Guest:

Jon Fleischman - Founder, So Does It Matter?

Guest Bio:

Jon Fleischman is a longtime political strategist, founder of the influential conservative news sites FlashReport and So Does It Matter?, and former Executive Director and Vice Chair of the California Republican Party. A well-known commentator on California politics, Fleischman has deep insights into the inner workings of campaigns, ballot measures, and party dynamics — particularly from the conservative side of the aisle.

Show Summary

If Prop 50 passes, will it signal the end of fair representation in California? Jon Fleischman joins Jon Slavet for a candid conversation about what’s really at stake in the state’s redistricting fight. From backroom deals to public unions bankrolling legislation, Fleischman exposes the self-serving strategies behind the measure — and why it could silence voter choice.

He explains how California became a one-party state, what needs to change, and why both political sides need to wake up before it's too late. Whether you agree with him or not, this episode offers an important view on how democracy can erode — not overnight, but through single party rule and bad policy.

Chapters

00:00 – What Prop 50 Means for California

01:20 – The Fight Over Gerrymandering and Redistricting

04:00 – Lawfare, the Courts, and the DOJ’s Role

06:30 – Why the Ballot Campaign Is Just Beginning

08:45 – The Political Strategy Behind Both Sides

11:20 – The Dangers of Politicians Choosing Voters

13:00 – Flashback: How Lines Were Drawn in the Past

15:00 – How Public Unions Influence Redistricting

16:30 – Why Collective Bargaining May Be the Root Issue

18:20 – The $322 Billion Budget Question

20:00 – Inside Sacramento's Power Structure

22:00 – Why Political Competition Matters

23:30 – Rapid Fire: What Would Fix California

25:00 – What Still Gives Jon Hope

Mentioned in this Episode @ 18:30 (re California’s bloated budget)

https://www.sodoesitmatter.com/p/californias-budget-blunder-chasing?r=295f8&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true

Connect with Jon Fleischman

Twitter: https://x.com/FlashReport

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-fleischman

Website: https://www.sodoesitmatter.com/

Website: https://www.flashreport.org/

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Connect with State of Gold

• X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
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Guest:

Prosecutor & Redistricting Expert Matt Rexroad

Guest Bio:

Matt Rexroad is one of California’s leading experts on redistricting, gerrymandering, and political maps. A former Yolo County Supervisor and seasoned Republican strategist, he has advised on both local and statewide redistricting efforts. Rexroad’s voice has become central in unpacking Prop 50 — Governor Newsom’s controversial proposal to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, and its implications for representation, fairness, and democracy in the Golden State.

Show Summary

Is California’s redistricting process being hijacked for political gain? In this episode Matt Rexroad breaks down what’s really behind Proposition 50 — and why it could change the future of elections in California. He and Jon Slavet dive into the partisan tactics at play, how rural voices are being erased, and why “elephant-shaped districts” are raising eyebrows across the state. Rexroad also reflects on the history of California’s redistricting reforms, what courts are likely to do next, and why 2028 is the year that explains it all.

Chapters

00:00 – Matt Rexroad on Prop 50 & Political Weaponization

01:15 – The Problem with Mid-Decade Redistricting

03:00 – Why the New Maps Look Like Animal Cartoons

04:50 – How Gerrymandering Undermines Rural Voters

06:40 – Racial vs. Partisan Gerrymandering Explained

08:20 – Legal Challenges and What Comes Next

10:15 – What to Expect After the November Vote

11:30 – Advice for the “No on 50” Movement

12:45 – How This Era Compares to Past California Politics

14:00 – Rapid Fire: What Gives You Hope?

Connect with Matt

Twitter: https://x.com/MattRexroad

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexroad/

Website: https://rexroad.com/

Website: https://strategyinsightshq.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
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Guest

Rob Stutzman - Fmr. Schwarzenegger Director of Communications

Guest Bio

Rob Stutzman is a veteran California political strategist, communications expert, and founder of Stutzman Public Affairs. He served as Communications Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and has advised numerous political and corporate leaders across the state. Known for his sharp insight and nonpartisan approach, Rob brings a decades-long lens on what’s broken in California politics — and what needs to change.

Show Summary

Is Gavin Newsom’s Prop 50 campaign about saving democracy — or simply positioning for a 2028 presidential run? In this candid episode, Rob Stutzman breaks down California’s growing political dysfunction and the high-stakes fight over redistricting. With a veteran insider’s view, he exposes what Prop 50 really means, why independent commissions matter, and how careerism is shaping everything from Newsom’s pivot to affordability politics.

From broken climate policy to an affordability failure, Rob argues that California is wasting its promise — and only a bold realignment can restore balance. Whether you’re left, right, or independent, this episode challenges the political status quo.

