Best LAFD Podcasts (2025)

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Rebuild:LA Episode 044: Saving History from Wildfire with Headwater Economics’ Ryan Handy 42:32

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3h ago42:32

42:32

Send us a text The Palisades and Eaton Fires destroyed a lot of history. Will Rogers’s ranch home, Pasadena Waldorf School, Robert Bridges House, The Bunny Museum, Andrew McNally House, Theater Palisades, and The Zane Gray Estate are just a few of the thousands of structures lost in the fires. They all were touchstones in the communities where they…

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BARD - Comey Indicted, Kimmel Reinstated: Two Worlds Collide in the Court of Public Opinion 24:06

3d ago24:06

24:06

Mark and Gary break down the bombshell indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, examining the grand jury dynamics, legal strategy, and political theater, before turning to the unexpected reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel and what it reveals about corporate pressure, cancel culture, and Hollywood loyalty. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Re…

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How union organizing is being upended by private universities in Southern California 17:35

5d ago17:35

17:35

Big companies like Amazon and SpaceX are claiming that the National Labor Relations Board – an independent federal entity in charge of overseeing unionizing efforts – is unconstitutional. In addition to those companies, colleges like the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University are also joining the movement to push back aga…

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE Ep. 263 | FDNY - FIRE PATROLMAN | KEITH ROMA - TRIBUTE 1:27:21

5d ago1:27:21

1:27:21

Be sure and join us on our Youtube Channel with our special guest, former Fire Patrolman Arnold Roma, father of Patrolman Keith Roma. Tune in as we honor and pay tribute to the ONLY patrolman that perished on 911. Keith was with Fire Patrol 2 in Greenwich Village and responded to the trade center on that horrific day. Keith performed some great her…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 043 - A 50-Year Perspective on the January Firestorms with Chief Kim Zagaris of the Western Fire Chiefs’ Association 40:07

7d ago40:07

40:07

Send us a text When you’ve been in the California fire service for 48 years, like Chief Kim Zagaris, you’re likely to take a long view of how we’re doing when it comes to wildfire response. Chief Z as many know him, was State Fire and Rescue Chief for the State of California, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) until just a few years …

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BARD x 2AM - America Is Dying: Kimmel Silenced, Free Speech Under Attack 36:47

10d ago36:47

36:47

Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension from ABC has sparked nationwide backlash and fierce debate over free speech, censorship, and the state of American democracy. In this episode, we break down why Kimmel was pulled off the air, the legal and cultural fallout, and whether this marks a turning point for late-night TV and the First Amendment. From pu…

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Why California's protest law is flawed and the consequences to protesters 24:29

12d ago24:29

24:29

After the George Floyd protests of 2020, California took steps to rein in violent policing of protests by passing laws restricting how law enforcement uses less-lethal weapons, like tasers and rubber bullets. But high profile protests in 2024 and 2025 – including this summer’s protests against the ICE raids in Los Angeles – have revealed major flaw…

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE Ep. 262 FDNY CAPTAIN JIM CARPENTER 1:58:32

13d ago1:58:32

1:58:32

Be sure and join us with our special guest 34 year veteran, Captain Jim Carpenter. Jim was appointed to the FDNY in October of 1969 to ladder 103-2 which was disbanded in December of 1974. From there he served in Ladders, 18, and 172. Was then promoted to Lt. in 1984 and went to 113 truck. Promoted to Captain in 1990, then worked in 153 truck. Cap …

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Rebuild:LA Episode 042: There Aren’t Enough Firetrucks for Every House with the LA County Fire Department Community Brigade’s Brent Woodworth 49:44

14d ago49:44

49:44

Send us a text There have always been people who have stayed behind to try to protect their homes during a wildfire. It happened in the Palisades and in Altadena this January. As always, there were varying results. Some claimed to have saved their homes and even those of their neighbors. Others may have lost their lives trying. It’s never been a th…

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BARD - Charlie Kirk, Civil Discourse, and the Edge of Outrage 24:44

17d ago24:44

24:44

Mark and Gary confront a grim week in American politics following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. They explore the unraveling of civil discourse, rising extremism, and the eerie role of video in shaping public reaction—before ending with a provocative clip from E. Jean Carroll’s post-trial interview that sparks its own debate. Watch Beyond A Re…

