Best clint.schaff@latimes.com Podcasts (2024)

1
How trans surfers find community 27:09

1+ y ago27:09

27:09

Trans surfers are beginning to find community among themselves in a sport that too often isolates and even shuns them. Today, we hang out with some at the beach, to hear their joy and pain. Read the full transcript here. Host: L.A. Times senior producer Denise Guerra More reading: Biden sports plan angers transgender advocates and opponents Black s…

1
Masters of Disasters origin stories! 38:29

1+ y ago38:29

38:29

In a live taping, three of our Masters of Disasters talk about how they got into covering catastrophes, why they continue to do it — and how they try to convey hope. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times earthquake reporter Rong-Gong Lin, L.A. Times wildfire reporter Alex Wigglesworth, and L.A. Times coastal repor…

1
Can anything stop distracted driving? 23:57

1+ y ago23:57

23:57

After a decades-long decline in automobile fatalities, numbers began to go up with the dawn of smart phones. Laws banning use of cellphones while driving haven’t stopped the rise — and the dawn of smart cars seems to be making things worse. Today, we talk about efforts to stop distracted driving — and why they don’t seem to work. Read the full tran…

1
The music genre Korean elders 'trot' to 23:12

1+ y ago23:12

23:12

“Trot” is a Korean music genre that has been around for decades. But in recent years, it has exploded in popularity in Southern California. The biggest fans? Immigrant seniors. Today, we talk about trot’s history, staying power and role in the Korean American community. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times Asian …

1
Is Biden too old to run again? 27:03

1+ y ago27:03

27:03

When Joe Biden won in 2020, he became the oldest president in U.S. history. If he runs again in 2024 and wins, he’ll beat own record. Is that a problem? Today, we talk about the grumbles from Republicans and Democrats alike over Biden’s age. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times reporter Courtney Subramanian More …

1
Can Dr. Simi cure the Mexican healthcare system? 19:00

1+ y ago19:00

19:00

Farmacias Similares is the largest privately owned chain of pharmacies in Mexico, and has a cute mascot — Dr. Simi — who is beloved across the country. What could possibly be wrong about this scenario? Many things. Today, we talk about what the rise of Dr. Simi says about Mexico’s broken healthcare system. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gusta…

1
Introducing 'Foretold' 48:02

1+ y ago48:02

48:02

"Foretold" is the newest podcast from the L.A. Times, and we're sharing the first episode with you here today. In the fall of 2019, reporter Faith E. Pinho received a tip from a woman named Paulina Stevens. Paulina claimed she had grown up in an insular Romani community in California, where she was raised to be a wife, mother and fortuneteller — un…

1
An FBI investigation into college basketball gone wrong 21:24

1+ y ago21:24

21:24

An FBI investigation tried to expose malfeasance in the world of NCAA men’s basketball. Instead, the mirror was turned on the agency itself when one of the lead agents abused his position. Today, you’ll hear the story of how that came to be — and whether the investigation turned up anything. Read the full story here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: …

1
Who suffers if the U.S. bans TikTok 28:09

1+ y ago28:09

28:09

Democrat and Republican lawmakers are pushing for a U.S. ban on TikTok, arguing the Chinese-owned social media app is a national security risk. But many of its users argue that will severely harm their businesses. Today, we hear from some of them. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times reporter technology reporter …

1
The mainstreaming of curanderos 26:03

1+ y ago26:03

26:03

For centuries, communities across Latin America have relied on curanderos — healers who rely on indigenous tradition — for their physical and mental health. Will mainstream American health ever embrace it? Today, we examine the subject. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times utility reporter Karen Garcia More readi…

1
Are Biden and Trump border buddies? 20:17

1+ y ago20:17

20:17

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden decried U.S. border policies enacted by the Trump administration as racist. But Biden has not only not rolled some of them back — in some cases, he’s doubled down. Today, we try to figure out what changed. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times immigration reporters …

1
So Donald Trump got indicted... 25:13

1+ y ago25:13

25:13

The indictment of former president Donald Trump has provoked praise and criticism alike. So what’s next? We talk to two of our political wizards to figure it out. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times political columnist Mark Z. Barabak, and L.A. Times national security reporter Sarah D. Wire More reading: Full co…

