Podcast Summary: Adam Carolla vs. Gavin Newsom Full Interview - 2013

Release Date: August 14, 2025
Podcast: Adam Carolla Show
Host: Adam Carolla
Guest: Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor

1. Introduction

In this spirited episode of The Adam Carolla Show, host Adam Carolla engages in a candid and often heated discussion with Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. The episode delves into several pressing issues, ranging from small business regulations and government inefficiencies to socioeconomic challenges within various communities.

2. Gavin Newsom's Background and Entry into Politics

Gavin Newsom opens the conversation by sharing his entrepreneurial beginnings in the wine industry. He recounts a pivotal moment that steered him towards politics:

Gavin Newsom [03:02]: "Here I am opening my little wine store, creating some jobs... [the inspector] says you gotta have a mop sink... and so I finally put in the mop sink. Today, we just had our 20th anniversary. That damn mop sink is still there."

This frustration with bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary regulations fueled his decision to enter the political arena, aiming to advocate for small businesses and streamline governmental processes.

3. Small Business Regulations and Bureaucratic Inefficiency

Adam and Gavin delve into the frustrations faced by small business owners in California, highlighting excessive regulations that hinder growth:

Adam Carolla [05:00]: "They walk into your home, onto your property... It's about revenue, it's all about revenue."

Gavin Newsom [06:56]: "We gotta humanize government. We got to change the rules, make them more flexible and adaptable."

They discuss how California's stringent building codes and inspection processes often pose unnecessary challenges for entrepreneurs, delaying business operations and increasing costs.

4. Government Monopoly and Lack of Competition

The conversation shifts to the monopolistic nature of government services, emphasizing the absence of competition:

Adam Carolla [08:20]: "Government does not have competition, and thus their windows are... that's what competition does—it breeds nothing."

Gavin Newsom [08:35]: "We can at least put some sunshine and light a day on it. Exposing the problem helps people change their behavior."

They advocate for introducing competitive frameworks within government services to enhance efficiency and accountability.

5. DROP Program and Mayoral Race Issues

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) program affecting LAPD and LA City Fire personnel:

Unnamed Reporter [38:17]: "Officer Jones retires... continues to be paid his salary, but his pension goes into an account where it collects 5% interest."

Gavin Newsom [40:57]: "It's a program that has to be done away with because of the obligations we face."

Adam critiques the program for its financial implications, while Gavin acknowledges the complexities but emphasizes the need for comprehensive pension reforms.

6. Traffic Policy and Enforcement in Los Angeles

Adam criticizes Los Angeles' traffic management, suggesting that policies from other states could alleviate congestion:

Adam Carolla [19:25]: "LA is one of the dumbest cities in America... If you can steer it, clear it."

Gavin Newsom [20:17]: "I saw a billboard out on the 405 says, 'You're not stuck in traffic.' It made the point about our own behavior."

They discuss implementing policies like "Clear it, steer it," where minor fender benders are resolved with minimal disruption, contrasting it with California's current approach.

7. Police Priorities and Resource Allocation

The duo debates the priorities of law enforcement, debating traffic enforcement versus addressing more significant issues:

Adam Carolla [27:11]: "First off, bigger criminal, illegal alien or somebody rolls through a stop sign..."

Gavin Newsom [28:01]: "It's about keeping people safe and respectful behavior."

Adam argues that police are overly focused on minor infractions, diverting resources from more serious crimes. Gavin counters by emphasizing the importance of traffic laws in ensuring public safety.

8. Keeping Film Productions in California

Gavin highlights efforts to retain film productions in California amidst aggressive incentives from other states and countries:

Gavin Newsom [34:10]: "We put together a couple of years ago... try to keep these runaway productions here."

Adam Carolla [35:22]: "It's simple. Raise it up. People move out. Last time, four months ago, Samuel L. Jackson was shooting a movie in Winnipeg."

They agree on the need for competitive incentives to keep California's film industry thriving, noting the challenges posed by other regions offering lucrative deals.

9. Discussion on Presidential Politics and Candidates

The conversation briefly touches upon potential presidential candidates and the Democratic Party's prospects:

Gavin Newsom [48:54]: "If Hillary Clinton runs, she clears out the Democratic primary field and is favored in the general election in '16."

Adam Carolla [50:07]: "Even if Obama doesn't get the economy back, Hillary would still win."

They speculate on the strengths and challenges of Democratic candidates, with Gavin expressing confidence in Hillary Clinton's appeal.

10. Socioeconomic Issues: Poverty, Race, and Family Structure

One of the most intense parts of the interview involves a debate on the root causes of poverty within African American and Latino communities:

Adam Carolla [54:01]: "They don't want interference of government, but they want free lunches after they shit out the kids."

Gavin Newsom [55:08]: "A lot of Latinos and African Americans have no access to a checking account... families are broken up... but many also work hard and value education."

Adam attributes socioeconomic struggles to broken families and lack of individual responsibility, while Gavin emphasizes systemic issues, discrimination, and the importance of supporting struggling families.

11. Minimum Wage Debate

The hosts discuss the implications of minimum wage laws and their impact on individuals and businesses:

Adam Carolla [53:07]: "This is when Obama stumps about making $14,000 a year. My answer: What do you have two kids for?"

Gavin Newsom [54:01]: "Maybe you had twins. You wanted one."

They debate whether government-mandated minimum wages help or hinder those on the lower end of the income spectrum, with Adam advocating for personal responsibility and Gavin highlighting the necessity of financial support for low-income families.

12. Conclusion

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and promotional segments. Adam expresses appreciation for Gavin's participation, acknowledging the depth and challenge of their conversation.

Adam Carolla [75:18]: "I love you, buddy. Coming here and scrapping it up. You're gonna do Kimmel."

Gavin Newsom [75:20]: "Is that what you want me to do?"

Despite their disagreements, both participants recognize the importance of addressing complex societal issues, albeit through differing perspectives.

Notable Quotes

• Gavin Newsom [07:53]: "You have to run for office. You gotta stop complaining."

• Adam Carolla [19:25]: "LA is one of the dumbest cities in America."

• Adam Carolla [54:17]: "They have every right to make whatever decision they feel is appropriate in their life."

• Gavin Newsom [56:27]: "But what about the picture of real homelessness... a poor mom with two kids... struggling to get her life back."

Key Takeaways

• Bureaucratic Hindrances: Both hosts highlight how excessive and often unnecessary regulations impede small business growth and economic development in California.

• Government Efficiency: A recurring theme is the need for increased transparency, competition, and flexibility within government operations to enhance service delivery and accountability.

• Socioeconomic Challenges: The discussion underscores the multifaceted nature of poverty, emphasizing both individual responsibility and systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.

• Policy Reforms: Gavin Newsom advocates for comprehensive pension reforms and strategic policy implementations to address fiscal challenges, while Adam Carolla emphasizes practical solutions like traffic policy changes to improve daily life in Los Angeles.

This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of governance, socioeconomic disparities, and the interplay between personal responsibility and systemic support. Through their dynamic exchange, Adam Carolla and Gavin Newsom provide listeners with diverse perspectives on pressing issues facing California and the broader United States.