John Riley Project
Society & Culture
About
Pursue Happiness. John Riley discusses San Diego news stories and interviews politicians, community leaders, athletes, coaches, authors and influencers. Topics including free market economics, entrepreneurism, politics, leadership, current events, sports, history and philosophy. We discuss living your life on your own terms, having the political freedom to make your own choices, and a variety of topics that give life meaning and joy. We broadcast from Poway CA in the San Diego metropolitan area.
Episodes
- Vanessa Springett, Poway City Council District 2 Candidate 2026
Vanessa Springett discusses her campaign for Poway City Council with John Riley, covering key issues such as housing development, The Farm, pickleball, citizen planning committees, traffic safety, term limits, water rates, and public safet…
- Donald Trump’s War on Iran, Remembering Jimmy Carter, 395 Checkpoints, Peaky Blinders
John Riley shares his perspective on Donald Trump's actions regarding Iran, acknowledging the need to confront adversaries while questioning the current strategy and its justification. He also reflects on Jimmy Carter's presidency, mention…
- Minneapolis ICE Shooting & Authoritarianism, Trump’s Venezuela Plan, Individualism vs Collectivism
The John Riley Project episode from January 9, 2026, covers the Minneapolis ICE shooting and differing interpretations, JD Vance's press interactions, and Donald Trump's foreign policy regarding Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere. It als…
- Trump Accounts vs Social Security, Travel Bans, Tom Steyer CA YIMBY, Grok AI Review, Poway Springett
The John Riley Project episode discusses Michael Dell
- Why is Everything So Expensive? Poway Tony Blain News. MAGA angry at Ken Burns American Revolution.
The John Riley Project discusses the causes of inflation, attributing it to government tax and regulation policies. It also covers the indictment of Poway councilman Tony Blain and the controversy surrounding the Ken Burns documentary on t…
- Trump Bailing Out Argentina?, San Diego Fighting ADUs, Poway Tony Blain Indictment
Is Trump bailing out Argentina? It’s complicated. We break down the positive and negatives of Javier Milei’s Argentina turnaround. San Diego homeowners are upset when ADUs are built towering over their backyard fence. But do people underst…
- America is an Idea – No Kings, CA Prop 50 Gerrymandering Moral? SB79 Housing, San Diego Tour, Poway
Today we discuss Trump and Gaza, America is an Idea, CA Prop 50 Gerrymandering, CA SB79 and the Housing Crisis, Best Places for a quick San Diego Tour, Rush is touring again!, Poway’s struggle with the City in the County idea, Tony Blain P…
- BOOK REVIEW: Pete Neild – Memories of Driving Calypso
Good to be back! Our favorite guest, Pete Neild, joins me to discuss his new e-book (working title Memories of Driving Calypso. It’s an exploration of the songs that backup Pete’s pursuit of happiness. Feel join us on the live chat with qu…
- When Protesting Backfires, Cusp of WW3?, MAGA Libertarian Regret, Ed Franklin No Limits
How can you protest for equal rights while violating it at the same time? When protestors block the road, they undermine their cause. Trump now competes as a phone entrepreneur while regulating his competition with tariffs. World War 3 is…
- Trump Con Man Theory, Poway News, Tony Blain Recall
I’ve come up with a con man theory on Donald Trump. His economic policies are foolish. His immigration policy damages America. So, what is Trump really up to? What is Trump’s goal? We also check in on local Poway news including the Tony Bl…
- Poway News, Tony Blain Bombing, Peter DeHoff Recall?, Trump Tariffs, Escondido Immigration Rally
There’s a bunch of Poway news that I want to share involving two of our city council members: Tony Blain and Peter DeHoff. Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs and trade policies indicate a failure in economics. The Escondido Anti-ICE Rally was fill…
- Pete Neild Poway District 1 Appointment Candidate and Poway Candy Cane Courts
Pete Neild joins me to discuss his candidacy for appointment to Poway City Council representing District 1. We will discuss Pete’s reason for running, election vs appointment process, district elections, Candy Cane Courts and so much more.…
- Poway 2024 Elections Review, Amit Asaravala, Appointment vs Vote to replace Brian Pepin
Amit Asaravala joins me in a wide-open discussion of local politics here in Poway 92064. Amit serves as the President of the Poway Democratic Club and has great insight on local elections and candidates. We will discuss the next step for P…
- Johnny’s 2024 Ballot – National, San Diego, Poway, Propositions
