Best Racial Justice Studio Podcasts (2025)

1
The fallout over LAFD funding: Bass vs. Crowley 36:13

2d ago36:13

36:13

Amid the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires that killed more than two dozen people, a political conflict came sharply into focus surrounding the funding of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Finger-pointing as to who was to blame included former LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and LA Mayor Karen Bass. The two women would be lambasted for thei…

1
Imperfect Paradise: The fallout over LAFD funding: Bass vs. Crowley 36:13

3d ago36:13

36:13

Amid the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires that killed more than two dozen people, a political conflict came sharply into focus surrounding the funding of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Finger-pointing as to who was to blame included former LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and LA Mayor Karen Bass. The two women would be lambasted for thei…

1
E7: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: And the Oscar Goes To… 1:01:47

4d ago1:01:47

1:01:47

Hollywood is getting ready for luncheons and deleting old tweets, which is why this episode is all about the Oscars. When you give an awards speech in your bathroom mirror, we know what statue you’re pretending to hold. So this week on NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING, Oscar nominees Peter Straughan, Kris Bowers, and actress Caitlin Reilly duke it out for the…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Rebuild or leave? One Black family in Altadena decides their future after Eaton Fire 40:25

10d ago40:25

40:25

The biggest question hanging over most people in Los Angeles who lost homes in the Palisades and Eaton Fires is whether to rebuild or leave -- a question that's especially fraught for Altadena's Black community, who faced a long history of redlining. Charel Bailey’s parents have lived in Altadena since 1977, and she desperately wants them to rebuil…

1
Rebuild or leave? One Black family in Altadena decides their future after Eaton Fire 40:25

9d ago40:25

40:25

The biggest question hanging over most people in Los Angeles who lost homes in the Palisades and Eaton Fires is whether to rebuild or leave -- a question that's especially fraught for Altadena's Black community, who faced a long history of redlining. Charel Bailey’s parents have lived in Altadena since 1977, and she desperately wants them to rebuil…

1
E6: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: We Love L.A. 1:09:48

11d ago1:09:48

1:09:48

Los Angeles has been through a lot this year. It’s hard to find a single person in Los Angeles who hasn’t been affected in some way by the recent wildfires. There’s so much to be sad and even scared about right now, but since we can’t fix all of that, we’re here to do what we know best — in the words of the great Donald O’Connor: “Make ‘em laugh.” …

1
Imperfect Paradise: When the disinformation machine comes for you 39:40

16d ago39:40

39:40

Renée DiResta joined the Stanford Internet Observatory to analyze how propaganda spreads online. But in 2023, she went from studying the online disinformation machine to becoming its target. We dive into what happened when a right-wing conspiracy made Renée its villain, as well as how disinformation has changed over the last three presidential elec…

1
When the disinformation machine comes for you 39:40

16d ago39:40

39:40

Renée DiResta joined the Stanford Internet Observatory to analyze how propaganda spreads online. But in 2023, she went from studying the online disinformation machine to becoming its target. We dive into what happened when a right-wing conspiracy made Renée its villain, as well as how disinformation has changed over the last three presidential elec…

1
E5: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Sex, Drugs, and Public Radio 1:11:54

18d ago1:11:54

1:11:54

The troubled childhood, the meteoric rise to fame, the tragic fall… We all know the basic outline of a music biopic, so how hard can it be to write one? Find out (along with our guests!) in this episode of NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING. Guests: Writer/director Dana Ledoux Miller ("Moana 2"); actor Jason Ritter ("Matlock"); and writer Joshua Zetumer ("Say N…

1
‘Free the Tee’ Redux: Fighting back against LA golf course scalpers 43:49

23d ago43:49

43:49

This episode originally aired on June 12, 2024. LA was rocked on March 4 when Dave Fink, a golf influencer, posted a viral video on Instagram detailing how brokers - largely using a Korean messenger app- were snatching up prime time tees at Los Angeles’ public golf courses and reselling them. Here’s how an unlikely crew of golf enthusiasts’ fight t…

