108: Brushfire Preparations
Brian Ferguson, Deputy Director of Crisis Communications for the California OES talks to Hal about how  the agency is responding to the threat of brushfires. The OES has provided a fleet of small fire engines that can get into wildland areas and has deployed them throughout California, including in Los Angeles.
23m Jun 20, 2021
23m
107: Welcome back SoCal
As California is just hours from reopening the state's economy, Hal speaks with a psychiatrist to discuss the emotional impact that comes with the community's return to normalcy.
23m Jun 13, 2021
23m
106: Hal and Joab on a path to recovery
Hal returns from medical leave to host for the first time since his accident March 19. He is joined by photographer Joab Perez and his physical therapist Moses Lau. They discuss the injuries that Hal and Joab suffered when they were hit by an alleged drunk driver while on assignment in Hollywood.  Lau talks about how the body responds to physical trauma, and what therapeutic techniques are need...
23m May 30, 2021
23m
105: Rising Up: Social injustice
Marla Tellez hosts in place of Hal Eisner. Our first segment features Anchors Christine Devine and Michaela Pereira talking about their experiences during the uprisings last summer after the George Floyd killing. Long-time civil rights activist Connie Rice joins Marla to discuss the impact of the George Floyd killing, how the Derek Chauvin conviction was a fluke and what she calls “bluewashing...
23m May 23, 2021
23m
104: Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month
Susan Hirasuna hosts in place of Hal Eisner.  She is joined by Major General Viet Luong. Luong talks about his remarkable career and his early life fleeing Vietnam with his family at age 9 during the fall of Saigon. He discusses how that experience prompted his desire to join the military, and his experiences as a minority in the armed forces. 
23m May 16, 2021
23m
103: Mental health and COVID-19
Marla Tellez hosts in place of Hal Eisner. She is joined by  Psychiatrist Dr. Ricardo Whyte of Dignity Health Community Hospital to discuss the consequences the pandemic has had on the nation’s mental health and how we can best recover.
23m May 10, 2021
23m
102: Internet scams
Micki Boland, the head of engineering for Checkpoint Cybersecurity, talks about scammers taking advantage of the change in tax laws and the extension for tax payments to send out phishing emails to consumers.
23m May 02, 2021
23m
101: COVID-19 vaccine and kids, live theater coming back
Bob DeCastro hosts in place of Hal Eisner. He is joined by Dr. David Michilik, pediatric infectious disease director at Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach. Dr. Michilik discusses the impact of the COVID-19 virus on young people, whether it is vital that children should be vaccinated, and the trials that are being done with the Pfizer vaccine on kids as young as 6 months.
23m Apr 19, 2021
23m
100: COVID-19 long haulers, stimulus payments, real estate
Marla Tellez is joined by Diana Berrent, the founder of Survivor Corps, a grassroots movement to help COVID-19 long haulers support each other and help medical professionals and scientists try to find answers to the medical mysteries.
23m Apr 03, 2021
23m
99: DUI epidemic
Marla Tellez hosts In Depth this week, as Hal Eisner remains hospitalized along with photographer Joab Perez after being stuck by an alleged drunk driver in Hollywood. To discuss the ongoing problem of drunk driving, we have guests Patricia Rillera, the California state executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Haraszti, to talk about the increase in subst...
23m Mar 27, 2021
23m
98: LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva on the COVID-19 vaccine
Hal is joined by LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to discuss the Sheriff’s department new program that brings the vaccine to county residents who are mentally or physically disabled. 
22m Mar 21, 2021
22m
97: Vaccine update, mission to Mars, SECTOR
 Hal is joined by UCLA Emergency Medicine doctor Matthew Waxman, JPL’S Allen Chen and Kate Vacanti with the L.A. County office of diversion and re-entry joins Hal to talk about their new program called SECTOR.
22m Mar 07, 2021
22m
96: Cracking down on fentanyl overdoses
Many lives have been stolen by drugs with fentanyl disguised as other meds causing accidental overdoses. Shocked parents are caught unaware, and are left to grieve over a child's fatal mistake. For more information on this story: https://www.foxla.com/in-depth/in-depth-cracking-down-on-fentanyl-overdoses Hit the subscribe button on this podcast and connect with me on social: Facebook.com/HalE...
23m Mar 01, 2021
23m
95: Overcoming the fear of doctor visits during the pandemic
Our society has been dealing with COVID-19 for quite a while now. There's this notion that it continues to surprise us and do things we're not expecting. Joining us on this episode is Dr. Ronald Tang, Medical Director and Oncologist at Dignity Northridge Hospital. He talked about how he's seeing an uptick with patients who have advanced cancers that could've been diagnosed earlier if people ha...
