Can you hear me, Long Beach?

On episode #37 of "Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?" Post reporter Stephanie Rivera stops by to talk about the things people can do to help out in these extraordinary times. Though most of the news these days seems to center on what we can't do, Rivera recently wrote an article detailing numerous things you can do to be part of the solution, things that include providing neighborly relief to giving blood to buying gift cards to local restaurants. Then, Brian Addison calls in to talk about how local restaurants are trying to survive these unprecedented times by offering additional services and deals.

On episode #36 of “Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?” we consider islands oabout of mystery. Asia Morris is like a lot of native Long Beach residents who have seen Catalina Island virtually every day of their lives and yet have never made the trip across the channel. Morris finally did and found folks who felt safe knowing everyone on the island and a bit trapped by everyone on the island knowing them. And there was the zip lining, the abandon pet cemeteries and the liquor stores on every street. Morris wrote about her experiences (above) and stopped by to lend a bit more perspective and depth—about 4,000-feet of oceans worth. Next, Cheantay Jensen is a terrific writer who, like a lot of folks in the profession, has to work a second job to make ends meet. Jensen has worked at a rather nice, Newport Beach seafood restaurant for years. She's a vet, who regular customers know by name and who figured she'd seen, and been able to handle, everything the restaurant industry could thrown at her. And then, coronavirus. She spoke with us about how she and her customers are handling the pandemic, one dish at a time.

If you think you found yourself surrounded by a lot of people on Tuesday, you should have seen the mass humanity that showed up in the Post's podcast studio to talk about the election, its results, the winners, losers and those who served by standing in line. Publisher David Sommers, Managing Editor Melissa joined with columnist Tim Grobaty and reporters Stephanie Rivera and Jason Ruiz to talk about what happened and what might happen eight months from now when a lot of these races finally get decided for good.

On episode #34 of "Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?" Michelle Steilen is back! Last week, the founder of Moxi Skates joined us to take part in a group discussion of love and breakup songs. This week, Steilen's all on their own telling the story of thier unlikely journey from Philadelphia to Long Beach to founding Moxie Skates to becoming Margot Robbie's stunt double in "Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey." Steilen also reveals how Moxi got its name—it’s kind of simple and kind of amazing—if they enjoyed making a movie (they did, very much), the ups and downs of stunt work and what's the state of the Long Beach skate scene. Also, poet Nancy Lynee Woo came by to talk about her new literary column for the Post “What’s Lit?” as well as the burgeoning storytelling scene in Long Beach.

On Episode #33 of “Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?” We are all over Valentine's Day. First, in conjunction with the Hi-lo Listens, Love and Heartbreak Valentine's playlist, we assembled a cool ribbon panel of Moxie Skates founder Michelle Steilen—currently appearing as Margot Robbie/Harley Quinn's stunt double—DJ and Post ad exec Atira West and columnist Tim Grobaty to discuss love songs, breakup songs—both sad, angry and busting out windows—and if music can actually put you in the mood. Then, Steven Smith goes on location to an Anti-Valentine Open Mic and finds the poetry in giving love the finger. Take that love! Finally, Steven sings. Yes, love hurts.

On Episode #32 of “Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?” Karen Tongson talks about her book, "Why Karen Carpenter Matters." Tongson, a professor of English, American Studies and Ethnicity and Gender and Sexuality Studies at USC, is the child of Filipino musician parents who named her after the pop icon. Her book interweaves the story of the singer’s rise to fame with Tongon's own trans-Pacific journey between Manila—where imitations of American pop styles flourished—and Karen Carpenter’s home ground of Southern California. In arranging and producing this episode, which also features a segment with dating columnist June Diaz who swears she's swearing off love, it was surprising to us that, to a younger demographic here in Long Beach, Karen Carpenter's name many times elicits this: "Oh, is she the name on the building?" The building is the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach. And yes, that's her name on the building, along with her brother Richard. But the reason her name is on the building is what's important: Karen and Richard formed the Carpenters, a soft-rock, easy listening duo out of Downey that are simply one of the most successful acts in American popular music history. Karen Tongson. Photo courtesy Karen Tongson/Facebook.During their 14-year career, the Carpenters recorded ten albums, have sold 90 million records, have multiple top-10 and number one hits as well as won multiple Grammys. Their success was driven by Richard's production genius and Karen's sweet, crystalline, yet always plaintive vocals; Paul McCartney called Karen "the best female voice in the world: melodic, tuneful and distinctive." That's who Karen Carpenter was—the singer passed away on Feb. 4, 1983 from issues related to an eating disorder. Her death shining a light on that subject in much the same way Magic Johnson's HIV announcement brought attention to that. Of course, you don't need to tell any of this to Tongson. She spoke about how the Carpenters' chart-topping, seemingly whitewashed musical fantasies of "normal love" now have profound significance for her—as well as for other people of color, LGBT+ communities, and anyone outside the mainstream culture usually associated with Karen Carpenter’s legacy. Her hybrid memoir/biography examining the destructive perfectionism at the root of the Carpenters’ sound, while finding the beauty in the singer's flawed, all too brief life.

