AirTalk With Larry Mantle
LAist 89.3 (KPCC), NPR Member Station
As an Associate Producer on the long-running live daily public affairs program, I produced segments that discussed national and international news and politics, broke down the latest in academic research, and helped audiences visualize the world of art and cinema with today’s leading voices, politicians, and creative thinkers.
LA’s Road to Recovery — An AirTalk Live Event (Full Episode)
After the January fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades leveled over 12,000 homes and businesses, these two communities are grappling with the lingering effects of the disaster and trying to find ways to move forward. This week during a special in-person event, Larry talked with county leaders about the recovery efforts along with people working on the complexities of rebuilding and some of the major questions that come with it. Today, we’re broadcasting that conversation. Guests include Kathryn Barger, L.A. County supervisor representing the 5th district, Mark Pestrella, director ofL.A. County Public Works, Dr. Muntu Davis, L.A. County Health Officer, Amy Christopherson Bolten, president of Christopherson builders, Julianna Delgado, director of “Back in Business,” initiative, a program with the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and planning commissioner and chair of the design commission for the City of Pasadena, Jasmin Shupper, founder and president of Greenline Housing Foundation, and Jacob Margolis, LAist Science Reporter.
Video: Livestream of the event
What goes into the debris removal process after a wildfire?
In the days and months ahead, those who have lost homes or businesses due to the recent wildfires that have impacted the region will begin the difficult process of removing debris from their property. Last week, as many were just beginning to consider their first steps in that process, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of debris in critical fire areas until a hazardous materials inspection has been performed. For some, this order highlighted how complicated the multi-step, cross-agency debris removal process will be, especially for homeowners eager to rebuild. Today on AirTalk we’re joined by Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, to talk about the recent Los Angeles County Department of Public Health order. Also joining us this morning to walk us through the debris removal process is Bob Fenton, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 9.
In need of power, AI data centers are building their own power plants
By 2030, data centers in the U.S. are expected to triple their power usage, accounting for more than 14% of the country’s power demand. However, the electric grid as it’s been set up wasn’t built to accommodate both current customers and these growing new facilities. This has caused long lines for access and a gridlock for tech companies vying for a spot on the grid. Now, as companies wait for upgrades and new infrastructure to be built, they’re turning to on-site power. But is this a tenable long-term solution? Joining us to discuss is Ellen Thomas, reporter for Business Insider covering data centers and energy use.
SoCal History: Getting to know California’s National Parks
From the Sierra Nevada mountains of Yosemite to the sand dunes of Death Valley, California is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes the country has to offer. And, you can find many of these landscapes inside one of the state’s nine National Parks — the most in the country. But have you ever wondered how California came about so many National Parks? And at what point did the parks become such a global tourist destination? Joining us today to dive into the history of California’s National Parks is Alfred Runte, environmental historian and author of the book “National Parks: The American Experience.”
Newscast + Reporting
LAist 89.3 (KPCC), NPR Member Station
Assisted the newsroom team by Line Producing and Reporting on LAist newscasts for programs such as “All Things Considered,” “Weekend Edition,” and “Morning Edition.”
Reporting: Voicers, Wraps
Presented here is a quick sample of my on-air reporting used during LAist newscast. As a Line Producer, I covered everything from regional elections and wildfires to holidays and cultural events.
“All Things Considered” with Julia Paskin — Big Fish Lab
On the 50th anniversary of the 1975 summer blockbuster Jaws, LAist host Julia Paskin sat down with James Sulikowski, director of Oregon State University’s Costal Marine Experiment Station and member of the Big Fish Lab, to talk about how the film redefined our relationship with the Great White Shark and if there’s any truth to the way the movie portrays them.
AGU Narratives + Third Pod from the Sun
American Geophysical Union
Hosted over thirty conversations with NASA scientists and researchers, discussing their careers, projects, and the latest in Earth and space science. Some of these conversations were edited to fit the format of AGU’s podcast Third Pod from the Sun.
One giant leap: for James Webb and scientists on the silver screen
Dr. Alex Lockwood is the project scientist on the science communication team for the James Webb Space Telescope at the Space Telescope Science Institute. While earning her Ph.D. in Planetary Astronomy and Science, Alex had the unique opportunity to star in a movie about the challenges faced by grad students. She discovered a passion for communication through her stint on the silver screen, and now she uses her doctorate to share astronomy with the world as a science communicator. She talks with us about her lifelong love of “looking up,” the obstacles of being a woman in science, and sharing the iconic James Webb Telescope images with the world.
One giant leap: for beating the odds and troubleshooting telescopes
Hashima Hasan is the program scientist for NASA’s James Webb, IXPE, and NuSTAR telescopes, helping to bring those missions from cradle to grave. Hashima followed the space race closely growing up in India, which inspired her to navigate into the sciences from a world where girls were told that they couldn’t. She talked with us about writing simulation software for Hubble, troubleshooting its first blurry images, and spending 9/11 on lockdown in DC while choosing where the James Webb Space Telescope would one day be built.