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We’re here to help curious Angelenos connect with others, discover the new, navigate the confusing, and even drive some change along the way. Host Brian De Los Santos brings you stories about L.A., for L.A., by L.A. — with your help. Like you, we know this city is unique, and that’s why it’s one of the reasons we love it.
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Episodes
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Listen 50:06This week on This Old House Radio Hour—what does it mean to rebuild not just homes, but entire communities?
Sunset Magazine editor-in-chief Hugh Garvey joins us to discuss the magazine’s special issue devoted to the rebuilding of Altadena and Pacific Palisades in the wake of January’s devastating wildfires. Sunset, a voice in California architecture for over 125 years, has assembled an extraordinary coalition of architects, planners, artists, and historians. Together, they offer not just a plan, but a call to action—for fire-resilient homes, culturally grounded design, and a West that can weather what’s coming.
Then we travel from the hills of Los Angeles to the streets of Tulsa, where Danny Boy O’Connor—from House of Pain—takes us inside his remarkable second act. After bottoming out, he bought a run-down house for $15,000... and it just happened to be the house from The Outsiders. What followed was a full restoration, a pilgrimage, and a new life. We take a tour of the Outsiders Museum and meet the community that made it possible.
Later, Cheap Old Houses is back—Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein spotlight a dreamy 1870s Victorian in Fredonia, Kentucky and an off-the-grid cabin on federal forest land in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, both for under $100,000.
Plus, another round of House Rules, our listener-powered game that tests your home renovation know-how. And in The Simple Fix, we show you how to find a stud in your baseboard—without breaking the wall.
And as always, we’re taking your calls. Got a house problem, project hurdle, or just need a little advice? Call us at (877) 864-7460.
All that and more, coming up on This Old House Radio Hour.
This Old House Radio Hour: Designing for Disaster: How Los Angeles Builds Back Smarter + Saving The Outsider’s House + Four DIY Fixes: Chimneys, Circuits, Ceilings, and SteamThis week on This Old House Radio Hour—what does it mean to rebuild not just homes, but entire communities?
Sunset Magazine editor-in-chief Hugh Garvey joins us to discuss the magazine’s special issue devoted to the rebuilding of Altadena and Pacific Palisades in the wake of January’s devastating wildfires. Sunset, a voice in California architecture for over 125 years, has assembled an extraordinary coalition of architects, planners, artists, and historians. Together, they offer not just a plan, but a call to action—for fire-resilient homes, culturally grounded design, and a West that can weather what’s coming.
Then we travel from the hills of Los Angeles to the streets of Tulsa, where Danny Boy O’Connor—from House of Pain—takes us inside his remarkable second act. After bottoming out, he bought a run-down house for $15,000... and it just happened to be the house from The Outsiders. What followed was a full restoration, a pilgrimage, and a new life. We take a tour of the Outsiders Museum and meet the community that made it possible.
Later, Cheap Old Houses is back—Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein spotlight a dreamy 1870s Victorian in Fredonia, Kentucky and an off-the-grid cabin on federal forest land in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, both for under $100,000.
Plus, another round of House Rules, our listener-powered game that tests your home renovation know-how. And in The Simple Fix, we show you how to find a stud in your baseboard—without breaking the wall.
And as always, we’re taking your calls. Got a house problem, project hurdle, or just need a little advice? Call us at (877) 864-7460.
All that and more, coming up on This Old House Radio Hour.
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Listen 24:30Hey there! After 317 new episodes, the How to LA team is turning the page. We won't be producing weekly episodes anymore, but you'll hear our reporting on LAist 89.3 FM, on our website and on social media. Before we exited the party, we wanted to hang out with our homies, comadres and contributors one last time.
Thank you for lettings us in your homes, speakers and communities. Follow along at LAist.com/newsletters and Instagram.
Guests:
Gab Chabrán, LAist food editor
Cato Hernández, LAist reporter
Joshua Letona, LAist social media producer
Erin Stone, LAist reporter
Antonia Cereijido, LAist Studios host
Monica Bushman, LAist Studios producer
Victoria Alejandro, LAist Studios producer
Hasta luego, friends ❤️Hey there! After 317 new episodes, the How to LA team is turning the page. We won't be producing weekly episodes anymore, but you'll hear our reporting on LAist 89.3 FM, on our website and on social media. Before we exited the party, we wanted to hang out with our homies, comadres and contributors one last time.
Thank you for lettings us in your homes, speakers and communities. Follow along at LAist.com/newsletters and Instagram.
