Explore every episode of the podcast Headlines From The Times
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How trans surfers find community | 28 Apr 2023 | 00:27:09 | |
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: Black surfers find moments of reflection, rejuvenation at ‘A Great Day in the Stoke’ For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans | |||
| Masters of Disasters origin stories! | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:38:29 | |
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 reporter Rosanna Xia More reading: Read Rong-Gong LIn II’s stories here | |||
| Are Biden and Trump border buddies? | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:20:17 | |
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 Hamed Aleaziz and Andrea Castillo More reading: Top Democrats warn Biden: Don’t restart family detentions Biden immigration plan could force asylum officers to break law, union warns Asylum seekers face decision to split up families or wait indefinitely under new border policy | |||
| Fast cars, furious residents | 09 Sep 2022 | 00:21:12 | |
Street takeovers. Street races. Burnouts. They’re the latest manifestations of car culture in the region — cousins to the drag races, lowrider cruises, V-dub love-ins and other gear-head gatherings that’ve gone on here for decades. But what you’re seeing right now — a lot of people say the scene feels different. And some people say the film franchise “Fast & Furious” is to blame. In a region where car culture is king and stunts are all over social media, residents, politicians and law enforcement have had enough. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times reporter Nathan Solis More reading: Inside L.A.’s deadly street takeover scene: ‘A scene of lawlessness’ 19 cars seized, 27 arrested in illegal street takeover in Pomona LA Times Today: Dangerous street takeovers take a deadly toll on L.A. | |||
| A Wyoming wind farm to power California | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:26:14 | |
There’s a Gold Rush right now happening in Wyoming — for wind. Billionaire developers are putting up wind turbines to help power California and turn the American West, long a place where fossil fuels ruled, into a green energy powerhouse. But not everyone is happy. Today, we get into the challenges around what’s planned to be the largest wind farm in the country. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times energy reporter Sammy Roth More reading: Read our “Repowering the West” series here This power line could save California — and forever change the American West | |||
| An unprecedented use of Mexico's military | 02 Sep 2022 | 00:20:49 | |
Mexico president Andrés Manuel López Obrador came into office promising to get the military off the streets. Instead, he’s more than doubled their numbers. He claims there’s just no other way to handle Mexico’s narco-violence. Today, we look at Mexico’s delicate dance with its military. It’s an institution that’s among the most trusted in the nation, and potentially its most dangerous. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times Latin America correspondent Kate Linthicum More reading: Mexico’s military gains power as president turns from critic to partner Mexico sent in the army to fight the drug war. Many question the toll on society and the army itself | |||
| Melanie Lynskey gets very real with us | 01 Sep 2022 | 00:52:10 | |
For her role as Shauna in “Yellowjackets,” Melanie Lynskey has an Emmy nomination for lead actress in a drama series. Today, we've got another episode from our sister podcast "The Envelope." Lynskey joins host Yvonne Villarreal to dish on how this year has helped her feel more empowered and less underestimated, arriving at a place of self-love after struggling with an eating disorder, and why now is the time for ferocious female characters. She also busts out her Drew Barrymore impression and gets a brief, adorable visit from a special guest. Read the full transcript here. Host: Yvonne Villarreal Guest: Melanie Lynskey More reading: ‘Yellowjackets’ star Melanie Lynskey is celebrating her Emmy nod by ... buying a fridge ‘Yellowjackets’ creators break down ‘heartbreaking’ finale — and your fan theories Sebastian Stan, Melanie Lynskey and more discuss teaching directors about acting | |||
| Less loan debt, more midterm love for Dems? | 31 Aug 2022 | 00:26:21 | |
Millions of Americans who attended college could have their debt completely canceled or reduced under a plan announced by President Joe Biden last week. But the move is unsurprisingly stirring debate among the right and left, but for completely different reasons. Today, we talk about how this announcement might impact the midterms. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times national reporter Arit John More reading: For many with student loans, the interest hurts the most. This congressman would know Student loan forgiveness: Everything you need to know Why Californians with student loans will gain massively from forgiveness plan | |||
| The Haitian dream for America | 30 Aug 2022 | 00:23:14 | |
After displacement from Haiti, an exodus from South America and an epic journey through the Americas, what became of Haitians’ American dream? Today, in the final episode of the “Line in the Land” podcast produced by Texas Public Radio and the Houston Chronicle, we hear from Haitian migrants about where they ended up. Read the full transcript here. Hosts: Joey Palacios of Texas Public Radio, and Elizabeth Trovall with the Houston Chronicle More reading: Listen to all “Line in the Land” episodes The Times podcast: Our nation’s Haitian double standard Haitians in L.A. Spread Out and Blend In
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| Hope, struggles for Afghan refugees in U.S. | 29 Aug 2022 | 00:22:42 | |
One year ago this month, U.S. forces left Afghanistan after 20 years of war. Some 94,000 Afghan nationals, American citizens and lawful permanent residents have arrived in the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Today, we hear some of their stories. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times diaspora reporter Sarah Parvini and photojournalist Marcus Yam More reading: They escaped Afghanistan for California and beyond. But war’s struggles followed them The things they carried when they fled Afghanistan The cadence of war and its human toll: A photojournalist’s perspective A Times journalist’s diary inside the fall of Afghanistan
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| On the GOAT-ness of Serena Williams | 26 Aug 2022 | 00:35:29 | |
In 1999 in New York, Serena Williams won her first major tennis title at the U.S. Open. Everyone knew she was gonna be a star in the sport and a transformational one too, but few thought she would become the greatest of all time. Today, we talk about the legacy of Serena Williams, not just as an athlete, but as a woman — a Black woman. And what’s next for the tennis icon. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: Broadcast journalist Cari Champion More reading: Column: Serena Williams makes a conscious choice to give up tennis and focus on her family Column: The mind of Serena Williams LA Times Today: Serena Williams’ legacy on and off the court | |||
| Colman Domingo on redemption and forgiveness | 25 Aug 2022 | 00:47:21 | |
For his role as Ali in “Euphoria,” Colman Domingo has an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor in a drama series. Today, we've got another episode from our sister podcast, "The Envelope." Domingo joins "The Envelope" host Mark Olsen to discuss how his character — who is the sponsors to a struggling teenage drug addict played by Zendaya — is a symbol of redemption and forgiveness, which he feels our culture desperately needs. He also dishes on why he calls himself a nerd, how he almost walked away from his career, and why being “a shapeshifter” means his real-life looks take people by surprise. Read the full transcript here. More reading: Colman Domingo creates a theater award for Black men Zendaya hopes ‘Euphoria’ fans ‘still see the good’ in Rue after she ‘hits rock bottom’ | |||
| Goodbye, new gas stations in California? | 24 Aug 2022 | 00:16:19 | |
Surprise, surprise: California cities are banning new gas stations and other cities across the world are watching. The bans are part of an ongoing quest to combat climate change, this time on a local municipal level. The movement is small so far, but now even the car capital of the world, Los Angeles, is thinking about it. Today, what would happen if L.A. hops on this no-new-gas-station brigade. And what we can learn from the cities that’ve already done it. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times Fast Break Desk reporter Grace Toohey More reading: California cities ban new gas stations in battle to combat climate change Editorial: Ban new gas stations? There are better ways for L.A. to ditch fossil fuels LA Times Today: California cities ban new gas stations to combat climate change | |||
| So Donald Trump got indicted... | 03 Apr 2023 | 00:25:13 | |
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 coverage: Trump hush-money probe Column: Scandal after scandal, Trump has defied political physics. Will this time be different? | |||
