Shows
KABATALKSEpisode 31: The Big Beautiful Bill, Senator Padilla’s Forced Exit, No Kings Protests, and the Military ParadeSend us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. In this episode, the guys dig into the controversial “Big Beautiful Bill” passed by House Republicans this spring — a large package that cuts billions from food aid, relaxes regulations, supports fossil fuel projects, and includes tax breaks like the no-tax-on-tips provision, all wrapped inside a farm bill.They break down the startling incident in Los Angeles where Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a DHS press conference despite having official escorts, sparking questions about...2025-06-1838 minKABATALKSEpisode 30: LA Protests, Immigration Crackdowns, and the Legal Limits of Presidential PowerSend us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. In this episode of Kabatalks, John and Brian square off over one of the most explosive headlines in California politics: the deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles amidst ICE raids and growing street protests. Was it a necessary response to chaos—or a dangerous overreach?The conversation dives deep into the legal thresholds for using the National Guard without a governor’s consent, the historic precedent (or lack thereof), and whether President Trump’s move...2025-06-1237 minKABATALKSEpisode 29: Assemblymember Laurie Davies on Bipartisanship, GOP Revival, and California’s Political FutureSend us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. In this episode, we sit down with Assemblymember Laurie Davies to explore the evolving mood in Sacramento—Is it tense? Collaborative? Or somewhere in between? A former small business owner, Davies offers her take on how bipartisan cooperation can still thrive, even in a deeply divided political climate. We dig into her top priorities for the year, her honest views on Governor Newsom’s performance, and what it will take for the GOP to regain relevance in C...2025-05-0231 minKABATALKSEpisode 28: Senator Tom Umberg on California's Legislative Challenges and Bipartisanship Opportunities.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. What makes California's legislative environment a breeding ground for cooperation, even amidst political supermajorities? Join us as we promise a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics within the California Senate, courtesy of our conversation with State Senator Tom Umberg. With his extensive background as a federal criminal prosecutor and former deputy drug czar, Senator Umberg shares his insightful perspective on the camaraderie and collaboration that define California's government—an intriguing contrast to the often divisive U.S...2025-03-2436 minKABATALKSEpisode 27: California's Wildfires Ingnite an Even Greater Political Firestorm.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. California's wildfires are not just a force of nature; they're a battleground for misinformation and political agendas. Join us, the brothers Kabateck, as we unravel the tangled web of false narratives surrounding Governor Gavin Newsom during these crises and scrutinize the infrastructure failures that exacerbate the situation. With bold claims from the Trump administration in the spotlight, we stress the urgent need for truth in disaster communications and debate the efficacy of Senator Scott Wiener's much-talked-about...2025-02-2037 minKABATALKSEpisode 26: Reflection and Projection With Former Senator Scott Wilk.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Former state Senator Scott Wilk joins us on Kabatalks to provide a reflective and candid exit interview, if you will, sharing insights from his 12 years in the California State Legislature. With keen observations on the 2012 term limits change, Scott discusses its impact on legislative stability, while also offering a unique perspective on the shifts in voter sentiment during the 2020 elections. We engage in a comparative analysis of the leadership styles of Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin...2025-01-2340 minKABATALKSEpisode 25: Dan Schnur on Trump and the Political Dilemmas of Harris and Newsom.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. What if strategic risks could reshape the political future? In this episode of KabaTalks, we welcome Dan Schnur, a veteran political strategist, to unpack the dynamics of the latest presidential election. With Kamala Harris facing the challenge of a lifetime by running her campaign in just 107 days, and Donald Trump pulling off an impressive voter mobilization feat, we dissect the strategic gambles taken by both. Our conversation reveals that the election's outcome wasn't dictated by a s...2024-12-1949 minKABATALKSEpisode 24: California's Gubernatorial Outlook From the Left and the Right.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Is California's political stage ready for a major shake-up? Join us, brothers Brian and John Kabateck, as we dissect the Golden State's gubernatorial race. With Brian leaning slightly left and John slightly right, we explore the landscape of potential candidates such as Tony Atkins, Eleni Kounalakis, and Antonio Villaraigosa, while contemplating the roles of Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom in future political arenas. We also ponder the slim but impactful chances of a Republican governor influencing...2024-12-1135 minKABATALKSEpisode 23: Brothers Kabateck Unpack the Election as Only Political Opposites Can.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Can a Trump appointee really shake up the political landscape as Attorney General? Find out as we launch into a spirited discussion about some of his unexpected appointments and their potential ripple effects in the party. Join us, Brian and John Kabateck, as we bring humor and insight into California's evolving political scene, exploring whether the state is shifting towards a more balanced political hue amidst challenges like crime, homelessness, and economic woes. Unravel t...2024-11-2838 minKABATALKSEpisode 22: California Restaurant Association's Jot Condie Joins the Brothers Kabateck to Talk Election Impact on the Restaurant Industry.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Is the Republican Party facing a defining moment, or is this just another chapter in a long history of political evolution? Join the brothers Kabateck as they engage with Jot Condie, President and CEO of the California Restaurant Association, to explore the potential directions the party may take in the post-Trump era. They'll weigh the lasting impact of Donald Trump's influence against the possibility of a return to traditional conservative values championed by figures like...2024-10-2330 min
California InsiderCalifornia Restaurants on Verge of Going Under With Excessive Mandates, Higher Costs | Brian Back | John Kabateck“I’ve sent an open letter to [California Gov.] Gavin Newsom. Not only have we seen the cost of almost everything go up exponentially in the last few years, but also faced new regulations and mandates. If I were to match our increased costs with menu pricing, we would be forced to charge about $40 for a cheeseburger. We can’t explain that to the customer.”Siyamak sits down with Brian Back, who established his restaurant in the Bay Area to serve as a community asset and foster unity among people. He shares the challenges he faces with laws, re...2024-04-0731 minKABATALKSEpisode 21: 2024 Elections - A Political Dissection with Dan SchnurSend us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Brothers John and Brian Kabateck choose their sides as they explore the shifting dynamics of the Republican and Democrat Parties with esteemed guest, Dan Schnur, a respected professor and veteran political strategist. From the astonishing influence Donald Trump continues to wield within the GOP, even in the face of a criminal indictment, to the concerns around Joe Biden's age and mental capacity, the conversation twists and turns like a road on the side of a mountain. 2023-09-0735 minKABATALKSEpisode 20: Survival of the California Republican Party with Jessica PattersonSend us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. I'll bet you're thinking the fireworks are going to fly between your hosts, Brian and John in this episode. But the opposite is true. Brian gives some very thoughtful insight into why he believes the Republican Party has challenges in the state and even the country. John, of course disagrees and Chairwoman Patterson does a wonderful job of positioning the party for growth in the state. When it comes to strategies, once again, Brian offers some insi...2023-08-0336 minKABATALKSEpisode 19: The Common Sense Party. A Discussion With Tom CampbellSend us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. You may have heard that some people in the state of California aren't too thrilled with the partisanship and lopsided super majority in our state assembly. And that's on both sides of the aisle. In this episode, Tom Campbell, former Congressman and State Senator addresses the purpose and intent of The Common Sense Party with your hosts, Brian and John Kabateck. Hear what it's going to take to get some "common-sense" in our legislature and how thi...2023-03-1225 minKABATALKSEpisode 18: The Straight Scoop on CA Politics with Mike GattoSend us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. The brothers Kabateck square off hard in this episode as they posture for their respective political parties with supporting arguments. You'll hear more jabs than in any other episode as it gets a little personal here. Once the dust settles, former Assembly Member, Mike Gatto mediates and moderates the discussion with his own unique perspective and concern for not only the well being of a bi-partisan democracy but for the well being of the Democratic party as...2023-02-0144 minKABATALKSEpisode 17: Mike Roos and His Political Views.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Former California State Assembly Member and now Political Strategist, Mike Roos is the focus for the brothers Kabateck in this episode. From current issues and concerns for the state regarding the Democratic party and the lack of presence of the Republican party, to his perspective on whether Governor Newsome will run for President, Mike is very candid in his comments. A little reflection on his time at the Capitol reveals some missteps the state may have ma...2023-01-0539 minKABATALKSEpisode 16: Paul Mitchell Dissects the Mid Term Results. Is California Purpling?Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. It's a vigorous discussion as the brothers Kabateck express differing views (surprised?) on what Paul Mitchell of Political Data Inc. has to say about what both the data show and what he believes it's representing. The topics range from the impact of younger voters on election results to the mayoral outcome in LA to the national front and what may happen come 2024. Lots of opinion, lots of facts and much to be gained from the discussion. 