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

314: Gavin Newsom on GOP Debate 30.09.2023

California Governor Gavin Newsom reacts to the second GOP Presidential debate, which took place in Simi Valley.

313: Dan Schnur, Lynn Vavreck 23.09.2023

This week, Dan Schnur and Lynn Vavreck look ahead to 2024.

312: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 16.09.2023

Elex goes one-on-one with Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The environmental lawyer discusses his primary challenge to President Joe Biden, his thoughts on COVID, the growing immigration crisis at the U.S. Southern Border, family, misconceptions about him, and much more.  

312: Doug Burgum 16.09.2023

Elex is joined in studio by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Burgum, a Republican, talks energy and China policies, basketball, as well as how he plans to break-through in a primary field dominated by Former President Trump, currently leading the GOP race by a margin of more than 40 points.

311: Ro Khanna, Chris Matthews 09.09.2023

Rep. Ro Khanna responds to concerns about President Biden's age. Political commentator Chris Matthews weighs in on Trump's dominance in the GOP Primary.

310: Bob Shrum, Melanie Mason, Toni Atkins 02.09.2023

This week on "The Issue Is," Elex Michelson is joined by the all-start political panel of legendary Democratic strategist Bob Shrum and Politico writer Melanie Mason. Next, Michaelson is joined by California Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins.

309: Karen Bass, Steve Hilton 26.08.2023

This week, Elex sits down with Mayor Karen Bass to discuss LA homeless crisis. Then, he is joined by Fox News Contributor Steve Hilton to discuss his efforts to save California.

308: Vivek Ramaswamy, Bret Baier 19.08.2023

 This week on "The Issue Is," Elex Michaelson looks ahead to the 2024 Presidential election. 

307: Tony Thurmond, Katie Couric 12.08.2023

This week on "The Issue Is," Elex Michaelson sits down with California's Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to discuss education controversies across the state. Then, Michaelson is joined by legendary journalist Katie Couric to discuss the latest "Stand Up To Cancer" telecast, and the incredible advancements made in the fight against cancer.

306: Juju Smith-Schuster, Anthony Munoz, Marquise Lee 05.08.2023
305: Clayton and Ellen Kershaw, Juju Smith-Schuster 05.08.2023

This week, Elex is joined by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw and Juju Smith-Schuster.

304: Jen Siebel Newsom, Alex Padilla, David Ambroz 29.07.2023

This week on "The Issue Is," Elex Michaelson sits down with California's first partner Jen Siebel Newsom to discuss California's efforts to address childhood mental health, California Senator Alex Padilla on his legislation to help workers from heat-related injuries, and author David Ambroz on his inspiring story of overcoming homelessness and foster care. 

303: James Gallagher 22.07.2023

 Elex Michaelson is joined by State Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher.

302: Marianne Williamson 22.07.2023

Democratic Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson joins Elex in The Issue Is.

301: Brian Goldsmith, Dan Schnur, Elizabeth Wagmeister 15.07.2023

This week, Elex is joined by political analysts Brian Goldsmith and Dan Schnur to discuss the politics of crime in California. Variety's Elizabeth Wagmeister reacts to the SAG-AFTRA strike and the Hollywood shutdown.

300: Isaac Bryan, Jessica Naziri, Katie Roof 08.07.2023

This week on “The Issue Is,” the newest power players in the worlds of social media and California politics.

299: Rick Caruso, Peter Hamby, Mike Murphy 01.07.2023

Peter Hamby is the co-founder of Puck News. Mike Murphy is a longtime Republican strategist who has advised the likes of John McCain, Jeb Bush, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Former LA Mayoral candidate Rick Caruso also joins the show.

298: Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Matt Friend 24.06.2023

This week on “The Issue Is,” Elex Michaelson sits down with outgoing California Assemblyman Anthony Rendon to discuss his tenure as Speaker, his relationship with his successor, education funding, homelessness, and his future. Then, comedian Matthew Friend and his repertoire of spot-on impressions makes their big return.

297: Exclusive interview with Gov. Gavin Newsom 17.06.2023

This week, an exclusive sit-down with California Governor Gavin Newsom. This, as Newsom to Southern California for a pair of events related to Pride month.

296: Rep. Barbara Lee; Tomi Lahren vs. Ethan Bearman debate 03.06.2023

This week, Elex is joined by Rep. Barbara Lee as she discusses voting against the proposed debt ceiling deal. Also this week, a debate between Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren and Progressive attorney Ethan Bearman.

295: Larry Elder, Brian Tyler Cohen 27.05.2023

This week, Elex catches up with Larry Elder and Brian Tyler Cohen as they both look ahead to the 2024 Presidential Election.

294: Chasten Buttigieg, Bill Melugin, Rep. Adam Schiff 20.05.2023

Chasten Buttigieg talks about his latest book, coming out, the fight over trans rights and more. Bill Melugin of FOX News talks about his time at the U.S.-Mexico border and the end of Title 42, and Rep. Adam Schiff discusses the ongoing writers strike. ————— The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show. For showtimes and more information, go to TheIssueIsShow.co...

293: Sammy Hagar 13.05.2023

This week on “The Issue Is,” an exclusive sitdown with The Red Rocker himself, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and former Van Halen frontman, Sammy Hagar.

292: The Issue Is: Gavin Newsom on show's 5th anniversary 06.05.2023

This week, “The Issue Is” celebrates our fifth anniversary. To mark the occasion, FOX 11’s Elex Michaelson is joined, once again, by the show’s very first guest: California Governor Gavin Newsom.

291: Arnold Schwarzenegger, April 28 29.04.2023

This week on “The Issue Is,” an extensive interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger. California’s former Governor sat down with FOX 11’s Elex Michaelson at two recent events.

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