John Riley Project

Happy New Year! This Minnesota ICE shooting story has captivated the nation. It’s like a political Rorschach Test… you see what your political mind thinks it sees. Was JD Vance gaslighting the press as he scolded them about their coverage? Meanwhile, Trump has invaded Venezuela and continues making overtures about Greenland. We discuss Trump’s potential plans, as well as the future of the Western Hemisphere. Finally, we breakdown Mohram Zamdani’s comments about the frigidity of individualism versus the warmth of Collectivism.

It’s Friday, January 9, 2026. This is what John Riley thinks.

Minneapolis ICE Murder...

Duration: 01:01:21

Are we seeing the beginnings of something that might fix or replace Social Security? Dell Computer founder Michael Dell and his wife Susan are donating $6.25B to fund children under 10 years old to supplement Trump Accounts for newborns. These private accounts will grow faster than Social Security. Trump sees an opportunity to throw gas on the immigration fire by enacting greater travel bans. Costco is fighting back against Trump tariffs. Is Tom Steyer the CA YIMBY hero we need? Bernie Sanders and class warfare. Plus, Elon Musk, Grok AI, and Vanessa Springett in Poway. What a show!

...

Why is everything so expensive? We break down the average family budget and discuss a range of government policies that increase prices unnecessarily on American consumers. Poway councilman Tony Blain has been indicted. Is he back stateside or still on deployment? Who might run against him? Plus, the Ken Burns documentary The American Revolution has evoked rage from MAGA because it doesn’t always portray our Founding Fathers in the best possible light.

It’s Wednesday, November 19, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks.

What is everything so expensive?

Is Trump bailing out Argentina? It’s complicated. We break down the positive and negatives of Javier Milei’s Argentina turnaround. San Diego homeowners are upset when ADUs are built towering over their backyard fence. But do people understand why these distortions are happening? Poway Councilman Tony Blain has been indicted for perjury, bribes and much more. Meanwhile, there is a Recall Tony Blain campaign happening right now. Is there a way he can survive this? I share my ballot choices which only include Prop 50. Plus, a lesson in the pursuit of happiness. How do you identify good vs evil...

Today we discuss Trump and Gaza, America is an Idea, CA Prop 50 Gerrymandering, CA SB79 and the Housing Crisis, Best Places for a quick San Diego Tour, Rush is touring again!, Poway’s struggle with the City in the County idea, Tony Blain Poway Recall, and much more. Got a question or comment? Drop your take in the live chat on YouTube, X or Facebook to join the Community Forum.

It’s Friday, October 17, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks.

Trump Gaza Ceasefire

It’s a ceasefire and hostage exchange, not peace.

Will...

Good to be back! Our favorite guest, Pete Neild, joins me to discuss his new e-book (working title Memories of Driving Calypso. It’s an exploration of the songs that backup Pete’s pursuit of happiness. Feel join us on the live chat with questions and comments.

It’s Wednesday, October 8, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks.

Pete Neild shares his passion project documenting the songs and stories of his life. Regular people write autobiographies, but Pete is not a regular person. LOL.

Pete has created a set of YouTube playlists that include hundre...

How can you protest for equal rights while violating it at the same time? When protestors block the road, they undermine their cause. Trump now competes as a phone entrepreneur while regulating his competition with tariffs. World War 3 is just a stupid move from happening and now MAGA Libertarians are finally giving up on Trump. Plus, I share thoughts on my recent appearance on the Ed Franklin – No Limits podcast.

It’s Wednesday, June 18, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks.

WHEN PROTESTING BACKFIRES.

I’ve come up with a con man theory on Donald Trump. His economic policies are foolish. His immigration policy damages America. So, what is Trump really up to? What is Trump’s goal? We also check in on local Poway news including the Tony Blain Recall, another Poway Housing proposal, and discussion of Poway Mayor in 2026.

It’s Wednesday, June 4, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks.

WHEN YOU JUST FIGURE OUT THAT Trump is a con man then everything makes sense in its own weird way.

There’s a bunch of Poway news that I want to share involving two of our city council members: Tony Blain and Peter DeHoff. Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs and trade policies indicate a failure in economics. The Escondido Anti-ICE Rally was filled with good vibes, but a bad look. Got a comment on news in the San Diego County area? Drop your take on Facebook, X or YouTube to get involved in our Community Forum.

It’s Wednesday, February 12, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks.

Topics:

Pete Neild joins me to discuss his candidacy for appointment to Poway City Council representing District 1. We will discuss Pete’s reason for running, election vs appointment process, district elections, Candy Cane Courts and so much more. Got a question or comment for Pete? Drop your take in the live chat on Facebook, X or YouTube and we’ll get you involved in the conversation.

It’s Wednesday, January 8, 2025. This is what John Riley thinks.

What an enjoyable conversation with Pete Neild as we discuss his innovative approach to listening to citizens and representing the neighb...

Amit Asaravala joins me in a wide-open discussion of local politics here in Poway 92064. Amit serves as the President of the Poway Democratic Club and has great insight on local elections and candidates. We will discuss the next step for Poway District 2 to replace the resigning Brian Pepin. Should this go to a vote or simply a council appointment? We review Jenny Maeda’s upset win over Caylin Frank in District 4 by just twelve votes. Plus, we look at new District 2 councilmember Tony Blain. Are things changing in our City in the Country? Participate in the Community Forum. Type yo...

I decided to make a podcast out of filling out my ballot. I will go through each race, offer my thoughts, and then fill in the circle. This is your last chance to change my mind! Got a question or comment? Drop your take in the live chat on Facebook, X or YouTube to get it presented on the podcast.

