Best Federal Benefit Formulas Podcasts (2025)

1
LAist investigation found toxic heavy metals in bright red fire retardant used in wildfires 14:07

24m ago14:07

14:07

As the wildfires ravaged across Los Angeles in January, planes throughout the region began dropping bright red fire retardant onto hillsides and homes in an effort to rein in the fires. Earlier this year, LAist partnered with researchers at USC to test samples of the fire retardant gathered from fire zones in the weeks after the Palisades, Eaton an…

1
The best restaurants in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times 21:35

4m ago21:35

21:35

The Los Angeles food scene is nearly mythical. Throw a frisbee in any direction and it’s almost bound to land on the doorstep of one of SoCal’s finest eateries. This leads to one of our quirkiest problems as Angelenos: figuring out which of our great restaurants to visit. Los Angeles Times food critic Jenn Harris and restaurant critic Bill Addison,…

1
The best restaurants in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times 1:38:57

7h ago1:38:57

1:38:57

Today on AirTalk: LA's best restaurants Top Google searches of the year (21:34) The allure of the tuba (31:30) Why men don't go to the doctor's office (49:21) Is Gen X neglected? (1:23:08) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency…

1
New report on immigration enforcement's impact on schools, Fertility after 35, and more 1:39:34

1d ago1:39:34

1:39:34

Today on AirTalk: New report on immigration enforcement's impact on schools (0:15) Fertility after 35 (20:56) Congestion is really bad (41:55) NYT sues the Pentagon (51:34) The future of Hep B vaccinations (1:04:59) Australia's teen social media ban (1:22:06) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over …

1
Remembering Frank Gehry, LA Metro enforcement fare, and more 1:39:25

1h ago1:39:25

1:39:25

Today on AirTalk: Frank Gehry; New UCLA CA forecast; Interview with MTV cofounder; The Supreme Court; LA Metro fare enforcement; and combining news and prediction markets. Today on AirTalk: Remembering Frank Gehry (0:15) New UCLA CA forecast (20:54) Interview with an MTV cofounder (32:59) What's new with the Supreme Court? (51:44) How is LA Metro e…

1
The FED Weekly 30 Nov-6 Dec 2025 (Episode 27) 14:48

21h ago14:48

14:48

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover the critical news for federal employees and retirees from November 30 to December 6, 2025. The Federal Benefits Open Season ends December 8, and participants must act quickly due to plan changes and increased health costs. Flexible spending account re-enrollment is required, with updated IRS limits. The anticip…

1
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros, Food Friday, and more 1:39:02

1d ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Today on AirTalk: Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. studio (0:15) What's the worst gift you've received? (14:45) Food Friday: Langer's Delicatessen (33:11) FilmWeek: What to watch (52:17) How horror became a box office guarantee (1:27:45) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared f…

1
Spotify Wrapped 2025, AirTalk Live in Rancho Mirage, and more 1:39:03

4d ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Today on AirTalk: What was in your Spotify Wrapped? AirTalk Live in Rancho Mirage; and TV Talk: What to watch. Today on AirTalk: What was in your Spotify Wrapped? (0:15) AirTalk Live in Rancho Mirage (50:37) TV Talk: What to watch (1:28:24) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepar…

1
CA's high electric bills, Why isn't Gen Z holiday shopping? and more 1:39:15

1d ago1:39:15

1:39:15

Today on AirTalk: LA County law enforcement mask ban; Zillow removes climate risk feature; Ragebaiting; CA's high electric bills; and Why isn't Gen Z holiday shopping? Today on AirTalk: LA County moves ahead with mask ban for law enforcement (0:15) Zillow removes climate risk feature (13:46) Ragebaiting (25:31) CA's high electric bills (51:23) Tran…

1
The tenth anniversary of the San Bernardino shooting, Tattoos and immunity, and more 1:05:52

9d ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Today on AirTalk: Tenth anniversary of the San Bernardino shooting (0:15) Tattoos and health (15:04) Celebrities in commercials (26:13) New UCLA football coach (37:51) Fiscal year in CA (50:01) Crackdowns on DACA recipients (1:00:20) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for …

