The Issue Is

The Issue Is

News EN ↓ 422 episodes

Discussions and debates with top newsmakers about the most controversial and interesting issues impacting California, hosted by FOX 11’s Elex Michaelson and airing on several TV stations across the state.

Author

The Issue Is

Category

News

Podcast website

audioboom.com

Latest episode

Aug 16, 2025

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Episodes

382: Charlie Kirk, Scott Turner 08.03.2025

This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his first podcast in the "This is Gavin Newsom" series. It features an interview with Charlie Kirk. In it, the Governor agrees with Kirk that it is unfair for those born male to compete in female sports. Then, we travel to South Los Angeles to sit down with President Trump's new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Scott Turner.

381: Harvey Levin, Chad Bianco, Robert Garcia 01.03.2025

This week, Elex is joined by Riverside County Sheriff and gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco, Congressman Robert Garcia and TMZ's Harvey Levin.

380: Karen Bass, Jon Regardie, Sean Duffy 22.02.2025

This week, Elex speaks one-on-one with LA Mayor Karen Bass. Following the exclusive interview with the LA Mayor, Elex is also joined by political journalist Jon Regardie and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

379: Rob Bonta 15.02.2025

On this episode of 'The Issue Is', California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, addresses Trump's immigration crackdown and discusses the joint effort by all Democratic Attorneys General in the country to push back on the administration. 

378: Kamala Harris, Rick Caruso, Billy Bush 08.02.2025

We join former Vice President Kamala Harris on her first trip to the Pacific Palisades since the Palisades Fire, as speculation intensifies whether she'll run for California Governor. Businessman Rick Caruso is also considering a run for Governor. And "Extra" host Billy Bush joins us to talk about his new show "Hot Mics with Billy Bush."

377: The Issue Is: James Carville, Joel Pollak, Peter Hamby 01.02.2025

As President Trump expands presidential power at an extraordinary pace, we discuss how he pulled that off, where Democrats go from here, and how it all impacts California's wildfire recovery.

376: Adam Schiff, Alex Padilla, Dave Rubin, Bret Baier 25.01.2025

On the first week of Donald Trump's second presidency, we report from Washington D.C. and the frontlines of fire damage in California. 

375: 2024: An unforgettable political year 28.12.2024

This week, we look back on an unprecedented and unforgettable political year: 2024. From a presidential nominee being shot, to another dropping out of the race and all the twists and turns in between.

374: Matt Mahan, Michael Knowles, LA Rams 07.12.2024

This week, Elex is joined by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who shares his frustration with California's Democratic leadership. Michael Knowles of The Daily Wire talks about how Trump won.

373: Athletes who serve their communities 30.11.2024

How the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers and Rams use their platforms to lift up others. Plus, one-on-one with Arnold Schwarzenegger to dive deep on his nearly seven decades of giving back. ————— The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show. For showtimes and more information, go to TheIssueIsShow.com .

372: Jerry Brown, Drew Pinsky 23.11.2024

This week, former California Governor Jerry Brown joins The Issue Is to discuss Donald Trump's election win and how Democrats may be to blame. Dr. Drew Pinsky weighs in on Trump's push to "Make America Healthy Again" and Dr. Oz being appointed a member of the cabinet.

371: Adam Schiff, Antonio Villaraigosa, Harvey Levin 16.11.2024

How did Donald Trump win the presidency? What happened to Latino voters? Where do Democrats go from here?

370: Katie Porter, Peter Hamby, John Kobylt 09.11.2024

This week, Donald Trump won every swing state and is on track to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Joining us to discuss is Rep. Katie Porter, Peter Hamby of PUCK News, and KFI AM 640's John Kobylt. 

369: Peter Hamby, Melanie Mason 02.11.2024

Next on "The Issue Is," the final episode before Election Day with Puck News' Peter Hamby and Politico's Melanie Mason.

368: Jon Favreau 26.10.2024

This week, we revisit our interview from June with "Pod Save America" co-host & former Obama chief speechwriter Jon Favreau.  

367: Nathan Hochman, Adam Schiff, Hakeem Jeffries 19.10.2024

This week, "The Issue Is" talks to leading candidates in the final days of the 2024 race. 

366: Ken Calvert, Will Rollins, Areva Martin, Joel Pollak, Torry Holt 12.10.2024

This week's "The Issue Is:" covers the tied 41st congressional race between Rep. Ken Calvert and Democrat Will Rollins, includes a panel discussion on key political topics, and reports on the L.A. Rams' cancer awareness event at SoFi Stadium.

365: Tomi Lahren, Ethan Bearman, Sheryl Sandberg, Laphonza Butler 05.10.2024

This week, Elex hosts a debate on Trump vs. Harris, an exclusive interview with Sheryl Sandberg on a documentary about Hamas' sexual violence, and a meeting with Sen. Laphonza Butler to discuss volunteerism while preparing meals for those in need.

364: Dave Min, Scott Baugh, PPIC political panel 28.09.2024

This week, we are joined by Orange County Congressional candidates Dave Min (D) and Scott Baugh (R). Then we go to Sacrament to participate in a special political panel for the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).

363: George Gascón, Doug Emhoff, Quentin Lake 21.09.2024

LA County GA George Gascón talks about his efforts to reform the criminal justice system. Doug Emhoff discusses his support for women in sports and Rams' Quentin Lake speaks with Elex between working out with the kids.

362: Donald Trump, Darrell Steinberg, Brian Goldsmith 14.09.2024

This week, Donald Trump visits California and slams the state's leadership. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg makes a case against Prop. 36.

361: Mike Whatley, Matt Mahan 07.09.2024

This week, Elex is joined by RNC Chairman Mike Whatley and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

360: Father Greg Boyle: Full interview 31.08.2024

This week, we travel to Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles for a special documentary focused on Father Greg Boyle.

359: Father Greg Boyle 31.08.2024

This week, we travel to Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles for a special documentary focused on Father Greg Boyle.

358: Democratic National Convention 2024 24.08.2024

An historic week in American politics, as Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for President. "The Issue Is" was in Chicago for it all.

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