Best Federal Benefit Formulas Podcasts (2025)

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Economy check-in, Posting significant others online, Food Friday, and more 1:39:04

Play Pause

2h ago1:39:04

1:39:04

Today on AirTalk: the Federal Reserve announced a cut in interest rates; we try to figure out why women are posting their boyfriends online less; and Food Friday: Charcuterie. Later, Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Peter Rainer, Tim Cogshell, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms …

1
Priest shortage, SNAP benefits and the federal government shutdown, and more 1:39:29

8h ago1:39:29

1:39:29

Today on AirTalk, Triple Play: The Dodgers fall behind in Game 5 of the World Series; A decline in the number of Catholic priests; and the government shutdown puts SNAP recipients at risk. Later, we check in on Southern California rehab centers and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk, Triple Play (0:15) Priest shortage (15:06) SNAP (33:52) SoCal rehab center…

1
SoCal Edison Eaton fire recovery program, Donors behind Prop 50, and more 1:39:10

1d ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Today on AirTalk: The CEO of SoCal Edison’s announces Eaton fire recovery program; the Norton Simon Museum celebrates 50 years; the donors behind the Prop 50 campaigns; and Paramount lays off 1,000 workers amid interest in Warner Bros. merger. Today on AirTalk: SoCal Edison Eaton fire recovery program (0:15) Norton Simon Museum 50th anniversary (50…

1
Dodgers' World Series Game 3, Decorating for Halloween, Human Cat Relations, and more 1:39:07

2d ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Today on AirTalk: Larry and Nick Roman recap Game 3 of the World Series; more menopausal women are taking testosterone; Dr. Halloween gives his decorating advice; Prop 50 explainer; and a history of cat-human relations. Today on AirTalk: World Series (0:15) Women and testosterone (15:20) Halloween decorations (33:32) Prop 50 (51:22) A history of ca…

1
Support for Trump among Latino voters, Interview with William Shatner, LA's history with smog, and more 1:39:10

4d ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Today on AirTalk: a New AP-NORC poll on support of Trump among Latino Voter; Roblox launches a parent council amid safety concerns; and the history of smog in LA. Also Triple Play on the World Series; Larry interviews William Shatner about 'Wrath of Khan;' and a new book on the Black Dahlia murder. Today on AirTalk: New AP-NORC poll on Latino Voter…

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The FED Weekly 19-25 Oct 2025 (Episode21) 20:10

4d ago20:10

20:10

This episode of The FED Weekly covers key updates affecting federal employees and retirees from October 19–25, 2025. We discuss steep 2026 health insurance premium hikes—12.3% for Federal Employees Health Benefits participants and 11.3% for Postal Service enrollees—which far outpace the modest cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees (2.8% f…

1
Should athletes be able to major in college sports? The Dodgers prepare for the World Series, and More 1:02:49

7d ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Today on AirTalk, we explore the rifts in the Democratic party; should you be able to major in sports?; Triple Play — the Dodgers attempt to repeat in the World Series; and FilmWeek: Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt and Christy Lemire review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. Today on A…

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NBA gambling scandal, A proposed new definition of obesity, Lead in protein powders? and more 1:02:05

7d ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Today on AirTalk, the FBI announces charges tied to an NBA gambling scandal; New research finds almost 70% of U.S. adults are considered obese under a proposed new definition of obesity; Consumer Reports finds high levels of lead in popular protein powders and shakes; Larry is joined by LAist climate and environment reporter Erin Stone to talk abou…

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Public opinion on nuclear power, NBA season preview, Overview of Prop 50, and more 1:03:17

8d ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Today on AirTalk: Changes in the Department of Transportation's policy regarding English proficiency are causing a stir; Public opinion changes around nuclear power; NBA season preview; and the basics of Prop 50. Today on AirTalk: English proficiency exams for CDL holders (0:15) Nuclear energy and public opinion (24:17) NBA preview (24:17) Prop 50 …

1
Warner Bros. Discovery potential sale, A new book on Tupac Shakur, The Dodgers' prospects in the World Series, and more 48:29

10d ago48:29

48:29

Today on AirTalk, Warner Bros. Discovery considers a potential sale; an interview with author Jeff Pearlman on his new book about Tupac Shakur; Glynn Washington, host of Spooked! and Snap Judgement joins Larry for a conversation about storytelling and supernatural experiences; and The Dodgers prepare to face off against The Toronto Blue Jays in the…