I decided to make a podcast out of filling out my ballot. I will go through each race, offer my thoughts, and then fill in the circle. This is your last chance to change my mind! Got a question or comment? Drop your take in the live chat o…
- Irrationality in Politics, Poor States with High Homeownership, Poway News
The election season is really hot, and we are hearing more and more irrationality from candidates, the media and party supporters. What ever happened to thinking for yourself? People who live in poor states have higher homeownership levels…
- Independence Day Memories, Poway Term Limits, Biden vs Trump Debate, SCOTUS Cases
Tomorrow, we celebrate America’s birthday! I share some of my Independence Day memories and invite you to share yours. We also discuss Poway term limits, Poway Voices, Biden vs Trump debate, SCOTUS cases and more. Got a question or comment…
- Poway Life Time Fitness, Presidential Debate
I enjoy covering local news issues, so we will be doing a deep dive on the latest with the planned Life Time Fitness at The Farm in Poway. Some locals are opposing the project and micromanaging the details. Plus, we will discuss the upcomi…
- Trump and Libertarians, Election Propaganda, Vacation in Ireland
There’s not much to discuss at the local level here in San Diego or Poway, so I thought I would comment on some of the bigger national stories. We will discuss Donald Trump, Trump’s attempt to partner with the Libertarian Party, breaking d…
- Poway Term Limits, Tony Blain, Poway Unified School District Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps Firing
What’s going on in Poway? John shares stories about Poway City Council Term Limits, Tony Blain, and Poway Unified Marian Kim-Phelps’s termination and demand for her job back. Plus, John shares what he’s watching on streaming media. It’s We…
- Fernando Garcia, San Diego City Council Candidate, District 9
Fernando Garcia returns to the JRP Podcast Studio. Fernando is a candidate for San Diego City Council District 9. We discuss a range of issues affecting San Diego including: Homelessness Housing (SB10, high density, ADUs) Energy (SDG&E, so…
- Poway 2023 Year in Review, 2024 Outlook
We take a look at some of the big news stories in Poway in 2023 and plans for 2024. Topics include The Farm, Life Time Fitness, Homelessness, Traffic Safety, water, hate litter, Poway Community Foundation, and more. Got a question or comme…
- San Diego Most Expensive City in USA, San Diego Sales Tax Hike?, Govt takeover of SDGE?, Poway News
What’s new in San Diego? Lots of things! In one study San Diego was ranked as the most expensive city to live in the United States. Surprised? San Diego officials are considering a sales tax increase. We remember the 20-year anniversary of…
- San Diego News Update Oct 11: Poway Raising Canes, San Marcos Bike Park, Joe Biden Junk Fees
In this week’s John Riley Project, we discuss the proposed Raising Canes on Poway Rd, the plans for the San Marcos Bike Park, a teacher quitting her job and making 50% more at Costco, Steve Garvey running for Senate, and Biden’s War on Jun…
- San Diego News Update Oct 4: Sports Arena Housing, El Cajon Granny Flats, Escondido Cannabis
The Midway Rising project at the site of the San Diego Sports Arena has changed their plan on housing and San Diego City Council representatives are angry! We also discuss El Cajon ADUs, Escondido Cannabis, new CA Senator Laphonza Butler,…
- San Diego News Update Sep 27: SANDAG scraps mileage tax, Uber & Yellow Cab, Fast Food Minimum Wage
We break down San Diego and national news stories here in the John Riley Project. Topics include the SANDAG mileage tax, Uber, public restrooms, minimum wage for fast food, CA Bullet Train update, Target shutting down stores, Amazon monopo…
- San Diego News Update Sept 22: Gas Prices, Water Rates, Coach Prime/Blenders, Self Driving Trucks
Can you believe these San Diego gas prices? It’s over $6/gallon. Who is to blame for this mess? It’s expensive to live in San Diego. Water rates are going up 20%. Don’t get me started on housing prices in America’s Finest City! We also dis…
- San Diego News Update – Sept 6: Poway Road Canyonization, San Diego Housing Crisis, Pt Loma Gay Marriage, Ben Kalasho
I’m back! I took a 2-month vacation but now I am back with my San Diego Local News podcast. We will cover Poway Road Canyonization, San Diego Housing Crisis, Micro Units, Vacant Homes, Pt Loma Gay Marriage, Ben Kalasho in El Cajon, Escondi…
- San Diego News Update – June 28: Poway Fraud, Encinitas e-bike, Coronado Richard Bailey, SANDAG
We have lots of San Diego topics on the table including a federal fraud case in Poway, winners and losers in CA budget, the future of Coronado mayor Richard Bailey, Jim Desmond and Congestion Pricing on Freeways, and much more. It’s Wednes…
- Ed Franklin, No Limits: What works in podcasting?