2022 was...2022-12-0136 minKABATALKSEpisode 15: Assembly Member Chris Holden. California Politics, AB257 and More.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. The discussion get's a little contentious as Brian Kabateck, self-professed left leaning and John Kabateck clearly to the right, engage on a variety of topics with Assembly Member Chris Holden. The mutual respect amongst all is clear with the conversation touching on partisanship in the Capital, the Republican Party in California and the significance (or not) of AB257. Their trademark "Fast Questions" reveal the fun and personal side of the Assembly Member as he rockets through wi...2022-11-1533 minKABATALKSEpisode 14: Former LA District Attorney, Steve Cooley on Gascon Recall, LA Crime and Drug Legalization.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. If it were up to former LA District Attorney, Steve Cooley, Los Angeles current DA, George Gascon would be out. A myriad of bad decisions has left LA with some of the highest crime rates in the country and it's not looking any better any time soon. Poor leadership, poor laws and a lessened police force have created a perfect storm for those wishing to violate the law. Gain some insight on what can actually be don...2022-11-0331 minKABATALKSEpisode 13: Newsome's Run for the Presidency... and more.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Oh boy, there's a little friction in the room today as Paul Mitchell returns for a discussion closer to the mid-terms with some more insight on many topics. Is Newsome running for President? (Hint:yes) Does he have a chance? (Hint:no) Or at least that's the opinion. How do California's elections influence the house? Hmmm. No more hints. What about the various propositions? That's an interesting discussion. How about the process for referendum? Paul shares a great...2022-10-1940 minKABATALKSEpisode 12: Senator Bradford on Homelessness, Crime, the Republican Party and More.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. This is one supercharged episode as the tension from the right and the left, that would be brothers John and Brian, and the topics of conversation are all California pain points. Senator Steven Bradford is steadfast in his positions and shares some observations that support both sides of the political aisle. Topics include, social equity, crime, homelessness and the state of the California exodus. Top those off with a dose of the Republican Party in the s...2022-09-2236 minKABATALKSEpisode 11: Mike Madrid on the Latinization of Both Politics and Our Communities.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. One thing the brothers Kabateck have in common and that is the ability to share outstanding guests in their respective aura of California politics. Mike Madrid is a 30 year veteran in the political arena and is Founding Director and President of Grass Roots Lab, a full service Public Relations firm focused on community engagement and grass roots research. He's a change agent for political campaigns and an expert on Latino voting trends and related research. Today's conv...2022-09-0841 minKABATALKSEpisode 10: Redistricting or Gerrymandering? Paul Mitchell explains.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Oh boy, is this one hotly debated topic amongst professional as well as amateur political debates. Brian and John lean on their own sides of the aisle as they discuss what the value is of redistricting with Paul Mitchell, an expert data consultant. Paul is the founder of Redistricting Partners and VP of Political Data, Inc. His experience and expertise leads to the expected discussion of how redistricting will influence some of the California races and in...2022-08-0234 minKABATALKSEpisode 9: Talking California with Dan Morain, Homelessness, Crime and the Republican Party.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Join brothers Brian and John Kabateck as they get political with former reporter and columnist for the Los Angeles Times and Sacramento Bee, Dan Morain. The conversation takes many twists and turns but touches on the issues of homelessness, crime and the Republican part in the state of California. As usual, you'll learn a little more about the personal side of Dan as the brothers pepper him with "fast questions" meant to reveal a little more th...2022-07-1228 minKABATALKSEpisode 8: Marva Diaz shares her perspective on the outcomes of redistricting and the state of Republicans in California.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Join brothers Brian and John Kabateck as they discuss the outlook for candidates and their respective parties in the upcoming elections for California with Marva Diaz. Marva Diaz is the President of Marva Diaz Strategies and also the Co-Editor of California Targetbook, a political reference resource. Today's conversation covers topics ranging from re-districting and the impacts it's had on candidates as well as the likelihood of the Republican party ever gaining strength again in the state. Lis...2022-04-1230 minKABATALKSEpisode 7: Jon Coupal of Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Shares His Thoughts on the "Death Tax".Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Brothers Kabateck once again score an incredible guest to discuss current and very topical conversations in California. Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association talks about the state of the state but more importantly, the "death tax" that is currently being discussed by the legislature. Hear from varied perspectives as the discussion meanders through political bias very subtly and comes out with consensus, not agreement, that something definitely needs to be addressed. While the "de...2022-02-1630 minKABATALKSEpisode 6: Former California State Assembly Speaker John Perez on the state of the state.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. In their inimitable fashion, brothers contrarian, Brian and John Kabateck ask some tough questions from different perspectives of their good friend, former Speaker of the California State Assembly, John A. Perez. The range of topics spans the spectrum of issues the state is dealing with from a grade for Governor Newsome on the handling of Covid, to education, port blockage, water and even the EDD debacle. It's a conversational discussion with someone who has both the cre...2021-12-2031 minKABATALKSEpisode 5: Senator Scott Wilk on the Republican Party in California.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Brothers Brian and John Kabateck have an engaging discussion with Senate Republican Leader, Scott Wilk on the state of the Republican Party in California for starters. The conversation then turns to a conversation on the Armenian genocide and the Armenian state of affairs in California. Definitely some surprising discussion here. Finally, get to know Senator Wilk a bit better as Brian and John pepper him with the program's "fast questions" on personal matters. You'll be surprised to...2021-11-2227 minKABATALKSEpisode 4: Dee Dee Myers on her career and current role in California government.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. The brothers Kabateck, Brian and John, have a casual and candid conversation with Dee Dee Myers, former Press Secretary to President Bill Clinton and the first female Press Secretary ever. The conversation travels many paths from her career in D.C. to her current role as Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), a cabinet-level position. She shares her perspective and experience from prior roles and...2021-10-1427 minKABATALKSEpisode 3: Sacramento's Mayor Darrell Steinberg on homelessness in Sacramento...and more.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. This episode releases on the day following an historic vote by the Sacramento City Council on what steps are going to be taken to help relieve the homelessness problem in the the city. Not one to mince words on the topic, Mayor Steinberg hits it head on with his vision for the future and what necessary steps need to be taken now to ensure a cleaner city and the appropriate aid and support for those without s...2021-08-1132 minKABATALKSEpisode 2: A California State Treasure(er). Fiona MaSend us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer has one very big job. Today she gets comfortable at the table for a discussion of pressing issues, career and more with brothers Brian and John Kabateck. She shares successes, concerns and a few surprises we'll bet you never knew as the conversation gets personal. Hop on in and join the discussion.If you enjoy hearing what we have to say, albeit somewhat irreverent and rarely do we agree, ple...2021-05-1124 min
KABATALKSEpisode 1: Jot Condie on the near future of the restaurant industry and Covid impacts.Send us a text to let us know what you think of this episode. We would love to hear from you. Welcome to the premiere episode of "Kabatalks" with Brian and John Kabateck. Their very first independent production together opens with Jot Condie, President and CEO of the California Restaurant Association sharing his thoughts about the current state of the industry, pending litigation in a class action suit and what his outlook is for California restaurants post Covid. This is a rare instance where Brian and John find themselves on relatively similar sides of the discussion but no...2021-03-2922 min
Capitol Weekly PodcastCWPODCAST90: KabaTalks on AB5Another KABATALKS episode of the Capitol Weekly pod, wherein two brothers working opposite sides of the political spectrum discuss issues of the day. John Kabateck is a lifelong Republican and longtime spokesperson for the NFIB; Brian Kabateck is a lifelong Democrat and the former head of the Consumer Attorneys Association. John Howard and Tim Foster of Capitol Weekly guide the discussion, which focuses this week on AB5, the landmark labor law that seeks to clarify the distinctions between employees and independent contractors in the wake of the Dynamex decision. Unsurprisingly, the Kabatecks are on opposite sides of the fence...2020-01-1633 min
Capitol Weekly PodcastCWPODCAST86: Kabatalks w/Brian and John KabateckBrian and John Kabateck visit the podcast to answer the question on everyone's lips: what is Thanksgiving like for two brothers who are on opposing sides of nearly every political fight in the state? John Kabateck is a lifelong Republican and longtime spokesperson for the NFIB; Brian Kabateck is a lifelong Democrat and the former head of the Consumer Attorneys Association. The two sat down with John Howard and Tim Foster to talk about how they separate work, ideology and family, and on finding common ground.
2019-11-2536 min