'What is California?' Episode 1: Gov. Jerry Brown

Happy California Admission Day! On this day in 1850, California joined the United States. And on this day in 2021, What is California? has joined the firmament of podcasts about this fair state. Let’s hear it for Virgos! Please celebrate responsibly. 🥳

I’m celebrating today’s podcast premiere with one of the most important, influential, charismatic, and fascinating Californians we could possibly welcome: Gov. Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. He joined me from his ranch in Colusa County to ask and answer (or at least attempt to answer) that pressing question on everyone’s mind: What is California?

Gov. Brown and I discussed everything from his earliest memory of California (it involves unhappily fitting in a sink) to his feelings on governors’ legacies (we agree to disagree) and the past, present and future of recall campaigns in the Golden State. Also: Prepare to learn all about the word “demonym.”

The conversation was a blast and a true honor for me. I hope you enjoy it, too.

The show will continue next week, with Season 1 scheduled to run until early December. You can get a quick listen to what we’re all about and what to expect via the string of previews recently posted to @WhatCalifornia, as well as via the What is California? trailer:

Coming Sept. 9: 'What is California?'

Thanks to all of you who have subscribed here and wherever you get podcasts, and thanks to everyone who has followed the show on Twitter and spread encouraging word of mouth. It means so much. ❤️

Enjoy the show, be sure to vote this week, and keep your eye on the bear! 🐻

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Notes and references from this episode: 

• California State of Mind, CalMatters / Capital Public Radio

• California Sun Podcast, The California Sun

• The California Report, KQED

• Leading Lady, by Stu VanAirsdale, Sactown magazine

• California: The Great Exception, by Carey McWilliams

• “Demonym” definition, Merriam-Webster.com

• The Browns of California: The Family Dynasty that Transformed a State and Shaped a Nation, by Miriam Pawel

• The Crusades of Cesar Chavez: A Biography, by Miriam Pawel

• Gregory Bateson at The California Museum

• Steps to an Ecology of Mind, by Gregory Bateson

• “An Introduction to the Life and Spirituality of Dorothy Day,” by James Allaire and Rosemary Broughton, The Catholic Worker Movement

Theme music: Sounds Supreme

Twitter: @WhatCalifornia

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Email: hello@whatiscalifornia.com

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