On Episode #31 of “Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?” Dr. Ebony Utley may know more about women and infidelity than anyone around. Here "He Cheated, She Cheated, We Cheated" is one of the most thoroughly researched books on the subject of women who are cheated on, women who cheat, the Other Woman and those who have done a combo or all three. But the Cal State Long Beach professor of communication studies, has very intimate experience with the subject as the first 10 seconds of our interview makes clear in a very jarring way. Though Utley's book makes her an expert on the subject of female infidelity, she says she's been surprised how reticent many people are to talk about the subject which, of course, has only been around since the dawn of humanity. Luckily for us, she's more than happy to talk about it, we advise you to listen to this from the start.

On Episode #30 (30!) of “Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?” Paul Baker Prindle, director of Cal State Long Beach's Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum, talks about the museum's upcoming Gyre exhibit which, for eight weeks, will feature one artist, one work for one week. Gyre is designed to allow museum-goers the space and time to deeply experience an artist and their work without the pressure many feel to see every piece either hanging or standing in the space. It also inspired an eye-opening and gut-busting discussion of how one should go about experiencing a museum. Prindle not only has some definite thoughts about how you should think of a museum, but how you shouldn't—it's not a church, you can talk—as well as where you should go once inside and how one can best prepare yourself for your visit. If you're asking, yes, Paul Baker Prindle does partake of "pre-museum-ing." That, and Asia Morris is really sick and channeling her favorite cartoon character.

On Episode #29 of "Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?" Artist Rick "Rickster1" Vilchis dropped by to talk about the graffiti-inspired show he and three colleagues are taking part in at the Hi-lo Gallery within the offices of the Long Beach Post. Rick was supposed to come on, talk about “Resilience,” which opens on Thursday, Jan. 23, and then be on his way. Ten minutes tops. What he did, was launch into a very personal and, at times, educational story about how he came to make art his life and how that life has sometimes taken him to the edge... and into custody a time or two. “Resilience” is a step back in time to the mid-90s, when local graffiti artists Rick “Rickster1” Vilchis and Jose “Steam” Martinez were coming up, creating community and making themselves seen through the competitive, albeit illegal, form of art. Luckily, there were safe spaces in Long Beach to paint at the time, where their creativity was able to flourish and they had the opportunity to mentor younger artists wanting to develop their own unique language of writing. By the way, if you'd like to come to the opening of "Resilience" you can, as long as you RSVP (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-hi-lo-gallery-presents-resilience-tickets-88961208369) while space is still available. So you probably want to do it soon. Like now. Space is limited. We can’t emphasize that enough.

Though Megan Dolan’s one-woman performance, "Lemur Mom" begins with her son being diagnosed with Asperger’s, it is not about her son or Aspergers. Rather, Dolan talks about the pressure to measure up that all mothers, fathers, teenagers, well, just about everyone feels these days, attempting to live up to false narratives created and perpetuated by social media and reruns of “The Doris Day Show.” Dolan, a Long Beach resident and Cal State Long Beach grad who has written and performed stories for all manner of outfits, dropped by to talk about the process of creating and performing "Lemur Mom" which opens this weekend at Cal State Long Beach. Also, Mike Wellman who just opened Atomic Basement Comics, talks about what he'll be doing at and looking forward to at the Long Beach Comic Expo which takes place Saturday and Sunday. He also makes clear that he likes lasagna. A lot. All this and Asia Morris's amazing crinkling paper! 0:00 Happy New Year! Asia begins her journey into ASMR.3:29 "Lemur Mom" Megan Dolan talks about what it's like turning her life into a show 42:59 Mike from Atomic Basement talks about Long Beach Comic Expo