| How Haiti got here | 23 Aug 2022 | 00:25:28 | |
When an earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010, the international community pledged billions of dollars toward recovery. Much of that aid never went to rebuilding Haiti – or even to the Haitian people. But Haiti’s instability goes back even farther. In fact, it has a lot to do with outside political forces dating back to the country’s origin story as the world’s first Black republic. Today, episode 4 of “Line in the Land,” a podcast from Texas Public Radio and the Houston Chronicle. We’ll be back with episode 5 next Tuesday. We’re airing an episode from “A Line in the Land” every Tuesday through the end of August. Read the full transcript here. Host: Joey Palacios with Texas Public Radio and Elizabeth Trovall with the Houston Chronicle. More reading: Haiti’s struggle has worsened in the year since the slaying of its president As Haiti reels from crises, U.S. policy decisions are called into question Op-Ed: The West owes a centuries-old debt to Haiti
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| When your anti-Black coworker is Latino | 22 Aug 2022 | 00:24:44 | |
Two of the largest race discrimination cases investigated by the federal government in the past decade allege widespread abuse of hundreds of Black employees by supervisors and coworkers at warehouses in Southern California’s Inland Empire. Anti-black bias on the job is sadly nothing new. But as the Latino population across the US, and especially California continues to grow, anti-Black bias by Latinos in the workplace is drawing renewed scrutiny. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times labor reporter Margot Roosevelt More reading: In California’s largest race bias cases, Latino workers are accused of abusing Black colleagues Horrific allegations of racism prompt California lawsuit against Tesla | |||
| Who is America? | 19 Aug 2022 | 00:31:33 | |
Since the start of 2021, L.A. Times national correspondent Tyrone Beason has been on the road. He’s doing what a lot of us are thinking about: he’s on a quest to find out what’s up with the United States. In a year-long series called “My Country,” Beason has been trying to find the things that bind us, while also trying to make sense of the issues that keep tearing us apart. Today, we check in with Beason and hear some of his dispatches. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times national correspondent Tyrone Beason More reading: Read Tyrone Beason’s full “My Country” series here In the vastness of the Inland Empire, people of color find ‘peace in these troubled times’ This California wine country town is multicultural. So why do so many feel invisible? | |||
| Better call Rhea Seehorn | 18 Aug 2022 | 00:46:44 | |
For her role as the ethically flexible attorney Kim Wexler in “Better Call Saul,” Rhea Seehorn is nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series. She joins “The Envelope” host Yvonne Villarreal to delve into the show’s last twists and turns and talk about the scariest day on the set. Seehorn also discusses her efforts to balance gratitude with confidence and shares stories about how her father’s alcoholism shaped her. Read the full transcript here. Host: Yvonne Villarreal Guests: Rhea Seehorn More reading: Rhea Seehorn knows her ‘Better Call Saul’ character is toast. And she’s loving every minute A couple that schemes together, dreams together Rhea Seehorn on reading a ‘Better Call Saul’ script: ‘I’m not dead yet. Are you dead?’ | |||
| Babies at a bargain, pricey problems | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:22:26 | |
Decades ago, when you couldn’t conceive or carry a child, your options for becoming a parent were limited. But then in 1978, in-vitro fertilization became possible. But IVF can be very expensive. And one method in particular can lead to heartache and scandal. Today, how one woman’s attempt to offer more affordable surrogacy services collapsed, leaving in its wake heartbroken couples, frustrated surrogates and an FBI investigation. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: Former L.A. Times national correspondent Emily Baumgaertner More reading: She promised babies at bargain prices using surrogates in Mexico. Now the FBI is investigating LA Times Today: Why the FBI is investigating surrogates in Mexico The audio of the first test tube baby, Louise Brown, is from a video news release produced by London Television Service and made available by the BFI National Archive. | |||
| Life and death in the Darién Gap | 16 Aug 2022 | 00:25:43 | |
