California Underground: Your Sane Insight into California Politics

California Underground
  • 4.1 (59)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to California Underground, the most trusted podcast for all things California politics. Each week, we tackle the pressing issues facing our state through engaging interviews and roundtable discussions with political candidates and passionate Californians. Join us for clear, rational commentary that helps you stay informed about the complexities of California governance. Tune in for your trusted perspective on the political landscape!

  1. Spencer Pratt, $6 Gas, and a Mayor Who Won't Show Up

    2D AGO

    Spencer Pratt, $6 Gas, and a Mayor Who Won't Show Up

    Karen Bass just pulled out of tonight's Los Angeles mayoral forum. The primary is in three weeks. The last debate she showed up to, 88% of viewers said Spencer Pratt won. Tonight on California Underground, Phil is asking the question the incumbent doesn't want asked — and the one Sacramento doesn't have a good answer for either. On the Los Angeles mayor's race: Pratt lost his home in the Palisades Fire and turned it into a campaign. He's polling second in a city that hasn't elected a Republican mayor since 2001, with 40% of voters still undecided and a primary on June 2nd. We break down the debate, the numbers, and what Bass skipping tonight's forum actually signals. On California's gas crisis: the state confirmed four to six weeks of gasoline supply on hand. Three major refineries have closed in under a year — Phillips 66 Wilmington, Valero Benicia, PBF Martinez — removing 18% of total refining capacity. California has no pipeline connections to other states and imports 20% of its gasoline from overseas. Average price at the pump: $6.13 a gallon. The Iran war closed the Strait of Hormuz and exposed a supply chain California spent years making fragile. Both stories. One show. Every week. California Underground is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to the California Underground newsletter: https://caunderground.substack.com/ Follow the show: @californiaunderground on Instagram and TikTok | @ca_underground on X Phil is writing a book about California — sign up for early updates at www.thegildedstate.com

    1h 21m
  2. Michael Gates on Crime, Fraud, and Running for California AG

    MAY 6

    Michael Gates on Crime, Fraud, and Running for California AG

    California's Attorney General race is four weeks from a primary — and most voters don't know what the office actually does. In this episode, we sit down with Republican candidate Michael Gates, the former Huntington Beach City Attorney who spent a decade battling Sacramento in court and is now running to replace Rob Bonta as California's top law enforcement officer. Gates made his name as an elected city attorney — not appointed, elected — who launched a criminal prosecution program that drove downtown crime down 11.5%, claimed a 60% reduction in homelessness on his watch, and won a $38 million court verdict against the State of California. He then joined the Trump DOJ as Deputy Assistant Attorney General before returning to run statewide. We ask the questions every frustrated Californian should be asking: What has the AG's office actually been doing on fraud, fentanyl, and government accountability? Where has enforcement been missing? California Underground airs every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss next week's show. 📌 Sources: CalMatters — 2026 AG Race Voter Guide: https://calmatters.org/california-voter-guide-2026/attorney-general/Ballotpedia — Michael Gates: https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_Gates_(California)Gates Campaign Site: https://www.gates4ag.com/AgNet West Interview (April 28, 2026): https://agnetwest.com/michael-gates-california-attorney-general-fraud-reform/LAist — DOJ Departure Story: https://laist.com/news/huntington-beachs-michael-gates-produces-letter-he-says-confirms-he-resigned-from-dojAre you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics. Original air date  5.5.26 *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da  For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com  Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your order Follow California Underground on Social Media   Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground  X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergound Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA  Read about our Privacy Policy: https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/

    1 hr
  3. The Torrance Shooter and the Governor's Race

    APR 30

    The Torrance Shooter and the Governor's Race

    A California man is charged with attempting to assassinate the President of the United States — and his own family had already raised concerns with local police before he boarded a train to Washington DC. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, rushed a Secret Service checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. He was charged Monday with attempted assassination of the President. He passed every California background check. He bought his guns legally. His family tried to sound the alarm. California has red flag laws specifically designed for situations like this. Tonight we ask whether the system worked — and what Californians deserve to know. Then: six candidates debated for Governor of California last week. We pull the clips worth watching — who gave Newsom an A on homelessness, who said "you hear rumors" when asked about a colleague accused of assault, and where the race actually stands six weeks before the June 2 primary. Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics. Original air date  4.28.26 *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da  For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com  Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your order Follow California Underground on Social Media   Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground  X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergound Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA  Read about our Privacy Policy: https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/

