PODCAST · news
Inside the Issues: The Podcast
by Spectrum News 1
In the official companion podcast to Spectrum News 1's nightly show, "Inside The Issues", political anchor Alex Cohen takes listeners on a deep dive inside the world of SoCal politics. From the personalities, the scandals, and what happens behind closed doors, Alex and political science professor Sara Sadhwani cover it all. Join every Friday for a spirited discussion that's as informative as it is fun.
Episodes
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Conservative or progressive: What the election could tell us about LA politics
California's primary election is a little over two weeks away, and big money is making its way into local races — pitting moderate Democrats against progressive Democrats. Plus, the Senate race heats up with Rep. Adam Schiff launching ads featuring Republican Steve Garvey. "Inside the Issues: The...
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The race for 2nd place: The fight to become California's next senator
Rep. Adam Schiff continues in the lead in California's Senate race, but former professional baseball player Steve Garvey poses a threat to another Democrat that aspires to make it to the general election ballot. Plus, after Nikki Haley's embarrassing defeat in Nevada, what her candidacy brings to...
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What's really happening at the border?
Immigration seems to be the No. 1 issue across the country, and Republicans are attempting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over it. The issue will play out in some congressional districts in California, potentially shifting the balance of power in the House. "Inside the...
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Could Gov. Newsom replace President Biden as the presidential nominee?
Republican strategist Anne Hyde Dunsmore joins "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen to dissect former President Donald Trump's sweeping win in New Hampshire and how Nikki Haley has managed to get under his skin. Plus, Republican Steve Garvey joins three Democratic candidates on stage…
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Transparency in LA city politics with Councilmember Monica Rodriguez
As "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen is on a much-deserved break, co-host Sara Sadhwani is joined by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez to discuss her role in selecting the LA Police Department's next chief of police. Plus, as a member of the Housing and Homelessness...
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Newsom's budget: The good, the bad and the ugly
Gov. Gavin Newsom revealed his budget plans to address an almost $38 billion deficit this week. During the presentation, he slammed the Wall Street Journal for a recent wealth tax editorial. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break it down. Then, there's been some...
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The battle over the ballot: Democrats differ on Trump strategy
A local bakery closed its doors after three decades and blamed the high cost of doing business in California. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani look at the trend that could further impact the states' $68 billion deficit. Also, the attempt to get former President...
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An 'ambitious politician' lands new role in the Assembly
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen wraps up the year by interviewing California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, who Politico recently described as an "ambitious politician." Bryan comments on that label and explains why he opposed a bill to make the sex trafficking of a minor a serious...
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California attorney general's fight against climate change, Trump and his future political aspirations
As we wrap up the year, "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen is bringing listeners conversations with politicians who are ones to watch in 2024, including California's Attorney General Rob Bonta. Bonta discusses his approach to fighting climate change and recent changes in school...
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Hunter Biden makes his case — on the steps of Congress
Malibu's own Hunter Biden, beaten down and his reputation in the mud, makes his case for redemption — on the steps of Congress. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down the additional scrutiny he is facing. Then, traffic jams are nothing new in Los Angeles…
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Kevin McCarthy's departure: What it means for Congress, California
Kevin McCarthy has had enough and is heading home. Hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down the startling development and what it means for both Congress and California. Plus, President Joe Biden is coming to town. They look at his fundraising plans in Southern California amid his reelection...
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Newsom-DeSantis debate upends system of tradition
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani deconstruct the red state, blue state debate between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom that came with a side helping of Sean Hannity. Who won? Does anyone care? Speaking of Newsom, his plan to help those struggling with mental health...
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California Democratic Convention started optimistically and ended in chaos
As tradition has it, November is full of surprises in the world of politics, and Thanksgiving week was no different. Coming off the heals of the Democratic Convention in Sacramento, Rep. Tony Cárdenas declared he would not seek reelection next year for the 29th Congressional District seat...
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The fallout of the 10 Freeway shutdown in LA
While the smoldering 10 Freeway slowed to a stop, the blame game was full speed ahead. Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed the fire was believed to be arson, but there were plenty of opinions flying around. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen and guest host Kate Cagle run headfirst into the...
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Buckle up: 'Topsy-turvy' events shake up California politics
Buckle up. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani try to make sense of the "topsy-turvy" events in local politics. This week, brawls broke out at the Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance when a film screened about the Hamas attack on Israel. And earlier in the week, an...
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Councilman's aide drops antisemitic, sexist social media bombs
The situation in the Middle East continues to have ripple effects in Southern California, causing a divide even among those on the left. Protest at college campuses and across the city have given a rise to antisemitic events. Earlier this week, one such event took place at Canter's Deli, where...
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What will the new House speaker mean for SoCal representatives?
More than three weeks after the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the saga to find the next speaker of the House is finally over - will the left's simmering rage at the election of Speaker Mike Johnson mean trouble for SoCal Republican representatives? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex…
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War in the Middle East, Congress turmoil hit SoCal politics
It's been a wild ride in the ongoing House speaker vote and so has it been for the conflict in the Middle East. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss how the battle for leadership in Congress and the Middle East war have roiled Southern California politics....