To get to the U.S. border from South America, Haitians have to trek through an isolated stretch of jungle called the Darién Gap. In the latest episode of “Line in the Land,” a podcast produced by the Houston Chronicle and Texas Public Media, Haitian migrants take listeners with them on a jungle journey like no other. Read the full transcript here. Hosts: Joey Palacios and Elizabeth Trovall More reading: This remote sliver of northwest Colombia is one of the world’s busiest migration corridors Binge all the episodes of Line in the Land here. Episodes are in both English and Spanish. A Line in the Land was made possible, in part, by the Catena Foundation, providing more than 100,000 asylum seekers in the U.S. with community and legal support. Learn more at asylum.news | |||
| The parents at the epicenter of a culture war | 15 Aug 2022 | 00:25:22 | |
Last year, frustrations over COVID-related school closures slammed into the nation’s culture war and tipped an election. It all started in Virginia’s Loudoun County, whose schools became a lightning rod as they grappled with mask mandates, a bathroom policy for transgender students and efforts to fix systemic racial discrimination. Today, we discuss how conservative parents in Virginia began a powerful nationwide movement and how Democrats are trying to win this important voting bloc back. We also explore how parents in Loudoun County really feel. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guest: L.A. Times White House reporter Courtney Subramanian More reading: School boards become battle zones over COVID-19 rules, critical race theory, trans students Opinion: Teachers have to put the welfare of transgender students before their own beliefs | |||
| Why Wyoming's "brand" hates Liz Cheney | 12 Aug 2022 | 00:22:57 | |
You might know Liz Cheney for her recent leadership of the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Her prominent role in the televised hearings has boosted her status nationally, but back at home, in conservative Wyoming, Cheney has effectively been disowned. Her vote to impeach President Trump and the decision to take part in the investigation has forced her into a sort of exile from her home state. | |||
| Sweet, scary, sad, silly Bill Hader | 11 Aug 2022 | 00:36:43 | |
Bill Hader became popular on "Saturday Night Live" with silly characters like Stefon, but his titular character on the HBO show "Barry" is more twisted and brilliant. It’s a great dark comedy about a hitman who wants to become an actor and how his worlds collide. In this conversation with “The Envelope” host Mark Olsen, Bill brings both the fun and the darkness: He’s pleasant and light, and he laughs while talking about some of the most disturbing things on his show. Read the full transcript here. | |||
| House music forever | 10 Aug 2022 | 00:25:25 | |
This summer, some of the biggest names in music decided that we all need to dance. Drake, Beyoncé, Charlie XCX, Bad Bunny — they all departed from their usual styles to create albums inspired by a genre called house music. Today, we talk about how house music became the sound of liberation and why it’s back and more mainstream than ever. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times pop music reporter August Brown More reading: Beyoncé returns with liberating house jam ‘Break My Soul’ The Gold Line carries house music to downtown L.A. The Beyoncé effect: ‘Break My Soul’ propels ’90s star Robin S and the Great Resignation | |||
| Can music make people care about climate change? | 31 Mar 2023 | 00:29:07 | |
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. Read the full transcript here. Host: Rosanna Xia Guests: Lucy Jones More reading: Column One: Can music inspire more people to care about climate change? Lucy Jones is leaving her job - to shake up more than just earthquakes | |||
| A Haitian Odyssey Episode 2: Chile | 09 Aug 2022 | 00:22:57 | |
Today, we offer episode 2 of “A Line in the Land,” from our friends at Texas Public Radio and the Houston Chronicle. It’s a podcast that explores the human story behind the Haitian immigration journey. On this episode, hosts Elizabeth Trovall and Joey Palacios try to answer the question of why many Haitians went to Chile after Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. And what happened to those refugees when the Chilean government became more hostile to immigration. | |||
| Taiwan prepares for China's wrath | 08 Aug 2022 | 00:22:09 | |
Last week, Nancy Pelosi became the first House Speaker in a quarter century to visit Taiwan. China viewed Pelosi’s trip as a direct challenge. As tensions over the self-governed island ratchet up, Taiwan is preparing for war. But are its people ready? | |||
