Phil Matier

Follow Phil Matier
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Breaking news and analysis from around the Bay Area, the state capitol and beyond. Listen to KCBS Radio and Chronicle Insider Phil Matier’s reports LIVE on KCBS All News 740 AM and 106.9 FM Mondays through Fridays at 7:50 AM and 5:50 PM or listen to the podcasts ANYTIME posted here daily.

Radio.com


    • Jan 30, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 4m AVG DURATION
    • 2,487 EPISODES


    More podcasts from Radio.com

    Search for episodes from Phil Matier with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Phil Matier

    Mahan's traction in California Governor race is indeterminate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 4:41


    San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is throwing his hat into the Governor's race, joining an already crowded field. To tell us more, KCBS Radio anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: How 'launch fever' caused The Challenger explosion, plus expert says humans will definitely go to Mars and iconic TV moments

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 24:32


    The Challenger exploded 40 years ago this week. Here's how it changed space travel forever. Plus, an expert discusses when humans will be on Mars, and Chad Hartman discusses most iconic TV moments, including The Challenger.

    BONUS: Everything you need to know about filing taxes this year, from tips to surprises

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 19:06


    Tax season opened this week and there are changes you need to know about. Plus, is the Justice Department trying to build a case against Jerome Powell's for improvements to an old building? Get the latest.

    Does San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan have a good shot at becoming governor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 3:49


    To tell us more about California's governor's race, now that San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has officially joined, KCBS Radio anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    Alameda becomes second Bay Area county to set up ICE-free zones

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 4:37


    Alameda joins Santa Clara county in implementing ICE-free zones, which bar federal immigration agents from conducting operations on county property. For more, KCBS News Anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: Is social media too addictive to exist? Court case will decide

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 19:02


    A court case will decide whether Tik Tok is too addictive to survive, and we explore that with experts and users. Plus, what are police trained to do during a conflict with unarmed citizens, and how to know if the video you're watching on social media is legitimate.

    California population growth stalls as cost of living goes up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 3:02


    California's population growth stalled from mid-2024 to mid-2025, marking the first essentially flat growth after years of pandemic-era slowdown. Trump administration immigration raids and policy changes reduced the foreign-born population by 1.5 million, slowing U.S. population growth to half a percent. For more KCBS News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    Upcoming Super Bowl events fuel mayoral plans to clear the SF streets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 3:42


    The Bay Area is hosting the Super Bowl a week from Sunday, and while the big game is in Santa Clara, a number of events are being held in San Francisco. For more... KCBS's Rebecca Goodeyon spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: 'This inflammatory situation cannot continue in America:' Latest on ICE, including Super Bowl plans, unprecedented judicial intervention, more

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 27:05


    ICE seems to be backing away in Minnesota after two deadly encounters with American citizens. But what's next? Here are their plans for the Super Bowl

    ICE agents to be present at upcoming Super Bowl 60

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 2:42


    The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that there will be ICE agents at Super Bowl 60. For more, KCBS Radio News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    More attention drawn to ongoing feud between Newsom and Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 4:42


    Governor Gavin Newsom's feud with President Trump traveled to the Swiss Alps this week during the World Economic Forum. For more on this KCBS Radio news anchor Steve Scott spoke to KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown.

    RISING FROM THE ASHES: The finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 11:01


    The series closes with the voice of Nataly's late father, Carlo, whose love, artistry, and spirit still echoed through the home he built. As the family returns to the ashes, small survivors, a palm tree, a ring, become symbols of enduring love and legacy. Through memories, laughter, grief, and resolve, this episode explores what it means to rebuild not just a house, but a sense of home, honoring a father whose presence is still deeply felt.

    Scott Weiner faces backlash after saying Israel's actions amount to genocide

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 3:38


    State Senator Scott Wiener is stepping down as the co-chair of the Legislative Jewish Caucus. The move comes after he posted a video on social media saying Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide. For more on this KCBS Radio news anchor Rebecca Goodeyon spoke to KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: Historic storm Fern to pummel the US: What to expect, plus why so many of today's kids are allowed to swear

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 21:41


    From Florida, through the Carolinas, East Coast, and Midwest, Fern is coming and she's angry. Here's what to expect and how to stay safe, plus if it makes you swear, you're not alone. And if your kids join you you're not alone in that either.

