Best John Weems Podcasts (2025)

1
California’s EV Mandate Overturned by Congress | Larry Elder 33:58

7h ago33:58

33:58

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 …

1
How Getting A Permit For One Tree Has Taken Over 3 Months | John Gregorchuk 39:42

3d ago39:42

39:42

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…

1
The Death and Balls of William Henry Harrison 47:15

3d ago47:15

47:15

We look into the giant victory balls that kept on rolling during William Henry Harrison’s 1840 presidential campaign. Then we welcome Jerry Landry of the Presidencies of the United States podcast to talk about Harrison’s rise to fame and the most likely explanation for his death just one month into his term. Find out more at plodpod.com. Join our P…

1
19-Year Old, 5 Degrees and Now She is Running The City | Kaylee May Law 26:52

4d ago26:52

26:52

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 …

1
California Has Thousands of Empty Rooms Right Now—Can the Homeless Use Them? | Claudio Bono 47:27

7d ago47:27

47:27

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.…

1
What’s Happening With Los Angeles Burglaries | Diana Lavu Weems | Brian Wendling 34:48

9d ago34:48

34:48

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.…

1
How Education Breaks the Cycle of Incarceration? | Les Triché | RoxAnne Triché 42:14

11d ago42:14

42:14

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 opinio…

1
Why California Is Losing Hollywood Jobs | Brian Ralston 47:15

14d ago47:15

47:15

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 …

1
Why Are California Kids Struggling With Math? | Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh 40:25

17d ago40:25

40:25

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 opin…

1
One Musician Walks Away from Pop Fame to Follow a Different Calling | Melody Noel 27:25

18d ago27:25

27:25

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 s…

1
Tecumseh's Curse 52:26

18d ago52:26

52:26

We dig into the eerie presidential death cycle known as Tecumseh’s Curse or the Zero-Year Curse. Tracing the origins of the legend to Native American revenge, planetary alignment, and even Satan, we look at the facts and fantasies behind this pattern—and how it had a real-life impact on the presidency. Find out more at plodpod.com and send your loc…

1
How Joshua Tree Protection Law Is Impacting CA Cities | Curtis Yakimow | Madelaine LaVoie 33:38

21d ago33:38

33:38

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 b…

1
California DA Explains Why Shoplifting Is Going Down | Jeff Reisig 31:18

24d ago31:18

31:18

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 b…

1
Marine Veteran Turns Adversity Into Purpose | Kate Monroe 32:22

25d ago32:22

32:22

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 …

1
600,000 Residents Could Lose Water Under Potential Dam Removal in California | Chris Coulombe 33:34

28d ago33:34

33:34

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 l…

1
California Pays 85% More for Power. A New Storage Project Could Help | Mike Umbro 35:24

1M ago35:24

35:24

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 …

1
How One of LA’s Oldest Foundations Builds Trust in California Communities | Bill Ahmanson 42:13

1M ago42:13

42:13

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 neces…

1
Why Some Crimes in California Go Unprosecuted | Matthew Greco 35:52

1M ago35:52

35:52

A shift in California law is changing how courts handle criminal cases tied to behavioral conditions. Judges must now presume a connection between a diagnosis and the offense, narrowing their discretion to deny diversion. Deputy District Attorney Matt Greco discusses the impact on victims, public safety, and the courts—and a proposed bill that coul…

1
Femly - Arion Long 23:42

1M ago23:42

23:42

Arion Long is the CEO of Femly. She's a visionary who is revolutionizing the FemTech industry. As the Chief Estrogen Officer of Femly, Arion has transformed a subscription box service into an award-winning enterprise with patented technologies. She is the creator of the world's first touchless pad and tampon vending machine, a game-changing innovat…

1
Why Tiny Houses Are Gaining Ground in California | Max Gerbut 43:50

1M ago43:50

43:50

Building a home in California can take months—or even years—before anyone moves in. Max Gerbut, founder of Haus.me, believes that timeline is outdated. In this episode, he explains how his off-grid, factory-built homes are designed to be installed in under an hour, require no hookups, and meet code across jurisdictions—offering a new path forward f…

