Capitol Weekly Podcast
News & Politics
About
The Capitol Weekly Podcast covers California politics and public policy, and features interviews with elected officials, staffers, advocates, analysts, newsmakers, and even, -gasp- journalists. Listen at Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or at capitolweekly.net
Episodes
- Jeff Randle: Modern campaigns & 25 years of Randle Communications
Jeff Randle, a political campaign strategist, shares his perspectives on gubernatorial races and the evolution of campaigns. He also discusses the 25th anniversary of Randle Communications.
- Special Episode: A discussion on Affordability with Lorena Gonzalez and Mike Madrid
Mike Madrid and Lorena Gonzalez discuss the concept of "affordability" in California politics, covering topics such as the gubernatorial primary, the value of data, a potential billionaire tax, and the role of labor unions in addressing af…
- The Status of Women and Girls in California, with Darcy Totten
Darcy Totten, Executive Director of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, joins the podcast to discuss the organization's history, current challenges facing women and girls, and future goals for gender equity. The epi…
- A chat with Debbie Cox Bultan of NewDEAL
The Capitol Weekly Podcast features an interview with Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of NewDEAL, an organization focused on bringing together center-left leaders to address pressing national issues. The discussion covers NewDEAL's work with electe…
- When Fiona Hutton talks: 25 years in public affairs
Fiona Hutton reflects on her 25-year career in public affairs, detailing the evolution of her firm, the challenges of being a woman in the industry, and advice for team leadership. The episode also touches on California's political landsca…
- Covering the Capitol, with Lia Russell of the Sacramento Bee
Lia Russell, a reporter for the Sacramento Bee, joins the Capitol Weekly Podcast to discuss her experiences covering the state capitol and politics. The conversation touches on her previous reporting roles in Maine and Baltimore, and speci…
- California Labor: Lorena Gonzalez
Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, discusses the current state of the labor movement, the potential impacts of AI, and recent revelations concerning Cesar Chavez. California has seen significant growth…
- From Cesar Chavez to We Said Enough.
This episode of Capitol Weekly Podcast features POLITICO reporter Melanie Mason discussing the sexual abuse allegations against labor icon Cesar Chavez, comparing them to the We Said Enough movement, and exploring the challenges survivors…
- NEWSWELL wants to transform journalism. Can they help solve the local news crisis?
This episode discusses the crisis in local journalism, the rise of 'news deserts' and 'pink slime' websites, and NEWSWELL's efforts to support local newsrooms through sustainable business models.
- A conversation with Sanjay Wagle of the California Association of Realtors
Sanjay Wagle, head of Governmental Affairs for the California Association of Realtors, joins Capitol Weekly Podcast to discuss California's housing crisis, including home prices, affordability, and permit costs. The conversation also touch…
- Special Episode: A Conversation on housing with Asm. Buffy Wicks
This special episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast features Asm. Buffy Wicks in conversation about housing. The discussion was recorded live at a conference in Sacramento on February 24, 2026.
- A chat with Jennifer Barrera of CalChamber
Jennifer Barrera, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, discusses the Chamber's advocacy for pro-business policies. Topics include the state's affordability crisis, taxing the ultra-rich, PAGA reform, and a CEQA ballot m…
- A chat with Clint Kellum of the Department of Cannabis Control
Clint Kellum, Director of the California Department of Cannabis Control, discusses the implications of AB 564, which resets cannabis excise tax rates. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities within the state's legal cannabis ind…
- Where are we on SB 54? Plus more enviro updates with Jennifer Fearing
Lobbyist Jennifer Fearing discusses the progress and implementation of California's SB 54 plastic waste regulation bill, signed in 2022. The episode also covers other state environmental actions and the "Worst Week in California Politics"…
- Beyond the Governor's Race
Capitol Weekly examines California's 2026 ballot, looking beyond the governor's race to Lt. Governor and Insurance Commissioner contests, and potential ballot measures. The episode also touches on topics like polling, liability, and child…
- Brian Green and California Voices
Brian Green, a retired communications consultant and host of the podcast "California Voices," joins Capitol Weekly Podcast to discuss his career, including his time with the Senate Dem Caucus, his experiences in talk radio, and notable fig…
- Jack Ohman: Politics, cartooning and the new media landscape
Pulitzer Prize winner Jack Ohman discusses his 48-year career in political cartooning, the evolution of the media landscape, and the current state of editorial cartooning. The episode also touches on sports betting, a recent California cou…
- Clarissa Laguardia: Getting young people engaged in the democratic process
Clarissa Laguardia, Executive Director of the California Center for Civic Participation, discusses the organization's mission to engage young people in the democratic process by centering youth voices and demystifying civic participation.…
- A look at San Francisco with Joe Eskenazi
Joe Eskenazi reviews San Francisco Mayor Lurie's first year, discusses the appointment of Beya Alcaraz, and covers political news including the race to replace Nancy Pelosi and efforts regarding the Great Highway and PG&E.
