Pacific Time: The "What if...?" of West Coast Independence

11 What if Silicon Valley and Democracy Got Back Together? With Margaret O'Mara

Silicon Valley used to dream of liberation. Now some of its loudest voices are cozying up to Trump and talking like monarchists. What happened? Is oligarchy the bug in our tech-friendly society we didn't anticipate and need to stem?Once upon a time, Silicon Valley stood for idealism: personal freedom, creative rebellion, and maybe even the most fully realized form of democracy itself. But something shifted. In this episode of Pacific Time, host Greg Amrofell talks with historian Margaret O’Mara about how tech's brightest minds—and wealthiest billionaires—ended up funding and fueling an anti-democratic turn.We trace the evolution from daydreams about Apple laptops in Yosemite to Elon’s DOGE-soaked disassembly of the public square. We explore what tech workers really believe, why West Coast universities matter more than ever, and what it will take to rebuild a shared civic foundation.The West Coast is ready to resist. And the West Coast owes the rest of you an apology for its naughty billionaires.In this episode:How Big Tech's politics fragmented post-ObamaWhy “tech workers” stayed liberal, even as their bosses flippedThe rise of Curtis Yarvin, Peter Thiel, and the new techno-reactionariesLessons from the origins of Silicon ValleyWhat history tells us about moments like this oneWhy West Coast states (and their universities) could hold the lineGuest Bio: Margaret O'Mara is a professor of history at the University of Washington and author of The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America. She's a New York Times Contributor and her research traces the deep links between government, innovation, and ideology in the rise of modern tech.Related Episodes:Ep 07: What If the West Coast Actually Got Its Act Together? (With John Zysman)Ep 06: What If We Designed Healthcare from Scratch? (With Mike Hanlon)Ep 08: Leave America and Discover Ecotopia? (Solo)

10 What if Blue Cities Got it Together? With Sandeep Kaushik

 Blue cities are struggling—and it’s not MAGA’s fault.  What if Seattle, San Francisco, and LA became models of good governance? Blue cities helped shape modern America. But they’ve been having a hard time—with homelessness, affordability, public safety, and internal political warfare. In this episode, political consultant and Blue City Blues co-host Sandeep Kaushik joins Greg to unpack why. Together, they ask: What if the West Coast’s most liberal cities actually figured out how to govern effectively?We explore why progressive vs. liberal fights have taken over city halls, why governance is now a one-party problem, and how cities like San Francisco and Seattle can either become models—or warnings—for the rest of the country. From Ezra Klein’s “abundance” critique to San Francisco’s moderate backlash, from coalition-building to regional autonomy, this conversation isn’t just about what’s wrong. It’s about what could work.Because if the West Coast wants more autonomy, maybe the first step is for our biggest cities to run well.Highlights:Why the “urban archipelago” metaphor still matters—and what it missesHow blue cities became laboratories of policy innovation and political dysfunctionWhat most national media gets wrong about the West Coast leftThe surprising story of San Francisco’s moderate resurgenceWhat Seattle can learn from its own legislative battlesWhy good governance might be the best resistance strategy of allAbout Sandeep Kaushik:Sandeep Kaushik is a Seattle-based political consultant, and commentator who co-hosts the podcasts Blue City Blues and Seattle Nice. He previously worked at The Stranger, advised mayors and campaigns across Washington, and brings decades of experience navigating the internal divides of liberal cities. His current work explores the tensions between movement progressives and center-left liberals—and what comes next.Resources & Related Content:Blue City Blues – Sandeep’s podcast with David HydeThe Urban Archipelago (The Stranger, 2004)Sound View Strategies - Sandeep's political consulting firmRelated Pacific Time Episodes:Ep 08: Leave America and Discover Ecotopia? (Solo)Ep 06: What if the West Coast Designed Healthcare from Scratch? (with Mike Hanlon)Ep 07: What if California Had a Foreign Policy? (with John Zysman)Ep 03: What if the West Coast Reclaimed its Federal Taxes? (With Julie Dingley)Ep 02: How can the West Coast Redesign Itself? (With Mickey McManus)Enjoying Pacific Time? Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, PocketCast, Spotify, and leave us a review—it really helps us grow.Subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for more conversations, community ideas, and West Coast “what ifs.” 