1
What’s Driving Ranch Closures in California | Andrew Giacomini 46:53

1M ago46:53

46:53

A behind-the-scenes agreement between federal officials, environmental groups, and The Nature Conservancy changed the course of ranching in Point Reyes. Now, many longtime families are leaving. West Marin attorney Andrew Giacomini joins us to explain how it unfolded, how it affected the public, and what’s at stake for agriculture, housing, and comm…

1
A Legacy of Choosing Service Over Politics in San Francisco City Hall | Tony Hall 48:42

1M ago48:42

48:42

Tony Hall spent decades working inside San Francisco’s government—across seven departments and three branches. In this conversation, he shares how civic culture once centered on service, and what happens when ambition, politics, and patronage take over. You’ll hear what kept him going, where he drew the line, and why some of the biggest changes sta…

1
Sarah Shelton Henry and the Scotchtown Basement 43:33

1M ago43:33

43:33

We dig into the truth and lore about the mysterious life and death of Sarah Shelton Henry, Patrick Henry’s wife—a woman who suffered from mental illness and was confined in the basement of their home in Beaverdam, Virginia. This local lore was suggested by our listener Klayr. An essential source in putting this episode together was the book "In Sic…

1
Policy Expert Shares the Data Behind California’s Real Problems | Steve Hilton 44:13

1M ago44:13

44:13

California has long been a symbol of possibility—but for many residents, that promise feels increasingly out of reach. Author and policy expert Steve Hilton joins us to examine the data and decisions behind the state’s growing dysfunction. We take a closer look at why California leads in innovation yet falls behind in affordability, housing, and pu…

1
How California’s Insurance Rules Backfiring on Homeowners | Stacy Korsgaden 40:25

1M ago40:25

40:25

If you’re a homeowner in California, you’ve probably noticed it’s getting harder—and more expensive—to keep your property insured. Even in low-risk areas, people are being dropped or pushed into the FAIR Plan, which was never meant to be a first option. In this episode, insurance expert Stacy Korsgaden who’s spent decades in the industry, walks us …

1
This California Landfill Fire Is Still Burning—and May Last for Decades | Pilar Schiavo 40:20

1M ago40:20

40:20

Read the story 👉 https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/a-smoldering-problem-deep-underground-at-chiquita-canyon-landfill-5759324?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ocyoutube An underground fire at a Los Angeles County landfill has been quietly burning since 2022, releasing toxic gases into nearby neighborhoods. Residents near the Chi…

1
This LA Doctor Uses Barbershops to Fight a Silent Epidemic | Dr. Bill Releford 45:32

2M ago45:32

45:32

Dr. Bill Releford has spent more than three decades working to prevent diabetic amputations—a complication that affects thousands across California and hits some communities harder than others. In this episode, he joins Siyamak Khorrami to explain how he brought health screenings into Black-owned barbershops, creating a model that helped save thous…

1
What Newsom’s Podcast Reveals About California Politics | John Phillips 44:31

2M ago44:31

44:31

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast is raising eyebrows—especially as the 2026 election looms. In this episode, KABC radio host John Phillips joins us to discuss what Newsom’s move might signal, how media dynamics are shifting in the state, and what it could mean for key voter groups, including Latino and Asian communities. We also dive into…

1
Mexico's Toxic Waters Impact California | Jim Desmond 30:27

2M ago30:27

30:27

Sewage from Tijuana has shut down one of San Diego’s most popular beaches for over 1,000 days. The contamination is now threatening Navy SEAL training areas, local businesses, and California’s coastal environment. But despite years of warnings, there’s still no long-term fix in sight. In this episode of California Insider, San Diego County Supervis…

1
California Losing 10% of Gas Production. What Are The Options Ahead | Skip York 40:44

2M ago40:44

40:44

California’s refinery network is shrinking. Phillips 66 is shutting down its LA refinery, and more closures may follow. But what happens when we lose domestic refining capacity with no clear plan to replace it? Skip York, Chief Energy Strategist at Turner Mason & Company and Nonresident Fellow for Energy and Global Oil at Rice University’s Baker In…