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The Huntington Beach library at the center of America’s culture wars 32:06

21d ago32:06

32:06

Censorship efforts at libraries nationwide have increased steadily over the last several years. In the 2023 - 24 school year, more than 10,000 book bans were counted in the country’s public schools. These efforts have become a cornerstone of a larger national debate over cultural influences and parents' rights to restrict those influences. LAist Or…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 041 - Forgotten Altadena with the Future Organization’s Aimery Thomas 43:25

21d ago43:25

43:25

Send us a text This week social scientist Aimery Thomas of the Future Organization joins Cameron Barrett to talk about ARISE - Altadena Resident Impact Survey and Evaluation. It’s a report he and his partner compiled after they surveyed 1,200+ Altadena residents in the wake of the Eaton Fire. The results are as fascination as they are disturbing, u…

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BARD - Faith in the System: Courts, Crisis, and Constitutional Calm 16:30

24d ago16:30

16:30

Mark and Gary dig into recent legal headlines and unpack why, despite rampant political division, America’s judicial system is still functioning as designed. They examine Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s comments on the rule of law, debate whether public fears of constitutional collapse are overblown, and dissect a federal ruling against Trump’s Nationa…

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE Ep: 261 | FDNY RESCUE 1 2:08:10

27d ago2:08:10

2:08:10

Be sure and join us on our Youtube Channel. We will be talking all things FDNY RES1CUE. Our special guests will be past FDNY Rescue 1 members, Paul Hashagen, Hank Molle, and Joel Kanasky. Rescue Company 1 was organized on March 8, 1915 and services the New York City borough of Manhattan, below 116th Street in East Harlem and 125th Street in Morning…

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An update to the Bass vs. Crowley feud 37:07

27d ago37:07

37:07

Last month, former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristen Crowley filed a legal claim against Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass, alleging defamation, retaliation and negligence in the wake of Bass’ firing of her. It’s the latest chapter in a feud that erupted during the historic wildfires in January. In light of these new developments, we bring you our original…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 040 - It’s Been 8 Months. Now What? With Palisades Fire Survivor Kari Weaver 43:49

27d ago43:49

43:49

Send us a text Our conversation this week is with Palisades Fire survivor Kari Weaver, who lost her home in the alphabet streets. It’s been 8 months since that windy, dry Tuesday morning, January 7, when the Palisades Fire started in the highlands. And it was only a few hours later that the Eaton Fire came roaring out of Eaton Canyon and wiped out …

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BARD - Cardi B in Court: Comedy, Chaos, and Legal Lessons 14:09

1M ago14:09

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On this holiday weekend edition, Mark and Gary dive headfirst into the courtroom circus that is the Cardi B civil trial—a case so absurd, it’s practically writing its own punchlines. From viral testimony and “Temu lawyer” comparisons to the plaintiff’s questionable motives and Cardi’s unfiltered charisma on the stand, they unpack the legal spectacl…

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep: 260. DETROIT BURN PRODUCER | TOM PUTNAM 1:31:39

1M ago1:31:39

1:31:39

Be sure and join us on our Youtube Channel with our special guest, film producer Tom Putnam. Tom's past films are some of the most critically-acclaimed and widely-seen independent features of the past two decades. His documentary features include, the Detroit Firefighting film BURN, one of the highest-grossing documentaries in history and the follo…

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Former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is officially in prison. What questions remain? 28:13

1M ago28:13

28:13

Disgraced former Orange County supervisor Andrew Do reported to federal prison in Arizona on August 15th. Do had been found guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for directing millions of taxpayer dollars to a nonprofit that was supposed to be feeding hungry seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of those dollars were diverted elsewhere. N…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 039 - How New Legislation Will Help Victims of the LA Firestorms with CA Senator Ben Allen 44:54

1M ago44:54

44:54

Send us a text California Senator Ben Allen is our guest this week, squeezing our interview into his jammed legislative schedule. Allen grew up in Santa Monica and represents California Senate District #24, which includes his hometown, as well as Malibu and the Pacific Palisades, two communities devastated by January’s Palisades Fire. This week he’…

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BARD - Maxwell’s Interview, Epstein’s Death, and a Parole Board in Chaos 27:14