It’s Wednesday, October 30, 2024. This is what John Riley thinks.

If you are interested in a long form article, you can visit my recent blog post:

If you want to...

The election season is really hot, and we are hearing more and more irrationality from candidates, the media and party supporters. What ever happened to thinking for yourself? People who live in poor states have higher homeownership levels. Does this seem counter intuitive to you? Poway Life Time Fitness survey and proposal to City Council. Poway Unified School District in trouble again. Got a question or comment? Drop your take in the live chat on Facebook, X or YouTube.

It’s Wednesday, July 10, 2024. This is what John Riley thinks.

Irrationality in Politics

It’s an...

Tomorrow, we celebrate America’s birthday! I share some of my Independence Day memories and invite you to share yours. We also discuss Poway term limits, Poway Voices, Biden vs Trump debate, SCOTUS cases and more. Got a question or comment? Drop your take in the live chat on Facebook, X or YouTube to get involved in the San Diego Community Forum.

It’s Wednesday, July 3, 2024. This is what John Riley thinks.

Poway News

I enjoy covering local news issues, so we will be doing a deep dive on the latest with the planned Life Time Fitness at The Farm in Poway. Some locals are opposing the project and micromanaging the details. Plus, we will discuss the upcoming presidential debate, SCOTUS social media ruling, and Trump on Green Cards. Got a question or comment? Drop your take in the live chat on Facebook, X, or YouTube and I will get you involved in the San Diego Community Forum.

It’s Wednesday, June 26, 2024. This is what John Riley thinks.

Developments at...

Duration: 01:24:05

There’s not much to discuss at the local level here in San Diego or Poway, so I thought I would comment on some of the bigger national stories. We will discuss Donald Trump, Trump’s attempt to partner with the Libertarian Party, breaking down political myths, and a review of our vacation in Ireland. Got a comment or question? Type it in the live chat on Facebook, X or YouTube.

It’s Wednesday, June 12, 2024. This is what John Riley thinks.

Donald Trump and the Libertarian Party

The headlines in the media are about...

What’s going on in Poway? John shares stories about Poway City Council Term Limits, Tony Blain, and Poway Unified Marian Kim-Phelps’s termination and demand for her job back. Plus, John shares what he’s watching on streaming media.

It’s Wednesday, June 5, 2024. This is what John Riley thinks.

Poway Term Limits

What are your thoughts on term limits? We have them for President, and in many state and local political races. But not here in Poway. Now Tony Blain is circulating a petition to get term limits on the November 2024 ballot. Is this...

Fernando Garcia returns to the JRP Podcast Studio. Fernando is a candidate for San Diego City Council District 9. We discuss a range of issues affecting San Diego including:

For more information about Fernando Garcia:

https://www.garciaforsandiego.com/

Recorded Friday, January 12, 2024.

#SanDiego #fernandogarcia #homelessness #housing #sb10 #adu #sdge #solar #energy #masstransit #sandag #ev #trolly #rankchoicevoting #rcv #salestax #democracydollars #andrewyang #seanelorivera

Thank you to our livestream participants...

We take a look at some of the big news stories in Poway in 2023 and plans for 2024. Topics include The Farm, Life Time Fitness, Homelessness, Traffic Safety, water, hate litter, Poway Community Foundation, and more. Got a question or comment? Drop your take in the live chat on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

It’s Wednesday, January 10, 2024. This is what John Riley thinks.

Relevant Articles:

2023 Year in Review: Top news stories in Poway

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/pomerado-news/news/story/2023-12-27/the-farm-residential-development-proposes-160-homes-and-amenities

Look Ahead: Poway leaders see challenges an...

What’s new in San Diego? Lots of things! In one study San Diego was ranked as the most expensive city to live in the United States. Surprised? San Diego officials are considering a sales tax increase. We remember the 20-year anniversary of the Cedar Fire. Plus, new developments in the Poway Life Time Fitness controversy. Got a comment or question? Drop your take in the livestream on Facebook or YouTube.

It’s Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

San Diego is the Most Expensive City to Live in USA.  Surprised?

https...

In this week’s John Riley Project, we discuss the proposed Raising Canes on Poway Rd, the plans for the San Marcos Bike Park, a teacher quitting her job and making 50% more at Costco, Steve Garvey running for Senate, and Biden’s War on Junk Fees.

It’s Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Poway Raising Cane over Raising Canes Chicken Restaurant

The Poway City Council gave their thumbs up to a chicken restaurant replacing a vacant lot. Some Poway locals are upset. They say it makes Poway less walkable and encourag...

The Midway Rising project at the site of the San Diego Sports Arena has changed their plan on housing and San Diego City Council representatives are angry! We also discuss El Cajon ADUs, Escondido Cannabis, new CA Senator Laphonza Butler, and Gavin Newsom vetoing UE benefits for striking workers.

It’s Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Midway Rising Dumps Middle Income Homes, Hotel

The San Diego Sports Arena construction project now has a few changes. Due to mortgage rates and other economic conditions, they are dropping 2,500 “middle income” housing units and repl...

We break down San Diego and national news stories here in the John Riley Project. Topics include the SANDAG mileage tax, Uber, public restrooms, minimum wage for fast food, CA Bullet Train update, Target shutting down stores, Amazon monopoly?, and the looming Government Shutdown. Got a question or comment? You can drop your take in the live chat on Facebook or YouTube to get involved in the San Diego Community Forum.

It’s Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

SANDAG Mileage Tax Scrapped

Voters opposed this privacy intrusion and higher cost of l...

