The John Phillips Show

Latest Episodes:

CPK Founder: "I'd Never Open in California Today" Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

The California Dream is Fading Fast

This week on the John Phillips Show, we're talking about the state of California's business-friendly environment, or lack thereof. The speaker is joined by Rick Rosenfield, co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen and a former federal prosecutor, who shares his insights on why he thinks California is no longer the ideal place to start a business. From the impact of the billionaire wealth confiscation tax to the rise of retail theft and the challenges of doing business in the state, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of California's economy.

Rick Rosenfield's comments have sparked a heated debate about the state's business climate, with many entrepreneurs and business owners sharing their own stories of struggles and frustrations. The conversation also touches on the importance of preserving California's unique character and history, including its iconic restaurants and landmarks. As the state continues to grapple with issues like homelessness and crime, it's clear that something needs to change.

The John Phillips Show is a weekly podcast that tackles the tough topics and brings you the stories that need to be told. This week's episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in California's business community and the future of the state's economy. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities facing California's entrepreneurs and business owners.

Tune in to this week's episode to hear the full conversation with Rick Rosenfield and learn more about the state of California's business-friendly environment. Don't miss it!

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The Hidden Tax Loophole Prop 43 Will Finally Close Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

This episode of the podcast is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the state of California. The speaker and their guest, Susan Shelley, dive into the complexities of Proposition 43, a ballot initiative aimed at restoring the two-thirds vote requirement for local special taxes. But it's not just about taxes - the conversation touches on the broader issues of corruption, cronyism, and the lack of accountability in California's government.

The discussion is a wake-up call for anyone who's been following the news but hasn't felt like anything is being done to address the state's problems. The speaker and Susan Shelley discuss the recent scandals involving Gavin Newsom's administration, the homeless services industry, and the push to get people to vote early, which some are seeing as suspicious. They also talk about the upcoming governor's race and the lack of transparency in the Attorney General's office.

One of the most striking aspects of this episode is the way the speaker and Susan Shelley connect the dots between seemingly unrelated issues. They show how the state's problems are all linked, from the high taxes to the corruption and cronyism. It's a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand what's really going on in California.

If you're concerned about the state of California and want to stay informed, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker and Susan Shelley's insightful discussion. They'll be talking about the issues that matter most to Californians, and offering a fresh perspective on the state's problems.

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"We Are Fed Up": SF Mayor Threatens to Pull Funding from Homeless Nonprofits Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

The city of Oakland is facing a crisis, and it's not just about the recent violent crime sprees. The streets are littered with trash, and the city's iconic restaurants are shutting down. This episode of the John Phillips Show delves into the issues plaguing Oakland, from the homeless industrial complex to the city's handling of crime and community concerns.

The speaker discusses the recent sale of the Los Angeles Angels to Stan Kroenke, a billionaire with a history of lavish spending. But will this new ownership bring a winning team to Anaheim, or will the city be left with a relocated team and a hefty price tag? The conversation also touches on the city of San Francisco's efforts to tackle homelessness, with Mayor Daniel Lurie announcing a plan to overhaul the city's homeless services and hold the homeless industrial complex accountable.

The episode also explores the city of Oakland's struggles with crime and community concerns, including a recent town hall meeting that seemed to downplay the city's violent crime problem. The speaker questions the city's priorities and the effectiveness of their solutions, from shaming people on social media to installing cameras to catch illegal dumpers. Meanwhile, a beloved Oakland restaurant, Home of Chicken and Waffles, is closing its doors after 23 years, leaving behind a legacy of community and a void in the city's culinary scene.

Tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's take on the issues facing Oakland and the city's efforts to address them. Will the city's leaders be able to make a real difference, or will the problems persist? Listen to find out.

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Inside the Aggressive Mall Scam They Don't Want You to Know About Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

This episode of the John Phillips Show is a must-listen for anyone who's ever been approached by a high-pressure salesperson at the mall. A consumer investigative reporter shares a shocking story about a company that's been scamming seniors out of thousands of dollars with its coercive sales tactics.

