State of Gold

Jon Slavet | California Politics
  • 4.4 (23)
  • GOVERNMENT

Restoring the California Dream One Bold Idea at a Time California was once a beacon of prosperity, hope and innovation – symbolized by the Gold Rush, Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Today it’s the least affordable state in the nation and plagued by poverty, homelessness, and sky-high taxes. How did we get here, and how do we turn California around? State of Gold is a media platform and citizens’ movement dedicated to restoring the California dream. Host and longtime real estate and tech executive Jon Slavet combines practical wisdom and insurgent energy, as he sits down with voices from across the spectrum.  The show will examine and promote the best ideas from any corner to solve the state’s most pressing issues. State of Gold cuts through the noise to explore what’s gone wrong in the Golden State – and what it’ll take to make things right. www.stateofgold.com

  1. 3D AGO

    Why the Billionaire Tax Will Backfire on California & Crush Working Families | Lanhee Chen

    Guest: Lanhee Chen, Stanford Hoover Fellow and Policy Expert  Guest Bio:  Lanhee Chen is a policy expert, former candidate for California State Controller, and national commentator on fiscal policy and healthcare reform. He has advised at the highest levels of government and regularly contributes analysis on California’s budget, tax structure, and long-term economic outlook. Known for his data-driven approach, Chen focuses on accountability, structural reform, and restoring fiscal discipline to state government. Show Summary California can swing from a $150 billion surplus to a $150 billion deficit in just a few years. Why? In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet talks with Lanhee Chen to break down California’s structural budget problems in simple terms. From an antiquated tax system heavily reliant on capital gains to ballooning fixed costs and voter-approved spending mandates, Chen explains why the state is trapped in boom-and-bust cycles. They dive into the proposed billionaire tax and why, despite sounding appealing, it will drive high earners and founders out of California while reducing long-term revenue. Chen also outlines the risks of taxing unrealized gains and how that precedent could impact entrepreneurs and future innovators. The conversation then turns to waste, fraud, and abuse in programs like unemployment insurance, Medi-Cal, and IHSS. Finally, Chen shares his vision for healthcare reform, including radical price transparency, expanding provider supply, and creating a more competitive healthcare marketplace. If you want a clear, non-theatrical breakdown of California’s fiscal challenges and what real reform could look like, this is it. Chapters 00:00 – California’s Boom and Bust Budget Cycles 02:37 – The Structural Deficit Problem Explained 03:20 – How Should California Reform Its Tax System? 05:06 – Revenue Problem or Spending Problem? 05:39 – Why the Billionaire Tax Is a Bad Idea 07:12 – The Dangerous Precedent of Taxing Unrealized Gains 08:51 – Waste, Fraud & Abuse in State Programs 09:21 – The Unemployment Insurance Scandal 10:30 – Medi-Cal, IHSS & Systemic Accountability Failures 12:06 – Fixing Healthcare Without Government Takeover 13:10 – Radical Price Transparency in Healthcare 14:00 – Expanding Supply & Reducing Consolidation 15:27 – Incentivizing Preventive Care 17:13 – Rapid Fire: One Big Reform for California 18:09 – What Gives Him Hope 18:40 – Is California Punching Under Its Weight? Connect with Lanhee Chen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanheechen/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lanheechenX: https://x.com/lanheechenEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast Connect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com

