Best Team Watchdog Podcasts (2025)

1
The State of Late Night TV, SCOTUS 'Shadow Dockets,' Nick Roman's New Podcast, and More 1:39:40

Play Pause

8h ago1:39:40

1:39:40

Today on AirTalk, CBS announces cancellation of 'The Late Show' with Stephen Colbert; what is the best decade?; LA cities ask donors to assist immigrants pay rent; SCOTUS 'shadow dockets'; The Mayan in DTLA shuts down this fall and Nick Roman's new podcast. Today on AirTalk: Is the 'Late Show' cancellation the beginning of the end for late-night sh…

1
The Landlord Gutting America’s Hospitals 50:54

3d ago50:54

50:54

In April 2024, medical staff testified before Louisiana’s House Health and Welfare Committee about just how bad things had gotten at the Glenwood Regional Medical Center. The West Monroe hospital had been under fire from the state Health Department over lapses in patient care that seemed to be escalating. The hospital had stopped paying bills for o…

1
Impact of Public Media Funding Clawbacks on California, Food Friday, FilmWeek, and more 1:39:04

3d ago1:39:04

1:39:04

Today on AirTalk, we discuss the approved defunding for public media with LAist CEO Alex Santamaria; what made Love Island USA popular?; Hangaburs' cheeseburgers; FilmWeek and Godzilla's 70-year history. Today on AirTalk: Funding clawbacks for public media (00:15) What makes Love Island USA popular? (19:06) Hangaburs cheeseburgers (39:17) FilmWeek …

1
The great American drug shortage isn't an accident, it's artificial (from Organized Money) 39:06

4d ago39:06

39:06

As a follow-up to our series The Prescription Drug Playbook — all about how you can get the meds you need at a price you can (maybe) afford — we’re stepping back to look at the big picture. From the start of this podcast, we’ve been trying to answer a major question: Why do my meds cost so freaking much? And we’ve highlighted the profit-seeking gam…

1
Prescribed Burns, History of Domestic Surveillance, TV Talk, and More 1:39:41

4d ago1:39:41

1:39:41

Today on AirTalk, the Senate has passed 9 billion dollars in federal cuts, which include hits to public broadcasting and foreign aid; the effectiveness of prescribed burns; history of domestic surveillance in the US; new LA County Homeless Agency; the influence of 'The Ed Sullivan show' and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: Senate passes $9 billion in fed…

1
The State of the US Economy, Natural Disasters and Disability, Pop Culture Introductions to the US, and more 1:38:51

5d ago1:38:51

1:38:51

Today on AirTalk, the state of the US economy amid tariff threats, ICE raids, and inflation; what it means to tease your partner; how disabled people are at higher risk during natural disasters, and what your first pop culture introduction was to America. Today on AirTalk: State of the US economy? (00:15) Teasing your partner (29:13) Natural disast…

1
The Real Conspiracy Behind the Texas Floods 31:51

6d ago31:51

31:51

David Sirota is a journalist, former speechwriter to Bernie Sanders, and co-writer of the Oscar-nominated movie Don’t Look Up, about the threat of climate change. On this week’s More To The Story, Sirota joins host Al Letson to discuss how climate change is fueling more intense weather events like the recent floods in Texas, how the country’s leade…

1
2025 Emmy Nominations, LASHA Homelessness Count, the History of Superman, and More 1:38:50

6d ago1:38:50

1:38:50

Today on AirTalk, the 2025 Emmy nominations; how your romantic relationship could feel like parenting; LAHSA reports second consecutive decline in homelessness; How Superman's 90-year run at the box office has fared and what makes a person cool? Today on AirTalk: The 2025 Emmy Nominations (00:15) Parenting your romantic partner (17:26) LA's consecu…

1
Latest Updates on ICE Raids, the Song of the Summer, Bioplastics in Compost, and more 1:39:11

7d ago1:39:11

1:39:11

Today on AirTalk, latest updates on ICE raids, policy, budget, and more; CA Attorney General releases legal opinion declaring sports betting illegal in the state of CA; what is the song of the summer this year?; the cause and effect of plant-based compost; the history behind Home Run Derby, and a new book about the many lives of James Gandolfini. T…