1M ago27:14

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Mark and Gary tackle a whirlwind of legal drama in this week’s episode. From Ghislaine Maxwell’s newly released “queen for a day” interview to her claims about Jeffrey Epstein’s death, the hosts unpack what’s fact, what’s speculation, and why the audio quality became a talking point of its own. Then, Mark dives into the messy Menendez parole hearin…

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep.259 | TRIBUTE TO FDNY : CAPT. JOHN DRENNAN 1:46:36

1M ago1:46:36

1:46:36

Be sure to tune into our next segment of “NEVER FORGET” with our special guest, the widow of FDNY Captain John Drennan, Vina Drennan. We will also be joined by 43 year FDNY veteran Deputy Chief Jay Jonas. Captain John Drennan, one of three firefighters who died in the line of duty as a result of the Watts Street Fire in New York City on March 28, 1…

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The cost of becoming a teacher in California. Who can afford to do it? 39:39

1M ago39:39

39:39

Across the U.S., states are constantly in the midst of teacher shortages. California's teaching prep and residency programs are supposed to be part of the solution. But many hopeful teachers struggle to balance their passion with the risk of debt and high cost of living. Imperfect Paradise guest host and K-12 Senior Reporter Mariana Dale and LAist’…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 038 What Can We Do To Make Evacuations Work in the Next Wildfire with MySafe:LA’s David Barrett - Part II 38:14

1M ago38:14

38:14

Send us a text The death toll from the January Firestorms has climbed to 31 with the discovery in late June of the remains of Juan Francisco Espinoza, a 74-year-old man who didn’t escape the Eaton Fire when it raged through Altadena. The discovery of yet another victim six months after the fires makes it clear that we need to start working together…

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BARD - Menendez Brothers Face the Parole Board: A Defining Week Ahead 13:49

2M ago13:49

13:49

Mark and Gary discuss the upcoming parole hearings for the Menendez brothers, a pivotal moment in a decades-long legal battle. They reflect on the remarkable progress made over the past two years, the brothers’ rehabilitation behind bars, and the emotional weight carried by their family and supporters. Plus, they break down a jaw-dropping courtroom…

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Deputies severely beat a man struggling with mental health issues. Where are the records? 24:58

2M ago24:58

24:58

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputies severely beat Joseph Perez in 2020, then arrested him. His mom Vanessa alleges that she had previously told law enforcement that Perez has a serious mental illness and would need to be placed in a psychiatric facility. Mother and son believe the deputies used unnecessary force on Perez and are the center of…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 037 Why Didn’t Evacuation Plans Work in the Palisades and Eaton Fires with MySafe:LA’s David Barrett - Part I 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

Send us a text This week is the first half of another conversation we’re stretching over two episodes, and that’s because of the complexity of what we’re discussing - evacuation. Why didn’t it work in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena when wildfires raged through both communities this January? Why does the death toll for the fires keep rising? Los…

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BARD - Uncle Sam on Steroids, Virginia’s Curious Law, and Malibu’s High-Profile Civil Case 17:03

2M ago17:03

17:03

Mark and Gary unpack ICE’s bizarre new recruitment ads hitting Los Angeles, examine a Virginia law raising questions about reproductive product privacy, and dig into a Malibu wrongful death case that’s drawn attorney Alan Jackson back to the spotlight. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video content on YouTube exclusively at …

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep. 258: FDNY BC | TOM MARTIN 1:49:13

2M ago1:49:13

1:49:13

Be sure and join us with our special guest, 40 year FDNY veteran, Battalion Chief Tom Martin. He has had an absolutely incredible career and worked in some great companies. Appointed 8/4/1862 to E.1 - Transferred to L.24 8/1968 Transferred to L.26-2 5/1969 (2nd section) - Promoted to Lt. 9/1973 - Assigned to L.19: 9/73-5/1981 - Promoted to Captain …

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Despite three 911 calls, how did two men with disabilities die in their home during the Eaton Fire? 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

West Altadena residents Anthony Mitchell Sr. and his son Justin Mitchell were stuck at home when the Eaton Fire erupted Jan. 7. Both had disabilities, and to evacuate, they needed help. Mitchell Sr. and family members called 911 multiple times as the fire spread. But first responders didn't make it in time to evacuate the father and son. Seven mont…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 036 - How Difficult Is It to Harden Your Home? We Asked Two Fire Chiefs How They Hardened Their Own 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

Send us a text This week Cameron Barrett sits down with two Fire Chiefs who have just completed projects in their respective homes to give them the best chance of making it through a wildfire. Chief Frank Bigelow is CAL FIRE’s Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation. Chief Jose de Jesus Lopez is a retired Assistant Chief f…

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BARD - High Stakes and Higher Office: Gilbert Arenas, Political Rumblings, and Legal Twists 17:28

2M ago17:28

17:28

Mark and Gary unpack the wild federal indictment against ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas, who’s accused of running a poker ring with Israeli mob ties. The hosts also speculate on Kamala Harris’s political ambitions, analyze the potential runs for California governor by Rick Caruso and Antonio Villaraigosa, and discuss the legal ripple effects of the Jac…

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep.257: FDNY ASSISTANT CHIEF ROBERT BOYCE 2:21:50

2M ago2:21:50

2:21:50

Be sure and join us with our special guest, 33 year FDNY veteran, Assistant Chief Robert Boyce. Chief has had a great career and worked in some great companies. He has also responded to a few good notable jobs!! Chief actually started out in the NYPD before making the move to FDNY. During his time with FDNY he served in some specialty areas includi…

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The dirty secret of trash: Illegal dumping in the Southern California desert 28:35

2M ago28:35

28:35

Diapers, concrete and construction debris. The open secret about trash in Southern California is that some of the waste people assume is being properly handled is actually being disposed of on remote sites in the California high desert. The state agency in charge of waste, CalRecycle, has said the scale of illegal dumping has become an emergency. L…

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BARD - Beyond Epstein: Armenia, Artsakh, and the Politics of Silence 13:36

2M ago13:36

13:36

As global powers look away, Armenians face displacement and erasure in Artsakh, aided by international arms deals and political apathy. While alleged ties between Israel and Azerbaijan fuel ethnic cleansing, U.S. aid remains minimal and outrage scarce. At the same time, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein, and discussion about justice and ad hominem comment…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 035 CAL FIRE’s Uphill Battle with Zone Zero with State Fire Marshal Chief Daniel Berlant - Part II 33:10

2M ago33:10

33:10

Send us a text Part II of our conversation with State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant finds us tackling one of the most contentious topics in wildfire prevention - Zone Zero. The state is still trying to define exactly what Zone Zero will entail, but homeowners are already filling social media and text strings with nightmares of having to create moonsc…

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep.256 | LAFD CHIEF PILOT SCOT DAVISON 1:50:42

2M ago1:50:42

1:50:42

Be sure and join us with our special guest, 35 year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Departments aviation unit, Chief Pilot Scot Davison. Chief Scot has over 7000 hours of flying time and has been a flight instructor since 1999. He is going to provide us with his perspective of fighting wildland fires and discuss his experience in Search & Rescue Op…

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Inheriting: Leialani & The Occupation of Guam 38:31

2M ago38:31

38:31

In honor of Guam Liberation Day on July 21, this week we feature an episode from the Inheriting podcast. It's about a CHamoru woman untangling the deeply complex history between the U.S. and the island she was raised on. Leialani Wihongi-Santos is CHamoru and was raised on the island of Guam with a distorted view of history. She was taught that the…

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BARD - Downtown L.A., Fentanyl Alley, and the Wildfire Land Grab Bill 22:01

2M ago22:01

22:01

Mark and Gary reflect on the surreal state of downtown Los Angeles, from billion-dollar skyscrapers overshadowed by fentanyl use and homelessness to the slow erosion of iconic landmarks. They also dive into a controversial wildfire recovery bill that would have allowed the state to acquire burned land for low-income housing—until public backlash fo…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 034 How Is CAL FIRE “Treating” Our Wildland with State Fire Marshal Chief Daniel Berlant - Part I 26:32

3M ago26:32

26:32

Send us a text This week is the first of a two-part conversation with State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. He leads the wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). California is home to nearly 40 million people, who live all over the 164-thousand square acres of land that make…

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GETTIN’ SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep.255: DEPUTY CHIEF RONNIE JAMES 1:38:17