No Limits podcaster Ed Franklin is back on the John Riley Project. Always great having Ed as he offers so much to help us improve our personal and business lives. No Limits – Overcoming Limitations We can often be our own worst enemy. We c…
- San Diego News Update June 7: Poway Politics, Homelessness, Archie Moore, Steve Garvey
Last night I attended the Poway City Council meeting. I have lots to talk about including Poway banning homeless encampments, the replacement of Barry Leonard, money in politics, and Life Time Fitness at The Farm. Plus, we discuss Archie M…
- San Diego News Update May 31: Debt Ceiling, Local Govt Campaign Finance, Poway, Bally Sports, Santee
Today we will be discussing the Debt Ceiling Circus in Washington DC, a new rule with local govt campaign finance that may play a huge role in future elections, the replacement for Poway Councilmember Barry Leonard, Bally Sports and the Pa…
- San Diego News Update May 24: Carlsbad Gay Pride, Jim Desmond, Rancho Bernardo, Lemon Grove, Santee
We have a laundry list of topics to discuss in this John Riley Project episode. We will discuss the controversial vote in Carlsbad to ban flags, including the Gay Pride Flag. La Mesa tried this as well and got a different result. Carlsbad…
- San Diego News Update May 10: La Mesa Colin Parent Conflict, KUSI Sold, Poway Term Limits
When a corporation donates to a non-profit that is run by a politician, then are they donating to a worthy cause or buying influence? That’s the question facing La Mesa vice mayor Colin Parent in La Mesa. We also discuss the KUSI sale and…
- San Diego News Update May 4: Poway Resignation, Hwy 56, Nathan Fletcher, Escondido, Imperial Beach
Poway’s City Council is under fire for the possibility of violating the voter’s will. Now we have a Poway resignation on the city council. The Drama! Escondido has a serious problem with their parks and budget. Imperial Beach wants to chan…
- San Diego News Update April 26: Poway Unified to Supreme Court, San Diego Renter Protections, EVs
Poway Unified is in the news…. Again! Now a free speech case is coming before the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, politicians are trying to protect renters and protect the homeless, but their policies end up making the housing crisis even worse.…
- San Diego News Update April 12: SDGE Rates, Mass Transit Problems, Water Rationing
SDGE wants to base their electricity prices on your personal income. How can they do that? Meanwhile, mass transit in CA is facing a huge fiscal cliff as ridership is way down and COVID relief money is drying up. It’s as if all rationality…
- San Diego News Update April 5: Nathan Fletcher, Poway Unified, La Mesa Dysfunction, Rancho Bernardo Cannabis
The Good: Aztecs in March Madness. The Bad: Nathan Fletcher, homelessness, San Diego schools declining, Poway Unified schools deteriorating, La Mesa dysfunction, Rancho Bernardo residents upset over cannabis. What is going on in San Diego?…
- San Diego News Update March 29: Aztecs Padres Buzz, Nathan Fletcher, Mental Health, Homelessness
Can you feel the excitement in San Diego? Everywhere San Diegans are buzzing about the Aztecs in the Final Four and the Padres about to start their 2023 season. Now they are also buzzing about Nathan Fletcher. It’s Wednesday, March 29, 202…
- San Diego News Update March 22: La Jolla Independence, Poway Farm Fitness, Juneteenth