1
We Regret to Inform You 49:42

10d ago49:42

49:42

Bruce Praet is a well-known name in law enforcement, especially in California. He co-founded a company called Lexipol that contracts with more than 95 percent of police departments in the state and offers its clients trainings and ready-made policies. In one of Praet’s online training webinars, he offers a piece of advice that policing experts have…

1
Young Men Series: Masculinity, Food Friday, FilmWeek, and More! 1:39:04

10d ago1:39:04

1:39:04

Today on AirTalk, an 'inadvertent error' by the LA County Board of Supervisors leads to a repeal of Measure J; how young men in today's age associate themselves with masculinity and how the definition is evoloving; chef and owner of Saucy Chick Indi-Mex Eatery explains an unexpected yet harmonious union of flavors and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk, A …

1
Fire Season Preview, Young Men: Religion and Relationships, TV Talk, and More 1:39:17

11d ago1:39:17

1:39:17

Today on AirTalk, what we know about the tunnel collapse; a preview of this year's heatwave and fire season; Young men's turnback to religion; how young men are going about courtship and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk, What we know about the tunnel collapse (00:15) Fire season preview (11:38) Young men series: a turn back to religion (25:26) Young men s…

1
Religious Endorsements of Political Candidates, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Explainer, Cole's French Dip Closure, and More 1:39:18

12d ago1:39:18

1:39:18

Today on AirTalk, the IRS walks back on a curtailment of religious organizational ability to endorse a political candidate; an explainer on the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation; DTLA's famous Cole's French Dip is closing; what the status of young men is in today's higher education and employment and how political affiliations affect well-being. Today o…

1
Is AI Pushing Us Closer to Nuclear Disaster? 30:34

13d ago30:34

30:34

Earlier this year, Daniel Holz from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced that its experts were moving the hands of the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds before midnight. The hands have been moved only 25 times since the clock’s creation in 1947, and they’re now the closest they’ve pointed to imminent global destruction. On this week’s More To…

1
Immigration Enforcement in MacArthur Park, CA Air Quality, Young Men & Exercise, and More 1:39:07

13d ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Today on AirTalk, what we know about the ICE raids in MacArthur Park; what will pressure to roll back climate goals look like for CA's air quality?; a new biography details the life of Bella Starr; the experiences of young men in today's gym culture and whatever happened to the kids riding bikes? Today on AirTalk: ICE raid in MacArthur Park (00:15)…

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Six Months Since LA's Devastating Fires, The Future of the LA Zoo, Young Men and Politics, and More 1:39:00

14d ago1:39:00

1:39:00

Today on AirTalk: a check-in on LA County 6 months after the devastating fires; what is the future of the LA Zoo?; how are young men thinking about politics, and whatever happened to kids riding their bikes? Today on AirTalk: Six months since LA's devastating fires (00:15) Future of the LA Zoo (16:25) Young Men Series: Politics (51:14) Visit www.pr…

1
A Decade of Reveal 50:39

17d ago50:39

50:39

This week on Reveal, we celebrate our 10-year anniversary with a look back at some of our favorite stories, from investigations into water shortages in drought-prone California to labor abuses in the Dominican Republic. And we interview the journalists behind the reporting to explain what happened after the stories aired. This is an update of an ep…

1
ICE's Effect on LA Restaurants, CA Electric Grid Batteries, TV Talk, and more 1:38:54

18d ago1:38:54

1:38:54

Today on AirTalk, LA's culinary scene takes a hit amid ICE raids; CA's electric grid battery systems even out the state's daily power demands; a new book explores the legacy of 'Record Plant Studios,' a legendary music production company; the Pentagon reviews military aid pledged to Ukraine; NASA+ is the newest addition to Netflix, as C-SPAN loses …