09 Will California Bring the Unsexy Back? With Dan Walters

California pays more and receives less and less from DC. Could independence—or just grown-up governance—fix this imbalance?Summary: California's relationship with the federal government is reaching a critical juncture. Esteemed political journalist Dan Walters joins Greg to discuss CalExit, the growing frustration with federal tax inequities, and the stark contrast between California’s progressive policies and Washington's increasingly (deep breath) regressive stances. But what if the biggest threat to California’s future isn’t DC—or even Donald Trump? What if California can’t but help continuing to ignore the unsexy basics of governing?Walters calls for a reality check: more attention to budgets, infrastructure, housing, and water—and less to political theatrics. He makes the case that California has the means to solve its problems but lacks the will. Along the way, we explore the myth of West Coast exceptionalism, the impact of population stagnation and corporate flight, and the potential parallels between California today and the decline of Detroit.What We Talk About:✔️The practical and political realities of governing in California✔️The persistent drag of housing, water, and energy challenges✔️Why 'West Coast Exceptionalism' may be more myth than model✔️Why MAGA may be gaining a strangle-hold on the national electoral map✔️ Ezra Klein’s "abundance" critique and Dan’s response✔️ Early analysis of the 2026 CA gubernatorial race (Kamala: will she or won’t she?)Guest Bio: Dan Walters is one of California’s most respected political journalists, known for his insightful analysis on California's complex relationship with federal politics. Currently with CalMatters, Walters has spent decades dissecting California’s political landscape, providing critical context for understanding the state’s challenges and opportunities. With over 9000 columns to his name, he’s a veteran voice unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom.Related Resources:Dan Walters on CalMattersEzra Klein on Jon Stewart’s The Weekly Show (Apple Podcasts)This is Gavin Newsom (Apple Podcasts)CalExit MovementRelated Pacific Time Episodes:04 Marcus Ruiz Evans on the viability of CalExit (Apple Podcasts)03 Julie Dingley on West Coast taxation and governance (Apple Podcasts)Follow:📲 Pacific Time is making good trouble asking questions about the future of the West Coast on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky. Chime in, share feedback, and offer ideas on perspectives we need to include.Listen:🎧 Follow, share, and leave a review. Pacific Time Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms. New episodes most Wednesdays at 6a – just in time for your sunrise walk, drive to the beach, or bike commute to work. Or save it up for your chill time in the coffeeshop or puttering around the garden. Pairs nicely with Sunset Magazine and a Corona in the hammock or adirondack chair. Whenever you listen, talk it over with neighbors, and let me know what you think.Thanks for being together in Pacific Time. Keep asking the ‘what if?’ questions about the future of the West Coast.