Can you believe these San Diego gas prices? It’s over $6/gallon. Who is to blame for this mess? It’s expensive to live in San Diego. Water rates are going up 20%. Don’t get me started on housing prices in America’s Finest City! We also discuss Coach Prime’s deal with Blenders Eyewear in Pacific Beach, Poway Politics, self-driving trucks, government run grocery stores and the Pledge of Allegiance.

It’s Friday, September 22, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

$6/gallon – San Diego gas prices

It’s insane what gas costs these days. How are you...

I’m back! I took a 2-month vacation but now I am back with my San Diego Local News podcast. We will cover Poway Road Canyonization, San Diego Housing Crisis, Micro Units, Vacant Homes, Pt Loma Gay Marriage, Ben Kalasho in El Cajon, Escondido Joor Muffler Man, National City Bike Lanes, Snapdragon Stadium, CA’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Backfiring and more!

It’s Wednesday September 6, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Poway Road Canyonization

Powegians are freaking out about all the development along Poway Rd. The 4-story Fairfield development is going in at the site...

We have lots of San Diego topics on the table including a federal fraud case in Poway, winners and losers in CA budget, the future of Coronado mayor Richard Bailey, Jim Desmond and Congestion Pricing on Freeways, and much more.

It’s Wednesday June 28, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Poway Social Security Fraud

A Poway man defrauded the Social Security system and the VA system of over $830,000 over 3 decades as he schemed to collect using his dead mother’s name. WTF? Crazy story. Social Security will not be solvent starting in 2034. Poway seems...

No Limits podcaster Ed Franklin is back on the John Riley Project. Always great having Ed as he offers so much to help us improve our personal and business lives.

No Limits – Overcoming Limitations

We can often be our own worst enemy. We create our own roadblocks that prevent us from succeeding. Sometimes it is driven by fear. Other times laziness. But most often, it’s due to not doing what is best for yourself.

Clarity – What do you want?

It’s not easy figuring out what you really want. Yet so many...

Last night I attended the Poway City Council meeting. I have lots to talk about including Poway banning homeless encampments, the replacement of Barry Leonard, money in politics, and Life Time Fitness at The Farm. Plus, we discuss Archie Moore, San Diego Roads, Steve Garvey for CA Senate, Ed Franklin, and more. We will take your comments and questions in the San Diego Community Forum.

It’s Wednesday June 7, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Poway City Council Observations

I hadn’t been to a city council meeting in a while. It was great...

Today we will be discussing the Debt Ceiling Circus in Washington DC, a new rule with local govt campaign finance that may play a huge role in future elections, the replacement for Poway Councilmember Barry Leonard, Bally Sports and the Padres, and the future of the Santee Drive In. Plus, we will take your comments and questions in the San Diego Community Forum.

It’s Wednesday May 31, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Debt Ceiling Circus: Republicans and Democrats Fiscally Irresponsible

All this drama with threats of blowing up the economy. What does Joe...

We have a laundry list of topics to discuss in this John Riley Project episode. We will discuss the controversial vote in Carlsbad to ban flags, including the Gay Pride Flag. La Mesa tried this as well and got a different result. Carlsbad went a step further and banned prayer too. We’ll also discuss San Diego Supervisor Jim Desmond, homelessness, housing subsidies, Rancho Bernardo sink hole, tattoos in Santee and cannabis in Lemon Grove.

It’s Wednesday May 24, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

The City of Carlsbad is Banning Gay Pride Flag on City B...

Duration: 01:16:07

When a corporation donates to a non-profit that is run by a politician, then are they donating to a worthy cause or buying influence? That’s the question facing La Mesa vice mayor Colin Parent in La Mesa. We also discuss the KUSI sale and term limits in Poway.

It’s Wednesday May 10, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

La Mesa Vice Mayor Colin Parent Facing Conflict of Interest Accusations

Colin Parent runs an organization called Circulate San Diego that works to support sustainable neighborhoods and mass transit. He is actively soliciting contributions from c...

Poway’s City Council is under fire for the possibility of violating the voter’s will. Now we have a Poway resignation on the city council. The Drama! Escondido has a serious problem with their parks and budget. Imperial Beach wants to change their election rules. Plus, there’s more to the Nathan Fletcher saga. So much happening in San Diego County!

It’s Thursday May 4, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Poway Resignation: Councilman Barry Leonard Steps Down

In a surprise, Barry Leonard has decided to step down due to “changes in life”. Leona...

Poway Unified is in the news…. Again! Now a free speech case is coming before the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, politicians are trying to protect renters and protect the homeless, but their policies end up making the housing crisis even worse.

It’s Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Poway Unified School District first amendment case before Supreme Court

Poway School Board members Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff and TJ Zane (no longer in office), blocked their constituents from speech on their social media pages. Christopher and Kimberly Garnier have been long time critics of the s...

SDGE wants to base their electricity prices on your personal income. How can they do that? Meanwhile, mass transit in CA is facing a huge fiscal cliff as ridership is way down and COVID relief money is drying up. It’s as if all rationality has left the discussion in the economy. It’s about feelings rather than reason.

It’s Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

SDGE electricity rates based on your income level.

SDGE plans to create a flat rate based on your income level, but with a lower variable...

The Good: Aztecs in March Madness. The Bad: Nathan Fletcher, homelessness, San Diego schools declining, Poway Unified schools deteriorating, La Mesa dysfunction, Rancho Bernardo residents upset over cannabis. What is going on in San Diego?

It’s Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Aztecs make San Diego Proud

So much love for the San Diego State men’s basketball team as they make the March Madness finals, but lose to UConn. Can you feel the energy in San Diego around this team? Feels really good.

Nathan Fletcher Needs to Resign...