    19 min

  2. FEB 10

    Buying a Gun in California Legally Is Challenging | Michael Pierce

    Guest Bio:  Michael Pierce is a venture capitalist, technology executive, and founder of American Gun Owners, a California-based company focused on making legal, responsible gun ownership accessible to everyday Americans. Michael brings a unique perspective to public safety, entrepreneurship, and the growing demand for self-defense in major cities. Raised on a cattle ranch and surrounded by firearms from a young age, he approaches gun ownership as a practical tool rather than a political statement. Show Summary Why are more Californians who never wanted guns now feeling like they need one? Michael Pierce joins Jon Slavet to explain why rising crime, slow police response times, and social unrest have pushed ordinary Californians toward personal self-defense. Michael shares the real-world conversations that inspired him to launch American Gun Owners and why California, despite being one of the most restrictive states, is exactly where this business needed to be built. They dive into the challenges of buying a firearm legally in California, the confusion first-time buyers face, and how American Gun Owners uses technology and education to simplify the process. The conversation also explores policing shortages, deterrence, elites disconnect from everyday safety concerns, and what California must do to restore confidence and economic momentum. This episode offers a grounded, non-political look at guns as a utility, public safety as a core government responsibility, and why fear has become a daily reality for many Californians. Chapters 00:00 – Why Michael Is Building American Gun Owners in California 01:45 – Crime, Social Unrest & Slower Police Response Times 02:19 – Why LA Is Dangerously Under-Policed 03:50 – First-Time Gun Buyers and the Education Gap 04:19 – How People End Up with the Wrong Firearm 05:40 – Guns as a Utility, Not a Political Statement 06:55 – Why Buying a Gun Legally Is So Complicated 07:36 – How American Gun Owners Solves the Problem 08:23 – Using AI to Match People With the Right Firearm 10:05 – California Compliance, Training & Safe Storage 12:30 – Liability, Self-Defense Law & Castle Doctrine 14:13 – Crime in Wealthy Neighborhoods Isn’t Rare Anymore 16:02 – Deterrence and Why Signs Actually Matter 17:19 – What Elites Don’t Understand About Feeling Unsafe 19:50 – Fixing California’s Business Climate 23:02 – Rapid Fire: One Fix for California 23:09 – What Still Gives Him Hope Connect with Michael Pierce Twitter: https://x.com/mpierce_agoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpiercelaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/americangunowners.online/Website: https://www.americangunowners.com/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast Connect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com

    24 min

  3. FEB 3

    LA Pays $2 Million Per Homeless Unit | Dr. Houman David Hemmati

    Guest: Dr. Houman David Hemmati, Entrepreneur & Political Activist Guest Bio:  Dr. Houman David Hemmati is a physician, scientist, entrepreneur, and public advocate for medical freedom and ethical healthcare reform. With a background in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, and ophthalmology, he’s advised pharmaceutical companies, led biotech ventures, and become an outspoken voice on issues ranging from pandemic policy to the misuse of scientific authority. Dr. Hemmati is also a frequent media contributor and a passionate advocate for patient rights, transparency, and innovation in medicine Show Summary Los Angeles is collapsing in real time and Dr. Houman Hemmati says it’s not accidental. In this episode, Dr. Hemmati joins Jon Slavet to expose what he calls the “homeless industrial complex,” a system incentivized to grow rather than solve the crisis. From Westwood turning into “Skid Row West” to taxpayer-funded housing scams costing up to $2 million per unit, Dr. Hemmati details how California’s homelessness policies have failed both the vulnerable and the public. The conversation then turns to the proposed billionaire tax, why it threatens startup founders and innovation, and how taxing unrealized wealth could permanently drive entrepreneurs out of California. Dr. Hemmati explains why the state doesn’t have a revenue problem, but a spending problem, and why tough love may be the only path forward. This is a candid, no-holds-barred look at the policies, incentives, and political realities shaping California’s future and what gives him hope that voters may finally be reaching a breaking point. Chapters 00:00 – Dr. Houman Hemmati’s Path from Doctor to Activist 00:36 – Westwood’s Decline and “Skid Row West” 02:30 – The Failure of Local Government in Los Angeles 03:18 – How COVID Supercharged the Homeless Crisis 04:45 – Prison Releases, Incentives, and Manufactured Chaos 06:05 – The Homeless Housing Scam and Taxpayer Theft 07:15 – Moral Hazard and Why Current Policies Make Things Worse 08:40 – The Billionaire Tax Explained Simply 10:51 – Why Entrepreneurs and Capital Are Leaving California 12:45 – Taxing Unrealized Wealth and Constitutional Concerns 14:30 – California’s Spending Problem vs Revenue Problem 16:24 – Why California Needs an Intervention 18:10 – Rapid Fire: One Fix to Save California 18:21 – What Finally Gives Him Hope 21:45 – Why Ordinary Citizens Are Starting to Push Back Connect with Dr. Houman David Hemmati X: https://x.com/houmanhemmati/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/houman-david-hemmati-md-phd-aa0486/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast Connect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com

