72: Carson Jones
Carson Jones is the first zookeeper/gay rights activist to sit down for "The Issue Is:" podcast.    At 24, he's also the youngest guest.    He's the openly gay son of Alabama's Democratic Senator Doug Jones.    Jones ended up in one of the most closely watched Senate races in recent history when he defeated Judge Roy Moore.    Carson Jones achieved Internet fandom with his "side eye" to Vice Pr...
25m Jun 08, 2019
25m
71: From the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco
This week, a special edition of “The Issue Is:” from the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco.    14 presidential candidates will be on hand plus 5,000 delegates and guests.    Our guests:   Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) will join us one on one at our set   Plus our panel of CA’s top political reporters:   Carla Marinucci; Politico Melanie Mason: Los Angeles Times Joe Garofoli; San Francisc...
19m Jun 04, 2019
19m
70: Senator Kamala Harris, Gloria Allred, Tomi Lahren
This week on "The Issue Is:," exclusive one on one conversations with four women making news.    SENATOR KAMALA HARRIS:  California Senator Kamala Harris discusses her presidential campaign. She describes her strategy for winning California & what sets her apart in the presidential race.    Harris responds to the abortion restrictions being passed, explains her proposed executive actions on gun...
43m May 25, 2019
43m
69: Governor Gavin Newsom, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
Governor Gavin Newsom wants to dramatically change the healthcare system in California. He believes if every Californian is forced to buy healthcare it will lower premiums for everyone. He wants to extend Medi-Cal benefits to all undocumented immigrants under 26 years old. The Governor also weighs in on laws restricting abortions in Alabama, Georgia, and elsewhere. Newsom supports boycotts of t...
29m May 18, 2019
29m
68: Political consultant Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy is one of the most experienced consultants in Republican politics. And, he's at war with President Trump. In this extended interview with Elex Michaelson, Murphy talks about his past clients like Jeb Bush, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John McCain, Mitt Romney and more. He describes why he became a Republican even though he grew up in a Democratic household. And, he breaks news that he'll ...
44m May 18, 2019
44m
67: Mayor Pete Buttigieg
Mayor Pete Buttigieg is the fastest rising star in the Democratic presidential race. He's looking to make history as the first President who is a millennial, gay man, Afghanistan veteran.  We spoke at the Abbey in West Hollywood for a one-on-one, exclusive interview. Among the topics: his vision, toughness, facing off against Joe Biden, President Trump, gay rights, and Game of Thrones.  Then, w...
18m May 13, 2019
18m
66: Marianne Williamson, Bill Barr & A Surprise Finish
It's the 1 year anniversary edition of "The Issue Is:" Marianne Williamson is a Democratic candidate for President of the United States.  She wants to redefine the role of President---and believes the chief executive should be a wise, moral leader.   We talk about her views on reparations, healthcare, college, marijuana, and more.   Plus, our panel weighs in on the 2020 campaign & Attorney Gene...
16m May 04, 2019
16m
65: Attorney and media expert Areva Martin
HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR 'THE ISSUE IS'! On this episode, we talk to Areva Martin, one of our first panelists on The Issue Is.  Areva Martin is one of the most quoted legal commentators in the country. She’s a leader in the fields of civil rights & care for families with special needs.  She went from a housing project in St. Louis to Harvard Law School where she was classmates with Michel...
41m May 03, 2019
41m
64: Joe Biden in the presidential race, Gov. Jay Inslee, Ben Lyons
In this episode, we talk about the presidential race. He may be the front runner in the polls, but now that Joe Biden is actually in the race, can he overcome being old and white? Our panelists are Melissa Rivers, Jessica Levinson, and Shawn Steel We also talk to Washington State Governor Jay Inslee who says he's the best candidate to tackle climate change. And entertainment reporter and film m...
21m Apr 27, 2019
21m
63: Entertainment reporter and film maven Ben Lyons
Ben Lyons is an expert in the intersection between politics, sports and entertainment. He’s the host of the Lion’s Den podcast on Podcast 1 and the “Mostly Football” show on Yahoo! In this conversation with The Issue Is, he talks about his iconic father and grandfather, how he got involved in the entertainment industry so young, the best movie coming out you’ve never heard of, and why sports st...