1
Sheriff Luna Interview, Altadena Oral History Project, an LA Coroner's Memoir, and more 1:39:10

19d ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Today on AirTalk, Sean 'Diddy' Combs is found not guilty on sex trafficking and RICO charges; Sheriff Robert Luna talks ICE enforcement, firework safety, and more; a small group of volunteers attempts to preserve Altadena's history; AI plagiarism detectors and a former LA County coroner shares his experience. Today on AirTalk: Sean 'Diddy' Combs ac…

1
Jeffrey Goldberg on Signalgate, Pete Hegseth, and the Risk of WWIII 30:24

20d ago30:24

30:24

In March, The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, began receiving top secret messages from national security officials in the Trump administration after he’d been inadvertently added to an internal Signal chat. Many of those same officials oversaw recent military strikes against Iran. On this week’s More To The Story, host Al Letson sits …

1
Trump Administration's Lawsuit Against LA, the Word 'Like', Summer Travel Season, and More 1:39:15

20d ago1:39:15

1:39:15

Today on AirTalk, President Trump pursues a lawsuit against LA's Sanctuary Laws; the impact of ICE on CA agriculture; the word 'like' and its many applications; CA Environmental Quality Act to be gutted; the travel season ahead, and how some words just cannot be translated Today on AirTalk, Trump v. Sanctuary Cities (00:15) ICE sweeps on CA agricul…

1
Higher Gas Prices in CA, Forgotten LA Airports, Homelessness Enforcement Data, and More 1:38:55

21d ago1:38:55

1:38:55

Today on AirTalk, higher costs at the pump in CA will begin on July 1st; LA was home to over a dozen municipal airports that have since been paved over; data indicates a spike in homeless arrests; how an increase in social media addiction and screen time has posed higher risks for kids and a new book critically analyzes the world of self-care. Toda…

1
The Prescription Drug Playbook, Part Two 27:40

22d ago27:40

27:40

In February, we asked you, our listeners, to share the tips, tricks, and tactics you’ve learned for getting the medicine you need at prices you can manage. And of course some of you work in health care and have insider knowledge. Which we’re passing along in this second episode of The Prescription Drug Playbook. We’ll hear from a listener who works…

1
Elon Musk and JD Vance Want You to Breed. A Lot. 50:30

24d ago50:30

50:30

What do Silicon Valley billionaires, religious parents of six, and eugenics-curious biotech founders have in common? Welcome to the world of pronatalism—a growing movement that aims to solve the so-called population crisis by making more babies. We follow the unlikely alliance between tech futurists and traditional conservatives who think it’s thei…

1
What's next for Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Party, LAPD Drone, Desi Arnaz, and More 1:38:52

25d ago1:38:52

1:38:52

Today on AirTalk, we take a look at what is in store for Zohran Mamdani in NYC and how the Democratic Party may be his biggest roadblock; LAPD to use drones in new pilot program; a look into the life of influential TV great, Desi Arnaz; key SCOTUS decisions continue to loom; CA schools are found to be in violation of Title IX over transgender stude…

1
Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez's Controversial Comments, NYC Mayoral Primary, Queer Food, and More 1:39:48

26d ago1:39:48

1:39:48

Today on AirTalk, Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez's controversial comments on LA street gang involvement with ICE; Zohran Mamdani becomes NYC's Democratic Mayoral candidate; a new book offers a firsthand account of wildfire fighting; CA's chalks out budget set to go into effect on July 1st; LA County sees a decrease in drug overdose deaths and h…

1
Mohsen Mahdawi Fought ICE and Won His Freedom. For Now. 29:34

27d ago29:34

29:34

In April, Palestinian student activist Mohsen Mahdawi walked into an immigration office to obtain US citizenship. He left in handcuffs. The Columbia University student was detained by ICE and accused by the Trump administration of jeopardizing US foreign policy through his involvement in protests following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. On …