On Episode #27 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” rapper G Funk Supreme talks about his new album and how growing up and sometimes going hungry in Long Beach shaped him and his music. Filmmaker Eric Tandoc talks about his work chronicling the likes of skaters and elderly walkers, as well as the activism that informs his art and got him beat up and thrown in jail in the Philippines. Online dating columnist June Diaz joins with Kelly Puente to talk about not only when the truth hurts, but when it's just too much. 0:02 "Such an evil laugh." 2:19 June Diaz and Kelly Puente talk love and honesty 9:20 "I got my first guy who wanted me to spank him." 22:55 Fico scores and fish 28:26 G Funk Supreme 35:00 "I want to give it back to the people." 37:10 Eric Tandoc 45:35 "I turned and saw my wife being taken by the chief of police." 46:30 "I was just trying to protect the camera until they started hitting me in the face." 57:29 Brian Addison's hurtful, spot-on imitation of Steve Lowery's NPR voice 58:44 Kelly is amazing

On episode #26 of CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” we speak to Brian Addison about the passing of Ripples, the iconic gay dance club that closed its doors for good in November. Brian spoke of the cultural, generational and business reasons for the closing and how, in some ways, it's a sign about how far we've all come. Asia Morris speaks with LaJon Miller about transforming the utility boxes around the Billie Jean King, and his life, through art. Asia sighs. 0:00 Old Prospector sings Adele 0:56 "It's a little bit country, a little bit I'm wearing a retainer." 3:58 Brian Addison talks about the closing of Ripples 13:05 Mayor Robert Garcia's gay bar count disputed 13:28 Health of Long Beach's gar bar scene 21:28 "Stop talking Asia" 21:35 Artist LaJon Miller 31:44 "I didn't look back" 47:30 I'm gonna quit my job and become an artist" 48:17 Nani!

On Episode #24 of "CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?" we get a little bit political as a good portion of the newsroom crammed around the table to talk about the just completed California Democratic Party State Convention, that turned out to be kinda fun, you know, when people weren't hitting each other with transportation devices. Brian Addison, Thomas Cordova, Kelly Puente, Stephanie Rivera and publisher David Sommers(!) join Steve Lowery to talk about all the behind the scenes, scenes, including Mayors on Parade, why so may people seemed to have a really hard time with a cute little story Brian wrote about restaurants and why, once again, so many folks are mad for Bernie.

On this special episode of "Can You Hear Me, Long Beach?" Post Breaking News Editor Jeremiah Dobruck and Managing Editor Melissa Evans talk about the decision to look deeper into the killing of Rosa Hernandez, who was beaten with an electric scooter. While the circumstances of Hernandez's death were shocking, the circumstances of the person alleged to have killed her, Amad Rashad Redding, were not: the once-promising student had struggled with mental illness for much of his life. Dobruck's reporting, along with that of Stephanie Rivera, looked into how the paths of these two strangers became intertwined and produced "Broken" an in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding the crime that is now live on the Post website.

On Episode #23 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” we're thrilled to speak to "Radiolab" creator Jad Abumrad about creativity and his upcoming, one-man performance of "The Miracle of Indoor Plumbing," Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts. Abumrad, along with "This American Life's" Ira Glass is many times (dis)credited with birthing the podcast era. We paid tribute by ripping off everything we could about "Radiolab." Asia Morris speaks with one of our favorite people, Mimi Masher (below), about her quest to bring roller derby—and a roller derby track—back to Long Beach. 0:36 Does this new microphone make me sound better? 1:08 Radiolab creator Jad Abumrad talks about his upcoming show in Long Beach and his journey as a radio and podcast creator 2:32 Jad’s voice is meant for radio, even over the phone 7:50 The “right place, right time” moment that created Radiolab 11:10 How do you always sound so casual? 16:47 Jad shares about his new podcast, Dolly Parton’s America 22:20 Mimi Masher is trying to bring back roller derby to Long Beach 28:47 Male roller derby is controversial… and sexy? 34:40 How YOU can help bring roller derby back to Long Beach 36:56 Radiolab tribute credit reading

On Episode #22 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” No one is sure how it got started, but it got START-ED! We picked up the Junipero controversy and the pronunciation one street name soon morphed into discussions of all manner of bigger things including the Queen Mary and “Well, you’re not from here!” As for how the whole thing got started, we refer you to this source material. Your beloved Tim Grobaty is the cudgel-waving fellow aggressively strutting toward seated Man of Peace, Steve Lowery. 0:00 The right way to pronounce “Ximeno” according to Google 0:55 The street name that tore the city apart 3:50 Tim Grobaty is always right 5:01 The “understood A” and Tim Grobaty’s college experience 20:20 Steve and Asia catch up 22:57 We want to hear your story ideas! 23:48 What’s up with Asia’s weird name? 36:35 Junipero puns