1
Post-fire rebuilding, US's best steakhouses, and more 1:39:02

4d ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Today on AirTalk: Post-fire rebuilding (0:15) Potential congressional review of US military strikes (23:36) Journey across the US by steakhouse (30:35) ChatGPT turns 3 (51:14) L.A. County bans Kratom (1:12:05) What are the best tv & movie titles? (1:24:44) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $10…

1
The FED Weekly 23-29 Nov 2025 (Episode 26) 20:01

4d ago20:01

20:01

This week on The FED Weekly, we cover crucial updates for federal employees and retirees from November 23-29, 2025. The episode breaks down Federal Benefits Open Season—highlighting a significant 12.3% hike in health premiums for 2026—and details how new plan designs shift more costs onto members. Legislative efforts to tackle rising healthcare exp…

1
Thanksgiving meal mishaps, TV Talk, and more 1:39:16

9d ago1:39:16

1:39:16

Today on AirTalk: $27M property deal funded by taxpayers now under federal investigation, Thanksgiving meal mishaps, TV Talk, FilmWeek, and the Big Lebowski. Today on AirTalk: Taxpayer-funded $27M property deal under investigation (0:15) What are your Thanksgiving meal mishaps? (16:55) TV Talk: What to watch (36:36) FilmWeek: What to watch (51:30) …

1
Is AI changing the music industry? How to talk politics at Thanksgiving, and more 1:41:08

13d ago1:41:08

1:41:08

Today on AirTalk: Thanksgiving travel check-in; AI and the music industry; 2025 resolutions; Forestry Service check-in; MAGA accounts overseas; and how to talk politics at Thanksgiving. Today on AirTalk: Thanksgiving travel (0:15) Is AI changing the music industry? (15:48) How are your 2025 resolutions? (37:36) Forestry Service check-in (51:50) Whe…

1
Best and worst Thanksgiving side dishes, Should you still go into tech? and more 1:39:12

17d ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Today on AirTalk: Who will own Warner Bros. Discovery? (0:15) Trump admin court cases (15:42) Best and worst Thanksgiving side dishes (34:37) Is the CBP surveilling us? (51:17) Should you still go into tech? (1:18:18) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfir…

1
The FED Weekly 16-22 Nov (Episode 25) 18:26

16d ago18:26

18:26

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for November 16–22, 2025. Key topics include the annual Federal Benefits Open Season, which features essential plan changes and mandatory actions—especially for those with terminating health or dental plans. If enrolled in a plan ending in 2025, participa…

1
Have you stopped eating ultraprocessed foods? Renate Reinsve, and more 1:39:03

17d ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Today on AirTalk: A Ukrainian peace deal? Have you stopped eating ultraprocessed foods? Food Friday: Armenian Bakery; FilmWeek: What should you watch this week; and Renate Reinsve joins the show. Today on AirTalk: A Ukrainian peace deal? (0:15) Have you stopped eating ultraprocessed foods? (21:04) Food Friday: Armenian Bakery (34:26) FilmWeek: What…

1
What to know about LAX ahead of Thanksgiving travel, TV Talk, and more 1:39:45

15d ago1:39:45

1:39:45

Today on AirTalk: a new jobs report; What to know about LAX ahead of Thanksgiving travel; Are California facilities handling toxins are at risk for flooding? PUSD budget; Mexico protests; and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: A surprisingly strong jobs report (0:15) What to know about LAX ahead of Thanksgiving travel (16:13) Are California facilities hand…

1
CA gubernatorial race check-in, PetTalk: Pet questions answered by a vet, and more 1:39:05

16d ago1:39:05

1:39:05

Today on AirTalk: The CA gubernatorial race; how periods affect our brains; our expert vet answers your questions; and a check-in on the US-China tech war. Today on AirTalk: The CA gubernatorial race heats up (0:15) How do periods affect our brains? (24:25) Our expert vet answers your questions (51:14) Check-in on the US-China tech war (1:25:51) Vi…

1
UC schools check-in, Best things to buy abroad, and more 1:40:10

17d ago1:40:10

1:40:10

Today on AirTalk: Weather update; Can regular gun range use lead to brain damage? Could your gut hold potential cures? UC schools in the Trump era; the box office slump; and best buys abroad. Today on AirTalk: Weather update (0:15) Can regular gun range use lead to brain damage? (32:15) Could your gut hold potential cures? (32:15) UC schools in the…

