Best How To Research Your Family Tree Podcasts (2025)

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Santa Monica's fiscal emergency, Black Movie Soundtrack at the Hollywood Bowl, AI psychosis, and more 1:39:06

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9m ago1:39:06

1:39:06

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

3d 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…

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

4d 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…

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Finding HIV’s last bastion in the body, and playing the violin like a cricket 32:57

15h ago32:57

32:57

First up on the podcast, despite so many advances in treatment, HIV drugs can suppress the virus but can’t cure the infection. Where does suppressed HIV hide within the body? Staff Writer Jon Cohen joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about the Last Gift Study, in which people with HIV donate their bodies for rapid autopsy to help find the last reservoi…

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West Coast healthcare alliance, Parenting in the smartphone age, Fatigue in the IDF, and more 1:39:36

1d ago1:39:36

1:39:36

Today on AirTalk, the states of Washington, Oregon, and California launch a healthcare alliance; Google survives its 5-year-long antitrust lawsuit; a new book on parenting in the smartphone age; Israeli soldiers are fatigued in Gaza, and your favorite fundraising story. Today on AirTalk, West Coast states launch healthcare alliance (0:15) Google su…

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Check-in on the National Guard deployment ruling, Tariffs and local importers, Triple Play returns, and more 1:39:36

3d ago1:39:36

1:39:36

Today on AirTalk, a check-in on National Guard deployment ruling; US Attorney Essayli's departure; Triple Play; a new book explores how we may be smarter than AI; how tariffs are affecting local importers, and what TV show depicted your job accurately? Today on AirTalk: National Guard deployment deemed unlawful; US Attorney Essayli's departure (0:1…

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AI for Genealogy: Teaching AI to Read Great-Aunt Mildred's Cursive 20:45

3d ago20:45

20:45

Teaching AI to Read Great-Aunt Mildred's Cursive: Step-by-Step AI Transcription Mastery Tired of squinting at impossible-to-read family letters and handwritten documents? In this episode, I walk you through the complete process of getting AI to transcribe those challenging handwritten genealogy documents that have been gathering dust in your resear…

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ChatGPT at CSU, Food Friday, FilmWeek, and more 1:39:06

7d ago1:39:06

1:39:06

Today on AirTalk, CSU students and faculty now have access to ChatGPT; a new investigation finds that C-sections have become the most common inpatient surgery; traditional Filipino baked goods with San and Wolves Bakeshop and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk: CSU students now have access to ChatGPT (0:15) C-sections become the most common inpatient surge…

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LAUSD enrollment declines, Glamping in Joshua Tree, TV Talk, and more 1:38:55

8d ago1:38:55

1:38:55

Today on AirTalk, a new report outlines LAUSD's decline in enrollment; glamping near Joshua Tree; the soaring life of Amelia Earhart; an update on the Dodgers gondola project; a new bill proposes CA restaurants to display allergens and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: LAUSD enrollment declines (0:15) Glamping in Joshua Tree (16:02) A new book on Amelia E…

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A mother lode of Mexican mammoths, how water pollution enters the air, and a book on playing dead 55:07

8d ago55:07

55:07

First up on the podcast, Staff Writer Rodrigo Pérez Ortega joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about a megafauna megafind that rivals the La Brea Tar Pits. In addition to revealing tens of thousands of bones from everything from dire wolves to an ancient human, the site has yielded the first DNA from ammoths that lived in a warm climate. Next on the sh…

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Single fathers by choice, Shade in LA, Online dating whisper networks, and more 1:38:58

9d ago1:38:58

1:38:58

Today on AirTalk, Cracker Barrel retains its old logo after pressure from conservatives; single dads by choice are on the rise; low-tech solutions to stay cool in the heat; Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement buzz, and the rise of whisper networks for active daters. Today on AirTalk: Cracker Barrel retains its old logo (0:15) Single dads by …

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ICE detention updates, Interview with Yo-Yo Ma and Angélique Kidjo, Retirement and mental health, and more 1:39:08

13d ago1:39:08

1:39:08

Today on AirTalk, how President Trump's latest cuts to the Solar for All program affect SoCal; ICE detention updates; Yo-Yo Ma and Angélique Kidjo join together in concert at The Hollywood Bowl; latest on LA fire insurance claims; how retirement affects mental health, and a new biography on The Everly Brothers. Today on AirTalk: SoCal solar program…

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AI for Genealogy: AI Photo Magic That Made My Mom Cry 18:18

10d ago18:18

18:18

When I enhanced a damaged 1920s photo of my great-great-grandmother using AI, my mom started crying. "It's like meeting her for the first time," she said. "I can see she has the same nose as me." This isn't just another episode about AI photo enhancement – this is your complete step-by-step tutorial for transforming blurry, damaged family photos in…

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The latest on UCLA's negotiations with the Trump administration, Immigration during the Gold Rush, Rethinking doubt, and more 1:39:08

11d ago1:39:08

1:39:08

Today on AirTalk, the latest on UCLA's negotiations with the Trump administration, check in on international student enrollment; a new book on decision making; immigration during the Gold Rush and what are the different interests with your partner? Today on AirTalk UCLA faces $1-Billion fine (0:15) Latest on international student enrollment (17:40)…

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A new memoir on Asian fetishization, Food Friday: Villa's Tacos, FilmWeek, and more 1:39:04

17d ago1:39:04

1:39:04

Today on AirTalk, the FAA clears 158 million dollars in funding for CA airports; Kaila Yu joins us to discuss her new memoir on grappling with her fetishized identity; Villa's Tacos chef discusses their journey and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk, CA airports receive funds from FAA (0:15) Kaila Yu's new memoir (15:47) Food Friday: Villa's Tacos (36:54) …

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Philanthropy and public media, Salton Sea pollution report, Pasadena Humane Society, and more 1:02:14

18d ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Today on AirTalk, LA sends out civilian response teams to certain 911 calls as part of a pilot program; a new report suggests that the Salton Sea is not as polluting as it seems; CA voters are pushing back on redistricting efforts; will philanthropy be able to save public media?; Pasadena's Humane Society has a new game plan and TV Talk. Today on A…

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New insights into endometriosis, and mapping dengue in Latin America 32:07

15d ago32:07

32:07

First up on the podcast, Staff Writer Meredith Wadman joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss recent advances in understanding endometriosis—a disease where tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and other health effects. The pair talk about how investigating the role of the immune system in this disease is…

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Favorite depictions of LA, Virtue-signaling on college campuses, North Hollywood Valley Plaza, and more 1:39:21

19d ago1:39:21

1:39:21

Today on AirTalk, the Los Angeles City Council narrowly opposes new residential construction near transit lines; YouTube is introducing a new AI-age verification system; what are your favorite depictions of LA in the media?; North Hollywood Valley Plaza has been declared a public nuisance; US Campus' latest virtue-signaling undermines real expressi…

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Mail-in ballots, LA 2028 Olympics check-in, LA County beach erosion, and more 1:38:54

17d ago1:38:54

1:38:54

Today on AirTalk, the Trump administration vows to limit almost all access to mail-in ballots; LA 2028 Olympic finance and logistical updates; the state of robotics in the age of AI; how LA County is dealing with beach sand erosion; how to have a drought-friendly yard, and why we can't fall asleep. Today on AirTalk: President Trump looks to end mai…

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AI for Genealogy: Using ChatGPT & Claude for Family History Research Breakthroughs 22:30

20d ago22:30

22:30

BREAKTHROUGH ALERT: The 17 words that cracked a 25-year genealogy brick wall in just 2 weeks! Discover the exact "prompt sandwich" method that transforms AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity from generic search assistants into powerful genealogy research partners. This episode reveals word-for-word prompts you can copy and paste TO…

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AI for Genealogy: Complete Guide to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini & Perplexity for Family History Research 24:18

17d ago24:18

24:18

Discover which AI assistant to use for every genealogy challenge! Learn the exact prompts that crack brick walls. Meet your complete AI research team: ChatGPT for creative brainstorming, Claude for document analysis, Gemini for pattern recognition, and Perplexity for current resources. This episode reveals which artificial intelligence tool works b…

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AI for Genealogy: Complete Beginner's Guide to ChatGPT, Machine Learning & Family History Research Tools 24:05

17d ago24:05

24:05

Stuck on a genealogy brick wall for YEARS? Discover how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and machine learning can revolutionize your family history research—safely and ethically. This complete beginner's guide reveals exactly what AI can (and can't) do for genealogists. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🔍 The 3 types of AI every genealogist needs to…

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CA and TX redistricting, LA's historic Black Cultural Sites, Drone delivery, and more 1:39:12

18d ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Today on AirTalk, Trump and Zelenskyy meet to discuss Russia-Ukraine war; The redistricting saga continues; L.A.'s Black historical sites; The state senate wants to regulate self-checkout; The future of delivery drones; and what's the best age. Today on AirTalk: Trump Zelenskyy meeting (0:15) California and Texas redistricting (16:07) LA's historic…

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Proposed FAA rules could make drone delivery dreams a realit 13:52

18d ago13:52

13:52

For seemingly years now, getting your goods delivered by drone has been a reality that's always just around the corner. Yet the long-promised technology has been slow to take off in the United States. More than six years after the Federal Aviation Administration approved commercial home deliveries with drones, the service mostly has been confined t…

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US-Russia Summit in Alaska, Food Friday, FilmWeek, and more 1:39:01

21d ago1:39:01

1:39:01

Today on AirTalk, the agenda of today's US-Russia Summit in Alaska; Huntington Beach's majority Latino neighborhoods are questioning the use of high-tech surveillance cameras; Indian and Mexican food come together at Appu's Tumeric Cafe and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk Vladimir Putin comes to Anchorage, Alaska to meet President Trump (0:15) Surveilla…

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Alcohol consumption declines, White House review of the Smithsonian, Jonathan Demme's life and work, and more 1:39:00

22d ago1:39:00

1:39:00

Today on AirTalk, Fewer Americans are reporting alcohol consumption, according to a new Gallup poll; A new book explores the life and work of the late director Jonathan Demme; The White House is set to conduct a review of the Smithsonian; Trigger warnings and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk Alcohol consumption declines (0:15) Jonathan Demme's life and wo…

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Why chatbots lie, and can synthetic organs and AI replace animal testing? 31:53

22d ago31:53

31:53

First up on the podcast, producer Meagan Cantwell and Contributing Correspondent Sara Reardon discuss alternative approaches to animal testing, from a heart on a chip to a miniorgan in a dish. Next on the show, Expert Voices columnist Melanie Mitchell and host Sarah Crespi dig into AI lies. Why do chatbots fabricate answers and pretend to do math? …

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Update on Covid-19 funding, Breast Reduction, AirTalk 40th: Live at Skirball Cultural Center, and more 1:42:30

26d ago1:42:30

1:42:30

Today on AirTalk, an update on COVID-19 funding and the latest on the future of vaccination efforts, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a slight increase in breast reduction procedures; ESPN and FOX merge and UFC moves to Paramount+ as new low-price subscription models enter the market and our celebration of AirTalk's 40th anniversary…

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Fast food sales decline, the latest on Andrew Do, the 60th anniversary of the Watts Rebellion, and more 1:37:55

27d ago1:37:55

1:37:55

Today on AirTalk, fast food chains are starting to see a decline in revenue; the superior court struck down the LAUSD charter school system policy; a new book connects environmental impacts to serial killers in the west; the latest on Andrew Do; AOL shuts down; and the 60th anniversary of the Watts Rebellion. Today on AirTalk, Fast food sales decli…

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Trump deploys National Guard in DC, Japanese-American car culture in LA, Ballona Wetlands Restoration, and more 1:38:55

28d ago1:38:55

1:38:55

Today on AirTalk, President Trump deploys the National Guard in the nation's capital; what is the latest update on the feud between Trump and college campuses; a look back into the history behind Japanese-American car culture in LA; SoCal school district academic year preview; Ballona Wetlands Restoration and 60th Anniversary of the Watts Rebellion…

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EP32: ChatGPT-5 Arrives, Study Mode for ChatGPT, Claude 4.1 Upgrade, OpenAI Goes Open Source, Earnings Season Good for Big AI, Google Loses Another Monopoly Appeal 1:02:07

25d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore the groundbreaking release of ChatGPT-5, which arrived after over a year of anticipation. They discuss how this new model transforms the AI landscape with better reasoning, larger context windows, and dramatically reduced hallucinations. The hosts examine OpenAI's new Study and Learn Mode, which acts …

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Parenting Advice for Austin, Food Friday, FilmWeek, and More! 1:39:10

28d ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Today on AirTalk, a new study calculates an increase in deaths from the Eaton and Palisades fires; Austin Cross is becoming a dad! We ask an expert about what he and new dads should expect; Modu Cafe's Korean-inspired pastries and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk: New study finds an increase in LA fire casualties (00:15) New dad advice! (12:01) Korean-in…

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EP31: Special Episode - ChatGPT-5 Finally Drops with Big Improvements for Genealogists 24:03

28d ago24:03

24:03

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little deliver a special same-day episode covering the long-awaited release of ChatGPT-5, which launched today, August 7, 2025. They explore the most significant improvements in the upgrade for genealogists, including automated model selection that eliminates confusing settings for beginners, enhanced reasoning capa…

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LA Fire Debris Removal, Redistricting Around the County, TV Talk, and More 1:39:07

29d ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Today on AirTalk, LA fire survivors voice frustration with debris removal; the misconceptions around antidepressant use during pregnancy; what is an old-fashioned skill you hold on to?; an update on the redistricting efforts taking place around the nation; what is your favorite TV reboot and TV Talk. Today on AirTalk: LA fire survivors frustrated b…

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Why anteaters keep evolving, and how giant whales get enough food to live 28:08

29d ago28:08

28:08

First up on the podcast, Online News Editor David Grimm brings stories on peacock feathers’ ability to emit laser light, how anteaters have evolved at least 12 times, and why we should be thanking ketchup for our French fries. Next on the show, rorqual whales, such as the massive blue whale, use a lunging strategy to fill their monster maws with se…

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Family Homelessness in LA County, NASA Nuclear Reactor on the Moon, Airplane Movies, and More 1:39:08

1M ago1:39:08

1:39:08

Today on AirTalk, we go over LA County's latest count of unhoused people as of July; why NASA is fast-tracking a plan to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon; which one of your teachers had a lasting impact on you?; LA County budget pressures; how couples find intimacy and sexual fulfillment after having children, and what makes a good airplane movie?…

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EP30: ChatGPT Agent Can Research For You, Security In The Age of AI, What AI Is Good For, AI Office Suite Wars Heat Up 1:10:27

1M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore OpenAI's groundbreaking ChatGPT Agent, demonstrating how this autonomous tool can research, analyze, and perform complex tasks on your behalf. Next, they address important security concerns to consider in the new world of AI agents, introducing practical guidelines for protecting sensitive family data…

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LA28 Round Up, Garden Predators, LA's New School Crossing System, and More! 1:39:02

1M ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Today on AirTalk, we take a look into Olympic preparations as President Trump announces a new task force; a new study links air pollution exposure to dementia; are garden predators good or bad?; how does LA's school cross guard system work?; Vegas tourism declines, and is LA a coffee city? Today on AirTalk: LA28 Olympics check-in (0:15) Air polluti…

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CA Heat Wave, Threats to UCLA Research Funding, Odd Jobs, and More 1:39:02

1M ago1:39:02

1:39:02

Today on AirTalk, we take a look at the air quality ahead of the upcoming heatwave; UCLA faces the latest federal funding cuts to its research; what TV shows were cancelled too early?; utilities are slowly moving forward with plans to put power lines underground and what is the weirdest odd job you have ever had? Today on AirTalk: Air quality updat…

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COMING SOON: Your New AI Research Assistant (Official Trailer) 2:12

1M ago2:12

2:12

Welcome to the future of family history research. Are you stuck on a genealogy brick wall? Do you have ancestors who seem to have vanished from the record? A new generation of technology is here to help, but you need a guide. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can analyze historical records, transcribe impossible handwriting, and find family connections …

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Job Stagnation, How the Algorithm is Changing the Way We Speak, Food Friday: Hot Chicken, and More! 1:39:31