1
Robocalls and robotexts, Craft brewing, AI data centers, and more 1:04:14

10d ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Today on AirTalk: Larry interviews the executive director of Covered California; the deluge of robocalls and robotexts; a check-in on the craft-brewing industry; AI data centers and energy usage; Camp Pendleton and the Interstate 5 shutdown; and real-time translation technology and language learning. Today on AirTalk: Interview with Covered Califor…

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The FED Weekly 12-18 Oct 2025 (Episode 20) 20:21

12d ago20:21

20:21

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover the critical challenges facing federal employees and retirees for the week of October 12-18, 2025. Key topics include the deepening financial crisis from the ongoing government shutdown, with hundreds of thousands missing paychecks and facing uncertainty over back pay. Military pay was protected through a…

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Remembering Susan Stamberg, Gardens and wildlife neighbors, and FilmWeek 1:01:49

13d ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Today on AirTalk, NPR 'founding mother' Susan Stamberg passed away yesterday; LAist Senior Editor Suzanne Levy joins to talk about her battles with neighborhood squirrel 'Mindy;' we hear from listeners about their own experiences with gardening and wildlife with horticultural consultant Lili Singer; and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk, Susan Stamberg pa…

1
Undercount of LA's homeless population, Interview with Senator Adam Schiff, Triple Play, and more 59:13

14d ago59:13

59:13

Today on AirTalk, we talk with a RAND researcher about their new report showing an undercount of LA's homeless population by LAHSA, an interview with LA mayoral candidate Austin Beutner, overview of the Made In L.A. exhibition at the Hammer Museum, Larry talks with Senator Adam Schiff, Triple Play returns, and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: LAHSA under…

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LA County CEO settlement, JPL layoffs, and AirTalk Live: Palisades recovery 1:39:05

15d ago1:39:05

1:39:05

Today on AirTalk, LA County's $2 million settlement with CEO Fesia Davenport, JPL goes through another round of layoffs, and a broadcast of yesterday evening's Palisades' fire recovery event Today on AirTalk, LA County CEO settlement (0:15) JPL layoffs (10:15) Palisades' fire recovery event (25:08) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Prepp…

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Preparing for earthquakes, CA nursing shortage, Interview with Kristen Bell, and more 1:39:03

16d ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Today on AirTalk, we get the latest on the storm hitting the region. Also on the show, a new study examines the next big earthquake; check-in on California’s nursing shortage; Kristen Bell talks about her new show; and more. Today on AirTalk: Weather update (0:15) What will the next big earthquake look like? (11:02) How to prepare for a mega-earthq…

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Checking in on fire survivors, Housing development near transit, Triple Play, and more 1:39:17

17d ago1:39:17

1:39:17

Today on AirTalk, CA passes SB79; Triple Play; New book explores Rodney King beating; and Check in on fire recovery efforts. Today on AirTalk: CA passes SB79 (0:15) Triple Play (24:40) New book explores Rodney King beating (34:17) Check in on fire recovery efforts (51:23) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any p…

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The FED Weekly 5-11 Oct 2025 (Episode 19) 20:02

19d ago20:02

20:02

This episode of The FED Weekly covers the significant changes affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of October 5–11, 2025. Key topics include the announcement of the 2026 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) open season, with average premium increases of 12.3%—the second year of double-digit hikes—and notable carrier discontinua…

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LAUSD test scores improve, Disclosing health issues, FilmWeek, and more 1:31:36

20d ago1:31:36

1:31:36

Today on AirTalk, LAUSD test scores improve; telling others about your health issues; unlikely non-restaurant places for the best eats in So-Cal, and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk, LAUSD test scores improve (0:15) Telling others about your health issues (14:16) Unlikely non-restaurant places for the best eats in So-Cal (38:55) FilmWeek (48:21) Visit w…

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After-Action report on the Palisades Fire, Update on federal funding of US colleges, TV Talk, and More 1:39:11