1
Can music make people care about climate change? 29:07

1+ y ago29:07

29:07

Lucy Jones, California’s beloved earthquake expert, sits down with environment reporter Rosanna Xia to discuss her new project: using music to inspire people to take action against climate change. Listen to hear Lucy go through her process, her collaborators explain the psychology behind it all, and — of course — a sampling of the compositions. Rea…

1
The RV homeless encampments of L.A. 19:17

1+ y ago19:17

19:17

Over the last couple of years, RVs in Los Angeles turned from a vehicle for camping to shelter for people who are unhoused. That’s led to multiple complaints — and deaths. Today, we examine how L.A. got to this point. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times columnist Erika D. Smith More reading: The real and complic…

1
How college gymnasts can finally cash in 24:32

1+ y ago24:32

24:32

For over 100 years, college athletes couldn’t make money competing in their sports. A new NCAA rule around name, image and likeness, or NIL, has changed that. The biggest winners? Gymnasts. Today, we talk to a few current and former gymnasts at UCLA, including Olympians Jordyn Wieber and Jordan Chiles, about how this rule change has affected their …

1
A surrender hotline for Russian soldiers 22:14

1+ y ago22:14

22:14

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, Ukrainian military officials have set up a hotline for Russian soldiers to call in and surrender. Is it working to end the war?. Today, we talk to the people behind it. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times global affairs correspondent Laura King More reading: Lots of Russia…

1
The flooding in Pajaro, Calif. — and how it all could have been avoided 18:12

1+ y ago18:12

18:12

This year’s historic storms have hit communities of color like Pajaro, Calif., especially hard. It’s a recurring problem that could’ve been avoided entirely. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times investigative reporter Susanne Rust More reading: Residents left in flooded California farm town feel ‘abandoned’ as le…

1
A murder mystery, a cover up, and femicide in Mexico 20:25

1+ y ago20:25

20:25

Ariadna López was found murdered on the side of a road in Mexico, one of thousands of women murdered every year in the country. But her death outraged the country like never before. Today, the problem of femicide in Mexico — and whether Lopez’s death will help change that. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times Mex…

1
Silicon Valley Bank's collapse may affect your interest rate 26:44

1+ y ago26:44

26:44

When inflation is high, the Federal Reserve has historically raised interest rates. But the recent failures of banks like Silicon Valley Bank have sparked worries about the stability of our banking system. Now the feds must weigh whether the banking system could withstand the turmoil that raising interest rates could bring. To get inside the mind o…

1
The judge who likes to overturn gun laws 20:37

1+ y ago20:37

20:37

U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez is known for overturning gun bans. Derided and hailed in equal measures, he’s now presiding over a case with far-reaching consequences. Today, we talk about his history and impact. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times enterprise reporter Laura J. Nelson More reading: The judge up…

1
Michelle Yeoh can finally be herself: ‘Thank you for seeing me’ 33:36

1+ y ago33:36

33:36

Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh has been a worldwide movie star for decades, known for action-packed roles in films such as “Supercop” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and as a Bond girl in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” But it’s her leading role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” that Yeoh says finally let her show what she’s capable of. In thi…

1
Our Masters of Disasters take on toxic spills 26:15

1+ y ago26:15

26:15

The recent release of toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, after a train derailment was a reminder of how devastating such environmental events are for poor communities. Can we prevent the next one? Today, our Masters of Disasters reconvene to talk toxic contamination and cleanup — and why toxic spills will probably never go away. Read the full…

1
California's ballot-box fast-food fight 18:19

1+ y ago18:19

18:19

Last year, the California State Legislature approved a bill that aimed to improve wages and conditions for fast-food workers, but the fast-food industry raised millions to oppose it. As petitioners collect signatures, voters allege that they were lied to by petitioners. Today, we get into the food fight — and California’s murky world of signature-g…

1
Academy Nominees aren't Box Office Hits. Do Oscars Still Matter? 25:57

1+ y ago25:57

25:57

The Oscars ceremony is a night to celebrate the best the industry has to offer — but the nominated films are rarely box office hits, and viewership of the awards broadcast has declined. Will we see a rebound? Today, we talk about the future of the Academy Awards, and who might win Sunday. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests…

1
The California Dream in Nevada 23:28

1+ y ago23:28

23:28

Californians have long moved to Nevada in search of new business and personal opportunities. But a massive business park near Reno is drawing in businesses like never before. Some long-timers aren’t happy. Today, we visit the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center to learn more. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times nationa…