1M ago1:39:31

1:39:31

Today on AirTalk, the labor market reports on a slowdown in employment; how the internet has changed the way we talk to each other; Howlin' Rays Nashville Hot Chicken and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk, Labor report finds job stagnation (00:15) Communicating online (38:18) Howlin' Rays Nashville Hot Chicken (51:45) FilmWeek (1:07:45) Interview with '20…

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Howlin’ Rays: the Nashville hot chicken that brings a beloved Southern taste to LA 12:56

1M ago12:56

12:56

In a blog post earlier this month, Yelp turned to its “elite members” for the best fried chicken across the United States and Canada, which resulted in the win for local mini-chain Howlin’ Rays. Known for their Nashville-style hot chicken, Howlin’ Rays' popularity has led to going from a food truck to three brick-and-mortar restaurants. So, how hav…

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CA Housing Market Check-in, Tax on Tips, TV Talk, and More! 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Today on AirTalk, former Vice President Kamala Harris announces she will not run for CA Governorship; while local housing inventory stalls, interest begins to cool; what is the impact of 'no tax on tips?'; Trump administration may shift views on DACA; is cane sugar really a better alternative than high fructose corn syrup? and TV Talk. Today on Air…

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Wartime science in Ukraine, what Neanderthals really ate, and visiting the city of the dead 51:33

1M ago51:33

51:33

First up on the podcast, Contributing Correspondent Richard Stone joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about the toll of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how researchers have been mobilized to help the war effort. In June, Stone visited the basement labs where Ukrainian students modify off-the-shelf drones for war fighting and the facilities where bi…

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CA Tsunami Risks, LA Street Safety, Illegal Dumping in Antelope Valley, and More 1:38:45

1M ago1:38:45

1:38:45

Today on AirTalk, the latest on California's tsunami watch and preparedness; community members in LA paint their own crosswalks for safety; AI is beginning to develop software — what we know; LA's cannabis business owners on the Social Equity Program; duplex project construction frozen in fire burn zones and illegal dumping in the Antelope Valley. …

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CECOT: the Maximum Security Prison in Salvador, Food Etiquette in the Office, and More 1:39:55

1M ago1:39:55

1:39:55

Today on AirTalk, a new appointee for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is under scrutiny; CECOT is a maximum security prison that is being used as a place to hold deportees by the Trump administration; what not to do when sharing food at the office; what are the impacts of groundwater depletion?; Los Angeles plans to increase spaces with…

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Political Redistricting, Surveillance Pricing, Landscaping for Wildfire Prevention, and More! 1:39:18

1M ago1:39:18

1:39:18

Today on AirTalk, Governor Gavin Newsom considers redistricting in CA in response to Republican efforts in Texas; what is surveillance pricing?; a new book explores the fascination behind the death of celebrities; The US Forest Service decreases 15 percent of its workforce; first-of-its-kind pill treats postpartum depression and how landscaping may…

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EP29: Perplexity's Comet Browser Revolutionizes Research, Grok 4 Released, Context is King, Google’s Video Generator Gets an Upgrade, ChatGPT Agent Launches 1:06:51

1M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore Perplexity's groundbreaking Comet browser, which brings AI directly to web pages and can autonomously navigate sites to collect genealogical data. They examine Grok 4's impressive benchmark performance while discussing its limitations for genealogical research and safety concerns. This week's Tip of t…

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The Science Behind Food Aversion, Food Friday, FilmWeek, and More! 1:39:10

1M ago1:39:10

1:39:10

Today on AirTalk, LA County braces for shortfalls of funding in homelessness services ahead of Trump's proposed federal government funding cuts; what is that one food item you just refuse to eat?; New Zealand-style ice cream and FilmWeek. Today on AirTalk: Devastating blows to LA homelessness services (00:15) The science behind food aversion (16:15…

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LA’s ice cream shop that’s the creme de la Creamy Boys 12:19

1M ago12:19

12:19

While the rest of the world is going through a heatwave, California's temperature has stayed relatively mild this week. But it's still summer and the sun is still out, so what better way to take advantage of LA's good weather than a cup of ice cream? Not just any ice cream, though. Today on AirTalk, we're trying New Zealand-style ice cream with Cre…