What The Hal?

Hal talks to the Arthritis Foundation about Arthritis Awareness Month, and to a pair of entrepreneurs who own a Thousand Oaks boutique.

In segment one, drone expert Kenji Sugahara talks about the fallout from "drone panic" in New York and New Jersey. Then, Barry Brennan, founder/president of Flying Lion, explains the growing use of drones in policing. Finally, hear from Deputy David J. Katz with the LASD Malibu Search and Rescue team about how drones are used in rescues.

In segment one, author and clinical psychologist, Dr. Lauren Cook joins Hal to talk about the impact of stress on our lives. Then, hear from Thomas J. LaGrave Jr., a former Navy SEAL and licensed clinical social worker on his program "Honor Bound," which gives resources to young men dealing with issues. Finally, Dr. Kien Vuu, UCLA associate clinical professor, talks about what we can do to help ourselves deal with all the stress.

Araksya Karapetyan is in for Hal Eisner. She devotes four segments to the exploration of Armenian culture - from "Anora" to the Amoretti company.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin from California District 42 talks to Hal about her district's battle back from the deadly Palisades fire. Then, GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday talks to Hal about the program which provides opportunities for young people to serve their communities. 

In this week's episode, Hal talks with Sandy Steers, the executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, about the fascination with the Big Bear eagles and how they raise their young.

In segment one, Captain Ross Aimer, the CEO of  Aero Consulting Experts, talks to Hal about the rash of air crashes since January. Then, Points Path founder and CEO Julian Kheel discusses the impact of those disasters on travelers. Also, Kheel talks about travel trends during Spring Break.

Laura Segura with Musicares discusses how the charity pivoted after the January wildfires to help struggling members of the musical community. Then, hear about organizations collecting instruments to give to musicians affected by the fire.

Hal speaks with Kristin Fukushima, executive director of the Little Tokyo Community Council, about the endangered status of Little Tokyo as the area deals with rising rents, gentrification and loss of its historical identity. Then, hear from legacy business owners about their optimism and fears for the historic area.

In segment one, Dr. Ernst Von Schwarz is a Cardiologist, Author, and Longevity expert at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. 

Hal speaks to the manager of a hyperlocal Facebook page, the founder of a local radio station, and the team behind the Watch Duty app about how they kept people informed during the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

In segments one and two, In Depth legal expert Ugo Lord discusses the rights and opportunities of fire victims. Then, learn more about the goal of the Change Reaction, which is to serve those people who find themselves with an urgent need for immediate cash due to an emergency.

In segments one and two, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath joins Hal to talk about the area of the third district which were destroyed in the fire, and how she is attempting to aid her constituents in their recovery.

Insurance Expert Karl Susman joins Hal to talk about the insurance issues that are affecting local fire victims.

The earliest Tournament of Roses welcomed 3,000 spectators to its first parade filled with orange-blossom-bedecked, horse-drawn carriages. 

In segment one, Chef Supreme Dow talks about The Harvest Academy. Then, Chef Cristela Alvarado and Chef Brian Beasley discuss how a program with St. Joseph Center and Bread and Roses has helped them. In segment three, Christy Dawson, Founder and Manager of Christy's Foundation, talks to Hal about her food banks that are now open in three malls across Southern California.

Robin Toma, Executive Director of the LA County Human Relations Commission, talks to Hal about the report on hate crimes for 2023. Also, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto discusses the results of that report and the progress her office is making against child sex trafficking.

In Depth again looks back at the favorite stories from 2024.

In Depth looks back at some of the favorite stories from 2024.

Hal talks to Conway Collis about the Mayor's Fund and how it helps protect renters from evictions. Then, Edward Gerber joins to talk about the Lestonnac Free Clinic, the only one of its kind in the U.S. Finally, Quannah Chasinghorse and Sarah Eagle Heart explain more on the Indigenous Fashion Collective.