1
E4: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Foreign Exchange 55:54

25d ago55:54

55:54

Like most of America, Hollywood has a…weird relationship with the rest of the world. The land of The Oscars, Westerns, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck is afraid of subtitles and loves to remake an international hit in English. Say bonjour to the NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING episode all about foreign films! Guests: Writer Zach Baylin (“King Richard,” “The Order…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Meet the filmmakers who love AI 34:04

1M ago34:04

34:04

It’s hard to find people in Hollywood who are willing to speak publicly about their enthusiasm for AI, for fear of being seen as “siding with the machines.” And yet, many people are quietly using the technology already. In this episode, we interview two enthusiastic early adopters of AI in filmmaking about how they’re using it, its strengths and li…

1
Meet the filmmakers who love AI 34:04

1M ago34:04

34:04

It’s hard to find people in Hollywood who are willing to speak publicly about their enthusiasm for AI, for fear of being seen as “siding with the machines.” And yet, many people are quietly using the technology already. In this episode, we interview two enthusiastic early adopters of AI in filmmaking about how they’re using it, its strengths and li…

1
E3: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Beginner's Luck 1:08:57

1M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

This episode of NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING is all about breakthrough stars. We'll focus on film and television debuts and first-timers who struck gold, because if there's anything we’re certain that Hollywood loves, it's someone who's younger and more talented than the last young and talented person. Guests: Actress and singer Jasmine Cephas Jones (“Ham…

1
How AI became a Hollywood villain – especially for animators 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

Hollywood taught us to be afraid of a super powerful artificial intelligence that will one day conquer humanity. So not surprisingly, many screenwriters and actors are very skeptical of AI, and concerns about AI were central to the Hollywood labor strikes in 2023. But animators may actually be the most at risk of losing their jobs to AI. In this ep…

1
Imperfect Paradise: How AI became a Hollywood villain – especially for animators 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

Hollywood taught us to be afraid of a super powerful artificial intelligence that will one day conquer humanity. So not surprisingly, many screenwriters and actors are very skeptical of AI, and concerns about AI were central to the Hollywood labor strikes in 2023. But animators may actually be the most at risk of losing their jobs to AI. In this ep…

1
E2: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Here We Go Again 1:00:56

1M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

From the team behind the first episode of NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING comes a second episode that’s bigger, bolder, and more explosive…That’s right, it’s a sequel! In this week’s episode, we take a page out of Gladiator II’s book and pit your favorite Hollywood minds against each other in the Colosseum…aka, make them play games in a small, enclosed studi…

1
Highland Park: Land of the snake 36:32

2M ago36:32

36:32

Tucked away in Highland Park - a neighborhood that’s been dubbed “ground zero” for gentrification - sits a small park dotted with native plants and spiraling mosaic sculptures. La Tierra de la Culebra Park was established in the early 90s by guerilla artist Tricia Ward. In the decades since, the neighborhood has transformed massively and a battle h…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Highland Park: Land of the snake 36:32

1M ago36:32

36:32

Tucked away in Highland Park - a neighborhood that’s been dubbed “ground zero” for gentrification - sits a small park dotted with native plants and spiraling mosaic sculptures. La Tierra de la Culebra Park was established in the early 90s by guerilla artist Tricia Ward. In the decades since, the neighborhood has transformed massively and a battle h…

1
NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Growing Pains 1:16:35

2M ago1:16:35

1:16:35

What makes a blockbuster, or a box office bomb? The truth is, as famed screenwriter William Goldman put it, “Nobody knows anything.” Join us each week as we put your favorite actors, directors, and writers through the wringer (aka through a series of games) to see if they’ve got what it takes to make it in this wild town. This episode is all about …

1
NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: And the Oscar Goes To… 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