On Episode #21 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” June Diaz is looking for love but has yet to find it and you are so lucky because of it. That's because June has no problem talking or writing about her romantic (mis)adventures. The Post will launch her online dating column "Swipe Left" on Monday, Oct. 28. She came by the office to talk about that, dating and the soon-to-be, oft-quoted phrase, "Can Princess to be trained?" Ah, love. Anita Bunn and Francesco X. Siqueiros stop by to talk about "B.A.T. State III: Women Artists in Conversation with El Nopal Press" the exhibition they co-curated for Cal State Long Beach's Kleefeld Contemporary that features prints by 37 women artists produced over a span of 30 years at Siqueiros El Nopal Press in downtown Los Angeles. 0:15 Online Dating with June Diaz 4:41 Scammers, spammers and cat fishers10:40 "Bartering" 14:45 What to do with a guy who asks, "Can Princess be trained?" 32:30 How Steve met someone on an airplane 38:30 Anita Bunn and Francesco Siqueiros talk about printmaking and "B.A.T. State III: Women Artists in Conversation with El Nopal Press" 51:20 June really should just go into stand up comedy

On Episode #20 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Lucia Micarreli is a triple threat, though not a usual one. Yes, she sings. Yes, she acts ("Treme"). Yes, she is a virtuoso violinist whose long list of collaborations include Josh Groban, Jethro Tull, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and, on Oct. 26, the Long Beach Symphony Pops. She talked about all of that, growing up in Queens, about why she doesn't wear shoes, all in-between laughing. A lot. And then, local ceramicist and lovely spirit Gopi spoke about ceramics and all that is lovely about Long Beach. Show Notes: 0:40 Just. Don’t ask. 1:15 Dominic Picarelli does nothing 2:00 Lucia Micarelli laughs about her journey from violinist to actor to singer 4:30 Listening to non-classical music for the first time 10:00 Ending up on the Trans Siberian Orchestra and with Josh Groban 30:45 Living life as a violinist with a hand injury 43.55 Why barefoot? 46:53 Gopi Shah is a potter. The clay kind. Not the other kind.

On Episode #19 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?" Karole Foreman has been a working actress for quite some time, emphasis on working. Just check her IMDB page, you'll see not only the pure volume of roles in both TV and film but roles running the gamut of characters with actual names and backstories to ones identified only as "Woman." But, in her latest role, the character most definitely has a name: Billie Holiday. Foreman, who lives in Signal Hill, plays the icon in International City Theater's production of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill." It's a role that is no doubt daunting considering that Holiday is arguably (is there really an argument?) the most distinctive vocalist in American music history. We spoke with her about the role and about her job. Foreman was then joined on the podcast by "Lady Day" director Wren T. Brown and musical director Stephan Terry. Finally, Satica is a R&B singer raised in Long Beach who recently released song and video "Ode to LBC." Reporter James Chow, who wrote a profile of the artist for the Hi-lo, produced this short audio feature about her. 0:36 Karole Forrman takes on the persona of Billie Holiday 13:28 A normal day for a working actor. 19:29 Music director Stephan Terry and artistic director Wren T. Brown join the conversation 28:20 The difference between improvisation and impromptu 34:16 The way to a music director's heart... 42:39 "A fantastic little thing" about Satica and her music (Produced by James Chow)

On Episode #17 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH? "Arts" can be a pretty daunting, dandy world, rife with black ties and velvet ropes. At the beginning of this, National Arts Month, we spoke with two groups looking to make their particular corner of the art world more accessible, more understandable and more fun. Long Beach Opera is hosting a Divalicious Drag-Off on Sunday at Hamburger Mary’s. Opera singers will be paired with drag queens to perform as teams: the Opera Diva will first perform an aria, followed by a lip-synced number by the Drag Queen (think “Un Bel Di” followed by “I Will Survive”) to be judged on originality and fabulosity. We spoke with LBO's executive director Jennifer Rivera and singer Joanna Ceja about the show. We asked Rivera how the search for a new artistic director is going. We asked Ceja to sing. They both obliged. Next, artist inhabit a sometimes mysterious world of creation and cleaning supplies. To wipe away a bit of the mystery, encourage a dialogue with the public, not to mention a chance to spend some art dollars in town, the Arts Council of Long Beach has put together Open Studio Tours. The Council's Tina Burnight spoke with us about this four-weekend event Oct. 5 – Oct. 27 that features artists all over Long Beach opening their art studios to the public; some studios are inside the artists’ homes (so it’s kind of like a home and garden tour!), some are in their garages, some are co-ops with several artists sharing space. It’s really a great way to see, in person, what local artists constantly chirp about, that there are just so many of them that call Long Beach home, and so few spaces (galleries) for them to show. The tour starts this Saturday and Sunday in the Zaferia/Eastside area with eight different destinations for tour-goers to check out. And, support your local artist!

