Today, Nicole records her first interview from her rebuilt studio—seven months after losing her home in the LA fires—and her guest, Rick Caruso, is the perfect person to mark the moment. Known for developing iconic LA institutions like The Grove and Palisades Village, Caruso has also become a key figure in the city’s wildfire recovery. Nicole and Rick break down what went wrong during the wildfires, the financial fallout for homeowners, and who should be held accountable. They also discuss how families can safeguard their homes and wealth—and of course, Nicole asks the question on everyone’s mind: will we see Rick on the ballot for mayor— or even governor? 00:00 Meet Rick Caruso 01:05 Rick Caruso's Background and Philanthropy 02:05 What Went Wrong in the LA Fires 06:17 Legal Issues and Victim Settlement Funds 08:32 Should There Be a Recall? 09:45 Do's and Don'ts of Running Government Like a Business 15:40 Steadfast LA and Community Rebuilding 22:11 Challenges with SBA Loans 23:05 Should LA Give Up the Olympics? 25:01 Caruso for Governor? 31:09 Who Doesn't Text Rick Caruso Back 36:59 Advice to Help Families Protect Themselves From Disaster 39:26 How to Show Money Rehab Some Love This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. As part of the IRA Match Program, Public Investing will fund a 1% match of: (a) all eligible IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers made to a Public IRA; and (b) all eligible contributions made to a Public IRA up to the account’s annual contribution limit. The matched funds must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid an early removal fee. Match rate and other terms of the Match Program are subject to change at any time. See full terms⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC.  *APY as of 6/30/25, offered by Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Rate subject to change. See terms of IRA Match Program here: public.com/disclosures/ira-match.