Imperfect Paradise
Imperfect Paradise is an award-winning weekly narrative podcast showcasing California stories with universal significance, hosted by Antonia Cereijido. Each deeply reported story is driven by characters who illuminate aspects of American identity and underscore California's reputation as a home for dreamers and schemers, its heartbreaking inequality, its varied and diverse communities, its unique combination of dense cities and wild places. New episodes premiere Wednesdays, with broadcasts on LAist 89.3 the following Sundays.
Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.
Our Editor's Take
Imperfect Paradise is a podcast about Los Angeles led by host Antonia Cereijido. An experienced journalist, Cereijido explores and analyzes the contradictions that exist in California.
The podcast recognizes that, for many, California embodies the American dream. Often, people picture palm trees lining the convertible-lined streets of the state. California is also the origin of some of the world's best produce-it's usually sunny and rarely too warm. With that dream in mind, it's no surprise that people would rush to the state.
Imperfect Paradise aims to show that reality is much different. Metropolitan LA is home to over 13 million people. Lack of adequate public transportation and sprawl result in massive traffic issues. The cost of living is 50 percent higher than the national average. Some of the world's richest people call California home, along with a growing homeless population. City and state politics deal with mismanagement and corruption. Climate change is causing floods, fires, and other extreme weather events. Despite it all, people continue to think of California as a dreamland.
On the podcast, Cereijido focuses on the different kinds of people who call LA home. Over the course of four episodes, she examines the mom-influencer phenomenon. She tells the story of Katie Sorensen, who accused a Latino couple of kidnapping. The story was fake, but the consequences were real.
Cereijido introduces listeners to amateur magician Carly Usdin. Her life's dream was to gain admission into the Magic Castle, a private club and academy. Once admitted, she finds that The Castle is not that magic after all.
In politics, Cereijido chronicles the rise and fall of Councilmember Nury Martinez. She won the election because of her populist message, but she lost her seat because of racist comments.
LA locals may appreciate Imperfect Paradise for its vivid portrayals of its residents. The podcast isn't just for Californians. Cereijido's reporting unveils truths about all Americans. The show is great for audiences who like anecdotes and social commentary.
Episodes