| Jennifer Coolidge welcomes her closeup | 05 Aug 2022 | 00:38:49 | |
Jennifer Coolidge has a career full of memorable roles, from the “American Pie” franchise to the “Legally Blonde” series and the mock documentaries of Christopher Guest. But it wasn’t until her role in HBO’s hit “The White Lotus” that she finally earned critical respect. Today, Coolidge talks about her life and career — and what’s next. Read the full transcript here. Hosts: Mark Olsen and Yvonne Villarreal Guests: Jennifer Coolidge More reading: Jennifer Coolidge gets vulnerable Jennifer Coolidge dreamed of being a dramatic actor. ‘White Lotus’ was her chance e-envelope-podcast | |||
| Vin Scully, the greatest | 04 Aug 2022 | 00:26:56 | |
Vin Scully was the broadcaster for the Dodgers baseball franchise for 67 years, from its time in Brooklyn through its move to Los Angeles. In the process, he not only became a sports legend; he became a summer soundtrack for generations of fans in Southern California and beyond. Today, we remember the life and legacy of Vin Scully. Read the full transcript here. Host: Former fellow for The Times, Angel Carreras Guests: L.A. Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, sportscaster Bob Costas More reading: Complete coverage: Remembering the life of Dodgers announcer Vin Scully (1927-2022) Column: Vin Scully’s voice, a serenade of rebirth, will live on forever in Los Angeles Column: Vaya con Dios, Vin Scully — a beacon of possibility for generations in L.A. | |||
| A place of friendship at the border closes | 03 Aug 2022 | 00:27:05 | |
On the U.S.-Mexico border, where San Diego ends and Tijuana begins right next to the Pacific Ocean, there’s a place called Friendship Park. It opened over 50 years ago and was meant to be a symbol of the binational community that stretches across the border. Friendship Park eventually became an unlikely place for poignant cross-border reunions. But since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Friendship Park has been shut down. And there’s a good chance it might not reopen. We get into its history and future today. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: San Diego Union-Tribune border reporter Kate Morrissey More reading: Once a symbol of binational unity, Friendship Park could close to cross-border reunions forever | |||
| A Haitian Odyssey Episode 1: Texas | 02 Aug 2022 | 00:24:18 | |
We bring you episode 1 of “Line in the Land,” a new podcast from Texas Public Radio and the Houston Chronicle that explores the human story behind the Haitians traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border in search of a better life. Read the full transcript here. Hosts: Joey Palacios with Texas Public Radio, and Elizabeth Trovall with the Houston Chronicle. More reading: Inside the brutal 10,000-mile journey Haitian migrants make in search of a home Podcast: Our nation’s Haitian double standard Opinion: Helping one child at a time in Haiti 10 years after the devastation | |||
| Her life, her body, her death | 01 Aug 2022 | 00:24:48 | |
On July 16, Gabriella Walsh carried out a decision months in the making; a process involving her loved ones and medical providers. She drank a fatal dose of medication prescribed under California’s so-called death-with-dignity law, which allows some terminally ill patients to request drugs to end their lives. Today, we tell the story of Walsh, and hear her talk about why she decided to end her life on her own terms. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times reporter Marisa Gerber, and L.A. Times photographer Dania Maxwell More reading: One last trip: Gabriella Walsh’s decision to die — and celebrate life — on her own terms Death-with-dignity movement springs back to life in California California lawmakers vote to speed up state process for terminally ill to end their lives
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| What you need to know about monkeypox | 29 Jul 2022 | 00:20:20 | |
Monkeypox is on the rise, and now officially considered a global health emergency. Cases in the U.S. number in the thousands and only took a week to double here in Los Angeles. The viral disease has, so far, mostly affected the LGBTQ community, but anyone can get it. So how worried should we be? Today, we talk about what to know and answer listener questions. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times breaking news reporter Grace Toohey More reading: Monkeypox spreads in L.A. County, but vaccine shortage persists. What to know World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global emergency San Francisco officials declare state of emergency as monkeypox spreads | |||
