14: Rick Gates, Former Trump Advisor & Author of “Wicked Game: An Insider’s Story”
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
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.
12: Author Blake Newhem on Writing, Cancer, and Creativity
Matt speaks with Blake Newhem, who shares his journey from ghostwriter to fiction author after a brain tumor diagnosis. Blake discusses his books and the therapeutic nature of writing. He advises writers to keep writing and highlights his ghostwriting experiences for conservative politicians.
11: Environmental Leadership with 27th District Assemblymember Ash Kalra
Assemblymember Ash Kalra discusses housing solutions, clean energy, and criminal justice reform with Matt Matern. Kalra supports phased homelessness solutions, clean energy incentives, and rethinking public safety.
10: Assemblymember David Chiu on California’s Housing Crisis Solutions
Matt Matern speaks with Assemblymember David Chiu about homelessness, affordable housing, clean energy, and the EDD crisis. Chiu highlights the need for comprehensive support and proposes using savings from prison closures to aid formerly incarcerated individuals.
08: Michael Barrett: From Marine to Director at Working Wardrobes
Matt speaks with Michael Barrett, a former Marine now leading VetNet at Working Wardrobes. Michael shares his military background, recovery from an IED explosion, and current work helping veterans with job readiness and overcoming barriers like unemployment.
07: Author Mark Goulston on Healing Trauma and ‘Surgical Empathy’
Dr. Mark Goulston shares his journey from depression to psychiatry, emphasizing “surgical empathy” and the HADA method to manage emotions. Inspired by a homeless encounter, he supports disadvantaged youth. His book offers trauma healing techniques.
06: Senator Bob Wieckowski: Tackling Homelessness and Climate Change
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.
05: Alison Hurst Is Transforming Lives at Safe Place for Youth (S.P.Y.)
Matt Matern speaks with Alison Hurst from Safe Place for Youth, which aids homeless youth in LA. S.P.Y. provides basic needs, case management, and housing. Alison emphasizes community involvement and addressing systemic issues. The goal is to create spaces where youth feel seen and loved.
04: Hyperloop CMO Rob Miller Discusses Innovating Transit
Matt speaks with Rob Miller, CMO of Hyperloop. They discuss high-speed, low-energy travel, regulatory challenges, a Midwest route, and environmental benefits. Rob explains their crowd-powered model and future projects in France and Abu Dhabi.
03: Former Hospital CEO & Author, Diana Hendel on Trauma & Recovery
Dr. Diana Hendel speaks about her career and a traumatic 2009 hospital shooting. She shares how the event led to her PTSD diagnosis and discusses co-authoring books to support healthcare workers and organizations in healing from trauma, emphasizing communication and resilience.
02: Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager on Pandemic Challenges & Community Resilience
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
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.