KFI Featured Segments

Amy takes us on a Southern California Sleigh Ride where she highlights different fun events and activities you can do with your friends and family this holiday season. This week, Amy takes us to Holiday Road in Calabasas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressional gridlock is setting the stage for a potential healthcare sticker shock as enhanced Obamacare subsidies face expiration, leaving millions bracing for higher premiums. California regulators then put Tesla on notice, threatening to suspend new-car sales over allegedly misleading “self-driving” claims. The hour also turns deeply personal as the children of filmmaker Rob Reiner speak publicly following the arrest of their brother in their parents’ murders, before closing with renewed hope in the decades-old JonBenét Ramsey case as investigators revisit evidence using modern DNA technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump escalates tensions with Venezuela by ordering a partial oil blockade and asserting U.S. claims over foreign assets, sparking global concern and market jitters. The administration also reclassifies illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, reframing the opioid crisis as a national security threat. Plus, Wall Street’s AI boom draws uncomfortable comparisons to the dot-com bubble, while communities across the Southwest push back against massive data-center developments, questioning whether Big Tech’s promises still carry weight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warner Bros. Discovery rejects a massive hostile takeover bid, choosing a safer-backed Netflix deal and setting up a high-stakes shareholder showdown. In a historic shift, the Oscars announce they’re leaving broadcast TV for YouTube, signaling a major turning point for Hollywood and live events. The hour also explores why Gen Z says bad holiday gifts can be relationship deal-breakers — and wraps with a cosmic mystery as astronomers track a wobbling interstellar object behaving in ways never seen before. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They’re then joined by The Dad Podcast host Justin Worsham to unpack the rise of “gentle parenting” — what it actually means, how it differs from authoritarian parenting, and why setting firm boundaries doesn’t require raising your voice. The conversation tackles the controversial question of whether a little discipline crosses into harm, or if that framing misses the point entirely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whatchu Watching Wednesday, sharing what’s worth streaming, binging, or skipping this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell joins the show to discuss the department’s staffing shortages, how a manpower deficit impacts Olympic security planning, and the managing of multiple high-profile cases that have dominated headlines in recent months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jim Keany, Chief Medical Officer at Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, joins The Bill Handel Show for 'Medical News'! Dr. Keany talks with Bill about poor sleep triggering a vicious cycle your brain can’t break, Psilocybin breaking depressive cycles by rewiring the brain, and a weight loss strategy that is 5x more effective than Ozempic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KFI Tech Reporter Rich DeMuro joins Wake Up Call for ‘Wired Wednesday’! Rich talks about Instagram and Fire TV, Netflix and iHeart Media deal, and Meta’s AI smart glasses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re still reeling from the shock murder of filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. The LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman has charged their son Nick Reiner with two counts of first-degree murder, carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison, with possibility of the death penalty. Federal prosecutors arrested four SoCal people who are part of a group called Turtle Island Liberation Front. They were plotting a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in which they planned simultaneous bombings across LA as people enjoyed the festivities. Dictionary.com’s word of the year is six-seven. There are so many words of the year, including “parasocial,” “fatigue” and slop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a violent week, with the antisemitic massacre on Bondi Beach in Australia, the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele in Brentwood, and the deadly shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island. Now, the police on the East Coast want our help in tracking down that killer, who fatally shot two people and wounded several others. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles gave a candid series of interviews to Vanity Fair, offering blunt assessments of President Trump’s “alcoholic personality.” Do employees need to get hazard pay before the annual holiday-season office party? Apparently, HR departments are quietly bracing for problems that show up every year. Merrill thought he might build a pool next year, thanks to his workplace bonus! Well, his wet dreams were dashed when he found out the bonus was just $50. New surveys show one in five Americans are ditching traditional holiday wish lists in favor of something far more basic, like cold, hard cash to help pay rent, bills and utilities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DA Hochman is potentially seeking the death penalty for Nick Reiner, the suspected killer of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. The response to Donald Trump’s opinion on the shock double murder has angered many. Trump posted to Truth Social that the couple died due to their TDS. And the fallout continues, with WWE legend Mick Foley pulling out of the organization due to its relationship with Trump. The doctor who supplied ketamine to actor Matthew Perry that contributed to his 2023 drowning death has pled guilty and been sentenced to eight months home detention. Reports suggest the National Problem Gambling Helpline has received a surge in calls to the tune of over 140%.