122: NBA legend Tracy Murray reflects on the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant
Tracy Murray was one of Kobe Bryant’s teammates on the Lakers in the 2002 season and was an assistant coach on the Lakers in 2015 when Kobe was still playing. He currently works as an analyst with the UCLA Sports Network.  Murray sat with our Elex Michaelson to discuss Kobe’s legacy on the basketball court as well as in the community of Los Angeles. During this podcast he also tells us how he l...
29m Jan 31, 2020
29m
121: Hasan Piker v John Kobylt
Hasan Piker is a millennial progressive, a former member of The Young Turks who now streams his political commentary to his followers via Twitch. John Kobylt is a conservative broadcasting icon, whose John and Ken radio show has been #1 in Los Angeles for a quarter-century.   The two men couldn't be more different, but when they sit down to debate on this week's episode of The Issue Is, the amo...
37m Jan 25, 2020
37m
120: Kevin McCarthy, Michael Bloomberg and California Strong
It’s been another busy week in Washington DC. Here to break it down is House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). While Bloomberg spends millions, California Strong has raised millions to combat disasters across California. This week, California Strong held their second annual Celebrity Softball Game at Pepperdine University. Big name players that took to the field included Mira Sorvino, Patr...
15m Jan 18, 2020
15m
119: Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg
This week, The Issue Is...Pete Buttigieg At the start of 2019, Pete Buttigieg was the little-known mayor of South Bend, an Indiana town whose population totals just over 100,000. Today, “Mayor Pete" is a top-tier Presidential candidate, who, if elected, would become the first Mayor, the first Afghanistan vet, the first openly gay man, and the youngest person elected President in U.S. history. O...
27m Jan 11, 2020
27m
118: Tomi Lahren vs Gloria Allred
For the first time ever, progressive attorney Gloria Allred & conservative commentator Tomi Lahren debate each other.    First, we interview each one on one.    Gloria tells us about representing Harvey Weinstein's accusers in the upcoming criminal trial & what to expect.    Tomi discusses California's homelessness crisis and how her recent tweet sparked a Twitter feud between President Trump a...
30m Jan 04, 2020
30m
117: Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck
This podcast has nothing to do with politics. It's just a fascinating interview.    Elex Michaelson recently sat down with Wolfgang Puck inside his Hotel Bel Air restaurant.    Wolfgang redefined the way we eat, what we eat, and how we learn about food.    He invented the "open kitchen concept," became the first restaurant chef to appear regularly on TV, and then became a world-class entreprene...
31m Dec 31, 2019
31m
116: Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders
Senator Bernie Sanders is in the top tier of every recent poll of California voters.    In this exclusive interview with Elex Michaelson for "The Issue Is:" the Senator talks about the green new deal & how climate change should be branded to the public.    He also talks about the federal government's role in solving California's homeless problem & how he'd change Senate rules to pass Medicare f...
9m Dec 28, 2019
9m
115: Andrew Yang, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Tom Steyer, Gov. Gavin Newsom & Rep. Adam Schiff
A special edition from the spin room of the Democratic Debate at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. We go one on one with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Andrew Yang, Tom Steyer, and Gov. Gavin Newsom. And, an in depth conversation about Impeachment with Congressman Adam Schiff. " ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show, broadcast from FOX 11 Studios in Lo...
21m Dec 21, 2019
21m
114: Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses climate change, homelessness, election reform, his legacy, his kids, and more.  It's an exclusive, 30-minute one-on-one interview with Elex Michaelson.  It comes on the week that he celebrated California's 1 millionth solar roof. That's a project he started as governor in 2006.  It also comes on a week that Swedish climate activist Gret...
34m Dec 14, 2019
34m
113: Rep. Karen Bass, Gov. Deval Patrick, John & Deborah Kobylt
This week, "The Issue Is"...impeachment & the presidential race.   CA Congresswoman Karen Bass is a member of the Judiciary Committee, who took the lead in this week's hearings.    Bass says she would, indeed, vote to impeach President Trump.   Bass says Senate Republicans could choose to pursue a "secret ballot" to convict & remove the President.    We also talk to Bass about the departure of ...
37m Dec 14, 2019
37m
112: Gratitude with Ryan Braun, Mike Moustakas & Amanda Salas
On this Thanksgiving Week, we take a break from our normal conversation about politics. Instead, this week...The Issue Is...gratitude. Joining us: Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas from California Strong. During the Woolsey Fire, these major league baseball stars  were evacuated from their homes in Malibu. Thankfully, they were OK...but many of their neighbors were not. They would go on to form Cal...
