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California Love

Arts & Culture Podcasts

California Love is a blend of memoir, pop culture analysis and oral history. The newest season, K-pop Dreaming, is about the rise and history of K-pop in the United States, as told from the point-of-view of the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles. Host Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey from K-pop’s origins in Korean trot music and American presence in post-war South Korea to the 1992 LA Uprising and the booming global popularity of K-pop in the present day, all juxtaposed against Yoon’s own coming-of-age as a second generation immigrant in Los Angeles, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity. The series premieres on February 23rd. In the first season Walter Thompson-Hernández was inspired by Tupac and Dr. Dre's "California Love"- a love letter and anthem for a generation. Walter invites listeners to join him in his family home, on horseback through the streets of Compton, and up into the sky to examine belonging.

Location:

United States

Description:

California Love is a blend of memoir, pop culture analysis and oral history. The newest season, K-pop Dreaming, is about the rise and history of K-pop in the United States, as told from the point-of-view of the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles. Host Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey from K-pop’s origins in Korean trot music and American presence in post-war South Korea to the 1992 LA Uprising and the booming global popularity of K-pop in the present day, all juxtaposed against Yoon’s own coming-of-age as a second generation immigrant in Los Angeles, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity. The series premieres on February 23rd. In the first season Walter Thompson-Hernández was inspired by Tupac and Dr. Dre's "California Love"- a love letter and anthem for a generation. Walter invites listeners to join him in his family home, on horseback through the streets of Compton, and up into the sky to examine belonging.

Language:

English


Episodes

HTLA Presents: Revival House: Part 5 - The Highland Theatre says Goodbye

3/28/2024
Revival House is breaking format for this episode, and we’re saying goodbye to a historic first-run movie theater. The Highland Theatre in Highland Park was one of the only movie theaters in Northeast LA. A designated historic cultural monument, the exterior will remain intact, but its future is uncertain. In this episode, How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro chats with host Brian De Los Santos about community memories, the history of the theater, and what might be next… Links we mentioned in this episode: Eastsider LA Los Angeles Theatres Guests: Highland Park Independent Film Festival co-founder and executive director, Marita De La Torre; historian and film professor Ross Melnick, and local employee Denise Hernandez

Duration:00:11:59

Imperfect Paradise presents The Forgotten Revolutionary Redux: Part 1

3/27/2024
Imperfect Paradise: The Forgotten Revolutionary, the 2022 podcast from LAist Studios, has been optioned by Participant and is simultaneously being developed as a scripted and documentary limited series. Part 1: Oscar Gomez was a star of the 1990s Chicano student movement and then, unexpectedly, he died. A rattling event in host Adolfo Guzman-Lopez’s life spurs him to investigate Oscar’s death. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Duration:00:32:55

Imperfect Paradise presents The Forgotten Revolutionary Redux: Part 2

3/27/2024
Part 2: Adolfo learns that there was a dark side to Oscar’s experience in the Chicano student movement. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Duration:00:46:10

HTLA Presents: Revival House: Part 4 - The Gardena Cinema's Fight to Stay Open

3/21/2024
As we continue our series "Revival House," How To LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to the South Bay of LA. We're checking out the Gardena Cinema, which pivoted to revival screenings relatively recently. The theater has been owned by the Kim family since 1976, and is now a non-profit run by Judy Kim and a team of 40 volunteers. Kim has saved the cinema from closures a handful of times now, and has also built up an incredible community of folks dedicated to keeping the cinema running. Join us as we explore this theater's past and future. Guests: Theater owner Judy Kim and volunteers Adela Tobon, Bill DeFrance, Cifen, and Conor Holt.

Duration:00:23:04

Imperfect Paradise presents LAist Investigates: The Unknown Mandate - Accessing Medication Abortion at California Universities

3/20/2024
Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido is joined by LAist Senior Health Reporter Jackie Fortier and Higher Education Correspondent Adolfo Guzman-Lopez to break down their investigation into why many students and faculty across California's public universities don't know that medication abortion is mandated on their campuses. This is the latest LAist Investigates episode on Imperfect Paradise that highlights reporting from our newsroom. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes first-hand description of an outpatient abortion procedure. For additional information and resources, you can visit https://abortion.ca.gov/ Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Duration:00:34:00

HTLA Presents: How Not To Be Lonely: Part 4 - Why Are Men So Lonely These Days?

3/16/2024
Part 4: Why Are Men So Lonely These Days? For the next installment of our series on How to Not Be Lonely in LA, we're honing in on one demographic: Men. In all the conversations we’ve been having with people about loneliness and human connection...be it with experts or every day Angelenos …this theme kept coming up: In a nation in the midst of a loneliness epidemic, A LOT of people are lonely. But men, typically, are the loneliest. Today, How To LA producer Megan Botel speaks to experts in the male experience to unpack the reasons why men tend to be lonelier than women, the importance of male friendships, and how men can create meaningful connections. Guests: Richard Reeves, writer, professor and president of the American Institute for Boys and Men; Shannon Carpenter, author of the book The Ultimate Stay-At-Home Dad. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit the 988 website for online chat.