    San Francisco changing approach on the "Point in Time" homeless count

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 3:52


    San Francisco is modifying how it carries out the "Point in Time" homeless count, which is done every other year, and is required to receive federal funds. For more, KCBS News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    Trump Admin blocks Governor Newsom from giving speech in Davos

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 3:37


    Governor Gavin Newsom says the Trump administration was behind the cancellation of a speech he was set to deliver at an event in Davos today. For more, KCBS Radio anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: Communities rise up against AI data centers -- but if not here, where?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 24:13


    AI consumption of water and power for data centers is sending some communities into a frenzy. Here's more on that, plus what the CEO of SalesForce says about the 'evils' of AI.

    President Trump acknowledges Gov. Gavin Newsom during address this morning

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 3:06


    Both President Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom are speaking today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Newsom has spent the week bashing the President's policies enacted in his second term. Meanwhile the President briefly acknowledged Newsom during his address today. For more KCBS News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    "Selling Anti-Trump": Matier on Governor Newsom's upcoming address

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 3:39


    It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier. Governor Newsom is calling on world leaders to stand up to President Trump. Newsom arrived in Davos for this week's economic forum ahead of Trump, who's scheduled to deliver an address tomorrow. For more, KCBS Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: 'A bazooka aimed at the US economy:' Trump's Greenland gambit, a review of his first year, and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 18:49


    This week marks the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump's second term. So, how's he doing, and what's going on with Greenland? Catch up on the latest, plus discover what's driving the deep freeze across the country.

    Taking a deeper drive in declining homeless rates in California

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 3:11


    California saw a 9 percent drop in homelessness in 2025 a figure that Governor Newsom is holding up as a sign that his policies are making a difference for the state's unhoused residents. But the reality on the ground may tell a different story. For more on this, KCBS Radio News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier

    Housing debate in the Marina and it's impact on the congressional race

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 4:03


    The 25-story housing tower planned for the Marina Safeway location has inspired intense debate over San Francisco's housing developments. The conversation could also shape the congressional race between Supervisor Connie Chan, state Senator Scott Wiener, and ex-AOC aide Saikat Chakrabarti. and for more, KCBS Radio News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    Former Mayor Willie Brown discusses Mayor Lurie's State of the City

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 5:08


    San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie delivered his first State of the City Address this week. To tell us more KCBS anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

    RISING FROM THE ASHES: Episode 5, The Unseen Disasters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 15:38


    After the flames are gone, a new crisis begins. This episode pulls back the curtain on the invisible aftermath of disaster; the paperwork, permits, insurance battles, and endless waiting that stall recovery. Through conversations with her brother, Nataly explores why rebuilding takes so long and how resilience is tested long after the headlines fade.

    Lurie estimates a more affordable San Francisco to come

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 4:21


    San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie delivered his first State of the City speech today saying the City is continuing its recovery, and he's now setting his sights on making it more affordable. For more on this KCBS Radio news anchor Rebecca Goodeyon spoke to KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    Newsom announces drop in unsheltered homelessness rate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 3:06


    Governor Gavin Newsom announced a 9 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness during last week's "State of the State" address. For more on this KCBS Radio news anchor Steve Scott spoke to KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: California proposes EV incentives as Ford touts new combustion engine trucks during Trump visit, the one where he gave an automaker the finger: the latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 16:43


    Donald Trump visited Detroit this week to highlight the auto industry and ended up embroiled in a sideshow when he gave an automaker the finger and told him to F off when he heckled him about Jeffrey Epstein. Here's more on the auto industry, Trump, California's new play to promote EVs, and the new jobs report that will dictate whether people can buy a car at all.

    RISING FROM THE ASHES: Episode 4, The Reporter Becomes the Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 14:54


    In this episode, Nataly confronts what happens when professional distance disappears and grief becomes public. As media attention intensifies, she reflects on the emotional toll of telling her story again and again, and how reporting became both a survival mechanism and a container for pain she didn't yet know how to carry.

    Judges uphold California redistricting: a win or a continuing battle?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 3:36


    A three-judge federal panel has ruled that California's recently voter-approved Congressional District map were drawn legally. Republicans had sought to have the map tossed, saying Democrats used race as a factor while putting it together. For more, KCBS's Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: 'I wasn't just telling the story, I was feeling it:' Reporter reveals aftermath of losing home to wildfire, as states battle insurance companies over payout policies and oil companies fight wetlands payout

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 32:11


    What's it like to lose everythign in a wildfire? A KNX reporter knows first-hand, and draws us into her heartbreaking story as KCBS reports on insurance company moves to remove coverage in some states and WWL reports on Chevron fighting a $74 million payout for alleged destruction of wetlands.

    The Upper Great Highway proposal fails to be put back on ballots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 3:08


    As we've been reporting the proposal to put the Upper Great Highway back on the ballots of San Franciscans has failed. For more, KCBS's Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    New Vanderbilt University extension campus to open in San Francisco

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 3:43


    Vanderbilt University has bought the former California College of the Arts campus in San Francisco. KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer discusses what this change will bring to the city with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: Venezuela is one thing, but is the US ready to go to war with Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 20:15


    The United States did not completely destroy Iran's capability to create a nuclear weapon with strikes this summer, but is President Donald Trump ready to get involved as thousands are killed in nationwide protests in Iran?

    California Governor budgeting to bring back EV rebates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 3:43


    The EV market has cooled as incentives like federal tax credits have expired but California governor Gavin Newsom's new budget aims to bring back the state's EV rebate program. To tell us more, KCBS Radio News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    Cleaner and safer streets in San Francisco spurred by resident complaints

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 4:15


    It's time for our daily chat with KCBS Insider Phil Matier, hosted by KCBS Radio news anchor Margie Shafer. San Franciscans found a lot to complain about in 2025. The San Francisco Chronicle found nearly 800,000 reports on the City's 311 app and phone number.

    BONUS: 'The most significant revision to our guidelines:' New vaccine schedule, diet guidelines from the feds raise concerns, questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 18:41


    The government announced a new health schedule for childhood vaccines, and then released new guidelines for the American diet that added a heavy emphasis on meat and fats. Here's the latest.

    Rob Bonta does not plan to run for California Governor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 3:32


    California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced he WON'T be running for governor Meanwhile there's a Bay Area mayor mulling a run of his own and for more, KCBS Radio News Anchor Steve Scott spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier

    RISING FROM THE ASHES Episode 3, Family in the Aftermath

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 13:46


    Episode three turns inward, focusing on family, memory, and the long road toward rebuilding. Through conversations with her mother at the property site, Nataly captures the emotional complexity of losing not just a house, but a home built over decades - and the life that existed inside it. The episode highlights the generational impact of loss, the challenge of accepting a “new beginning,” and the strength required to move forward without erasing the past. It also introduces moments of unexpected hope, including community support and symbolic items recovered from the rubble that helped the family keep going. Episode 3 explores how grief can isolate - and how family and community help restore a sense of grounding when everything familiar is gone.

    Why cognitive fitness has become a primary weapon in the Newsom-Trump feud

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 4:08


    President Trump often likes to mention his cognitive tests, both in boasts and insults to other politicians. This past week, Governor Gavin Newsom decided to join the conversation. Newsom posted on social media challenging President Trump to a cognitive test on live TV. For more KCBS Radio news anchor, Steve Scott, spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

    RISING FROM THE ASHES: Episode 2, The Morning After

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 18:09


    Episode two picks up in the quiet aftermath of the fire, when the adrenaline fades and reality sets in. Nataly Tavidian reflects on the moment she learned her family home was gone—a phone call from a close colleague/TV reporter who was reporting live from the property. The episode centers on the shock of seeing what remains for the first time and the emotional weight of hearing devastating news from someone who knew the house, the family, and its history. Through archival audio and a year-later one-on-one conversation with her friend, the episode explores how grief shows up in unexpected ways, even for journalists trained to stay composed. Episode 2 examines the human side of disaster reporting, the role of compassion in moments of loss, and the difficult transition from breaking news to personal reckoning.

    Governor Newsom delivered his final State of the State today

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 4:00


    Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his last State of the State today, lamenting the State of the Nation, while celebrating California's accomplishments. For more, KCBS Radio Anchor Margie Shafer spoke with KCBS Insider Phil Matier.

    BONUS: 'The streets feel like a tinderbox:' Latest on ICE shooting in Minneapolis as questions rage about official explanations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 24:41


    A 37 year-old old mother is dead. That part we know. But lots of questions remain about the ICE shooting of a Minneapolis woman, a U.S. citizen, on a public street in broad daylight. Here's analysis from Audacy stations around the country and on-the-ground reporting from the WCCO at the scene.

    Claim Phil Matier

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel