 84) Veto: Costly pension enhancements (AB 1054)Signed: Make inter-district school transfers easier for parents (SB 1082)Veto: Costly pension enhancements (AB 1383)This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit LawNPOlawyers.comboardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 467: Bari Weiss Beats Bonta

  5. Sep 23

    Episode 466: Newsom's 'Zen Diagram'

    Guest Jon Fleischman helps Will break down the news of the week, including Gavin Newsom’s remarkably weird interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, his AI alarmism, and his surprise legislative vetoes. Yet another major battery fire has climate activists wondering who to blame when “clean” energy goes awry. The city of Long Beach responds to the Soviet submarine in its harbor. And we remember the Siege of Los Angeles, September 22, 1846. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaimTheRadioFreeCA Show Notes:Jon Fleischman, So Does It Matter SubstackGavin Newsom tells CNN's Jake Tapper he won't run for president if Kamala Harris runs in 2028Newsom signs bill barring other states from sending National Guard troops to CaliforniaGovernor Newsom issues executive order to accelerate independent oversight and advance the creation of an AI kill switchWho Pays When AI Causes Harm? The “Kill Switch” Is LiabilityNewsom vetoes bill to loosen work-from-home rules for state workersRepublicans Help SEIU Defy Gavin Newsom’s Return-to-Work Order - WTH?Newsom vetoes bill closing CEQA manufacturing exemptionNewsom cites pension crisis as he vetoes bill to enhance retirement for police and firefightersI Was Wrong About Gavin Newsom And AB 1383, The Public Safety Employee Union Sponsored Pension Spiking BillLAUSD struggles to decide between refurbishing and retrofitting or closing schoolsLAUSD Ignored the Warnings. Now the Bills Are Due.New fire breaks out at Moss Landing Power Plant in California; shelter-in-place order issuedHow do you dispose of an abandoned Russian submarine? Long Beach is on the hook to find out  This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit LawNPOlawyers.comboardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 466: Newsom's 'Zen Diagram'

  6. Sep 15

    Episode 465: Bring In the Fembots!

    In Gavin Newsom’s California, artificial intelligence is apparently dangerous enough to require an expanding apparatus of government regulation, but, in the hands of the state, trustworthy enough to answer your questions about government itself. In other news, Inglewood bails on its SoFi Stadium debt, Ro Khanna embraces race hustling, and David learns about Star Trek's cultural ties to SoCal’s scientific community. Music by Metalachi.  Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: ‘Star Trek’ premieresThe New Generation of Defense WizardsGovernor Newsom signs first-in-the-nation AI safeguards to protect Californians, calls on the federal government to do its partGovernment, made easier. Governor Newsom introduces AskCA, a new AI-powered tool for CaliforniansBetter Future AIDavid Sacks on X: “Pace the frontier”California wealth tax proponent threatened labor officials, law firm’s report findsRo Khanna, Race HustlerThe deal that helped bring SoFi Stadium to Inglewood isn’t legally valid, judge rulesHuntington Beach Approves Police Raises Amid Budget Deficit ProjectionsThis week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.comboardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 465: Bring In the Fembots!

  7. Sep 10

    Episode 464: The Revolution Will Be Livestreamed

    California’s state employees swear an oath to protect the United States Constitution — so what’s up with the university professors calling for armed revolution and the liquidation of Democrats? Newsom visits with South Carolina Democrats but can’t outrun his failures back home, including high unemployment and a new audit showing that the tiniest high-speed rail system in the world has run off the tracks. Bonus: If you missed David and Will’s discussion of November’s 14 ballot measures, listen to Will’s conversation here with political analyst Jon Fleischman. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: California Profs Endorse Violence, Forget Constitutional Oath (Listener Steven A.)California drivers could pay for Gavin Newsom's personal security when he's out of office (Listener Kathy)Gavin Newsom will leave office in January. In South Carolina, he previews what could come nextNewsom’s Minimum Wage Whitewash (Listener Eric O.)California’s ‘groundbreaking’ fast food council lacks a leader, hasn’t met in over a yearInspector General slams latest high-speed rail planJudge dismisses Justice Department lawsuit challenging California transgender sports policiesBonus: California’s 14 Ballot Propositions Explained, With Recommendations! | Jon Fleischman & Will Swaim This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.comboardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 464: The Revolution Will Be Livestreamed

