The Times: Essential news from the L.A. Times

Los Angeles Times

“The Times" is a podcast from the Los Angeles Times hosted by columnist Gustavo Arellano along with reporters from our diverse newsroom. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, our podcast brings listeners the most essential stories from the L.A. Times. We've got the West Coast angle on the most interesting news stories of the day, taking on topics like entertainment, the environment, immigration, politics, the criminal justice system, the social safety net, food and culture and more, and delivering it in a tone that isn’t so stressed or intense. Through interviews and original stories, we are the audio guide you need to understand the day’s news, the world and how California is at the epicenter of it all. read less

Our Editor's Take

Listeners of The Times: Essential news from the L.A. Times enjoy over 400 episodes from the podcast's two-year run. The show's massive range of stunning topics keeps them listening. Though the podcast ended in 2023, its archive is still available and will continue to be. It's hard not to listen to them all at once. The Los Angeles Times produced and nurtured this show. Backed by a newspaper with decades of reliability and a stack of Pulitzer Prizes, the quality is stellar. Listeners get news from-and global stories viewed from-America's newer melting pot.

The podcast examines the world through the eyes of the West Coast. So a casual tone and exceptional journalism meld in this podcast. Career L.A. Times journalists give listeners award-winning reporting and cutting investigative stories. Distinctive examinations of diverse lives, struggles, and triumphs make this a thought-provoking podcast.

Times columnist Gustavo Arellano hosts. His bio states that he's the son of immigrants and that one of his parents came to the US from Mexico in the trunk of a Chevy. With pride, Arellano hard-rolls his Rs. He sprinkles in Spanish words here and there as he introduces episodes. His strong Latinx spirit has a West Coast aura. But content is independent of place, despite the podcast's title. It's also unbound by staff demographic. Arellano's casual tone grounds listeners amidst intense stories.

Topics get intense and take up the focus of about 30-minute episodes. The podcast's stories are unique and come from many perspectives. They explore how mass shootings affect young voters in the US. They go far, reporting on LGBTQ people's experience on the battlefront in Ukraine. Topics can range from a crisis on the Colorado River to L.A.'s complicated affordable housing system.

The Times: Essential news from the L.A. Times podcast talks about a lot. It covers the arts, culture, tech, politics, the savage, and the ridiculous. It delivers fantastic investigative stories and the latest news. Episodes are under 30 minutes. Shows focus on one topic with commentary and news briefs on different events mixed in.

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How trans surfers find community
Apr 28 2023
How trans surfers find community
Trans surfers are beginning to find community among themselves in a sport that too often isolates and even shuns them. Today, we hang out with some at the beach, to hear their joy and pain. Read the full transcript here.Host: L.A. Times senior producer Denise GuerraMore reading:Biden sports plan angers transgender advocates and opponentsBlack surfers find moments of reflection, rejuvenation at ‘A Great Day in the Stoke’For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans

Episodes

How trans surfers find community
Apr 28 2023
How trans surfers find community
Trans surfers are beginning to find community among themselves in a sport that too often isolates and even shuns them. Today, we hang out with some at the beach, to hear their joy and pain. Read the full transcript here.Host: L.A. Times senior producer Denise GuerraMore reading:Biden sports plan angers transgender advocates and opponentsBlack surfers find moments of reflection, rejuvenation at ‘A Great Day in the Stoke’For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans
Masters of Disasters origin stories!
Apr 26 2023
Masters of Disasters origin stories!
In a live taping, three of our Masters of Disasters talk about how they got into covering catastrophes, why they continue to do it — and how they try to convey hope. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times earthquake reporter Rong-Gong Lin, L.A. Times wildfire reporter Alex Wigglesworth, and L.A. Times coastal reporter Rosanna XiaMore reading:Read Rong-Gong LIn II’s stories hereRead Alex Wigglesworth’s stories hereRead Rosanna Xia’s stories here
Can anything stop distracted driving?
Apr 24 2023
Can anything stop distracted driving?
After a decades-long decline in automobile fatalities, numbers began to go up with the dawn of smart phones. Laws banning use of cellphones while driving haven’t stopped the rise — and the dawn of smart cars seems to be making things worse.Today, we talk about efforts to stop distracted driving — and why they don’t seem to work. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times auto industry reporter Russ MitchellMore reading:Highways are getting deadlier, with fatalities up 22%. Our smartphone addiction is a big reason why‘We are killing people’: How technology has made your car ‘a candy store of distraction’The DMV said it would investigate Tesla over self-driving claims. Then, crickets
The music genre Korean elders 'trot' to
Apr 21 2023
The music genre Korean elders 'trot' to
“Trot” is a Korean music genre that has been around for decades. But in recent years, it has exploded in popularity in Southern California. The biggest fans? Immigrant seniors.Today, we talk about trot’s history, staying power and role in the Korean American community. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times Asian American communities reporter Jeong ParkMore reading:K-Pop isn’t the only hot ticket in Koreatown — how ‘trot’ is captivating immigrantsKoreatown’s elderly immigrants find the lure of the casino bus a blessing and a curseClub helps older Korean immigrants find their political voice
Is Biden too old to run again?
Apr 19 2023
Is Biden too old to run again?
When Joe Biden won in 2020, he became the oldest president in U.S. history. If he runs again in 2024 and wins, he’ll beat own record. Is that a problem?Today, we talk about the grumbles from Republicans and Democrats alike over Biden’s age. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times reporter Courtney SubramanianMore reading:Column: Are Joe Biden and Dianne Feinstein too old to do their jobs?Newsletter: Joe Biden, the bumbling old president who outwitted Republicans‘What an old politician understands’ — Biden turns the age issue to advantage
Can Dr. Simi cure the Mexican healthcare system?
Apr 17 2023
Can Dr. Simi cure the Mexican healthcare system?
Farmacias Similares is the largest privately owned chain of pharmacies in Mexico, and has a cute mascot — Dr. Simi — who is beloved across the country. What could possibly be wrong about this scenario? Many things.Today, we talk about what the rise of Dr. Simi says about Mexico’s broken healthcare system. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times foreign correspondent Leila MillerMore reading:Mexico promised healthcare for all. Its failure to deliver made this smiling mascot famousEl Dr. Simi es una estrella de TikTok. También es una muestra de la crisis del sistema de salud de México
Introducing 'Foretold'
Apr 14 2023
Introducing 'Foretold'
"Foretold" is the newest podcast from the L.A. Times, and we're sharing the first episode with you here today. In the fall of 2019, reporter Faith E. Pinho received a tip from a woman named Paulina Stevens. Paulina claimed she had grown up in an insular Romani community in California, where she was raised to be a wife, mother and fortuneteller — until she decided to break away. That first call unraveled a story spanning multiple continents, hundreds of years, and complex metaphysical realities.  Follow "Foretold" to hear new episodes every Tuesday. Check out photos and more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: Our Romani cultural consultant's op-ed describing how her heritage fits into her own life.
An FBI investigation into college basketball gone wrong
Apr 12 2023
An FBI investigation into college basketball gone wrong
An FBI investigation tried to expose malfeasance in the world of NCAA men’s basketball. Instead, the mirror was turned on the agency itself when one of the lead agents abused his position.Today, you’ll hear the story of how that came to be — and whether the investigation turned up anything. Read the full story here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times sports investigative reporter Nathan FennoMore reading:How an FBI agent’s wild Vegas weekend stained an investigation into NCAA basketball corruption10 charged in college basketball corruption probeCongressional committee wants answers in college basketball bribery scandal
Who suffers if the U.S. bans TikTok
Apr 10 2023
Who suffers if the U.S. bans TikTok
Democrat and Republican lawmakers are pushing for a U.S. ban on TikTok, arguing the Chinese-owned social media app is a national security risk. But many of its users argue that will severely harm their businesses.Today, we hear from some of them. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times reporter technology reporter Brian Contreras and L.A. Times business reporter Jaimie DingMore reading:For some, TikTok is a path to riches and the American dream. With a ban, it could all disappearTikTok might get banned after ‘disaster’ testimony. Why do some TikTokers not care?The Biden administration’s threat to ban TikTok: Here’s what you should know
The mainstreaming of curanderos
Apr 7 2023
The mainstreaming of curanderos
For centuries, communities across Latin America have relied on curanderos — healers who rely on indigenous tradition — for their physical and mental health. Will mainstream American health ever embrace it?Today, we examine the subject. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times utility reporter Karen GarciaMore reading:Some Latinos don’t trust Western mental health. That’s where curanderos come inCurandera’s spell may soothe your soulBringing medicine from the village into the public eye
Are Biden and Trump border buddies?
Apr 5 2023
Are Biden and Trump border buddies?