On Episode #16 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH? No artform hits us deeper, sparks more memories, inflames more passion, or arguments, than music. We talked to two men—Eckart Preu of the Long Beach Symphony and James Bass of the Camerata Singers—who say music saved their lives, in a very real, "If not for it, I may not be here today," kinda way. Of course, music has also become their livelihoods, and we spoke of how they go about doing that every day. Both men took over their present positions in 2017 and each is about to launch a new season; Long Beach Symphony opens Sept. 28, the Camerata Singers first performance is Oct. 13. We first spoke with Eckart Preu (pronounced PROY), music director of the Long Beach Symphony. If you've only experienced Preu conducting on stage then your impressions are of an imposing, what the New York Times called, "fiery" individual. When he conducted Beethoven’s Ninth, last spring, we wrote that he attacked Beethoven’s masterpiece as if "it had run over his dog." But meeting Eckart Preu is a whole other thing; he's funny and personable. We spoke to him about not only the art of conducting but the business of it that means you can’t always be as friendly as you’d like. We also talked about his growing up in East Germany and how music got him through that, alive. Oh, and for a few glorious moments, we spoke of Sade. Like Preu, James Bass gets it. Approachable and funny, he understands better than most that music not only has the power to change lives but to do it in a moment because it changed the course of his life in an instant in grade school. Music eventually delivered him from a hard-scrabble life in Florida that he says he’s not sure he would have survived. Bass, who also teaches singing at UCLA, is artistic director of the Camareta Singers, the classical music choir that performs on its own and with local music outfits such as the LB Symphony and Musica Angelica. We spoke with him about musical salvation, the unique pull of the human voice and what a good time it is to be a singer. 0:40 Ekart Preu shares how music saved his life and became his livelihood 2:50 That time he scared the hell out of that singer 34:54 Steve and Ekart have a moment, A Sade moment 39:40 James Bass talks about how he went from growing up in Florida to directing the Camerata Singers 1:19:22 What sound is that, Steve?

On Episode #15 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” It was just six years ago that the Cambodia Town Film Festival was a fledgling event struggling to get films to show. Today, it's one of the cultural highlights of the year in Long Beach and beyond. We spoke with festival co-founders praCh Ly and Caylee So. praCh Ly has been described as the first Cambodian hip hop star, his album "Dalama" went No. 1 in Cambodia, 20 years ago. He's not only a founder of the festival but a producer on "In the Life of Music," the feature-length film that opens the festival and that is Cambodia's official entry for Academy Award consideration. As if that wasn't enough, on Saturday, praCh will be performing "Dalama" in its entirety, with help from lots of friends. Prach spoke with Sarah Bennett about the festival and about getting back on stage, perhaps for the last time. Besides being a co-founder of the Cambodia Town Film Festival, Cayle is the co-writer, co-director and co-producer of “In the Life of Music.” She has had a circuitous journey to her craft, one that included two stints in Iraq as a member of the U.S. military. She spoike with Steve Lowery about the painful moment she told her parents she was joining the military, as well as what responsibilities Cambodian artists have and don’t have when it comes to producing work about the genocide. She also talks about, perhaps, her most amazing accomplishment, giving birth to, and raising, two children while producing, directing and writing a full-length feature movie. Not surprisingly, Caylee was wearing a Wonder Woman T-shirt while being interviewed. 1:06 PraCh Ly talks about his journey to being a No. 1 Cambodian hip hop artist 31:06 Ly shifting from music to film and starting the Cambodia Town Film Festival 47:24 Caylee So talks about making “In the Life of Music”, and her journey to get there 1:01:37 How So went from the armed forces into filmmaking 1:15:48 So’s experience being directed by her dramatic 2-year-old

On Episode #14 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Downtown Long Beach has long struggled to stay relevant, what the kids call "hot." We talked to two people whose business/organization helps validate the direction of the area while gambling that enough people will be attracted to keep everything going. First, Ron Nelson, executive director of the Long Beach Museum of Art, speaks to Asia Morris and Steve Lowery about the museum's new downtown space located at 3rd and Elm. This is the second time the museum has come downtown and Nelson believes conditions are right this time for them to stay. He also thinks artists should charge more for their work. Right? Andy George's Toxic Toast Records is celebrating its fifth year downtown, an experience that seems to have been, shall we say, mixed, given the comically pained way he reacts to the question "How is it dealing with the city?" Still, George has doubled down on his initial investment, opening a performance space—Toxic Toast Theatre—next door to his record store (and his adorable doggy friend, Toast). Asia, Steve and Cheantay Jensen, who profiled Toxic Toast Theatre, spoke with Andy about all of this and why he should be listening to the Monks. YOU ALL SHOULD BE LISTENING TO THE MONKS.

