In this episode, Ruth and Elliot Handler are gone, and the new Mattel team, led by a man who feared the volatility of the toy business, diversified the company and made a big gamble on electronics. It didn’t work. Fortunately, Barbie ends up in the sure hands of some trailblazing women executives, who could see that the culture was moving in a direction very compatible with Barbie’s persona. From the workforce to the workout, Barbie was a doll of her times. This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes".  Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

In this episode, Ruth and Elliot Handler are gone, and the new Mattel team, led by a man who feared the volatility of the toy business, diversified the company and made a big gamble on electronics. It didn’t work. Fortunately, Barbie ends up in the sure hands of some trailblazing women executives, who could see that the culture was moving in a direction very compatible with Barbie’s persona. From the workforce to the workout, Barbie was a doll of her times. This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes".  Listen now at <a href="https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made</a>

LA Made: The Barbie Tapes: When Girls--And Barbie--Could Do Anything

In episode two of LA Made: The Barbie Tapes, for Barbie, the cultural upheaval of the 60s and 70s incites one identity crisis after another as Mattel tries to keep up with the times. On top of that, she has a new boyfriend to deal with. Ken's creation is a big hit for Barbie fans, but he’s facing a few growing pains of his own. In this episode, we investigate Ken's origin story, delve into the inner workings of Mattel, and hear how Barbie's inventor, Ruth Handler, was ousted from her own company. This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes".  Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

In episode two of LA Made: The Barbie Tapes, for Barbie, the cultural upheaval of the 60s and 70s incites one identity crisis after another as Mattel tries to keep up with the times. On top of that, she has a new boyfriend to deal with. Ken's creation is a big hit for Barbie fans, but he’s facing a few growing pains of his own. In this episode, we investigate Ken's origin story, delve into the inner workings of Mattel, and hear how Barbie's inventor, Ruth Handler, was ousted from her own company. This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes".  Listen now at <a href="https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made</a>

LA Made: The Barbie Tapes from LAist Studios - Battle of the Bulge

Season 2 of “LA Made” tells the true story of the making and marketing of the most famous doll in the world, Barbie, told by the people who did it. We’ll hear from Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler, who spent years trying to convince her own company to make a teen aged fashion doll. From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes".  Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

Season 2 of “LA Made” tells the true story of the making and marketing of the most famous doll in the world, Barbie, told by the people who did it. We’ll hear from Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler, who spent years trying to convince her own company to make a teen aged fashion doll. From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes".  Listen now at <a href="https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made</a>

Introducing LA Made: The Barbie Tapes from LAist Studios

Erick is excited about a trip to Mt. Rushmore, but he’s upset when one of Luna’s exes crashes the party.  This is part two of a nine-part serialized rom-com for your ears.  The scenes and characters in this episode are inspired by Erick Galindo's life, but it's a fictional story.  What's the wildest thing you've done for love? Share with us at LAist.com/wildlove. You could be featured on the podcast.   Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/WILD Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Erick is excited about a trip to Mt. Rushmore, but he’s upset when one of Luna’s exes crashes the party.  This is part two of a nine-part serialized rom-com for your ears.  The scenes and characters in this episode are inspired by Erick Galindo's life, but it's a fictional story.  What's the wildest thing you've done for love? Share with us at <a href="https://laist.com/wildlove#share" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/wildlove. </a>You could be featured on the podcast. Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join.</a> Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at <a href="https://www.stamps.com/WILD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.stamps.com/WILD</a> Thanks to <a href="http://stamps.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stamps.com</a> for sponsoring the show! This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Special Feature: Mount Rushmore, Part 1

Erick Galindo tells Megan Tan a fictional story about the wildest thing he did for love. It's inspired by his life. It all goes back to meeting Luna, a woman from Southeast Los Angeles. She could be the one.  This is part one of a nine-part serialized rom-com for your ears. Have a WILD love story of your own? Share with us at LAist.com/wildlove. You could be featured on the podcast.   Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/WILD Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Erick Galindo tells Megan Tan a fictional story about the wildest thing he did for love. It's inspired by his life. It all goes back to meeting Luna, a woman from Southeast Los Angeles. She could be the one.  This is part one of a nine-part serialized rom-com for your ears. Have a WILD love story of your own? Share with us at <a href="https://laist.com/wildlove#share" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/wildlove. </a>You could be featured on the podcast. Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at <a href="https://www.stamps.com/WILD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.stamps.com/WILD</a> Thanks to <a href="http://stamps.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stamps.com</a> for sponsoring the show! This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Special Feature: A Southeast L.A. Rom-Com

