AirTalk’s 40th Anniversary Live
- The Crawford, 474 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
On April 1, 1985, host Larry Mantle took a seat behind the mic and, for the first time ever, welcomed listeners to AirTalk. Forty years later, the show is considered the biggest conversation in Southern California, known for its breaking news coverage, in-depth analysis of some of the most important issues we face, daily call-ins from the community, and moments of joy, levity, and discovery. Over the years, the show has expanded to include the ever-popular FilmWeek, a weekly dive into what’s happening at the movies, and most recently, TV Talk, a chat with critics about what to watch on the small screen. Now, on April 1, 2025, it’s our chance to celebrate Larry and AirTalk on this milestone anniversary. Join us for a look back at the early days of the program, some of the most memorable moments on air, all with surprise special guests to commemorate the occasion. It’ll all be live on LAist 89.3 of course! AirTalk wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’ll also have pastries from our friends at Lingua Franca and coffee from Urth Caffé Pasadena for everyone!
Can't make it in person? Listen live on LAist 89.3 or watch the livestream here. Both will begin at 9 a.m.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Dr. Lucy Jones, seismologist and founder and chief scientist at the Lucy Jones Center for Science & Society, a natural disaster risk reduction research organization
Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the Los Angeles Initiative at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
Doug Johnson, vice President of Technology and Operations at LAist
Kathy Spilos, former newscaster and writer for KPCC
Matt Wright, former Evening Edition co-anchor for KPCC
Jon Cohn, Vice President of Audience & Community Engagement (interim) at LAist
Rebecca Stumme, Senior Producer of Live Programming & Events at LAist
Tony Federico, Technical Director of Live Programming & Events at LAist
Drew Carey, comedian, actor and game show host
Tim Cogshell, film critic for LAist, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com
Dominic Patten, executive editor for Deadline Hollywood and one of AirTalk’s TV Talk critics
Linda Othenin-Girard, former senior producer for AirTalk
Lauren Osen, former senior producer of AirTalk
Fiona Ng, former senior producer of AirTalk
Matt Dangelantonio, former senior producer of AirTalk
Lindsey Wright, current senior producer of AirTalk
ABOUT AIRTALK AND LARRY MANTLE
Larry Mantle hosts lively and in-depth discussions of news, politics, science, arts and entertainment, and more. Airs weekdays 9-11am on 89.3 FM and streaming online at LAist.com and the LAist app. Austin Cross hosts AirTalk Fridays — watch the Friday show live on Instagram (@laistofficial).
ACCOMMODATIONS
LAist is committed to providing access and accommodation for individuals with disabilities at our events. To request accommodations, please email events@laist.com or call us at (626) 583-5222 at least 7 days in advance of the event.