1
Legal weed, massive worker exploitation 27:44

1+ y ago27:44

27:44

When California voters legalized cannabis, growers vowed a break from decades of worker exploitation in the state’s agricultural industry. A Times investigation found otherwise. Today, where it all went wrong and what’s being done to stop it. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times investigative reporter Paige St. J…

1
A new age for mental health in workplaces? 18:37

1+ y ago18:37

18:37

Faced with high levels of worker stress, anxiety and burnout as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies pledged that employee mental health would become a top priority. But actions haven’t always followed promises. Today, we look into what bosses and employees can do to better the workplace. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Ar…

1
America’s first Black prima ballerina: Bernice Harrison 31:16

1+ y ago31:16

31:16

When you think of Black ballerinas, names like Misty Copeland or Janet Collins may come to mind. But did you know that a classical ballet dancer from L.A. named Bernice Harrison predated both of them? Today, the lesser-known story of Harrison’s rise to become the first Black prima ballerina, and the legacy of the First Negro Classical Ballet Compan…

1
The war against Drag Queen Story Hour 28:40

1+ y ago28:40

28:40

Drag performers are more visible than ever after decades in the underground, but will recent protests, threats of violence, and restrictive laws set them back? Today, we dive into the origins of the backlash and how drag performers are reacting to it. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times national correspondent Ja…

1
One year into the Russia-Ukraine war 25:33

1+ y ago25:33

25:33

The first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is this month. L.A. Times global affairs correspondent Laura King has visited Ukraine at four key moments since the war started: Russia’s spring invasion, Ukraine’s summertime counteroffensive, Russia’s attack on civilians and infrastructure in the fall, and during the winter fatigue. Today, she…

1
Dianne Feinstein calls it a career 34:59

1+ y ago34:59

34:59

California U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein announced this week she will not run for reelection next year, ending a legendary career that saw her go from San Francisco City Hall to Capitol Hill. With her upcoming retirement, there’s much speculation as to who will replace her. Today, we look back at the career of the storied politician and look ahead as …

1
Why hotel rooms for L.A.'s homeless sit empty 20:56

1+ y ago20:56

20:56

The historic Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles reopened in 2021 with a commitment to make it easy for low-income and unhoused people to occupy its rooms. So why have so few people taken advantage of this offer? Today, we examine why this well-intentioned and funded solution to L.A.'s homelessness crisis is having trouble fulfilling its original v…

1
Turkey's earthquake, California's "Big One" 28:36

1+ y ago28:36

28:36

An earthquake as devastating as the one that hit Turkey and Syria this month has been forecast to hit Southern California for decades. What can residents and governments do to prepare?. Today, our Masters of Disasters talk to us about how to prepare. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times earthquake reporter Ron-Go…

1
Colorado River in Crisis, Pt. 6: The End 24:10

1+ y ago24:10

24:10

The Colorado River is supposed to end at the Gulf of California, but hasn’t done so for decades. A joint effort between the United States and Mexico seeks to change that. Today, we travel to the Colorado River Delta to see what’s happening. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times water reporter Ian James More readin…

1
Do social-media child stars "work"? 20:55

1+ y ago20:55

20:55

Teenager Piper Rockelle and her friends created a multimillion-dollar YouTube empire. A lawsuit threatens it, and brings up questions about whether what young influencers do for a living constitutes “work.” Today, we examine the history of child labor laws in California, and what might happen in this digital age. Read the full transcript here. Host…

1
A Super Bowl with two Black quarterbacks 28:25

1+ y ago28:25

28:25

For decades, NFL teams actively discouraged Black players from playing quarterback, the sport’s marquee position. Today, we go through this shameful history — and celebrate this year’s historic Super Bowl, which features two Black starting quarterbacks for the first time. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guest: L.A. Times opini…

1
Colorado River in Crisis, Pt. 5: The Valley 24:14

1+ y ago24:14

24:14

California’s Imperial Valley has some of the lowest rainfall in the state, yet uses the largest allotment of Colorado River water. Why is such an arid part of the state an agricultural powerhouse? Today, we look into how the region secured its rights. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times water reporter Ian James …

