Podcast artwork thumbnail for Political Breakdown

Political Breakdown

Scott Shafer, Marisa Lagos

Booking Overview

This is a California politics and public-affairs interview show featuring elected officials, candidates, political insiders, and leaders involved in major state policy debates, alongside host analysis. Credible pitches include current or former officeholders, senior campaign and government officials, policy experts, pollsters, business association leaders, and legal or public-policy figures with direct involvement in California issues; booking is likely high difficulty for prominent guests.

Metrics

Episodes: 852

Frequency: Several times a week

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Estimated listeners: 1,000 - 10,000

Gender skew: Neutral

Listener location: USA

YouTube: 377.0k subscribers

Instagram: 262.0k followers

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

ondemand@kqed.org

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

Host

Scott Shafer - Journalist and political podcast host covering California government, elections, and public affairs.

Marisa Lagos - California political journalist and podcast host covering state government, elections, public policy, and politics.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

high
Typical Credentials:  
Current or former elected officials, candidates for major California offices, senior government officials, political campaign leaders, pollsters, business association executives, attorneys, and policy experts with direct involvement in California politics or public policy.
Required Achievements:  
Holding elected or senior government office, Leading a statewide campaign, political organization, or major business association, Developing or advocating significant public policy, Serving as a prominent legal, political, or polling expert

Recent Guest Discussions

Jennifer Barrera - Proposition 45, Reform Of The California Environmental Quality Act, Housing Construction, Data Centers, And The Affordability Crisis.

Jane Kim - A Proposed Single-payer Disaster Insurance Policy, Insurance Regulation, And Consumer Protection.

Rob Bonta - Legal Challenges Involving The Trump Administration, Mail-in Voting Restrictions, An Investigation Into An Openai Hack, And A Settlement Involving Meta.

Recent Topics

Politics, California Politics, Elections, Ballot Measures, Political Campaigns

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Political Breakdown
:

Republican vs. Democrat in One of California's Most Gerrymandered Districts

October 13, 2026

California’s 1st Congressional District was at the center of last year’s partisan redistricting wars. The district used to encompass the rural northeast corner of the state — a red stronghold in blue California. Democrats moved it southwest, drawing in more blue regions like the city of Santa Rosa, when they redrew the congressional maps. It’s now considered a safe Democratic seat.  Marisa and Scott sit down with the Republican and the Democrat vying to represent this new district in Co...

Valadao-Villegas Debate and the Fight for Latino Voters in the Central Valley

October 09, 2026

Central Valley Republican Congressman David Valado and his Democratic challenger, college professor Randy Villegas, faced off in a debate earlier this week. Marisa and Guy talk to one of the moderators, FOX40 anchor Nikki Laurenzo, about the showdown in Bakersfield and what it means for control of Congress.  Then, Republican political consultant Mike Madrid joins them to discuss how Democrats are trying to win back working-class Latino voters. Does progressive Villegas or the more moder...

Congressman Adam Gray’s Theory of How Democrats Can Win in a Swing District

October 08, 2026

Democratic Congressman Adam Gray won his seat two years ago by just 187 votes. After last year’s partisan redistricting war, the 13th Congressional District is slightly more favorable to him, but Gray is still considered to be in a tough fight to hold on to his seat. He faces former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln II. Marisa sits down with Gray at his campaign office in Merced to discuss why the moderate Democrat thinks both parties need to turn down the temperature.  Don’t forget to use K...

Similar Podcasts

Podcast(s) similar to
Political Breakdown
:

The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast · Medium booking difficulty · 1,000 - 10,000 listeners

The Great Battlefield · Medium booking difficulty · 1,000 - 10,000 listeners

Frequently asked questions

Here's some frequently asked questions for
Political Breakdown
:

How do I get in touch with Political Breakdown?

Political Breakdown is hosted by Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos. Its publicly listed email is ondemand@kqed.org. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Political Breakdown?

The publicly listed email for Political Breakdown: ondemand@kqed.org.

How many listeners does Political Breakdown have?

Podseeker estimates Political Breakdown reaches 1,000 to 10,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Political Breakdown?

Political Breakdown typically books industry leaders. Typical guest background: Current or former elected officials, candidates for major California offices, senior government officials, political campaign leaders, pollsters, business association executives, attorneys, and policy experts with direct involvement in California politics or public policy. Common among recent guests: Holding elected or senior government office; Leading a statewide campaign, political organization, or major business association; Developing or advocating significant public policy. Recent guests include Jennifer Barrera, Jane Kim, and Rob Bonta.

How hard is it to get booked on Political Breakdown?

High. It mostly books established leaders in its field.

What topics does Political Breakdown cover?

Recent episodes cover Politics, California Politics, Elections, Ballot Measures, and Political Campaigns. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.

Publicly listed emails

ondemand@kqed.org

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

Get your clients booked on top podcasts

Try us risk free with a FREE 3 days trial.

Start Your Free Trial

Join hundreds of PR teams using Podseeker to pitch and land bookings