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AirTalk

with Larry Mantle

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).

To comment, contact 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
AirTalk Tile 2024
Featured Episode
Checking in on the CA Gubernatorial race as new faces enter a wide-open race 
Listen 1:39:04
Today on AirTalk: The CA gubernatorial race; how periods affect our brains; our expert vet answers your questions; and a check-in on the US-China tech war.
Today on AirTalk:
  • The CA gubernatorial race heats up
  • How do periods affect our brains?
  • Our expert vet answers your questions
  • Check-in on the US-China tech war

Have a question or comment about a segment? Want to pitch us a story?

Fill out the form below, and please include an email address so we're able to follow up if necessary! We're not able to respond to every inquiry, but all submissions are read and reviewed by our production team.
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Recent Episodes
  • Listen 1:39:04
    Today on AirTalk: The CA gubernatorial race; how periods affect our brains; our expert vet answers your questions; and a check-in on the US-China tech war.
    Today on AirTalk: The CA gubernatorial race; how periods affect our brains; our expert vet answers your questions; and a check-in on the US-China tech war.
  • Listen 1:40:10
    Today on AirTalk: Weather update; Can regular gun range use lead to brain damage? Could your gut hold potential cures? UC schools in the Trump era; the worst box office in years; and best buys abroad.
    Today on AirTalk: Weather update; Can regular gun range use lead to brain damage? Could your gut hold potential cures? UC schools in the Trump era; the worst box office in years; and best buys abroad.

