13 episodes
National Review's Radio Free California Podcast National Review
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4.8 • 645 Ratings
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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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Episode 329: Central Valley of the Dolls
David considers the limits of private equity in farming, United Farm Workers union fends off charges it ripped off farmworkers. Gavin Newsom celebrates another bold step for “clean energy” but admits it’s unlikely to stop blackouts. The Democrats’ infinite abortion money-machine revealed, and California’s largest teachers' union calls for an end to capitalism and Jews. Music by Metalachi.
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Episode 328: How California Became ‘The Home of the Homeless’
The Supreme Court takes a swing and misses on West Coast homelessness in Grants Pass. Kamala celebrates SEIU, likely undermines elder care. The falling fortunes of California’s Tesla and Fisker. Bonus: hated illegal immigrants. Music by Metalachi.
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Episode 327: Run, O. J., Run!
The meaning of O. J. Simpson’s life and death. Google, USC, and UC Berkeley restore balance to the universe. Biden’s Health & Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra says he’s coming back to California to run for governor. Gavin Newsom finds a new way to make the state’s housing crisis even worse. Bonus! Will talks with California Policy Center’s Edward Ring about the siren call of “clean energy.” Music by Metalachi.
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Episode 326: Gavin Newsom Gets Hit by His Own Pitch
Beset by a historic state budget deficit, Governor Gavin Newsom is brushing back reports that he lied about his college baseball career in order to mask his privilege. In other news, California slides to No. 6 among the world’s economies but remains No. 1 for worst unemployment in the nation. The president of Pomona College tells student protesters that their careers at the school are finished. Bonus: Will talks with Lance Christensen about Edward Duplex, California’s first black mayor. Music by Metalachi.
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Episode 325: Julie Su Helps Julie Su
Biden’s U.S. acting labor secretary Julie Su will force American taxpayers to pay off Covid losses Su caused while running California’s labor department. Buffy Wicks (D., Oakland) wants California to get into the concert business. Sacramento’s sanctuary for transgender people runs up against progressive policy. David’s modest proposal for managing the increasingly successful squatters movement. Music by Metalachi.
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Episode 324: How to Kill Business without Really Trying
California’s unemployment rate is the worst in the nation, but state officials seem determined to do worse. Exploring the authoritarian impulses of “transgressive” art. A brief history of California’s integrated Winter League. Music by Metalachi.
Customer Reviews
Indispensable
A weekly chronicle of the legislative stupidity that characterizes our beloved Golden State. From Cali defaulting on Covid loans to the tender care given to squatters, to Gavin’s math-challenged budget shenanigans and municipal clowns (Oakland in particular), you need to know this. They’ll never admit it but I hope the Cali Caucus in Congress is listening.
Essential and critically relevant news about California's politics
Each episode, Will Swaim of the California Policy Center provides a meaty list of California political news items that help elucidate what's driving the myriad of problems Californians are facing – while David Bahnsen lends his invaluable perspective and analysis. On top of this, the two hosts provide a much needed sense of humor to help listeners enjoy digesting what is often some fairly disheartening news. Thank goodness we have these hosts and their organizations (including The National Review) keeping watch and providing this essential investigative reporting. This podcast is an all around great listen, and one I always look forward to keep me up to date.
All The California News You Need To Hear About
Although I don’t know with any degree of certainty, I highly suspect both Will and David must have worked at one or more of California’s major theme parks as roller coaster operators in their younger days. How do I know this? It’s simple, after listening intently to each and every one of their outstanding podcasts I am left feeling excited, enthused and at times a bit nauseous, not unlike those feelings I’ve experienced after one of my grandkids has talked me into taking a spin on a roller coaster that someone my age has no business attempting. Why, you may ask? The amount of information I learn from these two intelligent, thoughtful and articulate gentleman and their guests is amazing! My blood is often close to simmering after listening to the all-too-often unreported shenanigans that California politicians perpetuate and that only this excellent podcast shines a light on. And for that I am grateful for their work on behalf of the few of us remaining Californians who care about this state and are appalled at what’s going on. So, to Will and David, et al, thank you for what you do each and everyday. It’s important and the manner in which you present it is enlightening, entertaining and I for one feel better informed after listening. Thank you! You’re both doing God’s work and I truly appreciate it. Keep up the excellent work!