- 2025 in review (and a peek at 2026), with Chris Cadelago of POLITICO
Chris Cadelago of POLITICO joins hosts Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster to review the top 10 California political stories of 2025 and look ahead to 2026. Topics include the Los Angeles fires, Donald Trump vs. California, and the Governor's race.
- Capitol trivia masters, plus Sac State's Luke Wood
This episode of Capitol Weekly Podcast interviews the authors of The California Capitol Cocktail Trivia Book and Sac State President Luke Wood. They discuss the book's trivia on California's state government and Wood shares insights on enr…
- California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and the Alliance of Former Chief Justices
Former California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye discusses the launch of the Alliance of Former Chief Justices, an organization of retired justices focused on civic education and protecting the constitutional balance. The episode addres…
- Gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell's plan for California
Congressman Eric Swalwell announced his candidacy for California Governor. He discussed his plans to address the state's affordability crisis, his experiences in Congress, and navigated familial political divides. Swalwell also addressed a…
- Graham Knaus: California State Association of Counties
Graham Knaus, CEO of the California State Association of Counties, joins the Capitol Weekly Podcast to discuss the impact of federal and state policies on counties. He addresses challenges from H.R. 1, the state budget shortfall, homelessn…
- Jim Wunderman: From Bay Area Council to California Forever
Jim Wunderman, formerly CEO of the Bay Area Council, is moving to public affairs for California Forever, a project aiming to build a new city near Rio Vista. He discusses his extensive political background, including his time working for M…
- Proposition 50 passed: What now?
California Democrats achieved a significant victory with the decisive passage of Proposition 50, which implements a temporary partisan gerrymander of congressional districts. The new maps are expected to impact five Republican members of C…
- A chat with Adam Silver, Chair of the California FPPC
The Capitol Weekly Podcast features an interview with Adam Silver, Chair of the California FPPC, discussing the commission's work, challenges like cryptocurrencies, and his background. The episode also touches upon legislation and the FPPC…
- A chat with Leah Barros of Barros Clay & Associates
Lobbyist Leah Barros discusses her career path, advocacy work, and the significance of the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on natural hairstyles. The episode also includes a segment on the worst week in California politics.
- Special Episode: A Debate on Proposition 50
This episode features a debate on California Proposition 50, which proposes mid-decade redistricting. Arguments for and against the proposition are presented, discussing its potential impact on congressional district maps and the role of r…
- A chat with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma joins Capitol Weekly Podcast to discuss her responsibilities, including managing $3 trillion annually. Ma also shares insights into her political journey, her time on the Board of Equalization, and her m…
- Special Episode: Health Care - Interview with Dr. S. Monica Soni of Covered California
This Capitol Weekly podcast episode features a keynote conversation on California health care, discussing federal budget cuts and state shortfalls with Dr. S. Monica Soni of Covered California and editor Rich Ehisen. It also includes a seg…
- Nonprofits, puppy mills, a "giant mess" and more, with Jennifer Fearing
Host Rich Ehisen interviews lobbyist Jennifer Fearing about legislation targeting puppy mills, the challenges facing nonprofit organizations, and animal welfare in California.
- A quick hit: Who Had the Worst Week in CA Politics?
Original Capitol Weekly Podcast host John Howard joins Tim Foster to discuss who had the worst week in California politics. They cover a range of candidates, including a politician removed from office, a company facing backlash, and a news…
- Ancient history (and much, much more) with Mike Gatto
Mike Gatto, author and former Assemblymember, joins Capitol Weekly Podcast to discuss current politics, Roman history, and the experience of being a crime victim.