Hal talks to Randi Shannahan and Sarah Booth from the Shea Center in Orange County. Then, Dr. Kaitlyn Fruin and Navy Veteran Greg Cleghorne talk about the partnership between UCLA and the VA in West LA to recreate the Veteran's Garden. Also, Vietnam War veteran Larry Anthony joins Hal to talk about his entrepreneurial journey after leaving the service.

Penelope Oliver, a volunteer with Students Demand Action in California, talks to Hal about state laws involving firearms. Then, Dr. Dennis Slamon, an oncologist and chief of the division of hematology-oncology at UCLA, and Teri Boudreaux , a two-time cancer survivor and participant in a clinical trial, discuss that trial with Hal. Also, Mike Diamond, a Certified Addiction Recovery Expert, joins Hal to talk about "Sober October."

Hal speaks with Blythe Figurelle with USAA financial services about the risk of ticket scams, especially during the MLB playoff games. Then, Brittany Thorn with Best Friends Animal Society discusses their offer to incentivize local rescue groups to save large dogs from shelters. Finally, learn about Day of the Dead events in Hollywood and San Pedro.

In segment one, Kyle M.K., Indeed's Talent Strategy Advisor discusses a recent publication of the 100 companies with the highest scores for "Workplace Wellbeing. Then, Ramona Schindelheim, the Editor in Chief of Working Nation, joins Hal to talk about how jobs and preparation for jobs is transforming. 

Michael Phipps - geologist and consultant for Rancho Palos Verdes - joins Hal to talk about the land movement in the Palos Verdes peninsula. Then, Terry Bailey, Attorney with ACTS law, talks to Hal about the lawsuit he is filing on behalf of homeowners in the Palos Verdes area.

Hal interviews Board of Water and Power Commission President Richard Katz about the challenges the DWP faces due to climate change and how they prepare for hot weather. Then, Gabe Reilich and Lucia Knell of Upworthy join Hal to talk about their new book "Good People:  Stories from the Best of Humanity." 

In segment one, Hal interviews Steve Cobb, the Chief Information Officer for Security Scorecard about the recent massive data breaches and what consumers can do to protect themselves. Then, attorney Ugo Lord joins Hal to talk about the recent traffic stop and arrest of Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill. 

Hal talks to LA County Library Director Skye Patrick at the East LA Library about what's available through the library system, and it's a lot more than just books.

Bridgette Stumpf, the Executive Director of Network for Victim Recovery of DC, joins Hal to talk about the need for trigger warnings on movies such as the recent “It Ends With Us." Then, hear from Dr. Andrew Leuchter, Director of UCLA TMS, on the expansion of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the treatment of depression in teens. Finally, Dr. Matt Waxman, emergency physician and professor, chats with Hal about health threats both current and on the horizon. 

This week, Hal Eisner is joined by pediatrician Dr. Connie Bartlett, transitional kindergarten educator Christine Colbert and Learnville's Carrie Lyn.

Hal is joined by the founder of Dermalogica, Jane Wurwand, who also founded the nonprofit foundation FOUND/LA which helps launch deserving entrepreneurs. Then, Damian Hanlon, the owner of Molly Malone's Irish Pub, discusses the fire that shut down the LA entertainment icon.

Andrew Meieran, the Proprietor of Clifton's Republic, joins Hal to discuss the reimagining of the former Clifton's Cafeteria. Then, Old Town Music Hall Executive Director, Angie Hougen tells Hal about the history of the beloved El Segundo venue and why people love it.

Kimberly Cohn, the Chief Marketing Communications Officer for Easterseals of Southern California and Andy Arias, a national policy expert for marginalized communities, join Hal to discuss Disability Pride Month.

Norma E. García-González, Director of Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Cynthia Babich, Founder and Director of the Del Amo Action Committee, join Hal to talk about the opening of Wishing Tree Park after 30 years of activism.

Troy Vaughn, the CEO of the Los Angeles Mission, joins Hal to talk about the recent Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson. Then, hear from legal expert Ugo Lord about some of the California laws that went into effect July 1.   

The Benadryl Challenge is a social media challenge where kids are encouraged to take large amounts of Benadryl and take videos of themselves hallucinating.  