On Episode #13 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Long Beach Comic Con is happening again, Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, though it will be a first for Samantha Strelitz, a Long Beach native who plays Mary-Beth Gaskill on the very successful Red Dead Redemption 2. How successful? It pulled in better than $725 million its first weekend of release. Strelitz, who now lives in New York, talked about the making of RDR2, how it led to an additional career as a gaming commentator, the ins and outs of dating a gamer and what's the first thing she does when she gets back to the beach. Gaming and pop culture commentator Curtis Herod, who took part in the Strelitz interview, sticks around to talk about what makes Long Beach Comic Con different, and better, than some other similar productions, as well as what he's looking forward to seeing. Asia Morris and Steve Lowery talk about things to this weekend and breakfast ethics. 1:56 Samantha Strelitz talks about her acting career and being in Red Dead Redemption 2 7:45 How do you correctly pronounce “Strelitz” 11:00 How dating gamers impacted Strelitz’ career 15:05 Sam is going to be at Long Beach Comic Con 30:22 Sam’s Long Beach cred and shout outs 34:34 Long Beach Comic Con is coming this weekend and Curtis tells us whats up 43:15 What’s happening this weekend and breakfast ethics with Steve and Asia 45:55 Don’t tell me about your cornhole 53:05 The answer is toasted flax seeds 57:09 What “dead red” means

On Episode #12 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” we’re going back to school with journalism professor, and Post contributor, Barbara Kingsley-Wilson, who talked about what it was like to work at the Post this summer and what’s the present state of journalism and journalism students? Like any good reporter, she poses the questions that beg being asked, in this case: can you say “bullshit” on this podcast. Listen and learn! We stay on campus with Amanda Fruta, who manages communications for Cal State Long Beach’s contemporary art museum. A lot has gone on at the museum: a director was let go, an artist shut down their own exhibition because the director was let go, the museum received a sizeable donation, has plans to expand and got a new name, the Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum.

On Episode #11 of "CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?" we journeyed out to talk with folks about living and loving the city. T, podcasting from Rose Park Roasters in Downtown. Recent transplant—from Iowa, believe it or not—Kat Fatland told us all about the things she loves about living Downtown; it's a lot. Steve Gerhardt of Walk Long Beach about, well, walking Long Beach; the ins, the outs, the places where the sidewalk ends, how pedestrians and cyclists get along, why a lot of business owners don't realize that pedestrians are their best customers and what are some of his favorite walks? (We're guessing none of them are downtown to the Queen Mary, a trek that USA Today, which recently named Long Beach one of the 10 most walkable cities, said is a common stroll for residents. Yeah, right after sauntering from Belmont Shore to LB Airport.) And the rather wonderful, very funny Nancy Lynee Woo dropped by to talk about her Lucky Seven Performance Roulette event at DiPiazza's on August 15 and stuck around to talk poetry.

On Episode #10 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Solimar Salas recently got a new job description at the Museum of Latin American Art: she is now the Vice President of Museum Content and Programming. If it sounds rather wide-ranging, it is; Salas is now responsible not only for the museum's content but educational programs, marketing, branding and communications. She spoke about her new duties and the ongoing mission of MoLAA made all the more complicated during these times when Latin American culture finds sometimes scrutinized under the hot lights of the present political atmosphere. If you've been to the Art of Bloom installation, you know that its engagement of the senses can be both wondrous and jarring. Yosh Han is the person responsible for connecting with participants through their sense of smell. As one of the leading perfumers in the world, Han has a scent sense so fine-tuned that she's capable of recreating, as she did for the exhibit, the smell of two friends walking silently through a forest. She talked about how she does that and about her concerns that some younger people believe their sense of smell is as useless as their pinkie. Asia Morris and Steve Lowery talk about what to do this weekend in our weekly roundup of "The 7," and Val Osier drops by to help remind everyone that the "Can You Hear Me" crew will be conducting Office Hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rose Park Roasters (800 Pine Ave) where we will have one microphone primed and ready to go for anyone who has something to say. You get FIVE MINUTES.