1
Trailer: The Prescription Drug Playbook 1:29

27d ago1:29

1:29

Too many of us get sticker shock when we go to pick up our meds. We asked our listeners how they get by in this situation, and we learned dozens of tips. And in this two-part series, we’re sharing those strategies — including some advice from experts. The next episode drops June 30. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Israel-Iran Ceasefire Status, LACMA's New Galleries, Mayor Bass Interview, and More 1:42:51

27d ago1:42:51

1:42:51

Today on AirTalk, Trump claims that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran has been reached, despite initial turbulence; LACMA's newest galleries slated to open in 2026; Popular movies you never got around to watching; Mayor Bass talks about continued response to ICE raids in LA; what is the impact of Roe v. Wade's overturn after three years? and a ne…

1
US Attack on Iran, Pet Insurance, the Latest on LAist's Investigation into Andrew Do, and More 1:39:20

28d ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Today on AirTalk, we take a look at the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities as well as how previous international military interventions have panned out for the US; whether or not pet insuance is worth it; the recent popularization of earbuds; the latest on former OC Supervisor Andrew Do; should you know the sex of your baby? and a new memoir of…

1
The 13th Step 51:10

1M ago51:10

51:10

Across the country, women seeking addiction treatment are being harassed and assaulted by men in positions of power. The problem is so pervasive that it has a name among those in the industry: the 13th Step. “I fell right into it, right into it. You know, it’s like, it’s just, you're so vulnerable,” says a victim named Andrea. “The 13-stepper is li…

1
Dodger Stadium, Commencement Speeches, Food Friday, and Filmweek! 1:39:07

1M ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Today on AirTalk, we discuss what went down on Thursday afternoon outside Dodger Stadium as protesters and media gathered after a rumor about ICE raids in the stadium circulated; what makes a great commencement speech and what goes into these orations; Pasadena's latest bakery: 'BadAsh Bakes'; FilmWeek and an interview with writer/director Celine S…

1
Republicans Split Over US Involvement in Iran, LAUSD Cell Phone Ban, 'Love on the Spectrum,' TV Talk and More 1:39:12

1M ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Today on AirTalk, a split in Republican outlook on US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict; a new bill aims to ban local and state law enforcement from wearing face masks; how a UCLA psychologist inspired Netflix's hit series 'Love on the Spectrum'; an update on the LAUSD cell phone ban; how LAUSD authorized the use of $500 million dollars to se…

1
“Madness”: A Retired Brig. General Slams Trump’s Military Power Grab 28:04

1M ago28:04

28:04

Greg Smith spent 35 years in the Army National Guard. But he’s never witnessed the military used the way it’s being deployed in Los Angeles in response to protests opposing the Trump administration’s immigration raids. On this week’s More To The Story, Smith discusses how the military appears increasingly tasked with enforcing a political agenda ra…

1
Appeals Court to hear National Guard Case, Israel's military operations in Iran, LA houseless community services, 'Jaws', and more 1:39:36

1M ago1:39:36

1:39:36

Today on AirTalk, Trump's appeal to keep CA's National Guard in LA will be heard by a San Francisco court; the latest on Israel's military operations in Iran; specialty ice cream shop Salt and Straw's co-founder Tyler Malek, talks about the mastery behind his craft in a new book; an update into LA's houseless community services; a tribute concert t…

1
Another Weekend of Protests in LA and Beyond, The Economic Implications of the ICE Raids in CA, CA's Largest LGBTQ+ Archive, and More! 1:39:14

1M ago1:39:14

1:39:14

Today on AirTalk, we take a look at the 'No Kings' rallies held here in DTLA and across the US; the economic implications of ICE raids; an archive at the USC Libraries preserves decades of LGBTQ+ history; longtime SoCal slumlord has been CA AG Rob Bonta's latest target; Latino politics amidst latest ICE activity and what your relationship with your…

1
2024 Broke the Democrats. Can They Put Themselves Back Together? 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

For the first time in two decades, the Democratic Party has found itself without a clear party leader or even an obvious frontrunner. Angry and adrift, politicians and voters are clashing over how to fight back. They’re also grappling with an uncomfortable new reality: The places that shifted hardest away from Democrats last fall were the kinds of …

