Best Issa Rap Podcasts (2026)

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Imperfect Paradise: Where is LA a year after the fires? Checking in with survivors, rebuilding and nature 48:34

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11h ago48:34

48:34

It’s been one year since two of the most destructive fires in California’s history – the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades – killed 31 people and destroyed more than 16,000 structures. In this episode, we talk with LAist Climate and Environment Reporter Erin Stone on how families in the Palisades and Altadena ar…

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Imperfect Paradise: Meet the filmmakers who love AI (Redux) 34:09

7d ago34:09

34:09

This episode originally aired on March 19, 2025. 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…

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Imperfect Paradise: How AI became a Hollywood villain – especially for animators (Redux) 36:14

14d ago36:14

36:14

This episode originally aired on March 12, 2025. 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 mo…

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Imperfect Paradise: Shuttle Endeavour’s final mission for a new home and space exploration 27:41

21d ago27:41

27:41

Los Angeles is an integral part of space shuttle Endeavour’s journey. The California Science Center is building a new, larger home for the shuttle, which will make it the only place in the world to see a complete shuttle system with its equipment in launch position. The project – years in the making – still has a long road ahead. LAist reporter Mak…

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Imperfect Paradise: Residents left behind at elder care facilities in LA raise serious questions about evacuation preparedness 33:46

28d ago33:46

33:46

In the early morning hours of January 8, the Eaton Fire raced closer to the MonteCedro retirement community in Altadena, California. Nearly 200 of the facility’s residents were evacuated, but two women were left behind, raising serious questions. In this episode of Imperfect Paradise, LAist Health and Housing Reporter Aaron Schrank looks at what we…

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Imperfect Paradise: Altadena childcare providers' struggle to rebuild raises questions about government disaster response 27:21

1M ago27:21

27:21

At least 280 childcare spaces were affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires in January. LAist reporter Libby Rainey and early childhood senior reporter Elly Yu followed two women who ran childcare businesses out of their homes until the Eaton Fire destroyed them. In this episode of Imperfect Paradise, they look at how these two childcare providers…

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Imperfect Paradise: Gender-affirming care for transgender youth is at risk in LA and nationwide 31:26

1M ago31:26

31:26

Nearly 3,000 patients have been forced to find gender-affirming care elsewhere after the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles closed their LA Center for Trans Youth Health and Development in July. The closure comes amid threats of cuts to federal funding for providers of gender affirming-care and other attempts to restrict LGBTQ rights nationwide. LAist…

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Imperfect Paradise: Health workers say ICE agents at hospitals are compromising patient care 28:16

2M ago28:16

28:16

Amid the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, there’s been an uptick in ICE presence in hospitals across the country. At Adventist Health White Memorial hospital in Boyle Heights, doctors say that hospital administrators have even allowed immigration agents to interfere with patients’ medical care. LAist correspondent Jill Replogle has …

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Imperfect Paradise: California's new free public preschool program for 4-year-olds 31:40

2M ago31:40

31:40

All four-year-olds in the state of California now have access to a free preschool program in their local school district. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a plan to expand the state’s transitional kindergarten, or TK, program in May 2021, as part of a broader move to create the largest free early education program in the U.S. So what does transitional kind…

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Imperfect Paradise: Who pays for the 2028 Olympics? LA taxpayers may be on the hook 29:57

2M ago29:57

29:57

In less than a thousand days, Los Angeles will be hosting the summer Olympics. Many cities worldwide have been put into debt by the games, so what could they mean for Los Angeles? LAist reporter Libby Rainey joins Imperfect Paradise to look back at the history of the games when LA last hosted them, the financial outlook for the city, and what role …

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Imperfect Paradise: Why the site of the largest methane leak in US history still hasn’t been shut down 30:50

2M ago30:50

30:50

Regulations on gas storage facilities have been tightened since the detection of the Aliso Canyon leak, which started in 2015 and lasted nearly four months. But residents remain worried about long term health effects following the leak. LAist Climate and Environment Reporter Erin Stone discusses the 10-year anniversary of the disaster and what’s st…

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Imperfect Paradise: How becoming a US citizen just got harder under the Trump administration and what it means for Angelenos 21:51