During the 2020 presidential campaign, Joe Biden decried U.S. border policies enacted by the Trump administration as racist. But Biden has not only not rolled some of them back — in some cases, he’s doubled down.Today, we try to figure out what changed. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times immigration reporters Hamed Aleaziz and Andrea CastilloMore reading:Top Democrats warn Biden: Don’t restart family detentionsBiden immigration plan could force asylum officers to break law, union warnsAsylum seekers face decision to split up families or wait indefinitely under new border policy
So Donald Trump got indicted...
Apr 3 2023
So Donald Trump got indicted...
The indictment of former president Donald Trump has provoked praise and criticism alike. So what’s next? We talk to two of our political wizards to figure it out.Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times political columnist Mark Z. Barabak, and L.A. Times national security reporter Sarah D. WireMore reading:Full coverage: Trump hush-money probeTrump indicted in alleged hush-money scheme, becoming first former U.S. president in history to be prosecutedColumn: Scandal after scandal, Trump has defied political physics. Will this time be different?
Can music make people care about climate change?
Mar 31 2023
Can music make people care about climate change?
Lucy Jones, California’s beloved earthquake expert, sits down with environment reporter Rosanna Xia to discuss her new project: using music to inspire people to take action against climate change. Listen to hear Lucy go through her process, her collaborators explain the psychology behind it all, and  — of course — a sampling of the compositions. Read the full transcript here.Host: Rosanna XiaGuests: Lucy JonesMore reading:Column One: Can music inspire more people to care about climate change? Lucy Jones is leaving her job - to shake up more than just earthquakes
The RV homeless encampments of L.A.
Mar 29 2023
The RV homeless encampments of L.A.
Over the last couple of years, RVs in Los Angeles turned from a vehicle for camping to shelter for people who are unhoused. That’s led to multiple complaints — and deaths.Today, we examine how L.A. got to this point. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times columnist Erika D. SmithMore reading:The real and complicated reasons why Los Angeles still has so many RV encampmentsQ&A: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass: ‘The city is demanding the tents go away’Los Angeles lifts moratorium on towing RVs, pledges to move problem campers
How college gymnasts can finally cash in
Mar 27 2023
How college gymnasts can finally cash in
For over 100 years, college athletes couldn’t make money competing in their sports. A new NCAA rule around name, image and likeness, or NIL, has changed that. The biggest winners? Gymnasts.Today, we talk to a few current and former gymnasts at UCLA, including Olympians Jordyn Wieber and Jordan Chiles, about how this rule change has affected their lives. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times college sports and NBA reporter Thuc Nhi Nguyen More reading: Once empowered by Title IX, female athletes are now among big winners in new NIL era ‘My medals are my armor.’ Jordan Chiles’ persistence guides her pursuit of greatness How California paved the way for college athletes to cash in big
A surrender hotline for Russian soldiers
Mar 24 2023
A surrender hotline for Russian soldiers
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, Ukrainian military officials have set up a hotline for Russian soldiers to call in and surrender. Is it working to end the war?.Today, we talk to the people behind it. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times global affairs correspondent Laura KingMore reading:Lots of Russian soldiers want to surrender. Ukraine makes it easier with a high-tech hotlineA soldier’s tale: Russian serviceman’s scathing memoir depicts a senseless warRead the L.A. Times’ full Ukraine coverage
The flooding in Pajaro, Calif. — and how it all could have been avoided
Mar 22 2023
The flooding in Pajaro, Calif. — and how it all could have been avoided
This year’s historic storms have hit communities of color like Pajaro, Calif., especially hard. It’s a recurring problem that could’ve been avoided entirely.Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times investigative reporter Susanne RustMore reading:Residents left in flooded California farm town feel ‘abandoned’ as levees failSpring storm sets sights on Southern California with strong wind, heavy rainHow a long history of racism and neglect set the stage for Pajaro flooding
A murder mystery, a cover up, and femicide in Mexico
Mar 20 2023
A murder mystery, a cover up, and femicide in Mexico
Ariadna López was found murdered on the side of a road in Mexico, one of thousands of women murdered every year in the country. But her death outraged the country like never before.Today, the problem of femicide in Mexico — and whether Lopez’s death will help change that. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times Mexico City bureau chief Patrick J. McDonnellMore reading:A single mother in Mexico was blamed for her own death. Now a well-connected playboy has been chargedFemicides in Mexico: Little progress on longstanding issueIn Mexico, a grisly killing inflames debate about femicide
Silicon Valley Bank's collapse may affect your interest rate
Mar 17 2023
Silicon Valley Bank's collapse may affect your interest rate
When inflation is high, the Federal Reserve has historically raised interest rates. But the recent failures of banks like Silicon Valley Bank have sparked worries about the stability of our banking system. Now the feds must weigh whether the banking system could withstand the turmoil that raising interest rates could bring. To get inside the mind of Fed chair Jerome Powell, we look to a previous era of high inflation, the late 1970s and early ‘80s, and the decisions of then Fed chairs Arthur Burns and Paul Volcker.Today, we talk about what's next. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times economics reporter Don LeeMore reading:Did deregulation lead to Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse?Federal Reserve officials sound warnings about higher ratesU.S. inflation eases but stays high, putting Fed in tough spot
The judge who likes to overturn gun laws
Mar 15 2023
The judge who likes to overturn gun laws
U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez is known for overturning gun bans. Derided and hailed in equal measures, he’s now presiding over a case with far-reaching consequences.Today, we talk about his history and impact. Read the full transcript here.Host: Gustavo ArellanoGuests: L.A. Times enterprise reporter Laura J. NelsonMore reading:The judge upending California’s gun laws: ‘Blessed’ jurist or ‘stone-cold ideologue’? Thanks to the Supreme Court, California gun cases hinge more on history than modern threatsWar on California gun laws revs up after Supreme Court’s ‘right to carry’ decision