How California Is Failing Its People w/ Andrew Gruel

Ben opens this week’s show with a viral chart that reveals just how far family formation has collapsed since the 1950s. He unpacks the economic pressures, housing policies, and cultural forces driving this historic shift.

Then, Chef Andrew Gruel joins to expose California’s failures in rebuilding after devastating wildfires, how nonprofit funds are being wasted, and the crushing regulations that punish small businesses. From housing mandates to labor lawsuits, Gruel explains why California’s system is broken, and why he still believes local reform can spark change.

Instead of relying on algorithms during summer travel, Ben closes with a reminder to dig deeper and share classic 90s and 2000s movies with your kids.