36m Apr 27, 2019
36m
62: Governor Gavin Newsom's 100 days, The Mueller Report, Congressman Harley Rouda
In this episode, we talk to Governor Gavin Newsom about his first 100 days, plus the release of the redacted Mueller report.  We also have Democratic Congressman Harley Rouda from Orange County. Our panel this week is Jessica Yellin, Stuttering John Melendez and Gianno Caldwell. ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show, broadcast from FOX 11 S...
20m Apr 27, 2019
20m
61: Jessica Yellin, author of "Savage News"
In this episode, we talk to Jessica Yellin. Jessica is a former CNN Chief White House Correspondent. She's now left and has written a new book called, "Savage News." ----------  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/) .
20m Apr 20, 2019
20m
60: Kim Kardashian West, Hogan Gidley, Ramin Setoodeh
In this episode, we're not really talking about the breaking political news of the week, but instead we get some time with Kim Kardashian West, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley, and Ramin Setoodeh who wrote a book titled "Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of 'The View'". ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political s...
19m Apr 13, 2019
19m
59: President Donald Trump at the Border Wall
This is a special edition of The Issue Is podcast from the southern border. We were invited to be the White House pool reporter for part of this trip, so we drove down south to cover his visit. We got a chance to talk to the president during his border wall visit to Calexico. We also talked to democratic activist Tom Steyer. He recently held a town hall in Glendale talking about the need to imp...
20m Apr 13, 2019
20m
58: Ann Coulter, Stephanie Miller, Rep. Adam Schiff
President Trump & top Republicans in the House are calling on Congressman Adam Schiff to resign following the partial release of the Mueller Report. The Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee became the face of the House's investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Schiff joins us to make his case for "collusion in plain sight". He says it may not have r...
35m Mar 31, 2019
35m
57: Conservative author Ann Coulter
Be our guest, be our guest. Ann Coulter is, of course, one of the most prominent conservative authors out there -- 13 New York Times best-sellers. So what's Ann Coulter really like and what's the biggest misconception people have about her? Find the answer to those questions and more on this week's extra "The Issue Is:" podcast episode. ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is Californ...
26m Mar 29, 2019
26m
56: Gloria Allred, Caroline Heldman, John Thomas
This week on "The Issue Is:" Elex Michaelson speaks with Gloria Allred, featuring panelists Caroline Heldman and John Thomas. ----------  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/) .
18m Mar 23, 2019
18m
55: David Petraeus
This week's EXTRA episode of "The Issue Is:" podcast features a one-on-one conversation with Gen. David Petraeus. ----------  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/) .
36m Mar 23, 2019
36m
54: Tomi Lahren & Stephanie Miller
Two strong women with two very different views. Tomi Lahren is one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. She's a founding host of FOX Nation. Stephanie Miller is a progressive radio talk show host, author, and comedian. They debate the 2020 race, the President's national emergency, Governor Newsom's decision to end the death penalty, and the college admissions scandal. -----...
21m Mar 16, 2019
21m
53: Mayor Pete Buttigieg & Washington State Governor Inslee
With California more important to the presidential race than ever before, we catch up with presidential candidates in Southern California.  Mayor Pete Buttigieg is already making history with his presidential run. He's a 37 year old, openly gay, Afghanistan war veteran. He currently leads the city of South Bend, Indiana. In his first ever visit to West Hollywood, he spoke with Elex Michaelson. ...
12m Mar 16, 2019
12m
52: Stuttering John Melendez, Rep. Katie Porter
In the same week that Orange County high school students create a swastika at a party, the House votes on an anti-hate bill directed at comments by Rep. Ilan Omar. We speak with Rep. Katie Porter, a Democrat from California's 45th district. She talks about the spat of Anti-Semitism, why she's opposed to the Green New Deal, and why she's undecided in the presidential race. Our interview includes...