Duration: 02:01:34

Can you feel the excitement in San Diego? Everywhere San Diegans are buzzing about the Aztecs in the Final Four and the Padres about to start their 2023 season. Now they are also buzzing about Nathan Fletcher.

It’s Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Aztecs/Padres Buzz

Wherever you go there are people wearing Aztec gear and Padres gear. Shirts and hats are flying off the shelves as San Diego gets ready for a big sports weekend. The San Diego State Aztecs made their first Final Four and are only 2 wins away...

It’s springtime in San Diego! We’re covering the La Jolla quest for independence from San Diego, the controversy in Poway of a fitness center at The Farm, and Todd Gloria declaring Juneteenth a paid holiday for San Diego workers.

It’s Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

La Jolla Independence

The rich people in La Jolla want to secede! They want to leave San Diego. What could be driving them to do this? Is there plan even achievable? We break it all down including taking a tangent talking about zip code...

Pete Neild joined me to cover a wide range of topic in this San Diego News Update podcast episode. We cover Poway/Rancho Bernardo issues, San Diego regional news, Joe Biden’s visit to San Diego, and US foreign policy issues with China and Russia.

Poway Cronyism

We saw so much money flowing into Poway’s November election. Turns out that one of the main people behind one of the most influential Political Action Committees ends up getting appointed by Mayor Vaus to a city committee.

Rancho Bernardo Roads

Pete Neild enjo...

David Leland has the Aztecs advancing to the Sweet 16 in March Madness

David Leland joined me to discuss the San Diego State Aztecs as they enter the NCAA Tournament in 2023. We break down the Aztecs roster, their strong 2022-23 season, and how far we project the Aztecs to advance. Plus, we share some of our own March Madness bracket picks. David has the San Diego State Aztecs getting to the Sweet 16 and Texas winning it all.

Thinks this could be the year for the San Diego Padres

David also shares his thoughts on...

San Diego County leaders are pushing for major changes in our region. Look in the crystal ball and we can see plans for more housing, more trolleys, more busses, more people, and now a per mile mileage tax. Can San Diego accommodate more growth? What do think of their plans to make this happen?

It is Wednesday, February 22nd. Here is a roundup of news stories in and around San Diego County. Here is what John Riley thinks:

Is SANDAG’s Mileage Tax moral or practical?

This mileage tax proposed by SANDAG is ca...

I was a guest on the Ed Franklin No Limits podcast on January 25th. We discuss individualism, 2022 Year in Review, COVID policies and gyms, genealogy, and a wide range of other topics.

Ed Franklin, No Limits Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/edfranklin-nolimits/id1553490805

https://www.youtube.com/@edfranklin1962

#sandiego #poway #individualism #2022 #geneology

Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It is FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/

Be sure to share this video with a...

There are housing issues up and down and all-around San Diego County. The San Diego City Council calls housing a fundamental human right. But is it?

It’s Wednesday, January 25th. Here’s a roundup of news stories in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Sorry San Diego. Housing is not a Human Right.

The City of San Diego’s City Council unanimously passed a resolution declaring housing as a fundamental human right. How can that be without violating the rights of others to provide it or fund it? Turn...

It’s Friday, January 13th. Here’s a round up of news stories in and around San Diego County. Here’s John Riley’s outlook:

Poway 2023 Plans

It’s Tuesday, January 10th. Here’s a roundup of news stories in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

San Diego: The Need for more Water Infrastructure

SDG&E: Gas Prices

Captain Charles R. MacVean U.S. Navy (Ret.), PhD joined Pete Neild and I to discuss submarine stories and his new book Down Deep.

Submarine life is not easy. Tight quarters. Disciplined schedules. Everyone depending on someone else. It takes a high degree of trust and teamwork to make for a successful mission.

Charlie shared many great stories involving his crew and some of his missions. It seemed that Admiral Hyman Rickover came up frequently in our discussions. Rickover was a demanding leader that enjoyed keeping his subordinates off balance, so they would be provide...

It’s Friday, December 16th. Here’s a roundup of news stories in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Thank you!

#carlsbad #poseidon #desalination #purewater #beachfires #imperialbeach #carmelmountain #gavinnewsom #immigration

Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue your happiness. Sign up now...

It’s Friday, December 9th. Here’s what’s going on in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks:

Thank you!

#cannabis #nationalcity #smartville #UCSD #carlsbad #escondido #miramesa #oceanside

Get San Diego news and newsmaker updates, plus proven and easy-to-implement strategies to pursue yo...

Legendary, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Ted Leitner, joined us to tell tales from his 50+ year career in sports media. Wow! You know Ted. He always has something to say!

Ted Leitner talks about Jerry Coleman, Tony Gwynn, Rickey Henderson, Steve Finley, Carl Weathers, Steve Fisher, Brian Dutcher, Smokey Gaines, Jim Brandenburg, and so many great stories about sports broadcasting for the Padres, Chargers, Clippers, Aztecs, and KFMB Channel 8.

Ted talks about the honor of his induction into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame.

So many stories. Ted talks about his upbringing in...

Here’s what’s going on in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks on Friday, Dec 2nd.

Dateline:

Thank you!

#airbnb #commuterrail #cannabis #lemongrove #imperialbeach #sandiego

San Diego Commuter Rail, East County Cannabis, Airbnb (JRP0301)

Show N...

Merge 56 is one of many hot topics in and around San Diego County. Here’s what John Riley thinks on Wednesday, Nov 30th.

San Diego News Headlines:

They are still counting the votes at the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, but the results are becoming very clear in all but a few races. It’s time for local election analysis!

We discuss, analyze, and comment on:

It’s Election Night 2022! We focus on the Poway Mayor race, Poway City Council races, and the Poway Unified School District races in this nearly 4 hour long podcast. OMG. The participation from the livestream audience was extraordinary!

We break down the early returns from the San Diego Registrar of Voters. We comment on the individual races and candidates, as well as a little bit of commentary on the national election night stories.  Plus we have all sorts of fun with discussion of electric vehicles, ranked choice voting, the movie Poltergeist, and the good bad and ugly of the...

Frida Brunzell is a candidate for Poway Unified School District Board Trustee in Area B. This covers Northeast Rancho Bernardo and North Poway.

Only 75% of PUSD Students Read at Grade Level

Frida shared with me her frustrations with PUSD’s reading curriculum. 25% of PUSD students are not reading at their grade level. According to Frida Brunzell, PUSD is still teaching reading using a flawed method invented in the 1960s. There are innovative and proven alternative methods to teach reading, but establishment interests, book publishers, and fear of change prevent school leaders from making the necessary co...

There is one week to go until Election Day and the drama in the Poway elections is heating up! Pete Neild joined me to cover a range of issues and candidates in this Poway Elections Preview episode.

Poway Elections Drama

We discuss the Holly Oak community’s objection to the new development along Poway Road, as well as the “solidarity press conference” that was organized and then later cancelled. We discuss the proposed housing development, housing density, architecture, street entrances, and an overall frustration with Poway city leaders on communication.

Then Pete and I shar...

Amit Asaravala is the President of the Poway Democratic Club. Amit joined me to discuss the tremendous surge of money in Poway politics, the changing voting demographics in Poway, and information on their endorsed candidates.

Poway Campaign Finance

The financial data was the most eye-opening. Individual people can donate up to $250 for a specific candidate. Amit Asaravala shared that even on the individual level, Poway candidate Brian Pepin has raised approximately $70,000. This is far greater than the typical $10,000 to $15,000 we would see in a typical district election. Over 80% of his donors are from outside of...

If you love Poway history, you will love this podcast episode. Ed Franklin moved to Poway in 1974 as a young child and had so many exceptional stories to tell.

Poway History

We take a walk down memory lane discussing the different businesses that have come and gone along Poway Road. Did you know the site of the Evans Tire used to be a drive-thru dairy where people could get a gallon of milk, a pack of cigarettes, and a six-pack of beer without getting out of their car? We talked about the history of the...

Tony Russo is a candidate for Poway City Council District 3. I live in District 3, so this was a great opportunity to learn more about Tony Russo’s campaign for Poway.

Lack of Trust from Poway Officials

We started by discussing Tony’s experience at the Green Valley Civic Association and Poway Chamber’s Candidate Forum. His competitors were stressing safety as their key priority. Tony disagrees. He feels there is a serious lack of common-sense policies, transparency, trust, respect, and honesty from City Council and city officials. Tony Russo expressed how the people of Poway are an...

Yuri Bohlen is a candidate for Poway Mayor, and he joined me for a marathon 3-hour podcast covering so many hot topics in the City of Poway. Our livestream audience was also continually active presenting questions and comments for Yuri to respond to. Here are the highlights:

Yuri wants to make “Poway the City in the Country” again. He wants to stop unfair housing mandates from Sacramento and let Poway make decisions for Poway’s own future.

We spoke about many of the development projects going on in Poway including the Outpost, Fairfield, and The Farm i...

Patrick Batten is a candidate for Poway School Board running in Area C covering parts of Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, and 4S Ranch. Patrick is attempting to win the race to fill the seat of departing incumbent TJ Zane.

The US Marine Corps

Patrick shared his background growing up with a single parent facing tremendous financial challenges. He discussed his time at San Diego State University and his career as a US Marine in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

Educational Curriculum

We discussed his “Brilliant at the Basics” curriculum proposal focusing on read...

Poway Mayoral Candidate, Delta Esparza, joined me for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation in the JRP podcast studio. Delta is one of four challengers attempting to unseat Poway Mayor Steve Vaus. Our 1.5-hour discussion offers great insight into Delta’s background, values, character, and vision for Poway. Highlights include:

Delta’s family background growing up in South LA to immigrant parents. Delta was the first person in her family to achieve a college degree. She later went on to a master’s degree and a career in computer science in the defense industry.

Delta Esparza shared...

Poway City Council Candidate, Kevin Juza, joined me for a fun and informative podcast conversation. Kevin is one of three candidates running in my own District 3. We chatted for nearly 2 hours and had terrific input from the live audience spanning topics like:

Kevin’s family background in Indianapolis, Northern California, Minnesota, and eventually coming to Poway.

His career as a business consultant/coach and his volunteer roles in the Poway community.

His thoughts on City Planning, the city’s General Plan, smart development, negotiations with developers, and the construction projects on Poway Rd and...

This was such an enjoyable podcast conversation with Poway City Council Candidate, Hiram Soto. We covered a tremendous amount of ground in this 1.5-hour podcast discussion including:

Hiram’s family background in Mexico

His career as a journalist at the San Diego Union Tribune and how that shaped him on the issues of transparency, integrity, and digging for the truth.

His surprise that a Poway Councilperson was appointed for an open seat who had only lived in Poway for a few months. This circumvention of the voters and a weak democratic process were th...

Urbn Leaf wants to move into Rancho Bernardo

Urbn Leaf, a marijuana dispensary, wants to move into the long abandoned El Torito restaurant location in Rancho Bernardo.  As you might imagine, the locals are not taking this Rancho Bernardo marijuana situation sitting down. We cover the story, the objections by the RB Community Planning Board, the objections by residents and the churches, and the comments from notable community leaders Robin Kaufman, Patrick Batten and Marni von Wilpert.