With Hollywood getting ready for the biggest awards show in movies, this episode of the new LAist Studios podcast NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING is all about the Oscars! Hear Oscar nominees Peter Straughan and Kris Bowers, and actress Caitlin Reilly duke it out for the ultimate award — winning a game show where the points are made up by our host, Franklin L…

1
LA Made: The Other Moonshot - Part 4: The Landing 43:50

2M ago43:50

43:50

In the final episode of "LA Made: The Other Moonshot": Despite several stopgaps and hiccups, the moon landing is a monumental success, although many Black Americans feel it’s come at a cost to their progress. The discrimination Charlie, Nate and Shelby faced at work finally makes it into government hearings. And the trio today reflect on their cont…

1
LA Made: The Other Moonshot - Part 3: Making an Impact 40:43

2M ago40:43

40:43

In this episode of "LA Made: The Other Moonshot": The launch of Apollo 6. Nate and Charlie must choose how to respond when their work is undermined by superiors, leading to tense stand-offs. Meanwhile Shelby works on a project which will define his legacy — and our view of Earth. Workplace pay disparities come to light, while the assassination of M…

1
LA Made: The Other Moonshot - Part 2: Spring Loaded to Failure 45:21

2M ago45:21

45:21

In this episode of "LA Made: The Other Moonshot": Were these three engineers set up to fail? The space race starts to hit debilitating roadblocks, and the Black aerospace engineers are beginning to feel the weight of the workplace — and the clock ticking. Shelby, Nate and Charlie develop different ways to cope with the pressure. A tragedy during an…

1
Episode 10 Seeing Ourselves in Louis Carlos Bernal's Photographic Revolution: Elizabeth Ferrer 36:30

2M ago36:30

36:30

Have you ever wondered how art becomes activism? We bring you a conversation with curator and writer Elizabeth Ferrer, who takes us from the Chicano murals of her east Los Angeles childhood to groundbreaking exhibitions on Latinx photography. Guest hosts Gia Del Pino and Lizzy Guevara speak with Elizabeth about her retrospective on Louis Carlos Ber…

1
LA Made: The Other Moonshot - Part 2: Spring Loaded to Failure 45:06

2M ago45:06

45:06

In this episode of "LA Made: The Other Moonshot": Were these three engineers set up to fail? The space race starts to hit debilitating roadblocks, and the Black aerospace engineers are beginning to feel the weight of the workplace — and the clock ticking. Shelby, Nate and Charlie develop different ways to cope with the pressure. A tragedy during an…

1
LA Made: The Other Moonshot - Part 1: Ignition Starts 45:10

2M ago45:10

45:10

In this first episode of "LA Made: The Other Moonshot": America aims for the moon. President John F. Kennedy stands proudly behind the mission to advance the country and welcomes a diverse team to get the job done. That team includes three Black engineers who have a studded background — Charlie Cheathem, Nathaniel LeVert and Shelby Jacobs. However,…

1
LA Made The Other Moonshot - Part 1 Ignition Starts 44:55

3M ago44:55

44:55

In this first episode of "LA Made: The Other Moonshot": America aims for the moon. President John F. Kennedy stands proudly behind the mission to advance the country and welcomes a diverse team to get the job done. That team includes three Black engineers who have a studded background — Charlie Cheathem, Nathaniel LeVert and Shelby Jacobs. However,…

1
Is it possible to build a fire-proof house? 42:26

3M ago42:26

42:26

Some of the most striking images to come out of the Los Angeles wildfires are photos of a single intact house, surrounded by rubble. We wondered: why do some houses burn down and not others? Is it possible to build a fire-proof house? Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido, correspondent Emily Guerin, and host of the LAist Studios podcast The Bi…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Is it possible to build a fire-proof house? 42:26

3M ago42:26

42:26

Some of the most striking images to come out of the Los Angeles wildfires are photos of a single intact house, surrounded by rubble. We wondered: why do some houses burn down and not others? Is it possible to build a fire-proof house? Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido, correspondent Emily Guerin, and host of the LAist Studios podcast The Bi…