22m Mar 09, 2019
22m
51: "Stuttering" John Melendez
In this bonus podcast to "The Issue Is," Elex sits down with "Stuttering" John Melendez. Catch John's previous "The Issue Is" appearance at: https://audioboom.com/posts/6932418-17-antonio-sabato-jr-gloria-allred-stuttering-john-melendez. ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show, broadcast from FOX 11 Studios in Los Angeles. For airtimes and mo...
23m Mar 09, 2019
23m
50: Rep. Ted Lieu, Katrina vanden Heuvel, Stephen Cohen
This week – political earthquake! An extraordinary national spectacle announcing a sitting president is a liar and more on live TV by a disbarred lawyer whose testimony triggered furious reaction. Was Michael Cohen’s testimony before Congress the first hearing of the impeachment process? And what about that summit with North Korea? Congressman Ted Lieu, member of the Foreign Affairs and Judicia...
22m Mar 02, 2019
22m
49: Katrina vanden Heuvel and Stephen F. Cohen
In this week’s special EXTRA episode… Elex sat down with a married couple with completely different political views. Katrina vanden Heuvel is the editor and publisher of “The Nation,” which is one of the top liberal magazines publications out there. Stephen Cohen is Katrina’s husband. He has written columns for “The Nation” about Russia but his view is very different from what most liberals thi...
17m Mar 02, 2019
17m
48: Jussie Smollett Roundtable Discussion
This week the issue is -- a disturbing hoax. From TV star to perp walk. Now the police say Jussie Smollett faked a racist, homophobic attack on himself. What's next for the disgraced star? Plus, an interview with presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren. And, how do you make the Oscar's more watchable?  ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political ...
22m Feb 23, 2019
22m
47: US Rep. Adam Schiff, S. Korea Speaker Moon Hee-sang
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff and S. Korea Speaker Moon Hee-sang join this week's show. The second-ranking official in the South Korean government said the upcoming summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jung Un will “determine the fate of our country.” Read more here (http://www.foxla.com/news/politics/s-korea-speaker-moon-hee-sang-second-trump-kim-summit-to-determine-fate-of-our-c...
22m Feb 16, 2019
22m
46: Congresswoman Katie Hill
We're just days away from another potential government shutdown. Freshman Congresswoman Katie Hill is with us on this episode of "The Issue Is:" - What she sees as a potential compromise and what that means for a border wall. Plus, what president told Katie Hill just moments before the State of the Union that left her practically speechless.  ----------  The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is Ca...
21m Feb 09, 2019
21m
45: Ann Coulter, Lisa Bloom and TMZ's Harvey Levin
President Trump caves...and the government is back open. Roger Stone is indicted, arrested, and gives a wild press conference.   Now...the question is...what comes next?  TMZ's Harvey Levin discusses the increasingly blurred lines between politics and entertainment. He explains why he thinks President Trump "doesn't believe in anything." He also previews the future of media. Our panel this week...
22m Jan 26, 2019
22m
44: Sen. Kamala Harris & Rep. Karen Bass
Senator Kamala Harris is one of the most high profile and talked about politicians in America today. Almost everyone in the political world assumes she's running for President in 2020...although she hasn't officially announced it yet.   In this one on one interview with "The Issue Is:" Senator Harris discusses the government shutdown and what, if anything, Democrats are willing to concede on.  ...
22m Jan 19, 2019
22m
43: California Governor Gavin Newsom, Gloria Allred & John Kobylt
California Governor Gavin Newsom joins us for his first prime-time interview since taking office.    We talk to him shortly after he announces a $144 billion budget including a $21 billion surplus. We discuss some of his priorities: early childhood education, free community college, paid family leave, etc. I also ask whether he'll intervene in the LAUSD Teacher's Strike. He responds to Presiden...
34m Jan 18, 2019
34m
42: Teachers' Strike in Los Angeles; New Congress takes over
More than 30,000 L.A.U.S.D. teachers are set to walk off the job next week. That will leave more than 600,000 students without their regular instructors. United Teacher's Los Angeles are planning their first strike since 1989. On "The Issue Is:," we talk to both sides to see if a strike can be averted at the last minute. If it's not, what does this mean for parents and students? With us: -Arlen...