| The drought, this time in northern Mexico | 28 Jul 2022 | 00:19:56 | |
A drought has drained the reservoirs that provide most of the water for 5 million residents who live around Monterrey, the financial capital of northern Mexico. The crisis has sparked widespread upheaval. Anger is mounting at government officials who allow the region’s factories to continue pulling water from the strained aquifer via private wells while some residents are left without water for days. Today, we take a look at the city and an unfolding crisis that experts say is a stark warning for the rest of Mexico and the American West. Read the full transcript. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times foreign correspondent Kate Linthicum More reading: Taps have run dry in Monterrey, Mexico, where there is water for factories but not for residents Podcast: Drought wants your carne asada and iPhone Western megadrought is worst in 1,200 years, intensified by climate change, study finds
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| He took Trump's Jan. 6 close-up | 27 Jul 2022 | 00:20:51 | |
The Jan. 6 House subcommittee investigating the events of that day have poured through thousands of hours of videos. But during the hearings, the public also got a sneak preview of even more moments caught on tape — from a documentary that tells the events of the U.S. Capitol insurrection through a behind-the-scenes view of Donald Trump. Today, we’re talking with documentary filmmaker Alex Holder about his movie “Unprecedented,” which aired this month on Discovery Plus. The documentary offers an inside view into the Trump organization right as Jan. 6 was happening. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: Filmmaker Alex Holder More reading: Jan. 6 panel to receive Trump family footage from 2020 election and Capitol insurrection Five takeaways from the Trump Jan. 6 documentary ‘Unprecedented’ A new Trump doc was subpoenaed by Jan. 6 committee. It’s not as revelatory as it sounds | |||
| The RV homeless encampments of L.A. | 29 Mar 2023 | 00:19:17 | |
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 complicated reasons why Los Angeles still has so many RV encampments Q&A: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass: ‘The city is demanding the tents go away’ Los Angeles lifts moratorium on towing RVs, pledges to move problem campers | |||
| What do Gillian Anderson and Eleanor Roosevelt have in common? | 26 Jul 2022 | 00:30:56 | |
It’s Emmy season, so we’ve got another episode of the “Envelope” for you. This time, it’s an in-depth conversation with Gillian Anderson, who plays Eleanor Roosevelt in “The First Lady.” Anderson talks about how Eleanor Roosevelt was the brains behind the FDR presidency, the focus on Roosevelt’s loving relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok in “The First Lady,” and why it took her some time to click with “Sex Education.” Taking on a historical figure isn’t new for Anderson — who also plays Margaret Thatcher in “The Crown” and Catherine’s mother, Joanna, in “The Great.” Nor is portraying a character who stays in her lane, which wasn’t a stretch from Anderson’s own personality. Follow the "Envelope" wherever you listen to podcasts. Read the full transcript here. | |||
| Beyoncé, Beyoncé, Beyoncé — Beyoncé! | 25 Jul 2022 | 00:20:33 | |
Beyoncé is getting ready to bring the world her seventh studio album this Friday. Rumors are already swirling about what genre she’ll showcase, what themes she’ll explore and more. We already got a hint with the single “Break My Soul,” which has popped across dance floors all summer. Even if you’re not part of Beyoncé's Beyhive counting down the days until the album release, it’s hard to deny that the artist is iconic — a total game changer. But how did she get here, and how does she remain relevant? We get into that today. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times pop music critic Mikael Woods More reading: Beyoncé has made music history — again — with chart-topping ‘Break My Soul’ Beyoncé's ‘Renaissance’ album cover is here. Saddle up and bow down to the queen Beyoncé returns with liberating house jam ‘Break My Soul’
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| The 411 on the 988 suicide hotline | 22 Jul 2022 | 00:17:50 | |
