Best Darius Derakshan Podcasts (2025)

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Introducing: Smoglandia 6:06

Play Pause

5d ago6:06

6:06

Please enjoy this preview of the first episode of Patt Morrison's latest miniseries, Smoglandia. Smoglandia is a narrative audio series tracing the rise, impact and eventual retreat of L.A.’s most insidious form of pollution: smog. Through interviews with scientists, policymakers, filmmakers and artists who lived through the worst days, Smoglandia …

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Who Are We Rebuilding For? And How Long Will It Take? 45:59

5d ago45:59

45:59

Out of the top 20 most destructive wildfires in California, 15 of them have occurred in the last decade. There’s the Camp Fire, the Woolsey Fire, the Tubbs Fire, the Carr Fire, the Thomas Fire and, of course, LA’s Eaton and Palisades Fires. The list is long. It’s stunning when you think about it. Fires of this magnitude were rare before the year 20…

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Tragedy Under a Solar Eclipse 42:08

3d ago42:08

42:08

Astrology is a common conversation starter here in Los Angeles, to the point where people like Danielle Johnson made her living as an “Astrology Influencer,” selling her horoscope predictions and mantras to curious customers. But things turned sinister as a solar eclipse approached in 2024 that sent Danielle into a murderous spiral. Richard Winton …

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Producer's Pick: Karen Bass: Roots, Resilience, and the Story of Los Angeles 1:02:12

12d ago1:02:12

1:02:12

We’re bringing back a few of my favorite conversations from last season — Season One Spotlights, as we’re calling them — so whether you’ve been with us from the start or you’re just discovering the show, these episodes capture the people, stories, and ideas that shape how we see Los Angeles. While Mayor Karen Bass hardly needs an introduction, what…

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A Glimmer Of Hope — And Some Fatigue — As Paradise Builds Back 53:56

12d ago53:56

53:56

In 2018, a devastating fire ripped through the mountain community of Paradise, California. 85 people died. And almost the entire town burned to the ground. The Camp Fire remains the most destructive and deadliest fire in the state’s history, destroying more structures than the Eaton and Palisades Fires combined. Nearly seven years later, Paradise i…

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Caroline Fraser’s “Murderland” 47:15

11d ago47:15

47:15

In the so-called “Golden Age of Serial Murder,” Americans were introduced to names such as Ted Bundy, Gary Ridgeway, and Richard Ramirez in relatively short succession. What was it about this period of time that seemed to breed so many serial killers? In today’s episode, Madison McGhee is joined by Caroline Fraser, author of Murderland, to discuss …

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Bloody Frying Pan, a Litigious Divorce, and a Mysterious Fire 45:00

18d ago45:00

45:00

When the police received calls about a small house fire in San Marino, the last thing they expected to find was the body of local doctor and mother of two, Irene Gaw-Lai. Madison McGhee is joined by LA Times Reporter Salvador Hernandez to talk through the investigation that followed the fire and the layers of domestic conflict that built up to this…

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An Arrest, A Report, And Little Closure For Palisades Fire Victims 46:59

19d ago46:59

46:59

A NOTE: We taped this episode on Oct. 13, 2025. It’s a developing story. Please check the Los Angeles Times for updates.At the time of this taping, 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht is in federal custody, charged with starting a fire — the Lachman Fire — that investigators say became the Palisades Fire.Investigators with the Bureau Of Alcohol, Tob…

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Harry Chandler: Dynasties, Detours, and the LA River 59:34

19d ago59:34

59:34

What’s it like to carry one of the most powerful names in Los Angeles history — and still make your own mark? Harry Chandler is the great-great-grandson of Harrison Gray Otis, who took over the Los Angeles Times in 1882 and began a century-long dynasty that helped shape the city’s growth, politics, and mythos. But Harry? He took a different path. I…

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Fabian Núñez: Power, Politics, and a Changing California 50:19