Guests:
Gab Chabrán, LAist food editor
Cato Hernández, LAist reporter
Joshua Letona, LAist social media producer
Erin Stone, LAist reporter
Antonia Cereijido, LAist Studios host
Monica Bushman, LAist Studios producer
Victoria Alejandro, LAist Studios producer
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Listen 16:53#233: Independent movie theaters are having a moment. Many just turned — or are turning — 100 years old and several have reopened after extensive remodels.
This matters because movie history is LOS ANGELES history. Some of these older venues can tell us a lot about the early days of Hollywood and this city. But what’s cool is that they continue to create spaces for community, to come together and watch a film on the big screen.
So today we’re kicking off a new 10-part series we’re calling Revival House. We are going to take you inside these spaces — the vintage spots and some newer ones — to explore their past and their present…and help you connect with some indie theaters in YOUR neighborhoods.
Our guide is How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro. our Los Feliz girly who loves to explore entertainment and the arts in LA.
In this episode, she talks about she wants to put the spotlight on all these places, from The Vista to The Nuart to Braindead Studios, housed in The Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax
Read her love letter to LA's indie theaters: https://laist.com/news/how-to-la/revival-house-movies-hollywood-essay
Guests:How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro with tape from film theater historian Ross Melnick and programmer for The New Beverly Cinema, Jules McLean, plus moviegoers from all over L.A.
Our Love Letter To LA's Indie Movie Theaters: Introducing 'Revival House'#233: Independent movie theaters are having a moment. Many just turned — or are turning — 100 years old and several have reopened after extensive remodels.
This matters because movie history is LOS ANGELES history. Some of these older venues can tell us a lot about the early days of Hollywood and this city. But what’s cool is that they continue to create spaces for community, to come together and watch a film on the big screen.
So today we’re kicking off a new 10-part series we’re calling Revival House. We are going to take you inside these spaces — the vintage spots and some newer ones — to explore their past and their present…and help you connect with some indie theaters in YOUR neighborhoods.
Our guide is How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro. our Los Feliz girly who loves to explore entertainment and the arts in LA.
In this episode, she talks about she wants to put the spotlight on all these places, from The Vista to The Nuart to Braindead Studios, housed in The Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax
Read her love letter to LA's indie theaters: https://laist.com/news/how-to-la/revival-house-movies-hollywood-essay
Guests:How to LA producer Victoria Alejandro with tape from film theater historian Ross Melnick and programmer for The New Beverly Cinema, Jules McLean, plus moviegoers from all over L.A.
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Listen 13:08#232: Here is the last installment in our series of places in LA that help establish a neighborhood's rhythm. This time we head to Str33t Records and talk to owner Angelle Laigo.
Guest: Str33t Records founder Angelle Laigo
Music from this episode:
What’s His Name - Joey Quinones, Thee Sinseers
Running Away - Thee Sacred Souls
Pacific Ave - Pearl & The Oysters
Hippy Provider - The Intelligence
Dreameater - Healing Gems
Descenda - yungatita
I Could Never Hurt You Girl - Ralfi Pagan
I Want You Back - Don Julian & The Larks
PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA - Beyonce
I Wish You Love (Part 1) - Joe Bataan
Ex-Factor - Lauryn Hill
Atomic Dog - George Clinton
Finding The Beat: Music and Nostalgia in Alhambra#232: Here is the last installment in our series of places in LA that help establish a neighborhood's rhythm. This time we head to Str33t Records and talk to owner Angelle Laigo.
Guest: Str33t Records founder Angelle Laigo
Music from this episode:
What’s His Name - Joey Quinones, Thee Sinseers
Running Away - Thee Sacred Souls
Pacific Ave - Pearl & The Oysters
Hippy Provider - The Intelligence
Dreameater - Healing Gems
Descenda - yungatita
I Could Never Hurt You Girl - Ralfi Pagan
I Want You Back - Don Julian & The Larks
PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA - Beyonce
I Wish You Love (Part 1) - Joe Bataan
Ex-Factor - Lauryn Hill
Atomic Dog - George Clinton
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Listen 31:27#231: Simply put, a lot of people are lonely in L.A. It’s a huge city, and whether you’re a transplant or a homegrown Angeleno, people all over this town are trying to find their place, and their people.
Every Tuesday, over the next 5 weeks, How to LA producer Megan Botel explores these feelings of loneliness – which has recently been declared a nationwide epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General – and how some Angelenos are dealing with it by creating communities and finding new connections in the city.
To kick it off part one, we speak to loneliness expert Cat Moore to understand and, in many ways, re-define our understanding of how loneliness is experienced. We'll also cover specific ways to begin building community.
Guest: Cat Moore, Director of Belonging at the University of Southern California
If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for help and check out these resources.
#231: Simply put, a lot of people are lonely in L.A. It’s a huge city, and whether you’re a transplant or a homegrown Angeleno, people all over this town are trying to find their place, and their people.