23m Nov 07, 2020
23m
94 - 52 in 52: Tarzana
Tarzana is a little beautiful neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. It’s named after a famous star—Tarzan! The Tarzana Community Cultural Center on Ventura Blvd. is a museum that honors Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs. We caught up with Helen Baker who founded the center almost 20 years ago. In this podcast we also talked to residents about their concerns with homelessness and chatted wi...
23m Mar 08, 2020
23m
93 - 52 in 52: Downey
The city of Downey is nestled in-between Los Angeles and Orange counties and is often times considered part of the gateway cities. What makes Downey so interesting is it’s the birthplace of the aerospace industry—home to the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Another fun fact—it’s also home to the oldest McDonalds restaurant.  In this podcast we speak with Carol Rowland with “Keep Downey Beautiful...
18m Mar 01, 2020
18m
92 - 52 in 52: Carson
The city of Carson was incorporated in 1968 and was created on land that had gone from farms, to oil derricks to waste disposal facilities, all utilizing the city’s wide open spaces.     If you drive past Carson on the 405 Freeway you might notice the iconic Goodyear blimp. The airship plays a pivotal role in the city’s history.    In this podcast with speak with Priscilla DeCapua with Goodyear...
18m Feb 16, 2020
18m
91 - 52 in 52: Yorba Linda
The team of What the Hal? podcast is hitting the road and we’re taking you with us. In our new series ‘52 in 52’ we’re visiting 52 different Southern California cities to bring you local stories that matter. Each week we’ll highlight a city and explain what makes them so unique.  This week we head to Yorba Linda to meet one of the youngest mayors and visit the iconic and historical Nixon Librar...
17m Feb 09, 2020
17m
90 - Get to know Matt Atchity with Moviefone
Matt Atchity, the general manager of Moviefone, talks to us about some newly released movies, how movie critics work, and his top picks for the Oscars. Hit the subscribe button on this podcast and connect with me on social: Facebook.com/HalEisner (https://www.facebook.com/haleisner/) Instagram.com/HalEisner (https://www.instagram.com/haleisner/) Twitter.com/HalEisner (https://twitter.com/HalEis...
22m Jan 31, 2020
22m
89 - Award winning songwriter Diane Warren
Diane Warren has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as won a Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe so much more. She's been nominated 11 times for an Oscar and yet still trying to get that first one!    Warren sat down with us to talk about her career, how she started writing and getting into music, who she’s worked with and how she’s ho...
17m Jan 23, 2020
17m
88 - Latin Country singer Dianña Parro
She’s combining the worlds of country and Latin music together – and taking the world by storm.  Dianña Parro (https://www.facebook.com/pg/DiannaLatinCountryMusic/posts/) is a singer and songwriter who began her career in her early teens. She began with gospel music then jumped to rap then rock and now country with a mix of Latin.  She sits down with Hal Eisner for a one-on-one interview and gi...
19m Jan 20, 2020
19m
87 - Music Education: Meet LAUSD's top performing high school band
Being in a high school band is a great after-school activities, perfect way to make friends and of course gain new skills by playing an instrument. In this podcast we speak with a bandleader and the LAUSD music director about its nearly 400 member band and how students benefit from music education.  The band performed in the Rose Parade and will be performing in the upcoming Martin Luther King ...
15m Jan 19, 2020
15m
86 - Braille Institute helping those who are visually impaired master technological devices
Smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices can be a mystery to those who can't see very well. But the Braille Institute has classes to help those who are visually impaired learn how to use new devices and certain mobile apps.    In this podcast our guests include Jack Follman with the Braille institute instructor Nutsiri Kidkul and student Delores Mann. Hit the subscribe button on this p...
16m Jan 17, 2020
16m
85 - Learning about the game of pickleball
It's one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., but still a lot of people have never heard of it. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong and is a game that appeals to all ages. Joining us in this podcast is Bill Green who runs Sports Tutor-- which gives pickleball lessons. With him are Peter Martinez and James Napikin- who are here to explain a little about this new craze. ...
10m Jan 16, 2020
10m
84 - Raising awareness about human trafficking
January is Human Trafficking Prevention month. It’s a time that shines a light on the issue and raises awareness. In 2018, 10,949 cases of human trafficking were reported to the Polaris-operated National Human Trafficking Hotline. According to statistics from Polaris (https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking) these cases involved 23,078 individual survivors; 5,859 potential traffickers and ...
36m Jan 09, 2020
36m
83 - Keeping yourself safe from illnesses while onboard cruise ships
A vacation on a cruise ship is relaxing, fun and enjoyable but within the past few months fears of infections on local cruise ships have rose.  In November four people were hospitalized after getting sick aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship that had docked in San Pedro. On December 1st several other people became ill after returning from their cruise, also on a Norwegian ship.  The illnesses we...