Duration:00:24:12

HTLA Presents: Revival House: Part 3 - Vidiots Brings 60,000 DVDs and a New Theater to a Historic Space

3/14/2024
Neon! Mullets! Video stores! Relive the 80s with us... As we continue our series "Revival House," How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to Eagle Rock to check out Vidiots. The iconic video store opened in Santa Monica in the 80s, and closed its doors in 2017. But, Vidiots reopened last year in the historic Eagle theater. And yes, all of its 60,000 DVDs made the move too. Vidiots has made renting a movie cool again – and you can check out any DVD in their massive catalog for just $3. And, the renovated theater will be hosting screenings as part of the new Los Angeles Festival of Movies this coming April. Check out the past and present of Vidiots and the Eagle theater with us. Guests: Executive director Maggie Mckay, founding member and filmmaker Noah Segan, programmer Saila Reyes, and film professor and theater historian Ross Melnick.

Duration:00:23:13

Imperfect Paradise: Strippers Union: Part 4

3/13/2024
Part 4: Half a year after Star Garden reopens as a union club, the dancers are still negotiating a contract. LAist producer Emma Alabaster brings you the latest. Plus, some of the dancers have set their sights on a different dream: a worker-owned cooperative strip club. Here are some resources that informed our reporting: LA Co-op LabU.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives2021 Worker Cooperative State of the Sector ReportYes, A Stripper Podcast For more resources Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Duration:00:34:05

HTLA Presents: How Not To Be Lonely: Part 3 - Building A Music Community To Feel Less Alone

3/9/2024
Part 3: Building A Music Community To Feel Less Alone For the next installment of our finding community series, we're talking music! Writer's 'Round LA is a Nashville-style, singer-songwriter showcase and hang for artists and non-artists alike. Think a 60s or 70s era Laurel Canyon open mic night. Good vibes all around. Today, How To LA producer Megan Botel explores how people are creating strong connections and building community through groups like Writer's 'Round LA. Guests: Greg Gilman, singer, songwriter for Greg in Good Company and founder of Writer's 'Round LA; Kat Hamilton, curator for Writer's 'Round LA and singer-songwriter. Here are the musicians you heard in the episode, check them out! Leah Ashton, listen to her latest album here. Erica Dawson (who has a show coming up). Dylan Kanner, who played the open mic. Check out his dreamy music. Greg In Good Company, check out their new single, "Home."

Duration:00:26:23

HTLA Presents: Revival House: Part 2 - The New Beverly Cinema, Always On Film

3/7/2024
As we continue our series "Revival House," How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro is taking us to The New Beverly Cinema over in Fairfax, where movies are always on film. The theater, owned by Quentin Tarantino, has a long history as complex as LA's. Join us as we explore the building's history and discover what makes it a special place to catch a double feature today. Guests: Theater and operations manager Jules McLean, projectionist Danielle Wakin, and film professor and theater historian Ross Melnick.

Duration:00:17:19

Imperfect Paradise: Strippers Union: Part 3

3/6/2024
Part 3: The Star Garden Topless Dive Bar reopens as a union strip club, but the fight doesn’t end there. What happens after the victory? LAist Producer Emma Alabaster has the story. Here are some resources that informed our reporting: Working It: Sex Workers on the Work of Sex Yes, A Stripper PodcastUnequal Desires: Race and Erotic Capital in the Stripping IndustryTits and Sass: Service Journalism by and for Sex Workers Click here for more resources Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Duration:00:46:18

HTLA Presents: How Not To Be Lonely: Part 2 - Speed Dating

3/2/2024
Part 2: Speed Dating Sick of dating apps? Ever try speed dating? It's part of series from How to LA that examines feelings of loneliness in this town and how people are dealing with it by making new connections. Today we are going with romantic connections. In a city that's perceived as being very hard to date in, speed dating is gaining in popularity, especially among Gen Z. How To LA host Brian De Los Santos and producer Megan Botel went to two speed dating events – one for straight folks and one for people who identify as LGBTQ – to check out how this whole thing works and give you some tips! They also speak to dating and relationship expert Damona Hoffman for some general dating advice. Guests: Damona Hoffman, certified dating and relationship coach and author of "F The Fairytale"; Andrea Ramirez, founder of The Next Fun Thing (Love In LA); David Greenberg, chief operating officer of The Next Fun Thing (Love In LA)

Duration:00:27:34

HTLA Presents: Revival House: Part 1 - The Nuart Theater

2/29/2024
How To LA is kicking off a new 10-part series we’re calling Revival House. We are going to take you inside these spaces — the vintage spots and some newer ones — to explore their past and their present…and help you connect with some indie theaters in YOUR neighborhoods. Our guide is How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro. our Los Feliz girly who loves to explore entertainment and the arts in LA. In this episode, Victoria is taking us to a midnight movie at the historic Nuart Theatre. The Nuart Theatre's art deco marquee lights up Santa Monica and Sawtelle — so head west with us to a screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and discover cult cinema past and present. Guests: Austin Fresh and Nina Minnelli, performers in the Nuart's "Rocky Horror" shadow cast; longtime, retired Nuart film programmer Mark Valen; president of Landmark Theatres Kevin Holloway; and theater historian Ross Melnick. Read her love letter to LA's indie theaters: https://laist.com/news/how-to-la/revival-house-movies-hollywood-essay