    22 min

  4. JAN 27

    "How Could My Daughters Ever Live in California?" - Joel Kotkin

    Guest: Joel Kotkin, Chapman University Professor Guest Bio:  Joel Kotkin is a renowned urban studies scholar, author, and fellow in urban futures at Chapman University. His work has appeared in Forbes, The Daily Telegraph, City Journal, and more. A longtime Californian, Kotkin has spent decades analyzing demographic trends, class shifts, and political transformations shaping the Golden State. His recent commentary focuses on the decline of middle-class opportunity, rising costs of living, and the unintended consequences of progressive policy. Show Summary What happened to the California Dream? In this powerful conversation, Joel Kotkin joins Jon Slavet to unpack the root causes of California’s middle-class crisis. From skyrocketing housing costs and regressive climate policies to the rise of oligarchic politics and the exodus of working families, Kotkin makes a compelling case for how the state lost its promise — and what it will take to restore it. He also calls out how the YIMBY movement, climate dogma, and one-party rule are shaping a state that serves the ultra-wealthy and subsidized poor — while leaving the middle class behind. If you care about California’s future, this is essential watching. Chapters 00:00 – California's Middle-Class Collapse 01:10 – Kotkin on Coming to California in the 1970s 03:00 – Climate Policy: Idealism or Ideology? 05:00 – Who Really Pays for Green Mandates 06:30 – Why Reform Feels Impossible 08:00 – Billionaire Tax and Class Warfare 09:30 – Government Growth and Wealth Redistribution 11:00 – Why the Rich Get Richer in California 13:00 – California's Startup Problem 15:00 – Why the Middle Class Can't Stay 16:00 – The YIMBY Agenda Critiqued 18:00 – King for a Day: Kotkin’s First Fix 19:30 – The Closing Thought: Potential vs. Ruin Connect with Joel Kotkin Twitter: https://x.com/joelkotkin?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joelkotkinSubstack: https://joelkotkin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kotkin-1883922/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast Connect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com

    20 min

  5. JAN 20

    Newsom's at 56% but 54% Want New Ideas - The Poll That Makes No Sense | Joel Fox

    Guest Joel Fox, "On California" Publisher Guest Bio  Joel Fox is one of California’s most respected policy voices, known for his leadership of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, his work on Prop 13, and his longtime role as publisher of Fox & Hounds. With decades of experience in Sacramento, Joel served as a senior advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and remains a go-to analyst on elections, tax reform, and political strategy. Show Summary Joel Fox passed away shortly after this episode was recorded. His decades of service to California politics, policy, and public discourse left an enduring legacy. We’re honored to share one of his final interviews. Why has California become politically uncompetitive — and what will it take to turn things around? In this conversation, Joel Fox unpacks the rise of one-party rule, the collapse of Republican unity, and why policies like Prop 13 still matter nearly 50 years later. He also shares insights from his time with Governor Schwarzenegger, discusses the uphill battle Rick Caruso faces in LA, and explains why the “new direction” voters crave might be closer than it seems — if the right candidates step up. Chapters 00:00 – Why California’s One-Party Rule Is Failing 01:50 – How Republicans Can Win Again 03:00 – Stop the In-Fighting: 80% Allies Aren’t Enemies 04:40 – The Legacy & Future of Prop 13 07:58 – Working With Schwarzenegger: A Tax Story 09:00 – Can Rick Caruso Win LA Mayor in 2026? 11:30 – The Unexpected Poll Finding on Newsom 12:25 – Caruso vs. Buetner in the Westside Primary 12:50 – Rapid Fire: Fixing Representation 13:20 – What Makes Joel Hopeful 13:46 – California Is… “Dominant” Connect with Joel Fox Substack: https://joelfox1.substack.com/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast Connect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com

    15 min

  6. JAN 13

    California's Education System Is in Total Collapse | Katie Grimes

    Guest: Katy Grimes, Editor of the California Globe  Guest Bio:  Katy Grimes is the Editor of the California Globe and author of California’s War Against Donald Trump. A veteran investigative journalist with decades of experience covering Sacramento politics, she’s known for her fearless reporting on corruption, policy failures, and the unchecked power of public unions. Her work consistently challenges the status quo and gives voice to Californians who feel left behind by the system. Show Summary From education breakdowns to energy dysfunction, California is in crisis — and Katy Grimes is not holding back. In this hard-hitting episode, Katy joins Jon Slavet to talk about the deep-rooted problems affecting California’s schools, housing, and energy grid. She unpacks how powerful public unions, misaligned incentives, and entrenched political interests have led to rising costs, failing schools, and an exodus of residents. Grimes also shares her perspective on the ongoing feud between Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump, and why she believes voters are hungry for real reform. Whether you agree with her or not, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Trump vs. Newsom: The War Rages On 03:10 – Democrat Supermajority: Rigging the System? 06:20 – What Happened to Balance in CA Politics 08:45 – Is the Trump-Newsom Feud Just Theater? 11:00 – Education Meltdown: What’s Gone Wrong 13:50 – The Role of Teachers Unions in the Crisis 16:05 – Why K-12 Budget Mandates Hurt Reform 18:45 – New Leadership & Breaking the CTA’s Hold 21:00 – The Governor’s Race & Poll Skepticism 24:00 – What Californians Actually Want from Government 27:05 – Defund Sacramento: Shrinking State Bureaucracy 28:50 – Rapid Fire: Hope, Change & Fixing California Connect with Katy Grimes X: https://x.com/KATYSaccitizenX:https://x.com/CaliforniaGlobeWebsite: https://californiaglobe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecaliforniaglobe/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californiaglobe/?hl=enEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast Connect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com