1
AI music, How SSRIs are affecting our sex drives, and more 1:39:12

18d ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Today on AirTalk: the latest on the Epstein files; AI songs on the Billboard charts; the rise of the NFL; SSRIs and their impact on our sex drive; and the history of performance reviews. Today on AirTalk: What's in the Epstein files? (0:15) How is the music industry reacting to AI music? (14:26) A new book on the rise of the NFL (35:39) How are SSR…

1
FED News Weekly 9-15 Nov (Episode 24) 17:15

22d ago17:15

17:15

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover the record-breaking 43-day federal government shutdown, its severe financial impacts on federal employees, and disruptions to public services. Despite the shutdown, the 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season remains scheduled for November 10 – December 8, with some health, dental, and vision plans being discon…

1
The end of the penny, Food Friday, and more 1:39:03

21d ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Today on AirTalk: the end of the penny; why LinkedIn posts are so strange; Food Friday: Cook like an Armenian grandmother; FilmWeek: the latest releases; and a new biography of actor Cesar Romero. Today on AirTalk: The death of the penny? (0:15) How did LinkedIn get so weird? (19:27) Food Friday: Cook like an Armenian grandmother (34:51) FilmWeek: …

1
AI Interaction Confidentiality, TV Talk, and more 1:39:42

22d ago1:39:42

1:39:42

Today on AirTalk: What we know about the coming storm (0:15) Should AI interactions be confidential? (14:44) New book on boxer Joe Louis' legacy (32:25) Are 'campuses' for the unhoused a solution? (51:45) TV Talk: What to watch now (1:24:54) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepa…

1
City Council vote on rent stabilization, An interview with Susan Orlean, and more 1:39:06

28d ago1:39:06

1:39:06

Today on AirTalk: LA City Council votes on rent stabilization; the cultural significance of Zohran Mamdani; how to write a joke; Bill Gates' comments on climate; and an interview with Susan Orlean. Today on AirTalk: LA City Council votes on rent stabilization (0:15) The cultural significance of Zohran Mamdani (19:46) How to write a joke (32:47) Res…

1
The latest on flight cancellations, AI in the classroom, and more 1:39:21

24d ago1:39:21

1:39:21

Today on AirTalk: Latest on flight cancellations (0:15) AI in the classroom (16:10) Parenting a new generation (37:05) The climate leadership void (51:27) The latest on the beef industry (1:07:01) What happens when you fall out of love (1:24:48) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be p…

1
Potential government shutdown deal, SNAP update, and more 1:39:13

27d ago1:39:13

1:39:13

Today on AirTalk: Government shutdown update (0:15) Vertical video (17:06) AI mental health advice (33:49) SNAP update (51:!4) Gen Z in the job market (1:07:10) LA billboards (1:25:54) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency…

1
The FED Weekly 2-8 Nov 2025 (Episode 23) 20:00

1M ago20:00

20:00

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we deliver a comprehensive update on critical issues affecting federal employees and retirees during the ongoing government shutdown. Highlights include missed paychecks, reliance on emergency resources, and intense financial strain across the federal workforce. Legislative deadlock persists, with debates over hea…

1
Government shutdown check in, Food Friday, and more 1:39:03

28d ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Today on AirTalk: Government shutdown (0:15) Political movements and political figures (15:22) Food Friday (35:51) FilmWeek (51:17) Interview with Sir Roger Deakins (1:26:20) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency…

1
Flight reductions, Nancy Pelosi's retirement, and more 1:39:00

1M ago1:39:00

1:39:00

Today on AirTalk: Flight reductions (0:15) Pelosi retirement (16:19) Chat-GPT erotica (31:49) New response to homelessness in OC (51:14) Interview with Blumhouse CEO (1:07:40) TV Talk (1:23:31) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergen…

1
Proposition 50 passes, Implications of the NYC mayoral race, An interview with LA county's probation chief, and more 1:39:03

30d ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Today on AirTalk, we discuss the early results for Proposition 50; the implications of the NYC mayoral race; an interview with historian Richard Bell on his new book The American Revolution and the Fate of the World; an interview with LA County's probation chief; and how to restore your mental state after a chaotic day. Today on AirTalk: Prop 50 (0…

