Willie Brown On Power, Politics & The Future Of California

Guest:

Fmr. San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown

Guest 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 Summary

What 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.

Chapters

00:00 – Willie Brown on Positivity, Longevity & Leadership

02:00 – California’s Exploding Budget: Why We Spend So Much

05:15 – Mission Bay, Baseball, and Transforming San Francisco

07:50 – Gavin Newsom’s Unlikely Rise (and How It Started)

11:45 – Advice to Newsom: Be Bold, Be Known, Be Everywhere

13:30 – San Francisco’s New Mayor & Homelessness Promises

17:00 – What It Takes to Solve the Crisis in SF

18:50 – Private-Public Partnership: The Missing Piece

20:20 – The “Farmer Newsom” Strategy for Statewide Homelessness

23:00 – Kamala Harris: Her Strengths, Her Path, and Missed Opportunities

26:00 – Who Might Really Run (and Win) in 2026

28:30 – CEQA Reform & What Newsom Got Right

31:30 – Jerry Brown’s Late-Career Power Move

33:00 – Political Lessons from a Lifetime of Power

39:00 – Final Thoughts: Relationships, Listening & Leading in Person

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