1
Why fires happen in Southern California — and how we can prevent them 35:18

3M ago35:18

35:18

The same factors that make Los Angeles an appealing place to live, like large urban scale development intertwined with nature, are also the reason we need a fundamentally different approach to fire. Host Antonia Cereijido and science reporter and host of LAist podcast The Big Burn Jacob Margolis dive into what makes Southern California’s ecology un…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Why fires happen in Southern California — and how we can prevent them 35:18

3M ago35:18

35:18

The same factors that make Los Angeles an appealing place to live, like large urban scale development intertwined with nature, are also the reason we need a fundamentally different approach to fire. Host Antonia Cereijido and science reporter and host of LAist podcast The Big Burn Jacob Margolis dive into what makes Southern California’s ecology un…

1
S3Introducing LA Made: The Other Moonshot (Coming January 29) 2:28

3M ago2:28

2:28

When Joanne Higgins was growing up in Compton in Los Angeles, she heard her godfather, Charlie Cheathem, tell stories about his key role in the Apollo mission to the moon. As an adult she realized that his experiences — and those of other Black engineers — had been left out of the history books. She set out to record for the first time the accounts…

1
The first five days: Inside LA’s most destructive wildfires 44:22

3M ago44:22

44:22

Larry Mantle has been a radio host in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years. Over the course of hosting his live, daily, public affairs call-in show on LAist 89.3, he’s covered the region’s biggest triumphs and tragedies, hearing from officials and Angelenos alike. Covering the Palisades, Eaton, and other current LA wildfires has been especially trying. …

1
Imperfect Paradise: The first five days: Inside LA’s most destructive wildfires 44:22

3M ago44:22

44:22

Larry Mantle has been a radio host in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years. Over the course of hosting his live, daily, public affairs call-in show on LAist 89.3, he’s covered the region’s biggest triumphs and tragedies, hearing from officials and Angelenos alike. Covering the Palisades, Eaton, and other current LA wildfires has been especially trying. …

1
Imperfect Paradise: LAist newsroom answers your questions about the fires 24:18

3M ago24:18

24:18

Los Angeles County has been ravaged by multiple fires. Thousands of structures were destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of Angelenos have evacuated. Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and correspondent Emily Guerin answer your most commonly asked questions about wildfires such as: Why are so many houses built in fire prone areas? How did th…

1
LAist newsroom answers your questions about the fires 24:18

3M ago24:18

24:18

Los Angeles County has been ravaged by multiple fires. Thousands of structures were destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of Angelenos have evacuated. Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and correspondent Emily Guerin answer your most commonly asked questions about wildfires such as: Why are so many houses built in fire prone areas? How did th…

1
How one man rebuilt his life, 100 miles at a time 48:29

3M ago48:29

48:29

Struggling with addiction and reentry after multiple stints in prison, Cesar Quijano discovers ultrarunning, a hobby that turns into his addiction and salvation. Through Cesar’s story to complete a 100-mile race, Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and producer Lucy Copp explore urgent questions around what support people need to successfully…

1
Imperfect Paradise: How one man rebuilt his life, 100 miles at a time 48:29

3M ago48:29

48:29

Struggling with addiction and reentry after multiple stints in prison, Cesar Quijano discovers ultrarunning, a hobby that turns into his addiction and salvation. Through Cesar’s story to complete a 100-mile race, Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and producer Lucy Copp explore urgent questions around what support people need to successfully…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Lions, Coyotes, & Bears: Part 4 Redux - The Eagle Lovebirds 26:03

4M ago26:03

26:03

This episode first aired on August 14, 2024. Jackie and Shadow are two beloved bald eagles who live in Big Bear, a ski town a couple hours northeast of L.A. They went viral in 2024, as people tuned in to a livestream of their nest to see if their eggs would hatch. Fans around the world became deeply attached to the lovebirds, obsessing over the cou…