It seems to me that many people continue to see cannabis as some sort of Reefer Madness drug t...

The air conditioning system at Rancho Bernardo High School and Bernardo Heights Middle School is broken!  We are dealing with sweltering heat and now kids are being sent home because the classroom is unsafe.  What is going on at Poway Unified School District?

We break down the story and the short-term fixes PUSD is working on to solve the problem. We also take a look at their finances including $475M in revenue, $11M surplus, and an $83M in reserves.  Why can’t they spend that money to buy a new air conditioning system?

We take a clo...

Dennis Butts from the Poway Postal Annex (in Target Shopping Center) joined me to talk sports and it was so fun!  Dennis is a huge LA sports fan, but he doesn’t rub it in too badly for us San Diego fans. ?

Every time I visit his Postal Annex store, we always talk sports. It’s a real joy.  So, we finally decided to actually do this as a podcast!

Topics included:

Growing up in Toledo OH and attending Detroit Tigers games at Briggs Stadium.

Moving to Los Angeles and growing up in...

The cost of college tuition is sky high, but the price of clothing at Costco is very inexpensive. We explore government’s role in causing prices to rise and student debt to expand.

Biden’s Plan to Cancel Student Debt

Liberals in Congress are pushing Biden to cancel $10,000 of student debt. But is that enough? Bernie and Warren want $50K in relief. We break down Biden’s student debt plan, who gets it, and how much. Meanwhile Chuck Schumer says that canceling student debt is the moral thing to do.  But is it moral to shift y...

The MLB Trade Deadline wrapped up Tuesday afternoon and my head is still spinning.  So much activity that I am just now starting to come back down to Earth.

Juan Soto and the San Diego Padres

We break down the big trades AJ Preller and the Padres made for Juan Soto, Josh Bell, Brandon Drury, and Josh Hader. The Soto/Bell deal may go down as the biggest trade in MLB history. Plus, we take a look at the Eric Hosmer situation and how that ultimately impacted Luke Voit.

MLB Trade Deadline Life L...

Duration: 01:08:33

People ask me all the time how I started this podcast and why I did it. So, today’s podcast is a podcast about podcasting!

We will cover the inspiration from my show, the personal benefits in podcasting, and some of the basics on how I started my podcast.  We will discuss content, audio, podcast hosting, video, livestreaming, cameras, and much more.

#podcast #livestream #Streamyard

Thank you!

Get proven and easy-to-implement strategies to build your business and pursue your happiness. Sign up now. It’s FREE! https://johnrileyproject.com/

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Legendary sports radio and NFL play-by-play icon, Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton joined for a wide conversation about his career, the San Diego sports media market, the San Diego Chargers and more.

Hacksaw and the History of Sports Talk Radio

Lee shared his Long Island roots and the start of his radio news/DJ career in his college days on a radio station in Appalachia.  After a great run broadcasting pro hockey in Cleveland, he took his talents to the desert to announce Arizona State football and basketball. Hacksaw also hosted a sports talk show on KTAR in Ph...

We are hearing shrieks of “Corporate Greed!” as inflation surges. But is it really Corporate Greed?

Corporations are Price Gouging!  Really?

Prices are up most everywhere: gas, food, labor. Inflation is now at 9.1%. I haven’t seen it this high since I was in high school over 40 years ago.

Some are calling this price gouging or corporate greed, but is it?

Businesses are always seeking to maximize profit. That’s what they do. That’s their fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers.

So why are prices up now?

There is High Dem...

Roe vs Wade has been overturned. What does this mean about individual rights?

The End of Roe vs Wade

The most divisive issue in our culture has been flipped on its ear thanks to SCOTUS overturning Roe vs Wade. Now individual states can establish their own rules. States have been preparing for this outcome with some states reinforcing the right to choose and other states doing the opposite. Huge demonstrations are happening across America. I thought this would never happen. I was wrong.

As a student at UC San Diego, the abortion issue...

How can you pursue your happiness in a housing crisis? Or better yet, how can you not violate the right of others to do the same?

Housing Crisis

We examine the housing crisis and the unintended consequences of central planning. Despite do-gooders’ best efforts to make housing affordable, we have homelessness and insane housing prices. We explore the $1 million per unit “low income” housing units and the regulations that make them so expensive.

It’s nice to see open-minded people changing the rules in San Diego. A 443-unit apartment building is going up in downt...

The Golden State Warriors are enjoying their 6th NBA Finals in 8 years and are on the cusp of their fourth championship in that timeframe. I share my early memories as a Golden State Warriors fan.

We then discuss financial planning for retirement and the shocking low savings rates in America. Is this due to a false sense of security that government will save the day? Is it a huge financial education deficit? Is it weak long-term thinking?

It’s time again to hear the Chicken Little rants of progressives that the Republicans are going to ki...

It’s time for America to come together to resolve gun violence and gun rights. I have been doing deep thinking in the wake of the Uvalde massacre. I have been exploring American history, American values, and the rights that should be protected in America.

We can’t remain in this Rinse and Repeat Cycle of mass shootings and refusing to do anything about it.

I have a different approach that can bring the right wing and the left wing together. It’s an approach that goes back to the themes of our nation’s founding...

The Great Replacement Theory has been in the news since it was mentioned in the Buffalo mass shooter’s manifesto. Let’s be real. This is a conspiracy theory based on racism and fear of “different” people coming to America to replace white voters. Different races, unfamiliar cultures, and diverse languages all coming to America. OMG.

