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About The Show

Larry Mantle hosts lively and in-depth discussions of city news, politics, science, the arts, 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).

Meet the AirTalk team

Latest Episode

About the Show

Join Larry Mantle Monday-Thursday 9-11am and Austin Cross on Fridays on LAist's lively discussion program. Airs on 89.3 FM and streaming on LAist.com and the LAist app.

Meet the AirTalk team

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Previous Episodes
  • 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.
    Listen 49:27
  • 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.
      Listen 1:39:26
    • 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?
      Listen 1:39:39
    • 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.
      Listen 1:39:27
    • 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.
      Listen 49:31
    • 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!
      Listen 1:40:33
    • 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.
      Listen 1:39:20
    • 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?
      Listen 1:40:18
    • 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.
      Listen 1:39:33
    • 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.
      Listen 49:05

    AirTalk newsletter

    Catch up on the best interviews and segments, handpicked by Larry Mantle and the team. Plus, info on upcoming live events, dispatches from Larry and more!
    Credits
    Host, AirTalk
    Host, Morning Edition, AirTalk Friday, The L.A. Report Morning Edition
    Senior Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
    Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
    Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
    Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
    Associate Producer, AirTalk
    Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
    Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek