About this episode
We’re at AmFest with April Silverman, a conservative voice from Los Angeles, for a raw, on-the-ground conversation about what she says is really driving California’s breakdown: homelessness, public safety, and political leadership that (in her view) isn’t being held accountable. April shares firsthand stories—from daily “trash fires” alerts to dealing with break-ins, strained police resources, and why many residents feel forced to “handle it themselves.” We also talk about corruption concerns around homelessness funding, how national politics and media drama are shaping the right, and what she believes needs to happen before 2028. Watch to the end for April’s take on what’s next for California—and why she thinks the rest of the country should pay attention. What you’ll learn ✅ 🧠 Why some LA residents feel homelessness is the root issue behind crime, fires, and public safety ✅ 🚓 How strained resources impact policing and emergency response ✅ 🏙️ What “trash fires” and daily alerts look like in real life ✅ ⚖️ Why arrests/holds often don’t “stick” (and how loopholes play a role) ✅ 💰 The biggest claims around homelessness funding and who benefits ✅ 🗳️ How local chaos connects to national politics and 2028 narratives ✅ 📍 Why April thinks other cities (like NYC) should be paying attention Chapters 0:00 — “Biggest threat to America?” (hot-button national debate) 0:36 — Meet April Silverman at AmFest (LA conservative reality) 0:49 — “People are waking up” after the Palisades fire 1:08 — Homelessness & daily “trash fires” draining resources 2:06 — How it became personal: neighborhood safety & political gaslighting 3:14 — “We became vigilantes” + why residents feel abandoned 4:13 — 5150 holds, loopholes, overcrowded jails, repeat cycles 6:08 — Where the money went: corruption claims & developer incentives 8:09 — NYC concerns + transit exposure + “mental institution” warning 10:09 — Sponsor break + 2028 talk + conservative infighting & platforms 🎙️ APPLY OR CONNECT 👉 Interested in being a guest? Apply here: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/application 💼 SPONSORS The Light Systems: https://www.thelightsystems.com/ Discount Code: SEAN Select Quote: https://www.selectquote.com/life-insurance 🥗 Fuel your health with Viome: https://buy.viome.com/SEAN Use code “Sean” at checkout for a discount! 📩 Business Inquiries & Sponsorships sean@digitalsocialhour.com 👤 GUEST April Silverman: https://www.instagram.com/cali.maga.barbie/ 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759 📸 Follow the Host Sean Kelly on Instagram: @seanmikekelly ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team. The host and producers are not responsible for statements, claims, or opinions shared by guests during the show. This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult qualified professionals when appropriate. While we aim to share accurate and reliable information, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or accuracy. 🔥 Stay tuned for more conversations with creators, founders, and innovators shaping the digital world. Keywords April Silverman, AmFest interview, AmericaFest, Los Angeles homelessness, California homeless crisis, LA crime, public safety, Karen Bass, Gavin Newsom, Palisades fire, California politics, conservative in LA, Skid Row, homelessness funding, corruption allegations, police response times, 5150 psychiatric hold Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.