3M ago1:38:17

1:38:17

GETTIN’ SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep.255: Be sure and join us live this Tonight Thursday, July 17th at 8pm on our Youtube Channel with our special guest Dallas FD 38 year veteran, Deputy Chief Ronnie James 1964-1970 Station Firefighter for Dallas Fire Department Driver-Engineer Engine 1 (1969) Driver Truck 47 – Tillerman (1969) Second Driver Truck 1…

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How one man rebuilt his life, 100 miles at a time 49:34

3M ago49:34

49:34

Struggling with addiction and reentry after multiple stints in prison, Cesar Quijano discovers ultrarunning, a hobby that turns into his addiction and salvation. Through Cesar’s story to complete a 100-mile race, Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido and producer Lucy Copp explore urgent questions around what support people need to successfully…

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Are Latino pollsters helping or hurting the Democratic cause? 53:08

3M ago53:08

53:08

As Democrats confront declining Latino support across three consecutive presidential elections, a fierce debate is unfolding within the party: Are Latino advocacy groups and polling firms helping or hurting the Democratic cause? Critics argue that a flawed messaging strategy — and a complacent advocacy infrastructure — have led to Latino voters dri…

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BARD - Breaking: Menendez Brothers Habeas Petition Advances in Major Legal Victory 7:52

3M ago7:52

7:52

Mark Geragos reveals a pivotal update in the Menendez brothers’ case: an order to show cause has been issued, opening the door to challenge their conviction. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video content on YouTube exclusively at YouTube.com/ReasonableDoubtPodcast and subscribe while you're there See Privacy Policy at https…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 033 - What Would You Pack If A Wildfire Was On Your Doorstep with MySafe:LA’s Chris Nevil 34:37

3M ago34:37

34:37

Send us a text It’s been six months since the firestorms of January tore through the communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The worst wildfire disaster in Los Angeles history, the Palisades Fire killed 12 people, destroyed 6,837 structures and burned 23,448 acres. The Eaton Fire was even more destructive, killing 18 people, destroying 9,000…

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GETTIN' SALTY EXPERIENCE PODCAST Ep.254 | PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY FD | DC VICTOR STAGNARO 1:58:15

3M ago1:58:15

1:58:15

Be sure and join us on our Youtube Channel with our special guest, Prince George's County (MD) Fire Department, Deputy Chief Victor Stagnaro. Chief Stagnaro began his career and rose through the ranks to ultimately become the deputy chief of operations. He was responsible for more than 1900 members, in 44 firehouses, plus a whole more. Chief also s…

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BARD - Diddy, Defense, and a Daughter’s Big Win: Mark Finally Speaks 18:12

3M ago18:12

18:12

After weeks of radio silence due to a gag order, Mark Geragos finally opens up about one of the most high-profile trial victories in recent memory — the acquittal of Sean “Diddy” Combs on major federal charges. In a deeply personal and revealing episode, Mark reflects on watching his daughter, Teny Geragos, help lead the defense team to a landmark …

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Trading in the American Dream for the Mexican Dream 26:30

3M ago26:30

26:30

For decades, there’s been a persistent story about Mexican immigrants crossing the border for a better life in the United States. But there’s a new trend emerging: Mexicans and Mexican Americans, disillusioned with American politics, moving to Mexico for a more fulfilling life. In the second episode of a three-part collaboration with Latino USA, Im…

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Rebuild:LA Episode 032 - California’s Chaparral Could Be Our Best Fire Protection Plan with Richard Halsey of the California Chaparral Institute 38:31

3M ago38:31

38:31

Send us a text What if saving California’s chaparral ecosystem means we’d be protecting California communities from wildfires? Richard Halsey, the founder of the California Chaparral Institute, says our state’s most abundant biome, chaparral, actually protects our communities from widespread wildfire disasters. And he says the more the state mandat…

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BARD - Newsom vs. Fox, SCOTUS on Injunctions & Fat Joe Fallout 18:16

3M ago18:16

18:16

Mark and Gary dive into Gavin Newsom’s headline-grabbing lawsuit against Fox News, SCOTUS’s big ruling on nationwide injunctions, and the bizarre twist in Fat Joe’s legal saga involving a process server and an arrest. Plus, speculation on jury timing ahead of the holiday weekend. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video conten…