Best Darius Derakshan Podcasts (2025)

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Renata Simril: From Army Boots to Olympic Flames 1:04:58

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1h ago1:04:58

1:04:58

What do the Army, the Dodgers, the L.A. Times, and the 2028 Olympics have in common? Renata Simril. Renata Simril is the President & CEO of the LA84 Foundation — one of the most influential philanthropic organizations in Los Angeles. Her journey has taken her from growing up in Carson to standing in the room when L.A. was awarded the 2028 Olympic G…

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Navigating Insurance Hell, Pt. 1 50:03

1h ago50:03

50:03

One of the biggest stories to emerge from these fires is the insurance nightmare fire survivors have endured. Not all stories of insurers are bad but the number of residents who have reported trouble with their insurance company is in the thousands. The bottom line: people report not getting the money they believe they deserve under their policies …

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Fritz Coleman: Weather Words, Comedy Clubs, and Forty Years on Channel 4 57:27

7d ago57:27

57:27

What’s it like to give L.A. the weather for 40 years… and still slip out for a stand-up set between newscasts? For four decades, Fritz Coleman was more than just the weatherman on KNBC Channel 4 — he was part of the fabric of Los Angeles life. But behind the “weather words” were some surprising turns: his first TV job came while serving in the Navy…

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How One Nonprofit Hopes To ‘Keep Altadena Land In Altadena Hands’ 51:56

7d ago51:56

51:56

The sale of lots in the Altadena burn zones has slowed down but there is still a lot of uncertainty among some residents about whether they can rebuild. There is concern felt across some of these neighborhoods that their neighbors won’t — or can’t — come back, and that the overall character — the diversity, the eclecticism, the bohemianism — of the…

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The Hillside Strangler is Back (Not really though, don’t worry) 41:26

7d ago41:26

41:26

In the 1970s, Los Angeles was plagued by a series of gruesome murders that seemed to target vulnerable women around the area. Richard Winton joins Madison McGhee to rehash the happenings around these murders and how police were eventually able to track down the culprit behind this murder spree, as well as some recent updates to the case.…

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"Hos Long to Die In Cold?" 57:44

14d ago57:44

57:44

One of 2025’s biggest trials focused on the killing of John O’Keefe – a Boston police officer found unconscious in the snow outside a fellow officer’s home after a night of heavy drinking. Detectives zeroed in on O’Keefe’s girlfriend, Karen Read, with whom he had a fraught relationship. But did they prioritize her too quickly? Did they use her as a…

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Where has all the Fire Aid gone? We follow the money. 40:18

14d ago40:18

40:18

The much ballyhooed Fire Aid concert in January, featuring artists from Billie Eilish to Joni Mitchell to No Doubt, raised $100 million to help assist people in the immediate aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades Fires. Over the summer, the organizers came under a lot of scrutiny by some residents — and even President Donald Trump — who all question…

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Karen Bass: Roots, Resilience, and the Story of Los Angeles 1:01:10

14d ago1:01:10

1:01:10

What’s it like to go from community organizer to Congress to the Mayor’s chair — with history rhyming along the way? Karen Bass’s story is as personal as it is political — and as uniquely Los Angeles as they come. Before she was Mayor of Los Angeles, she was a physician’s assistant, the founder of the influential nonprofit Community Coalition, the …

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Introducing: Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff 8:21

15d ago8:21

8:21

Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff is a six-part true crime investigation from the Los Angeles Times about one of the biggest law enforcement scandals in U.S. history. Follow Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Christopher Goffard as he uncovers how Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, once hailed as a reformer, became entangled in a shocking co…

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Introducing: Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff 8:21

15d ago8:21

8:21

Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff is a six-part true crime investigation from the Los Angeles Times about one of the biggest law enforcement scandals in U.S. history. Follow Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Christopher Goffard as he uncovers how Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, once hailed as a reformer, became entangled in a shocking co…

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Introducing: Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff 8:47

15d ago8:47

8:47

Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff is a six-part true crime investigation from the Los Angeles Times about one of the biggest law enforcement scandals in U.S. history. Follow Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Christopher Goffard as he uncovers how Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, once hailed as a reformer, became entangled in a shocking co…

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No Way Out: Does LA Have Evacuation Plans In Place For The Next Disaster? 50:05

28d ago50:05

50:05

On the morning of the Palisades Fire, streets were already gridlocked by the time the first widespread evacuation order was issued. Eventually, people were told to leave their cars behind and run, setting off a harrowing escape for many residents.For decades it was an open secret that the Pacific Palisades didn’t have enough roads out of town for p…