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The battle in Israel divides SoCal politicians
The Palestinian and Israeli conflict that has lit up the Middle East has drawn battle lines in SoCal as well. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani dig deep into the ripple effect it's had on local politics. Then, this past week was the one-year anniversary of the...
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The Feinstein effect: How do you follow a legend?
Chaos in the House overshadowed the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, with SoCal native Kevin McCarthy being ousted as speaker this week. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani get their arms around the life and legend of the late senator. They also discuss what it...
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Who won the 2nd Republican debate? Some say it was Gavin Newsom
Hot on the heels of the Republican presidential debate in Simi Valley, all eyes turn to Anaheim, which is hosting the California Republican Convention. Among those attending is former President Donald J. Trump. In this episode taped before the news of California Sen. Dianne Feinstein death was...
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You down with NPP? Republican strategist Anne Hyde Dunsmore on the impact of NPP voters
On this week's episode, GOP strategist and fundraiser Anne Hyde Dunsmore joins "Inside the Issues" podcast host Alex Cohen to break down the NPP (no party preference phenomenon) and how it is weakening the GOP. As the gap between Democrats and Republicans grows, Dunsmore says some voters believe...
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Revenge or public service? Alex Villanueva is running for county supervisor
Former Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva, thrashed in his re-election bid, announces a run for a county supervisor. "Inside the Issues" podcast hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani wonder whether he's motivated by public service or revenge on the supervisors who made his term one long political...
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Optimism in the war against homelessness in LA
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had a meeting of the minds this week at City Hall about homelessness. Along with other city mayors, they meet with Biden senior adviser Tom Perez. Perez preached optimism, not futility, when discussing LA homelessness. When is a fed not a fatalist? "Inside the Issues:...
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Optimism in the war against homelessness in LA
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had a meeting of the minds this week at City Hall about homelessness. Along with other city majors, they meet with Biden senior adviser Tom Perez. Perez preached optimism, not futility, when discussing LA homelessness. When is a fed not a fatalist? "Inside the Issues:...
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Mark Ridley-Thomas indignant, but still convicted
This week, former Supervisor and Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison, with the judge specifically saying they wanted to make an example out of him. Ridley-Thomas dug in his heels with a statement before the sentencing, but was convicted anyway....
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Is a debate not a debate without the front-runner?
The first event of the 2024 presidential election cycle took place in Milwaukee. And California took center stage when participants brought up the topic of crime and safety. It happened on the same night a mass shooting in Orange County claimed the lives of four people, including the gunman. The...
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John Eastman fights disbarment and disgrace
There is now a fourth indictment against former President Donald Trump, and while it's all playing out in Georgia, there's a California connection: a former dean and professor at Chapman law school. Trump attorney John Eastman, who was among the 19 indicted, does not want to be disbarred, and he...
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Curren Price: Will the council play nice or will he pay a price?
Los Angeles City Council member Curren Price returned to City Hall this week after being booked on corruption charges. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Sara Sadhwani and co-host Kate Cagle, who is filling in for Alex Cohen, discuss his return. Will he pay a price for his alleged...
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The anti-mask, anti-vax RFK Jr. storms into SoCal
Some serious presidential politics are happening across Southern California. Former President Donald Trump announced he'll attend the GOP convention in Anaheim. The second GOP primary debate will take place at the Ronald Reagan Library. And the California GOP recently held a fundraiser for…
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Strikes seize LA. And so do UFOs?
While workers battle for wages on the ground, our representatives look to the sky - is it a bird, is it a plane, or is it a UFO? California Rep. Robert Garcia was the leading Democrat on the subcommittee held on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. He said the American people deserved transparency....
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A summer of discontent settles over SoCal
Trouble at the border, trouble in the sheriff's office and trouble in Hollywood. The long hot summer has things sizzling in Southern California. And it's been made even more complicated due to a memo that came from City Hall cautioning elected officials not to take sides. "Inside the Issues: The...
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Can LA solve its homeless problem, or is it the next Portland?
Homelessness is up in the county and city of Los Angeles, according to the latest homelessness count. Host Alex Cohen recounts her trip to Portland that shed light on how bad the situation can get. Could LA be next? She and "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" co-host Sara Sadhwani dive into the…
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Mike Bonin's incredible political journey
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" revisits a past episode with former Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin. He and his family were the targets of the vicious, racist City Hall recordings — he talks about their cause and effects.
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$32B state budget deficit? Anthony Rendon to the rescue
It is that time of the year when lawmakers are trying to figure out what can be done with the money the state has. A $32 billion, with a capital "B," deficit would terrify most politicians, but not Anthony Rendon — he's got this. On this special episode, Rendon joins "Inside the Issues: The...
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Are Black politicians 'prey' for racist investigators?
