show episodes
 
Southern California is home to some of the world’s most incredible innovations and accomplishments. But who are the change agents responsible for it all? Each week, Giselle Fernandez will take a deep dive into the philosophies and motivations of these people, who are creating an impact throughout the community. LA Stories Unfiltered is the companion podcast to the weekly television series on Spectrum News 1 and gives you an even more in-depth look at the stories and lives of change makers in ...
  continue reading
 
The SDRSPodcast is designed to help you discover the best films and TV shows to rent (or buy) regardless of your genre preference. Never again will you be disappointed by your rental choices. If a title is suggested by this podcast, it is safe to say that it stands head and shoulders above the rest. Those that are considered by mfr to be perfect in every way (script, cast, soundtrack etc.) are listed as being Masterpiece Editions. Those films that are sourced from literature are Adapted for ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Known for award-winning movies such "Amores Perros,” "Babel,” "Birdman” and "The Revenant," five-time Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu opens up to host Giselle Fernandez about his latest film, "Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths.” Iñárritu says he identifies closely with the story, which uses surrealism and humor to exp…
  continue reading
 
Michael Harris was once known as “the Godfather” in South Central Los Angeles. In the 1980s, he was arrested on attempted murder and drug trafficking charges, spending 33 years in prison. From behind bars, however, he helped build one of the most prolific music labels in the world. In 2021, then-President Donald Trump pardoned Harris in the last ho…
  continue reading
 
As the founder of creative agency Crown + Conquer, April McDaniel works with brands, including Adidas and Spotify, to create experiences and events to promote their products and share their stories. Host Giselle Fernandez revisits her conversation with McDaniel, whose success did not come easily, but after being left a widow at just 33 years old, s…
  continue reading
 
Derek Hough has won the coveted mirror ball trophy on “Dancing with the Stars” more times than any other professional dancer on the show. Host Giselle Fernandez revisits her conversation with Hough, who opens up about the lessons he learned from the experiences — both on and off the dance floor. Recalling his childhood, Hough shares horrific storie…
  continue reading
 
David Ambroz says he spent most of his time starving and freezing while growing up on the streets of Manhattan, surviving on old pizza crusts and sugar packets with few people offering him help or support. At 12 years old, after a moment where he says his mother almost beat him to death, Ambroz entered the foster care system. He finally found foste…
  continue reading
 
In one of his final interviews before stepping down as mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti opens up to host Giselle Fernandez and reflects on his time serving the city. During his tenure as mayor, Garcetti says he’s happy to know his administration is responsible for projects such as investing in infrastructure, bringing the Olympics to LA, cutting…
  continue reading
 
Antonio Salazar-Hobson was born into a farm-working migrant family in Arizona, the 11th of 14 children. At just 4 years old, he was kidnapped by the next-door neighbors his family had grown to trust, and for years, he was sexually abused and trafficked at a guest ranch in central California. Salazar-Hobson shares with host Giselle Fernandez his pow…
  continue reading
 
In 2016, Miry Whitehill answered a call from a friend who asked if Whitehill had a baby chair she could donate to a Syrian family who had just moved to California. Thinking on her feet, Whitehill made a list of items this family needed in order to get settled in their new home, posted the list to social media and, soon after, the Miry’s List nonpro…
  continue reading
 
Kat Taylor has made it her life mission to bring equity to underserved and underrepresented communities across the country. As the co-founder and board chair of Beneficial State Bank, she aims to make banking more accessible to under-resourced communities in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner. Through her TomKat Ranch, in coalit…
  continue reading
 
With nearly 250 million views on YouTube and three successful books, millennial mortician Caitlin Doughty has launched what she calls a “death positive” movement through her series, “Ask a Mortician.” With videos such as “Can I Keep My Parents’ Skulls and Tattoos” and “Morbid Minute: Coffins vs. Caskets,” Doughty hopes to help people understand tha…
  continue reading
 