3M ago21:51

21:51

The Trump administration’s immigration policies have resulted in raids and protests in Southern California and across the country, and the administration has also moved to tighten who gets citizenship. Recently, the federal government pushed out new guidelines for naturalization. The situation has raised fundamental questions around what it means t…

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Imperfect Paradise: Prop 50: Is California’s redistricting push a threat to democracy or a defense of it? 31:03

3M ago31:03

31:03

Proposition 50 is part of a nationwide battle over control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Californians are being asked to take a side: Should the state be temporarily allowed to redraw congressional maps to counter the Trump administration and redistricting in Texas? LAist Civics & Democracy Correspondent Frank Stoltze and Civics & Democ…

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Imperfect Paradise: An LA Commission created to tackle city government scandals is being stymied 20:51

3M ago20:51

20:51

A charter reform commission was created in 2024 in response to multiple Los Angeles city government scandals, including the leak of a racist tape featuring City Council President Nury Martinez. One of the commission’s aims was to modify the LA charter, which is basically the city’s constitution. But reports indicate that this commission is struggli…

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Imperfect Paradise: Reports about failures in response to the January LA fires and a 2018 fire have striking similarities 23:27

3M ago23:27

23:27

A new report details the Eaton and Palisades fires, including failures in the emergency response. But this report bears striking similarities with another -- which chronicled the response to the 2018 Woolsey Fire in Southern California. LAist science reporter Jacob Margolis discusses the reports and what they mean for L.A. County moving forward. Th…

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Imperfect Paradise: How union organizing is being upended by private universities in Southern California 17:35

4M ago17:35

17:35

Big companies like Amazon and SpaceX are claiming that the National Labor Relations Board – an independent federal entity in charge of overseeing unionizing efforts – is unconstitutional. In addition to those companies, colleges like the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University are also joining the movement to push back aga…

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Imperfect Paradise: Why California's protest law is flawed and the consequences to protesters 24:29

4M ago24:29

24:29

After the George Floyd protests of 2020, California took steps to rein in violent policing of protests by passing laws restricting how law enforcement uses less-lethal weapons, like tasers and rubber bullets. But high profile protests in 2024 and 2025 – including this summer’s protests against the ICE raids in Los Angeles – have revealed major flaw…

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Imperfect Paradise: The Huntington Beach library at the center of America’s culture wars 32:06

4M ago32:06

32:06

Censorship efforts at libraries nationwide have increased steadily over the last several years. In the 2023 - 24 school year, more than 10,000 book bans were counted in the country’s public schools. These efforts have become a cornerstone of a larger national debate over cultural influences and parents' rights to restrict those influences. LAist Or…

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The Renaissance of Carla Morrison 26:50

3y ago26:50

26:50

In the last episode of our guest podcast series, we feature NPR’s Alt.Latino podcast, a show all about Latinx culture and music. On this episode, hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre sit down with Mexican singer-songwriter Carla Morrison. They talk about her return to music after a four-year break, during which she was dealing with depression. …

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Beginning Again: Adjusting To Life After Prison 31:46

3y ago31:46

31:46

This week, we feature an episode of YR Media’s Adult ISH, a culture, advice and storytelling podcast hosted by “almost-adults” tackling topics all about ... you guessed it ... adulting! This episode is about preparing for life post-incarceration. First, co-host Nygel Turner talks with Earlonne Woods, the host of the award-winning Ear Hustle podcast…

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Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t & Chasing Your Music Dreams 24:00

3y ago24:00

24:00

Snooze is still on a break. But for the next few weeks, we're bringing you some podcast episodes you’ll enjoy! In the first episode in our series, we feature NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour. On the episode, you'll hear all about Rap Sh!t, an HBO Max series that Snooze host Megan Tan loves. Pop Culture Happy Hour co-host Aisha Harris and panelist Sidne…

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S1E12: Help Me Care For My Father 45:39

3+ y ago45:39

45:39

When her father has a medical emergency, host Megan Tan takes a last minute trip to Ohio. This leads her on a journey of self-discovery to learn what she's been snoozing on herself. Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOOZE HelloFresh: go to HelloFresh.com/snooze16 and use code …

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S1E11: Margaret Cho 35:22

3+ y ago35:22

35:22

Comedian Margaret Cho talks about going to a high school like the one in HBO's Euphoria. She also shares how she's dealt with being in the spotlight since she was a teenager. Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOOZE HelloFresh: go to HelloFresh.com/snooze16 and use code snooze1…