20m Jan 18, 2019
20m
41: A look back at 2018
Happy New Year to all our podcast subscribers! FOX 11's Elex Michaelson looks back and looks forward with some of the big interviews and highlights on "The Issue Is:" that made news across the country.  ----------  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 TheIssueIsSho...
20m Dec 29, 2018
20m
40: Orange County politics with Harley Rouda
Congressman Elect Harley Rouda just won one of the most watched, most competitive, and most expensive congressional races in the country.    He defeated 30 year incumbent Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher in California's 48th district.  So what's next for the Orange County Democrat who will represent a majority Republican district? "We need moderates back in office," he tells us.  On "The...
21m Dec 18, 2018
21m
39: Ted Lieu, one of the biggest thorns in President Trump's side
Rep. Ted Lieu is one of the leaders of the Trump resistance online. His tweets in response to the President are among the most re-tweeted of any member of Congress.  The Democrat from Torrance weighs in on an avalanche of news--from the Mueller investigation to the naming of a new A.G. & U.N. Ambassador and more.  Plus, his plan on how the Democrats should use their majority in the House.  Our ...
21m Dec 08, 2018
21m
38: Tomi Lahren from FOX Nation
Tomi Lahren is one of the most controversial and influential conservative commentators in America. She hosts two daily commentaries on the new streaming network called FOX Nation. Lahren is now based in Southern California and discusses how Republicans can win again in this increasingly blue state. She discusses the Mueller investigation, the migrant caravan, and misconceptions about President ...
21m Dec 01, 2018
21m
37: Gratitude with Justin Baldoni & Emily Baldoni
On this Thanksgiving weekend, we take a break from politics and talk about gratitude.    "Jane the Virgin" star Justin Baldoni talks about his dedication to serving others.  He discusses the "Carnival of Love" on Skid Row, how filming a show about dying taught him how to live, and why he's re-thinking masculinity.  His wife, Emily, talks about how parenting changed their perspective about servi...
21m Nov 24, 2018
21m
36: After the Midterm Elections, where do we go from here?
Congresswoman-Elect Katie Hill joins us from freshman orientation on Capitol Hill.    The Agua Dulce based Democrat talks about being a Millennial in Congress, why she's supporting Nancy Pelosi for Speaker, and why the Borderline shooting is so personal. Also joining us: Rep. Adam Schiff of Burbank. The Democrat is about to lead the House Intelligence Committee. He's vowing to pursue President ...
21m Nov 23, 2018
21m
35: Midterm Election Special
Days before the Midterm elections, we feature conversations with the So Cal congressional candidates in some of the closest congressional races in the country. We talk with Katie Hill, Katie Porter, Harley Rouda, Gil Cisneros and Young Kim plus Representatives Steve Knight, Mimi Walters, and Dana Rohrabacher. Plus, our panel debates the congressional races, the governor's race and the propositi...
21m Nov 03, 2018
21m
34: Rep. Steve Knight and Katie Hill
They're battling it out in one of the closest and most competitive congressional races in the nation. Rep. Steve Knight and Katie Hill both want to represent California's 25th district, which includes Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Lancaster and Palmdale. Elex sits down with both of them for one on one interviews about their biggest differences, taxes, healthcare, and more. ----------  The Issue I...
27m Nov 03, 2018
27m
33: World Series edition: The Mooch! Plus, Ann Coulter and Hasan Piker tackle immigration
1:00 Anthony Scaramucci talks about his new book and the documentary about him.  11:08 Ann Coulter and Hasan Piker tackle immigration, bombs, and hopefully not each other. ----------  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.co...
21m Oct 27, 2018
21m
32: Gavin Newsom, front runner to next Governor of California
The front runner to the next Governor of California returns to "The Issue Is:" Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom talks about his Republican opponent John Cox, President Donald Trump and California's current Governor Jerry Brown. He talks on a wide variety of issues including housing, homelessness, tax reform, infrastructure, and early childhood education. He also opens up about his parents, his wife, a...
