AirTalk

Today on AirTalk, from long lines to locked bathrooms, Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, run by billionaire Elon Musk, sends national parks and other federal-run agencies into chaos after a huge round of layoffs. How will your camping trips be affected and what is the lasting impact of this decision? A psychologist joins us to talk about the place nostalgia holds in our lives. The meaning of nostalgia is not universally accepted, which raises questions like; why do we get nostalgic for difficult times, and why do we idealize the past? For Food Friday we are diving into the deliciously intricate world of Caribbean cuisine with the co-owner of Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA. Today on AirTalk: From long lines to locked bathrooms, federal layoffs send national parks into understaffed chaos (0:15) What is nostalgia and why do we depend on it? (21:46) Food Friday: Caribbean cuisine (39:04)

Today on AirTalk, we're speaking with experts in economics to understand what is causing inflation rates to steadily rise. We want to hear from listeners about the toy that made their childhood. What was your favorite? CA electricity rates among highest in country and climbing, why? We are doing a round up of the latest in the NBA, including All-Star games, Dončić Lakers debut, and the 3-point revolution. We finish off the show with TV Talk. We're reviewing Zero Day, Good Cop/Bad Cop, Cobra Kai to name a few. Today on AirTalk: Why is inflation getting worse? (0:15) The toys that made your childhood (31:20) CA electricity rates among highest in country and climbing (51:26) NBA roundup: Dončić Lakers debut and All-star games (1:11:32) TV Talk: Zero Day, and more (1:26:47)

Today on AirTalk, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, slams President Trump for his comments on Russia negotiations, accusing him of spreading disinformation about the conflict. Trump has given U.S. schools 14 days to end DEI programs or risk losing federal funding. How are LAUSD schools handling the ultimatum? The California Latino Legislative Caucus has historically been made up of Democrats. As CA politics change, is it time to admit GOP members? We're taking a look at how the California agriculture industry may be affected by Trump's second term trade decisions. L.A. breakfast and brunch restaurants are making a killing. How will their business be affected by egg prices? Today on AirTalk: Zelenskyy slams Trump for Russia conflict disinformation (0:15) Countdown to end DEI in schools or risk federal funding (20:12) Should the CA Latino Caucus admit GOP members? (34:01) Four-year CA agriculture forecast (51:31) L.A. breakfast spots face steep egg prices (1:23:21)

Today on AirTalk, what do students and parents need to know about the Los Angeles Unified School District cellphone ban and how has rollout been on the first day of implementation? Location sharing has become very popular in relationships. What do you think, is it a must for trust or a violation of privacy? We're also looking back at the biggest weather events in SoCal history. For today's Tripleplay, we're talking season outlooks from the Dodger's spring training. The author of a new book on Dodger's legend, Don Drysdale, joins us for a preview. Today on AirTalk: LAUSD cellphone ban begins today (0:15) The pleasures and pitfalls of location sharing with partners (30:08) SoCal History: Major weather events (51:01) Tripleplay: Dodgers Spring Training season outlooks (1:09:56) New book on the legacy of Dodger Legend Don Drysdale (1:25:30)

Today on AirTalk, L.A. faces flooding, mudslides and debris flows in the streets after a massive rainstorm reached its peak yesterday. What will recovery efforts look like after this abundance of rainwater? Last year, an LAist survey of Angelenos found a majority consensus that homelessness is the "same or worse." As a homeless count approaches next week, we want to hear from listeners; how do we move forward on the issue of homelessness? Is technology a helpful tool or a handicap to human intelligence and relationships? Experts weigh in on the question: have we become too dependent on our tech? For Food Friday, we're celebrating a Valentine's Day go-to: chocolate. Today on AirTalk: Flooding, mudslides, debris: LA recovers after massive rainstorm (0:15) Homelessness is the "same or worse" according to majority of Angelenos (18:13) Technology: helpful tool or handicap to human intelligence? (31:45) Celebrating V-day with Mignon Chocolate (39:55)

Today on AirTalk, as the heaviest storm of the season rains down on Los Angeles, we're looking at the potential threat of mudslides in the wildfire burn areas and we'll tell you how to stay prepared. An SF Bay Area city becomes the first in the state to ban ‘aiding’ or ‘abetting’ homeless encampments, we're talking to officials to get the details. A seminal work of jazz and protest music is reimagined for one night only. at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage. As wildfire cleanup gets underway, renters want to know what, if anything, they will be held responsible for. With Valentine's Day on its way, we want to hear some V-day horror stories from listenrers. Stay until the end of the show for TV Talk. We'll look at 'The White Lotus,' 'Mo,' 'Harlem Ice,' and more! Today on AirTalk: Weather conditions threaten mudslides in LA (0:15) CA city bans ‘aiding’ or ‘abetting’ homeless encampments (19:47) Seminal jazz album gets reimagined for one night (39:52) Wildfire cleanup for renters (51:87) Valentine's Day horror stories (1:11:19) TV Talk: 'Mo,' and more (1:25:48)

