Rephonic
Artwork for National Review's Radio Free California Podcast

National Review's Radio Free California Podcast

National Review
California
Gavin Newsom
Kamala Harris
Donald Trump
California Policy Center
California Wildfires
Education Policy
California Teachers Association
Title IX
Homelessness
Democratic Party
California Education System
Public Education
Los Angeles
Prop 50
California Coastal Commission
Anti-Semitism
Climate Change
California Legislative Bills
Charter Schools

A show about the perilous state of the Golden State—and what that means for you, wherever you live. California is the hothouse lab of the Left, the nation-state creating the statist policies, art, and lifestyles of the future – and generating the political dollars to make them a reality in a community near you. Hosts Will Swaim (California Policy Center) and David Bahnsen (The Bahnsen Group, Fox B... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes38Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsGovernmentNews

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Artwork for National Review's Radio Free California Podcast

Latest Episodes

In 1999, the last time California boosted the benefits it pays government employees – earlier retirements, richer retirements – financial disaster followed quickly. Now, state lawmakers want Newsom to try it again. We fact-check Newsom’s claims on ho... more

Since 1911, Californians have been allowed a direct role in legislation via the initiative and referendum process. This year’s November ballot features 14 measures, including the Billionaire Wealth Tax, two “affordability” programs that will make hou... more

Discussing this week’s news -- taxpayer-funded political campaigns, students learning about social justice from a rabid anti-Israel activist, DEI in college admissions, and Newsom’s enthusiasm for new automobile tire regulations -- David concludes wi... more

Los Angeles resident Kamala Harris visited New Orleans to celebrate the charter schools she condemns at home -- and to encourage schoolkids to fight Republicans. Gavin Newsom swerves out of his “moderate” lane and endorses Abdul El-Sayed in the Michi... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Andrew Walker
Christian theologian; public scholar at a Baptist seminary in Kentucky
Baptist seminary (Kentucky)
Episode: Episode 460: Kamala Is Stuck on Long Division
Andrew Davenport
Manager of strategic initiatives, California Policy Center
California Policy Center
Episode: Episode 456: Ro’d to Nowhere
Sheridan Karras
Director of Research, California Policy Center
California Policy Center
Episode: Episode 456: Ro’d to Nowhere
Jeffrey Schwab
Lead attorney, Liberty Justice Center
Liberty Justice Center
Episode: 455: Rozo the Clown
Jackson Reese
Colleague at CPC, President of California Policy Center
California Policy Center
Episode: Episode 452: Trump Makes Newsom Great Again
Vince Fong
Representative from Bakersfield, California
U.S. House of Representatives
Episode: Episode 451: Fight On!
Jon Fleischman
Longtime political consultant, author of So Does It Matter?
California Post, Substack So Does It Matter
Episode: Episode 448: Spencer Pratt is All That
Jeff Ferry
Chief Economist Emeritus at the Coalition for a Prosperous America
Coalition for a Prosperous America
Episode: Episode 446: Life Is Like a Box of Diapers
Sheila Bowen
Central Valley rancher featured in Remnants documentary
Bowen family/ranch
Episode: Episode 445: Heroes and Neros

Hosts

Will Swaim
Host of the show; CEO of the California Policy Center; long-running commentator on California politics and policy.
David Bahnsen
Co-host; economist; author and commentator; regularly introduces segments and provides policy critique.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 835 ratings
  • A Voice of Reason

    I am always impressed with the reasoned and balanced, and principled perspectives on the insanity that goes on in California!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JuicySlicer
    United States2 months ago
  • Self discipline

    Please practice some self correction when discussing K-12 education. Both of you consistently and falsely accuse our teachers of pushing children to question their gender identity.

    This is a right wing political agenda which is not supported by any evidence or statistics. I enjoy the show and a fresh perspective on my home state. And I will continue listening. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Bigbrewer
    United States5 months ago
  • Simply superb

    Will and David consistently serve up a sumptuous feast of Golden State absurdity. They shed light on the ongoing disaster of one-party government. How much ruin is there in a state? CA is so blessed with resources we may never find out, but at least these guys will keep us informed and entertained till the end.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Red Hoover
    United States6 months ago
  • 🤌🏼

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Whitaker
    6 months ago
  • CA’s must-have podcast

    Will Swaim and David Bahnsen tell us what's really going on in California. Subscribe to hear accurate and in-depth stories no other sources provide. They give credit when credit is due, and they hit hard when nonsense flows out of state and local governments. Radio Fee California is a must-have podcast for all Californians.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Multipartist
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A few criticize perceived Trump-focused or partisan tones in some episodes.
Many describe the show as informative, entertaining, and essential for understanding California politics.
Listeners praise reasoned, balanced perspectives and principled commentary on state politics.
Some feedback calls for more careful discussion on education topics.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 460: Kamala Is Stuck on Long Division
Q: What is the common good, and how should it guide public policy?
The guest explains the common good as a nuanced concept requiring prudence and moderation, with attention to limits and messy real-world applications, rather than a blunt justification for expansive state power.
Episode 456: Ro’d to Nowhere
Q: Why did the parent trigger law matter in the charter school fight?
It gave a majority of parents the power to petition for a charter conversion, triggering battles with districts and unions and highlighting community involvement in school reform.
Episode 456: Ro’d to Nowhere
Q: What is the core function of charter schools in California according to Andrew Davenport?
Charter schools provide publicly funded, relatively autonomous schools that foster innovation and competition, improving responsiveness to parent and student needs through market-like dynamics, while unions attempt to regulate or restrict them.
Episode 451: Fight On!
Q: What would you say to Californians about the unemployment insurance debt and the proposed federal legislation?
Vince Fong explains the CAL Repayment Act aims to accelerate repayment of federal loans and require flexible federal dollars to be used for that purpose, while introducing safeguards to reduce fraud and ensure that states don't burden businesses with the costs of mismanagement.
Episode 451: Fight On!
Q: What is the status of Prop 50 and its impact on the Republican chances in California?
The hosts discuss Prop 50 as a political maneuver by Gavin Newsom's administration to influence districting and political power, expressing concern that it tilts the playing field against rural and conservative communities while acknowledging California's unique redistricting process.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two libertarian-leaning political commentators dissect California politics with a sharp, skeptical eye on state policy, budgets, and governance, often weaving in history, culture, and pop-culture detours. Regular guests from policy centers and advocacy groups provide expert takes on education, fiscal policy, and regulatory issues, while debates remain grounded in free-market principles and a wary view of big-government initiatives. Noteworthy are candid interviews, provocative takes, and a steady rhythm of humor that makes dense policy topics accessible for engaged listeners and decision-makers evaluating California's policy landscape. The show frequently surfaces practical policy cautions, emphasizing accountability, budget discipline, and... more

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1. Capital Record
2. The Editors
3. 3 Martini Lunch – Political Humor & Commentary
4. The Ricochet Podcast
5. The Dividend Cafe

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this podcast launched 9 years ago and published 38 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Andrew Walker
2. Andrew Davenport
3. Sheridan Karras
4. Jeffrey Schwab
5. Jackson Reese
6. Vince Fong
7. Jon Fleischman
8. Jeff Ferry

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