266: Rob Bonta
In this final stretch of the midterms, California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins Elex Michaelson on The Issue Is to make his final pitch to voters.
20m Oct 29, 2022
20m
265: Karen Bass, Rick Caruso
This week on The Issue Is, as voters head to the polls, Elex Michaelson sits down one last time with both candidates, businessman Rick Caruso and Congresswoman Karen Bass. Elex also sits down with each candidates’ family, for an in-depth, and emotional conversation about the side of the candidates the public does not get to see.
20m Oct 22, 2022
20m
264: Gustavo Arellano, LZ Granderson, Nathan Hochman
This week, LA Times' Gustavo Arellano and LZ Granderson discuss the LA City Council scandal. Candidate for California AG Nathan Hochman discusses Rob Bonta, George Gascon and the ongoing fentanyl crisis. President Joe Biden visits California ahead of the midterms.
24m Oct 15, 2022
24m
263: Christy Smith
Congressional candidate Christy Smith (D) makes her case to voters.
18m Oct 15, 2022
18m
263: Brian Dahle, Lanhee Chen
Sen. Brian Dahle joins the Issue Is to discuss rising gas prices, homelessness and his run for California Governor against incumbent Gavin Newsom. State Controller candidate Lanhee Chen discusses the role of the controller, abortion rights and California's fiscal future.
21m Oct 15, 2022
21m
262: Ronna McDaniel, Will Rollins
This week, Elex Michaelson is joined by Ronna McDaniel, chair of the Republican National Committee. Congressional candidate Will Rollins also joins the show to discuss midterm issues.
21m Oct 01, 2022
21m
261: Karen Bass and Dennis Prager
This week, Elex is joined by LA Mayoral Candidate and Congresswoman Karen Bass as she discusses the break-in at her home and public safety in Los Angeles. Dennis Prager also stops by to discuss the state of the Republican Party in California and his nonprofit "Prager U."
20m Sep 17, 2022
20m
260: Gavin Newsom, Pete Buttigieg and Melissa Giller
During another week in which temperatures soared across Californa, the issue continues to be energy and the state’s power grid.
19m Sep 10, 2022
19m
259: Jennifer Granholm, Jeremy B. White and Alexei Kossef
This week's The Issue Is, Elex is joined by U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm as she discuses the push for more electric vehicles. Politico's Jeremy B. White and Alexei Kossef from CalMatters discuss the end of the California Legislative session.
34m Sep 03, 2022
34m
258: Peter Hamby, Mark Takano
This week, Elex is joined by journalist and 'Good Luck America' host Peter Hamby as they discuss California voters wanting President Biden to step aside in 2024 and possibly be replaced by Governor Gavin Newsom. Rep. Mark Takano stops by to discuss the Congressman's much-debated tour stop in Taiwan.
26m Sep 01, 2022
26m
257: Gavin Newsom and Ron Brownstein
This week on "The Issue Is," a look ahead into the political future and a look back into the cultural past during an in-depth conversation with journalist and author Ronald Brownstein.
29m Sep 01, 2022
29m
256: Brian Tyler Cohen and Michael Knowles
Michael Knowles and Brian Tyler Cohen square off in a rematch of political debates. The two discuss FBI raid of Former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago home to whether or not President Biden deserves more credit for recent legislative victories.
33m Aug 13, 2022
33m
255: Dr. Erica Pan and Lis Smith
This week on The Issue Is, Elex speaks with California State Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan. Democratic Strategist Lis Smith also stops by to chat on the show.
29m Aug 06, 2022
29m
254: Rep. Adam Schiff, State Senator Bob Hertzberg
Elex Michaelson is joined Sen. Bob Hertzberg, who authored the legislation, modeled after the Texas abortion law, that allows Californians to sue makers of illegal guns. Rep. Adam Schiff stops by to discuss this week’s hearing of the House January 6th Committee.
21m Jul 23, 2022
21m
253: Gov. Gavin Newsom goes to Washington
This week, "The Issue Is" is on the road, taking the show to Washington, D.C. This, as California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) visited the nation’s Capital for a series of high-profile meetings and to accept an Education Innovation Award on behalf of the Golden State.
31m Jul 16, 2022
31m
252: Gloria Allred and Larry Elder
This week's The Issue Is features an all-star debate like you've never seen before. We bring in two longtime friends who have little politically in common: legendary attorney Gloria Allred and radio host Larry Elder.
27m Jul 09, 2022
27m
251: Gloria Allred, Eric Early, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Adam Schiff
To discuss and debate, Elex Michaelson is joined on The Issue Is by attorney Gloria Allred and former GOP Candidate for California Attorney General Eric Early.
28m Jul 02, 2022
28m
250: The Issue Is: Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade
Elex is joined by California AG Rob Bonta and California Family Council's Jonathan Keller as they react to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. Areva Martin and Brian Goldsmith join the show to also discuss the SCOTUS rulings as well as inflation and President Biden's poll numbers.