Change is uncomfortable. For some people, change is a threat.

“Patriots” are fearful that immigrants are pursuing their happiness. This is the land of freedom, right?

We hear this white supremacy rhetoric from politicians that push border walls, trave...

Pete Murray joined me to discuss his campaign for judge in San Diego County. This was an incredible podcast conversation going nearly 4 hours (a new JRP record!).

The depth and breadth of topics covered is too long to list, but here are some highlights:

Pete Murray’s View on Criminal Justice Challenges

Seven Cures to a Lean Purse

The First Cure: Start thy purse to fattening.

Arkad (Richest Man in Babylon) advises saving 10% of your annual income to start building up your wealth (or purse). “For every ten coins thou placest within thy purse take out for use but nine. Thy purse will start to fatten at once and its increasing weight will feel good in thy hand and bring satisfaction to thy soul”.

We discuss automated deduction and my personal revelation that wealth is independence.  It’s not simply saving to buy, saving for rain...

Oklahoma Abortion Ban

Will they enact an Oklahoma abortion ban? It’s looking that way. We break down all of the new abortion laws passed in Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Colorado as states prepare for the potential overturn of Roe vs Wade. Should abortion be “legal, but rare”? Or is abortion a fundamental part of a woman’s inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?

JRP Studio: ATEM Mini Pro and Go Pro Hero 9

We just upgraded our video gear. I share the evolution of the podcast studio video ge...

Oklahoma Abortion Ban Will they enact an Oklahoma abortion ban? It’s looking that way. We break down all of the new abortion laws passed in Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Colorado as states prepare for the potential overturn of Roe vs Wade. Should abortion be “legal, but rare”? Or is abortion a fundamental part of a woman’s inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? JRP Studio: ATEM Mini Pro and Go Pro Hero 9 We just upgraded our video gear. I share the evolution of the podcast studio video gear from the Mevo to the Sony a64...

Daylight Savings Time is Whack

The US Senate just approved making daylight savings time permanent for the entire nation. Will the House pass it? And what’s the deal with the California vote in 2018 to end this clock changing nonsense? I’m tired of the twice a year clock change, are you?

Ukraine and the New McCarthyism

Hosts on The View want the government to investigate Tucker Carlson and Tulsi Gabbard for “spreading false Russian propaganda. What ever happened to free speech and freedom of the press? We take a closer look at the Uk...

Pete Neild shares his experiences in the Navy working in a repair shop at Pearl Harbor. Pete has recently reconnected with many of former co-workers and others that served in that same shop over the last 70 years.  We also share many more submarine stories, Navy stories and Pete’s experiences along the way.  Pete calls these his “See Stories”.

We also discuss Admiral Bernard Clary, USS Pintado, sacrifice, and much more.

#PeteNeild #PearlHarbor #SeeStories

Related Links:
Pete Neild’s See Stories:
https://www.seestories.online/

Get proven and easy-to-implement strategies...

Pete Neild shares his announcement on his potential candidates for Poway City Council District 1.  We discuss a wide range of Poway issues including development, roads, SDG&E, Mayor Steve Vaus, Caylin Frank, Dave Grosch, Barry Leonard, the failed recall of Steve Vaus and much more.

Pete also shares his meeting with Hiram Soto.  Hiram is a local activist, journalist, and recently announced candidate for District 1.  Hiram and Pete share many sensibilities and thoughts about the City of Poway.  Can these two candidates merge into a single, more powerful candidate?

#PeteNeild #HiramSoto #Poway

Get prov...

Putin Justifying Invasion of Ukraine based on Blood and Religion

Russian troops are at the Ukrainian border and invasion is imminent! Biden is trying to negotiate but doing so on weak footing. Meanwhile Trump is calling Putin a “genius” for his strategy. What in the hell is going on here? While these political leaders are consumed with tribalism, they are missing the opportunity to oppose Putin on the moral basis of our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Justin Trudeau Emergency Orders Violating Individual Rights

The truckers had a righteous caus...

EVs Selling as Much as $15K over MSRP

Have you been on an auto dealer lot lately? The prices for cars are all out of whack. The supply chain crisis has created huge distortions in the price of cars.

I am in the market for a new EV and every option is selling for thousands of dollars above MSRP! In many cases, the EV is not available for as much as 9 months. What exactly is going on?

We discuss the market forces that are driving these crazy prices. Plus, we talk gas prices...

NFL Studying Marijuana to Help Players Manage Pain

My alma mater UC San Diego was just awarded a $500,000 grant from the NFL to study the impact of cannabis as a pain relief medication.

Isn’t the answer obvious?

We take a look at the UCSD study and discuss well known examples of players suspensions for marijuana or opioids. We also take a broader look of cannabis as a medicine and question my hometown’s policy of keeping dispensaries illegal.

Canadian Truckers Protest

Then we discuss the Canadian Truckers protest. The...

Personal Success as a Skier, Student, Model and Symbol of International Unity

Eileen Gu won the gold in the Big Air freestyle event Tuesday while competing for China in the Winter Olympics. But this episode is much more than her athletic feats.

Gu’s “right double 1440 safety” scored a 93.75 and vaulted her into first place. Her lead didn’t last long. She headed to her last jump needing at least ninety-three points to leap from third to first. Her final trick, called a left double 1620 with a safety grab, scored 94.5 points and landed Gu a gold med...

Your Life Goal Should be Happiness

How happy are you on a 0-10 scale? We discuss the topic of The Happiness Dashboard. This system (similar to the Wheel of Life) provides a framework to score your happiness in every major category of life:

This exercise helped me break out of a mental rut. The result was greater focus and energy to pursue my own happiness.