1
LAPD's Violations of California Law During Protests, LA's History as a Testing Ground for Immigrant Rights, Food Friday, and FilmWeek 1:39:15

1M ago1:39:15

1:39:15

Today on AirTalk, LAPD has violated California law in their latest use of crowd control during the ICE protests; a peek into the history of LA's immigrant rights groups; Food Friday: ube pies; and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk: How LAPD's response to the protests breaks CA law (00:15) LA's long history of local immigrant rights groups (17:07) Crème Ca…

1
First Amendment Rights of Protesters, FIFA Club World Cup Explainer, a Neuroscientist on Decision-Making, and more! 1:23:25

1M ago1:23:25

1:23:25

Today on AirTalk, some demonstrators are charged by federal and local prosecutors, we take a look at the rights of protestors; a preview of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup; a neuroscientist walks us through how and why we make decisions; the legality around the actions of ICE in SoCal; Nation Geographic commemorates Sally Ride—the first American woman…

1
The Prescription Drug Playbook, Part One 26:07

1M ago26:07

26:07

In surveys, one in four Americans report having to skip their medications due to cost. We asked our listeners: what strategies have you used when you’ve been hit with pharmacy sticker shock? We heard from a ton of you – with stories, strategies and workarounds that surprised and encouraged us. None of them will work for everybody. This is a set of …

1
Updates on LA Protests, Aging and Sex, Rebuilding in Altadena, Art Deco Los Angeles, and more! 1:39:39

1M ago1:39:39

1:39:39

Today on AirTalk, how the local community is dealing with the ICE raids and subsequent protests; an expert weighs in on how to stay sexually active as you age; Altadena residents look to sell their properties after the ravaging Eaton fire and LA's architectural era of Art Deco. Today on AirTalk: How Angelenos are dealing with the protests (00:15) S…

1
Brian Wilson interview 7:43

1M ago7:43

7:43

In 2009, Brian Wilson talked to AirTalk about his album That Lucky Old Sun, which critics called his best work in years. Wilson, a legend in the music business, founded The Beach Boys as a teenager growing up in Southern California. He has died at the age of 81.By LAist 89.3

1
Trump’s Trade War Is Stressing Red State Farmers 26:14

1M ago26:14

26:14

Bryant Kagay is a farmer in Missouri feeling the uncertainty of President Donald Trump’s tariffs up close. He voted for Trump last year but now questions whether the trade war with China is part of a long-term strategy that could help US businesses or merely a short-term negotiating tactic. In this episode of More To The Story, he says the on-again…

1
Update on LA protests, Conversation with Mayor Bass, Discussion of Voluntary Celibacy and more! 1:45:10

1M ago1:45:10

1:45:10

Today on AirTalk, the latest updates on LA's immigration enforcement, arrests, schools and misinformation; how politics are at play amidst LA's protests; what the OC board of supervisors is going to do to regain the public's trust; LA Mayor Karen Bass joins AirTalk; Funk icon Sly Stone's legacy; are millennials in a midlife crisis? and the positive…

1
Protesters clash with law enforcement in downtown LA. Hundreds march against Trump's immigration sweeps 1:40:16

1M ago1:40:16

1:40:16

Protesters clash with law enforcement in downtown LA. Hundreds march against Trump's immigration sweeps Federal immigration sweeps that began Friday in Los Angeles have prompted anger, protest and resistance from onlookers and immigrant rights groups that have braced for this type of action for months. Over the weekend, tensions continued to rise b…

1
50 States of Mind 50:51

1M ago50:51

50:51

This month, some of the nation’s best and brightest teenage girls will gather in Mobile, Alabama, to embark on two of the most intense weeks of their lives. Everybody wants the same thing: to walk away with a $40,000 college scholarship and the title of Distinguished Young Woman of America. Reporter Shima Oliaee competed for Nevada when she was a t…