23m Nov 30, 2019
23m
111: Intern Terry's Takeover
This week, "The Issue Is:" anchor Elex Michaelson engages in a little role reversal, as FOX 11 intern Terry Ayzman takes the reins for a bonus show! A Political Science major at UCLA, Terry has interviewed the likes of Robert Shapiro, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), and 2020 presidential contender Marianne Williamson since the bug bit in 2016. The pair chat about Elex’s beginnings in the jour...
39m Nov 26, 2019
39m
110: Stephanie Miller, Michael Reagan, Gianno Caldwell
The Issue Is: Stephanie Miller, Michael Reagan, Gianno Caldwell   The Issue Is...Impeachment.    After the House Intelligence Committee wraps up a week of dramatic testimony, what happens next?   Joining us: progressive radio talk show host Stephanie Miller & conservative commentator Michael Reagan.    We also discuss the most recent Democratic debate, including insight from our focus group of ...
22m Nov 23, 2019
22m
109: Andrew Yang & Tulsi Gabbard
This week, we have two, exclusive one on one interviews with two Democratic presidential candidates.  Polls show both Andrew Yang & Tulsi Gabbard with increasing momentum in the polls. Both are recently outpacing previously better known Senators and Governors seeking the nomination.  We talk on a week where Congress holds the first Impeachment hearings & there's yet another school shooting in A...
29m Nov 16, 2019
29m
108: Adam Schiff, Gustavo Arellano, Jessica Levinson, John Thomas
The impeachment inquiry is in full swing! Chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, joins FOX11's "The Issue Is:" this week to preview next week's televised impeachment hearings, and reacts to mounting scrutiny launched by Republicans. "These three witnesses will lay out the broad story...and will chronicle the president's flagrant abuse of his office." Schiff, a Democ...
24m Nov 09, 2019
24m
107: LA Times columnist Gustavo Arellano
In this week’s ‘The Issue Is:’ podcast extra we sit down with LA Times columnist Gustavo Arellano to discuss Proposition 187. 25 years ago California passed Prop. 187 which prohibited illegal immigrants from using non-emergency health care, public education, and other services in the state. We discuss the history and passage of 187 as well as how it transformed the state. ----------  The Issue ...
22m Nov 08, 2019
22m
106: Mayor Eric Garcetti, Michael Knowles, Johanna Maska, Ethan Bearman
Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti steps onto "The Issue Is:" set this week & weighs in on homelessness, CA's power blackouts, and the backstory behind his rumored presidential bid. Pointing to the city's success in sheltering the homeless, Garcetti declares L.A. "the model" for dealing with the issue. Just this year, the city and county have borne a 16 and 12 percent uptick in homelessness, respective...
24m Nov 03, 2019
24m
105: Johanna Maska
For this week's "The Issue Is:" podcast extra, Elex Michaelson sits down for a candid and revealing conversation with Johanna Maska, a former President Barack Obama's Director of Press Advance. During her stint at the White House, Maska coordinated press coverage for  thousands of presidential visits, town halls, and speeches. The communications guru was catapulted into the political arena afte...
36m Nov 02, 2019
36m
104: Harley Rouda, Metta World Peace
This week, "The Issue Is" impeachment, the CA wildfires, and mental health awareness.   Freshman Democratic Congressman Harley Rouda joins us. In 2018, he defeated long-time Orange County Congressman Dana Rohrabacher.   He was inside the House's SCIF as some GOP members "stormed" inside.    "It was obviously a stunt...We had 20, 25 additional Republicans not on this committee force their way th...
24m Oct 26, 2019
24m
103: Congressman Eric Swalwell; Tomi Lahren and Areva Martin showdown
Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-California) is on the House Intelligence Committee investigating the President.    He discusses the Impeachment strategy, the PG&E power outages, and what it's like for him watching the Democratic debates.    Speaking of debates...we have our own epic showdown between FOX nation host Tomi Lahren and attorney and author Areva Martin.    They debate Impeachment, the P...