Today on AirTalk, we're bringing you information on how people are preparing for the 'large scale' immigration enforcement action mentioned in a leaked federal document last week as well as a broader look at deportation efforts in Southern California. How might Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding cuts impact public media stations? A new book, A Siren's Call, looks at attention as currency and the author is here to give us a preview. Experts analyze the constitutionality of Trump's flurry of executive orders. We're navigating life after children and we want to know how you balanced your life and marriage after having kids. Today on AirTalk: The latest on immigration and SoCal deportation efforts (0:15) CPB cuts may impact public media stations (17:13) New book asks: how valuable is our attention? 35:23 Trump's EOs raise constitutional questions 51:35 Prioritizing your marriage after kids (1:20:39)

Today on AirTalk, the 'strongest storm of the season' is on its way toward LA this week, what do you need to know to prepare? AI chatbots have started "reasoning" aloud to themselves, and the tech world is shaken by the affordable DeepSeek AI. Call in and share your experience as a user of AI chatbots. A new book poses the question: Is our lack of discretion making us dumber? And, President Trump has put a halt on electric vehicle charging funds. What does this mean for California's EV infrastructure? A new study finds that more people prioritize work-life balance over pay. What's more important to you? Today on AirTalk: 'Strongest storm' of the season arrives this week in LA (0:15) Why have AI chatbots started talking to themselves? (12:57 Is our lack of discretion making us dumber? (34:18) CA EV infrastructure after Trump halts funds (52:17) Prioritizing work-life balance over pay (1:24:23)

Today on AirTalk, L.A. wildfires destroyed many lithium batteries in the area, what does this mean for the future of clean energy? Our SoCal History segment is a look at Black commercial centers in Los Angeles. A new book called 'American Oasis' takes a hard look at the livability of the terrain that the U.S. Southwest's biggest cities stand on. What does the future of cable news look like after years of low ratings? We have the directors of the Oscar-winning documentary 'Porcelain War,' to talk about the making of the film. At the end of the show, we want listeners to call i and share the pop-culture quotes that are commonplace in their households. Today on AirTalk: Clean energy in LA post-wildfires (0:15) SoCal History: Black commercial centers (15:40) 'American Oasis' book on U.S. Southwest cities (35:14) The future of cable news (51:33) Directors on the Oscar-winning doc 'Porcelain War' (1:08:37) Most quotable pop-culture moments (1:27:54)

Today on AirTalk, as Superbowl Sunday approaches, we're debating whether or not halftime performer Kendrick Lamar will play his mega-hit diss track, 'Not Like Us,' while the defamation lawsuit over the song is ongoing. What do you think, should he perform it? We also want to hear about your favorite halftime shows in history and what made them stand out. We're talking to a linguistics expert about the place slang holds in our lives. Call in and tell us your favorite slang words or which ones you never want to hear again. For Food Friday, we're trying the reigning champion of Super Bowl foods: chicken wings. Today on AirTalk: A look at legendary Super Bowl halftime shows as Kendrick Lamar is set to perform amid looming lawsuit (0:15) How do slang words come to be and which ones would you bring back? (19:50) Food Friday: Where to get chicken wings for Super Bowl Sunday (30:05)

Today on AirTalk, we're talking to local small business owners who were affected by the fires to see how they are faring and what's next. We have fire restoration experts here to answer questions about the process for survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires. Manuel Betancourt's new book attempts to answer the question of how pop culture affects our relationships. What does the future of gender-affirming care look like in L.A. as the Children's Hospital announces a pause on those treatments. A new short doc, Locationland explores famous filming locations in L.A. And, for TV Talk we're covering The Bachelor, Wild Cards, Clean Slate, and much more! Today on AirTalk: Checking on local businesses affected by fires (0:15) Fire restoration experts Q&A (20:14) New book on pop culture and relationships (36:29) Future of gender-affirming care in CA (51:24) Doc series on famous LA filming locations (1:07:05) TV Talk: The Bachelor and many more (1:23:59)

Today on AirTalk, as the world responds to President Trump's comments on the possible U.S. "takeover" of Gaza, we're talking to experts about what these statements could mean. We're also looking into the effects of Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to dismantle USAID. Pew Research has released a new plan for turning LA office spaces into housing. Is it feasible? For the second hour of the show, we will be celebrating AirTalk's 40th anniversary by hearing the life story of our host Larry Mantle from the radio legend himself. Today on AirTalk: World responds to Trump's comments on Gaza "takeover" (0:15) Trump and Musk dismantle USAID (16:30) Pew Research releases new plan for adapting LA office spaces into housing (33:43) Larry Mantle's life story (51:53)

Today on AirTalk, fill in host Jacob Margolis takes an early look at the atmospheric river that will be hitting Los Angeles later this month. Also on the show, we explore how debris runoff could impact the ocean; we look at how rebuilding efforts may be impacted by tarrifs; journalist Stephen J. Dubner stops by to talk about their upcoming LAist live event; and more. Today on AirTalk: We check in on SoCal weather (0:15) How might debris runoff impact the ocean? (17:55) The latest on home insurance rates (33:14) Will tarrifs affect LA's fire rebuilds? (51:21) Rebuilding a fire-resistant property (1:09:05) Stephen J. Dubner talks 'Freakonomics' (1:18:40) Asteroid news (1:30:39)

