Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There’s just so much content out there between network tv and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we’re going to try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don’t live up to the hype. This week, guest host, Julia Paskin, talks to Jen Chaney, television critic for Vulture, and Cristina Escobar, tv critic and co-founder of LatinaMedia.Co.

Today’s show includes:

• The Bear (FX on HULU)
• Land of Women (Apple TV+)
• My Lady Jane (Amazon Prime)
• WondLA (Apple TV+)
• 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials (USA/NBC/Peacock)

Today on AirTalk, we discuss rent increases in Los Angeles and the current issues facing the infamous Cecil Hotel. Also on the show, we speak with an anger management expert on how to deal with road rage; we talk Yakitori with the owner and chef behind the pop-up Yakitori Cartel; our FilmWeek critics review the latest releases; Austin Cross chats with director Richard Papiatt and the Belfast rap trio Kneecap on their new fictionalized biopic ‘Kneecap;’ and more.

• Rental roundup: rent increases & the problems plaguing the Cecil Hotel (00:17)
• Listeners share how they constructively deal with road rage (16:58)
• Chef behind Yakitori Cartel brings Mexican flavors to traditional Japanese dish (39:45)
• FilmWeek critics review the latest releases (51:21)
• Austin talks with Kneecap about their biopic (1:19:55)

Joni Mitchell's life and career is legendary. Part of the music renaissance of the 1960s and additionally known for her connection to Laurel Canyon, her personal lyrics resonated deeply with fans. She's had a renaissance of her own in recent years, playing at festivals and lighting up stadiums. Ann Powers, NPR music critic and correspondent, attempts to encapsulate her life and continued influence in her new book Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell. Powers joins guest host, Julia Paskin, to discuss.

Today on AirTalk, US journalist Evan Gershkovich has been released from Russian custody in what is being called one of the largest prisoner exchanges between Russia and the West. Also on the show, we explore the history of political campaign songs and how they affect a candidate's brand; we dive into the history of soap operas; listeners share how homelessness has changed since Mayor Karen Bass took office; the commander of the Mars simulation mission on their one-year mission; our TV critics review the latest releases; and more.

• Russia releases US journalist in largest East-West prisoner exchange (00:17)
• What can a campaign song tell us about a candidate? (27:56)
• The history of soap operas (41:38)
• Preview: LAist survey on homelessness (31:24)
• Mars simulation commander on one-year mission (1:03:32)
• TV-Talk (1:26:36)

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There’s just so much content out there between network TV and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we will try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don’t live up to the hype. This week, listeners will get the latest scoop on what’s worth watching with Angie Han, TV critic for The Hollywood Reporter, and Cristina Escobar, TV critic and co-founder of LatinaMedia.Co.

Today on AirTalk, Disneyland workers have avoided a strike after agreeing to a new deal that will increase wages by 31% and improve sick leave. Also on the show, we check in on the state of the video game industry; we explore the legal gray area of deepfakes and how to safely regulate the technology; we discuss how Vice President Kamala Harris is rebranding herself in her presidential campaign; we check-in with Los Angeles restaurants and get their thoughts on the Al Fresco ordinance extension; and more.

• Disneyland workers avoid strike (00:17)
• Checking-in on the video game industry (12:17)
• Are deepfakes protected under free speech? (43:35)
• A look into VP Kamala Harris’ presidential rebrand (53:02)
• Checking-in on LA restaurants (1:13:24)
• The best kid-friendly restaurants in SoCal (1:28:40)

Today on AirTalk, we check-in on the wildfires affecting California communities. Also on the show, we look at how President Biden might utilize his remaining months in office; we explore how technology can be used to help solve Los Angeles’s homeless crisis; directors Pete and Rebecca Davis talk about their new documentary ‘Join or Die;’ why NASA beamed a Missy Elliot song to Venus; and more.

• The latest on CA wildfires (00:17)
• A look into President Biden's remaining months (13:24)
• What fast food joint should SoCal get next? (34:55)
• Can tech solve the LA homeless crisis? (49:19)
• 'Join or Die' directors talk new documentary (1:06:33)
• What song would you beam into space? (1:25:55)

Passing the Mantle is a new podcast from LAist Studios about family, curiosity and the things that change — and stay the same — across generations. In this episode, Larry and Desmond discuss how common it is for people today to attach their jobs to their identities, whether that has changed from a few decades ago — and why.

Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.