California has long been a testing ground for clean energy solutions like rooftop solar. State and local leaders promoted adoption to cut emissions and lower long-term costs. But recent policy shifts and rising expenses are changing the equation for homeowners. In this episode, Johnny Graham, CEO of Pacific United Power, explains what’s behind the change and what it means for those considering solar. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily ref...
Jun 25, 2025•40 min
As California pushes health care innovation, working through a system not built for individual care can be limiting. That challenge led pharmacist Nayan Patel to develop tailored treatments now helping patients across the state and in more than 10 countries. The path wasn’t simple. Each step along the way guided how he approaches care and what it takes to build something sustainable. This is his story. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily r...
Jun 24, 2025•46 min
As California continues investing in clean energy, the gradual decline of in-state refineries is drawing attention. In this episode, a panel explores how this shift could influence long-term energy reliability and what solutions, both policy driven and independent, are emerging to help meet demand. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 38 min
A significant lithium resource, among the largest identified in the U.S., is gaining national attention as California works to secure more of its own battery material supply. In this episode, we explore with geologist Michael McKibben the promise of geothermal lithium extraction and its economic potential. Community leader Luis Olmedo shares concerns about the initiative’s impact on local communities and the risk of repeating historical oversights. Views expressed in this video are the opinions ...
Jun 21, 2025•54 min
In California, the cost of building affordable housing keeps climbing, with some units nearing $1 million to construct. At the same time, older developments are at risk of falling out of affordability as costs rise and protections expire, putting pressure on the system meant to support low-income residents. Tia Patterson, CEO of the California Community Reinvestment Corporation, lays out what’s driving these pressures and what it would take to build and preserve housing that meets people's needs...
Jun 18, 2025•49 min
California has more than 39,000 idle oil wells, many of which pose environmental and financial risks if left unaddressed. While often treated as a burden, former state energy regulator Bill Bartling sees a missed opportunity. In this episode, he shares how a tech-driven solution could cut emissions and help stabilize the grid, but only if the state is willing to act. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times....
Jun 14, 2025•43 min
California is expanding a policy that lets homeowners build multiple ADUs on single-family lots, in some cases adding dozens of units where one home once stood. Officials say it’s a step toward easing the housing shortage. Others worry about what it means for infrastructure, privacy, and neighborhood character. This episode breaks down how the policy works and what’s unfolding on the ground. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the ...
Jun 11, 2025•41 min
Riots broke out in Los Angeles after federal immigration agents carried out enforcement actions in the city’s garment district. But what actually sparked the unrest, and why didn’t local law enforcement step in? Former LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva explains what’s happening and what’s at risk if the response doesn’t change. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.
Jun 10, 2025•22 min
Tom Miller started his business in California with $700 and a clear view of what car dealerships needed but weren’t getting. He built a model that streamlined fragmented services and scaled it to 850 employees. In this episode, he reflects on the pressure, the cost of growth, and what kept him going. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.
Jun 10, 2025•41 min
In California, some property owners return to find strangers living in their homes, and police often can’t remove them. The law doesn’t always distinguish between a squatter and a tenant. Jonathan Madison, Lead Attorney at The Madison Firm, explains how this legal gray area is playing out across the state and what might shift next. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.
Jun 07, 2025•46 min
California’s next governor will face real, day-to-day problems that affect millions—housing, insurance, energy, and more. In this conversation, Democrat Mike Gatto and Republican Jim Reighaimer explore how the state’s open primary influences who makes it to the top—and what kind of leadership could connect in today’s California.
Jun 04, 2025•44 min
Many parents sense it: something’s missing in how we prepare young kids for real life. In this episode, we sit down with Sandy Stone, founder of Pretend City, a nonprofit in Orange County that has served over 2.4 million children and families. Built from the ground up using real neighborhood data, Pretend City offers hands-on experiences—from running a grocery store to visiting a doctor’s office—that help kids develop practical skills, empathy, and confidence before they even reach kindergarten....
Jun 03, 2025•40 min
A century-old sugar plant in California’s Imperial Valley is shutting down—marking a shift in the state’s farming economy. Gil Rebollar, Mayor of Brawley, shares how the closure is affecting his community—and how the rise of renewable energy is changing how land, water, and opportunity are managed across rural California. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The California Insider.
May 31, 2025•44 min
California recently became the world’s fourth-largest economy. In this conversation, State Treasurer Fiona Ma discusses the industries that are driving the momentum, the role of human capital, and how public investment is being used to meet the state’s evolving needs. She also addresses pressure points in agriculture, housing, and small businesses—offering a clearer view of where California stands today. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily...
May 28, 2025•41 min
Ron Williams protected six U.S. presidents and some of the most high-profile figures in the world. But what did decades inside the Secret Service really teach him? In this conversation, he opens up about the moments that changed him—on duty, in loss, and in faith. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
May 27, 2025•46 min
California’s move to electric vehicles has a lot of momentum, but most of the talk sticks to the tech. In this episode, Larry Elder shares what he learned while making a documentary on how EVs are built, where the materials come from, and the often overlooked policies and trade-offs behind it all. The discussion opens up what this shift could mean for California’s future—and whether we’re getting the full picture. Watch EV movie https://gjw.us/evfilmyt1 Views expressed in this episode are the op...
