Best David Calderon Podcasts (2025)

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WHO REALLY LED CALIFORNIA? A Look at Reagan, Wilson and the State’s Most Influential Leaders 6:06

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2h ago6:06

6:06

Show Summary In the Rapid-Fire close to each episode Jon asks every guest “which California leader do you most admire?” – and we’re proud to bring you some of those answers from our guests in 2025. From Ronald Reagan’s optimism and Pete Wilson’s pragmatism to Pat Brown’s legacy of building – the answers reveal a longing for principled leadership, e…

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California’s First Millennial Majority Leader: "The System Is Broken" | Ian Calderon 22:33

7h ago22:33

22:33

Guest: Candidate for Governor of California Ian Calderon Guest Bio: Ian Calderon was the first millennial elected to the California State Assembly and later served as the Assembly Majority Leader. During his time in office (2012–2020), he was deeply involved in major budget and policy negotiations. After leaving office, he became a small business o…

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A DOG Voted In CA ... And They Won't Say If It Was a Democrat | Don Wagner 5:13

7h ago5:13

5:13

Guest: Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner Guest Bio: Don Wagner is the Mayor of Irvine and a former California State Assemblyman, known for his long-standing public service across multiple levels of government. With deep experience in state and local politics, Wagner is now running for California Secretary of State in 2026. His campaign centers on…

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From ‘Baker Briefing’: Reimagining US-Mexico Water Cooperation 47:52

1h ago47:52

47:52

From the “Baker Briefing” podcast: A water crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border is growing. The 1944 Water Treaty has long guided how both nations share the Rio Grande and Colorado rivers, but climate change, drought, and growing demand are testing its limits. Guest host Tony Payan speaks with Rosario Sanchez, a senior research scientist at the Texa…

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California's Climate Mandates Are Bankrupting Families | Columnist Susan Shelley 20:16

15d ago20:16

20:16

Guest: Southern California News Group Columnist Susan Shelley Guest Bio: Susan Shelley is the Vice President of Communications at the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, a columnist for the Southern California News Group, and a leading voice on California’s fiscal policy, tax reform, and constitutional protections. Show Summary What’s really drivi…

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Is California FINALLY Leaving the Democratic Party? | Senator Alvarado-Gil 13:22

24d ago13:22

13:22

Guest: CA State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Guest Bio: Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil represents California’s 4th Senate District, covering 13 counties and over a million constituents across the Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, and rural California. Formerly a Democrat, she made national headlines in August 2024 when she switched parties, citing extreme i…

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EP 144: Marvel Zombies Halloween w/ Red Carpet Marvel Cosplayer Danny Huerta 1:04:26

29d ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Official Marvel cosplayer and 3D prop maker, Danny Huerta joins us to share his behind-the-scenes experience at the Marvel Zombies red carpet premiere, where he appeared as the zombified Red Guardian at the iconic Hollywood Forever Cemetery. We're sinking our teeth into Marvel Zombies Halloween, a chilling one-shot where Kitty Pryde and her young s…

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Why The California Republican Party Is Officially "NON-EXISTENT" | Carl DeMaio 11:48

6d ago11:48

11:48

Guest: Assemblyman Carl DeMaio Guest Bio: Carl DeMaio is a longtime political reformer, policy expert, and the Chairman of Reform California. Based in San Diego, he’s known for calling out corruption in both parties and spearheading grassroots campaigns around voter ID, tax reform, and ballot accountability. In this episode, Carl pulls no punches a…

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They Spent $250 Million on THIS in FOUR DAYS (But Not on Gas Prices!) | David Tangipa 8:55

28d ago8:55

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Guest: California Assemblyman David Tangipa Guest Bio: David Tangipa is the first Polynesian ever elected to the California State Assembly. Known for his unapologetic advocacy, Tangipa has quickly become a voice for working-class Californians who feel left behind by Sacramento’s status quo. In his short time in office, he's been silenced on the flo…

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TAXES & REGULATION are DESTROYING California's Economy | Sheriff Chad Bianco 13:43

1M ago13:43

13:43

Guest: Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco Guest Bio: Chad Bianco leads Riverside County’s Sheriff’s Department, the fourth largest in the nation. With over 30 years of public service and a reputation for fiscal responsibility and tough leadership, Bianco is now running for Governor of California. He’s earned support across party lines for his hon…