- Tim Storey of the National Conference of State Legislatures
This episode features Tim Storey, executive director of the National Conference of State Legislatures, discussing the organization's role in serving state legislatures. Topics include current policy priorities, the impact of redistricting,…
- A chat with incoming Assembly Minority Leader Heath Flora
Incoming Assembly Minority Leader Heath Flora discusses his transition into leadership, contrasting it with past transitions. He shares his views on healthcare, wildfire policy, and CEQA, highlighting his bipartisan approach and frustratio…
- Talking Top 100 with Marisa Lagos
The Capitol Weekly Podcast features its 17th annual analysis of California's unelected political power players. Host Rich Ehisen and Tim Foster are joined by Marisa Lagos to discuss the themes, new faces, and Hall of Fame inductees on the…
- Mapmaker Paul Mitchell on California's emergency redistricting proposal
Paul Mitchell, a redistricting expert, explains California's new redistricting proposal, introduced in response to GOP redistricting efforts in other states. He details the process of drawing the new maps, the necessity of the effort, and…
- On the Campaign Trail with Kevin Liao
Kevin Liao, former Press Secretary for Anthony Rendon and campaign veteran for Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden, joins Capitol Weekly to share stories from the campaign trail. He discusses his work on national campaigns, including the 2024 H…
- Talking Solar and Alternative Energy with Brad Heavner of CALSSA
This episode discusses Kamala Harris's decision not to run for governor in 2026. It features an interview with Brad Heavner of the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) about the challenges facing the state's solar industry, and…
- Twenty years at Capitol Weekly - Plus, Frank Torres of UNAC
This episode marks Tim Foster's 20th anniversary at Capitol Weekly. It also features an interview with Frank Torres, Director of Political and Legislative Advocacy for UNAC/UHCP, and includes the regular "Worst Week in California Politics"…
- A chat with Jennifer Pierre of the State Water Contractors
Jennifer Pierre, General Manager for the State Water Contractors, joins Capitol Weekly Podcast to discuss California's long-standing water management challenges. Topics include climate change, groundwater overpumping, and water policy nego…
- Senator Scott Wiener: California and AI
This episode features Senator Scott Wiener's keynote address from the California and AI event, focusing on the state's legislative efforts to regulate artificial intelligence. The discussion covers California's leadership in AI technology…
- A chat with Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari
Capitol Weekly Podcast features Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari discussing policy approaches of Governors Brown and Newsom, the California Truth & Healing Council, and the history of Alcatraz. The episode also touches on…
- Chris Lehane: The promise of AI
Chris Lehane, VP of Global Affairs at OpenAI, discusses the promise and perils of AI, emphasizing California's crucial role in its development. The conversation covers AI's potential benefits to humanity, its impact on jobs, and the need f…
- A chat with Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares
Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares, recently elected to the Senate after serving in the Assembly, discusses pursuing policy goals during a challenging year and offers her perspective on immigration raids. She also touches on her role as M…
- Lance Hastings: California Manufacturing and the Truth about Tariffs
Lance Hastings, head of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, discusses the state of manufacturing in California, the effects of U.S. tariffs, and the challenges of bringing production back to the state. The CMTA represe…
- Amy O'Gorman Jenkins: Cannabis industry crisis
Amy O'Gorman Jenkins, a prominent cannabis lobbyist, details the crisis facing California's legal cannabis industry. She highlights issues such as declining sales, the potential for excise tax increases, and the high tax rates compared to…
- Special Episode: California Insurance Crisis – The Los Angeles Fires
This episode from the Capitol Weekly Podcast features Panel 2 on The Los Angeles Fires, recorded live at the California Insurance Crisis conference in Sacramento. The discussion includes insights from Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, S…
- Special Episode: California Insurance Crisis – What Next?
This special episode of the Capitol Weekly Podcast features Panel 3: What Next? from the California Insurance Crisis event held May 14, 2025. Panelists included Sen. Roger Niello, Alex Hall, John Norwood, and Denni Ritter, with moderation…