1
Unbusting the Cherry Tree Myth 1:02:27

2M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

We welcome James Bish and Dr. Richard Gardiner to talk about why they strongly believe the story of George Washington and his father’s cherry tree is not a myth—and that the real myth is that the story has been firmly debunked. James Bish is the author of I Can't Tell A Lie: Parson Weems and the Truth about George Washington's Cherry Tree, Prayer a…

1
Why California Schools Are Being Investigated and What's the Impact | Erin Friday 39:11

2M ago39:11

39:11

A new federal investigation is raising questions about a California law that limits when schools can notify parents about a child’s gender identity. Erin Friday, a Bay Area attorney and parent, joins California Insider to explain what AB 1955 means in practice, how it intersects with federal law, and why some school policies may be putting state fu…

1
A California Father in Office Fights to Protect Children From Online Dangers | Josh Lowenthal 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

California, long a hub for Big Tech, is now at the center of a growing push to protect kids online. In this episode, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal joins California Insider to explain why he's calling for stronger safeguards. Drawing on his background in tech and his role as a parent, he discusses how social media is changing childhood—and what role…

1
California’s Empty Buildings Could Be a Warning for the Rest of the Country | David Marino 43:29

2M ago43:29

43:29

California’s commercial real estate market is cracking—quietly but deeply. Office towers are half-empty, warehouses are overbuilt, and lab space demand has vanished. In this episode, real estate expert David Marino reveals what’s really happening behind the data and why California could be the signal for the rest of the country.…

1
Family Owned Business in San Francisco Are Struggling To Stay Open | Hrag Kalebjian 40:00

2M ago40:00

40:00

In San Francisco, small business owners are increasingly left to face crime on their own. Hrag Kalebjian runs Henry’s House of Coffee, a third-generation shop in the Sunset District. Despite filing a restraining order and calling police multiple times, he’s been left to deal with the thefts on his own. His experience isn’t unique. Many San Francisc…

1
California Farmer Finds a Smarter Way to Grow Rice | Christopher Lopes | Bruce Lopes 1:06:42

2M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Farming in California isn’t easy with rising costs, drought, and market pressures. But one farming family is rethinking rice farming with a centuries-old Japanese technique that uses ducks instead of chemicals. This approach cuts water use, improves soil health, and brings high-quality rice directly to schools and farmers' markets. In this episode,…

1
Los Angeles Spent Billions on Homelessness. Where Did It Go? | Paul Webster 39:43

2M ago39:43

39:43

Los Angeles has poured billions into homelessness programs, but a new audit reveals deep financial mismanagement and a lack of oversight. Are these funds truly reaching those in need, or is bureaucracy getting in the way? Paul Webster of the LA Alliance for Human Rights discusses what this report uncovers and what it means for the city’s response t…

1
Parson Weems & The Cherry Tree 49:13

2M ago49:13

49:13

In the first part of our deep dive into one of the greatest myths in American history, we explore Mason Locke Weems—the complex character behind the story of young George Washington taking a hatchet to his father's favorite cherry tree. Who was this book-peddling parson, and how did this story become so popular and so debunked? You'll definitely wa…

1
Los Angeles about to Lose a Large Number of Restaurants | GianCarlo Pagani | Roozbeh Farahanipour 30:50

2M ago30:50

30:50

Los Angeles restaurants were already facing rising costs and declining reservations—then the fires hit. Industry leaders say the impact feels like a second pandemic, with small businesses, event venues, and entire supply chains struggling to recover. Restaurateur Giancarlo Pagani, partner in Mother Wolf Group and Avila’s MXO, shares firsthand insig…

1
How Trump’s Air Quality Policies Will Impact California | Susan Shelley 41:45

2M ago41:45

41:45

California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has set the state’s emissions standards, often going beyond federal requirements. But with Trump back in office, could California lose its ability to set independent climate policies? Susan Shelley, member of the editorial board of the Southern California News Group, joins us to examine how a potential rollba…