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy talks to the host of ‘How to Money’ Joel Larsgaard talking about dollar stores and whether you get more when you spend more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, Andy Reismeyer discusses the shock Brentwood murder of beloved filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, allegedly at the hands of his son Nick Reiner. According to breaking reports, after the double homicide, Nick checked into a hotel in Santa Monica for the night. Some of his most beloved films, whether making them or acting in them, include “The Princess Bride,” “The Wolf of War Street,” “New Girl,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “A Few Good Men,” “Misery” — and “Hannah Montana”! A terror plot involving a series of bombings across Southern California planned for New Year’s Eve has been foiled according to federal authorities, arresting four individuals as part of a pro-Palestine group called Turtle Island Liberation Front.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy’s guest on the phone tonight? Acclaimed radio DJ “Shotgun Tom” Kelly, who’s discussing his new book, “All I Wanna Do is Play the Hits!” Kelly got his start in radio at the tender age of 16! You can hear him on SiriusXM’s 60s Gold. Andy took a call from a listener who was a big fan so that we could grieve together. We talk about eating kangaroo vs eating elk. The crew finds it weird that Aussies eat their national symbol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s response to the antisemitic massacre over the weekend on Bondi Beach during the first night of Chanukkah is to enact even tougher gun laws. To more on Rob and Michele Reiner’s fatal stabbing at the alleged hands of his son Nick. According to reports, they’d earlier attended a holiday party at the home of Conan O'Brien but the family argued and left early, after Nick Reiner made people feel uncomfortable. The father and son made a film 10 years ago called “Being Charlie,” about substance abuse. Nick is presently being held without bail. Any “Bosch” fans? The Amazon LAPD detective drama, which stars actor Titus Welliver and has concluded its run, is set in Los Angeles and frames the City of Angels as a main character. The Swag Gap? It’s basically the thing where your partner is cooler than you are. The concept was created by a 20-year-old student named Dillon Escourse. Jerry O’Donnell, the actor who played Officer Servidone in “Bosch,” is now training to be a police officer — at age 65. Andy nerds out on old radio segments that exist on YouTube. He just loves that deep voice of God! Can we win $19,000 if we guess the music medley? What does AI mean for the future of humankind? Well, a streamer named IShowSpeed is being sued for assaulting gay robot named Jake the Rizzbot, who moved to Los Angeles and came out. The lawsuit is worth a whopping $1 million. In Michigan, gas is averaging $2.85 a gallon. We in SoCal are very jealous of that gas price.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chargers have crushed the Chiefs, dashing their playoff hopes! Shannon Farren is on the phone to talk about the amazing defeat of Patrick Mahomes and co. We’re following the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, targeting the local Jewish community on the first night of Channukah. Two gunman opened fire, 16 dead. In Indiana, a DoorDash delivery woman was caught tampering with food by spraying an unknown substance, likely pepper spray, on a customers’ Arby’s dinner delivery, making the customers sick. At the Montalbán Theatre, the fantasy role-playing tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons becomes more immersive than ever, thanks to a D&D-themed stage show called “The Twenty-Sided Tavern.” Will Champion, one of the actors, joins us on the phone to talk about the immersive, interactive play.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy went to see Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs play a concert in a beautiful theater in DTLA. Campbell was formerly in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers — and we all love us some Tom Petty! Carl Erik Rinsch, the director of “47 Ronan,” defrauded Netflix out of $11 million and has now been convicted. What did he spend all those millions on? Investments, crypto, a Ferrari, five Rolls-Royce, luxury bedding, furniture, antiques lawyers, watches and jewelry. He spent nearly $1 million on two Hästens mattresses! How are you celebrating New Year’s Eve in LA this year? What about that pit in your stomach when you receive the DWP bill? One local man in Van Nuys received a staggering utility bill to the tune of more than $13,000! Imagine if Spotify Wrapped was used for other things aside from your music? Well, SNL did just that, but for Uber Eats! Speaking of which, food inflation is still a thing, with food so expensive! Mozzarella sticks are up nearly 40%! Apparently, people can’t afford to order mains, so appetizers are where it’s at.