Guest:

Lance Christensen, Vice President of the California Policy Center

Guest Bio:

Lance Christensen is a policy expert and former candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. He currently serves with the California Policy Center, advocating for education reform, school choice, and smarter government. With a bold voice on California’s economic and energy challenges, Lance is a leading thinker on how to restore prosperity and common sense across the state.

Show Summary

Is California’s K-12 system beyond repair — or just in need of bold reform? In this energetic conversation, Lance Christensen joins Jon to unpack the deep-rooted challenges in public education, from low literacy rates to union influence, and why many teachers still don’t know about their right to opt out of unions. They also dive into California’s failing energy policy, sky-high living costs, and the long-term economic damage of misguided climate mandates.

Lance shares what he’d do on day one if he were Governor, and why real change requires more local accountability, not just new policies. Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, or frustrated Californian — this one’s for you.

Chapters

00:00 – Why Education Affects Everyone

01:29 – California's Failing K-12 System

02:15 – The Federal Tax Credit No One’s Using

03:41 – The Power of Teachers Unions & Janus Decision

05:25 – The Impact of DEI in Schools

07:45 – The Economic Fallout of Policy Failures

09:15 – Why California Sends Jobs to Other States

10:37 – What’s Driving Sky-High Energy Prices

12:42 – We Need an “All of the Above” Energy Plan

13:37 – Wildfires Are Undermining Climate Goals

15:24 – First Moves as Governor: Expand the Legislature?

17:06 – California Leader Lance Most Admires

17:50 – Why California Is Still Worth Fighting For

Connect with Lance Christiansen

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancechristensen
• X: https://x.com/Lance4CASuper
• Website:lancechristensen.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

Guest:

Ethan Penner, Independent Candidate for Governor

Guest Bio:

Ethan Penner is a prominent investor and finance innovator best known for helping to create the modern commercial mortgage-backed securities market. Now, as an independent candidate for California governor, he’s proposing sweeping reforms—from an audacious flat tax plan to a state-run insurance mutual and a unified solution to homelessness. A thought leader who blends economic insight with a community-first vision, Penner offers a bold roadmap for revitalizing the Golden State.

Show Summary

In this compelling episode, independent gubernatorial candidate Ethan Penner lays out his radical blueprint for a better California. He breaks down his proposal to eliminate all state income and corporate taxes in favor of a single 15% consumption tax—with a built-in “prebate” for lower-income residents to avoid regressive impacts.

Penner also unveils his plan for a public, non-profit property insurance mutual to address California’s insurance crisis, plus his vision to replace the “homeless industrial complex” with one accountable statewide model. He finishes with powerful insights on education reform, including pay-for-performance family incentives, extended school hours, and working around entrenched systems like CTA to honor great teachers.

Whether you agree or not, Penner's ideas will challenge your thinking and spark conversation.

Chapters
00:00 – Ethan Penner’s Bold Tax Proposal

01:46 – Making the Tax Non-Regressive with a Pre-bate

03:51 – Tax Implications for High Earners & Behavioral Impact

06:32 – Audit Spending, Not Income

08:08 – A New Public Insurance Model for CA

11:16 – Rewarding Good Behavior with Premiums

12:54 – Statewide Fire Prevention + Early Warning Systems

14:12 – Fixing the Homelessness Crisis with One Plan

16:05 – Why the Incentive Structure Must Change

17:25 – The Education Crisis: Real Incentives for Families

18:28 – Rethinking Time in School & Homework Support

20:04 – The CTA Barrier and Talking Directly to Teachers

22:22 – Rapid Fire: First Action & Final Thoughts

Connect with Ethan Penner

• Website: https://www.pennerforgovernor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennerforca/
• Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pennerforca?_t=ZP-8yGvZjgEJGZ&_r=1
• X: https://x.com/pennerforca?s=21

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:

Graham Knaus CEO, California State Association of Counties

Guest Bio:

Graham Knaus is CEO of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) – whose mission is to serve, support, and advocate for the state's 58 counties to ensure they can effectively serve their communities. With deep experience in public finance and governance, Knaus has been a fierce advocate for empowering counties to address core issues like homelessness, affordability, housing, and disaster response. He believes in a commonsense formula: Let the state set the goals, and let local governments decide how to get the job done.