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  • Listen 1:39:36
    Today on AirTalk, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to cut 10,000 jobs. What jobs will be cut and how might the cuts affect public health? LA County Supervisors approve $908 million for homeless services. AirTalk turns 40 this year! What's your favorite moment in the show's history? As Trump's 25% auto tariff takes effect, we're monitoring the impact on our economy and auto industry. The Dodgers have their home opener today. Join us for a Double Play as we talk about what to expect. Director RJ Cutler previews a new documentary series on 2024 World Series. Don't miss TV Talk! We're talking The Studio, No Taste Like Home, Mythic Quest, and more.
    Today on AirTalk, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to cut 10,000 jobs. What jobs will be cut and how might the cuts affect public health? LA County Supervisors approve $908 million for homeless services. AirTalk turns 40 this year! What's your favorite moment in the show's history? As Trump's 25% auto tariff takes effect, we're monitoring the impact on our economy and auto industry. The Dodgers have their home opener today. Join us for a Double Play as we talk about what to expect. Director RJ Cutler previews a new documentary series on 2024 World Series. Don't miss TV Talk! We're talking The Studio, No Taste Like Home, Mythic Quest, and more.
  • Listen 1:39:14
    Today on AirTalk, we're watching the CEOs of NPR and PBS as they testify before the DOGE committee in defense against the FCC's claims of political bias. We'll debrief after the hearing about what might be next for public media. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaked detailed war plans in a group chat that included an editor from The Atlantic. The messages have since been released to the public, and we're left wondering: how did this happen? Billions of dollars have gone into preserving the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, but how has the funding been used, and what are the results? We're joined by an author whose new book details and gives context to the history of National Public Radio.
    Today on AirTalk, we're watching the CEOs of NPR and PBS as they testify before the DOGE committee in defense against the FCC's claims of political bias. We'll debrief after the hearing about what might be next for public media. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaked detailed war plans in a group chat that included an editor from The Atlantic. The messages have since been released to the public, and we're left wondering: how did this happen? Billions of dollars have gone into preserving the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, but how has the funding been used, and what are the results? We're joined by an author whose new book details and gives context to the history of National Public Radio.
  • Listen 1:39:23
    Today on AirTalk, the genetic testing company 23&Me has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and it's looking to sell your genetic data. Data experts urge customers to delete their data on 23&Me before it is sold, as it is unclear what comes next. We'll hear about a new technology for water desalination and learn how it turns salt water into drinking water. A new book takes a fresh look at the nature vs. nurture debate through the lens of genetic engineering. Why is the Federal Bureau of Investigation looking at the widespread Tesla vandalism as 'domestic terrorism?' We're asking listeners to call in and share the story of how they got their nickname.
    Today on AirTalk, the genetic testing company 23&Me has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and it's looking to sell your genetic data. Data experts urge customers to delete their data on 23&Me before it is sold, as it is unclear what comes next. We'll hear about a new technology for water desalination and learn how it turns salt water into drinking water. A new book takes a fresh look at the nature vs. nurture debate through the lens of genetic engineering. Why is the Federal Bureau of Investigation looking at the widespread Tesla vandalism as 'domestic terrorism?' We're asking listeners to call in and share the story of how they got their nickname.
  • LAist science reporter Jacob Margolis and horticulturalist Tim Becker share their gardening tips for spring.
  • Listen 1:39:21
    Today on AirTalk, LAHSA released an incomplete data set alongside their claim that homelessness numbers went down. We're looking at a new California shelter oversight bill proposal in response to rampant mismanagement inside the homelessness organization. What will a zero-emission future look like for California ports and what's the plan to get there? What is one thing that no one told you about becoming a parent? Call in and share your advice with new or soon-to-be parents. President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Columbia University, which included a list of demands to be met or he will pull the school's crucial federal funding. We're speaking with research and conservation specialists about why sick sea life has been washing ashore in SoCal. We'll end the show with some hot tips on spring gardening in SoCal.
    Today on AirTalk, LAHSA released an incomplete data set alongside their claim that homelessness numbers went down. We're looking at a new California shelter oversight bill proposal in response to rampant mismanagement inside the homelessness organization. What will a zero-emission future look like for California ports and what's the plan to get there? What is one thing that no one told you about becoming a parent? Call in and share your advice with new or soon-to-be parents. President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Columbia University, which included a list of demands to be met or he will pull the school's crucial federal funding. We're speaking with research and conservation specialists about why sick sea life has been washing ashore in SoCal. We'll end the show with some hot tips on spring gardening in SoCal.
  • Listen 48:35
    Today on AirTalk, as recent storms accelerate the Palos Verdes landslide, the city looks for solutions. Lower back pain: the bane of your (and your doctor's) existence. A new study details why lower back pain is so difficult to treat. Joining us for Food Friday are Argentinian production designers turned empanada-making restauranteurs who recently opened Fuegos in South L.A.
