Podcast Summary: "And, I’m Talking To You" | This is Gavin Newsom

Release Date: April 26, 2025

In the episode titled "And, I’m Talking To You," Governor Gavin Newsom engages in a heartfelt discussion addressing California's economic standing, the impacts of recent federal policies, and the shared challenges faced by entrepreneurs and citizens alike. The episode emphasizes open dialogue, inviting listeners to share their personal experiences and concerns as part of a broader community conversation.

1. California’s Economic Prominence

Gavin Newsom opens the discussion by highlighting California's significant economic footprint on both a national and global scale. Citing the latest report from the International Monetary Fund, he states:

"California is the fourth largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $4.1 trillion. It's larger than any other nation outside the United States, China, and Germany." [04:10]

He underscores California's role as a "tent pole of the US Economy" through its contributions to job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, Newsom points out that California is the leading manufacturing state in the U.S., boasting the highest levels of two-way trade and direct foreign investments.

2. The Impact of Federal Tariffs

Transitioning to federal policies, Newsom addresses the ramifications of the Trump administration's unilateral tariffs on California's economy. He elaborates on the tangible effects observed at key ports:

"Unilateral tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have an outsized role on the state of California. We're already seeing significant impacts at the ports of Long Beach and the ports of LA, which account for 40% of goods movement in the United States." [04:45]

He links these tariffs to the broader climate of global uncertainty, noting the resulting anxiety among businesses and consumers alike. The disruption in trade flows and increased costs have not only affected businesses but also eroded trust cultivated over decades with international allies.

3. Personal Journey and Empathy for Entrepreneurs

Drawing from his personal experience, Newsom shares his journey from a small business owner to a state leader. He recounts:

"I started as a small business person right out of college with one part-time employee, Pat Kelly. I built a business, grew it to a few dozen small businesses, and at its peak, we had over 700 employees." [05:30]

This narrative serves to bridge his understanding and empathy towards current entrepreneurs facing similar uncertainties. He acknowledges the risks involved in starting and scaling a business, including leveraging personal assets and convincing family members to invest emotionally and financially.

4. Inviting Community Engagement

Emphasizing the importance of collective dialogue, Newsom invites listeners to share their stories and sentiments. He poses reflective questions to the audience:

• "What does this economic uncertainty mean to you as a parent?"
• "How are small businesses coping with these challenges?"
• "Have you experienced price increases in specific areas due to the current economic climate?"

To facilitate this exchange, he provides contact options:

"You can email us at thisisgavinnewsom@iheartradio.com or leave a voicemail at 855-6-NEWSOM." [06:10]

Furthermore, Newsom announces an upcoming live town hall meeting, encouraging listeners to tune in and participate in real-time discussions.

Conclusion

In "And, I’m Talking To You," Gavin Newsom effectively combines data-driven insights with personal anecdotes to address pressing economic issues facing California. By fostering an inclusive environment for dialogue, he underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the collective challenges of the community. The episode serves as a call to action, urging listeners to engage, share, and collaborate towards solutions that benefit the broader society.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:10] "California is the fourth largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $4.1 trillion."
• [04:45] "Those unilateral tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have an outsized role on the state of California."
• [05:30] "I started as a small business person right out of college with one part-time employee, Pat Kelly."
• [06:10] "You can email us at thisisgavinnewsom@iheartradio.com or leave a voicemail at 855-6-NEWSOM."

This episode encapsulates Governor Newsom's commitment to transparent leadership and community engagement, positioning California to navigate and thrive amidst economic challenges.