    1h 7m
  4. Newsom Bought His Own Bestseller

    APR 23

    Newsom Bought His Own Bestseller

    Two new polls on the California governor's race are telling completely different stories. Betty Yee just dropped out and said "conflict sells" on her way out the door. LA County cut homeless outreach in half while spending $843 million. And Gavin Newsom's PAC spent $1.56 million buying two-thirds of his own memoir — then his team called the sales "organic." Story 1 — The Governor's RaceBetty Yee out. Becerra surging from 4% to as high as 23% depending on the poll. Two Republicans still leading in the party's own internal numbers. Debate is tomorrow night. Six weeks to the primary. Story 2 — LA County Homelessness$843M budget. Street outreach cut from $54M to $26M. California has spent $24 billion on homelessness since 2019. The population grew by 30,000. A State Auditor report found $9.4 billion couldn't even be evaluated — no outcomes tracked. Story 3 — Newsom's "Bestseller"FEC filings show his PAC bought 67,000 of 97,400 total print copies. Strip those out: 30,400 organic sales. The New York Times put a dagger on the listing. His team called it "organic." The filing says otherwise. Sources Betty Yee exit: https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/california-governor-race-yee/CA Dem Party poll: https://www.abc10.com/article/news/politics/california-governor-race-poll-hilton-bianco-lead-becerra-gains-support/103-1bf606df-6054-4be9-b9c2-68eafada61dcIVP poll: https://ivn.us/posts/breaking-xavier-becerra-bolts-into-first-place-in-ivn-california-governor-poll-2026-04-20LA homelessness budget: https://www.fox11la.com/news/la-county-homelessness-budget-outreach-cut-2026CA State Auditor: https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/homelessnessNewsom PAC book — NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/us/politics/newsom-pac-book-sales.htmlFEC filing summary: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/newsom-pac-bought-thousands-memoir-copiesCalifornia Underground airs every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube.

    1h 18m
  5. Eric Swalwell's Career Is Over

    APR 15

    Eric Swalwell's Career Is Over

    Hold onto your seats, Californians — this week’s political rollercoaster could change the future of the Golden State forever. From a scandal that toppled a Congressman's career in just four days to the California GOP's confusing endorsement process, Phil and Camille break down the shocking details that every Californian must know. Plus, what does the chaos mean for the upcoming primary and the entire political landscape? Tune in for all the jaw-dropping revelations. In this episode: The rapid downfall of Eric Swalwell in just four days — the full timeline and shocking allegationsThe importance of social media and press conferences in shaping political scandalsWhat the California GOP's decision not to endorse any candidate means for the raceThe impact of Swalwell’s scandals on the 2024 gubernatorial raceHow California’s voting laws and low information voters influence the outcomeThe behind-the-scenes process of party endorsements and delegate voting explainedThe potential for a Republican red wave in California amid chaos on the Democratic sideThe bizarre history of California GOP primaries and endorsements, including Travis Allen and John CoxThe implications for California’s political future if two Republicans make it to the general electionThe desperate Democrat plans and possible shifts to a Kamala Harris write-in strategyHow scandals and internal chaos could finally push California into a new political eraResources & Links Eric Swalwell Allegations San Francisco ChronicleCalifornia GOP Convention ProcessCalifornia Primary Election DatesThe House of Cards Netflix SeriesKatie Porter ControversiesCalifornia Proposition 50 — Voter ID LawConnect with the Hosts Phil - TwitterCamille - TwitterTimestamps: 00:00 - The shocking four-day career collapse of Eric Swalwell02:08 - Social media’s role in outrage and breaking news04:43 - Allegations: Swalwell’s sexual misconduct and investigative details07:43 - Corroborated evidence and legal responses11:16 - Public reactions and victim advocacy—timing and victimories14:03 - The press conference with a disturbing eyewitness account17:58 - The disturbing allegations paint a picture of political rot21:18 - The possible influence on the California governor race25:44 - GOP delegate process and what it means for endorsements30:26 - Inside California GOP convention voting practices36:55 - The chaos causing Democrats to consider radical options like Harris write-ins41:08 - How voter support could fracture and change the California political landscape44:50 - The desperate Democrat strategy and fear of a Republican sweep50:17 - Past primary campaigns and what history teaches us58:25 - The potential for California to become more red—what’s at stake66:26 - The influence of party endorsements and low-information voters70:39 - How political chaos might finally shake up California’s one-party rule75:59 - The outrageous end: Swalwell’s farewell and the real story behind the scandals This week’s scandal and political upheaval could signal a turning point—a chance for Californians to push back against long-standing one-party dominance. Whether this chaos ushers in reform or chaos remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: California is no longer boring politics—it’s explosive, urgent, and truthfully shocking. Stay tuned, share this episode, and keep your eyes open—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