Chapters

00:00 – The Prop 50 Power Grab Debate

01:15 – Why Newsom’s Record Is Hard to Defend

03:05 – Newsom’s Political Pivot: MAGA Podcasts to Democratic Savior

04:45 – What’s Really at Stake with Redistricting

06:10 – The Cost of Political Cynicism

07:45 – Independent Commissions vs. Political Self-Interest

09:15 – California’s Political Realignment

11:10 – Affordability Crisis: Still the #1 Issue

12:45 – Can Democrats Solve Affordability Before 2026?

14:00 – King for a Day: What Needs to Change

15:00 – Misconceptions About California Voters

16:00 – The Pendulum Is Starting to Swing

16:40 – California Is Wasting Itself

Connect with Rob

X: https://x.com/robstutzman

Website: https://stutzmanpa.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-stutzman-136bb85/

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

Guest:

Laura Powell — Civil Rights Attorney

Guest Bio:

Laura Powell is a civil rights attorney and founder of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation. A fearless advocate for parental rights, free speech, and equal treatment under the law, Powell has emerged as a bold voice challenging the political corruption of California’s public institutions. Through high-impact legal efforts and public advocacy, she’s fighting to restore balance, reason, and constitutional principles to the Golden State.

Show Summary

Is California still a land of opportunity — or is it becoming a state of control? In this powerful episode, civil rights attorney Laura Powell joins Jon Slavet to discuss the growing wave of bureaucratic overreach in California and what it means for families, students, and everyday citizens. From school choice and gender policy to CEQA reform and free expression, Powell unpacks how legal systems once meant to protect rights are being weaponized for political agendas. She also shares how regular people can reclaim their voice and push back through the courts and the ballot.

Chapters

00:00 – California Is Turning on Its Own People

01:25 – Meet Laura Powell: Civil Rights Attorney

03:15 – Parental Rights in the Crosshairs

05:30 – How Public Education Became a Battleground

08:10 – CEQA and the Fight for Common Sense

11:02 – The Political Capture of Institutions

13:45 – Legal Tools to Reclaim Our Rights

16:22 – Why Speech and Equity Are Being Twisted

19:00 – Fighting Back Through Courts and Community

21:15 – Final Thoughts on Hope, Justice, and Reform

Connect with Laura

Twitter: https://x.com/LauraPowellEsq

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
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• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Edward Ring – Director of Water & Energy Policy, California Policy Center

Guest Bio:

Edward Ring is the Director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center and a founding member of the think tank. He is also the author of The Abundance Choice: Our Fight for More Water in California. With decades of experience analyzing state infrastructure, environmental policy, and governance, Edward offers a data-backed and often controversial lens on what’s fueling California’s decline — and how to fix it.

Show Summary

What if California’s biggest environmental crises — from water shortages to wildfires — were actually manmade policy failures? In this compelling episode, Edward Ring unpacks the unintended consequences of the state’s well-meaning but often disastrous legislation. From banning dredging that would increase water flow, to mismanaging forest land and outsourcing oil refining to countries with no environmental standards – he exposes how California’s current path is both ineffective and regressive. Whether you agree with his take or not, this episode will leave you thinking differently about California’s future.

Chapters

00:00 – California's Environmental Crises Are Manmade

01:12 – Meet Edward Ring: Policy Expert and Author

03:02 – How Dredging Could Solve the Water Shortage

05:28 – Water Management Is Being Politicized07:41 – Wildfires: Mismanagement vs. Climate

10:35 – The Myth of Net Zero and Global Emissions

13:15 – Why California's Energy Policy is Failing

15:42 – CEQA's Role in the Housing Crisis

18:30 – The Downside of Green Energy Dogma

21:00 – The Case for Common-Sense Infrastructure

23:25 – Why Refinery Closures Are Hurting California

26:00 – Can We Have Both Growth and Conservation?

28:45 – How Policy Reform Could Restore Affordability

31:20 – Final Thoughts on California’s Path Forward

Connect with Edward

Twitter: https://x.com/edring

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-ring/

Website: https://californiapolicycenter.org/people/edward-ring/

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

Guest:

Curt Pringle - Former Speaker of the California Assembly and Mayor of Anaheim

Guest Bio:

Curt Pringle is a seasoned political leader and strategist with deep roots in California governance. He served as Speaker of the California State Assembly and later as Mayor of Anaheim, where he spearheaded major housing developments and infrastructure reforms. With decades of experience navigating California’s political evolution, Pringle brings a candid and seasoned voice to today's most urgent state issues.