1
Prop 50 check in, AI in drug development, Rose Bowl/UCLA lawsuit and more 1:40:10

1M ago1:40:10

1:40:10

Today on AirTalk, Election day: Prop 50; Gen Z nostalgia; Rose Bowl/UCLA lawsuit; AI drug development, and What to do when your friend cheats. Today on AirTalk Election day: Prop 50 (0:15) Gen Z nostalgia (25:48) Rose Bowl/UCLA lawsuit (49:40) AI drug development (1:12:19) What to do when your friend cheats (1:26:35) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to r…

1
Dodgers are world champs again, MacArthur Park fence proposal and more! 1:40:04

1M ago1:40:04

1:40:04

Today on AirTalk, the Dodgers are back-to-back World Champs; Iron fence proposal for MacArthur Park; Best TV shows to watch with your kids; Dodger history; SoCal Edison recovery program; German exiles in the Palisades and Dodger Parade Live. Today on AirTalk The Dodgers are back-to-back World Champs (0:15) Iron fence proposal for MacArthur Park (25…

1
The FED Weekly 25 Oct - 1 Nov 2025 (Episode 22) 19:42

1M ago19:42

19:42

We cover the ongoing government shutdown, highlighting the deadlocked budget negotiations that have left 730,000 federal employees working without pay. Primary legislation discussed includes the Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3012), which aims to secure immediate pay for essential staff, and proposed changes to retroactive pay guarantees, raising uncert…

1
Economy check-in, Posting significant others online, Food Friday, and more 1:39:04

1M ago1:39:04

1:39:04

Today on AirTalk: the Federal Reserve announced a cut in interest rates; we try to figure out why women are posting their boyfriends online less; and Food Friday: Charcuterie. Later, Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainer, Tim Cogshell, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms …

1
Priest shortage, SNAP benefits and the federal government shutdown, and more 1:39:29

1M ago1:39:29

1:39:29

Today on AirTalk, Triple Play: The Dodgers fall behind in Game 5 of the World Series; A decline in the number of Catholic priests; and the government shutdown puts SNAP recipients at risk. Later, we check in on Southern California rehab centers and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk, Triple Play (0:15) Priest shortage (15:06) SNAP (33:52) SoCal rehab center…

1
SoCal Edison Eaton fire recovery program, Donors behind Prop 50, and more 1:39:10

1M ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Today on AirTalk: The CEO of SoCal Edison’s announces Eaton fire recovery program; the Norton Simon Museum celebrates 50 years; the donors behind the Prop 50 campaigns; and Paramount lays off 1,000 workers amid interest in Warner Bros. merger. Today on AirTalk: SoCal Edison Eaton fire recovery program (0:15) Norton Simon Museum 50th anniversary (50…

1
Dodgers' World Series Game 3, Decorating for Halloween, Human Cat Relations, and more 1:39:07

1M ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Today on AirTalk: Larry and Nick Roman recap Game 3 of the World Series; more menopausal women are taking testosterone; Dr. Halloween gives his decorating advice; Prop 50 explainer; and a history of cat-human relations. Today on AirTalk: World Series (0:15) Women and testosterone (15:20) Halloween decorations (33:32) Prop 50 (51:22) A history of ca…

1
Support for Trump among Latino voters, Interview with William Shatner, LA's history with smog, and more 1:39:10

1M ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Today on AirTalk: a New AP-NORC poll on support of Trump among Latino Voter; Roblox launches a parent council amid safety concerns; and the history of smog in LA. Also Triple Play on the World Series; Larry interviews William Shatner about 'Wrath of Khan;' and a new book on the Black Dahlia murder. Today on AirTalk: New AP-NORC poll on Latino Voter…

1
The FED Weekly 19-25 Oct 2025 (Episode21) 20:10

2M ago20:10

20:10

This episode of The FED Weekly covers key updates affecting federal employees and retirees from October 19–25, 2025. We discuss steep 2026 health insurance premium hikes—12.3% for Federal Employees Health Benefits participants and 11.3% for Postal Service enrollees—which far outpace the modest cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees (2.8% f…