Today on AirTalk, we're going over the economic fallout of Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. What is a Wildlife-Urban Interface and how are the people who live in those areas affected by wildfires? While Northern California may be the first to come to mind when you think of the Gold Rush, down here in the south there is plenty of gold mining history. Patt Morrison of the LA Times is here to give us the details. In recent months, the coffee industry giant Starbucks has made many changes to its business practices. We're looking at what those changes might signify about the future of the company. Did you know that the music you hear in public spaces is likely curated? We're looking into how they use music to make you buy. Today on AirTalk: Local impacts of Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China (0:15) Do you live in a Wildlife-Urban Interface? Find out. (17:50) SoCal History: Gold mining (31:15) Changes to Starbucks' business practices (51:30) Could there be a nuclear energy revival in CA? (1:11:32) The careful curation of music in public spaces (1:22:13)

Today on AirTalk, California Attorney General Rob Bonta talks price gouging in the wake of the L.A. wildfires and challenging the Trump administration. What TV show do you find yourself returning to again and again for comfort? Call in and share it with us. For Food Friday, we're celebrating Lunar New Year with delicious food from Bone Kettle. California AG on price gouging, challenging Trump and more (00:17) What’s your go-to comfort TV show? (20:41) Food Friday: Celebrating the Lunar New Year (40:07) FilmWeek: 'Companion,' and more (51:21) FilmWeek Feature: New Book ‘Falling in Love at the Movies' (1:24:55)

Today on AirTalk, the latest on the aviation collision in Washington D.C. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors votes to ask the state to suspend some building requirements in areas affected by recent wildfires. Travel writer, Rick Steves, previews his new memoir. Self-censorship in academic faculty poll findings. Going over Grammy nominations and what to expect from this year's awards. This week on TV Talk: ‘Paradise,’ ‘Funny Woman,’ ‘Elsbeth,’ and more! Today on AirTalk: What we know about the aviation collision in D.C. (0:15) LA County Supes vote to suspend housing regulations in areas affected by fires (20:19) Travel writer on new memoir (31:20) Self-censorship poll (51:25) Grammy's preview (1:09:04) TV Talk: Paradise, and more! (1:24:48)

Today on AirTalk, we're covering the new RV lot that opened in Crenshaw for unhoused people. We're getting into the concept of collective trauma and how the recent wildfires may affect mental health long term. Author Pico Iyer will preview his newest book 'Aflame.' As wildfire debris removal gets underway, concerns about where it will be dumped are raised. A new study looks into the life expectancy of adults with ADHD and finds it to be significantly shorter. Today on AirTalk: RV lot opens in Crenshaw for unhoused people (0:15) Collective trauma from the LA fires (11:01) Pic Iyer's new book: Aflame (32:04) Where will LA fire debris go? (50:37) NASA's JPL missions for 2025 (1:12:15) Do adults with ADHD have a shorter life expectancy? (1:23:49)

Today on AirTalk, we'll start by talking to County Supervisors for any fire-related updates. Trump has put a freeze on federal funding, what does that mean for the people who depend on it? An author will be previewing his new book about socializing in a digital age. We're taking a look at the implications of Trump's recent executive order on sex and gender with a legal expert. A new study finds a morning-after pill that can be used, in higher doses, as an abortion drug. We'll end the show talking with listeners about the dumbest arguments they have ever had with their partners. Today on AirTalk: County Supervisors give fire update (0:15) Trump's federal funding freeze (17:03) Superbloom: book on socializing in a digital age (32:36) Trump's LGBTQ+ policy changes (51:27) The morning-after pill that may be used for abortions (1:09:17) The dumbest argument you've had (1:23:38)

Today on AirTalk, we're talking about the AI app that has sent U.S. tech stocks reeling in its wake. We'll consult with experts on how Trump's environmental policies might affect CA's goals in that area. We're talking with Bill Deverell, an L.A.-based historian, who wrote an essay on how we can use SoCal history to guide our rebuilding efforts after the fires. We'll be using the Oscar-nominated film The Brutalist to start a larger conversation about the use of AI audio in the film industry. We'll end the show with a conversation about the future of the Progressive Party in the U.S. Today on AirTalk: What is the AI app that sent tech stocks reeling? (0:15) How will Trump's policies affect CA's environmental goals (15:45) Using history to guide rebuilding efforts in SoCal (33:51) LA schools take on reopening (51:27) AI audio in films (1:13:08) The state of U.S. Progressivism (1:27:56)

Today on AirTalk, we're breaking down the disaster aid coming to California in response to the wildfires. How much is coming, where is it coming from and why has Trump threatened to withhold it? As President Trump takes the first steps toward ending DEI in the U.S., we're talking about the historical context of DEI practices and getting into what exactly it is. This Food Friday, we're joined by the owners of the popular burger joint, Heavy Handed, who have been serving free food to survivors of the L.A. fires. Today on AirTalk: Guide to California fire aid (0:15) The history of DEI and Trump's plans to end it (21:22) Food Friday: Burger joint serves free food to fire victims (40:40)