Category: Politics

98: The Politics of Climate Change with Citizens Climate Lobby

Episode 98: Steve Valk & Dana Nuccitelli
Join guest Host Max Sloves, sitting in for Matt Matern, for a great informative conversation with Steve Valk and Dana Nuccitelli from Citizens’ Climate Lobby about nonpartisan approaches to climate education.

77: Jigar Shah’s Vision for a Greener Energy Sector

Episode 77: Jigar Shah, Director of Loan Programs - U.S. Department of Energy
Jigar Shah, Director of the DOE's Loan Programs Office, discusses financing clean energy projects, hydrogen storage, small modular reactors, and virtual power plants. He emphasizes reducing investment risks and the need for a diverse energy mix to ensure resilience and sustainability.

76: From EPA to Forward Party: Christine Todd Whitman’s Political Journey

Episode 76: Christine Todd Whitman, American Forward Party Politician & Author
Governor Christie Todd Whitman speaks with Matt Matern about the Forward Party, promoting democracy, open primaries, and ranked-choice voting. She reflects on her time at the EPA, advocating for a diverse energy mix and competent government workers. Join the Forward Party for practical solutions!

61: Rex Parris, Mayor of Net Zero City, Lancaster, CA

Episode 61: Mayor Rex Parris, Mayor of Lancaster, CA
Matt Matern and Mayor Rex Parris discuss Lancaster's sustainability efforts. Lancaster, the first U.S. city to mandate solar panels on new homes, aims to be the first hydrogen city. Parris highlights practical measures, electric public transportation, and innovative hydrogen production.

58: Traci Park, Attorney & LA City Council Candidate

Episode 58: Traci Park, Attorney & LA City Council Candidate
Matt Matern chats with Traci Park, aspiring LA City Council member, about tackling homelessness, public safety, and economic challenges. She emphasizes collaboration and immediate action.

55: California Senator Ben Allen’s Vision for a Greener California

Episode 55: Senator Ben Allen, 26th Senate District
Matt Matern and Senator Ben Allen discuss SB 343, SB 54, and AB 1395. Senator Allen emphasized public involvement in environmental legislation, green hydrogen, and balanced incentives for rooftop solar.

48: Climate Solutions with Steve Valk & Jerry Hinkle of Citizens Climate Lobby

Climate Solutions with Steve Valk & Jerry Hinkle of Citizens Climate Lobby
Matt Matern speaks Steve Valk and Jerry Hinkle from Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). They discuss creating political will for climate solutions, the carbon fee and dividend policy, bipartisan successes, and the importance of a carbon border adjustment mechanism.

45: Attorney Thomas Linzey on Legal Frameworks for Environmental Justice

Attorney Thomas Linzey on Legal Frameworks for Environmental Justice
Matt Matern speaks with Thomas Linzey, who discusses his shift from traditional environmental law to advocating for local governance and rights of nature. He challenges the preemption doctrine and emphasizes community participation and environmental rights for sustainable futures.

42: Brett Winterble on Rush Limbaugh, Climate Change, & Vaccines

Brett Winterble on Rush Limbaugh, Climate Change, & Vaccines
Matt Matern and Brett Winterble discuss Rush Limbaugh's legacy, climate change, and vaccine mandates. They debate Limbaugh's impact on politics, with Matt critical and Brett defensive. The conversation concludes with a call for constructive dialogue.

41: Michael Shellenberger, Activist & President of Environmental Progress

Michael Shellenberger, Activist & President of Environmental Progress
Matt Matern and Michael Shellenberger discuss environmental alarmism, the benefits of nuclear energy, and the drug death crisis. Michael, an advocate for pragmatic solutions, emphasizes the need for balanced policies to address these critical issues effectively.

38: Marianne Williamson on Love, Power, and Project Angel Food

Episode 38: Marianne Williamson, Author, Spiritual Leader, Political Activist
Matt Matern sits down with Marianne Williamson. They discuss personal power, societal change, Project Angel Food, clean energy, and rising authoritarianism. Marianne urges a recommitment to democratic values and highlights the power of love in addressing collective challenges.

18: Karly Matthews of American Conservation Coalition on the GOP’s Climate Action Plans

Karly Matthews, American Conservation Coalition Communications Director
Matt Matern and Karly Matthews, ACC Communications Director, talk about the environment and the American Conservation Coalition.

17: John Marshall’s Potentinal Energy Coalition Transforms the Climate Action Narrative

John Marshall, Potential Energy Coalition
Matt speaks with John Marshall, founder of Potential Energy Coalition. Inspired by his child, Marshall uses marketing to communicate climate issues non-politically. His campaign "Science Moms" involves relatable messaging and highlights job creation in green infrastructure.

16: NDRC’s Bob Deans Discusses Biden’s Climate Policies

Bob Deans, Director for Strategic Engagement of the NRDC
Matt and Bob Deans from the NRDC discuss bipartisan environmental protection. Praises Matt Matern's community work, critiques Trump's rollbacks, and welcomes Biden's climate policies. Highlights hydrogen vehicles, local government roles, and the upcoming Glasgow summit.

15: Ben Allen & Dr. Sweta Chakraborty on California’s Environmental Legislation

Ben Allen, Senator and Sweta Chakraborty, Ph.D.
Matt Matern speaks with Senator Ben Allen about California’s environmental bills on single-use plastics, recyclable labeling, and microfiber filtration. They address homelessness, proposing stipends for homeowners housing homeless individuals. Matt also chats with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty on climate change policy.

14: Rick Gates, Former Trump Advisor & Author of “Wicked Game: An Insider’s Story”

Rick Gates, author and former Trump Campaign manager.
Rick Gates discusses Biden's presidency, election integrity, the Capitol riot, and Trump's GOP influence. He calls for bipartisan reforms, criticizes the January 6 events, and urges unity. Gates also covers U.S. foreign policy, his work with Manafort, the Trump Inaugural Committee's finances, and global threats. He promotes his book "The Wicked Game," reflecting on political polarization and governance challenges.

13: Pepperdine Professor Dan Schnur on California Politics

Dan Schnur, Professor at Pepperdine
Matt Matern speaks with Dan Schnur, a political expert, discussing the recall of Governor Newsom, the rise of independent voters, and Trump's waning influence. They debate the $1.9T COVID relief package and a voting rights bill. Matt's proposal for a homeless stipend is praised by Dan.

06: Senator Bob Wieckowski: Tackling Homelessness and Climate Change

Bob Wieckowski, California State Senator
Senator Bob Wieckowski discusses environmental policies, homelessness solutions, and arbitration clauses. He emphasizes renewable energy, ADUs for affordable housing, and simplifying COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

02: Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager on Pandemic Challenges & Community Resilience

Sydney Kamlager, California Assemblywoman
Matt Matern speaks with Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager about her work in the California Assembly, focusing on homelessness, housing, healthcare, and environmental justice. They discuss innovative solutions and the importance of community engagement and accountability.

01: Rick Gates on Capitol Riot, Trumpism, and GOP Evolution

Rick Gates, author and former Trump Campaign manager.
Matt Matern sits down with former Trump campaign chairman, Rick Gates, to discuss the shift in today's political landscape and Gates' new book, Wicked Games.