With the Los Angeles mayoral election coming up, host Giselle Fernandez sat down with candidates Rick Caruso and Rep. Karen Bass for a special edition of “LA Stories.” In Fernandez’s interview with Bass, the U.S. representative explained why she wants to leave her position in Washington D.C. in order to serve as mayor of LA. Bass went deeper into t…
  continue reading
 
With the Los Angeles mayoral election coming up, host Giselle Fernandez sat down with candidates Rick Caruso and Rep. Karen Bass for a special edition of “LA Stories.” In Fernandez’s interview with Caruso, the businessman explained why he wanted to enter the race, saying he has a gift for civic duty. He opened up on all the major issues LA is facin…
  continue reading
 
Coming up on "LA Stories Unfiltered," host Giselle Fernandez delivers more in-depth conversations with impact makers from Southern California, including the two candidates running for Los Angeles mayor in the upcoming election. Rick Caruso and Rep. Karen Bass discuss the issues that face the city and what makes them stand out from their opponent. L…
  continue reading
 
Now in her 90s, Dolores Huerta has spent most of her life as a political activist, fighting for better working conditions for farmworkers and women’s rights. Her role in the farmworkers’ movement has long been overshadowed by that of Cesar Chavez, her longtime collaborator and co-founder of what became the United Farm Workers of America union. Huer…
  continue reading
 
As a young boy, José Hernández worked alongside his Mexican immigrant family, picking fruits and vegetables throughout the San Joaquin Valley and Stockton. When he watched the first astronauts walk on the moon, Hernández knew right away that he wanted to be just like them, so he followed his father's advice and worked tirelessly through school to b…
  continue reading
 
Estevan Oriol began his career as a hip-hop club bouncer in Los Angeles, where he was introduced to LA-based groups Cypress Hill and House of Pain. To document the experience, Oriol's father, also a famed photographer, gave him an old film camera and said that maybe he, too, would become an artist. Though he may not have had any professional traini…
  continue reading
 
Growing up in Los Angeles, Joan Agajanian Quinn befriended artists at a young age. Over time, her relationships in the art world grew, and she was soon at the center of the LA art scene, befriending artists like Andy Warhol and David Hockney. Quinn explains to host Giselle Fernandez how she became known as one of the most painted women in the world…
  continue reading
 
Born with congenital limb differences, Ezra Frech came into this world missing his left knee, left fibula and fingers on his left hand. As soon as he was old enough, he received a prosthetic leg that opened him up to the world of sports, where he played basketball, soccer, football, and track and field. Frech opens up to host Giselle Fernandez abou…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of “LA Stories,” host Giselle Fernandez revisits her conversation with Michael Harris, who was once known as “the Godfather” in South Central Los Angeles. Harris was arrested in the 1980s on attempted murder and drug trafficking charges. He spent 33 years in prison, but from behind bars, he helped build one of the most prolific musi…
  continue reading
 
More than half the people in America believe children are in foster care because they have done something wrong, according to recent polls. For more than three decades, Jennifer Perry has made it her mission to change that perception and open people’s eyes to the truth: Children are placed in foster care by no fault of their own and are sometimes v…
  continue reading
 
Jessica Sarowitz made her fortune through the payroll company she founded with her husband, Steve — but she was not raised with that sort of wealth. While growing up, she remembers that even though she spoke a different language and looked different from her classmates, her parents instilled a confidence in her that she still carries with her today…
  continue reading
 
James Samuel Harris III - famously known as Jimmy Jam. In this “LA Stories” episode, he opens up to Giselle Fernandez about his iconic career, which gained him five Grammy Awards, a star on the Walk of Fame and dozens of No. 1 Billboard hits. He’s been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in the fall of 2022, he will be inducted into the…
  continue reading
 
Almost every week, Dr. Susan Partovi walks the streets of Skid Row, tracking down and checking in on her patients. Dr. Partovi does this not only because she is the medical director of Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, which provides basic health services for the homeless community, but because she sees herself in every patient she treats. She also…
  continue reading
 
Famous for being half of the marijuana-loving hippie comedy duo "Cheech and Chong," Richard "Cheech" Marin is one of the highest achieving Latino​s in Hollywood — and has no plans to slow down. Although he enjoyed an immense amount of success together with Tommy Chong for 17 years, Marin eventually made the difficult decision to break up the duo an…
  continue reading
 
