Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels Episode: Adam Carolla UNLOADS on Newsom, Blue Cities Collapse, Identity Politics & More Release Date: May 1, 2025
In this compelling episode of "Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels," renowned host Jillian Michaels engages in a candid and insightful discussion with comedian and radio host Adam Carolla. The conversation delves deep into Adam’s critiques of California’s governance under Governor Gavin Newsom, the decline of "blue cities," the exacerbation of identity politics, and the broader implications for masculinity and societal structure.
1. Adam Carolla's Decision to Leave California
The episode kicks off with Jillian addressing Adam's recent move from California, a state he has long criticized.
Jillian Michaels:
“Adam Carolla is here and we're calling it like it beats from collapsing blue cities to Gavin Newsom's sociopathic shine to the full-blown assault on masculinity that's gutting male strength and purpose. We are going there today.”
[00:00 – 01:54]
Adam Carolla:
“Yes. I had younger kids and I was raising them here...”
[01:54 – 02:11]
Adam explains that his move was motivated by his desire to provide a better environment for his family, highlighting the stark contrasts within California—from beautiful neighborhoods like Coronado and San Luis Obispo to areas plagued by homelessness and substance abuse.
2. Critique of Gavin Newsom and Blue City Policies
Jillian probes into Adam's harsh criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he labels a "sociopath" and a "policy disaster."
Jillian Michaels:
“What do you think will become of California? ... you want to leave eventually...”
[03:22 – 03:52]
Adam Carolla:
“He just kind of riffed at the end. He goes, I don't know if I'm the richest man in the world... But he thinks that way.”
[07:21 – 09:56]
Adam reminisces about a decade-old conversation with Newsom regarding homelessness, emphasizing his frustration with what he perceives as Newsom’s misdiagnosis of the problem. He argues that Newsom and blue city leaders fail to understand the real issues, such as substance abuse and mental health, instead promoting misleading narratives.
3. Homelessness Crisis and Policy Failures
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the homelessness crisis in California, with Adam criticizing the allocation of $24 billion without tangible results.
Adam Carolla:
“24 billion has to go somewhere and somebody's got some of that money. And then there'll be some... there'll be some Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, kind of political connection.”
[65:19 – 66:55]
He describes the visible homelessness in cities like San Diego, contrasting it with the lack of actionable solutions. Adam argues that progressive policies have failed to alleviate the crisis, leading to increased homelessness rather than reducing it.
4. The Role of Identity Politics in Governance
Jillian and Adam explore how identity politics influence political decisions and public policies, often to the detriment of effective governance.
Jillian Michaels:
“But you are allowed to riot, though, for three days and burn down your city... You don't catch COVID under those circumstances.”
[10:07 – 11:10]
Adam Carolla:
“It's all about dogmatic and progressive themes... because they are dogs at an airport...”
[07:21 – 08:56]
They discuss how identity politics have led to policies that prioritize symbolic gestures over practical solutions, fostering division and undermining societal cohesion.
5. Toxic Masculinity and Its Societal Impact
The conversation shifts to the concept of toxic masculinity, with both hosts expressing concerns over its implications for men and society.
Adam Carolla:
“I do. I've met people who are... they've never done anything. ... They never do stuff. It's all just vibes.”
[19:15 – 20:01]
Jillian Michaels:
“Sebastian Younger said something very similar to me about being a man and wanting to see what you're capable of...”
[43:27 – 44:XX]
Adam critiques the modern approach to masculinity, suggesting that efforts to emasculate men are backfiring, leading to a resurgence of hyper-masculine behaviors that are detrimental both to men and to societal harmony.
6. Solutions for Empowering Men and Reducing Crime
Addressing the issues of masculinity and societal decline, Adam proposes actionable solutions to empower men and reduce crime rates.
Adam Carolla:
“We need to get those people training. They need a skill. They need a skill... we could just figure out who's filling the prisons...”
[50:30 – 52:36]
He advocates for vocational training and apprenticeships, emphasizing the need to provide men with valuable skills that can lead to stable, well-paying jobs. Adam believes that such measures would reduce unemployment and steer men away from crime and gang affiliations.
7. Future Political Landscape and Predictions
Looking ahead, Adam shares his predictions for the political landscape, anticipating increased polarization and the emergence of starkly divided communities.
Adam Carolla:
“Safe Spaces and Octagons. I think the blue cities are just going to turn into safe spaces...”
[62:31 – 63:29]
He envisions a future where "blue cities" become further entrenched in progressive policies, while states like Texas and Florida adopt more conservative values, leading to a segregated society divided by political ideologies and lifestyles.
8. Punch List: Adam Carolla’s Views on Politicians
Towards the end, Jillian introduces a "punch list" segment where Adam candidly names politicians he deems dangerous or ineffective.
Jillian Michaels:
“Who’s the biggest coward in politics?”
[59:34 – 59:58]
Adam Carolla:
“Howard. I would say Obama... Bernie Sanders attracts young people... Bernie is just because young people love him.”
[28:23 – 29:32]
Adam criticizes various politicians across the spectrum, highlighting what he sees as their shortcomings and the dangers they pose to effective governance and societal well-being.
9. Final Thoughts and Closing
In the concluding remarks, Adam reflects on societal trends and the challenges ahead, while Jillian encourages listeners to engage with their platforms for more insights.
Adam Carolla:
“All Roads Lead to Narcissism... how many people it's going to take to rebuild the Palisades in Malibu...”
[64:09 – 65:19]
Jillian Michaels:
“Thanks for watching. If you enjoyed the podcast, please like, comment, subscribe and share...”
[67:21 – 67:24]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Adam Carolla on Homelessness Misdiagnosis:
“And he said, no, the real picture of homelessness is a mother who's been divorced, who has a couple of kids and a full-time minimum wage job, who gets pushed to the streets.”
[05:48 – 06:00] -
Jillian Michaels on Gavin Newsom:
“And that's something that I absolutely hated about Gavin Newsom and it sent me fleeing from California in '21.”
[11:27 – 11:28] -
Adam Carolla on Authenticity in Politics:
“I think they like the authenticity. I think the kids just in general are... there's a little nihilism...”
[30:11 – 32:38] -
Jillian Michaels on Toxic Masculinity:
“But I will say this in this new foray of getting to ask questions that are outside of my wheelhouse...”
[38:09 – 38:55] -
Adam Carolla on Future Policy Failures:
“So it’s not they like the policies better in Florida and they like the policies better, but they have to admit they were wrong.”
[65:19 – 66:55]
Conclusion
This episode of "Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels" offers a raw and unfiltered look into Adam Carolla’s perspectives on pressing societal and political issues. From critiquing California’s governance and the homelessness crisis to exploring the complexities of modern masculinity and predicting future political divides, the conversation provides listeners with a thought-provoking analysis of the current state and future trajectory of American society.
For More Information:
- Podcast and Vlogs: Visit AdamCroll.com for more episodes, stand-up routines, and upcoming tours.
- Books: Adam’s insights can be further explored in his books, including "In 50 Years We'll All Be Chicks".
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this summary are based on the transcript provided and do not reflect the personal opinions of the summarizer.