    17 min

  7. JAN 6

    Why Are CA Gas Prices $2 Higher? | Legendary Radio Host John Kobylt

    Guest: Legendary Talk Show Host John Kobylt Guest Bio:  John Kobylt is a legendary California talk radio host and co-host of the long-running “John and Ken Show” on KFI AM 640. Known for his sharp wit, no-filter commentary, and relentless scrutiny of California politics, John has spent decades exposing the state’s political dysfunction — from homelessness to taxation to public safety failures. He’s interviewed presidents, grilled governors, and continues to be a provocative and passionate voice in the Golden State. Show Summary Why does California keep voting the same way while everything gets worse? In this fiery conversation, longtime talk radio host John Kobylt joins Jon Slavet to pull back the curtain on the deep-rooted dysfunction driving the state’s decline. From skyrocketing gas prices and homelessness spending scams to Gavin Newsom’s baffling popularity and what 2026 could hold, this episode takes aim at the policies — and voter psychology — that keep California stuck. John also shares his experience interviewing Trump, his frustrations with media narratives, and why he still believes California is worth fighting for — if we can wake up. Chapters 00:00 – Why Newsom’s Approval Rating Keeps Rising 01:12 – California’s Self-Inflicted Wounds 03:00 – Trump, Law Enforcement & Public Perception 06:45 – Is 2026 a Turning Point for Republicans? 07:50 – What Other States Are Doing Better 08:40 – Why California Gas Prices Are Outrageous 09:45 – LA’s Dysfunction & Government Collapse 11:15 – The Homeless Housing Scam Exposed 12:20 – Can Rick Caruso Make a Comeback? 13:30 – Social Media’s Role in Voter Apathy 14:45 – Rapid Fire: Kobylt’s Fix for California 15:15 – What Gives Him Hope 16:30 – California Needs an Intervention 17:00 – Why He Still Loves California Connect with John Kobylt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnandkenshow/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnkobyltradio/Twitter: https://x.com/JohnKobyltRadioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnkobyltradioYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKobyltShowEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast Connect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com

    18 min

  8. JAN 1

    What Leading Californians Really Think About the Golden State

    Show Summary What do leading Californians actually think about the state they call home? From frustration with government policy to unwavering pride in the state’s beauty and diversity, this bonus episode features a series of raw, honest, and surprising reflections from leaders who’ve appeared on State of Gold this season. Hear perspectives on everything from the state’s budget crisis and housing issues to its enduring magic and promise. This isn’t about political soundbites — it’s about real voices, real opinions, and a deeper look at what makes California both broken and beautiful. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast Connect with State of Gold X: https://x.com/realjonslavet Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en Website: www.stateofgold.com

    4 min
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Trailer

4.4
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Restoring the California Dream One Bold Idea at a Time California was once a beacon of prosperity, hope and innovation – symbolized by the Gold Rush, Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Today it’s the least affordable state in the nation and plagued by poverty, homelessness, and sky-high taxes. How did we get here, and how do we turn California around? State of Gold is a media platform and citizens’ movement dedicated to restoring the California dream. Host and longtime real estate and tech executive Jon Slavet combines practical wisdom and insurgent energy, as he sits down with voices from across the spectrum.  The show will examine and promote the best ideas from any corner to solve the state’s most pressing issues. State of Gold cuts through the noise to explore what’s gone wrong in the Golden State – and what it’ll take to make things right. www.stateofgold.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Slavet | California Politics
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 State of Gold
  • Show Website
    State of Gold

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