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S1E10: Help Me Apply To RuPaul's Drag Race 43:35

3+ y ago43:35

43:35

Episode 10: RuPaul's Drag Race helped Gerardo come out of the closet and eventually find his love for drag. But is he ready to finally apply to be a contestant on the show? He starts applications, but never finishes them. Gerardo will decide whether this year is the year he hits submit on his application or not. Snooze fans- go to HelloFresh.com/sn…

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S1E9: Atsuko Okatsuka 29:47

3+ y ago29:47

29:47

Standup comedian Atsuko Okatsuka shares how she pumps herself up before a big comedy set and where she finds her strength. Snooze fans- go to HelloFresh.com/snooze16 and use code snooze16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOOZE Support…

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S1E8: Help Me Find a Sex Therapist 32:40

3+ y ago32:40

32:40

Marc has always thought of others, often at the expense of himself. He is ready to start focusing on his own well being more. But is he ready to confront his past traumas and invest both time and money in finding a sex therapist? Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOOZE Snooze …

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S1E7: A Story From My Mom 31:08

3+ y ago31:08

31:08

Megan Tan's mom Susan gives us three mantras that help her face and overcome obstacles. Snooze fans- go to HelloFresh.com/snooze16 and use code snooze16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOOZE Support for this podcast is made possible …

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S1E6: Help Me Finish a Song 36:29

3+ y ago36:29

36:29

Austin put his music career on hold to deal with his bipolar disorder. But during that time, his love for music changed. Can he fall in love with making music again by finishing a song he's been putting off for years? Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOOZE Support for this po…

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S1E5: Big Boi 31:12

3+ y ago31:12

31:12

Outkast's Big Boi talks about how he taught his kids to go after their dreams, plus offers advice for up and coming musicians. Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOOZE Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism mak…

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S1E4: Help Me Post a Video 37:53

3+ y ago37:53

37:53

Sara, a pastor's daughter, considers risking her relationship with the people who are closest to her to pursue her dreams. Is it worth it? This is the story of a woman who cannot fully be herself because she feels an obligation to be the perfect Christian daughter. Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with fre…

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S1E3: Help Me Read a Book 38:04

3+ y ago38:04

38:04

Abby, a Korean adoptee recently got married and wants to have a baby — but she realizes she can’t build her own family until unless she opens the Pandora's box of her own identity. That box — is Nicole Chung’s book “All You Can Ever Know.” Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOO…

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S1E2: Rosario Dawson 27:40

3+ y ago27:40

27:40

Actress Rosario Dawson talks about how she knows when she's in the right relationship and about important advice her abuela gave her. Feals: become a member and get 50% automatically taken off your first order with free shipping. Feals.com/SNOOZE Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journal…

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S1E1: Help Me Drive a Car 37:34

3+ y ago37:34

37:34

After a scary experience in a car service, a 30 something decides to get her license for the first time. Snooze fans- go to HelloFresh.com/snooze16 and use code snooze16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better plac…

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S1Introducing Snooze, from LAist Studios 3:11

3+ y ago3:11

3:11

Snooze is a show about things people put off, how they conquer them, but most importantly, how they conquer themselves. In this podcast host Megan Tan, the creator of “Millennial," the Snooze Squad and guest celebrities will help people like you and me strategize an action plan to face their fears. Snooze fans - go to HelloFresh.com/snooze16 and us…

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Episode 32 | "Thronies" 52:09

6+ y ago52:09

52:09

Craig and Eric are back bringing you the newest episode of Issa R.A.P.Today we are discussing some NFL and Russell Wilson talk, Louisville, Tiger Woods' big win at Augusta claiming his 5th Masters. Among other topics, Be sure to hit the subscribe button and get the new episodes directly to your phone. Follow us on Twitter/IG @TheIssaRAP.…

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Episode 31 | "What Happened?" 1:28:25

7y ago1:28:25

1:28:25

After a mishap last week we are back to bring your thoughts on opinions on the NCAA Tournament. First we give our thoughts and prayers to Nipsey Hussle's family and friends. This episode was March Madness heavy as well. Also this is Danny's last show until softball season is over. He will drop by sometimes but until then enjoy show.…