The popularity of Korean beauty products has spread globally, just like K-Pop. And we thought you might enjoy this conversation on the origins and rise of K-Beauty -- not only as an industry, but as a new beauty standard.  The conversation was part of a live event tied to the launch of the new book, "Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital," between the book’s author Elise Hu and NPR’s All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang. You can also watch this conversation here: https://laist.com/events/elise-hu-flawless  To buy Elise Hu's book, visit https://northfigbookshop.com/ ((originally published June 9, 2023)) To view and attend future LAist events, visit: https://laist.com/events/

The popularity of Korean beauty products has spread globally, just like K-Pop. And we thought you might enjoy this conversation on the origins and rise of K-Beauty -- not only as an industry, but as a new beauty standard.  The conversation was part of a live event tied to the launch of the new book, "Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital," between the book’s author Elise Hu and NPR’s All Things Considered host Ailsa Chang. You can also watch this conversation here: <a href="https://laist.com/events/elise-hu-flawless" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://laist.com/events/elise-hu-flawless</a> To buy Elise Hu's book, visit <a href="https://northfigbookshop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://northfigbookshop.com/</a> ((originally published June 9, 2023)) To view and attend future LAist events, visit: <a href="https://laist.com/events/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://laist.com/events/</a>

K-Pop Dreaming - Bonus #4: K-Beauty

WILD is a podcast about growing up… kind of. About those big and small moments that transform us forever. About how sometimes we come out on the other side of chaos or adversity with scars, but we come out stronger.WILD is back for season two. This season, it's all about love with co-hosts Erick Galindo and Megan Tan. You heard Megan's pandemic love story in season one. This time, Erick tells Megan a fictional love story, inspired by the wildest thing he once did for love... It starts with an invite on a cross-country road trip with the woman who stole his heart. Join him and Melinna Bobadilla, Gabrielle Ruiz, and Atsuko Okatsuka. Does Erick find his one true love? Listen to WILD Season 2: I Think I’m Falling in Love now.   Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join    Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/WILD  Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

WILD is a podcast about growing up… kind of. About those big and small moments that transform us forever. About how sometimes we come out on the other side of chaos or adversity with scars, but we come out stronger. WILD is back for season two. This season, it's all about love with co-hosts Erick Galindo and Megan Tan. You heard Megan's <a href="https://laist.com/podcasts/wild/how-do-i-love-someone-starring-megan-tan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pandemic love story</a> in season one. This time, Erick tells Megan a fictional love story, inspired by the wildest thing he once did for love... It starts with an invite on a cross-country road trip with the woman who stole his heart. Join him and Melinna Bobadilla, Gabrielle Ruiz, and Atsuko Okatsuka. Does Erick find his one true love? Listen to WILD Season 2: I Think I’m Falling in Love now. Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at <a href="https://www.stamps.com/WILD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.stamps.com/WILD</a> Thanks to <a href="http://stamps.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stamps.com</a> for sponsoring the show! This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Introducing Season 2 of "WILD: I Think I'm Falling In Love" from LAist Studios

Atsuko Okatsuka

This week, the K-Pop Dreaming team is bringing you a special episode from our friends at, “Shoes Off: A Sexy Asian Podcast” from the public radio station, WBEZ. It's a podcast that celebrates badass Asians who are making a mark on pop culture and entertainment. In this episode stand-up comic, Atsuko Okatsuka, is taking the world by storm with her first HBO special, The Intruder, and her viral Drop Challenge on TikTok. She talks about how she learned English by watching Scooby-Doo, what it means to be named Margaret Cho’s comedy heir, and how she took her mom and grandma everywhere — including to her honeymoon.

This week, the K-Pop Dreaming team is bringing you a special episode from our friends at, “Shoes Off: A Sexy Asian Podcast” from the public radio station, WBEZ. It's a podcast that celebrates badass Asians who are making a mark on pop culture and entertainment. In this episode stand-up comic, Atsuko Okatsuka, is taking the world by storm with her first HBO special, The Intruder, and her viral Drop Challenge on TikTok. She talks about how she learned English by watching Scooby-Doo, what it means to be named Margaret Cho’s comedy heir, and how she took her mom and grandma everywhere — including to her honeymoon.

