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The Evolution of the California Dream
What Made California Spectacular?
Jarrett Catlin
July 07, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
California has always been a mirror—and a magnifier—of the American spirit. In this solo episode, I trace the evolution of the California Dream: from gold rush ambition to postwar abundance to modern gridlock. Drawing heavily on the work of historian Kevin Starr, I explore how California came to represent both utopia and disillusionment and ask what it would take to dream again.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/california-future-society/id1807612672
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zzVSVdCUCTGuZUyl8qZXA
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVNumolJuKvqJScBEnhe8hQ
Chapters
00:00 - The Evolution of the California Dream
07:29 - The Dream is Born:1850-1900
18:38 - Industry, Imagination, and Infrastructure: 1900-WWII
34:24 - Post-War California: Maturity and Growth
46:26 - Is California Still Spectacular?
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