May 19, 2022
12. What you didn't learn about politics in high school civics with guest Jovan Agee
You won’t understand politics until you understand power. How it works. Who has it and who doesn’t. And most important of all, how you grow and use it to get what you want. You know there is inequality and injustice and you w...
April 15, 2022
11. Everything you always wanted to know about California budget advocacy* (*but were afraid to ask) with Senator Sydney Kamlager
Lobbying is not “one size fits all”. As any savvy lobbyist will tell you, securing funding in the California budget is very different from working to get a policy bill signed. You must follow timelines and committees that are...
March 23, 2022
10. What advocates should know about running for the California Legislature with guest Kipp Mueller
In 2019, Kipp Mueller, a workers' and civil rights attorney, entered the race for California State Senate District 21, challenging incumbent and then Republican Senate Minority Leader Scott Wilk. Encompassing northern Los Ang...
March 2, 2022
9. Why advocates need to know about the Gann limit with guest Scott Graves
The Gann limit hovers over the California capitol like an ominous cloud on an otherwise sunny day. Despite massive tax revenues and a projected discretionary budget surplus of $20.6 billion ( with a strong potential to exceed...
Feb. 11, 2022
8. How to build political power from the ground up with guest Aquilina Soriano Versoza
Before you can build political power you need a base. And Aquilina Soriano Versoza knows exactly how to get it done. Aquilina is co-founder and Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center based in Southern California. S...
Jan. 24, 2022
7. How we broaden the movement for workers' rights with guest Victor Narro
Is your legislation on the infamous Chamber of Commerce "job killer" list? Is your campaign facing stiff opposition from corporate America with its infinite resources? In a battle of David and Goliath, how can marginalized co...
Jan. 6, 2022
6. How to break through the noise to make the greatest impact with guest Eduardo Martinez
Trying to break through the noise at the California Capitol to get your issue front and center? You're hustling. But why is your message is not resonating? Today I talk with Eduardo Martinez, Legislative Director for the Cali...
Dec. 17, 2021
5. Beyond the Capitol: How to influence regulation with guest Jaime Schrabeck
Advocacy is not just about lobbying the Legislature or Governor's Office. Advocates should pay attention to the less known but highly impactful "rulemaking process". California agencies adopt, amend, and repeal regulations in...
Nov. 29, 2021
4. How advocacy organizations can build their capacity to win with guest Ludovic Blain
There is so much knowledge in my interview with Ludovic Blain I don't know where to start! Mr. Blain is the Executive Director of California Donor Table , a statewide community of donors who pool their funds to make investmen...
Nov. 15, 2021
3. Raising your community's voice in Sacramento with Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes
There are few lawmakers I admire more than California Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-47). The first Latina to hold this leadership position, Leader Reyes is an unequivocal champion for working families in her ...
Nov. 8, 2021
2. How to build bipartisan support with Assemblymember Chad Mayes
As any good lobbyist in Sacramento will tell you, at the end the day what matters is getting the 21/41 votes you need to move your bill. This has always been a significant challenge; in our era of toxic political polarization...
Oct. 28, 2021
1. How to become a more effective advocate with guest Amy Everitt
Today, I talk with Amy Everitt, President of Golden State Opportunity, a nonprofit that strives to end poverty and improve the lives of low-income workers in California. Ms. Everitt shares with me the top 4 lessons she's lear...