    Today on AirTalk, as recent storms accelerate the Palos Verdes landslide, the city looks for solutions. Lower back pain: the bane of your (and your doctor's) existence. A new study details why lower back pain is so difficult to treat. Joining us for Food Friday are Argentinian production designers turned empanada-making restauranteurs who recently opened Fuegos in South L.A.
  • Listen 1:02:04
    Today on AirTalk, the financial cost of the wildfires, amongst other management decisions, has led to a budget shortfall according to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. The Trump administration is eyeing federal land for affordable housing to solve the U.S. housing crisis. What is "ultra-processed" food and why is a California bill taking aim at it? TV's favorite dog trainer, Cesar Millan joins us today to talk about his show Better Human, Better Dog. You won't want to miss today's TV Talk about the upcoming Severance season finale, and other must-see shows.
    Today on AirTalk, the financial cost of the wildfires, amongst other management decisions, has led to a budget shortfall according to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. The Trump administration is eyeing federal land for affordable housing to solve the U.S. housing crisis. What is "ultra-processed" food and why is a California bill taking aim at it? TV's favorite dog trainer, Cesar Millan joins us today to talk about his show Better Human, Better Dog. You won't want to miss today's TV Talk about the upcoming Severance season finale, and other must-see shows.
  • Listen 1:01:44
    Today on AirTalk, we discuss Pacific Palisades' recovery, rebuilding efforts, and how the devastating wildfire in January affected the insurance industry. Trump has deported masses of Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador even after a judge blocked the move. Where do things stand as legal challenges persist? The host and director of a new L.A. wildfire special from PBS join to preview the documentary. The Trump administration is gutting the U.S. Department of Education. We dive into the history of the department, why it was created and the local repercussions of cutbacks. And -- if you have been opting for the beef labeled "grass-fed" in an effort to lessen your carbon footprint, you're not gonna like the findings of a new study.
    Today on AirTalk, we discuss Pacific Palisades' recovery, rebuilding efforts, and how the devastating wildfire in January affected the insurance industry. Trump has deported masses of Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador even after a judge blocked the move. Where do things stand as legal challenges persist? The host and director of a new L.A. wildfire special from PBS join to preview the documentary. The Trump administration is gutting the U.S. Department of Education. We dive into the history of the department, why it was created and the local repercussions of cutbacks. And -- if you have been opting for the beef labeled "grass-fed" in an effort to lessen your carbon footprint, you're not gonna like the findings of a new study.
  • Listen 1:02:48
    Today on AirTalk, a Washington Post investigation into the Eaton Fire timeline was released over the weekend. It uncovered that officials knew the direction of the Eaton Fire 4 hours before it reached west Altadena, the only area with casualties. What went wrong with the evacuation notices? Today, we're doing a Triple Play to discuss the Dodgers season opener in Japan. A judge has approved lithium mining in the Salton Sea area. What's next for the conservancy and what is the status of the new developments? We're taking a look at the state of the cannabis market in California. March Madness has arrived and we're here to tell you about the Southern California teams to watch.
    Today on AirTalk, a Washington Post investigation into the Eaton Fire timeline was released over the weekend. It uncovered that officials knew the direction of the Eaton Fire 4 hours before it reached west Altadena, the only area with casualties. What went wrong with the evacuation notices? Today, we're doing a Triple Play to discuss the Dodgers season opener in Japan. A judge has approved lithium mining in the Salton Sea area. What's next for the conservancy and what is the status of the new developments? We're taking a look at the state of the cannabis market in California. March Madness has arrived and we're here to tell you about the Southern California teams to watch.
  • Listen 1:00:45
    Today on AirTalk, California approved a $3 billion loan for Medi-Cal amidst looming federal cuts. Want to get paid to be politically engaged and hold your public officials accountable? A local initiative called "LA Documenters" will train and pay you to take notes at public meetings. We'll be discussing the outdoor art exhibition, Desert X, which explores the legacy of land art in the Coachella Valley. Forever 21 opened its doors in Highland Park in 1984 and became a mall staple but as malls themselves become more obsolete by the day, the clothing company filed for bankruptcy protection yet again. What are the factors that might finally do the fast fashion company in? Today for our look into SoCal history, we're appreciating L.A.'s rich history of Spanish-language news weekly publications.
    Today on AirTalk, California approved a $3 billion loan for Medi-Cal amidst looming federal cuts. Want to get paid to be politically engaged and hold your public officials accountable? A local initiative called "LA Documenters" will train and pay you to take notes at public meetings. We'll be discussing the outdoor art exhibition, Desert X, which explores the legacy of land art in the Coachella Valley. Forever 21 opened its doors in Highland Park in 1984 and became a mall staple but as malls themselves become more obsolete by the day, the clothing company filed for bankruptcy protection yet again. What are the factors that might finally do the fast fashion company in? Today for our look into SoCal history, we're appreciating L.A.'s rich history of Spanish-language news weekly publications.

Credits & Support

Larry Mantle, Host
Austin Cross, Host
Lindsey Wright, Senior Producer
Lucy Copp, Producer
Nicolas Perez, Producer
Manny Valladares, Associate Producer
Payton Seda, Associate Producer
Faheem Khan, Associate Producer
Courtney Eileen Fulcher, Apprentice News Clerk