As the child of a lieutenant colonel in the Australian Army, Rick Springfield moved around a lot with his family and was always changing homes, schools and communities. He struggled to lay down roots and battled depression from an early age. As a teenager, he tried to take his own life — a secret he held from his family for decades — but despite hi…
  continue reading
 
Once known as "the Godfather" in South Central Los Angeles, Michael Harris was arrested in the 1980s on attempted murder and drug trafficking charges. He spent 33 years in prison, but from behind bars, he helped build one of the most prolific music labels in the world. In 2021, then-President Donald Trump pardoned Harris in the last hours of his pr…
  continue reading
 
In 2016, just after the birth of his son, Ady Barkan was hit with a devastating blow: He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As the medical bills began pouring in, Barkan was inspired to take action against what he says is a flawed health care system in the U.S. When his ALS progressed, leaving him paralyzed and unable to speak, Barka…
  continue reading
 
St. Anne’s Family Services in Los Angeles offers support programs to struggling expectant mothers and young families so they can get the help they need to live their best lives. When Lorna Little moved to LA to serve as the nonprofit's president and CEO, she brought more than just her work experience to the role, as she had become pregnant in high …
  continue reading
 
As the founder of creative agency Crown + Conquer, April McDaniel works with brands like Adidas and Spotify to create experiences and events to promote their products. In this episode of “LA Stories Unfiltered,” host Giselle Fernandez revisits her conversation with McDaniel, who says her success did not come easily. She was left a widow at just 33 …
  continue reading
 
As senior rabbi of the historic Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Koreatown, Steve Leder has had a front row seat to hundreds of deaths, offering comfort to those who are dying and to families who have lost loved ones. He’s come to realize the importance of writing down your answers to questions about life while you’re still living so that your values a…
  continue reading
 
Derek Hough rose to fame on the hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” winning the coveted mirror ball trophy six times — more than any other professional dancer. Recalling his childhood, Hough shares with host Giselle Fernandez some horrific stories about being bullied as a young boy, which he also details in his book, “Taking the Lead: Lessons from a…
  continue reading
 
The Los Angeles Fire Department faced a history-making shift when Mayor Eric Garcetti nominated Deputy Chief Kristin Crowley to serve as the first female head of the force. In this episode honoring Pride Month, Crowley opens up to host Giselle Fernandez about taking on the role and says she’s ready to implement big changes to address accusations of…
  continue reading
 
Coming up on "LA Stories Unfiltered," host Giselle Fernandez delivers more in-depth conversations with impact makers in Southern California. She sits down with “Dancing with the Stars” champion Derek Hough, who reveals how dance has taught him life lessons over the years. Beyond that, Fernandez speaks with Death Row Records founder Michael “Harry-O…
  continue reading
 
Jennifer Yen played the villain character Vypra on the hit series "Power Rangers: Light Force," but in real life, she struggled to find self-confidence due to skin issues from wearing heavy makeup for the show. Frustrated with trying techniques and products that didn't work, Yen drew upon on her Chinese roots and looked to her grandmothers for help…
  continue reading
 
As a child growing up in Portugal, Alberto Carvalho and his family lived in poverty. After coming to America, he found himself homeless, working odd jobs until he saved up enough money to graduate college. After holding many different titles in the Miami-Dade School District, he became the district’s superintendent and is credited with turning it a…
  continue reading
 
At age 17, Charlie Zhang’s situation was dire amid China’s Cultural Revolution, but he remained hopeful thanks to his clarinet, which he learned to play himself. Zhang explains to host Giselle Fernandez how a chance to attend school in the U.S. changed his life forever, as he made it to Los Angeles with just a suitcase, his clarinet and $20 in his …
  continue reading
 
Known for her bold brush strokes, unique textures and dynamic colors, Yolanda Gonzalez has become one of Los Angeles' most prestigious Chicana artists. She has traveled the world showcasing her work and believes the more you’re exposed to art, the better person you’ll become. Gonzalez opens up to host Giselle Fernandez about her family’s artistic h…
  continue reading
 