John Riley Project: Pursuing Happiness

I also share my thoughts on the...

In today’s podcast episode we take a look back at the top 2021 stories in the Poway and Rancho Bernardo area. Our friends at Pomerado News highlighted the top local stories. We take the time to reflect on each of them. These top local stories span the spectrum of good, the bad and the ugly. In our podcast we cover these six stories:

Last week I experienced the positive energy and festivities along Poway’s Candy Cane Lane (or should I say Candy Cane Courts). To say that this community “decorates in excess” is an understatement! We discuss the history, the planning, and the mob scene that shows up at Candy Cane Lane in a small corner of Poway.

We also explore a wide range of issues in Poway including the Mayor Vaus recall, the 2022 election, development along Poway Rd, slow vs fast growth, and the concept of representative government. A special guest joined us to discuss all of the above...

City government officials in Solana Beach have passed new laws mandating EV charging stations and solar panels. At the same time they want to ban natural gas. Is this a serious climate change policy for the city or just virtue signaling by elected leaders? The Solana Beach climate change policies have so many exceptions and carve outs that it is a wonder at all if they are going to move the climate change needle at all. We break down the Solana Beach plan. Plus, we discuss ways that cities can enact a climate change policy that actually demonstrates real...

Death threats directed at Poway Unified School Board trustees. Protesters showing up at school board members’ private homes with a manifesto filled with demands. What in the heck is going on here? We break down this whole story and then explore the nationwide heated rhetoric at school board meetings, the VA gubernatorial election, and school choice.

Then we have a wonderful time discussing San Diego State Aztec punter Matt Araiza. Matt is a graduate of Rancho Bernardo high school and has become a national sensation for his incredible bionic leg breaking NCAA punting records. We discuss his ba...

SANDAG has a plan to tax you per mile to help pay for their $160B public transportation plan. Why this big push for a utopian mass transit system when so few people use the existing trolleys and carpool/bus systems? We break down SANDAG’s plan including their proposal to supplement the existing gas tax with an added per mile tax. How do they plan to do this? Will the gas tax eventually be retired? Then we discuss SANDAG’s plan to charge non-users of public transportation pay so users can ride for free.

Squid Game is the...

The supply chain mess is everywhere you look. Ships are waiting offshore near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. There are product shortages and worker shortages. Mass chaos!

We break down all of the reasons for the Supply Chain Mess. Who is to blame? The government, of course! They are distorting the market with artificially high demand and artificially low supply.

Prices go up. We get product shortages.

Our discussion explores bailouts, stimulus, stay-at-home orders, and easy loans. We discuss the impact of business shutdowns, early retirement, immigration, career changes, and...

Why are UC Berkeley, Stanford, and UCLA so afraid of competing with San Diego State University?

For the past 2-3 decades we have seen SDSU rise up both athletically and academically to create a national brand that is respected from coast to coast. SDSU regularly boasts some of the highest numbers of student applicants every year. At the same time, the Aztec men’s basketball and football programs have a combined winning percentage ranked second in all of the United States in D1 sports.

Yet UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA, and other universities have kept SDSU ou...

Controversy in Poway! Free Range Kids invading our Poway parks!

We break down the City of Poway’s plan to open up Starridge Park to Poway Girls Softball, including the objections from the local neighbors.

Are neighborhood Poway parks just for neighbors? When is a public good not good for the public? We break it all down.

We also get into Poway infrastructure improvements, Poway water, and all of the development projects occurring in Poway.

Shout out to Hiram Soto and his new venture: The Powegian. https://www.thepowegian.org/

...

First a near death experience after a motorcycle accident and supernatural dreams in a coma. Then reliving a near death experience when revisiting the scene of the accident and fulfilling promises made.

Mike Smith and Pete Neild join me to discuss their recent trip to Maui as they retrace the events that led to that fateful day. They eventually make it up to the top of Haleakala in a Corvette, a destination they were unable to fulfill that fateful day while on motorcycles

As they retell their reliving a near death experience story, we discover...

John Riley joins Ed Franklin on his No Limits podcast to discuss Poway News, the Jim Collins book Good to Great, and a range of sales and marketing tips.

We discuss email marketing, SMS text marketing, podcasting, sales skills, communication, setting expectations, how businesses can best organize their culture to encourage more revenue generation and many other sales and marketing tips.

John and Ed share their thoughts on various aspects of the book Good to Great including the Hedgehog Concept, Selling the Mills, Flywheel Concept and Getting the Right People on the Bus.

...

Ed Franklin, the host of the No Limits podcast, joined me today for a fun discussion about self-improvement, marketing and growing up in Poway.  Ed’s podcast is all about inspiring you to achieve success by sharing his life stories and experiences.  Many of his podcast episodes explore personal accountability, storytelling, and building self-esteem.  We also discuss Brilliant Marketing Ideas, the power of logos and brands, and the examples of Apple and Nike.  Ed shares some of his experiences as CEO of the Poway Chamber and his thoughts about the changes going on throughout the city.  Finally, Ed shares thought...

The JRP Happy Hour invites podcast listeners, guests, and fans to join us in a wide open, free form conversation during a livestream.  Challenge me on my thoughts from previous episodes, bring up your own issues, or just hang out and have a fun discussion.  This week’s episode features both Pete Neild and Mike Polite.  We discuss Corvettes, Maui, the automobile shortage, lead generation, California Recall, COVID mandates, ancestry, Afghanistan, and a range of other topics.

If you would like to participate in one of these Happy Hour podcasts, please visit https://johnrileyproject.com/contact/.  These will o...