    1h 18m
  6. California Governor's Race Roundtable Update ft. Kyle Campbell and Susan Collins

    APR 9

    California Governor's Race Roundtable Update ft. Kyle Campbell and Susan Collins

    With California's primaries just around the corner, a seismic shift is happening — and many Californians are either clueless or in denial. The recent endorsement of Steve Hilton by Donald Trump has turned the political rumor mill into a full-blown circus, threatening to upend the state's already fragile political landscape. If the Trump endorsement was meant to sway the race, it might just be fueling a chaos that could curse or empower Californians' future. In this episode: The impact of Trump endorsing Steve Hilton and how it could reshape the Republican primary race.Why California's usual politics are being challenged by fresh, outsider candidates like Hilton and Bianco.The possibility of a Democrat boycott or continued stagnation as the party struggles with internal divisions.Predictions on whether California is heading toward a political upheaval or a return to “business as usual.”Critical issues like ballot harvesting, homelessness, and voter trust—none of which are being adequately tackled by the candidates.How elites and billionaire tech moguls are pushing for socialist policies and what that could mean for a state long used to political dynasties.Connect: California UndergroundKyle Campbell - Politically Basic TwitterSusan Collins - InstagramKyle Campbell: TwitterSusan Collins: InstagramTimestamps:00:00 - California Primary Chaos: What's Really at Stake?02:15 - Trump's Endorsement: Blessing or Curse for California Politics?05:00 - The Fall of Gavin Newsom’s Political Dynasty07:30 - Are the Democrats Running Out of Options?09:50 - How the Republican Field Could Be Swayed by Trump’s Backing12:10 - Voter Attitudes: The Real Issues They Care About15:45 - The Threat of Socialism and Tech Billionaire Influence18:00 - Who Should California Be Putting Forward?21:30 - The Growing Power of Independent Voters and Third Parties24:45 - Future Scenarios: What If Swallow or Porter Win?28:00 - The Power of Local Elections and Why They Matter31:20 - Will California Break Its Political Mold?34:00 - The Deeper Problems: Public Safety, Homelessness, and Education37:00 - The Future of Republican and Democrat Parties in the Golden State40:30 - Wrap-up: What Can Californians Do Now? This episode reveals the shocking realities behind California's politically shaky ground, highlighting mismanagement, voter disenfranchisement, and the looming threat of radical policies. If you think your vote doesn't matter or that California's politics are just a game, think again. The chaos we discuss could shape the state's future — perhaps even its survival.

    1h 25m
  7. California Is Broken. A Libertarian Wants to Fix It. | Tom Woodard for Governor 2026

    APR 2

    California Is Broken. A Libertarian Wants to Fix It. | Tom Woodard for Governor 2026

