The Maddy Report

The Maddy Institute
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Politics

The Maddy Report is a weekly program explores how state and federal policies shape California, with a special focus on the San Joaquin Valley. Hosted by The Maddy Institute’s Executive Director, Blake Zante, each episode features conversations with policymakers, academic experts, and industry leaders about the latest news across the San Joaquin Valley and California.

  1. 3d ago

    How does Fresno State shape the region?

    Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval joins The Maddy Report to discuss the role of the university in the Central Valley, impacts on the region's economy, as well as the state and federal issues facing higher education. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X To learn more, visit https://themaddyinstitute.org/ The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

    How does Fresno State shape the region?

  2. Feb 10

    On the Ballot: Previewing the 2026 Primary Election

    Brittany Martinez, Executive Director of Principles First, Gabe Ferris, City Hall and Courts Reporter at ABC 30, and David Taub, Senior Reporter at GV Wire, sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante to provide an outlook on the June 2026 Primary Election, including the California governor’s race and key Central Valley congressional districts following Proposition 50. To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠. The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/. The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

  3. Jan 23

    Conversation with California Leaders

    Senator Shannon Grove and Josh Fryday, California Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante. To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠social media⁠⁠. The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/. The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

  4. 12/08/2025

    Analysis of Legislative Session and Prop. 50

    Chris Micheli, attorney, lobbyist, and government relations specialist, and Dan Schnur, political analyst, speaker and commentator, sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante for an analysis on California's 2025 legislative session and the passage of Proposition 50. To learn more, visit our ⁠website⁠ or follow us on ⁠social media⁠. The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/. The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

  5. 11/23/2025

    What's Happening in California Water?

    Don Wright, Editor of WaterWrights sits down with Executive Director Blake Zante to break down some of the most pressing issues in California’s water landscape. They discuss how water moves through the state, the complexities of water rights, and the growing challenges facing Valley agriculture and local communities. To learn more, visit our website or follow us on social media. The Maddy Institute is dedicated to providing a civil, fact-based approach to public policy, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals like you to help advance our work and raise awareness of important issues throughout the San Joaquin Valley. If you believe in the work we do, consider supporting us by donating at https://themaddyinstitute.org/donate/. The Maddy Institute is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that does not endorse or support views that may be expressed in this episode.

  6. 10/12/2025

    Future of Political Journalism

    Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Danielle Bergstrom, Founder and Executive Director of Fresnoland, and Jordan Mattox, Co-Host of the Fresnolandia Podcast. Together, they explore The Future of Political Journalism—diving into how local and regional outlets are reshaping political coverage, the challenges of maintaining trust and independence, and the evolving role of media in informing California’s democracy. For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

  7. 10/05/2025

    Breaking Down Prop 50

    Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Dr. Lisa Bryant, Professor of Political Science at CSU Fresno, Blake Jones of Politico, and Alexei Koseff of CalMatters.Together, they explore Breaking Down Prop 50—examining the measure’s background, its impact on California politics, and what it reveals about accountability, transparency, and governance in the state. For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

  8. 09/30/2025

    History of California's Legislature and Capitol Building

    Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Ken Cooley, State Assemblymember (Ret.).Together, they explore the History of California’s Legislature and Capitol Building—highlighting the evolution of state governance, the stories behind the Capitol’s development, and how history continues to shape policymaking and civic life in California today. For more resources, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay connected with The Maddy Institute.

See All (167)

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Maddy Report is a weekly program explores how state and federal policies shape California, with a special focus on the San Joaquin Valley. Hosted by The Maddy Institute’s Executive Director, Blake Zante, each episode features conversations with policymakers, academic experts, and industry leaders about the latest news across the San Joaquin Valley and California.

Information

  • Creator
    The Maddy Institute
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Maddy Institute
  • Show Website
    The Maddy Report