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How Bad Can a TikTok Dance Cult Be? Bad. 37:35

28d ago37:35

37:35

When people think of cults they tend to think of a bunch of long haired people in matching tracksuits on a farm somewhere. But the future is now and even cults have gone online. Madison McGhee speaks with Los Angeles Times reporter Nathan Solis about one such group: the 7M TikTok Dance Cult. It’s exactly what you think it is, but also so much more.…

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Lori Bettison-Varga: Running the Museum That Runs on Bones 53:37

28d ago53:37

53:37

What does it take to lead a museum with 110 years of Los Angeles history — and keep it moving forward in a city that never stands still? Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga is the President of the Natural History Museum of L.A. County, home to more than 35 million artifacts and specimens, the largest such collection in the Western United States. In this episod…

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When Misinformation Muddies The Path 29:00

1M ago29:00

29:00

A recent attempt by the California state legislature to create a Rebuilding Authority to help coordinate the recovery and restoration of neighborhoods burned in the Eaton and Palisades fire was met with backlash. The language in the proposed bill was confusing, but, also, some of the information circulating about it wasn’t true, stoking the fear an…

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Everything You Didn’t Know About The Idaho Four 48:30

1M ago48:30

48:30

On today’s episode, Madison McGhee is joined by Vicky Ward, investigative journalist and co-author of the book The Idaho Four, An American Tragedy. When researching the book, Vicky interviewed hundreds of witnesses and key players in the small town of Moscow, Idaho. This in-depth reporting led her to discover little known details regarding both the…

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What’s In The Soil 50:16

1M ago50:16

50:16

Unlike in previous fire disasters, FEMA did not test the soil in the Eaton and Palisades burn area after debris was cleared, raising questions about whether or not any harmful substances were left behind. Fires that burn that hot through a neighborhood can release a complex mix of chemicals into the air, like arsenic, chromium, mercury and lead, th…

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Kevin Demoff: The Man Who Brought the Rams (and SoFi) to LA 59:19

1M ago59:19

59:19

How does a guy who wrote his college thesis on Quaker women end up running an NFL team by 28 — and overseeing a global sports empire by 40? Kevin Demoff is the President of Team & Media Operations for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, where he helps lead some of the biggest names in sports — including the Los Angeles Rams, the team he helped relocate…

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Lucy Jones: Seismology, ShakeOuts, and String Quartets 58:53

1M ago58:53

58:53

What do Chinese literature, medieval string instruments, and earthquake drills have in common? In Los Angeles, the answer is Lucy Jones. Often called “L.A.’s earthquake queen” — a nickname she’s not exactly fond of — Lucy Jones has been the city’s most trusted voice on seismic safety for decades. In this episode, we talk about how she went from ref…

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The Murder Case Your Parents Wouldn’t Stop Talking About 48:24

1M ago48:24

48:24

Scott Peterson was convicted in 2002 of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci. Much of his conviction rested on a litany of circumstantial evidence that looked…really not good for him. Fast forward to today, and the L.A. Innocence Project – notoriously picky about what clients it takes on – has mysteriously taken up his case. L.A. Times reporter Harrie…

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The Fire Trucks That Didn’t Come 42:42

1M ago42:42

42:42

Nineteen people died during the Eaton Fire in January. All but one of them lived in neighborhoods west of Lake Avenue in Altadena. The 19th person lived just east of that border. It’s been reported that evacuation warnings were not issued in that neighborhood until early morning when the fire was already approaching people’s doorsteps. Now, a new i…

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A Sustainable Path: LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath on the Fire Response and Her Vision For What Comes Next 1:00:14

2M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

As the neighborhoods hit hardest by the Palisades and Eaton Fires rebuild, modern building codes will largely ensure that houses and other structures will be more resilient. But what else needs to be done across these communities to make sure the next disaster isn’t as devastating? How do we rebuild in a way that makes the neighborhoods whole again…

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Michael Connelly: Crime, Craft, and Chandler’s Booth at Musso’s 1:02:13

2M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

From Bosch to The Lincoln Lawyer to his latest novel Nightshade, few authors have done more to shape how the world sees Los Angeles than bestselling crime novelist Michael Connelly. In this episode, we talk to the man behind more than 40 books — nearly all set in L.A. — whose work has been adapted for film and television and translated into more th…