1
Why Clearing Highway Encampments in California Takes So Long | Senator Catherine Blakespear 41:24

3M ago41:24

41:24

California’s homelessness crisis persists, with encampments growing and solutions slow to materialize. State Senator Catherine Blakespear explains why efforts haven’t curbed the problem, the challenges in funding and policy, and what needs to change to move people off the streets for good. Views expressed in this video are the opinions of the host …

1
Professor Reveals Why California’s Water Crisis Has No Easy Fix | Thomas Holyoke 32:41

3M ago32:41

32:41

Water storage in California is tangled in regulations. While the capacity exists, legal barriers prevent water from being available when it’s needed most. What’s stopping the state from securing its supply? We sit down with Thomas Holyoke, a political science professor, to explore the legal, political, and environmental obstacles standing in the wa…

1
Former Congresswoman Explains CCP’s Hidden Influence on California’s Infrastructure and Institutions | Michelle Steel 38:29

3M ago38:29

38:29

What if foreign powers had access to critical U.S. infrastructure? Former Congresswoman Michelle Steele reveals how China is quietly expanding its control over California’s ports, universities, and technology—raising major national security risks. From hidden chips in cranes to influence in academia, we uncover what’s really happening and why it ma…

1
Finding Fulfillment in Helping the Underserved | Katina Holliday 42:52

3M ago42:52

42:52

Los Angeles is spending billions on homelessness, yet the crisis keeps growing. Katina Holliday, a registered nurse, took matters into her own hands—housing over 500 homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals through her nonprofit, Holiday's Helping Hands. More than just providing shelter, she’s building community and restoring dignity for thos…

1
The Return of Billy Possum 30:53

3M ago30:53

30:53

20 years after William Howard Taft’s famous possum and taters feast inspired the failed Billy Possum toy, a real live Billy Possum wandered into the annals of presidential—and baseball—history. This is his story. Check out our Season 4 episode "The Rise and Fall of Billy Possum" and Howard’s just-published article in Smithsonian Magazine about Bill…

1
California Doctors and Patient Battle for Treatment Approvals | Hooman Melamed 47:45

3M ago47:45

47:45

Medical decisions should be made by doctors and patients, but increasingly, insurance approvals shape access to care. Spine surgeon Dr. Hooman Melamed shares his firsthand experience with the growing barriers to treatment, from delays in urgent procedures to financial pressures influencing medical choices. Why are some surgeries harder to approve? …

1
California’s Fire Crisis Exposes a Major Blind Spot | Shawn Sahbari 41:24

3M ago41:24

41:24

Siyamak sits down with Shawn Sahbari founder and CEO of Komodo Fire Systems, to examine why California’s wildfire response has not kept pace with growing risks. As wildfires intensify, concerns rise over toxic contamination in air, soil, and water. Sahbari discusses policy gaps, the limits of traditional firefighting methods, and how emerging fire …

1
How Rancho Palos Verdes Was Able to Stop Massive Landslide: Former Mayor Explains | John Cruikshank 45:21

3M ago45:21

45:21

A landslide in Rancho Palos Verdes was accelerating, moving up to 50 feet per year—far beyond its historical rate—tearing through homes and infrastructure. Former Mayor John Cruikshank explains how they managed to slow it down, the tough decisions involved, and what this means for California’s disaster response. Views expressed in this video are th…

1
What’s Happening on San Francisco Streets With Homelessness | Cedric Akbar 45:37

3M ago45:37

45:37

For years, San Francisco’s open-air drug markets have drawn people from across the country—some seeking help, others sinking deeper into despair. Recovery expert Cedric Akbar has lived it, fought to change it, and now watches the city struggle to turn the tide. With new leadership and growing public pressure, will these changes finally turn things …

1
Why California Withdrew Its Zero-Emission Trucking Mandate | Eric Sauer 43:05

3M ago43:05

43:05

California’s zero-emission truck mandate hit a major roadblock. High costs, infrastructure gaps, and legal challenges led the state to withdraw it. What does this mean for trucking, supply chains, and consumers? We sit down with Eric Sauer, CEO of the California Trucking Association, to examine the impact and what’s next. Views expressed in this vi…

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