Remember this number: 988. The new three-digit hotline is now the 911 equivalent for mental health emergencies. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health. And experts say the pandemic, racial violence and political unrest are behind an uptick in suicides across the country. That’s why last weekend’s launch of the nationwide mental health crisis hotline couldn’t come soon enough. Today, as part of “For Your Mind,” Los Angeles Times’ new initiative exploring mental health from multiple angles, we talk about the hopes and challenges ahead for the 988 hotline. Will it help fundamentally change how the U.S. treats and considers mental health, or will it fail like so many efforts before it? Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: Jaclyn Cosgrove, assistant editor at the Los Angeles Times and manager of “For Your Mind” More reading: Op-Ed: Will the new 988 hotline be a game changer for mental health or a missed opportunity? New 988 hotline is the 911 for mental health emergencies Editorial: For crisis response, press 988 — and pass a bill to keep it funded | |||
| Musicians for abortion rights redux | 21 Jul 2022 | 00:22:17 | |
When the annual Glastonbury music festival happened this year, performers openly criticized on stage the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, which happened that same week. It recalled a similar movement nearly 30 years earlier, when feminist rock groups started Rock for Choice and rallied a generation to fight for abortion access. Today, the history of that movement — and whether it can happen again. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times music reporter Suzy Exposito More reading: In the ’90s, a new breed of rock stars organized for abortion rights. Could that happen today? Phoebe Bridgers, Olivia Rodrigo and other performers slam Supreme Court at Glastonbury | |||
| Simone Ashley’s ‘Bridgerton’ breakthrough | 20 Jul 2022 | 00:55:06 | |
It’s Emmy season, so we’re dropping another episode of our sister podcast, the “Envelope." Today, an in-depth conversation with actor Simone Ashley. Ashley has always been a fan of the romance genre, but before being cast as Kate in “Bridgerton,” playing the lead in a period drama seemed improbable to her. “I never imagined that a woman who looked like me could be a part of one,” she says. In this episode of "The Envelope" podcast, Ashley discusses embracing the political aspects of her career, how acting on “Sex Education” prepared her for "Bridgerton" and how her upbringing taught her to dream big. | |||
| Pregnant and homeless in Hollywood | 19 Jul 2022 | 00:30:03 | |
In 2018, the L.A. Times began to follow Mckenzie Trahan, a pregnant homeless woman living in Hollywood. Over the next four years, a Times reporter, photographer and videographer tracked Trahan’s life as she tried to find housing and become a mom. Today, we hear about her journey. Read the full transcript here. Host: L.A. Times photographer Christina House More reading: Pregnant, homeless and living in a tent: Meet Mckenzie She spent decades as a nomad. But her daughter’s pregnancy brought her back to L.A. We chronicled one homeless woman’s motherhood journey since 2018 | |||
| Burnout at the front lines of disasters | 18 Jul 2022 | 00:20:47 | |
So many disasters, so little time. And it’s the same group of people on the front lines, year after year. What happens when they get tired? Today, our Masters of Disaster talk about burnout among firefighters, scientists, doctors and the people we trust to take on the biggest calamities nature throws at us — as well as how to hold on to a little hope. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times reporters Rong-Gong Lin II, Rosanna Xia and Alex Wigglesworth More reading: Hellish fires, low pay, trauma: California’s Forest Service firefighters face a morale crisis Almost 9 in 10 Californians live in areas with high COVID-19 levels as BA.5 fuels infections Editorial: Let’s make 2022 the year we all get angry about climate inaction | |||
| The mountain lion that captured L.A.'s heart | 15 Jul 2022 | 00:27:03 | |
He’s animal royalty in the City of Angels; an ambassador for conservation and for the random beauty this megalopolis offers. But P-22 is also a poster boy for something sadder. The mountain lion is thought to be about 12, and nearing the end of his life. He’s an eternal bachelor, cut off from the rest of his species and a symbol of what’s left of LA’s once-incredible ecosystems that are just barely holding on. Today, the story of the cougar who stole L.A.'s heart. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times enterprise reporter Laura J. Nelson More reading: He’s terminally single and getting old. What’s next for P-22, L.A.’s favorite wild bachelor? A week in the life of P‑22, the big cat who shares Griffith Park with millions of people
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| Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, together for us | 14 Jul 2022 | 00:30:03 | |