Known for his community organizing, civil rights activist Paul Schrade successfully helped lead the anti-war movement and worked closely with the farmworkers union. He served as an aide in Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s bid for the presidential nomination, joining Kennedy on the campaign trail and introducing him to the many workers unions on the West Co…
  continue reading
 
Arturo Sandoval opens up about his passion for music, escaping communist Cuba and meeting the great jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie by chance. When he first started playing the trumpet at age 10 while living in Cuba, Sandoval was told he'd never make it as a musician — yet he persevered and eventually mastered the instrument at a young age. Now a 10-ti…
  continue reading
 
When Katie Cleary was a young girl growing up in Chicago, she would help her mother rescue and care for stray cats and dogs. While she always felt the calling to care for animals, Cleary went on to pursue a career in modeling, competing on "America’s Next Top Model" and appearing on "Deal or No Deal” as a briefcase model. Cleary tells host Giselle …
  continue reading
 
Host Giselle Fernandez delivers more in-depth conversations with impact makers from Southern California this year. She recently sat down with former Los Angeles Rams star Andrew Whitworth, who discusses his career and charity efforts through his foundation. Fernandez also spoke with April McDaniel, a millennial mastermind sought after by Fortune 50…
  continue reading
 
With the recent announcement of his retirement, former Los Angeles Rams player Andrew Whitworth is reflecting on his career. This year, Whitworth made history as the oldest player in NFL history to start a game as left tackle, while also winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and helping lead the Rams to Super Bowl victory at SoFi Stad…
  continue reading
 
As the founder of creative agency Crown + Conquer, April McDaniel works with brands, including Adidas and Spotify, to create experiences and events to promote their products and share their stories. McDaniel’s success did not come easily, however, as she was left a widow at just 33 years old and forced to raise her two young sons on her own. Accord…
  continue reading
 
As one of the top plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills, Dr. Marc Mani has provided services to A-listers and celebrities for decades while making scientific advancements in cosmetic surgery, such as the first scarless facelift. Also a skillful artist and painter, Mani’s passion is finding the beauty in the world — and in every human being. He opens up…
  continue reading
 
At age 91, Dolores Huerta has spent most of her life as a political activist, fighting for better working conditions for farmworkers and women’s rights. Her role in the farmworkers movement has long been overshadowed by that of Cesar Chavez, her longtime collaborator and co-founder of what became the United Farm Workers of America union. Huerta als…
  continue reading
 
The Los Angeles Fire Department is facing a history-making shift with Mayor Eric Garcetti nominating Deputy Chief Kristin Crowley to serve as the first female head of the force. Crowley opens up to host Giselle Fernandez about taking on the role and says she is ready to implement big changes to address accusations of sexism and racial bias within t…
  continue reading
 
Lois Cook grew up playing football with her older brother and is now a wide receiver for the D.C. Divas, a women's professional football team. In order for Cook and her fellow players to compete in the league, they must pay fees for practice and equipment, and if they have a travel game, they must provide their own transportation and lodging. In fi…
  continue reading
 
While studying to join the Catholic church as a priest, LeVar Burton joined a school play and realized the power of performance and storytelling. He soon shifted his focus from priesthood and enrolled to study theater arts at USC, where he was cast for his first of many iconic roles: Kunta Kinte in "Roots." Burton tells host Giselle Fernandez how i…
  continue reading
 
As the excitement for Super Bowl LVI takes over Los Angeles, host Giselle Fernandez joined LA Rams COO Kevin Demoff for a behind-the-scenes tour of SoFi Stadium. At 3.1 million square feet, it's the largest stadium in the world and boasts the largest video board in all of sports. After growing up listening in on his sports agent father speaking wit…
  continue reading
 
St. Anne’s Family Services in Los Angeles offers support programs to struggling expectant mothers and young families so they can get the help they need to live their best lives. When Lorna Little moved to LA to serve as the nonprofit’s president and CEO, she brought more than just her work experience to the role, as she became pregnant in high scho…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide