Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of his new podcast this week, a move he claims will reshape public discourse. The yet-to-be-named show promises to feature Newsom engaging with a variety of guests, from ideological opponents to personal heroes, alongside fielding questions from everyday listeners.
The announcement, made on X, highlighted topics like egg prices, tariffs, and DOGE.
"I'm launching a NEW PODCAST," Newsom declared in his post. "We need to change the conversation." The governor’s team has yet to release a premiere date or a full guest list, but the buzz — or lack thereof — has already begun to ripple through California.
Across the state, residents grapple with the aftermath of wildfires that have torched homes, displaced families, and left entire communities sifting through ash. The Washington Wick hit the streets to gauge public reaction to Newsom’s latest venture, only to find that most Californians are less than enthused.
Between scrambling for emergency aid and rebuilding their lives, the podcast barely registers as a blip on their radar.
"My house burned down last month, and I’m still waiting on state relief that never seems to come," said Sacramento resident Linda Hayes, 53, as she sorted through charred debris. "So no, I don’t really care about Gavin’s little audio diary."
Hayes isn’t alone — interviews up and down the state revealed a populace more focused on survival than streaming.
Meanwhile, not everyone shares the indifference. Bay Area barista and self-described podcast aficionado Tyler Nguyen, 27, expressed genuine excitement for the governor’s new project.
"There just aren’t enough LGBTQ+ friendly podcasts out there," Nguyen said. "I bet this one’s going to be super gay, and I’m here for it."
Newsom’s podcast marks his latest attempt to connect with the public, following a tenure marked by corruption and a radical policy agenda. Critics point out that California’s wildfire management remains a sore spot, with 2024’s blazes ranking among the worst in state history — facts conveniently absent from the governor’s promotional spiel.
"I’m talking directly with people I disagree with, people I look up to, and you — the listeners," Newsom added in his announcement. "Egg prices? Tariffs? DOGE? We’re tackling all your big questions."
Whether those questions align with the concerns of a state picking up the pieces remains to be seen.
As California smolders, the governor’s pivot to podcasting has left many state residents confused. For a "leader" whose approval ratings have dipped amid ongoing crises, the move feels less like a bold reinvention and more like a tone-deaf side hustle.
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