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest Jessica Steinman of No Matter What Recovery L.A. joins the conversation to discuss the growing mental health challenges facing children and teens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy talks with the CMO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation Melissa Gellar about Christmas at the Ronald Reagan Library.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are Jewish and single, we have all you need to know about the Matzoaball as we talk to the National Director, Brittany Shoughi. MATZOBALL, the legendary Jewish singles party dubbed #1 holiday party in the country by USA Today, is celebrating its 38th year on Christmas Eve 2025. Take a listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Merrill's got a question for you: what's the show you'd love to see rebooted after the Warner Brothers deal? From classic cartoons to sci-fi favorites, Chris shares his picks and yours. Plus, meet the "Cone King," a vigilante parking enforcement officer taking on LA's streets, and hear about a bizarre case involving a cult in Hemet. We'll also dive into the latest on the Warner Brothers deal and get your thoughts on the shows you'd like to see revived.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Merrill discusses the latest news on the federal government's policy to ban junk food purchases with SNAP benefits. He shares his thoughts on the potential benefits and drawbacks of this new rule, citing concerns about food deserts and the stigma surrounding public assistance. Chris also talks about the recent trend of grocery stores offering discounts to attract customers and the rise of online shopping. Additionally, he delves into a story about a scam involving drones dropping contraband into prisons and the increasing use of streaming services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Merrill's got a lively discussion going on this episode of KFI AM 640. He's talking about TV show reboots and what he'd like to see brought back. From classic sitcoms like "Archie Bunker" to iconic medical dramas like "Emergency," Chris shares his thoughts on which shows could make a comeback. He's also joined by listeners who weigh in with their own favorite reboots, including "Six Feet Under" and "Bewitched." With a mix of humor and nostalgia, Chris dives into the world of TV reboots and what it takes to make them work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Runyon opened The Old Place in 1970 and it only had two menu items, Steak and Clams. Now today it has a one full page menu of comforting goodies in a historic family place. Tom's son Morgan Runyon proudly continues the tradition his father originated. The Old Place, combined with the Cornell Winery, offers a beautiful, memorable, and one-of-a-kind dining experience. Take a listen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turn your family recipes into a lasting legacy with Culinage, the o n l y platform that preserves not just the food you make, but the voices, stories, and traditions that come with it. Upload handwritten recipe cards, easily record cooking videos or voice notes, and speak to the stories tied to each dish. Weekly guided prompts from our recipe assistant, Cully™, spark memories and make it easy for anyone to share recipes and traditions in their own words. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn't love food? Who doesn't love gifts? Why not combine the two? Neil has the perfect gift ideas for the food lovers in your life. Take a listen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris breaks down explosive new developments as House Democrats release photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s private island and New York estate, reportedly showing high-profile figures including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Steve Bannon, and Prince Andrew. The show also dives into a dining hall disaster at USC, where students claim maggots, stink bugs, and other pests have turned meals into a health concern. Plus, a wildly entertaining Talk Backs segment asks listeners to confess the grossest thing they’ve ever eaten—with responses ranging from bugs to urine and beyond. Wrapping it up, Chris examines the Los Angeles City Council’s decision to freeze and scale back funding intended to hire more LAPD officers, and what that means for public safety. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris examines the political and economic balancing act as President Trump hosts a Cabinet meeting centered on Venezuela while supporters argue inflation remains under control. The show also looks at a surge in Governor Gavin Newsom’s favorability ratings, reaching levels California hasn’t seen in years. Plus, Talk Backs returns with jaw-dropping listener stories answering the question: what’s the grossest thing you’ve ever eaten—bugs, urine, and more. Rounding out the hour, Chris breaks down new numbers revealing how much a Southern California family needs to earn to afford having one parent stay home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris and Mark Rahner swap stories about the craziest things they’ve ever consumed and react to the disturbingly graphic legacy of Faces of Death. The conversation shifts to Burbank, where a city councilman is calling for action in the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition battle, while the Golden Globes cautiously step into podcasting and Dick Van Dyke’s remarkable longevity makes headlines. The show also explores a growing trend in higher education as colleges bring back oral exams to combat AI-assisted cheating. Wrapping up the episode, Chris looks at the possible end of an era with Philadelphia hosting what may be the nation’s final live penny auction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#NineNewsNuggetsYouNeedToKnow, highlighting bizarre and underreported stories, including an unusual excuse given to police involving “teleportation.