The Maddy Report

Craig Wagoner, President & CEO of Community Health System, joins The Maddy Report to discuss the Central Valley’s healthcare challenges and opportunities.

Presidential Historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Doris Kearns Goodwin joins The Maddy Report to offer a powerful reflection on our nation’s extraordinary journey—from the founding ideals of 1776 to the challenges and triumphs that have defined each generation.

Debra Rush, CEO and Co-Founder of Breaking the Chains, joins The Maddy Report to share the impacts of human trafficking on communities across the San Joaquin Valley, resources for those at risk, and ways organizations are trying to implement policy changes.

Miguel Arambula, Executive Director, San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative and Alicia Sebastian, Executive Director, California Coalition for Rural Housing, join The Maddy Report to discuss recent state and federal level policy developments and what they mean for the Central Valley.

Caitlin Peterson, Associate Director and Research Fellow at the PPIC Water Policy Center, and Bradley Franklin, Research Fellow at the PPIC Water Policy Center join The Maddy Report to discuss SGMA-ready crops as a low-water alternative to fallowing.

Lorenzo Rios, CEO of Clovis Veterans Memorial District, Bill Stretch, General Manager at Fresno Irrigation District, and Kyle Packham, Chief Advocacy and External Affairs Officer for California Special Districts Association join The Maddy Report to discuss the role of special districts.

Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval joins The Maddy Report to discuss the role of the university in the Central Valley, impacts on the region's economy, as well as the state and federal issues facing higher education.

Brittany Martinez, Executive Director of Principles First, Gabe Ferris, City Hall and Courts Reporter at ABC 30, and David Taub, Senior Reporter at GV Wire, sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante to provide an outlook on the June 2026 Primary Election, including the California governor’s race and key Central Valley congressional districts following Proposition 50.

Senator Shannon Grove and Josh Fryday, California Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante.

Chris Micheli, attorney, lobbyist, and government relations specialist, and Dan Schnur, political analyst, speaker and commentator, sit down with Executive Director Blake Zante for an analysis on California's 2025 legislative session and the passage of Proposition 50.

Don Wright, Editor of WaterWrights sits down with Executive Director Blake Zante to break down some of the most pressing issues in California’s water landscape. They discuss how water moves through the state, the complexities of water rights, and the growing challenges facing Valley agriculture and local communities.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Danielle Bergstrom, Founder and Executive Director of Fresnoland, and Jordan Mattox, Co-Host of the Fresnolandia Podcast.

Together, they explore The Future of Political Journalism—diving into how local and regional outlets are reshaping political coverage, the challenges of maintaining trust and independence, and the evolving role of media in informing California’s democracy.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Dr. Lisa Bryant, Professor of Political Science at CSU Fresno, Blake Jones of Politico, and Alexei Koseff of CalMatters.
Together, they explore Breaking Down Prop 50—examining the measure’s background, its impact on California politics, and what it reveals about accountability, transparency, and governance in the state.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Ken Cooley, State Assemblymember (Ret.).
Together, they explore the History of California’s Legislature and Capitol Building—highlighting the evolution of state governance, the stories behind the Capitol’s development, and how history continues to shape policymaking and civic life in California today.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Caitlin O’Neil, Legislative Analyst's Office, and Rachel Michelin, President & CEO of the California Retailers Association.

Together, they explore Retail Theft in California: What’s Changed?—diving into recent policy shifts, the impacts on businesses and communities, and the broader conversation around public safety, accountability, and economic stability across the state.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Danielle Bergstrom — Founder, Executive Director & Managing Editor, Fresnoland and Dr. Naomi Bick, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Fresno State.

Together, they explore the future of transportation in the San Joaquin Valley—discussing whether a light rail system is possible, the challenges of funding and infrastructure, and how improved transit could transform access, equity, and economic growth across the region.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Paul Mitchell, Owner of Redistricting Partners and Vice President of Political Data, Inc. and Matt Rexroad, CEO of Strategy Insights and President of Redistricting Insights.

Together, they explore the complex world of redistricting in California—from its impact on political representation and voter engagement to the strategies shaping district maps across the state. Tune in to learn how redistricting influences elections, policy priorities, and the future of California’s political landscape.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Pedro Nava, Chair of the Little Hoover Commission, and Adam Silver, Chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Together, they explore How Technology is Influencing State Government—from improving services and accountability to raising critical questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of public institutions. Tune in to learn how emerging technologies are reshaping policymaking, transparency, and civic engagement across California.

Don’t miss this episode of Valley Views as Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Robert Phipps, Executive Director of the Fresno Council of Governments, and Kendall Flint, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning at DKS Associates.

Together, they break down what Measure C means for Fresno County—from transportation funding and infrastructure improvements to long-term planning that will shape the region’s future. Tune in to learn how this local measure could impact your daily life, economy, and community.

On this episode of Valley Views, Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Dr. Bob Nelson, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Fresno State and former Superintendent of Fresno Unified School District, for a thought-provoking conversation on “School Board Politics in Education: Good or Bad?”
Together, they explore the evolving role of school boards in shaping public education, examining how political dynamics at the local level influence everything from curriculum decisions to district leadership.
Drawing from his experience as a superintendent and educator, Dr. Nelson offers valuable insights into the benefits and drawbacks of political engagement in school governance—and what it means for students, teachers, and communities across the Central Valley.

On this episode of Valley Views, Executive Director Blake Zante sits down with Clint Olivier, CEO of the Central Valley Business Federation, for an in-depth conversation on “Sacramento Legislation and Valley Businesses.” Together, they explore how current and proposed policies in the state legislature are influencing the economic landscape of the Central Valley.

From regulatory changes to business incentives, the discussion highlights the real-world impact of Sacramento's decisions on local employers, workforce development, and the future of the region’s economy. Olivier offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Valley businesses—and how legislative engagement can drive meaningful change.

On this episode of Valley Views, Executive Director Blake Zante engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Levi Sumagaysay of CalMatters, Ryan Jacobsen of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, and Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Together, they examine the impact of tariffs in California—especially on agriculture and the broader economy. The discussion delves into how global trade policy affects local producers, consumers, and workers, while shedding light on the state’s response to shifting international markets.

This conversation offers expert insights into the intersection of trade, policy, and agriculture in California—and the importance of strategic decision-making to protect and promote the state’s economic resilience.

On this episode of Valley Views, Executive Director Blake Zante engages in a thought-provoking conversation withDarren Rose, President/ CEO at Building Industry Association of Fresno and Madera Counties and Kyle Chaney, Fresno Association of Realtors. Together, they explore the state of housing in the Central Valley, highlighting how public policy, industry trends, and local governance shape housing access and affordability. This conversation offers expert insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s housing market—and the critical role policy plays in building stronger, more sustainable communities.

On this episode of Valley Views, Executive Director Blake Zante engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pete Peterson, the Dean of the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. Together, they delve into the importance of public policy in shaping society and how the intersection of government, law, and social issues drives meaningful change. With a focus on effective governance, Peterson offers insights into the role of education in cultivating future leaders who can navigate the complexities of policy-making. This discussion sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within public policy and its significant impact on communities nationwide.