Shoes Off: Atsuko Okatsuka Wants Everyone To Feel Sexy

In a special live event in partnership between LAist Studios and GYOPO, Vivian delves into the origins of K-Pop with Michello Cho, a professor at University of Toronto, and Jheanelle Brown, a California Institute of the Arts faculty member. The conversation goes deep on the influence of hip hop on K-Pop's sound and dance, the impact of American imperialism on the music, and more.(originally published April 27, 2023)This episode features clips from these videos:Korean Kittens - What'd I Say: The Korean Kittens What'd I SayGirls’ Generation - Genie: Girls' Generation 소녀시대 '소원을 말해봐 (Genie)' MV (Start at 00:35)BTS - Intro Performance Trailer: BTS (방탄소년단) 가요대제전 Intro performance TrailerSeo Taiji &amp; Boys - Anyhow Song: 서태지와 아이들(Seotaiji and Boys) - 하여가(Anyhow Song) M/VYoon Mirae - Black Happiness: [MV] Yoonmirae(윤미래) _ Black Happiness(검은 행복) -    Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

In a special live event in partnership between LAist Studios and GYOPO, Vivian delves into the origins of K-Pop with Michello Cho, a professor at University of Toronto, and Jheanelle Brown, a California Institute of the Arts faculty member. The conversation goes deep on the influence of hip hop on K-Pop's sound and dance, the impact of American imperialism on the music, and more. (originally published April 27, 2023) This episode features clips from these videos: Korean Kittens - What'd I Say: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9A66z3oiow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Korean Kittens What'd I Say</a> Girls’ Generation - Genie: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SwiSpudKWI." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Girls' Generation 소녀시대 '소원을 말해봐 (Genie)' MV </a>(Start at 00:35) BTS - Intro Performance Trailer: <a href="https://youtu.be/S1Up-ZzHmuw?t=11" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BTS (방탄소년단) 가요대제전 Intro performance Trailer</a> Seo Taiji &amp; Boys - Anyhow Song: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-AxO7EPU8c&amp;ab_channel=seotaiji" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">서태지와 아이들(Seotaiji and Boys) - 하여가(Anyhow Song) M/V</a> Yoon Mirae - Black Happiness: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DK-MPh7vKk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">[MV] Yoonmirae(윤미래) _ Black Happiness(검은 행복)</a> -  Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Bonus #3: Origins of K-Pop

"Psycho" was an instant K-Pop hit when it came out in 2019. The Red Velvet song debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, and the music video now has over 300 million views on Youtube.In this bonus episode, we look at the creation of "Psycho". Vivian speaks to two of the songwriters behind the song -- and learns about a little-known incident that erupted just days before the song's release. (Originally published April 20, 2023)   Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

"Psycho" was an instant K-Pop hit when it came out in 2019. The Red Velvet song debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, and the music video now has over 300 million views on Youtube. In this bonus episode, we look at the creation of "Psycho". Vivian speaks to two of the songwriters behind the song -- and learns about a little-known incident that erupted just days before the song's release.  (Originally published April 20, 2023) Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Bonus #2: The Making of Red Velvet's "Psycho"

California Love is a blend of memoir, pop culture analysis and oral history. The newest season, K-pop Dreaming, is about the rise and history of K-pop in the United States, as told from the point-of-view of the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles. Host Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey from K-pop’s origins in Korean trot music and American presence in post-war South Korea to the 1992 LA Uprising and the booming global popularity of K-pop in the present day, all juxtaposed against Yoon’s own coming-of-age as a second generation immigrant in Los Angeles, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity. The series premieres on February 23rd. In the first season Walter Thompson-Hernández was inspired by Tupac and Dr. Dre's "California Love"- a love letter and anthem for a generation. Walter invites listeners to join him in his family home, on horseback through the streets of Compton, and up into the sky to examine belonging.