08 Leave America and Discover Ecotopia? (Solo)

Can the West Coast outgrow America? Greg explores Ecotopia, sovereignty, and the future of freedom—solo.In this episode of Pacific Time, host Greg Amrofell trades guests for green tea, a dog-eared novel, and a mic, inviting listeners on a hike through political despair, ecological design, and West Coast sovereignty. The guidebook? A 1975 cult classic: Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach.This isn’t just a book review. It’s a reframing of what independence really means. Greg weaves personal reflection with insights from past guests—exploring the paradox of building a region that’s both more self-directed and more interconnected.Is Ecotopia just a retro fantasy? Or a prophetic prototype for a West Coast that’s already halfway out the door?🔍 Episode Highlights✅ Why Ecotopia still resonates 50 years later✅ The difference between freedom and isolation✅ A fictional interview between Greg and William Weston✅ Callbacks to insights from recent guests✅ What West Coast sovereignty might actually look like✅ Independence and interdependence: Why we need both✅ What we can learn from fiction—and how to turn it into policy✅ A closing invitation: What if we stopped asking permission from DC?📚 Related ResourcesEcotopia by Ernest Callenbach“What Is Bioregionalism?” – Cascadia Dept. of BioregionCalExit Campaign🎧 Related Episodes02: What If the West Coast Designed Itself? (with Mickey McManus)03: What If We Took Back the Budget? (with Julie Dingley)04: What If California Was Already a Nation? (with Marcus Ruiz Evans)05: What If We Drew the Map Differently? (with Yogi Uriah)06 If American Healthcare is Broken, What Can the West Coast Do? (with Mike Hanlon)07: What If the World Doesn’t Need Us Anymore? (with John Zysman) 👤 About the HostGreg Amrofell is the host of Pacific Time, a podcast exploring the big 'what if' questions about the future of the West Coast. Greg is also an entrepreneur, writer and untrained thespian who believes we can challenge the broken systems around us without losing our curiosity, community, or sense of humor. Based in Seattle, Greg's work explores the intersection between personal and political sovereignty in the best places on Earth. Listener feedback and ideas welcome: greg@pacifictimepodcast.comJoin the movement:💬 Participate in active, civil conversations with your neighbors on the West Coast who are asking ‘What if…?’  Come to the community center for Pacific Time at Substack.Follow:📲 Pacific Time is making good trouble asking questions about the future of the West Coast on BlueSky, Instagram, and FacebookListen:🎧 Pacific Time Podcast is on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many other platforms. Please follow, share, and leave a review.

07 A West Coast Wake-up Call as the US Scrambles the World Order? With John Zysman

In the face of chaotic US economic policy, how can the West Coast insulate itself and cultivate cooperation across borders and build global leadership?In this episode of Pacific Time, UC Berkeley political scientist and global economic expert John Zysman joins Greg Amrofell to unpack how U.S. trade and technology policy are unraveling—and what that means for the West Coast. From the decline of American dominance to the rise of China, the shift in European alliances, and the fragility of global supply chains, John paints a sobering picture. But he also sees opportunity. Could the West Coast lead in AI, Electric Vehicles, and biotech by building cross-state coalitions and pursuing its own international path?What We Talk About:✔️ The collapse of the post-WWII international order✔️ Why tariffs might backfire—and how they could hurt West Coast tech and agriculture✔️ The dangers of alienating allies and driving innovation away✔️ Semiconductor sovereignty and the tech talent brain drain✔️ Why West Coast autonomy is more realistic than full-on independence✔️ What California, Oregon, and Washington could build togetherGuest Bio:John Zysman is a political science professor at UC Berkeley, co-founder of the Berkeley Roundtable on the International Economy (BRIE), and a leading thinker on global competition, innovation, and industrial transformation. His work explores how digital platforms, AI, and geopolitics intersect in shaping economic futures.Professor Zysman received his B.A at Harvard and his Ph.D. at MIT. He has written extensively on European and Japanese policy and corporate strategy; his interests also include comparative politics, Western European politics, political economy and energy policy.Resources & References:John ZysmanThe Berkeley Roundtable on the International Economy (BRIE) Pathways For A Green Transition To A Bio-Economy John Zysman; Dan Breznitz; David Zilberman – Working Paper, 2024Generative AI and the Future of Work: Augmentation or Automation? John Zysman; Mark J. Nitzberg – Working Paper, 2024The New Logic of Globalization: Uncertainty, Volatility, and the Digital Economy Laura Tyson; John Zysman; Brian Judge – Working Paper, 2023Will National Sovereignty Splinter the Internet? Angela Garcia Calvo; Martin Kenney; John Zysman – Working Paper, 2023The Mirage of Decentralized Finance Brian Judge; Barry Eichengreen; John Zysman – Working Paper, 2023Listen:🎧 Pacific Time Podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many other platforms. Follow, share, and leave a review.Follow:📲 Pacific Time is making good trouble asking questions about the future of the West Coast on BlueSky, Instagram, and FacebookJoin the movement: Subscribe on Substack @PacificTimePodcast💬  Participate in active, civil conversations with your neighbors on the West Coast who are asking ‘What if…?’  Come to the community center for Pacific Time at Substack.Related Podcast Episodes:Ep 01 Making the Case for West Coast Independence (Greg Amrofell)Ep 04 Is California Ready for Independence? With Marcus Ruiz Evans