Show Summary

Is California stuck in a cycle of dysfunction? In this bold and wide-ranging conversation, Curt Pringle and Jon Slavet pull back the curtain on what’s really holding the state back—from education failure and housing policy gridlock to the corrosive effects of single-party rule. Drawing from years as Speaker of the Assembly and Mayor of Anaheim, Pringle offers an unfiltered perspective on leadership, affordability, and the path forward. Whether you’re frustrated, hopeful, or somewhere in between—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Chapters

00:00 – The Rise of Curt Pringle

01:10 – Lessons from Willie Brown

03:45 – How Supermajorities Hurt Democracy

07:15 – Is Newsom Moving to the Center?

09:00 – What Changed in Sacramento

10:45 – Why Housing Is a Disaster

14:00 – CEQA, Costs & California Gridlock

18:30 – Why Developers Are Leaving

20:15 – Energy Prices, Gas, and Bad Policy

22:40 – The Education Crisis in California

26:00 – Teachers’ Unions vs. Students

29:00 – Voter ID & Election Integrity

32:00 – The Budget Deficit Trap

35:30 – What Gives Pringle Hope

Connect with Curt

Twitter: https://x.com/curtpringle

Instagram:​​ https://www.instagram.com/curtpringleandassociates/?hl=en

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-pringle-47889110/

Website: https://www.curtpringle.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
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Guest:

Sonja Trauss – Founder & Exec Director of YIMBY Law

Guest Bio:

Sonja Trauss is the founder and executive director of YIMBY Law, a groundbreaking organization using litigation and advocacy to enforce housing laws and expand all types of housing across California. A former math teacher turned activist, Sonja helped ignite the Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) movement and has become one of the state’s most passionate and fearless voices for housing abundance, zoning reform, and environmental accountability.

Her work challenges entrenched interests and weaponized regulations — and she’s not afraid to call out CEQA abuse, NIMBYism, or political hypocrisy. Sonja is based in the Bay Area and continues to push for real solutions to California’s affordability crisis.

Show Summary

Can California be affordable again — and who’s actually fighting for it? In this episode, Jon Slavet sits down with housing warrior Sonja Trauss to unpack the real story behind the state’s housing shortage.

From CEQA lawsuits and zoning gridlock to political cowardice and rising homelessness, Sonja reveals how bad policy and entrenched interests have weaponized the environmental movement against the very people it’s meant to protect. She also breaks down the YIMBY movement’s legal and grassroots strategy for building more homes, faster — and why local activism is the key to turning California around.

Chapters

00:00 – The Housing Crisis Is Political

01:30 – Meet Sonja Trauss: From Math Teacher to Activist

03:00 – Why CEQA Lawsuits Are Killing Housing

05:22 – How the YIMBY Movement Took Off

07:18 – What Environmentalists Get Wrong

09:05 – How Local Governments Block Growth

10:40 – Holding Politicians Accountable with Lawsuits

12:11 – What It’ll Take to Actually Build

13:35 – The Future of California Depends on This

Connect with Sonja

Twitter: https://x.com/SonjaTrauss

Instagram: ​​https://instagram.com/sonjatraussd6

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-trauss-02002968

Website: https://yimbyaction.org/

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
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• Website: www.stateofgold.com

Guest:

Alexandra Macedo – Member of the California State Assembly

Guest Bio:

Alexandra Macedo is California’s youngest-ever Republican assemblywoman, a fourth-generation farmer, and a fierce advocate for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and common sense reform. Raised in the Central Valley with deep roots in dairy and farming, she’s built her own environmental compliance business, earned her law degree while working full-time, and is now fighting for policies that serve working families, not bureaucratic agendas.

Show Summary

How did a young woman from a farming family become one of California’s boldest political voices? In this powerful episode, Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo joins Jon Slavet to share her journey from agriculture to the statehouse — and why she’s fed up with Sacramento’s war on working Californians.

From crushing regulations to water mismanagement and labor instability, Alexandra breaks down the real cost of California’s political dysfunction — and what needs to change. With passion, grit, and deep insight into both policy and business, she represents a rising generation of leaders who refuse to give up on the Golden State.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Alexandra Macedo: Central Valley Roots

01:20 – From Ag to Law School to Sacramento

03:45 – $1,600 Per Acre: The Crushing Cost of Compliance

06:10 – The Water Crisis: Droughts, Floods & Failed Infrastructure

08:30 – Why Sacramento Doesn’t Understand Agriculture

10:00 – California’s Labor Crunch & Migrant Workforce Realities

13:00 – Fixing Immigration Without the Fear-Mongering

15:20 – Who’s Really to Blame for California’s Problems?

17:40 – Medi-Cal Cuts, Wildfires, and the Trump Blame Game

20:10 – Winning Over Gen Z with Real Talk

22:00 – Rapid Fire: Infrastructure, Reagan, Hope & the Future

Connect with Alexandra

Twitter: https://x.com/AsmwomanMacedo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macedoforassembly/?hl=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assemblywomanmacedo/

Website: https://www.alexandramacedo.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
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