Willie Brown On Power, Politics & The Future Of California

Guest:Fmr. San Francisco Mayor Willie BrownGuest Bio: Willie Brown is a legendary figure in California politics — the first African American Speaker of the California Assembly and former two-term Mayor of San Francisco. Known for his unmatched political savvy, deep relationships, and bold leadership style, Brown served in public office for over 40 years and helped launch the careers of many of California’s most prominent leaders. He remains an influential voice in shaping the state’s political direction and public policy discourse.Show SummaryWhat does it take to lead — and last — in California politics? In this rare and candid sit-down, Jon Slavet is joined in person by former California Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown for a wide-ranging conversation on power, leadership, and the real challenges facing California today. From behind-the-scenes stories of Gavin Newsom’s early political rise to bracing advice for Kamala Harris and reflections on homelessness, CEQA reform, and the next governor’s race — this episode delivers straight talk from one of the sharpest minds in American politics.Chapters00:00 – Willie Brown on Positivity, Longevity & Leadership02:00 – California’s Exploding Budget: Why We Spend So Much05:15 – Mission Bay, Baseball, and Transforming San Francisco07:50 – Gavin Newsom’s Unlikely Rise (and How It Started)11:45 – Advice to Newsom: Be Bold, Be Known, Be Everywhere13:30 – San Francisco’s New Mayor & Homelessness Promises17:00 – What It Takes to Solve the Crisis in SF18:50 – Private-Public Partnership: The Missing Piece20:20 – The “Farmer Newsom” Strategy for Statewide Homelessness23:00 – Kamala Harris: Her Strengths, Her Path, and Missed Opportunities26:00 – Who Might Really Run (and Win) in 202628:30 – CEQA Reform & What Newsom Got Right31:30 – Jerry Brown’s Late-Career Power Move33:00 – Political Lessons from a Lifetime of Power39:00 – Final Thoughts: Relationships, Listening & Leading in PersonEnjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcastConnect with State of GoldX: https://x.com/realjonslavetLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=enWebsite: www.stateofgold.com