1
What it means to be a Black cowboy 27:02

1+ y ago27:02

27:02

Black people have been part of the American West for centuries. But mainstream cowboy culture long downplayed their contributions, even as they exist in the present day. Today, we hear from some of them. Read the full transcript here. Host: L.A. Times national reporter Tyrone Beason More reading: Black Californians have long celebrated cowboy cultu…

1
What’s up with eggs? 16:02

1+ y ago16:02

16:02

All across California, people are asking the same question: Why are eggs so expensive? Californians walk into grocery stores only to find them sold out, or that they’re going for $7 or more a dozen. Thanks to inflation, everything is more expensive right now. But when it comes to eggs, there’s more to the story. Today, how a history of California p…

1
Colorado River in Crisis, Pt. 4: The Tribe 24:41

1+ y ago24:41

24:41

For over a century, Native American tribes along the Colorado River have seen other entities take water that had nourished them since time immemorial. With the depletion of this vital source for the American West, Indigenous leaders see an opening to right a historical wrong. Today, we check in on one tribe doing just that. Read the full transcript…

1
3 men of color, 3 LAPD encounters. 3 deaths 28:18

1+ y ago28:18

28:18

In a span of 25 hours, three men of color died after encounters with Los Angeles police officers. Could a change in tactics long asked for by activists have prevented the deaths? Today, we talk about the incidents, the aftermath — and what’s next. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times investigative crime reporter …

1
A massacre in Monterey Park 17:21

1+ y ago17:21

17:21

A gunman shot and killed 10 people just after a Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park, California. This attack, one of California's worst mass shootings in recent memory, is sparking concerns about public safety and conversations about anti-Asian hate — and renewing calls for gun control. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano …

1
Colorado River in Crisis, Pt. 3: The Dam 26:22

1+ y ago26:22

26:22

The main way the American West harvests the Colorado River for its water use is by dams that create reservoirs, which are quickly drying up because of climate change. Can knocking some dams down help? Today, in our continuing series on the Colorado River, we go to Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell to talk to some people who think so. Read the full tr…

1
How the California GOP lost its national sway 23:05

1+ y ago23:05

23:05

For decades, Republicans across the country looked to California for conservative stars and ideas even as the GOP lost its way in the state. Not anymore. Today, we talk about how how Kevin McCarthy’s tortuous path to become Speaker of the House was yet another loud death rattle for the California GOP. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Ar…

1
Dance raves in, dissent out as Saudi Arabia's crown prince dictates new social order 23:12

1+ y ago23:12

23:12

Something unexpected is going on in traditionally conservative Saudi Arabia. Over the last few years, the kingdom has been announcing a loosening of social restrictions at a surprising rate. Movie theaters are reopening, new professional opportunities for women are popping up and the country is hosting Western-style music festivals. It’s all part o…

1
Colorado River in Crisis, Pt. 2: The Source 17:37

1+ y ago17:37

17:37

The Colorado River begins in the Rocky Mountain snowpack, which provides the water that starts off the river on its epic journey. But as the American West gets hotter, that snowpack keeps getting smaller and smaller. Today, the second in our six-part special on the future of this vital waterway. New episodes will publish every Friday through Feb. 1…

1
California's stormy weather, explained 26:05

1+ y ago26:05

26:05

This month’s record-setting rain and snow across California also comes with terms many of us know but can’t explain. Today, we do that with our Masters of Disasters. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times earthquake reporter Ron Lin, L.A. Times Fast Break disasters reporter Hayley Smith, and L.A. Times water report…

1
Can the Golden Globes come back? 25:30

1+ y ago25:30

25:30

The Golden Globes is going to air this week on NBC after a year-long hiatus in the wake of a scandal over its parent company, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Can its comeback stick? Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times Company Town reporter Stacy Perman, and L.A. Times film business reporter Josh Rottenb…

1
Colorado River in Crisis, Pt. 1: A Dying River 30:04

2y ago30:04

30:04

The Colorado River is the water lifeline for tens of millions of people across the American Southwest, which couldn’t have developed the way it is today without it. But all the damming and diversion done to the Colorado has put it at a tipping point where a future with no water is no longer just fantasy but perilously possible. Today, “The Times” k…

1
California's fight with affirmative action 19:59

2y ago19:59

19:59

The Supreme Court appears ready to abolish affirmative action later this year. The case seeking to declare it unconstitutional has schools that consider race in admissions worried about how they can continue to build diversity among their students without affirmative action. Here in California, though, we already know what happens when programs lik…

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