Show Summary

What if California’s most expensive problems—homelessness, housing, affordability—aren’t being solved simply because no one knows who’s responsible? In this episode, Graham Knaus delivers a powerful breakdown of why top-down state mandates keep failing and what it will take to rebuild from the bottom up.From misaligned funding and broken incentives to the absence of clear accountability regarding homelessness, Knaus calls for a simple but radical shift: give local governments the authority, tools, and flexibility to meet their communities’ needs. He also shares candid insights into California’s affordability crisis, overregulation, CEQA’s unintended consequences, and what it would really take to let our counties thrive. If you're ready to understand California’s dysfunction—and how to fix it—this episode is a must.

Chapters

00:00 – The Role of Counties vs. the State

01:30 – Why Homelessness Efforts Keep Failing

04:25 – Who Should Be Accountable?

06:00 – Where the $30B Homeless Funds Went

07:25 – A Broken Housing System

09:30 – Planning for Water, Disasters & the Future

11:55 – Affordability Crisis and Overregulation

13:30 – California’s Hidden Strengths

14:08 – Rapid Fire: Governor for a Day, Jerry Brown, and What Outsiders Get Wrong

Connect with Graham Knaus

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-knaus-4102596b/

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 Bio:

Harmeet Dhillon is the U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, a nationally recognized constitutional attorney, and a former Republican National Committeewoman for California. Known for her legal battles on behalf of free speech and equal protection, Dhillon has taken on cases involving Big Tech censorship, UC Berkeley, and controversial DEI policies. A former candidate for RNC Chair, she now leads the federal government’s Civil Rights Division under the Trump administration, steering it in a bold new direction focused on protecting the rights of all Americans.

Show Summary

In this no-holds-barred conversation, Harmeet Dhillon joins Jon Slavet to talk about her powerful new role reshaping the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ. She discusses her ongoing investigation into UC Berkeley’s response to violent protests, explains why DEI policies may be on their way out, and shares how she's pushing back against the old status quo.

Dhillon also offers a candid diagnosis of California’s legal system, why she calls it the "utopian petri dish of bad ideas," and what she would do—if King for a day—to fix the state. Her views are bold, controversial, and grounded in decades of legal experience. Whether you agree or disagree, you’ll walk away thinking differently about the future of civil rights and California politics.

Chapters
00:00 – Why Civil Rights Should Protect All Americans

00:49 – Free Speech & Violence at UC Berkeley

02:29 – State of Free Speech on College Campuses

03:09 – Competing Trends: Conservative vs. Anti-Speech Culture

05:50 – Race in Admissions: What’s Really Changing

08:23 – Rewriting the Mission of the Civil Rights Division

11:30 – Comparing Civil Rights Priorities Under Past Administrations

13:09 – How Lawsuits & DEI Are Hurting California

15:45 – Corruption & One-Party Rule in Sacramento

17:16 – Why Californians Still Vote Blue

18:02 – If King for a Day: Dhillon’s Top Fix

18:14 – What Gives Her Hope About the State

19:31 – Admired Political Leaders & California’s Future

Connect with Harmeet Dhillon

• X: https://x.com/HarmeetKDhillon
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pnjaban/
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harmeet-k-dhillon-543773/

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

Show Summary

In the Rapid-Fire close to each episode Jon asks every guest “which California leader do you most admire?” – and we’re proud to bring you some of those answers from our guests in 2025. From Ronald Reagan’s optimism and Pete Wilson’s pragmatism to Pat Brown’s legacy of building – the answers reveal a longing for principled leadership, effective governance, and the return of California’s bold vision. This is a unique reflection on the values Californians still hold — and what they want to see in the state’s future.

Chapters

00:00 – Which California Leaders Still Inspire Respect?

02:15 – Why Ronald Reagan’s Style Still Resonates

04:20 – Pete Wilson and the Art of Practical Politics

06:00 – Remembering Pat Brown’s Bold Infrastructure Vision

08:10 – Pat Brown’s Balance of Environment & Economy

09:45 – The Leadership of George Deukmejian

11:00 – Scott Wiener’s Policy Persistence

12:05 – The Power of Bipartisanship & Compassion

13:45 – Lessons from Hiram Johnson’s Reform Era

15:20 – What We Need from Today’s Leaders

17:10 – A Call for Dignity, Respect & Results

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:

Candidate for Governor of California Ian Calderon

Guest Bio:

Ian Calderon was the first millennial elected to the California State Assembly and later served as the Assembly Majority Leader. During his time in office (2012–2020), he was deeply involved in major budget and policy negotiations. After leaving office, he became a small business owner, giving him a dual perspective on both governance and entrepreneurship. Now, as a candidate for Governor of California, he’s focused on fixing California’s housing crisis, improving affordability, and restoring common sense to state government.

Show Summary

Is California still a place where families can thrive? Former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon joins Jon Slavet for a candid conversation about what it would take to restore affordability, unlock housing, and lead the state into a more hopeful future.

Calderon shares his experience navigating budget negotiations, the unintended costs of overregulation, and why he believes single-family homeownership must be restored as a priority. He outlines a path to fiscal responsibility and explains how technology could revolutionize state government.

Chapters
00:00 – Why He’s Running: From Majority Leader to Governor

01:35 – What Legislative Experience Brings to the Governor’s Office

03:45 – California’s Affordability Crisis Explained

05:55 – Single-Family Housing, Zoning & Choice

08:11 – What He’d Do to Lower Costs

09:45 – How to Incentivize Developers and First-Time Buyers

12:00 – Tackling Institutional Investors & Housing Supply

14:18 – Budget Reality: What He’d Cut

16:00 – Using Blockchain to Modernize Government

17:50 – Revenue, Taxes & the Role of the Governor

19:55 – Could AI Shrink California’s Government Workforce?

20:34 – Rapid Fire: First Priority as Governor

20:41 – Leader He Most Admires

21:18 – What Outsiders Get Wrong About California Politics

22:21 – California Is…

Connect with Ian Calderon

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianforca2026/
• X: https://x.com/iancalderon
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ianforca2026

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:

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner

Guest Bio:

Don Wagner is the Mayor of Irvine and a former California State Assemblyman, known for his long-standing public service across multiple levels of government. With deep experience in state and local politics, Wagner is now running for California Secretary of State in 2026. His campaign centers on restoring voter integrity, cleaning up voter rolls, and ensuring secure, transparent elections in the Golden State.

Show Summary

What if your dog could vote in California? In this eye-opening (and yes, partly hilarious) conversation, Don Wagner sits down with Jon Slavet to reveal what he calls “the quiet crisis” in California elections — a system flooded with ballots, outdated rolls, and slow results. Wagner shares why he’s running for Secretary of State, his plans to implement voter ID, and what he sees as the public's overwhelming demand for election reform

From the story of a dog who allegedly voted in a recall, to the legal battles between state officials and cities like Huntington Beach, this episode exposes a side of California politics that’s both urgent and surprising. Wagner argues that fixing our voting system is step one in restoring public trust, accountability, and the California Dream.

Chapters

00:00 – Running for Secretary of State

00:32 – California’s Broken Voting System

01:10 – Voter ID, Ballot Integrity & Legal Reform

02:00 – A Dog Voted in Orange County?

03:00 – Rapid Fire: Fixing CA, Reagan's Legacy & Hope for the Future

Connect with Don Wagner

• X: https://x.com/DonWagnerCA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donwagnerca/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonWagnerCA/

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:

Southern California News Group Columnist Susan Shelley

Guest Bio:

Susan Shelley is the Vice President of Communications at the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, a columnist for the Southern California News Group, and a leading voice on California’s fiscal policy, tax reform, and constitutional protections.

Show Summary

What’s really driving California’s skyrocketing cost of living? In this conversation with Jon Slavet, Susan Shelley breaks down how climate mandates, hidden taxes like Cap & Invest, and misguided housing laws are crushing working Californians. From the impact of SB 79 and CEQA to the truth about Prop 13 and California’s bloated budget, Susan delivers a passionate and informed critique of the state’s current path — and offers bold, realistic alternatives.

She also shares insights on COVID policies, insurance premiums, the social safety net, and why the Save Prop 13 initiative is more urgent than ever.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Susan Shelley Intro

00:32 – The Hidden Cost of Climate Mandates

02:21 – Cap & Invest: How You’re Paying for It

03:46 – Are Energy Companies Really Gouging Us?

04:44 – California’s Regulatory Burden

06:49 – How Environmentalism Got Hijacked

07:38 – California’s Taxes: Where’s the Money Going?

08:39 – Prop 13 Explained & Why It Matters

10:46 – The Truth About SB 79 & Housing Policy

16:56 – Unintended Consequences of Density Mandates

18:01 – Cuts to Insurance & Food Assistance Programs

21:03 – Prop 50: A “Gross” Power Grab

25:02 – Rapid Fire: Greenhouse Mandates, Reagan & COVID

26:54 – Save Prop 13: Why It Matters Now

Connect with Susan Shelley

• X: https://x.com/Susan_Shelley
• Linked In:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

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