18m Jan 02, 2020
18m
82 - Red Cross volunteers making a difference in the world
From responding to house fires, natural emergencies and even the Rose Parade, volunteers with the Red Cross are always out in full force helping the people in their community.  In Los Angeles there are roughly 8,000 volunteers and many help both in the local community as well as other states and overseas.  In this podcast we speak with two volunteers who discuss what they do, why they do it and...
19m Dec 26, 2019
19m
81 - A local firefighter’s fight against ALS
Los Angeles firefighter Eric Stevens is now in the fight of his life against ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  Stevens was diagnosed in August, just a month after his wedding. As shattering as that diagnosis was, Stevens and his family take comfort in the support of his fire department cronies and the public.  In this podcast Stevens discusses his journey with ALS as well as clinical tri...
32m Dec 18, 2019
32m
80 - Stop the Bleed
Knowing how to stop the bleed can help save a life. Launched in October of 2015 by the White House, Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign and a call to action that encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Our guests include Melissa Barnes a trauma nurse at Providence Holy Cross medical Center and...
15m Dec 12, 2019
15m
79 - LA City Council President Herb Wesson's search for his son
Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson is opening up about his son’s struggle with drug abuse, mental illness and homelessness. Wesson recently put out a campaign ad featuring his search for his homeless son. The ads feature his wife narrating as the councilman searches Skid Row. In this podcast Wesson discusses the emotional and personal ad and his reason behind it. He also discusses t...
17m Dec 12, 2019
17m
78 - How to avoid holiday scams
With the busy holiday shopping season many consumers are online or at malls across the nation hunting for the best deals and gifts. But while finding that deal many people can fall victim to scams. Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer says many of the scams his office sees include stores selling recalled items, counterfeit items being sold online, people obtaining fake credit cards, identity th...
15m Dec 05, 2019
15m
77 - Discussing fire trends and new tools with LA City Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas
While urban sprawl and changing weather conditions have made firefighting more difficult in the city of LA, the department has grown and adapted to meet the challenges. LA City Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas is a 35-year-veteran with the Los Angeles Fire Department and has served as chief for five years. In this podcast Terrazas discusses how firefighting has changed in the city as well as discuses ...
34m Nov 27, 2019
34m
76 - Meet Officer Byrd with the LAPD
Michael Simonsen and his “partner” Officer Byrd, a green macaw, have worked together with the Los Angeles Police Department since the 1970's. Officer Byrd and Simonsen help teach kids about safety like stranger danger as well as lift up their spirits during school visits and charity events. Simonsen talks about the PSA’s that aired back in the ‘80’s on channel 11, which were intended to protect...
19m Nov 24, 2019
19m
75 - Saugus Strong: Students, parents reflect on deadly school shooting
Students from Saugus High School are still on extended break from classes after a gunman opened fire on campus—killing two people before turning the gun on himself. It was a shooting that rocked the whole community, many still in disbelief.   In this podcast we talk to some of the students and a teacher who were running for cover and barricading inside a classroom as chaos erupted on campus. We...
40m Nov 20, 2019
40m
74 - Wednesday’s Child: Finding kids a forever home
For 25 years FOX 11 has been helping foster kids find a forever home through our segment Wednesday’s Child. Since the segment launched nearly 500 kids have been adopted.  In this podcast we talk with two adoptive parents who found their child after watching Wednesday’s Child as well the coordinator for Wednesday’s Child.   Our guests include social worker and adoptive parent Fawnda Sandoval, ad...
33m Nov 14, 2019
33m
73 - Fighting wildfires in California and the new tools being used
California is in the middle of wildfire season and it seems each year is worse than before. Luckily, firefighters throughout the state are getting some relief. Cal Fire is adding 19 new aircrafts to its fleet and LA County Fire is getting a new Blackhawk. But even with all the added tools --- firefighters say the best thing when a fire breaks is for residents to be prepared and ready to evacuat...
33m Nov 07, 2019
33m
72 - Halloween Safety and raising awareness for autism with blue Halloween buckets
Keeping a child safe is always a parent’s top priority. And on Halloween night basic activities like trick-or-treating could be hard. It was a mother in Hawaii whose Facebook post went viral when she came up with the idea of using blue buckets for kids with autism or who are nonverbal, like her 3-year-old son. A blue bucket is to help those giving out candy know that a child may be autistic, so...
31m Oct 23, 2019
31m
71 - Emmy Awards
It's time for the 71st Prime-time Emmy Awards. The award show will be live on FOX 11 September 22nd.  In this podcast we talk about the history of the Emmy statue.  We also learn that the first Emmy winner had to be talked in to attending the Awards Ceremony (not something that has to be done these days). Our guests include Laurel Whitcomb Marketing Vice President of the Television Academy and ...
