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

    I Said No to the Billionaire Tax | Antonio Villaraigosa

    Guest: Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor of Los Angeles Guest Bio:  Antonio Villaraigosa is the former Mayor of Los Angeles and former Speaker of the California State Assembly. A longtime public servant, and now Democratic candidate for Governor, Villaraigosa has built his career around education reform, economic growth, and restoring opportunity in California. Show Summary The California Dream once meant opportunity, homeownership, and a better future for the next generation. Today, many Californians feel that dream slipping further out of reach. In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Antonio Villaraigosa to discuss the state’s political climate and what it will take to restore opportunity in California. The former Los Angeles Mayor shares his perspective on the Governor’s race, the challenges facing moderate voices in a polarized political environment, and why he believes California needs leaders focused on results rather than ideology. Villaraigosa also outlines his priorities for fixing California’s struggling education system, addressing housing affordability, cutting red tape that stifles business growth, and restoring the promise of the California Dream for the next generation. Chapters 01:02 – Should Candidates Drop Out of the Governor’s Race? 03:45 – The Political Center vs. The Extremes 07:21 – The California Dream and Why It’s Slipping Away 09:27 – Housing Costs and Economic Opportunity 11:52 – Public Sector Pensions and Fiscal Responsibility 17:10 – Fixing California’s Education System 21:51 – Why Transparency and Accountability Matter 23:13 – Spending, Deficits, and the State Budget 24:28 – Why Villaraigosa Opposes the Billionaire Tax 28:54 – Cutting Red Tape to Grow the Economy 31:35 – Climate Goals vs. Infrastructure Reality 34:34 – Rapid Fire: Fixing California’s Schools 35:06 – Leaders He Admires in California History 35:38 – Restoring the California Dream Connect with Antonio Villaraigosa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntonioVillaraigosaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonioforcaliforniaTwitter: https://x.com/AVillaraigosaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AntonioforcaliforniaCampaign Site: https://www.antonio2026.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

    32 min

  2. MAR 3

    The Billionaire Tax Will Be Even Worse | Joel Pollak

    Guest: Joel Pollak - Opinion Editor @ The California Post Guest Bio:  Joel Pollak is a journalist, political commentator, and Opinion Editor at The California Post – a new publication he helped launch focused on covering California from a center-right perspective. A longtime California resident and former Illinois native, Pollak writes extensively on state policy, media bias, and government accountability. Show Summary Californians are tired of things not working. In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Joel Pollak to discuss the launch of The California Post and why he believes there is a growing appetite for accountability in the Golden State. Pollak shares his personal experience surviving the Palisades fire, the insurance nightmare that followed, and why he believes government mismanagement made the disaster worse. The conversation explores President Trump’s executive order aimed at accelerating rebuilding, the controversy surrounding affordable housing proposals in the Palisades, and what local residents actually want. They then zoom out to tackle systemic issues: Behested payments to politicians, legalized corruption, COVID-era fraud, runaway state spending, and the proposed billionaire tax. Pollak explains how California risks driving away its most productive innovators and why history from Illinois should serve as a warning sign. Chapters 00:00 – Why Californians Are Sick of Government Failure 00:18 – Launching the California Post 01:44 – Is There a Silent Majority in California? 02:41 – Personal Impact of the Palisades Fire 04:09 – Insurance Battles & Rebuilding Delays 05:03 – Trump’s Executive Order on Rebuilding 06:55 – Affordable Housing Controversy in the Palisades 09:59 – Zoning, ADUs & Rebuilding Concerns 12:37 – Exposing Corruption in Los Angeles 14:09 – COVID Fraud & Behested Payments Explained 16:45 – The Billionaire Tax and Economic Flight 19:56 – The Mansion Tax Cautionary Tale 22:03 – Revenue Problem or Spending Problem? 23:31 – Rapid Fire: Fixing California Starts with Water Connect with Joel Pollak Twitter: https://x.com/joelpollak?s=20LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joel-pollakInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollakjoelHis latest pieces can be found on californiapost.com and nypost.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 24

    Election Expert: "Our top-2 primary system could have unintended consequences!"

    Guest: Chad Peace, Co-Founder – Independent Voter Network Guest Bio:  Chad Peace is an election reform advocate and representative of the Independent Voter Project, an organization focused on expanding voter participation and reducing partisan control over the primary process. He has been deeply involved in California’s transition from closed primaries to the current top-two open primary system, and continues to advocate for structural reforms that empower independent voters and increase electoral competition. Show Summary Nearly half of voters nationwide now identify as independent. In California, No Party Preference voters are the fastest-growing bloc. So why does the political system still revolve around partisan extremes? In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Chad Peace to unpack the rise of independent voters, the origins of California’s top-two open primary system, and the unintended consequences that followed. They explore whether the “jungle primary” has improved democracy, why both parties often resist reform, and what a top-five ranked-choice primary system could look like in California. The conversation also dives into voter ID, ballot harvesting, election confidence, and the broader debate over how to restore trust in the electoral process. From redistricting battles to Supreme Court strategy, this is a candid discussion about who gets to participate in elections and whether California is living up to its democratic ideals. Chapters 00:03 – The Rise of Independent Voters 01:17 – Why Both Parties Are Moving to the Extremes 01:33 – The Origins of California’s Open Primary 02:47 – Has the Top-Two System Improved Democracy? 05:06 – The Unintended Consequences of the Current System 07:50 – Top-Five Primaries & Ranked Choice Voting Explained 09:08 – Redistricting, Prop 50 & Partisan Power Plays 12:04 – The Supreme Court & The Right to Vote in Primaries 12:38 – Voter ID: A 70/30 Issue 15:43 – Mail-In Voting, Ballot Harvesting & Election Confidence 17:50 – Politics, Culture & Attack of the Killer Tomatoes 19:21 – Rapid Fire: One Reform to Fix California 19:39 – What Gives Him Hope 20:18 – California Is… Connect with Chad Peace Twitter: https://x.com/ChadPeaceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadpeace/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

    21 min

  4. FEB 17

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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4.4
out of 5
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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
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 State of Gold
  • Show Website
    State of Gold

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