The company, B & Co., has been operating under various names at malls across the country, including the Topanga Mall in Los Angeles. A developmentally disabled man, Victor Chisholm, was lured into spending tens of thousands of dollars on skincare products, leaving him with almost nothing. The reporter, Christine Lazar, went undercover to the store and experienced the same high-pressure sales pitch firsthand, paying $1,200 for a serum that promised to make her look decades younger.

The conversation also touches on the responsibility of malls and corporations that rent space to these types of companies. The reporter believes that Westfield, the mall that hosts the B & Co. store, should be held accountable for allowing this predatory behavior to continue. The episode also explores the importance of consumer protection and the need for accountability in business practices.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of this type of scam, the reporter wants to hear from you. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the story and the efforts to hold B & Co. accountable.

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Tony Hall Reveals the REAL Gavin Newsom & Nancy Pelosi Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

This week on the show, we're tackling some of California's most pressing issues, from the rise of the DSA in San Francisco to the state's ongoing crime wave. Our guest, a former San Francisco Supervisor, shares his insights on why the city's politics are shifting, and what it means for the future of the state. We also dive into the world of Pokémon, where card shops are becoming increasingly popular – and increasingly targeted by thieves.

California's politics are in flux, and our guest has a unique perspective on the city's inner workings. He explains how the DSA's influence is waning, and why the city's establishment is pushing back. We also discuss the implications of this shift for the state's future. Meanwhile, in the world of Pokémon, card shops are becoming hotspots for thieves, with owners struggling to keep up with the demand for these valuable collectibles.

From the streets of Los Angeles to the halls of power in Sacramento, California's problems are piling up. Our guest offers a candid look at the state's challenges, from the rise of the DSA to the ongoing crime wave. We also explore the fascinating world of Pokémon, where card shops are becoming increasingly popular – and increasingly targeted by thieves.

If you're interested in staying up-to-date on California's latest news and trends, tune in to this episode to hear our guest's insights on the state's politics and the world of Pokémon. Join us as we explore the complexities of California's crime wave, the rise of the DSA, and the surprising world of Pokémon card collecting.

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Why Gavin Newsom HATES California’s New Wildfire Bill Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

This episode is a must-listen for anyone following California politics. The speaker takes aim at Governor Gavin Newsom's latest move to help utility companies, specifically PG&E and SoCal Edison, avoid accountability for their role in starting devastating wildfires. The governor's plan would have limited the amount utility companies have to pay out to fire victims, but the California legislature stood firm and rejected it.

The episode delves into the details of the proposed legislation and how it would have benefited the utility companies at the expense of fire survivors. The speaker also touches on the governor's motivations, suggesting that his focus on this issue may be tied to his presidential ambitions and the influence of big corporations in his campaign. The conversation also explores the broader implications of the governor's actions and the state's handling of the housing crisis.

One of the most striking aspects of this episode is the speaker's critique of the governor's approach to the utility companies. The speaker argues that the governor's plan would have only served to further enable the companies' reckless behavior and put more people at risk. The conversation also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the state's handling of the housing crisis.

If you're interested in staying informed about the latest developments in California politics and the impact of the governor's decisions on everyday Californians, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's take on the situation.

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Heather Mac Donald And Richie Greenberg Aug 29, 2026

Show notes

This week's episode of the podcast is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the state of our cities and the policies that are driving them off a cliff. The conversation is a sobering look at the reality of homelessness in Los Angeles and the misguided solutions that are only making things worse.

The speaker is joined by Heather MacDonald, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of the book "When Race Trumps Merit." They discuss the recent surge in homelessness in Los Angeles and the city's failure to address the issue. The conversation touches on the role of government policies, the impact of the "harm reduction" approach, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the root causes of homelessness.