It’s springtime in San Diego! We’re covering the La Jolla quest for independence from San Diego, the controversy in Poway of a fitness center at The Farm, and Todd Gloria declaring Juneteenth a paid holiday for San Diego workers. It’s Wedn…
- Poway Cronyism, Rancho Bernardo Roads, Joe Biden in San Diego
Pete Neild joined me to cover a wide range of topic in this San Diego News Update podcast episode. We cover Poway/Rancho Bernardo issues, San Diego regional news, Joe Biden’s visit to San Diego, and US foreign policy issues with China and…
- David Leland, Aztecs, March Madness, Padres
David Leland has the Aztecs advancing to the Sweet 16 in March Madness David Leland joined me to discuss the San Diego State Aztecs as they enter the NCAA Tournament in 2023. We break down the Aztecs roster, their strong 2022-23 season, an…
- SANDAG Mileage Tax, Climate and Housing Clash in Mira Mesa
San Diego County leaders are pushing for major changes in our region. Look in the crystal ball and we can see plans for more housing, more trolleys, more busses, more people, and now a per mile mileage tax. Can San Diego accommodate more g…
- Ed Franklin, No Limits, Individualism, 2022 Year in Review
I was a guest on the Ed Franklin No Limits podcast on January 25 th . We discuss individualism, 2022 Year in Review, COVID policies and gyms, genealogy, and a wide range of other topics. Ed Franklin, No Limits Podcast https://podcasts.appl…
- San Diego News Update Jan 25: Housing is a human right?, University City & Escondido housing
There are housing issues up and down and all-around San Diego County. The San Diego City Council calls housing a fundamental human right. But is it? It’s Wednesday, January 25th. Here’s a roundup of news stories in and around San Diego Cou…
- San Diego News Update Jan 13: Poway, Rancho Bernardo 2023 Outlook
It’s Friday, January 13th. Here’s a round up of news stories in and around San Diego County. Here’s John Riley’s outlook: Poway 2023 Plans Mayor Steve Vaus: public safety, water infrastructure, Lake Poway upgrades. Deputy Mayor Barry Leona…
- San Diego News Update Jan 10: Water, SDG&E Gas Prices, Carlsbad Roundabout
It’s Tuesday, January 10th. Here’s a roundup of news stories in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks: San Diego: The Need for more Water Infrastructure The feast and famine cycle of droughts and floods in California A…
- Captain Charles MacVean, USS Seawolf, Down Deep
Captain Charles R. MacVean U.S. Navy (Ret.), PhD joined Pete Neild and I to discuss submarine stories and his new book Down Deep. Submarine life is not easy. Tight quarters. Disciplined schedules. Everyone depending on someone else. It tak…
- San Diego News Update Dec 16: Water Desalination, Beach Fires, Newsom at Border
It’s Friday, December 16th. Here’s a roundup of news stories in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks: Carlsbad: Skyrocketing water desalination costs due to environmental regulations San Diego Beaches: No more beach f…
- San Diego News Update Dec 9: National City Cannabis
It’s Friday, December 9th. Here’s what’s going on in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks: National City: Cannabis Lounge, first for San Diego County Carlsbad/UCSD: UCSD gets $10M grant, Smartville Inc Carlsbad gets $…
- Ted Leitner, San Diego Padres Hall of Fame Broadcaster
Legendary, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Ted Leitner, joined us to tell tales from his 50+ year career in sports media. Wow! You know Ted. He always has something to say! Ted Leitner talks about Jerry Coleman, Tony Gwynn, Rickey Henderson, Ste…