Closed Session Podcast is a show about having an insiders seat to LA's business, culture and politics hosted by James Santa Maria and Lauren Delgado. James and Lauren work for The Santa Maria Group, a leading government relations and business solutions firm based in Los Angeles. With over two decades of political experience and a proven track record of results for both local and international clients, James and Lauren help individuals, businesses and organizations navigate through the difficult waters of local, county and state government. The Closed Session Podcast started in 2019 by James as a way of bringing together the different personalities of those in government and the private sector to discuss relevant issues and their many intersections. Get to know those who serve and impact critical public policy issues in a very informal, comfortable and accessible way,
James Santa Maria and Lauren Delgado
James and Lauren welcome friend and office neighbor Yusef Robb to discuss his career in politics, communications, and advocacy.
A continuation from our previous episode, James, Lauren, Zach, and Johnny discuss the dedication necessary to build a lasting, successful small business.
James and Lauren welcome back Zach Golden (Sanctuary Fitness) and Johnny Angeles (Lobsterdamus) to discuss what it takes to survive as a small business owner during the pandemic.
Muralist Tommii Lim discusses his art career working with the greats, seeing double, and going out into nature with James and Lauren this week.
James and Lauren welcome friends Stacey Torio and Tiffany Herrera to discuss millennial dating during the pandemic and their friendship with Lauren.
James and Lauren discuss the potential impacts of post-COVID reopening this week
James and Lauren welcome Tiffany Herrera to discuss her work as a nurse practitioner in bariatric surgery and her friendship with Lauren. Link in bio!
James and Lauren get introspective and retrospective, discussing their come up through the 2010s and the work they put in to get to where they needed to be.
James and Lauren finally welcome John Choi, Airbnb's Southern California Policy Manager and veteran of LA politics, to discuss Airbnb's hidden gems, the legends of LA politics, and pursuing your passion.
In the first part of this quick, off-the cuff session, James and Lauren discuss the intricacies of relationships and whether it's worth it to cut out toxic people from your life completely.
James and Lauren discuss J Rob's inauguration, naming conventions, and the death of history.
James and Lauren discuss being all in or all out, herd immunity, and political ambitions in retrospect.
James and Lauren return from a long hiatus to discuss the Capitol siege, quarantining in the Philippines, and a new 2021 motto.
James and Lauren sit down with seasoned political affairs and campaign consultant Robert Urteaga this week to discuss the election results and the future of LA politics.
Triple threat Broadway star J. Elaine Marcos joins James and Lauren this week to discuss breaking down casting barriers, Filipino representation on stage, and taking risks to break away from tradition. You can find J. Elaine on www.jelainemarcos.org to study or schedule private coaching.
This week, James and Lauren welcome Moni Veluz, founder of MoVe Personal Training and one of our closest friends, to discuss his dedication to fitness, travelling to 46 countries, and manifesting your dreams into reality.
Impromptu guest Lalo Jimenez, Vice President of Field Operations at AECOM and a longtime friend, joins us this week to discuss his experiences in construction and developing his signature golf swing.
James and Lauren return to discuss states of social disarray, the '92 riots, and belonging to an LA clique.
James and Lauren discuss home COVID tests, FilledIn's latest car hop event, and feeling smarter with less food.
In pre-COVID times at the Firehouse Hotel, James and Lauren sat down with current lobbyist, former deputy mayor, and seasoned political operative Kevin Acebo to discuss coming up from Oakland and building his political power base.
James and Lauren sit down with Johnny Angeles and Francis Reyes, co-founders of Lobsterdamus, to discuss their story of prospering in the outdoor food markets and representing their Filipino culture.
James and Lauren return to the studio with all new equipment this week to catch up and discuss the possible implications Kamala Harris' vice presidential nomination will have on LA's local politics.
Before the pandemic James and Lauren sat down for a drink with Nam Le, Vice President of the United Food and Commercial Worker's Union 770, to discuss falling into politics, his major victories, and the power of IDK.
James and Lauren discuss FilledIn's car hop Summer Series, James' 50th, and restaurants during COVID.
James and Lauren return to discuss hosting foodie events, coping as an extrovert during COVID, and being big in Europe.
This week we introduce you to Jen Rivera, Vice President of Public Affairs, California Independent Petroleum Association - Former Chief of Staff to the LA City Controller Ron Galperin, Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Councilmember Cedillo among other City Hall and campaign positions. Tune in for an honest conversation about how to be a good staffer in local campaigns and governance, the role of gender in the world of politics, and to "get in the room where it happens."
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