21d ago1:39:11

1:39:11

Today on AirTalk, LAFD releases After-Action report; A new book on Bruce Lee; U.S. colleges ask Trump for access to federal funding; CA FAIR Plan rate increase and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: LAFD releases after-action report (0:15) A new book on Bruce Lee (34:21) U.S. colleges ask Trump for access to federal funding (50:43) CA FAIR Plan rate increa…

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Investigators made an arrest in relation to the Palisades fire, Triple play and more! 1:15:23

22d ago1:15:23

1:15:23

Today on AirTalk, an arrest has been made in connection with the Palisades fires; Triple Play; LA County sex abuse lawsuit crisis, and how did you pick a retirement community? Read more: Uber driver charged in connection with starting the Palisades Fire Today on AirTalk: An arrest has been made in connection with the Palisades fires (0:15) Triple P…

1
Burbank Airport, LAUSD school choice, How do ceasefire negotiations work? and more 1:39:08

23d ago1:39:08

1:39:08

By LAist 89.3

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Updates on Israel Hamas peace negotiations, Potential new rent hike formula, Best SoCal fall activities, and more 1:39:13

24d ago1:39:13

1:39:13

By LAist 89.3

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The FED Weekly 28 Sep - 4 Oct 2025 (Episode 18) 17:36

25d ago17:36

17:36

This episode of The FED Weekly covers significant developments for federal employees and retirees from September 28 to October 4, 2025. A government shutdown defined the week after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, with health care subsidies at the center of the dispute. The episode also details the massive culmination of the Trump administ…

1
AI-Generated Content, Superstitions, Food Friday, and more 1:39:02

27d ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Today on AirTalk, AI-generated content now has its own social media app; Why do we have superstitions?; LA's first annual Indian Food Festival; FilmWeek and Horror classics through a feminist lens. Today on AirTalk: AI-generated content now has its own social media app (0:15) Why do we have superstitions? (17:23) LA's first annual Indian Food Festi…

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LA's year in tourism, Arizona district schools in crisis, Triple Play returns, and more 1:39:07

28d ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Today on AirTalk, Triple Play: the Dodgers advance with three more series to go; LA is having a tough tourism year; Can gravity affect our bodies?; Arizona district schools in crisis; Citizen-run hotline to reunite the unhoused with their families and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: Triple Play: the Dodgers advance with three more series to go (0:15) LA…

1
Federal government shut-down, Reactions to Pete Hegseth's speech on the military, AirTalk Live at the Bowers Museum, and more 1:39:00

1M ago1:39:00

1:39:00

Today on AirTalk, the Government is shut down. What now?; The Justice Department sues the LA Sheriff's Department over concealed carry licenses; Pete Hegseth's military speech and a special AirTalk live event from the Bowers Museum. Today on AirTalk, Government shutdown (0:15) Justice Department sues LA Sheriff's office (15:49) Reactions to Pete He…

1
AI-built 'actress,' DTLA revitalization, Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl, and more 1:39:10

1M ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Today on AirTalk, we talk about the latest controversy around the new AI-built 'actress'; DTLA businesses unite to revitalize the downtown district; a new book takes a look at how to break into Hollywood; will CA be able to provide out of state patients with abortions?; the link between Parkinson's disease and herbicides and Bad Bunny is announced …

1
After-action report on January's fires, Potential government shutdown, Greatest lighthouses in CA, and more 1:39:25

1M ago1:39:25

1:39:25

Today on AirTalk, an after-action report was released last week outlining the failings of LA County's response; China set its own greenhouse gas emission reduction goals; what is 'fawning?'; how a government shutdown could impact CA; the greatest lighthouses in CA and the division over the Magic Castle. Today on AirTalk, After-action report details…

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The FED Weekly 21-27 Sep 2025 (Episode 17) 16:03

1M ago16:03

16:03

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap critical issues for federal employees and retirees during the week of September 21-27, 2025. The primary focus is the escalating government shutdown crisis, which has been heightened by the Senate's rejection of a House funding bill and the cancellation of key votes, raising fears of furloughs and disrupt…

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Additions to Merriam-Webster, Being Wrong, Food Friday, and More 1:39:08

1M ago1:39:08

1:39:08

Today on AirTalk, Merriam-Webster adds over 5,000 new words to their dictionaries; a psychologist walks us through why we don't like being wrong; Pasta Sisters bring authentic Italian cuisine to Los Angeles and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk, Merriam-Webster adds over 5,000 new words (0:15) Why we don't like to be wrong (17:04) Pasta sisters bring auth…