Every Tuesday, over the next 5 weeks, How to LA producer Megan Botel explores these feelings of loneliness – which has recently been declared a nationwide epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General – and how some Angelenos are dealing with it by creating communities and finding new connections in the city.
To kick it off part one, we speak to loneliness expert Cat Moore to understand and, in many ways, re-define our understanding of how loneliness is experienced. We'll also cover specific ways to begin building community.
Guest: Cat Moore, Director of Belonging at the University of Southern California
If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for help and check out these resources.
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Listen 13:30#230: It’s an election year folks and Los Angeles has a primary coming up March 5th — just a month away!
There are candidates running for L.A .City Council, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, and L.A.’s District Attorney. And there are also local and statewide measures on the ballot that you should get familiar with.
We realize it's a LOT but don't trip — we got you.
LAist has a new Voter Game Plan, up today. It's a super helpful voter guide with information on what’s on the ballot and it includes short cuts broken down by issues that really matter to Angelenos — like public safety, the climate emergency and affordable housing.
Today, we're talking about a big one: homelessness.
Guest:
- Brianna Lee, Engagement Producer of Civics & Democracy for LAist
How To Prep For The Primary Election: Homelessness#230: It’s an election year folks and Los Angeles has a primary coming up March 5th — just a month away!
There are candidates running for L.A .City Council, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, and L.A.’s District Attorney. And there are also local and statewide measures on the ballot that you should get familiar with.
We realize it's a LOT but don't trip — we got you.
LAist has a new Voter Game Plan, up today. It's a super helpful voter guide with information on what’s on the ballot and it includes short cuts broken down by issues that really matter to Angelenos — like public safety, the climate emergency and affordable housing.
Today, we're talking about a big one: homelessness.
Guest:
- Brianna Lee, Engagement Producer of Civics & Democracy for LAist
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Listen 15:35#228 - We're continuing our exploration of music in L.A. Today, we head to San Fernando to check out the sounds of punk, cumbia, boogie and rock at the musical hub The Midnight Hour Records. It's part two of a three-part series. You can check them all out in the feed.
Guest: Sergio Amalfitano, owner The Midnight Hour
Read more here: The Midnight Hour Records Shop Is A Love Letter To Northeast Valley Kids
Music in this episode:
Rhythm Song (Live) - Ritchie Valens
Come On, Let’s Go - Ritchie Valens
La Bamba - Ritchie Valens
Leave it Alone - Cosmic Joke
Dream A Little Dream - The Perez Bros.
Blame It On The Boogie - The Jacksons
Me Vale - Maná
Para Elisa - Los Destellos
Truly Truly Yours - The Perez Bros.
West Coast Poplock - Ronnie Hudson
Lower - Mal Form
Shattered - Fatal Wounds
Number One - God’s Hate
Grid Walker - Greenwitch
Kamikaze - Cosmic Joke
Butterfly Effect - Tough Front
7th - Jason Ayala
Pools of Water - Tough Front
Finding The Beat: Music In The San Fernando Valley#228 - We're continuing our exploration of music in L.A. Today, we head to San Fernando to check out the sounds of punk, cumbia, boogie and rock at the musical hub The Midnight Hour Records. It's part two of a three-part series. You can check them all out in the feed.
Guest: Sergio Amalfitano, owner The Midnight Hour
Read more here: The Midnight Hour Records Shop Is A Love Letter To Northeast Valley Kids
Music in this episode:
Rhythm Song (Live) - Ritchie Valens
Come On, Let’s Go - Ritchie Valens
La Bamba - Ritchie Valens
Leave it Alone - Cosmic Joke
Dream A Little Dream - The Perez Bros.
Blame It On The Boogie - The Jacksons
Me Vale - Maná
Para Elisa - Los Destellos
Truly Truly Yours - The Perez Bros.
West Coast Poplock - Ronnie Hudson
Lower - Mal Form
Shattered - Fatal Wounds
Number One - God’s Hate
Grid Walker - Greenwitch
Kamikaze - Cosmic Joke
Butterfly Effect - Tough Front
7th - Jason Ayala
Pools of Water - Tough Front
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Listen 26:25#227: Today, we’re once again enlisting some local independent booksellers to help us understand L.A. better. This time we headed to Tía Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore in Sylmar, Octavia's Bookshelf in Pasadena, Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena and Reparations Club near West Adams.
