L.A. is the land of celebrities, but true celebrity comes from making history. This episode is about people that lived in L.A. and truly made history. And don't miss the One Thing to Do in L.A. this Week: L.A. has a precise center point that is VERY easy to access. . .and it's FREE to see it!

The Genius 4:40
The Martial Artist 7:20
The Aviator 10:36
The Frontiersman 13:50
The Author 17:42
The Pioneer 20:00
The Philosopher 21:44
The Presidents 27:22
The Gangster 37:40
One Thing to Do in L.A. this Week (41:19)

It's over 100° in the first half of August and the kids are back in school. . .already! So why would LAUSD and most surrounding districts do this to parents and kids? I did some research and have some answers, and I want to know what YOU think. Also, a special reading of My Very Personal Speech to incoming freshmen (13:26) and One Thing to do in L.A. This Week (29:01) at one of the most beautiful places in L.A., where school isn't in session. . .at least not yet!

Books are a driving force for L.A. In a Minute and I want to share some of the most impactful reads about Los Angeles that have inspired me to continue creating and learning about this incredible City. The podcast is broken down into segments based on book content as outlined below. Make sure you bookmark this episode for your holiday gift giving. Happy reading:

Development (5:06)
Preservation (12:20)
Transportation (17:45)
DJ Waldie (20:02)
Food (25:30)
When L.A. Was a Mob Town (31:10)
Historical Modern Los Angeles (34:40)
Mike Davis (38:48)
Michael Connolly (41:45)
Bonus reads (44:33)

It's road trip season, so it's time to figure out once & for all, what are L.A.'s 8 Favorite Road Trips! From the desert to the mountains, beaches to missions, Los within an easy drive of some of the best places on Earth. What are YOUR favorite L.A. Road Trips?!?

L.A.'s First Car (4:20)

#8: Did you say 300 inches of snow. . .per Year? (9:30)

#7: California's most Polarizing City (12:25)

#6: The Fastest-Growing Road Trip (14:56)

#5: The Mission City. . .where Michael Jordan Owns a Bar (18:10)

#4: So Hot, but So Hip (23:42)

#3: A Road Trip for All Seasons (29:05)

#2: The Only Place I'd Live Outside of L.A. (32:20)

#1: L.A.'s Backyard (36:58)

With the 2024 Paris Olympics officially underway, the countdown is ON for LA28, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Some of my earliest memories are from my parents taking me to the 1984 Games, and I'm going to detail why L.A. Is the Greatest Olympic City on Earth. We'll also address detractors of the games, and what Los Angeles is doing to ensure that the city will sparkle & shine in its THIRD time hosting the Games:
6:04 - My 1984 Olympic Experience
9:42 - LA28 "L.A. is the World"
17:07 - 1932 "Sports' greatest triumph"
23:33:07 - 1984 "The Games that Changed Sports Forever"
33:48 - The Venues

Los Angeles is described as "88 Cities in Search of a Center" - but why search when you can DO? I find the most unique, historical, and FUN thing to do in each of L.A.'s 88 Cities, from Agoura Hills to Lynwood to Rosemead to Whitter. This is an excellent guide no matter where you are in L.A. County, and will provide you something to do in every city.

Los Angeles is the land of swimming pools, with twice as many as the second closest city. . .even though the first private pool in L.A. wasn't built until recently. So how did L.A. get to be the Swimming Pool Capital of the World. . .and you won't believe how many pools there actually are in L.A. And make sure you stay tuned for the One Thing to Do in L.A. this Week - it's my absolute favorite 'pool' in L.A., so grab your towel and get ready to dive in!

My Favorite Food in Los Angeles, from burgers to tacos to carnitas. These are my trusty go-tos that I know and love - and you know I bring the history, facts, trivia, and tidbits of these L.A. legends.

L.A.'s Best Beef Ribs - 2:30
The Thai Temple - 5:30
Birria Got me Hooked - 11:40
Shout out to Best Carnitas in L.A. - 12:20
Split Dogs Flatbush Style - 14:50
Best Spot to get a Drink. . .and Good Food - 17:00
Oaxacan Culture, L.A. Royalty - 19:40
L.A.'s Original Bagel - 23:30
L.A.'s Biggest Burrito in its Best Community - 27:50
Best Family Spot - 30:15
The Original - 32:20
Edible Work of Art - 35:05
The Badass of L.A. Pies- 36:45
Mooncakes & Culture - 38:05