26m Oct 19, 2019
26m
102: USC Trojan Marching Band Director Dr. Arthur C. Bartner
In today's podcast, we take a break from politics for a fascinating conversation with an iconic figure.    Dr. Arthur C. Bartner is retiring after 50 years directing the USC Trojan Marching Band.    He's transformed the band from a struggling group without an identity to an international institution. They've performed with some of the top stars all over the world.    In this conversation with E...
40m Oct 18, 2019
40m
101: Impeachment: Tom Steyer, John Kobylt, Brian Tyler Cohen, Sara Azari
The Issue Is...Impeachment Democratic Donor Tom Steyer has always dabbled in politics, but never quite like now.   Since July, he’s hopped into the crowded field of 2020 Democratic hopefuls.   In his interview on FOX11’s “The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson,” Steyer explained what separates him from the pack.   “The debates were about very important policies…none of these policies can happen unt...
23m Oct 12, 2019
23m
100: Andrew Yang, Ben Lyons, Ramona Shelburne, Arash Markazi
The Issue Is...Andrew Yang, Ben Lyons, Ramona Shelburne, Arash Markazi  Andrew Yang is a long shot presidential candidate that's turned into a sort of political phenomenon. His rallies are filled with foul language, chants about math, crowd surfing, and pyrotechnics. His agenda is ambitious and unique. He wants to give every American $1,000 a month--regardless of their income. He calls it the "...
24m Oct 05, 2019
24m
99: Former politicians Jesse Ventura and Mark Sandford
Today's guests:  Jesse Ventura, retired professional wrestler, and former politician who served as the Mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from 1991 to 1995 and as the 38th Governor of Minnesota from 1999. We also talk to Marshall Clement "Mark" Sanford Jr., an American politician and author. A Republican, Sanford is a former governor of South Carolina and a former member of the U.S. House of Rep...
30m Sep 28, 2019
30m
98: Presidential Candidate Beto O'Rourke, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson
Beto O'Rourke lays out his plan for a mandatory gun buyback plan.    Sec. Ben Carson explains the Trump Administration's vision to combat California's homelessness crisis.    Then, a discussion of it all with St. Senator Holly Mitchell, Seema Mehta of the Los Angeles Times & Joel Pollak of Breitbart News.  ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political s...
32m Sep 21, 2019
32m
97: Lisa Bloom, Bob Shrum, Peter Van Voorhis
The Issue Is: The Democratic Debate.    For the first time, all 10 Democratic candidates are on one stage.    Who are the big winners and losers?   Our panel breaks it all down: Bob Shrum, Lisa Bloom & Peter Van Voorhis.    Plus, we assemble a focus group of undecided Democratic voters to share their views.    Our panel also debates President Trump's homelessness plan, the California "gig econo...
28m Sep 14, 2019
28m
96: Conservative political commentator Peter Van Voorhis
Peter Van Voorhis is a conservative political commentator and a contributor to the Washington Examiner, he’s also a frequent guest on FOX News Channel.  In this podcast discussion with Elex Michaelson, Peter talks about starting as a conservative activist at age 4. He defends the 2nd amendment, discusses why he supports President Trump, and offers his road map for the future of the GOP.  ------...
27m Sep 14, 2019
27m
95: Joe Walsh, Carlos Mencia, Jessica Yellin, Elisha Krauss
Joe Walsh is a Republican challenging President Donald Trump for the Republican Party presidential nomination.   "I genuinely believe Donald Trump is a bad guy. I think he's a danger to this country & unfit to be President."   He's fighting back against states that are considering cancelling their Republican primaries.    "Eliminating elections. You can't get more undemocratic than that!"    Wa...
32m Sep 07, 2019
32m
94: Comedian Carlos Mencia
Carlos Mencia is one of the most successful and influential Latino comedians of all time.    In this podcast discussion with Elex Michaelson, Carlos talks about being an immigrant from Honduras, having 17 siblings, and growing up in East Los Angeles.    Mencia analyzes politics today & discusses why Latinos are often underrepresented.    He talks about finding his comedy voice & why his father ...
31m Sep 07, 2019
31m
93: Pete Buttigieg; Hasan Piker vs Gianno Caldwell
This week...the most fiery panel discussion in the history of our show. Plus, a one-on-one sitdown with a top tier presidential candidate.    Mayor Pete Buttigieg shares his views on California's gig economy, automation, climate change, guns, education, and his personal favorites.     Then, an epic showdown between Hasan Piker of The Young Turks & Gianno Caldwell of FOX News.    They address Ha...