It’s Emmys season, and the “Envelope” is here for it. So once a week for the next couple of weeks, we’re going to feature an episode of our sister podcast in “The Times.” First up: Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, who recently wrapped up their much-beloved Netflix series, “Grace and Frankie.” In this episode, the duo laugh and cry with us while reflecting on their decades long friendship, their mutual admiration for their “9 to 5” co-star Dolly Parton, who reunited with them for the final episode, and the lies people tell about aging and death. Subscribe to the "Envelope" here or wherever you listen to podcasts. Read the full transcript here. | |||
| What happened to Lora Lee, Part 2 | 13 Jul 2022 | 00:31:50 | |
For over a year, L.A. Times entertainment reporter Stacy Perman tried to track down Lora Lee Michel, a former child star whose custody case scandalized 1940s Hollywood. Michel went through a string of marriages — and then disappeared. In Part 2 of our miniseries, Perman finds out Michel’s shocking fate. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times entertainment reporter Stacy Perman More reading: Podcast: What happened to Lora Lee? Part 1 A child star at 7, in prison at 22. Then she vanished. What happened to Lora Lee Michel? Explaining Hollywood: Your child wants to act. What do you need to know? | |||
| How college gymnasts can finally cash in | 27 Mar 2023 | 00:24:32 | |
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 lives. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times college sports and NBA reporter Thuc Nhi Nguyen
More reading:
Once empowered by Title IX, female athletes are now among big winners in new NIL era
‘My medals are my armor.’ Jordan Chiles’ persistence guides her pursuit of greatness
How California paved the way for college athletes to cash in big | |||
| What Happened to Lora Lee? | 12 Jul 2022 | 00:18:29 | |
Throughout the history of Hollywood, child entertainers have consistently clashed with their parents and guardians who manage their money and lives. The stories of kid stars like Britney Spears and Gary Coleman are well known. But long before them, was child actor Lora Lee Michel. In the 1940s, Michel became a famed Hollywood actress at age 7, working alongside screen legends like Humphrey Bogart and Gary Cooper. But by the time she was 22, she landed in prison. Then she disappeared. Today, part 1 of a two-part series tracing Michel’s life. It’s a story that reveals the underbelly of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the perils facing child actors. Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times Company Town reporter Stacy Perman More reading: A child star at 7, in prison at 22. Then she vanished. What happened to Lora Lee Michel? An old VHS tape gives a son a glimpse of his father’s shot at fame in 1960s Hollywood Explaining Hollywood: Your child wants to act. What do you need to know? | |||
| California's carbon-capture controversy | 11 Jul 2022 | 00:18:58 | |
Lawmakers want California to eliminate the state’s carbon footprint altogether by 2045. They’re taking all sorts of steps to get to that ambitious goal; from phasing out gas-powered engines in new cars and lawnmowers to electrifying home stoves. But there’s an even bigger plan ahead, one that environmental experts say could derail it all. Today, we talk about California’s plan to pump carbon gas into the ground. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel, but that’s exactly what California says is key to be able to make the state carbon neutral. Can it work? Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times air quality reporter Tony Briscoe More reading: Pollution from California’s 2020 wildfires likely offset decades of air quality gains How California will fight Supreme Court’s limits on EPA climate enforcement | |||
| Biden's bold moves abroad to win at home | 08 Jul 2022 | 00:20:04 | |
In the 5 months since Russia’s invasion, the American public’s attention has turned back to problems at home — and US President Joe Biden hasn’t gotten a good grade for his handling of them. But last week, he was able to lead major policy breakthroughs at the NATO and G7 summits. Today, can President Biden’s push to spread democracy abroad help him deal with various crises back home? Read the full transcript here. Host: Gustavo Arellano Guests: L.A. Times White House reporter Eli Stokols More reading: Biden commits to more U.S. forces in Europe as NATO invites Sweden and Finland to join Implored by Zelensky, Biden and G-7 allies will increase Ukraine defense aid, economic support | |||