28m Jun 25, 2022
28m
249: Gavin Newsom, James Gallagher, Pete Aguilar, John Myers
This week, Elex is joined by Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss the state's surplus and California's tax system. California Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher stops by to discuss inflation, gas prices and the GOP's 2022 outlook. Rep. Pete Aguilar weighs in on this week's Jan. 6 committee hearings and LA Times Sacramento bureau chief John Myers discusses his retirement from journalism.
22m Jun 18, 2022
22m
248: Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, Douglas Emhoff
This week, Elex Michaelson is joined by Governor Gavin Newsom, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff.
30m Jun 11, 2022
30m
247: Rick Caruso makes his final pitch to voters
After months of campaigning, it’s the home stretch, just days to go until California’s June 7th primary.  (https://www.foxla.com/tag/politics/ca-politics/la-mayor-election) One of the most hotly contested, and expensive, races on the ballot is for LA Mayor (https://www.foxla.com/tag/politics/ca-politics/la-mayor-election) . This week, after spending millions on his campaign, billionaire develo...
30m Jun 04, 2022
30m
246: Karen Bass, Malia Cohen
As we are just days from the highly-anticipated June 7 Primary, we are joined by LA Mayoral candidate Rep. Karen Bass and candidate for California Controller Malia Cohen.
19m May 28, 2022
19m
245: Jonathan Martin, Alexander Burns and Eric Early
"This Will Not Pass" is one of the best-selling and most talked about political books of the year. Co-authors Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin join us in studio to discuss. Plus, Republican Eric Early talks about his run for California Attorney General. "This Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson" is California's statewide political show. Watch more episodes at TheIssueIsShow.com (https://urldefen...
36m May 21, 2022
36m
244: “The Issue Is”: Sportscaster of the year Bob Costas
This week on "The Issue Is:," a special one-on-one with legendary broadcaster Bob Costas.
36m May 15, 2022
36m
243: Abortion, COVID, and Ukraine
This week our guests include Gloria Allred, congressman Adam Schiff and CDC director Rochelle Walensky. ————— The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson is California's only statewide political show. For showtimes and more information, go to TheIssueIsShow.com (http://theissueisshow.com/) .
22m May 08, 2022
22m
242: The crisis at the southern border
This week, we catch up with FOX News' national correspondent Bill Melugin on the crisis at the southern border. Lanhee Chen discusses his run for state controller and landing LA Times' endorsement as a Republican in California. Elex takes a trip to LA Times' Festival of Books and chats with Max Greenfield, Carl Bernstein, Rep. Adam Schiff, Danny Trejo and more. 
23m Apr 30, 2022
23m
241: Earth week with Jerry Brown and Jennifer Granholm
It’s Earth Week and “The Issue Is” is going green. To kick things off, Elex Michaelson is joined by former 4-term California Governor Jerry Brown. Brown, who has made environmentalism and climate change the cause of his life’s work, talks the state of the planet, dealing with high gas prices while decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels, and working with China. Next, Michaelson speaks with ...
18m Apr 23, 2022
18m
240: The Issue Is: Joe Davis, Tal Kopan and Michael Shellenberger
In this week's "The Issue Is," Tal Kopan discusses her bombshell report about concerns over Sen. Dianne Feinstein's mental health. Author Michael Shellenberger discusses his run for governor and tackling California's crime and homeless problems. Broadcaster Joe Davis swings by to discuss being named FOX Sports' lead World Series announcer and the new MLB season. ————— The Issue Is: with Elex Mi...
21m Apr 16, 2022
21m
239: Sen. Bob Hertzberg, Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, and Comedian Matthew Friend
In the aftermath of the Sacramento shooting, CA state Senator Bob Hertzberg (D) and Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R) talk gun control and criminal justice reform.   Comedian Matthew Friend is back, showing off his impressions, including presidents Trump and Obama, Dr. Fauci, Senators McConnell and Sanders, Gov. Newsom, Howard Stern, and more.
20m Apr 09, 2022
20m
238: Matthew Belloni, Patricia Guerrero and Nathan Hochman
This week, Puck News co-founder Matthew Belloni stops by to discuss being inside the Dolby during the infamous Oscars slap. Justice Patricia Guerrero joins The Issue Is to discuss being sworn in as the first Latina on the California Supreme Court. Nathan Hochman also stops by to discuss his run for California Attorney General.
20m Apr 02, 2022
20m
237: Kevin Kiley, Alexei Koseff, Elizabeth Wagmeister
In this week's The Issue Is, we talk about the rising gas prices across California.
18m Mar 26, 2022
18m
236: Exploring Los Angeles with outgoing Mayor Eric Garcetti
This week, a very special "The Issue Is:," a journey through Los Angeles with Mayor Eric Garcetti. Over the course of one day, Garcetti and host Elex Michaelson hit the road, Garcetti behind the wheel, to explore the construction projects, landmarks, and favorite spots of the outgoing Mayor, who has been in office since 2013. In a wide-ranging conversation, the two talk openly about homelessn...
21m Mar 19, 2022
21m
235: Karen Bass, Mar. 2022
Congresswoman Karen Bass joins The Issue Is to discuss the War in Ukraine, combatting rising gas prices and homelessness in California.
22m Mar 12, 2022
22m
234: World Central Kitchen CEO Nate Mook, Rick Caruso, and former LAPD Chief Charlie Beck
Speaking from Ukraine, Mook joins Elex Michaelson this week on “The Issue Is,” revealing the realities on the ground, the stories he’s heard from refugees, and the power of food in unifying people regardless of the background or struggle. Next, Michaelson is joined for a joint sit-down with Los Angeles Mayoral candidate Rick Caruso and former LAPD Chief Charlie Beck - Beck announcing his endor...
19m Mar 05, 2022
19m
233: Rep. Adam Schiff, Sen. Alex Padilla, Andrew Whitworth, Sec. Pete Buttigieg
Congressman Adam Schiff joins the Issue Is to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, America’s role in, and potential response to, the conflict, and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s motivation in the whole scenario. California Senator Alex Padilla filed paperwork to run for his first full term as California’s Junior Senator this week- Michaelson was there and got a one-one with him. Micha...
19m Feb 26, 2022
19m
232: The Race To Lead LA
17m Feb 19, 2022
17m
231: Rep. Barbara Lee and Steve Mason
Rep. Barabara Lee weighs in on Ukraine the U.S. Supreme Court and the new documentary about her life. Steve Mason stops by to discuss Super Bowl LVI, Tom Brady's retirement and fixing the Academy Awards.
19m Feb 05, 2022
19m
230: Student vaccine mandates, grading President Biden, and the NFC Championship
The announced retirement of a California-born Supreme Court Justice, a proposed vaccine mandate for all California students who want to attend class in-person, and let’s not forget a Rams-49ers meeting in the NFC Championship… It's been another busy week in California. To break it all down, and then some, Elex Michaelson is joined on "The Issue Is" by Progressive Attorney Ethan Bearman, Conser...
20m Jan 29, 2022
20m
229: Doug Emhoff and Anne Marie Schubert
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff discuss how California shaped him and Sacramento DA Anne Marie Schbert discusses the rise in crime and her run for Attorney General.
20m Jan 22, 2022
20m
228: Larry Elder and Alex Thompson
This week on The Issue Is, Larry Elder joins Elex to discuss his decision to not run for California Governor. Politico's Alex Thompson discusses January 6, the fate of the Biden agenda and COVID testing challenges.
27m Jan 08, 2022
27m
227: Arnold Schwarzenegger
FOX 11's anchor and The Issue Is host Elex Michaelson caught up with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the former California Governor helped a nonprofit buy 25 homes.
25m Dec 25, 2021
25m
226: Jerry Brown, Dec. 2021
59m Dec 18, 2021
59m
225: Gavin Newsom opens up on dyslexia
California Governor Gavin Newsom opens up about living with dyslexia.
20m Dec 11, 2021
20m
224: Dr. Mark Ghaly, Bob Shrum, Mike Murphy, Marty Walsh, Hilda Solis
Dr. Mark Ghaly joins the Issue Is to discuss the Omicron variant and addresses potential for future lockdowns.
20m Dec 04, 2021
20m
223: Sen. Alex Padilla, Chris Matthews, David Chalian, Jessica Millan Patterson, Ron Christie
Sen. Alex Padilla joins the show to discuss infrastructure and the backlog at the ports. Elex hosts an all-star political panel of Chris Matthews, David Chalian, Jessica Millan Patterson and Ron Christie to discuss midterms, party messaging and more.
20m Nov 13, 2021
20m
222: Katie Couric
Elex Michaelson was joined by Katie Couric on this latest episode of The Issue Is.
38m Nov 06, 2021
38m
221: Dr. Mark Ghaly and Carla Marinucci
Dr. Mark Ghaly joins Elex to discuss the Pfizer vaccine for children. Ahead of a 6-month sabbatical, Politico's Carla Marinucci looks back at her 40-year career covering California politics.
33m Oct 30, 2021
33m
220: Andrew Yang, Ana Kasparian and Steve Hilton
Andrew Yang joins The Issue Is to discuss his new "Forward" Party, universal basic income and his political future. Ana Kasparian of The Young Turks and Steve Hilton of FOX News debate vaccine mandates.
20m Oct 23, 2021
20m
219: Rep. Adam Schiff and Arash Markazi
Rep. Schiff joins The Issue Is to discuss his new book and the Jan. 6 commission. Arash Markazi joins Elex to discuss Jon Gruden's resignation from the Raiders.
35m Oct 16, 2021
35m
218: Katie Porter, Brian Tyler Cohen, Michael Knowles, Denis McDonough
In this week's The Issue Is, Rep. Katie Porter discusses the Orange County oil spill. Brian Tyler Cohen and Michael Knowles debate vaccine mandates and Secretary of Veteran Affairs Denis McDonough stops by to chat with Elex.
35m Oct 09, 2021
35m