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On Today's Show: A Very Expensive Nap 53:13

2M ago53:13

53:13

In 2022, millions of dollars worth of jewelry was stolen out of a Brinks tractor-trailer as the driver slept soundly at an interstate truck stop. In June of this year, the FBI finally broke the case and arrested seven LA-area men. The men are being charged as co-conspirators in one of the largest jewelry heists in U.S. history. Madison Mcghee is jo…

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About One-third of Malibu Burned In The Palisades Fire. Where Does It Go From Here? 1:04:49

2M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Of the areas in Southern California most prone to catching fire, Malibu is probably number one. It was hit by two fires last winter – the Franklin Fire, which forced evacuations from Pepperdine University, and January’s Palisades Fire, which burned all the way to the water, affecting about one-third of the town’s 20 square miles. On top of that, ma…

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Bricia Lopez: Mole, Mezcal, and a Koreatown Classic 47:49

2M ago47:49

47:49

What happens when your parents leave the country… and hand you the keys to one of L.A.’s most iconic restaurants? Bricia Lopez is the co-owner of Guelaguetza — the Koreatown Oaxacan institution that’s been serving up rich moles, mezcal, and culture for over 30 years. Named a James Beard American Classic and a winner of the L.A. Times Gold Award, Gu…

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Double Murder With a Dash of Helicopters 38:02

2M ago38:02

38:02

On July 10, 2025, 911 received two calls. The first was from a person witnessing a man climbing over their neighbor’s fence. The second was from the criminal himself while inside the house he had broken into. Police somehow never made it to the front door. Four days later, the bodies of American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband Tom …

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Tapped Out: What We've Learned About Why A Key Reservoir Was Empty When The Fires Came 53:48

2M ago53:48

53:48

On January 6th, the National Weather Service issued a dire warning of a life threatening storm — Santa Anas so extreme it would be sure to topple trees, knock down power lines, and spread any fire that started. But LA planned for this, right?Most climate scientists agree that a fire driven by hurricane force winds is impossible to fight, but some o…

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Father Greg Boyle: The Priest, the Homies, and a Mic Drop 52:34

2M ago52:34

52:34

In a city where everything changes, what if the most important people are the ones who don’t? Father Greg Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries — the world’s largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program — and he’s spent more than 30 years in the same East L.A. neighborhood, still showing up with hugs, humor, a little wisdom, and the oc…

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Shirtless, Ripped, and Accused of Triple Murder 39:44

2M ago39:44

39:44

In November 2023, Sam Haskell IV offered to pay day laborers to haul off some heavy bags from his Tarzana home that he said were filled with “rocks,” but when the men decided to open one, they discovered what looked like human body parts. Fast-forward to now, and Haskell – the son of a prominent Hollywood agent – is currently awaiting trial for the…

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Alex Padilla: From Pacoima to Power 46:32

2M ago46:32

46:32

What happens when a Pacoima kid turned MIT-trained engineer brings a wonk’s brain — and a line cook’s work ethic — into the halls of power? Alex Padilla is California’s senior U.S. Senator, a national voice on immigration and voting rights — and, as you may have seen recently, someone unafraid to challenge authority, even if it means getting handcu…

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From free consultations to pre-approved plans inspired by a Sears catalog, local architects help Altadena rebuild 1:09:12

2M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Altadena has a “special sauce,” explains resident and architect Steve Lewis. This unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, nestled at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, is recognized for its small town feel, diversity and bohemian vibe. It’s long been a haven for Black Angelenos who were unable to buy property elsewhere in LA due to redlining…

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Inmate Homicide On The Rise In L.A. County Jails 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

In recent years, the L.A. County jail system has seen an uptick in inmate homicides that many have attributed to negligence within the system. Madison McGhee is joined by L.A. Times Breaking News Reporter Clara Harter to talk through the different incidents happening behind bars and what reforms need to be put in place in order to curb these deadly…

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How Developers, Insurers, and ICE Raids are Impacting the Altadena Rebuild 51:44

3M ago51:44

51:44

It’s clear that some residents in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades will not be able to afford the rebuilding process — the costs or the time it will take. And beyond those practical concerns, there’s a bigger question for those who decide to stay: what will all the displacement mean for the greater community? It’s a question reverberating pretty …

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The Real Life Gone Girl 49:18