On Episode #9 of "CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?" Bobby Dee is a practical guy; he instructs the ‘80s bands he promotes to play only hits because nobody “wants to hear the new stuff” and always has a lot of TVs in his restaurants because “most couples don’t like each other.” Though claiming to be painfully shy during our interview, he was a treasure trove of backstage stories—“So I said [to Morrissey], do you think I’m the waiter?!?”—and hard truths about the music business—“The only way you make money is touring.” Dee is one of the most successful concert promoters in the country, having partnered with Snoop Dogg to create Uncle Snoops Army. The pair created the just-completed, Once Upon A Time in the LBC festival that recently played two sold-out shows at Queen Mary Park. Bobby Dee Presents, started by his father, has and continues to promote a wide array of artists, from New Kids on the Block to Easy E to Morrissey to Snoop to Los Lobos and the B-52s. Shy or not, he had a lot to say about it all. Bourbon Jones was formed in the early 90s and went on to become not only one of Long Beach's most popular bands—their residency at the since-passed Blue Café was the place to be on Sundays—but a lynchpin in the city's rock and blues scene. Members of the band played in multiple other bands such as the Dibs, Mickey’s Big Mouth, Johnny Jones, and many, many more. But, as with all bands, life happens. People get married, have kids and move away. The band still gets together to play from time to time, as they did last week at Alex’s Bar. We caught up with singer Chris Hanlin and bass player Mario Barmosca, and talked about the Long Beach scene then and now as well as what the years change about music and what always stays the same.

On Episode #8 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Jay Howell, creator of the characters for Bob's Burgers, spoke with Brian Addison at a live Pow! Wow! Long Beach event about working hard and selling out. For a guy who's accomplished so much—he's also the creator of Nickelodeon's "Sanjay and Craig"—Howell's is remarkably humble and practical, to wit: "Just be good when you're good" and "WHOEVER WORKS THE HARDEST, WINS. IT SUCKS TO SAY, I'M SORRY, BUT IT'S TRUE." He'll also draw your dog. He said so. Asia Morris updates us on POW! WOW! Long Beach, including the Art of Blood installation at the Edison Theater and hopes more murals will find their way north next year. 2:00 Jay Howell talks about making money with art 9:30 How Jay got involved in Bob's Burgers 13:15 How Jay stopped being involved in Bob's Burgers 20:10 Diversity on the television 24:50 An almost bar-fight turns into a job 33:30 Steve and Asia talk about how POW! WOW! is HOT 40:45 The Art of Bloom is at the Edison Theater 45:20 "Can You Hear Me Long Beach?" is coming to a coffee shop near you

On Episode #7 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Chris Lowe of Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Lab talks about all things concerning sharks, stingrays and Spielberg. Lowe, who was brought up on Martha’s Vineyard and actually watched the filming of “Jaws”—the film that came to define sharks for many people—has devoted his professional life to not only educating but demystifying sharks and everything else that lives under the water in hopes that managing people’s fears will lead to them managing the oceans better and more humanely. His Shark Lab will be hosting its annual open house on Saturday, July 20. He talked about that, comic books, stingrays and, yes, "Do do do do do do do do!" The band Stormhouse recently released its first, full-length album. The band spoke with Nani of Rad Dog about the album, some local gigs they have coming up—including a July 26 show at Alex’s Bar—and the connection between them, Elvis and Bigfoot. Asia Morris uses the time usually carved for “The 7” things to this weekend, to focus completely on the Pow! Wow! Long Beach mural festival which launches Sunday, runs for a week and will once again change the face of Long Beach. 0:00 Steve hates raccoons 1:30 Chris Low discusses SHARKS! 19:45 Baby shark... (Do do do do do do) 22:05 See a shark? (Do do do do do do) 30:00 Stormhouse origin story 33:15 Being in a band with your ex 38:20 When your dad is an Elvis impersonator 41:00 When your dad is a Bigfoot hunter 44:35 This weekend is Pow!Wow! 51:50 There are no raccoons in the production of this podcast

On Episode #6 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Cheantay Jensen talks about her unusual solution to vaping: cigarettes. A smoker since 16, Jensen wrote in a recent Post article about her struggles with cigarettes, how she turned to vaping to kick that habit only to now turn back to cigarettes to kick vaping. It took a serious car accident and dreams of a T-shirt empire to move Tony Dalvidia to follow his dreams, which included putting the Summer Luvin music festival. Dalvidia is starting his second season of producing the weekly PeaceArt music shows which allow fans not only to see bands but interact with them and pushes a simple principle: do what you want. In their weekly roundup of things to do this weekend, The 7, Asia Morris and Steve Lowery talk about Usual Suspects, Tiny Terrors and what The Dark Art Emporium gets that a lot of other galleries, and arts organizations, don't. 1:50 Cheantay reading "I’m smoking cigarettes to quit my vaping habit…" 2:20 Vapers love bathrooms 4:40 Steve and Cheantay discuss using cigarettes to quit vaping 21:15 Tony tells the origin story of PeaceArt and it's its upcoming season 29:15 Bands featured this season on PeaceArt 33:00 What is a "Tiny Terror"? 37:45 People still shoot on film? 41:15 Government surveillance; who's worthy?