1
Federal cuts and CA homelessness funding, Avoiding frauds and scams, New documentary on 'Rocky Horror,' and more 1:39:07

1M ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Today on AirTalk, federal cuts to homelessness funding and its effect on CA; best practices to avoid scam and fraud; a book on how to take down the tech giant Apple; the Pentagon may require a pledge from the press; a new documentary on 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: How federal cuts affect CA homelessness funding (0:…

1
US TikTok deal, Robot umpires, Friendship turning to romance later in life, and more 1:39:19

1M ago1:39:19

1:39:19

Today on AirTalk, a new measure would require insurance companies to cover fireproofed homes; The US and TikTok's parent company are close to a deal; an economist writes a new book on women getting the most out of life; the audiobook industry's boom; Robot Umpires in the MLB, and how a reconnection can lead to romance later in life. Today on AirTal…

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Jimmy Kimmel's return to TV, Artificial turf, H1-B visas, and more 1:39:21

1M ago1:39:21

1:39:21

Today on AirTalk, Jimmy Kimmel returns to television; President Trump designates antifa as a 'domestic terrorist organization,'; CA engulfed in artificial turf wars; $500 million in funding restored to UCLA; H1-B annual fees and a new book on 'Common Knowledge.' Today on AirTalk, Jimmy Kimmel's comeback (0:15) antifa designated as a terror group (2…

1
Convention center expansion, AI bills, Executive functioning, and more 1:39:09

1M ago1:39:09

1:39:09

Today on AirTalk, a plan for a massive expansion of the downtown convention center has been approved; two AI regulation bills are on Gov. Newsom's desk; what to know about executive functioning; how DOGE cuts impact CA's medical system; wearable tech, and what the best age for your kids is. Today on AirTalk: LA city council approves convention cent…

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The FED Weekly 14-20 Sep 2025 (Episode 16) 14:58

1M ago14:58

14:58

This week’s episode of The FED Weekly covers the escalating threat of a government shutdown as Congress remains deadlocked over funding bills ahead of the September 30 deadline. Lawrence explains how competing short-term funding proposals are fueling uncertainty for federal workers and retirees. President Trump’s 2026 alternative pay plan—offering …

1
Digital privacy, Food Friday, FilmWeek, and more 1:39:04

1M ago1:39:04

1:39:04

Today on AirTalk, the four states of Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii issue their own vaccine guidance; the latest on digital privacy concerns; Jalisco-style frozen yogurt with Swirlies and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk: West Coast Health Alliance issues its own vaccine guidance (0:15) The latest on digital privacy (16:27) Jalisco-style froz…

1
Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension, Book on James Baldwin, Pet supplements, and more 1:39:02

1M ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Today on AirTalk, Jimmy Kimmel's show gets cut off by ABC indefinitely. How do First Amendment rights play into this?; checking in on CA's bill propositions; a book on the life of James Baldwin; how the pet wellness industry is pushing supplements and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: Jimmy Kimmel's show gets suspended. How does free speech play in? (0:15…

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Non-stick cookware, Today's space race, Misconceptions about LA, and more 1:38:55

1M ago1:38:55

1:38:55

Today on AirTalk, a new bill on Gov. Newsom's desk proposes a boost in CA oil production; Kentucky's shared custody laws are curbing divorce rates; the space race of today isn't between countries, but rather companies; CA looks to ban non-stick cookware, and the biggest misconceptions about LA. Today on AirTalk: CA may boost its oil production (0:1…

1
U.S. job market slowdown, Sports betting violations, Replacement body parts, and more 1:38:59

1M ago1:38:59

1:38:59

Today on AirTalk, we take a look back at the illustrious life of Robert Redford; have we entered a soft labor market?; people are flocking to see re-releases of movies in the theaters; UCLA football's rocky start and the sweeping changes in college sports; sports betting violations and how close are we to having replacement body parts? Today on Air…

1
Emmys Recap, What made Altadena and Pacific Palisades special, Latest on the UCLA settlement proposal, and more 1:39:08