26d ago50:19

50:19

How does the son of a bracero and a labor organizer become one of the most influential figures in California politics? Fabian Núñez is the former Speaker of the California State Assembly and was a driving force in the rise of Latino political power in California — helping turn what was once the exception into today’s expectation of Latino represent…

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The $1.9 million investigation that leaves us with ‘more questions than answers’ 1:01:11

26d ago1:01:11

1:01:11

Nine months and one investigation later, it is still not clear why neighborhoods in Altadena, California did not get an alert to evacuate until 3:25 a.m on January 8th — if residents got one at all — despite repeated calls to 911, hours earlier, that flames from the Eaton Fire were spotted in the area.The McChrystal Group’s 130-plus page report loo…

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Crypto, Kidnapping, and a Crooked Cop 42:19

25d ago42:19

42:19

Madison McGhee is joined by friend of the pod, L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton, to untangle the crime web that was sewn by Eric Halem, an ex-reserve cop with wealthy connections and a history of criminal activity that extended through his LAPD career.By Darius Derakshan

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Larry Mantle: The Voice of Los Angeles 48:48

1M ago48:48

48:48

What’s it like to be the voice that generations of Angelenos grew up with — even if they wouldn’t recognize your face? Larry Mantle has hosted KPCC’s AirTalk for over 40 years, making him one of the most enduring and trusted voices in public radio. Over the decades, he’s interviewed politicians, filmmakers, athletes, scientists, authors — and more …

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Want Home Owners Insurance? You Might Need To Cut Down Your Trees. 55:33

1M ago55:33

55:33

The insurance industry in California was fragile even before the January fires in Los Angeles. Since the Camp Fire in Paradise and other devastating blazes in Napa, Sonoma, and Ventura Counties, home insurance rates skyrocketed for many Californians. Companies dropped customers and left the state because of the perceived risks of wildfires and othe…

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When the Labubu Craze Turned Criminal 36:12

1M ago36:12

36:12

If you hadn’t heard of Labubus before this episode…we’re jealous. Whether you are on the Labubu train or not, today’s story about a heist involving $30,000 worth of Labubus will capture your attention. L.A. Times Fast Break Reporter Nathan Solis joins Madison with all the wild details.By Darius Derakshan

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Navigating Insurance Hell, Pt. 1 50:03

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

1M 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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Dirty Pools and Deathly Money Schemes 53:09

1M ago53:09

53:09

Neighbors didn’t exactly notice when the reclusive Charles Wilding wasn’t seen coming or going from his home in Sherman Oaks, but when a fiery redhead with a strange story suddenly moved into the quiet man’s estate, alarm bells started ringing. Madison McGhee is joined by L.A. Times Reporter Brittny Mejia to comb through the details of how this wom…

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

2M 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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Fritz Coleman: Weather Words, Comedy Clubs, and Forty Years on Channel 4 57:27

2M 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

2M 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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"Hos Long to Die In Cold?" 57:44

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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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Kevin Demoff: The Man Who Brought the Rams (and SoFi) to LA 59:19

2M 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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What’s In The Soil 50:16

2M 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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Everything You Didn’t Know About The Idaho Four 48:30

2M 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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Lucy Jones: Seismology, ShakeOuts, and String Quartets 58:53

3M 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 Fire Trucks That Didn’t Come 42:42

3M 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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The Murder Case Your Parents Wouldn’t Stop Talking About 48:24

3M 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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A Sustainable Path: LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath on the Fire Response and Her Vision For What Comes Next 1:00:14

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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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Bricia Lopez: Mole, Mezcal, and a Koreatown Classic 47:49

3M 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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About One-third of Malibu Burned In The Palisades Fire. Where Does It Go From Here? 1:04:49

3M 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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Double Murder With a Dash of Helicopters 38:02

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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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From free consultations to pre-approved plans inspired by a Sears catalog, local architects help Altadena rebuild 1:09:12

4M 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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Alex Padilla: From Pacoima to Power 46:32

4M 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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Inmate Homicide On The Rise In L.A. County Jails 26:27

4M 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

4M 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 …