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary then talks with tech journalist David Imel for a curated holiday tech gift guide featuring only gear he truly recommends, followed by an accessible, in-depth look at how AI works and where it’s headed — turning the segment into one of the show’s most insightful tech discussions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IT’S FOODIE FRIDAY! Food enthusiast and host of ‘The Fork Report’ on KFI Neil Saavedra joins Bill to talk about food related gifts and stocking stuffers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

." The host of ‘Home’ on KFI Dean Sharp joins the show and talks about how to de-clutter in 48 hours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine you had an MRI due to an upset tummy. And then the doctor informed you you’re not only pregnant but due to drop any moment. A woman named Suze Lopez was due to have a 22lb abdominal cyst removed but found out she was having an abdominal ectopic pregnancy. The LAPD is cracking down on true crime. In Woodland Hills, undercover police officers on bikes and posing as pedestrians pulled over cars who failed to yield for pedestrians. TIME magazine named its person of the year, recognizing the architects of AI. President Trump signs executive order regarding AI, overriding state laws with a single federal standard. Disney has entered into a licensing agreement with OpenAI’s Sora, allowing users to create short clips featuring more than 200 characters owned by Disney, including IP from Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. The deal is worth $1 billion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merrill plays talkbacks about the stupid things listeners believed as children. And it seems we were all stupid kids. Australia has now enforced a nationwide law banning social media for all people aged under 16. And the kids are not alright. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People are concerned that a Warner Bros merger with Netflix, or Paramount, will cost jobs in Hollywood following the consolidation. Reports claim 74% of consumers have canceled streaming services this past year because they’re too expensive, or they’re moving to an ad-supported platform. Actor Andy Dick OD’d on a Hollywood street and thankfully survived, and filmmaker Carl Rinsch, who directed “47 Ronan,” has been convicted of fraud and money laundering, ripping Netflix to the tune of $55 million. A new poll suggests 63% of people believe a four-year college degree ain’t worth it anymore. It would appear that Elon Musk does not have enough money, as his company SpaceX is moving forward with an initial public offering, or IPO. There’s 100 trillion tons of space junk floating above our heads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Saltzman joins for #TechTalk to break down Time’s Person of the Year — the Architects of AI — and why their innovations are reshaping the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host of ‘How to Money’ Joel Larsgaard joins the show to discuss cash is ‘cringe’ to Gen Z, Instacart’s algorithmic pricing, and what if electricity was free in the afternoon?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy takes us on a Southern California Sleigh Ride where she highlights different fun events and activities you can do with your friends and family this holiday season. This week, Amy takes us to ‘Enchant’ at the Santa Anita racetrack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A federal judge has ruled the National Guard, who were sent to the state earlier this year to quell protests against ICE, must get out of California, and President Trump is pushing back against that order. Today in Anaheim, a group of students on a school track team who were on a group run were ploughed into by an out-of-control vehicle. The driver is under investigation for a DUI. And in Sunland, an electric school bus caught fire below an underpass. We’re not used to having fires with this new technology, and Tesla engineers even gave fire training to law enforcement, in case the lithium-ion battery caught fire. Merrill reminisces about that time in the early ’90s when Dateline placed rockets on a Chevy truck. This week, at a John Wayne Airport in Orange County, a security guard got behind the vehicle of a civilian Camry and sped down the tarmac, overtaking taxying airplanes, due to an apparent “medical emergency.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the U.S. seized an oil tanker off the coat of Venezuela, with Navy personnel swooping in and swarming the ship. Trump said it was the biggest tanker ever seized. AG Pam Bondi said the tanker was headed to Cuba with Venezuelan oil it was sending to Iran, which is presently under sanction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.