    California has spent $24 billion on homelessness. It got worse. Gas prices are the highest in the country. And in 2026, nobody knows who's going to be the next Governor. Tonight we sit down with Libertarian candidate Tom Woodard — and ask the questions Sacramento won't. --- This week on California Underground, Phil and Camille sit down with Tom Woodard — Libertarian candidate for California Governor 2026. Tom is an entrepreneur, conservationist, and business executive with 40+ years of experience building organizations, creating jobs, and solving complex problems across the U.S. and Mexico. He's also a father who lost a son to addiction and homelessness — and he's running on the belief that California's two-party system has had its chance and blown it. In this episode: 🔹 The cost of living crisis — Why California gas prices and electricity rates are among the highest in the nation, what state mandates are driving the cost, and what a governor can actually do about it on Day 1. 🔹 Homelessness — $24 billion spent. The problem got worse. Tom shares his personal story, challenges the "Housing First" model, and lays out what a different approach looks like in practice. 🔹 The 2026 race — Newsom is term-limited, the Democratic field is fragmented, and for the first time in decades California's governor's race is genuinely uncertain. We ask Tom the hard questions: Is he running to win or running to move the conversation? And what's his pitch to voters who've never considered a third-party candidate? --- 📌 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED • Tom Woodard campaign site: https://www.woodardforgovernor2026.com/ • Tom on X: https://x.com/woodard2026 • Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodardforgovernor2026/ • Ballotpedia — 2026 California Governor's Race: https://ballotpedia.org/Tom_Woodard • California State Auditor — Homelessness Spending Report: https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2021-112/index.html • CalMatters Homelessness Tracker: https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/ • California Air Resources Board — Cap and Trade Program: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/cap-and-trade-program • 2026 California Gubernatorial Election Overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_California_gubernatorial_election --- 📺 California Underground airs LIVE every Tuesday at 8PM PST on YouTube. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read them. --- #CaliforniaUnderground #California #CaliforniaPolitics #Governor2026 #TomWoodard #Libertarian #CaliforniaHomelessness #CostOfLiving

    56 min
  8. Hollywood is Collapsing - And California Killed It ft. Guest Jim Agnew

    MAR 25

    Hollywood is Collapsing - And California Killed It ft. Guest Jim Agnew

    Hollywood’s Golden Era is not just fading — it’s decaying in front of our eyes. Once the shining jewel of California’s economy and culture, the film industry is now a ghost town, abandoned by studios that chase greener pastures elsewhere. Production hubs have shifted out of state, and the iconic Hollywood lots sit eerily silent — relics of a once-thriving empire that now resembles a ghost town. But what caused this collapse? And why is California so aggressively handing its Hollywood crown to other states and countries? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with veteran screenwriter and producer Jim Agnew — a behind-the-scenes insider who's seen Hollywood's decline firsthand. Jim shares shocking stories about how California’s outdated policies, suffocating union costs, and ridiculous bureaucratic hurdles are bleeding the industry dry. He reveals how neighboring states like Georgia and Kentucky are swooping in with 30% cash rebates, making it cheaper to shoot blockbuster films out of state, even when you’re based in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, California’s own incentives are a patchwork system that discourages production, strangled by bureaucracy and bad policy. You'll discover: The real reasons Hollywood’s glamor is disappearing — and how political correctness and cultural shifts accelerated the decline.Why even major stars and studios are fleeing California for business-friendly states with better tax breaks.How outdated incentives and union costs push production companies abroad, costing thousands of local jobs.The impact of streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ on California’s once-booming industry — and how their shift to global locations leaves California in the dust.Why California’s tax incentives are a joke compared to other states’ models, and how that’s actively killing the industry here.The hidden consequences of Hollywood’s decline — from local economies suffering to California losing its cultural influence.Are you a Californian who feels isolated and alone in your political views in a deep blue state? Feel like you can’t talk about insane taxes, an overbearing government, and radical social experiments without getting a side eye? Then join us on the California Underground Podcast, the most trusted podcast on all things California politics. Original air date  3.24.26 *The California Underground Podcast is dedicated to discussing California politics from a place of sanity and rationality.* Check out our full site for more information about the show at www.californiaunderground.live Join the Members Only California Underground Telegram —>  https://im.page/7c0306da  For more in depth California political news coverage, make sure to subscribe to our Substack at https://caunderground.substack.com  Check out our sponsor for this episode, StopBox, by going to www.stopbox.com/californiaunderground to get 10% off your order Follow California Underground on Social Media   Instagram: www.instagram.com/californiaunderground  X: https://twitter.com/CAUndergound Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@californiaunderground?_t=8o6HWHcJ1CM&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8SabIcF4AKqEVFsLmo1jA

    57 min
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4.1
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Welcome to California Underground, the most trusted podcast for all things California politics. Each week, we tackle the pressing issues facing our state through engaging interviews and roundtable discussions with political candidates and passionate Californians. Join us for clear, rational commentary that helps you stay informed about the complexities of California governance. Tune in for your trusted perspective on the political landscape!

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