Powerhouse Podcast

Is California Becoming a Poacher Sanctuary? | Jerry Karnow on Wildlife Crime & AB 1950

Retired California Fish and Wildlife Officer Jerry Karnow returns to the Power House Podcast to talk with Topo Padilla about the political fight over wildlife protection in California.In this episode, Jerry explains how changes to misdemeanor probation laws under AB 1950 affected Fish and Game Code enforcement, why many serious poaching cases are harder to prosecute, and why he believes California wildlife may be less protected than ever. He also discusses his work at the State Capitol, past bipartisan efforts to strengthen penalties for egregious wildlife crimes, and the letter he recently delivered to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office urging action.Topo and Jerry also discuss mountain lions, bears, wolves, public safety, depredation laws, and what citizens can do to contact their legislators and speak up for wildlife protection.Watch Part 1 with Jerry Karnow for more on his career as a California game warden and his work protecting wildlife.Topics include:California wildlife crime, poaching laws, AB 1950, Fish and Game enforcement, mountain lions, bears, wolves, depredation permits, California legislation, and protecting wildlife.Watch Power House Podcast on SacLife.TV, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart.

Funding Cuts Threaten Local TV

Sacramento’s local PEG channels — Public, Education, and Government access television — are facing serious funding cuts that could impact community programming, student media education, public access shows, local nonprofit coverage, and important Sacramento-area storytelling. In this episode of the Power House Podcast, host Topo Padilla sits down with Aaron Heinrich from the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium, Joe Barr from Access Sacramento, and Ron Hermann from Sacramento Life TV to discuss what PEG channels do, why they matter, and what Sacramento could lose if funding is cut. These channels help train future filmmakers, journalists, content creators, and media professionals. They provide a platform for community voices that often do not get coverage anywhere else. They also support programming that highlights nonprofits, schools, veterans, public issues, faith communities, local government, and stories that directly impact Sacramento residents. The guests also explain why they are asking for more time, more public input, and a better conversation before major funding decisions are made. What can you do? Visit AccessSacramento.org [http://accesssacramento.org/] and use the call-to-action link to email the Sacramento Cable Commission. You can also contact your city council members, county supervisors, and local representatives to ask them to preserve funding for Sacramento’s PEG channels. Local media matters. Community voices matter. Sacramento stories matter. Tackling the topics that impact our community the most.

Wild Justice: The Truth About Wildlife Officers | Jerry Karnow

Retired California wildlife officer Jerry Karnow joins Topo Padilla on the Power House Podcast for an eye-opening conversation about the dangerous, misunderstood, and essential work of protecting California’s wildlife. With more than 30 years of service, Jerry shares what wildlife officers really do in the field — from checking hunting and fishing licenses to investigating poaching, illegal commercial fishing, environmental crimes, and illegal marijuana grows that damage public lands and waterways. Jerry also discusses the dangers officers face while patrolling remote areas, often contacting armed individuals with little to no backup nearby. He reflects on his role in helping bring attention to the profession through the National Geographic series Wild Justice, which gave viewers a rare look inside the work of California game wardens. This episode is a powerful reminder that wildlife officers do more than enforce regulations — they protect animals, preserve natural resources, support responsible hunters and anglers, and defend the environment for future generations. Tackling the topics that impact our community the most. Watch more episodes of the Power House Podcast on SacLife.TV [http://saclife.tv/] and Sacramento Life TV. #PowerHousePodcast #JerryKarnow #WildlifeOfficer #CaliforniaWildlife #SacLifeTV

Faith & Freedom Under Attack | Brad Dacus - Part 2

In this powerful Part 2 conversation on the Power House Podcast, host Topo Padilla welcomes back Brad Dacus, founder and president of the Pacific Justice Institute, to continue the discussion on religious freedom, parental rights, public schools, free speech, and the legal battles impacting families, churches, teachers, and business owners across America. Brad shares how Pacific Justice Institute provides free legal support for people facing challenges involving faith, conscience, parental rights, and constitutional freedoms. He also discusses current legal concerns in California and across the country, including public school policies, opt-out protections for parents, and the importance of standing up before rights are taken away. This episode is a passionate conversation about faith, courage, truth, and the need for everyday Americans to stay informed, engaged, and willing to defend their freedoms. Learn more about Pacific Justice Institute: PJI.org [http://pji.org/] Tackling the topics that impact our community the most. #PowerHousePodcast #BradDacus #PacificJusticeInstitute #ReligiousFreedom #ParentsRights #FaithAndFreedom #SacramentoLifeTV #TopoPadilla #FreeSpeech #ConstitutionalRights

Defending Religious Freedom | Brad Dacus

In this episode of the Powerhouse Podcast, host Topo Padilla sits down with Brad Dacus, President of the Pacific Justice Institute, for an important conversation on protecting religious freedom in America. As communities across the country continue to navigate questions of faith, law, speech, and personal conviction, Brad shares insight into why religious liberty remains a vital issue for people of faith, nonprofit leaders, families, and community members. This conversation explores the importance of defending constitutional freedoms, standing firm with integrity, and understanding how these issues impact everyday Americans. Whether you are a church leader, nonprofit supporter, community advocate, or simply someone who cares about the future of faith and freedom in our country, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why religious freedom matters and how people can stay informed and engaged. Learn more about the Pacific Justice Institute at PJI.org. Watch more inspiring conversations on Sacramento Life TV. Powerhouse Podcast is committed to tackling the topics that impact our community the most.