On Episode 5 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” The Bauhaus, one of the most influential schools of art, design and architecture, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with retrospectives taking place at the Getty Research Center and the Los Angeles Museum of Art. The Post’s Asia Morris and Steve spoke with Tom Tredway, Cal State Long Beach design historian, and Cal State Los Angeles professor and Long Beach artist Carol Francis Lung about the school’s influence on how art is taught as well as its effect on local architecture and what you find on the shelves at Target. Virginia Broersma is a local artist whose Artist’s Office helps her colleagues find out about opportunities and commiserates with the everyday challenges of being an artist. Asia and Steve spoke with Virginia about her new “Survival of the Artist” column for the Post. Finally, Steve and Asia speak with Post columnist Tim Grobaty about a really dumb idea he had to find Long Beach’s Seven Wonders which, for some inexplicable reason, has become quite popular. Dumb.

On Episode 4 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Long Beach Pride has long been one of the biggest events in the city, what the Long Beach Post’s Brian Addison calls “Christmas for gays.” But, in a recently published opinion piece, Addison says the festival has fallen behind the times and points to Los Angeles Pride as an example of where it needs to evolve. The issue for Addison is not only important but deeply personal because, he told the Hi-lo’s Steve Lowery, the fight for equality is one the LGBTQ community can still lose. Chase Petra is releasing their first album, “Liminal,” July 5. In anticipation, they stopped by to talk with Rad Dog zine’s Nani about that, musicians moving their own gear and the location of their drummer’s pants. Finally, Steve and Asia Morris take a break from telling you about the “The 7” to talk to you about the Hi-lo, the Post’s new home for arts and culture. 1:45 Brian Addison speaks about what LB Pride can learn from LA Pride 20:10 Chase Petra talks about their new album and being a female-fronted band 44:00 The 7... erm ... Hi-lo gloating 50:55 Asia tries to remember the credits 51:55 Evan explains where his pants are

On Episode #3 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” Long Beach Opera director Andreas Mitisek talks about what went into the highly anticipated production of “The Central Park Five,” and whose idea was the golden toilet. Long Beach Post is celebrating its first-year anniversary with new management and an expanded staff and in that one year has become the city’s leading source for news and Asia Morris biking videos. Asia, managing editor Melissa Evans and old guy Tim Grobaty gather ‘round to tell how all this continues to happen. Finally, Asia and Steve Lowery review “The 7” and what to do this weekend, including Harrison Ford and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” plot holes (i.e. submarines). 1:45 Interview with Andreas Mitisek 9:35 Trump and the golden toilet 13:45 Post anniversary 20:04 Melissa breaks up with her boyfriend 29:35 The 7 36:55 Steven doesn’t like Steve’s Mom

Skateboarding is NOT a crime, but it is an Olympic event. The Dew Tour, Asi Fui, Father’s Day indignities and when is it OK to ditch your date at the Queen Mary? (Hint, Asia, never…) On Episode 2 of “CAN YOU HEAR ME, LONG BEACH?” We talk about this weekend’s Dew Tour, a qualifying event for the 2020 Olympics and why Long Beach is Skate City USA. Local band Asi Fui stops by to talk about the release of their first album, a Friday night show at Alex’s Bar, their connection with Ikey Owens and what was going on in those giant papier machete bear heads? Steve Lowery, Tim Grobaty and Jeremiah Dobruck talk all things Father’s Day, a lot of bad, and Asia Morris helps you figure out what to do this weekend while coming to grips with the fact she ditched her date for the Winter Formal at the Queen Mary. Murderous…

Architectural historian and entertainer, Charles Phoenix talks about why he loves just about everything about Long Beach... yes, even the Queen Mary (drink tickets!). Also, Asia Morris talks about things to do this weekend which includes not getting hit by a car in the new bike lanes. And, did we take the part out where she called someone "murderous?" Because we should definitely do that.