37m Aug 31, 2019
37m
92: FOX political analyst Gianno Caldwell
Gianno Caldwell is a FOX political analyst. He gained interest in politics at the age of 14 after seeing how lawmakers can make a change and impact their community. In this podcast he tells us what it’s like growing up on the south side of Chicago, how he got into politics and what it’s like being a conservative African American. He has a new book out titled “Taken for Granted: How Conservatism...
31m Aug 31, 2019
31m
91: Senator Cory Booker, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan
This week...The Issue Is: Guns.  Where does the country move forward after so many mass shootings? We speak with Sen. Cory Booker about his plan to ban assault weapons. How can he actually pass it? Plus, he talks about his strategy for beating President Trump & his support from Trekkies and Star Wars fans.  Then, a conversation with Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan.  We discuss gun control in Congres...
21m Aug 24, 2019
21m
90: Attorney Gloria Allred, Antonio Villaraigosa, Michael Knowles
The Issue Is: Gloria Allred, Antonio Villaraigosa, Michael Knowles    The issue is...the life and death of Jeffrey Epstein.    Attorney Gloria Allred represents several of Epstein's accusers.    She wants an independent investigation into his death after the medical examiner ruled it a homicide.    Allred said there will be a series of lawsuits against his estate.    In the past few years, she'...
26m Aug 17, 2019
26m
89: The Issue Is: Gov. Gavin Newsom, Areva Martin, John Thomas, "Stuttering" John Melendez
Gov. Gavin Newsom, Areva Martin, John Thomas, "Stuttering" John Melendez    The Issue Is...gun safety.    As the nation mourns, we also grapple what do to about mass shootings? And what to do about guns?   Governor Gavin Newsom talks about what gun control measures he's like to see added to California.    He also talks about homelessness, foster care, and the return of "Beverly Hills 90210"!?  ...
34m Aug 10, 2019
34m
88: Republican strategist John Thomas
Ever wonder what political consultants really know about you? Republican strategist John Thomas takes us behind the scenes of the political world.  He talks about how much information campaigns can obtain about you--from your shopping records to your online computer use to your voting history. They are now using that to target you in unprecedented ways.  Thomas, the founder of Thomas & Partners...
37m Aug 10, 2019
37m
87: Democratic Debate with Margaret Cho, Ben Lyons & Bob Shrum
Two debate nights. 20 candidates. Three interesting panelists.  It's been a busy week in the race for the 2020 nomination.  Our diverse panel breaks down what happens...and what happens next.  With us: Margaret Cho--legendary comedian and host of "The Margaret Cho" podcast Bob Shrum--legendary political strategist & co-director of the USC Center for the Political Future  Ben Lyons--veteran broa...
26m Aug 04, 2019
26m
86: Comedian Margaret Cho
Rolling Stone Magazine ranks Margaret Cho as one of the 50 greatest stand-up comedians of all time.  After being bullied as a kid, Cho became a stand up as a teenager. She's been working at it ever since.  Cho blazed a trail for Asian American women in comedy. Her 1990's ABC sitcom "All-American Girl" broke new ground.  In this podcast extra with "The Issue Is:," we discuss Margaret's new podca...
29m Aug 03, 2019
29m
85: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Katie Porter, John Cox, Stephanie Miller
The Issue Is: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Katie Porter, John Cox, Stephanie Miller    This week...Are You Feeling the Bern?   Sen. Bernie Sanders sits down for a one on one interview with us.    He explains how Medicare for All would work under his plan & why he thinks private insurance doesn't work.    Plus, he reacts to the Mueller Report, racism in America, and the fight for the soul of the De...
34m Jul 27, 2019
34m
84: Tomi Lahren vs Lisa Bloom; Harvey Levin
The Issue Is...the Presidency & racism. We break down a week where the President told Congresswomen of color to "go back where they came from" & his supporters yelled "send her back." Harvey Levin of TMZ says the President "knows exactly what he's doing." He believes the President is trying to make the four congresswomen the "face of the Democratic party." Plus, why Harvey believes Mayor Pete B...
25m Jul 21, 2019
25m
83: Conservative political commentator Tomi Lahren
Tomi Lahren is one of the most controversial figures in American politics. She's written a new book that's all about her surprising life story. In this extended podcast interview with Elex Michaelson, Tomi talks about growing up in South Dakota and why she first became a conservative. She discusses attending UNLV & her first controversial story...about strippers. Lahren shares the story of gett...