The discussion also delves into the world of California politics, where the speaker and Heather explore the state's latest attempt to limit the number of tires that can be purchased in the state. This policy, championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is seen as a step too far by many, and the speaker argues that it's just the latest example of the state's overreach.

If you're concerned about the direction of our cities and the policies that are driving them off a cliff, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation and hear the speaker and Heather discuss the issues that matter most to you.

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Insurance Crisis ALERT: Newsom Just Sold Out California Homeowners Aug 29, 2026

Show notes

This episode of the podcast is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the state of California and the direction of its politics. The conversation is a thought-provoking discussion between the host and a guest, John Fleischman, publisher of SoDoesItMatter.com, about the current state of California and the candidates vying for the position of mayor of Los Angeles.

The episode delves into the problems plaguing California, including the rising cost of living, the homelessness crisis, and the state's struggling economy. The conversation also touches on the upcoming mayoral election in Los Angeles, where two candidates, Karen Bass and Nithya Raman, are vying for the position. The host and guest discuss the challenges facing the city, including the recent fire that destroyed a home in Studio City, and the lack of action taken by the current city officials.

The discussion highlights the need for accountability and transparency in government, particularly in the face of catastrophic events like the Studio City fire. The host and guest also discuss the role of special interest groups, such as the DSA, and their influence on the city's politics. The conversation is a wake-up call for listeners to pay attention to the issues affecting their community and to demand more from their elected officials.

If you're concerned about the future of California and the direction of its politics, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear the host and guest discuss the challenges facing the state and the city, and to learn more about the candidates vying for the position of mayor of Los Angeles.

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She Blamed Her Rival. It Backfired IMMEDIATELY Aug 29, 2026

Show notes

This week's episode of the podcast is a scathing critique of the state of California's government, particularly the city of Los Angeles. The speaker takes aim at the current state of affairs, highlighting the incompetence and corruption that seems to plague the city's politicians. From the recent squatter fire in Studio City to the proposed bailout of PG&E and SoCal Edison, the conversation covers some of the most pressing issues facing California.

The episode delves into the controversy surrounding the city council members, Nithya Raman and Karen Bass, and their handling of the squatter fire. The speaker questions their lack of action and accountability, pointing out that it took a fire to bring attention to the issue. The conversation also touches on the proposed bailout of PG&E and SoCal Edison, which would limit the insurance companies' ability to sue the utilities for damages. The speaker argues that this would shift the liability from the utilities to the insurance companies and ultimately lead to higher insurance rates for Californians.

The speaker is not afraid to call out the politicians and their actions, or lack thereof. They point out the hypocrisy and corruption that seems to be rampant in the city's government. The conversation is lively and engaging, with the speaker's signature wit and sarcasm on full display.

If you're tired of the same old politics as usual and want to hear a fresh perspective on the issues facing California, tune in to this episode. The speaker's unique blend of humor and insight makes for a compelling listen. Don't miss this episode and join the conversation.

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Local News Shames LA City Hall So Bad, Mayor Bass Calls In LIVE Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

Imagine a neighborhood in one of the most expensive areas of Los Angeles, where abandoned properties are taken over by squatters, and the city does nothing about it. This is the reality for residents in Studio City, where a recent fire broke out at an abandoned property, highlighting the city's failure to address the issue. In this episode, the speaker discusses the city's response to the problem, or lack thereof, and the consequences for residents who are left to deal with the aftermath.

The city's inaction is a symptom of a larger problem, one that affects not just this neighborhood but the entire city. The speaker delves into the complexities of the issue, including the city's reluctance to take action due to the potential for lawsuits and the city's own policies that make it difficult to address the problem. The conversation also touches on the role of city council members and the mayor in addressing the issue.

The speaker is joined by a guest who shares their personal experience living in the neighborhood and the frustration they feel when trying to get the city to take action. The conversation is a candid look at the city's response to the problem and the impact it has on residents.

If you're interested in learning more about the city's response to abandoned properties and homelessness, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's take on the issue and the consequences for residents who are left to deal with the aftermath.

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