Podcast Title: This is Gavin Newsom
Episode: And, This is How Conflict Sells Tickets With Dr. Phil
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Release Date: June 4, 2025

Overview

In this compelling episode of This is Gavin Newsom, Governor Gavin Newsom engages in a candid and robust conversation with renowned media personality Dr. Phil McGraw. The discussion delves into various pressing social and political issues, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue between differing viewpoints. Both hosts aim to bridge divides and foster understanding in a polarized political landscape.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Media's Role in Polarization

• Dr. Phil McGraw expresses frustration with the current state of media, emphasizing its propensity for "propaganda" and "spin" that exacerbates societal divisions.

  • "The media's driving me crazy. Why won't they just tell you what happened?" (13:49)

• Gavin Newsom concurs, highlighting how mainstream media often magnifies divisions, making the public perceive deeper rifts than actually exist.

2. Family Values Under Attack

• Dr. Phil McGraw reiterates his longstanding belief that family values are under assault in America, attributing much of this attack to the "extreme left" and fringe activists.

  • "Family and family values have been under attack in America." (05:00)

• Gavin Newsom probes Dr. Phil on his consistency regarding family issues, acknowledging the challenges faced over the decades.

3. Immigration Policies and Enforcement

• A substantial portion of the conversation centers on U.S. immigration policies, with both hosts discussing the complexities and challenges.

• Dr. Phil McGraw criticizes the inefficiencies within the immigration court system, noting delays of up to seven to eight years, which hinder timely justice for applicants.

  • "We’ve got got a broken system for getting process into this country." (30:38)

• Gavin Newsom highlights the real-world implications of immigration rhetoric, such as "chill effects" on communities and the enforcement inconsistencies observed in California.

  • "We've had day laborers picked up in California... the asylum system is broken." (26:49)

• Dr. Phil McGraw emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive immigration reform, advocating for both secure borders and humane processing systems.

4. Dr. Phil's Media Endeavors

• Dr. Phil McGraw discusses his transition from CBS to launching Merit Street Media, motivated by a desire to create a platform for balanced debates and factual discussions without the prevalent spin in mainstream media.
  • "I wanted to own the debate lane in America... give people the facts and let them make up their own mind." (13:49)

5. The Power of Words and Rhetoric

• Both hosts touch upon the impact of language in shaping public perception and behavior.

• Dr. Phil McGraw connects fiery rhetoric to real-world violence, citing incidents where extreme language may have fueled aggressive actions.

  • "This kind of rhetoric makes it easy for people to get involved in." (33:37)

• Gavin Newsom shares his experiences with law enforcement responses to campus protests, underscoring the importance of measured and respectful dialogue.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Phil McGraw:
  "The media's driving me crazy. Why won't they just tell you what happened?" (13:49)
  "We need to fix the immigration court system 100%." (30:38)
  "Conflict sells tickets, but we need to find common ground." (44:16)

• Gavin Newsom:
  "We've had day laborers picked up in California... the asylum system is broken." (26:49)
  "I appreciate your critique of what was happening on the UCLA campus. You're absolutely spot on." (37:09)

Conclusions and Insights

The episode underscores the critical need for honest and respectful conversations across political and ideological divides. Both Gavin Newsom and Dr. Phil McGraw advocate for:

• Enhanced Media Responsibility: Reducing sensationalism and bias to present facts objectively, thereby fostering a more informed and less polarized public.

• Comprehensive Policy Reforms: Addressing systemic issues in immigration enforcement and court processing to ensure fairness and efficiency.

• Emphasizing Common Ground: Focusing on universal values such as safety, prosperity, and well-being to bridge gaps between divergent viewpoints.

• Positive Rhetoric: Recognizing the profound impact of language on societal behavior and striving to use it to unite rather than divide.

This dialogue exemplifies the show's mission to engage both agreement and disagreement constructively, promoting understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

Timestamps

• 05:00 Dr. Phil discusses family values under attack.
• 13:49 Dr. Phil critiques media's role in polarization.
• 26:49 Discussion on immigration policies and their real-world impact.
• 30:38 Dr. Phil addresses the broken immigration court system.
• 33:37 The influence of rhetoric on real-world violence.
• 37:09 Gavin shares experiences with law enforcement during protests.
• 44:16 Dr. Phil emphasizes finding common ground.
• 50:17 Gavin reflects on shared backgrounds and mutual understanding.

(Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and are indicative of when key topics were discussed.)

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a testament to the power of dialogue in navigating complex social issues. By inviting figures like Dr. Phil McGraw, who may hold differing perspectives, Gavin Newsom fosters an environment where meaningful conversations can lead to mutual understanding and potential solutions to America's most pressing challenges.