Days after being voted as the new president pro tempore amid the latest Los Angeles City Hall scandal, Council member Marqueece Harris-Dawson joins "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen. Harris-Dawson, who represents Council District 8, replaced Council member Curren Price. Price…
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Paying the price: LA City Councilman Curren Price faces slew of criminal charges
It's been an extraordinary week in Southern California politics, with the fourth City Council politician facing criminal charges in four years. Councilman Curren Price was charged earlier this week with 10 counts of embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast"...
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Pride or prejudice? Glendale parents erupt amid LGBTQ+ proposal
Glendale school parents erupted and disrupted in protest outside the district's headquarters — all over a Pride proposal. Last week, a similar situation happened in North Hollywood, where parents disagreed on what should and shouldn't be taught in schools. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts...
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U.S. Senate hopeful Adam Schiff unveils new brand
"Don't agonize, organize!" That was the theme of the state Democratic Party convention held over the weekend in Los Angeles. Nancy Pelosi was in town, and so were other U.S. Senate contenders. Adam Schiff, who is serious about being serious, let his inner comedian loose at the convention. "Inside...
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Will the LA Redistricting Committee be independent?
The Dodgers invited, then rescinded and then invited back the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an order of queer and trans nuns, after receiving backlash from local and national politicians chiming in. Then, the Los Angeles City Council is all for an independent redistricting commission — as long...
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Gloria Molina's political impact isn't going anywhere
This week, Council member Katy Young Yaroslavsky lost her bid to block a controversial development in Benedict Canyon. And on Mother's Day, Los Angeles political firebrand Gloria Molina died after a battle with cancer. Her influence has left its mark in City Hall and in the community that…
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The return of Sen. Dianne Feinstein
After an extended absence, Sen. Dianne Feinstein returned to the Capitol this week in a wheelchair. Should she walk away from the Senate? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani wonder if the legendary legislator is way too far past her prime. Feinstein's return…
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Climate warning: Is SoCal prepared for mountain melt-off?
A recent Los Angeles Times report estimated that SoCal's snowpack level is at 254% above normal and most of the state is no longer in a drought. But what will happen when the temperatures warm? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" co-host Sara Sadhwani and climate guru Dr. Michael Mendez look at a...
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Loyalty, thy name is Joe Biden. Will it pay off for Newsom?
It's official. President Joe Biden announced his reelection bid this week. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss all the California angles, including the Californians running against him and Gov. Gavin Newsom's Biden endorsement. Could Newsom's allyship pay...
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Mayor Bass pushes for a new LA in State of the City, budget
Los Angeles is not where it should be, but a new LA is possible. That was the message that Mayor Karen Bass delivered during her first State of the City address. A day later, Bass announced her $13 billion city budget, which includes a push to hire more LA Police Department officers. She…
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Messy politics: Sen. Feinstein faces resignation calls; Council District 10 gets new leader
It was a messy week in SoCal politics at the national level with calls for Sen. Dianne Feinstein's resignation. And locally, some were not happy with the Los Angeles City Council appointing Heather Hutt to complete the remainder of the term of former Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas. "Inside the...
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Mark Ridley-Thomas: Criminal, folk hero or both?
"Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani talk about the man, the myth, the convicted felon: enigmatic former Los Angeles politician Mark Ridley-Thomas. And they discuss the future of District 10 and the potential for a special election and what it may cost the city to...
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Mark Ridley-Thomas' trial by fire
The bribery trial of former Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas continues as the LA Unified School District strike ended. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani look into the federal trial of Ridley-Thomas, who was charged with 19 counts of bribery and...
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Mayor Karen Bass' first 100 days: Hope or hype?
This week officially marked the first 100 days of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in office. Bass touted her homeless stats, but were they hopeful, or just hype? "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani discuss the impact she has had on the city so far. And they look at…
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Gov. Newsom's unique statewide tour
Gov. Gavin Newsom is forgoing a typical State of the State address this year. Instead, he is opting for a statewide tour to highlight his major policy goals. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down Newsom's unique take on the address. They also discuss the…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
In the official companion podcast to Spectrum News 1's nightly show, "Inside The Issues", political anchor Alex Cohen takes listeners on a deep dive inside the world of SoCal politics. From the personalities, the scandals, and what happens behind closed doors, Alex and political science professor Sara Sadhwani cover it all. Join every Friday for a spirited discussion that's as informative as it is fun.
HOSTED BY
Spectrum News 1
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Inside the Issues: The Podcast have?
Inside the Issues: The Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Inside the Issues: The Podcast about?
In the official companion podcast to Spectrum News 1's nightly show, "Inside The Issues", political anchor Alex Cohen takes listeners on a deep dive inside the world of SoCal politics. From the personalities, the scandals, and what happens behind closed doors, Alex and political science professor...
How often does Inside the Issues: The Podcast release new episodes?
Inside the Issues: The Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Inside the Issues: The Podcast?
You can listen to Inside the Issues: The Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Inside the Issues: The Podcast?
Inside the Issues: The Podcast is created and hosted by Spectrum News 1.
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