30m Oct 20, 2018
30m
31: Omarosa: Reality television show participant, and former political aide to President Trump
Omarosa Manigault Newman has gone from one of President Trump's fiercest defenders to one of his sharpest critics. On "The Issue Is:," she discusses her book "Unhinged," Kanye West, the n-word tape, her future, and plays the "name game" with Trump Administration officials. Our panel weighs in on Kanye, Kavanaugh, Congress, and more. Joining us: KABC Radio's John Phillips, Teen Vogue writer Whit...
20m Oct 15, 2018
20m
30: Patrick Soon-Shiong, new owner of LA Times discusses future of journalism
The new owner of the L.A. Times, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, discusses the future of journalism. He also talks about his innovative cancer research, energy inventions, and being a co-owner of the Lakers. LAUSD Vice President Nick Melvoin, attorney Anahita Sedaghatfar & comedian Rod Man join us for a panel discussion of Kavanaugh, Congress, and Kanye. Where does America go after a Kavanaugh confirm...
21m Oct 08, 2018
21m
29: Supreme Showdown; Congressional Debate
With the nation gripped by the Brett Kavanaugh/Christine Blasey Ford testimonies, our panel discusses what comes next? Attorney Gloria Allred, podcaster Brian Goldsmith & RNC committee chairman Shawn Steel have a fiery exchange. They also discuss the Bill Cosby sentencing, which Gloria Allred attended. Plus, the first "The Issue Is:" congressional debate. Our focus? California's 39th district. ...
26m Oct 01, 2018
26m
28: Exclusive with USC Interim President
USC's Interim President Dr. Wanda Austin gives her first interview since taking the job to "The Issue Is:" "My bottom line is that we’re learning and we’re taking those lessons learned and we’re making changes," she says. She discusses the multiple scandals that forced former President C.L, Max Nikias to resign and the changes in culture she's trying to implement. Plus, our panel: Congressman B...
20m Sep 24, 2018
20m
27: Sexual harassment with actress and activist Mira Sorvino
Our guest is Mira Sorvino, actress and activist who is leading the charge to pass a series of bills in California to address the sexual harassment issue. They passed in the Senate and The Assembly, and now she's pushing California Governor Jerry Brown to sign them into law. He has until the end of September to do this. Mira was one of the first to come forward and put her name against Harvey We...
22m Sep 21, 2018
22m
26: The Race for California Governor with John Cox
Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox joins us talking big issues like the gas tax, the DMV, homelessness, abortion, and President Trump. ---------- 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/) .
20m Sep 17, 2018
20m
25: Former Vice President Al Gore
Al Gore, the former Vice President of the United States, calls on President Trump to "resign" in this exclusive interview with "The Issue Is:" on FOX 11 Los Angeles.  Gore talks about The Climate Change Project, where he's training thousands to talk about climate change.  And, he analyzes California's war with the Trump Administration over the environment.  Plus, insights and analysis with our ...
20m Sep 11, 2018
20m
24: Harley Rouda, Google algorithms, and the In-N-Out burger boycott
This week, as the mid-terms approach, the nation is on California as we speak to Harley Rouda (D-Congressional Candidate, 48th District). And is the Google search algorithm anti-Trump? The president thinks so. Also, California is now set to issue 'get out of jail free' cards, but some say a new bill is not what it's cracked up to be. And SoCal's most beloved burger chain, In-N-Out, is being met...
20m Sep 01, 2018
20m
23: Earthquakes, Randi Zuckerberg, and Snopes founder David Mikkelson
This week, we go beyond the frenetic headlines for a deep dive on big issues impacting Southern California. Dr. Lucy Jones, one of SoCal’s best known and most beloved earthquake experts, joins us. She discusses her new book “The Big One’s” and plays earthquake fact or fiction. Randi Zuckerberg, a leading female entrepreneur, talks about her new book “Pick Three.” Can you truly have it all? She ...
20m Aug 25, 2018
20m