Danny Im

1TYM is one of the most iconic first-generation K-pop groups from the 90’s. The group is also one of Vivian’s all-time favorites.This special bonus episode features an extended interview with Danny Im, the lead vocalist of 1TYM. Danny talks to Vivian about meeting legendary K-pop producer YG in Koreatown for an impromptu audition, 1TYM’s rise to fame during K-pop’s infancy in the ‘90s and early 2000s, and Danny’s first impressions of Jennie and Lisa -- when the two auditioned for YG Entertainment before becoming members of BLACKPINK.(originally published April 13, 2023)   Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

1TYM is one of the most iconic first-generation K-pop groups from the 90’s. The group is also one of Vivian’s all-time favorites. This special bonus episode features an extended interview with Danny Im, the lead vocalist of 1TYM. Danny talks to Vivian about meeting legendary K-pop producer YG in Koreatown for an impromptu audition, 1TYM’s rise to fame during K-pop’s infancy in the ‘90s and early 2000s, and Danny’s first impressions of Jennie and Lisa -- when the two auditioned for YG Entertainment before becoming members of BLACKPINK. (originally published April 13, 2023) Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Bonus #1: Danny Im

K-Pop has put Koreatown on the map for a lot of people who might not have known about the neighborhood otherwise. Fans from around the country visit the area for concerts, special K-Pop events, and to find rare or one-of-a-kind merch. Vivian hits up some of these establishments in K-town to see what they reveal about the history of the neighborhood and the music, and how those connections have shaped Korean Americans who have grown up in Los Angeles. Features Ryan Lee Wong, author of the novel, “Which Side Are You On”.(originally published April 6, 2023)   Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop has put Koreatown on the map for a lot of people who might not have known about the neighborhood otherwise. Fans from around the country visit the area for concerts, special K-Pop events, and to find rare or one-of-a-kind merch. Vivian hits up some of these establishments in K-town to see what they reveal about the history of the neighborhood and the music, and how those connections have shaped Korean Americans who have grown up in Los Angeles. Features Ryan Lee Wong, author of the novel, “Which Side Are You On”. (originally published April 6, 2023) Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Koreatown

There’s no better place to experience K-Pop fandom in all of its passion and glory than KCON. In the span of a decade, the annual fan convention has grown to a nationwide event drawing hundreds of thousands of fans. And just like many things K-Pop-related in the US – the extravaganza started right here in Southern California. Vivian and her childhood friends visit KCON held in downtown Los Angeles to witness the impact of the music firsthand.(Originally published March 30, 2023)   Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/DreamingThis episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

There’s no better place to experience K-Pop fandom in all of its passion and glory than KCON. In the span of a decade, the annual fan convention has grown to a nationwide event drawing hundreds of thousands of fans. And just like many things K-Pop-related in the US – the extravaganza started right here in Southern California. Vivian and her childhood friends visit KCON held in downtown Los Angeles to witness the impact of the music firsthand. (Originally published March 30, 2023) Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - KCON

The LA Uprising exploded racial and economic injustices simmering under the surface of Los Angeles into the open. Vivian looks at the events leading up to the Uprising, and the efforts following the protests to promote racial harmony in Los Angeles, including the staging of an African music festival in South Los Angeles that featured a performance by an up-and-coming Korean American rapper named Tiger JK. Years after the festival, he would go on to make a name for himself in South Korea as the “Godfather of Korean Hip-Hop”.(Originally published March 23, 2023) Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

The LA Uprising exploded racial and economic injustices simmering under the surface of Los Angeles into the open. Vivian looks at the events leading up to the Uprising, and the efforts following the protests to promote racial harmony in Los Angeles, including the staging of an African music festival in South Los Angeles that featured a performance by an up-and-coming Korean American rapper named Tiger JK. Years after the festival, he would go on to make a name for himself in South Korea as the “Godfather of Korean Hip-Hop”. (Originally published March 23, 2023) Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Roots of Rap

The underground hip-hop scene in Los Angeles was thriving in the late 1980s. And there, soaking in the vibe, was a Korean American college student by the name of Jae Chong. He was also making music on the side, but didn’t think much was going to come of it. That is, until an out-of-the-blue invitation brought him and his friends to Korea when K-pop was taking off. Their group, Solid, would become the Kings of R&amp;B and the first Korean American act to make a splash in the Korean music industry. Vivian reflects on the importance of Solid and sees the group's Korean-Americanness as the cornerstone of their success.(Originally published March 16, 2023) Support K-pop Dreaming by donating now at LAist.com/join   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

The underground hip-hop scene in Los Angeles was thriving in the late 1980s. And there, soaking in the vibe, was a Korean American college student by the name of Jae Chong. He was also making music on the side, but didn’t think much was going to come of it. That is, until an out-of-the-blue invitation brought him and his friends to Korea when K-pop was taking off. Their group, Solid, would become the Kings of R&amp;B and the first Korean American act to make a splash in the Korean music industry. Vivian reflects on the importance of Solid and sees the group's Korean-Americanness as the cornerstone of their success. (Originally published March 16, 2023) Support K-pop Dreaming by donating now at <a href="http://laist.com/join" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LAist.com/join</a> This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Solid