May 24, 2025•34 min
Independent LA builder John Gregorchuk spent over a decade navigating delays, shifting requirements, and a maze of unclear rules—just to build housing on land he already owned. At one point, he created a chart to track what no one at the city could explain. His experience shows how red tape, appeals, and siloed departments can quietly stall housing projects in Los Angeles. Views expressed in this episode are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoc...
May 21, 2025•40 min
Kaylee Law is just 19 years old—and already a city council member in her California hometown. In this episode, she shares how homeschooling, early college enrollment, and strong community support helped shape her path into public service. “I want my ceiling to be their floor,” she says, reflecting on her family's journey and why she’s committed to helping the next generation succeed. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of...
May 20, 2025•27 min
As California’s shelters reach capacity, thousands remain on the streets. Hotel GM Claudio Bono believes there’s a practical, dignified alternative—one that uses empty hotel rooms to offer temporary shelter and a path back into society. Therapist Cameron Flanagan joins to share firsthand insight into how the current shelter system is falling short. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times....
May 17, 2025•47 min
Many Los Angeles residents aren’t reporting home burglaries, but real estate agent Diana Lavu Weems says they’re happening more often than people realize. She shares firsthand accounts from her community, while LAPD Captain Brian Wendling explains how organized crews operate, what data shows, and why reporting matters.
May 15, 2025•35 min
A former corrections officer and his wife returned to California’s toughest prisons—not to enforce rules, but to offer a new way forward. In this episode, they share how education, discipline, and human connection helped shift prison culture from within, and why lasting change starts with responsibility. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
May 13, 2025•42 min
Hollywood work is moving out of California—and it’s not just about cost. In this episode, composer and producer Brian Ralston explains how remote technology, global tax incentives, and union structures are changing film production. He offers a clear view of how these changes are affecting jobs in Los Angeles and what it means for California’s film economy moving forward.
May 10, 2025•47 min
California pours billions into public education. Yet classrooms remain under strain, student outcomes lag, and programs multiply without clear accountability. In this episode, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh shares what she’s seeing from inside the legislature—and why the conversation may finally be shifting. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
May 07, 2025•40 min
Melody Noel spent years writing songs in the pop industry. Today, she’s witnessing something different—Californians showing up for quiet worship nights, finding purpose in faith, and forming communities that feel more real than routine. In this episode, she shares what’s behind this shift, what it’s changing for young people, and why she believes something bigger is underway across the state.
May 06, 2025•27 min
California’s effort to protect the iconic Joshua tree is well-intentioned—but the law has led to unintended consequences for homeowners, developers, and even public infrastructure projects. In this episode, we hear from Curtis Yakimow, the town manager of Yucca Valley, and Madelaine LaVoie, a local resident and real estate broker, who explain how basic home repairs and new housing have become increasingly difficult under the current permitting system. While the law was designed to preserve a nat...
May 03, 2025•34 min
Retail theft laws in California have changed—but is it enough to make a difference? With felony charges now on the table for repeat offenders, some business owners say they’re already seeing fewer incidents. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, one of the authors of the sentence-increasing statute Prop 36, joins us to explain how the law is being applied, what’s happening behind the numbers, and how the system handles cases involving mental illness or addiction.
Apr 30, 2025•31 min
Marine veteran Kate Monroe’s journey began with injury and disappointment during her military service, and deepened as she faced the complexity of the Veterans Affairs system after leaving the Marine Corps. Out of that experience, she built VetComm, a company that today generates tens of millions in revenue by helping veterans access benefits that often go unclaimed. In this episode, she reflects on the mindset that turned hardship into purpose, how broken exit systems affect veterans long after...
Apr 29, 2025•32 min
Thousands of families, farms, and businesses across three Northern California counties—Sonoma, Mendocino, and Marin—could lose a vital water supply as two key dams face removal. Chris Coulombe joins us to explain how this could raise living costs, strain firefighting efforts, and pressure local economies—and why some say better solutions to avoid long-term damage are being overlooked. For more background on this issue, we recommend Keely Covello’s reporting: https://www.americaunwon.com/p/breaki...
Apr 26, 2025•34 min
Could California’s old oil fields become part of the state’s clean energy future? In this episode, we meet Mike Umbro, a California native testing a new approach to long-duration energy storage. With support from federal labs and the Department of Energy, his team is working to store solar heat deep underground—potentially generating zero-emission electricity for up to 42 days. While the science behind it is established, the project still faces long permitting delays. We take a closer look at ho...
Apr 23, 2025•35 min
In California’s nonprofit world, consistency is hard to find, but one of the state’s oldest foundations still focuses on long-term support and trust. In this episode, Bill Ahmanson, president of The Ahmanson Foundation, explains how that works—and why it matters. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Apr 22, 2025•42 min