2M ago1:39:08

1:39:08

Today on AirTalk, a recap of the 2025 Emmy Awards; CA's status with wind and wave energy; what made Altadena and the Pacific Palisades special?; Trump proposes an extensive settlement with UCLA; SoCal History: Mexican Repatriation and why exactly do we complain? Today on AirTalk: 2025 Emmys recap (0:15) CA's renewable wind and wave energy (16:26) W…

1
The FED Weekly 7-13 Sep 2025 (Episode 15) 17:40

2M ago17:40

17:40

This week on The FED Weekly (7-13 Sep 2025), we cover major updates affecting federal employees and retirees. Congress introduced the Claiming Age Clarity Act to simplify Social Security claiming age terms, aiming to help retirees make more intelligent decisions about when to start benefits. Another bill, the Keep Billionaires out of Social Securit…

1
Book to movie adaptations, Food Friday, FilmWeek, and more 1:39:02

2M ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Today on AirTalk, we follow the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk death video going viral; what goes into making a great book, a great movie?; the Mezcal Por Siempre festival comes to LA this weekend; Zacatecan-style burritos and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk: Following the virality of Charlie Kirk's death online (0:15) How to make a book into a movie the…

1
OC voter rolls, Actor David Duchovny's new book, TV Talk, and more 1:39:09

2M ago1:39:09

1:39:09

Today on AirTalk, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead at 31; CA now requires home sales to include disclosure about high-fire risk status; David Duchovny talks about his new poetry book; OC supervisors seek purging of voter rolls and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk, Charlie Kirk dead at 31 (21:42) CA law updates home-sale disclosure policy (…

1
Advertisements for pharmaceutical drugs, Update on CA redistricting, Paying kids for positive behavior, and more 1:39:23

2M ago1:39:23

1:39:23

Today on AirTalk, President Trump signs a memorandum to revive restrictions on drug advertisements; Justice Democrats continue to upset moderate politicians in primary elections. What is their strategy?; how do you tell someone you don't want to be recorded?; an update on CA's redistricting efforts; Paramount nears an acquisition of The Free Press …

1
Interview with Senator Alex Padilla, CA science test scores, How to discuss suicide, and more 1:39:04

2M ago1:39:04

1:39:04

Today on AirTalk, Senator Alex Padilla talks about the green-lighted racial profiling by the SCOTUS for immigration enforcement in LA; why CA's science test scores are dropping; how the Catholic sainthood has evolved; how to discuss the grief of suicide; should sirens return to cellphones?; and where the best neighborhoods in SoCal for food are. To…

1
Santa Monica's fiscal emergency, Black Movie Soundtrack at the Hollywood Bowl, AI psychosis, and more 1:39:39

2M ago1:39:39

1:39:39

Today on AirTalk, financial payouts have plunged the city of Santa Monica's budget; how DTLA is turning its skyscrapers into housing units through the city's Adaptive Reuse Ordinance; Black Movie Soundtrack returns to the Hollywood Bowl; A recent study points to an increase in prostate cancer cases; what is 'AI psychosis?' and a new book on the con…

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The FED Weekly 31 Aug - 6 Sep 2025 (Episode 14) 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

This week, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program announced a historic 13.5% premium hike for 2025—significantly outpacing proposed federal pay raises and eroding purchasing power for employees and retirees. Expanded IVF and anti-obesity drug coverage are driving up costs. In retirement news, the Thrift Savings Plan topped $1 trillion…

1
DOJ Wildfire Lawsuit, The State of pop criticism, FilmWeek, and more! 1:39:06

2M ago1:39:06

1:39:06

Today on AirTalk, US prosecutors file two lawsuits against Southern California Edison over wildfires; the realities of pop music criticism; Deda Restaurant brings authentic Georgian cuisine to Pasadena; FilmWeek and LA's first annual Silent Film Festival. Today on AirTalk, US prosecutors sue Southern California Edison over wildfires (0:15) Is pop m…

1
LA's Bridge Home shelters, Giorgio Armani's legacy, The Value of handwriting, and more 1:39:02

2M ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Today on AirTalk, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears before a Senate committee to face questions about turmoil in the federal health agencies; LA grapples with bridge home shelter solutions; the NBA will investigate the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard over a potential circumvention of the salary cap; the life and legacy of fashion designer G…