In this episode, we head to an American military neighborhood in Seoul in the late 1980s. Tucked in an alleyway was a little grimy club that blasted American hip-hop, the place was for African American GIs to cut loose, but it pulled in an unexpected crowd – young Koreans who would become the pioneers of modern K-pop. Itaewon was also the setting for the beginning of another story – it was the place where Vivian’s parents met and fell in love. Features Kang Won Rae, one of K-pop's legends that came out of the Moon Night scene.(Originally published March 9, 2023)     This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/DreamingThis episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

In this episode, we head to an American military neighborhood in Seoul in the late 1980s. Tucked in an alleyway was a little grimy club that blasted American hip-hop, the place was for African American GIs to cut loose, but it pulled in an unexpected crowd – young Koreans who would become the pioneers of modern K-pop. Itaewon was also the setting for the beginning of another story – it was the place where Vivian’s parents met and fell in love. Features Kang Won Rae, one of K-pop's legends that came out of the Moon Night scene. (Originally published March 9, 2023) This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Moon Night

Vivian begins her exploration of K-Pop's history with a genre of Korean music called trot that emerged during the Japanese colonization of Korea. Trot holds up a mirror to Korea’s history and gives rise to an enigmatic quality that, some say, informs K-pop. Vivian’s guide for this episode: her grandmother. Also features 2023 Korean Music Awards nominee and K-pop artist, 250.(Originally published March 2, 2023)     This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/DreamingThis episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Vivian begins her exploration of K-Pop's history with a genre of Korean music called trot that emerged during the Japanese colonization of Korea. Trot holds up a mirror to Korea’s history and gives rise to an enigmatic quality that, some say, informs K-pop. Vivian’s guide for this episode: her grandmother. Also features 2023 Korean Music Awards nominee and K-pop artist, 250. (Originally published March 2, 2023) This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Trot

Vivian puts together a mixed CD with some of her favorite K-Pop songs from the 90’s and 2000’s. Each song is connected to a different moment in her life and they all happen to be some of K-pop’s greatest hits. And together, these songs tell the early history of the genre’s evolution and growth, as well as their migration to the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles.(Original published February 23, 2023)     This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/DreamingThis episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Vivian puts together a mixed CD with some of her favorite K-Pop songs from the 90’s and 2000’s. Each song is connected to a different moment in her life and they all happen to be some of K-pop’s greatest hits. And together, these songs tell the early history of the genre’s evolution and growth, as well as their migration to the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles. (Original published February 23, 2023) This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a> to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Mixtape

Growing up in Koreatown during the 90s and 2000s, host Vivian Yoon was an emo-listening teenager who embraced American pop culture. At least that’s what it seemed from the outside. But at home, by herself, what she listened to was K-Pop. How Vivian's hidden love for the music is propelling her to explore the connections between K-Pop and her hometown.  (Originally published February 23, 2023)   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/DreamingThis episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Growing up in Koreatown during the 90s and 2000s, host Vivian Yoon was an emo-listening teenager who embraced American pop culture. At least that’s what it seemed from the outside. But at home, by herself, what she listened to was K-Pop. How Vivian's hidden love for the music is propelling her to explore the connections between K-Pop and her hometown.  (Originally published February 23, 2023) This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/Dreaming" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/Dreaming</a> This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit <a href="http://kia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kia.com</a>  to discover movement that inspires. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

K-Pop Dreaming - Secret Fan

K-pop disrupted pop culture in South Korea in the early 1990s and quickly the new and electrifying sound found fans across the world.One of those fans was a kid growing up thousands of miles away in Koreatown, Los Angeles.In K-Pop Dreaming, the second season of the acclaimed California Love podcast, host and writer Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey to learn about the history behind the music that had defined her childhood. From an occupied Korea in the 1930s and a small hip-hop club in 1980s Seoul to the 1992 LA Uprising and the music’s booming popularity today, the surprising story of K-pop is juxtaposed against Vivian’s own coming of age as a second-generation immigrant, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity.The series premieres on February 23, 2023.