3M ago49:18

49:18

In 2016 America was shocked by the apparent kidnapping of 34 year old Redding, California resident Sherri Papini. Papini was “returned” three weeks later, and the kidnapping was eventually revealed to have been a hoax coordinated by Papini herself. This week Madison is joined by podcast host Jami Rice to contemplate why a seemingly happy housewife …

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Introducing: Making Los Angeles 1:13

3M ago1:13

1:13

Even more than its sunny skies, rich history and Hollywood glamor, L.A. is defined by its people. In “Making Los Angeles,” from LA Times Studios, native Angeleno Glenn Gritzner sits down with the dreamers and big-thinkers shaping the city to explore how they got where they are. The result is a singularly intimate deep dive into the incredible lives…

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High Temps, Dry Brush, and Winds. How We Can Live Smarter In the Face of Climate-Fueled Fires. 50:16

3M ago50:16

50:16

When the Eaton and Palisades fires started in January, the winter in Southern California had been extremely dry. Following two very wet years and the hot summer in 2024, that meant the hillsides were covered with dry, desiccated grasses and chaparral. It was a lot of fuel for any fire. Layer in hurricane-force winds and disaster was pretty much ine…

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Checking In On The Diddy Trial 31:18

3M ago31:18

31:18

Sean “Diddy” Combs had been a household name in the Rap and R&B community for years, but these days he’s in federal court fighting multiple charges including sex trafficking. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to life in prison. Madison is joined by L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton to talk about the full scope of what Combs is accused …

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LA is 'Built to Burn': What Can We Do About It? 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

The first big city fire in modern history here was the Bel-Air Fire in 1961. It destroyed 484 homes and triggered regulations and new safety standards. The one thing that didn’t change though: real-estate development deeper and higher into the hills, creating an even greater risk. This isn’t just an issue in LA either. It happens all over Californi…

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…Does It End With Us? 31:44

3M ago31:44

31:44

Now that the media dust has somewhat settled, Madison McGhee and unsolved crime aficionado, Alexis Linkletter are here to determine the facts versus the fiction of the chaotic lawsuit between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. They’ll break down the accusations, share their personal takes, and talk about what this could mean for each actor’s career. …

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Where Do We Go From Here? 35:04

4M ago35:04

35:04

The Pacific Palisades and Altadena will rebuild. In fact, with debris clearance on track to wrap up by the end of the year, some residents have already begun the process. But for many, the path is less clear. There are a lot of questions about how we will bring back 16,000 homes, schools, businesses, and community centers, and rebuild two beloved a…

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The Key Witness Who Changed the Sementilli Case 47:38

3M ago47:38

47:38

On this episode, Madison McGhee is joined by the host of the show Love Murder, Andie Cassette, to delve into what happens when a love triangle between a hair stylist, his wife, and an ex-porn star turns murderous. Richard Winton is also back again to bring to light the nitty gritty affair details and what lies ahead for the homicidal hook-up. Subsc…

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Introducing: Rebuilding L.A. 2:39

4M ago2:39

2:39

What’s next for L.A. in the wake of its recent wildfires? In “Rebuilding Los Angeles,” broadcast journalist Kate Cagle examines the systems that failed us, the path forward and the innovative fire recovery efforts making L.A. more resilient. You’ll also hear inspiring stories from real Angelenos working to restore their lives and rise from the ashe…

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Say It Ain’t So: Jillian Lauren’s Standoff with Police 36:47

4M ago36:47

36:47

Jillian Lauren is an author, mother, wife of Weezer Bassist Scott Shriner, and now faces up to 19 years in state prison if convicted of shooting a police officer after a dramatic standoff in Eagle Rock…all while wearing her Weezer band shirt. In today’s episode, Madison is joined by Jake Deptula, host of true crime podcasts Strictly Stalking and Lo…

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The Girardi Scandal Uncovered 37:40

4M ago37:40

37:40

Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’…

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What Pop Culture Gets Wrong About the Menendez Brothers 40:20

4M ago40:20

40:20

On our first episode of L.A. Crimes, Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe for Bonus Content on Apple Podcasts or by going to lat…

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Introducing: L.A. Crimes 0:57

4M ago0:57

0:57

From L.A. Times Studios comes its latest series “L.A. Crimes” Listen each week as host Madison McGhee debriefs you on the city's most gripping true crime cases. She’s joined by podcasters, cultural influencers, and our own L.A. Times journalists for the inside scoop on the who, the what, and most importantly, the why. From shocking celebrity lawsui…