  8. Sep 1

    Episode 463: Return of the Living Debt

    In 1999, the last time California boosted the benefits it pays government employees – earlier retirements, richer retirements – financial disaster followed quickly. Now, state lawmakers want Newsom to try it again. We fact-check Newsom’s claims on housing starts (terrible) and jobs (worse). Iowa’s AG sues California for blocking the Paramount-Warner merger. Now that he’s successful, Mark Zuckerberg says social media companies must be regulated. David and Will break down the Nick Shirley Act. Music by Metalachi.   Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes:David Bahnsen’s “Profit from the profit”Ishi discovered in California Meta to Pay Up to $17.1 Billion in Landmark Settlement Over Social Media Addiction Claims“Hardly any” AI regulations? Becerra should know betterIowa Attorney General Says She’s Taking California to the Supreme Court Over Paramount-Warner Bros. LawsuitGavin Newsom still doesn’t understand the limits of his powerCalifornia set to force big companies to disclose historic links to slaveryKenneth Schrupp on Newsom’s jobs reportNewsom’s big housing claim is built on bad dataLawmakers vote to let first responders retire earlier and with more money. Will Newsom sign on?AB 1383 is a costly pension mistake in the makingAB 2624 signed into law, California rejects hated-filled (sic) misinformation campaignWill’s work here would likely be illegal under the Act Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 463: Return of the Living Debt

  9. Aug 25

    Episode 462: California Ballot Boxing

    Since 1911, Californians have been allowed a direct role in legislation via the initiative and referendum process. This year’s November ballot features 14 measures, including the Billionaire Wealth Tax, two “affordability” programs that will make housing more expensive, and a bid to make the nation’s highest marginal income-tax rate a permanent impediment to prosperity.  Bonus! David discusses the birth today of his fifth book, “Profit from the Profit.” Music by Metalachi.   Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes:David Bahnsen’s “Profit from the profit”   This episode's advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.com boardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 462: California Ballot Boxing

  10. Aug 21

    Episode 461: Bahnsen's Iron Law of Politics

    Discussing this week’s news -- taxpayer-funded political campaigns, students learning about social justice from a rabid anti-Israel activist, DEI in college admissions, and Newsom’s enthusiasm for new automobile tire regulations -- David concludes with a general principle: “In public policy, every reductio ad absurdum eventually becomes an absurdum.” Bonus: Hoover Institute economist Benjamin Jaros offers his latest battlefield assessment of California’s wealth tax. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Karen Bass ripped after viral video lays out taxpayer-funded match of campaign donations Outraged Palo Alto High parents sue school district over mosque field trip Mission High leads California schools in UC Berkeley admissions. But many don’t graduate Gov. Newsom supports California regulators' approval of new replacement tire rules Los Angeles Should Follow San Francisco’s Path to Recovery — Says Man Who Helped Set Back Both Xavier Becerra floats bizarre plan to slash Californians’ utility bills Xavier Becerra’s high-speed rail solution appears to be “sue and hope” Hoover Institution’s Ben Jaros on the Billionaire Wealth Tax  Benjamin Jaros bio Misdiagnosing California’s Fiscal Crisis Don Newsom Refuses an Offer A powerful union, the billionaire tax and an alleged bargaining chip This week’s advertising sponsor: California Center for Nonprofit Law NPOlawyers.com boardtrainingprinciples.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Episode 461: Bahnsen's Iron Law of Politics
  • 10 Episodes

4.8
out of 5
709 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.]

Information

You Might Also Like