K-pop disrupted pop culture in South Korea in the early 1990s and quickly the new and electrifying sound found fans across the world. One of those fans was a kid growing up thousands of miles away in Koreatown, Los Angeles. In K-Pop Dreaming, the second season of the acclaimed California Love podcast, host and writer Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey to learn about the history behind the music that had defined her childhood. From an occupied Korea in the 1930s and a small hip-hop club in 1980s Seoul to the 1992 LA Uprising and the music’s booming popularity today, the surprising story of K-pop is juxtaposed against Vivian’s own coming of age as a second-generation immigrant, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity. The series premieres on February 23, 2023.

Introducing California Love: K-Pop Dreaming, from LAist Studios

California Love is a blend of memoir, pop culture analysis and oral history. The newest season, K-pop Dreaming, is about the rise and history of K-pop in the United States, as told from the point-of-view of the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles. Host Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey from K-pop’s origins in Korean trot music and American presence in post-war South Korea to the 1992 LA Uprising and the booming global popularity of K-pop in the present day, all juxtaposed against Yoon’s own coming-of-age as a second generation immigrant in Los Angeles, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity. The series premieres on February 23rd. In the first season Walter Thompson-Hernández was inspired by Tupac and Dr. Dre's "California Love"- a love letter and anthem for a generation. Walter invites listeners to join him in his family home, on horseback through the streets of Compton, and up into the sky to examine belonging.

California Love

There’s a horse ranch in the heart of Compton that may hold the answers for salvation and redemption for the city’s black cowboys.  Read the original NYTimes article, "For the Compton Cowboys, Horseback Riding Is a Legacy, and Protection."  Read Walter Thompson-Hernández's book The Compton CowboysThe New Generation of Cowboys in America's Urban Heartland This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist California Love is a limited series with 8 episodes. Show support by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.

There’s a horse ranch in the heart of Compton that may hold the answers for salvation and redemption for the city’s black cowboys.  Read the original NYTimes article, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/31/us/compton-cowboys-horseback-riding-african-americans.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"For the Compton Cowboys, Horseback Riding Is a Legacy, and Protection." </a> Read Walter Thompson-Hernández's book <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-compton-cowboys-walter-thompson-hernandez" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Compton CowboysThe New Generation of Cowboys in America's Urban Heartland</a> This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/LAist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/LAist</a> California Love is a limited series with 8 episodes. Show support by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.

Compton Cowboys

A first-parrot perspective into legends and myths of how L.A. became home to the world’s largest population of green parrots. This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist California Love is a limited series with 8 episodes. Show support by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.

A first-parrot perspective into legends and myths of how L.A. became home to the world’s largest population of green parrots. This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/LAist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/LAist</a> California Love is a limited series with 8 episodes. Show support by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.

Parrots: A Parable

A story about a wild party line that many Los Angeles’ teenagers used to create a fantasy world. California Love sponsors include: Stream We Are Freestyle Love Supreme beginning July 17, only on Hulu This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist

A story about a wild party line that many Los Angeles’ teenagers used to create a fantasy world. California Love sponsors include: Stream We Are Freestyle Love Supreme beginning July 17, only on Hulu This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/LAist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/LAist</a>

P Line

Walter was just eleven years old when he was admitted to L.A.'s infamous Scared Straight program for graffiti related crimes. In this episode, Walter, through a chance encounter, checks-in with his friend who went through the program with him, their anti-tagging arch-nemesis, and how they have turned out after all these years. California Love sponsors include: Stream We Are Freestyle Love Supreme beginning July 17, only on Hulu This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist

Walter was just eleven years old when he was admitted to L.A.'s infamous Scared Straight program for graffiti related crimes. In this episode, Walter, through a chance encounter, checks-in with his friend who went through the program with him, their anti-tagging arch-nemesis, and how they have turned out after all these years. California Love sponsors include: Stream We Are Freestyle Love Supreme beginning July 17, only on Hulu This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/LAist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/LAist</a>

Scared Straight

Host Walter Thompson-Hernández returns home to L.A. and reflects on how much the city has changed since he was a child. California Love sponsors include: Stream We Are Freestyle Love Supreme beginning July 17, only on Hulu This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at BetterHelp.com/LAist

Host Walter Thompson-Hernández returns home to L.A. and reflects on how much the city has changed since he was a child. California Love sponsors include: Stream We Are Freestyle Love Supreme beginning July 17, only on Hulu This LAist Studios podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp and our listeners get 10% off their first month of online therapy at <a href="http://betterhelp.com/LAist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BetterHelp.com/LAist</a>

Prologue

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!