27m Sep 19, 2019
27m
70 - The United State of Women
The allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Film Producer Harvey Weinstein lit a fire under the women’s movement. Now, more and more women are joining the fight on a wide range of issues, from equal pay to equal power in government and business. An organization called “The United State of Women” is trying to inspire young women to be more active in their communities. Our guests inc...
30m Sep 12, 2019
30m
69 - Cold Case Murders
You've probably never heard of Barbara Jean Jepsen, but in 1956 her murder made headlines. Jepsen's husband found her stabbed to death at their home in Van Nuys. She was four months pregnant at the time. At one point, Liberace's brother was a suspect. So were several soldiers at a local military base. Now, more than six decades later, the Jepson cold case is back open. Stephanie Lazarus was onc...
28m Sep 05, 2019
28m
68 - Devastating fires in the Amazon rainforest
A lot of people around the world are keeping their eyes on Brazil and the massive fire that is burning in the rainforest.  The fire has been burning for nearly three weeks, and can be seen from space. About 60% of the Amazon region is in Brazil. The vast Amazon also spans parts of Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, an overseas region of France. In t...
39m Aug 29, 2019
39m
67 - Gunshot sounds and anxiety
Mass shootings seem to be happening more and more; at schools, workplaces, malls, and places of worship. And they have just about everyone on edge. In this podcast we talk about how to deal with "active shooter anxiety" while remaining vigilant and safe. Our guests include Clinical Neuro-psychologist Judy Ho, Anaheim Police Officer Brett Heitmann, and Judge Mary Chrzanowski. Dr. Judy Ho’s new b...
24m Aug 22, 2019
24m
66 - Words from Holocaust survivors
They survived the unspeakable-- the Holocaust. David Lenga and Adela Manheimer were both children living in concentration camps at the time of Nazi Germany. Filmmaker Donna Kanter recently released a documentary highlighting stories of people involved in the Holocaust.  Today's guests are Holocaust survivors David Lenga, Adela Manheimer, Fred Zaidman, who is the son of a the Holocaust survivor,...
31m Aug 15, 2019
31m
65 - Discussing mass shootings from those who have experienced them
It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to live through a mass shooting.  Tiffany Huizar survived after being shot three times during the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas in 2017. Steven Campbell was inside the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks when it came under fire on November 2018.  In this podcast they discuss their experiences surviving a mass shooting, how it changed their lives,...
31m Aug 07, 2019
31m
64 - The Dangers of Social Media
Social media can influence people to think and act in different ways. In this podcast we talk about the effects social media has on society, everything from spreading hate, fake videos and even forming eating disorders. Today’s guests are Marc Berkman the executive director of Organization for Social Media Safety, Ed Peisner the founder of Organization for Social Media Safety, his son Jordan Pe...
29m Aug 01, 2019
29m
63 - Motown's first A&R man
They are some of the top artists in Motown Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves and Marvin Gaye and there’s one man who introduced us to these chart-topping artists: William Mickey Stevenson. Stevenson is Motown’s first A&R man. He sat down with Hal Eisner to talk about his role in Motown and how he met and helped so many artists. Hit the subscribe button on this podcast and connect with me on social: ...
37m Jul 25, 2019
37m
62- School Standouts
At 18-years-old Kendall Stier is a 3x High School All-American named by the United States Olympic Committee, Paralympic Division. Kendall hit the A Standard in the 2017 Shot Put, the 2018 Javelin and the 2018 Shot Put. In this podcast she tells us what it was like growing up with cerebral palsy, how she got involved in track-and-field and the obstacles she faced being an athlete with disabiliti...
34m Jul 18, 2019
34m
61- 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Those are the words Neil Armstrong said as he stepped onto the Moon on July 20th 1969. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission. It’s the first time any human has stepped on another planet. The legendary astronauts involved in the mission were Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. Our guest, astronaut G...
31m Jul 11, 2019
31m
60 - State of Recycling in California 2019
We all have recycling bins. Bottles, cans, and plastic go in, what comes out is a mountain of material. But what happens to all that stuff? You might be surprised to find out some of your recyclables are not being recycled. Our guests are Coby Skye Assistant Deputy Director at the L.A. County Department of Public Works, Jamie Court President of the public interest group Consumer Watchdog, and K...
25m Jul 11, 2019
25m
59 - Harden your home against wildfires
We don't know when or where they'll strike. But wildfires, once they hit, can leave behind a wake of destruction lasting years. In this episode we talk about the recent California wildfires and what people can do to better protect their homes. Our guest are Fire Captain Tony Imbrenda of L.A. County Fire, Captain Steve Kaufmann of Ventura County Fire, and Scott Harris the Chief Operating Officer...
30m Jul 04, 2019
30m