Books mentioned:
- "Ask the Dust" by John Fante
- "Mercurochrome: New Poems" by Wanda Coleman
- "Always Running" by Luis J. Rodriguez
- "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
- "Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler
- "The Lost Cause" by Cory Doctorow
- "KAOS Theory: The Afrokosmic Ark of Ben Caldwell" by Robeson Taj Frazier with Ben Caldwell
- "There Goes the Neighborhood" by Jade Adia
- "The White Boy Shuffle" by Paul Beatty
- "South of Pico: African American Artists in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s" by Kellie Jones
#227: Today, we’re once again enlisting some local independent booksellers to help us understand L.A. better. This time we headed to Tía Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore in Sylmar, Octavia's Bookshelf in Pasadena, Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena and Reparations Club near West Adams.
Books mentioned:
- "Ask the Dust" by John Fante
- "Mercurochrome: New Poems" by Wanda Coleman
- "Always Running" by Luis J. Rodriguez
- "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
- "Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler
- "The Lost Cause" by Cory Doctorow
- "KAOS Theory: The Afrokosmic Ark of Ben Caldwell" by Robeson Taj Frazier with Ben Caldwell
- "There Goes the Neighborhood" by Jade Adia
- "The White Boy Shuffle" by Paul Beatty
- "South of Pico: African American Artists in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s" by Kellie Jones
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Listen 20:29#226: Today we're exploring the past and present music of our city — from West Adams to Leimert Park — through the lens of musical hubs High Fidelity Records and The World Stage. It's part of a three-part series.
Read more in LAist: In West Adams, High-Fidelity Record Store Serves The Historic Jazz Community
Guests: Ray Limon and Stanley Swinger, co-owners of High Fidelity Records in West Adams, and Dwight Trible, jazz singer and executive director of The World Stage in Leimert Park.
Music from this episode:
Tears of Sorrow and Rage - Young Jazz Giants
California Swing - Paul Howard’s Quality Serenaders
High School - The Brat
Straight Outta Compton - N.W.A
The Hillbillies - Kendrick Lamar, Baby Keem
With You - Terrace Martin
Just A Girl - No Doubt
Baby Love- The Supremes
My Funny Valentine - Miles Davis
Seize the Time - Elaine Brown,
Invisible - Ornette Coleman
Amnesia - Blu
Scar Tissue - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Love You Bad - Dinner Party
Passin’ Me By - The Pharcyde
PHASES - Vel Nine, NugLife
Lookin Out - Huey Briss, Josef Lamercier, Nikobeats
Gift of Life - Brainstory
Tabula Rasa - Earl Sweatshirt, Armand Hammer
Impressions - John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy
Justice - Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra
Remind Me - Patrice Rushen
At Last - Barbara Morrison
323 Go Crazy - Dom Kennedy
#226: Today we're exploring the past and present music of our city — from West Adams to Leimert Park — through the lens of musical hubs High Fidelity Records and The World Stage. It's part of a three-part series.
Read more in LAist: In West Adams, High-Fidelity Record Store Serves The Historic Jazz Community
Guests: Ray Limon and Stanley Swinger, co-owners of High Fidelity Records in West Adams, and Dwight Trible, jazz singer and executive director of The World Stage in Leimert Park.
Music from this episode:
Tears of Sorrow and Rage - Young Jazz Giants
California Swing - Paul Howard’s Quality Serenaders
High School - The Brat
Straight Outta Compton - N.W.A
The Hillbillies - Kendrick Lamar, Baby Keem
With You - Terrace Martin
Just A Girl - No Doubt
Baby Love- The Supremes
My Funny Valentine - Miles Davis
Seize the Time - Elaine Brown,
Invisible - Ornette Coleman
Amnesia - Blu
Scar Tissue - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Love You Bad - Dinner Party
Passin’ Me By - The Pharcyde
PHASES - Vel Nine, NugLife
Lookin Out - Huey Briss, Josef Lamercier, Nikobeats
Gift of Life - Brainstory
Tabula Rasa - Earl Sweatshirt, Armand Hammer
Impressions - John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy
Justice - Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra
Remind Me - Patrice Rushen
At Last - Barbara Morrison
323 Go Crazy - Dom Kennedy
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Listen 14:50#225: Today, what you need to know about the current state of COVID-19 in LA County, and a recent loosening of state guidelines around “isolation periods” — the length of time COVID positive people are advised to stay away from others.
Guest: LAist senior health reporter Jackie Fortiér
Sniffles, Sore Throat? There Are Updated CA COVID Rules#225: Today, what you need to know about the current state of COVID-19 in LA County, and a recent loosening of state guidelines around “isolation periods” — the length of time COVID positive people are advised to stay away from others.
Guest: LAist senior health reporter Jackie Fortiér
Support & Credits
Brian De Los Santos, Host
Victoria Alejandro, Producer
Megan Botel, Producer
Monica Bushman, Producer
Evan Jacoby, Producer
Aaricka Washington, Associate Editor
Megan Larson, Executive Producer