California is one of the richest places on earth—so why does it feel like so many things aren't working?

I welcome Will Swaim, CEO of the California Policy Center, back on my podcast to talk about what's driving the state's biggest headaches—from the cost of living and energy policy to homelessness spending, regulation, and the ripple effects of decisions made decades ago.

We all want the same basic things—safe communities, affordable energy, decent schools, and a fair shot at building a life. The trouble starts when the policies designed to deliver those things wind up doing the opposite. California is one of the wealthiest states in the country. It's also a place where the cost of living keeps rising, businesses keep leaving, and the gap between intention and outcome seems to get wider every year. How did we get here, and why is persuasion harder than ever?

Along the way, Will and I chat about a few of the policies shaping life in the Golden State, the unintended consequences that followed, and what the rest of the country might want to pay attention to before adopting the same ideas. If you live in California—or if you're wondering whether what's happening there might show up where you live next—this one's worth a listen.