We feature the Madrona Marsh Nature Center, which has been preserved as a green oasis in the middle of Torrance. Learn about what makes the marsh special and take a tour of the nature center.

The CEO for Habitat for Humanity in the San Gabriel Valley joins Hal to talk about their new project to buy and rehabilitate homes in the El Sereno area. Then, hear about the recent project at Nicolas Junior High, which allows woodshop students to participate in the building of a tiny house.

Lois Neville and Ellen Boudreau Den Herder, co-directors of the Hollywood Fringe Fest, give us a preview of the festival that features some of the less mainstream performance artists. Then, hear from actor and comedian Nic Novicki, the founder of the Disability Film Challenge, which is back for an 11th year. Also, Lee Pugsley, winner of Best Film "Audio Description" in the Disability Film Awards, talks about his experience. 

Victor Dominguez, President, YMCA-LA , Robert Sausedo, President/ CEO of Community Build,  and Dr. Wilma Franco, Executive Director of SELA Collab, join Hal Eisner to talk about  the volunteer project "Together in Service."

Matthew Allen, the new Special Agent in Charge of the DEA in Los Angeles, joins Hal to talk about his new job and his goals. Also, Dr. Itai Danovitch , the Chair of the Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry, joins us to talk about addiction and how it is treated.  

Sarah Soteroff with Too Good To Go tells Hal about the app that lets businesses make good use of their excess food so that it doesn't go to waste. Also, Lauren Schwendimann with Waymo talks about how the driverless car service is being received in LA and Santa Monica.

AI expert Chris Mattmann joins Hal to talk about the recent rash of AI nudes that teens have been sharing at local high schools and middle schools and how easy they are to create. Then, California State Senator Josh Becker weighs in on new legislation that could help curb abuses of artificial intelligence. Also, USC professor Karen North discusses the future of TikTok. 

In segment one, Hal speaks with financial expert Shinobu Hindert about changes in the tax laws. Also, Suzanne Seini with Innovate Realty joins Hal to talk about a recent settlement with the National Association of Realtors that reinforces the ability of consumers to negotiate the commission of their real estate agents. 

Hal speaks with Samantha P. Jessner – Presiding Judge, Superior Court of LA County, about the serious shortage of court reporters in the court system. Also, Jenn Drummond, a mountaineer and now an author who set a record by summiting the seven second-highest peaks in the world, talks about her new book.

Joshua West, Professor of Earth Sciences & Environmental Studies at USC, joins Hal to talk about the earth movement brought on by the recent storm system. Then hear from Aquilla Toy and Adrienne Rose about their nonprofit organization, Mentors Inc., that provides support to those who are struggling. Also, Laverne Delgado talks about Freedom and Fashion, an organization that uses fashion to communicate with young women who may have been victimized by human trafficking or domestic or sexual violence.

Dr. Jared Smith, distinguished engineer at Security Scorecard, joins Hal to talk about romance scams. Then, divorce attorney Sarah Intelligator discusses the dangerous "F words." Also, Michele Nealon from The Chicago School talks to Hal about the recent "epidemic" of loneliness.  

Councilmember Kevin de León joins Hal to talk about the task force he is working to establish to investigate the rash of copper wire thefts plaguing Los Angeles. Then, hear from Tony Olmos, the Public Works director in Pasadena, on the city's approach to the copper thefts. Also, real estate expert Suzanne Seini joins Hal to talk about the 2024 California Dream for All program.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur talks with Hal about the newly-formed Select Committee on Retail Theft. Then, hear from Sergeant Ron Salary of the Torrance PD and Lieutenant Mike McComas of the LAPD about the law enforcement role in battling retail theft. Also, retail entrepreneur Rick Caruso joins Hal to talk about the retail perspective on these thefts. 

In segment one, Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon and artist Rey Sepúlveda join Hal to talk about the creation of the SELA cultural center. Then, learn about the renovation of the Warner Grand theater as well as Wilmington's Banning Museum.