1
Should athletes be able to major in college sports? The Dodgers prepare for the World Series, and More 1:02:49

2M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Today on AirTalk, we explore the rifts in the Democratic party; should you be able to major in sports?; Triple Play — the Dodgers attempt to repeat in the World Series; and FilmWeek: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Christy Lemire review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Today on A…

1
NBA gambling scandal, A proposed new definition of obesity, Lead in protein powders? and more 1:02:05

1M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Today on AirTalk, the FBI announces charges tied to an NBA gambling scandal; New research finds almost 70% of U.S. adults are considered obese under a proposed new definition of obesity; Consumer Reports finds high levels of lead in popular protein powders and shakes; Larry is joined by LAist climate and environment reporter Erin Stone to talk abou…

1
Public opinion on nuclear power, NBA season preview, Overview of Prop 50, and more 1:03:17

2M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Today on AirTalk: Changes in the Department of Transportation's policy regarding English proficiency are causing a stir; Public opinion changes around nuclear power; NBA season preview; and the basics of Prop 50. Today on AirTalk: English proficiency exams for CDL holders (0:15) Nuclear energy and public opinion (24:17) NBA preview (24:17) Prop 50 …

1
Warner Bros. Discovery potential sale, A new book on Tupac Shakur, The Dodgers' prospects in the World Series, and more 48:29

2M ago48:29

48:29

Today on AirTalk, Warner Bros. Discovery considers a potential sale; an interview with author Jeff Pearlman on his new book about Tupac Shakur; Glynn Washington, host of Spooked! and Snap Judgement joins Larry for a conversation about storytelling and supernatural experiences; and The Dodgers prepare to face off against The Toronto Blue Jays in the…

1
Robocalls and robotexts, Craft brewing, AI data centers, and more 1:04:14

2M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Today on AirTalk: Larry interviews the executive director of Covered California; the deluge of robocalls and robotexts; a check-in on the craft-brewing industry; AI data centers and energy usage; Camp Pendleton and the Interstate 5 shutdown; and real-time translation technology and language learning. Today on AirTalk: Interview with Covered Califor…

1
The FED Weekly 12-18 Oct 2025 (Episode 20) 20:21

2M ago20:21

20:21

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover the critical challenges facing federal employees and retirees for the week of October 12-18, 2025. Key topics include the deepening financial crisis from the ongoing government shutdown, with hundreds of thousands missing paychecks and facing uncertainty over back pay. Military pay was protected through a…

1
Remembering Susan Stamberg, Gardens and wildlife neighbors, and FilmWeek 1:01:49

2M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Today on AirTalk, NPR 'founding mother' Susan Stamberg passed away yesterday; LAist Senior Editor Suzanne Levy joins to talk about her battles with neighborhood squirrel 'Mindy;' we hear from listeners about their own experiences with gardening and wildlife with horticultural consultant Lili Singer; and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk, Susan Stamberg pa…

1
Undercount of LA's homeless population, Interview with Senator Adam Schiff, Triple Play, and more 59:13

2M ago59:13

59:13

Today on AirTalk, we talk with a RAND researcher about their new report showing an undercount of LA's homeless population by LAHSA, an interview with LA mayoral candidate Austin Beutner, overview of the Made In L.A. exhibition at the Hammer Museum, Larry talks with Senator Adam Schiff, Triple Play returns, and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: LAHSA under…

1
LA County CEO settlement, JPL layoffs, and AirTalk Live: Palisades recovery 1:39:05

2M ago1:39:05

1:39:05

Today on AirTalk, LA County's $2 million settlement with CEO Fesia Davenport, JPL goes through another round of layoffs, and a broadcast of yesterday evening's Palisades' fire recovery event Today on AirTalk, LA County CEO settlement (0:15) JPL layoffs (10:15) Palisades' fire recovery event (25:08) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Prepp…

1
Preparing for earthquakes, CA nursing shortage, Interview with Kristen Bell, and more 1:39:03

2M ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Today on AirTalk, we get the latest on the storm hitting the region. Also on the show, a new study examines the next big earthquake; check-in on California’s nursing shortage; Kristen Bell talks about her new show; and more. Today on AirTalk: Weather update (0:15) What will the next big earthquake look like? (11:02) How to prepare for a mega-earthq…

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