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California's $24 BILLION Homelessness FAILURE Exposed | Elizabeth Funk 26:04

1M ago26:04

26:04

Guest: Elizabeth Funk - CEO of DignityMoves Guest Bio: Elizabeth Funk is the Founder and CEO of DignityMoves, a nonprofit redefining how we get unhoused people off the street through interim housing deployed with speed, dignity, and cost-efficiency. With a background in impact investing and urban innovation, Elizabeth brings real-world solutions to…

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Katie Porter Implodes, CA Energy Crisis, & Palisades Fire Arrest | Kevin Dalton 23:53

1M ago23:53

23:53

Guest: Kevin Dalton - Actor turned Conservative Activist Guest Bio: Kevin Dalton is a former actor turned political activist, commentator, and one of California’s most passionate critics and fans — even after moving his family to Idaho. He gained notoriety for his viral takes on homelessness, rising energy costs, and policy mismanagement, and even …

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Why California's 'Independent' Redistricting Is Being DESTROYED | Elizabeth Barcohana 9:53

1M ago9:53

9:53

Guest: Elizabeth Barcohana - LA GOP Central Committee Member Guest Bio: Elizabeth Barcohana is a GOP delegate, LA GOP Central Committee member, attorney, and political commentator. She’s actively leading voter education and registration efforts in LA County through initiatives like Vote Gold and Project 460K LA, aiming to correct misconceptions abo…

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California's HIDDEN Energy Tax Costing You $100/Month | Mitch Mitchell 22:02

1M ago22:02

22:02

Guest: Mitch Mitchell, Chief Legislative Officer - SDG&E & Southern California Gas Guest Bio: Mitch Mitchell leads Legislative Affairs at Sempra, one of the largest energy companies in the U.S. With deep experience navigating California’s complex energy landscape, Mitch brings a rare insider’s perspective on how regulations, well-intended mandates,…

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Why Defunding The Police Is A "Hashtag Policy" - Will O'Neill 14:23

2M ago14:23

14:23

By Jon Slavet | California Politics

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How CA's One-Party Rule Worsens Homelessness and Kills Fair Elections 11:02

2M ago11:02

11:02

Guest: LA GOP Chair Roxanne Hoge Guest Bio: Roxanne Hoge is the Chair of the Los Angeles Republican Party, as well as an actress, activist, and proud mom. A first-generation immigrant and political firebrand, Roxanne has emerged as a bold voice in California politics — speaking out on corruption, public safety, and how Proposition 50 threatens fair…

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How Kevin Faulconer Made San Diego America's Safest Big City 18:17

2M ago18:17

18:17

Guest: Former Mayor Kevin Faulconer Guest Bio: Kevin Faulconer is an American politician and businessman, best known for serving as the 36th Mayor of San Diego from 2014 to 2020. During his tenure, he was known for taking bold action on homelessness, public safety, and civic infrastructure. A Republican who won in a majority Democratic city, Faulco…

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89: Drawing Power: Political Cartooning in Mexico (Guest: Paco Calderón) 31:27

2M ago31:27

31:27

Political cartoons serve as a powerful visual commentary on major figures, events, and issues. Paco Calderón, a cartoonist who has documented much of Mexico's political and social landscape, joined "México Centered" to discuss his work and approach. More about Tony Payan, Ph.D.: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/tony-payan Follow Tony Payan on …

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EP 143: Marvel Zombies: Xavier’s School for Gifted Ghouls 50:50

2M ago50:50

50:50

Marvel Zombies shamble onto Disney+ this week—and we’re celebrating by tearing into the X-Mansion’s darkest hour in Marvel Zombies: Resurrection #1. Spider-Man, Forge, and the Richards kids stumble into a Westchester-sized nightmare. Forget witty banter—Zombie Beast is a feral genius gone mad, and Zombie Nightcrawler is a teleporting jump scare tha…

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PROP 50 EXPOSED: The Redistricting Power Grab That Could Silence Millions 9:19

2M ago9:19

9:19

In this explosive bonus episode of State of Gold, we break down Prop 50 — the controversial redistricting ballot measure that’s sending shockwaves through California. With exclusive interviews and testimony, The Big Rig exposes how Prop 50 dismantles California’s independent redistricting commission and gives politicians unchecked power to draw the…

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The REAL Reason Your Energy Bills Are Crushing You - Congressman Vince Fong 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

Guest: California Congressman Vince Fong Guest Bio: Congressman Vince Fong represents California’s 20th Congressional District, succeeding former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. A longtime advocate for energy independence and economic growth in the Central Valley, Fong brings a policy-driven perspective shaped by years of public service and de…

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Progressive Agenda is DESTROYING California’s Economy – Rob Lapsley 24:33

2M ago24:33

24:33

Guest: Rob Lapsley, President – The California Business Roundtable Guest Bio: Rob Lapsley is the President of the California Business Roundtable, where he advocates for economic growth, job creation, and pro-business reforms across the state. A former U.S. State Department official and Chief of Staff to California’s Secretary of State, Lapsley has …

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Prop 50 Could END Democracy in California Forever - Jon Fleischman 26:03

2M ago26:03

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Guest: Jon Fleischman - Founder, So Does It Matter? Guest Bio: Jon Fleischman is a longtime political strategist, founder of the influential conservative news sites FlashReport and So Does It Matter?, and former Executive Director and Vice Chair of the California Republican Party. A well-known commentator on California politics, Fleischman has deep…

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EP 142: The Voice of Kitty Pryde - Maggie Blue O’Hara on X-Men: Evolution 47:04

3M ago47:04

47:04

We are thrilled to welcome the voice of Kitty Pryde herself—Maggie Blue O’Hara! From phasing through walls in X-Men: Evolution to enchanting fans in Cardcaptor Sakura and My Little Pony, Maggie shares stories from her incredible career and what it means to bring a fan-favorite mutant to life. Then, we crack open Astonishing X-Men #1: Gifted. Kitty …

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Gerrymandering, Prop 50 & California's Political Map Wars 18:38

3M ago18:38

18:38

Guest: Prosecutor & Redistricting Expert Matt Rexroad Guest Bio: Matt Rexroad is one of California’s leading experts on redistricting, gerrymandering, and political maps. A former Yolo County Supervisor and seasoned Republican strategist, he has advised on both local and statewide redistricting efforts. Rexroad’s voice has become central in unpacki…

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Is Gavin Newsom Running a $250M Scam on California Voters? 18:06

3M ago18:06

18:06

Guest Rob Stutzman - Fmr. Schwarzenegger Director of Communications Guest Bio Rob Stutzman is a veteran California political strategist, communications expert, and founder of Stutzman Public Affairs. He served as Communications Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and has advised numerous political and corporate leaders across the state. Kno…

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I Was Called RACIST For Wanting Kids Back in School - Former CA Democrat Tells All 26:09

3M ago26:09

26:09

Guest: Laura Powell — Civil Rights Attorney Guest Bio: Laura Powell is a civil rights attorney and founder of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation. A fearless advocate for parental rights, free speech, and equal treatment under the law, Powell has emerged as a bold voice challenging the political corruption of California’s public institutio…

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California's Billion Dollar Water Mistake That's Been Hidden Since the 70s - Edward Ring 35:28

3M ago35:28

35:28

Guest: Edward Ring – Director of Water & Energy Policy, California Policy Center Guest Bio: Edward Ring is the Director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center and a founding member of the think tank. He is also the author of The Abundance Choice: Our Fight for More Water in California. With decades of experience analyzing state …

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Can California Be Saved? Real Talk with Former Speaker Curt Pringle 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

Guest: Curt Pringle - Former Speaker of the California Assembly and Mayor of Anaheim Guest Bio: Curt Pringle is a seasoned political leader and strategist with deep roots in California governance. He served as Speaker of the California State Assembly and later as Mayor of Anaheim, where he spearheaded major housing developments and infrastructure r…

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88: Chocolate Cars’: Illegal Vehicle Imports to Mexico From the US (Guests: Guillermo Rosales Zárate & Juan Vega Gómez) 39:45

3M ago39:45

39:45

Each year, hundreds of thousands of cars are imported illegally into Mexico from the United States. These unregistered “chocolate cars” — a play on the word “chueco,” which means “crooked” in Spanish — not only crowd out the national light vehicle market, but often fail to meet pollution and safety standards and can be used in serious crimes. The u…

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The Yimby Movement vs. California: Sonja Trauss On Housing, CEQA & Fighting For The Future 28:22

4M ago28:22

28:22

Guest: Sonja Trauss – Founder & Exec Director of YIMBY Law Guest Bio: Sonja Trauss is the founder and executive director of YIMBY Law, a groundbreaking organization using litigation and advocacy to enforce housing laws and expand all types of housing across California. A former math teacher turned activist, Sonja helped ignite the Yes In My Backyar…

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The Next-Gen Fighter: Alexandra Macedo Is Taking On California's Broken System 23:55

4M ago23:55

23:55

Guest: Alexandra Macedo – Member of the California State Assembly Guest Bio: Alexandra Macedo is California’s youngest-ever Republican assemblywoman, a fourth-generation farmer, and a fierce advocate for agriculture, entrepreneurship, and common sense reform. Raised in the Central Valley with deep roots in dairy and farming, she’s built her own env…

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Steve Hilton On Fixing California: Housing, Leadership & The Fight For Common Sense 32:32

4M ago32:32

32:32

Guest: Steve Hilton, Republican Candidate for Governor of California Guest Bio: Steve Hilton is a political commentator, former senior advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, and now candidate for Governor of California. In the U.S., he's best known as the host of The Next Revolution on Fox News and for his passionate advocacy around housi…

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Elex Michaelson On California’s Political Future: Newsom, Kamala & The 2026 Shakeup 28:12

4M ago28:12

28:12

Guest: Fox News LA Anchor Elex Michaelson Guest Bio: Elex Michaelson is the co-anchor of Fox 11 News in Los Angeles and host of the weekly political show The Issue Is. Known for his thoughtful interviews and debate moderation, Elex has spoken with some of the nation’s most influential political leaders and received eight Emmy Awards and seven Golde…

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Willie Brown On Power, Politics & The Future Of California 39:20

4M ago39:20

39:20

Guest: Fmr. San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown Guest Bio: Willie Brown is a legendary figure in California politics — the first African American Speaker of the California Assembly and former two-term Mayor of San Francisco. Known for his unmatched political savvy, deep relationships, and bold leadership style, Brown served in public office for over 4…

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California’s Energy Emergency: What No One’s Telling You About Gas Prices, Jobs & Policy Failure 34:17

4M ago34:17

34:17

Guest Catherine Reheis-Boyd - President & CEO, Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) Guest Bio Catherine Reheis-Boyd is President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), representing major petroleum companies in California and the western U.S. With decades of experience, she’s one of the most influential energy advocates i…

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Can California Reform Itself? Steve Westly On Budget Bloat, Housing, And Hope 31:25

5M ago31:25

31:25

Guest: Steve Westly - Founder, 21st Century Alliance & Former CA State Controller Guest Bio Steve Westly is a business leader, investor, and former California State Controller who has spent decades working to make state government more efficient and accountable. A longtime supporter of education and economic innovation, Steve brings both private-se…

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The Plan to Red-Pill L.A. County: Elizabeth Barcohana’s Fight for California’s Future 9:10

5M ago9:10

9:10

Guest: Elizabeth Barcohana - Commentator, Activist & LA County RCC Member Guest Bio Elizabeth Barcohana is an attorney, mother of four, and a rising voice in California’s Republican Party. After working at a major law firm while raising her young family in Los Angeles, Elizabeth entered politics during the COVID school closures, driven by frustrati…

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87: Stopping the Flow of US Arms to Mexico (Guests: Isabella D’Alacio, John Lindsay-Poland & Gerardo Álvarez) 35:37

4M ago35:37

35:37

In this episode of “México Centered,” experts Isabella D’Alacio, John Lindsay-Poland, and Gerardo Álvarez join Tony to shed light on the dangerous flow of firearms from the U.S. into Mexico. They explore how criminal networks traffic powerful weapons across the border, the cultural and political obstacles to reform, and the ongoing efforts to curb …

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How California Lost Its Political Center: Dan Schnur On Fixing A Broken System 37:38

5M ago37:38

37:38

Guest: Dan Schnur - Professor, Strategist, and Former California FPPC Chair Guest Bio Dan Schnur is a veteran political strategist, educator, and commentator who has worked on four presidential campaigns, three gubernatorial campaigns, and served as Director of Communications for Governor Pete Wilson. A former Republican turned No Party Preference …

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From ‘Baker Briefing’: Claudia Sheinbaum’s Balancing Act 41:16

5M ago41:16

41:16

Tony Payan joined David Satterfield, director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and host of the “Baker Briefing” podcast, to discuss the challenges Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is facing — both domestically and in its relationship with the United States. This conversation was recorded on May 14, 2025. You can subscrib…

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California’s Budget Crisis: Insights from Schwarzenegger’s Former Budget Director 33:44

5M ago33:44

33:44

Guest: David Crane - Founder, Govern for California Guest Bio David Crane is a businessman, educator, and former special advisor to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He is the founder of Govern For California, an organization focused on strengthening democracy and advocating for fiscal responsibility and education reform. Known for his direct, data-d…

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The Youngest Leader in Sacramento: David Tangipa on Reform, Safety, and Real Leadership 31:58

5M ago31:58

31:58

Guest: Assemblyman David Tangipa Guest Bio David Tangipa is the youngest member of the California State Assembly, representing the Fresno area. A proud son of Tongan immigrants and a disabled U.S. veteran, David brings a powerful voice shaped by lived experience in underserved communities. His early career in local politics and public safety set th…

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California's Manmade Housing Crisis: A Legendary Land-Use Attorney on a Broken System 38:29

5M ago38:29

38:29

Guest: Jennifer Hernandez – Partner, Holland & Knight Guest Bio Jennifer Hernandez is a legendary land use and environmental attorney at Holland & Knight, with over 30 years of experience leading legal battles for housing, equity, and environmental justice across California. Known for her fearless critique of the state’s broken regulatory system, s…

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Sacramento Exposed: Assemblyman Joe Patterson on Fentanyl, Moral Failures & Transparency 30:41

5M ago30:41

30:41

Guest: Joe Patterson - Member of the California State Assembly Guest Bio Joe Patterson is a California State Assemblyman representing District 5 and a leading advocate for government transparency, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. A former Rocklin City Councilmember and father of four, Patterson brings a fresh, no-nonsense approach to Sacra…

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Why I Left The Democrats: Gloria Romero On California's Political & Education Crisis 39:30

5M ago39:30

39:30

Guest: Gloria Romero - Former California Senate Majority Leader Guest Bio Gloria Romero is the former Majority Leader of the California State Senate and a long-time advocate for education reform. With a PhD in psychology and her fearless approach, she has challenged powerful special interests from inside and outside the Capitol. In 2023, she made h…

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Welcome to State of Gold! 1:06

5M ago1:06

1:06

California was once a beacon of prosperity, hope and innovation – symbolized by the Gold Rush, Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Today it’s the least affordable state in the nation and plagued by poverty, homelessness, and sky-high taxes. How did we get here, and how do we turn California around? State of Gold is a media platform and citizens’ movement…

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86: Binational Dialogues: José Antonio Meade 36:10

6M ago36:10

36:10

On April 24, 2025, we hosted the inaugural webinar of our “Binational Dialogues” series, titled “Mexico’s Economy Today” and featuring José Antonio Meade Kuribreña. Meade offered an in-depth analysis of the current state of Mexico’s economy, followed by a thoughtful conversation with Tony Payan, director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico. Meade…

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85: Boosting Tech Entrepreneurship in Chihuahua (Guests: Kevin Koym and Ana Victoria Gutiérrez) 28:06

6M ago28:06

28:06

Tony Payan, director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico, is joined by Kevin Koym, founder and CEO of Tech Ranch, and Ana Victoria Gutiérrez, ecosystem intelligence leader at Startup Chihuahua. Together, they explore how strategic investment and community collaboration are driving the growth of tech entrepreneurship in Chihuahua. Featured guests:…

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From ‘Baker Briefing’: Trump’s Sprawling Deportation Campaign (Guests: David Donatti, Luz Garcini & Tony Payan) 42:07

7M ago42:07

42:07

Last month, Tony Payan joined the “Baker Briefing” podcast along with Rice University professor Luz Maria Garcini and ACLU of Texas attorney David Donatti to discuss the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign. They explored the legal and social implications of the administration’s unconventional targeting of legal permanent and temporary …