Duration:00:19:30

Imperfect Paradise: Strippers Union: Part 2

2/28/2024
Part 2: When the Star Garden strippers go public with their union campaign, they get pushback from the club’s management and a group they didn’t anticipate - other strippers. LAist Producer Emma Alabaster reports. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Duration:00:43:01

HTLA Presents: How Not To Be Lonely: LA Can Be Lonely AF - Reframing An 'Epidemic'

2/24/2024
From LAist Studios, How to LA producer Megan Botel explores how people are dealing with feelings of loneliness – which have recently been declared a nationwide epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General – and how some Angelenos are dealing with it by creating communities and finding new connections in the city. Through this series, we explore the depths of these feelings for people in all walks of life. And dig into how folks are easing these feelings by creating connections and all sorts of communities around the city. To kick it off part one, we speak to loneliness expert Cat Moore to understand and, in many ways, re-define our understanding of how loneliness is experienced. We'll also cover specific ways to begin building community. Guest: Cat Moore, Director of Belonging at the University of Southern California If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for help and check out these resources.

Duration:00:32:16

Imperfect Paradise: Strippers Union: Part 1

2/21/2024
Part 1: In 2023, North Hollywood’s Star Garden reopened as the only unionized strip club in the U.S. LAist Producer Emma Alabaster tells us the behind-the-scenes story of the workplace conditions that pushed the dancers into action. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes sensitive content about sexual assault. For sexual assault and harassment support and resources, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, which is a service of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network). For more, visit https://LAist.com/ImperfectParadise Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/donate Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Duration:00:42:26

Imperfect Paradise presents: Imperfect Inquiry: Have Identity Politics Been Hijacked?

2/14/2024
Imperfect Paradise Host Antonia Cereijido speaks with philosopher and author of Elite Capture: How The Powerful Took over Identity Politics (And Everything Else) Olúfemi O. Táíwò. They examine the question: are identity politics over? It’s a question that was raised and we began to explore with Imperfect Paradise’s Nury & The Secret Tapes series. Antonia examines that question more deeply with Táíwò and presses him on why he believes identity politics have failed to deliver on their promise to create greater social equity and what he thinks is the more effective political alternative. Antonia’s conversation with Táíwò kicks off the first Imperfect Inquiry, a recurring Imperfect Paradise segment in which Antonia interviews thinkers, experts, and stakeholders on themes, issues, and questions that we examine on the show. For more, visit https://LAist.com/ImperfectParadise Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/donate Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Duration:00:29:20

RFK Jr. - The Presidential Candidate for Wellness Conspiracists?

2/7/2024
Imperfect Paradise: Yoga's "Queen of Conspiracies": Part 4: RFK Jr. - The Presidential Candidate for Wellness Conspiracists? A year after Yoga’s “Queen of Conspiracy Theories” first release, Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido explores a new, unexpected chapter in this story with Conspirituality podcast host Matthew Remski, Politico journalist David Freedlander, and LAist Correspondent Emily Guerin, who reported the series. This episode examines how the conspiracy theories, once relegated to a subset of yoga and wellness communities, are being brought into the political mainstream through the presidential candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is campaigning on a mix of conspiracies from both the wellness world and the far right. For more, visit https://LAist.com/ImperfectParadise Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/donate Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Duration:00:37:24

Imperfect Paradise: Yoga's "Queen of Conspiracy Theories": Part 3 REDUX

1/31/2024
Part 3: Kundalini Yoga’s #MeToo Moment In early 2020, just as fears about coronavirus are worsening, women begin accusing the founder of Kundalini Yoga, Yogi Bhajan, of sexual assault. Guru Jagat’s surprising response sets the stage for her radicalization during the pandemic. CONTENT WARNING: Mentions of Sexual Assault (Original Air Date: Jan. 18, 2023) Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Go to HelloFresh.com/imperfectfree and use code imperfectfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

Duration:00:34:07

LAist Studios presents: NPR's Code Switch & Oye - A Former Church Girl's Search for a New Spiritual Home

1/29/2024
This episode is a collaboration with our friends at Oye and NPR's Code Switch about finding salvation in unexpected places. After leaving the Pentecostal church, reporter Jess Alvarenga has been searching for a new spiritual home. They takes us on their journey to find spirituality that includes the dining room dungeon of a dominatrix, Buddhist monks taking magic mushrooms, and the pulpit of a Pentecostal church. Special thanks to the Ferriss, UC Berkeley’s Psychedelic Journalism program for their support.

Duration:00:49:15