22m Jul 20, 2019
22m
82: Rep. Jackie Speier, Andy Ngo
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo) is concerned about a "potential police state" after President Trump announces an executive order concerning immigration. She's worried about government agencies compiling a national database.    Speier will be asking Robert Mueller questions during his upcoming testimony. We talk about what she wants to know from his most.    We also discuss possible Im...
24m Jul 13, 2019
24m
81: President Trump vs. California
The Issue Is...President Trump vs. California   Democratic Congresswoman Katie Hill is one of the rising stars in Congress. Her fellow freshmen voted her their representative to leadership.    We talk with her about:    -Earthquake preparedness  -President Trump's comments about California homelessness  -Border detention facilities  -Census  -LGTBQ rights    Plus, she plays our "personal issues...
30m Jul 06, 2019
30m
80: Chef and political citizen Dean Sheremet
Dean Sheremet is a TV host, chef, dancer, fitness expert, father, and politically active citizen.    In this "Issue Is:" podcast extra, he tells Elex Michaelson about how he first became interested in politics.    Sheremet grew up in Michigan. When faced with pursuing a career in dance or sports, he chose dance.    That dancing took him to Hollywood where he'd meet his eventual wife, LeAnn Rime...
35m Jul 06, 2019
35m
79: Ann Coulter, Bob Shrum, Areva Martin, Caroline Heldman on Democratic Debate
The Issue Is...the Democratic debate. It's the first presidential debate of 2020...and it gets nasty. Kamala Harris' attack on Joe Biden is the most talked about moment. We talk about that and more with our panel: Bob Shrum, Areva Martin, and Caroline Heldman. Plus, we speak with a focus group of undecided voters for their perspective. And, a one on one interview with Ann Coulter. Ann told us s...
31m Jun 29, 2019
31m
78: Democratic strategist Bob Shrum
Bob Shrum is one of the most well known & most respected strategists in Democratic politics. He's currently co-chair of the USC Center for the Political Future. In this podcast extra, he tells Elex Michaelson about: -Writing speeches for George McGovern in his 20's -Writing Ted Kennedy's legendary speech at the 1980 Democratic convention -Working with Bill Clinton on his State of the Union duri...
22m Jun 28, 2019
22m
77: Rep. Ted Lieu, Tim Conway, Elisha Krauss, Brian Tyler Cohen
On today's episode of The Issue Is podcast: Elex Michaelson speaks with Rep. Ted Lieu featuring panelists Tim Conway, Elisha Krauss, and Brian Tyler Cohen. ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show, broadcast from FOX 11 Studios in Los Angeles. For airtimes and more information, go to TheIssueIsShow.com (http://theissueisshow.com/) .
24m Jun 22, 2019
24m
76: Hasan Piker and Larry Elder
On the show today... Hasan Piker is the youngest of the Young Turks.  He's one of the most influential progressive commentators in all of social media. His commentaries are shared and seen by millions. Piker started his popular commentaries in a supply closet & grew them into a viral sensation.  Conservative talk show host Larry Elder grew up hating his father. He was beaten by him, and never g...
31m Jun 15, 2019
31m
75: Young Turks Hasan Piker
Hasan Piker is the youngest of the Young Turks.    He's one of the most influential progressive commentators in all of social media. His commentaries are shared and seen by millions.    In this podcast extra, Hasan tells Elex Michaelson about growing up in Turkey..    He felt repressed by the Turkish government but then was surprised by the racial realities in America when he moved here for col...
52m Jun 15, 2019
52m
74: Conservative talk show host Larry Elder
Conservative talk show host Larry Elder grew up hating his father. He was beaten by him, and never given much affection.    After a verbal argument, they stopped talking. That lasted for ten years.    At 25 years old, Larry sat down to have a quick conversation with his dad for the first time in a decade. It lasted for 8 hours.    That conversation is at the heart of his book, "A Lot Like Me: A...
48m Jun 15, 2019
48m
73: The Issue Is: Corey Booker, Patricia Arquette, Katie Hill
Cory Booker had a break out moment with his address regarding gun control at the California Democratic Convention.    Moments later, he spoke with "The Issue Is:" about his presidential campaign.    How does he break out from the pack and what's his strategy to win California?    We discuss his plans for actually passing gun control, immigration reform bills...and how he'd regulate Silicon Vall...
38m Jun 08, 2019
38m