1
Lions, Coyotes, & Bears: Part 4 Redux - The Eagle Lovebirds 26:03

4M ago26:03

26:03

This episode first aired on August 14, 2024. Jackie and Shadow are two beloved bald eagles who live in Big Bear, a ski town a couple hours northeast of L.A. They went viral in 2024, as people tuned in to a livestream of their nest to see if their eggs would hatch. Fans around the world became deeply attached to the lovebirds, obsessing over the cou…

1
Lions, Coyotes, & Bears: Part 3 Redux - The Bear Nuisance 45:36

4M ago45:36

45:36

This episode first aired on August 7, 2024. The first deadly black bear attack in California’s history was confirmed recently in a small mountain town in Northern California. While wildlife officials say fatal bear attacks are rare, this recent death and growing encounters between bears and people underscore how high the stakes are as wild and urba…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Lions, Coyotes, & Bears: Part 3 Redux - The Bear Nuisance 45:36

4M ago45:36

45:36

This episode first aired on August 7, 2024. The first deadly black bear attack in California’s history was confirmed recently in a small mountain town in Northern California. While wildlife officials say fatal bear attacks are rare, this recent death and growing encounters between bears and people underscore how high the stakes are as wild and urba…

1
Lions, Coyotes, & Bears: Part 2 Redux - The Coyote Villain 45:34

4M ago45:34

45:34

This episode first aired on July 31, 2024. If the mountain lion is thought of as a celebrity, then, many would think of the coyote as a villain. LAist Correspondent Emily Guerin looks into why we vilify coyotes, what scientists actually know about them, and how they’ve adapted and thrived in some of the most urban parts of Southern California. Emil…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Lions, Coyotes, & Bears: Part 2 Redux - The Coyote Villain 45:34

4M ago45:34

45:34

This episode first aired on July 31, 2024. If the mountain lion is thought of as a celebrity, then, many would think of the coyote as a villain. LAist Correspondent Emily Guerin looks into why we vilify coyotes, what scientists actually know about them, and how they’ve adapted and thrived in some of the most urban parts of Southern California. Emil…

1
Episode 9 Ancestral Sounds and the Language of Music: Michael Mwenso 41:33

4M ago41:33

41:33

Music is everywhere. It’s in our cars, doctors’ offices, shopping malls, movies, and video games. There’s no question that music is ubiquitous, but is anyone really listening? What does it mean to truly listen? What happens when we tune in, not only to the soundwaves of music, but also the vibrations of community, the echoes of ancestors, and the w…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Lions, Coyotes, & Bears Part 1 Redux - The Mountain Lion Celebrity 45:45

4M ago45:45

45:45

This episode first aired on July 24, 2024. One of Hollywood’s recent celebrities wasn’t a person, but a feline. The famed mountain lion made headlines in Los Angeles and nationwide. He became a household name for making his home in Griffith Park, right in the middle of L.A. But the overwhelming support for P-22 wasn’t enough to save him. LAist Corr…

1
Lions, Coyotes, & Bears Part 1 Redux - The Mountain Lion Celebrity 45:45

4M ago45:45

45:45

This episode first aired on July 24, 2024. One of Hollywood’s recent celebrities wasn’t a person, but a feline. The famed mountain lion made headlines in Los Angeles and nationwide. He became a household name for making his home in Griffith Park, right in the middle of L.A. But the overwhelming support for P-22 wasn’t enough to save him. LAist Corr…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Hollywood’s flopping, send in the clowns 48:18

5M ago48:18

48:18

A surprising performance art has taken off in Los Angeles – clowning – against the backdrop of an entertainment industry that has barely recovered after a lengthy strike. Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and producer Victoria Alejandro look into the rise of clown culture in L.A., how Hollywood actors, writers and other creators found their…

1
Hollywood’s flopping, send in the clowns 48:18

5M ago48:18

48:18

A surprising performance art has taken off in Los Angeles – clowning – against the backdrop of an entertainment industry that has barely recovered after a lengthy strike. Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and producer Victoria Alejandro look into the rise of clown culture in L.A., how Hollywood actors, writers and other creators found their…

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