In the final episode of “Foretold,” Paulina makes a career choice and starts figuring out her place in the world. And Paulina and Bobby’s custody battle culminates in a decision about their daughters’ future.Check out behind-the-scenes photos and host Faith E. Pinho's reflections on the series.   Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. See opinion pieces by Romani writers in conjunction with the "Foretold" podcast at latimes.com/foretold.

In the final episode of “Foretold,” Paulina makes a career choice and starts figuring out her place in the world. And Paulina and Bobby’s custody battle culminates in a decision about their daughters’ future.Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-06-06/foretold-podcast-romani-american-child-custody-fortuneteller-school" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">behind-the-scenes photos</a> and host Faith E. Pinho's reflections on the series.   Read the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-06-06/foretold-episode-9-romani-american-fortuneteller-custody-children" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode transcript</a>. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. See opinion pieces by Romani writers in conjunction with the "Foretold" podcast at <a href="https://latimes.com/foretold" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">latimes.com/foretold</a>.

This Was Foretold

Faced with the consequences of her decisions, Paulina grows estranged from her family — but meets Gina, a cousin who left the community decades before. And Paulina turns to her ultimate battle: the fight for her children in court.Check out more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. See opinion pieces by Romani writers in conjunction with the "Foretold" podcast here.

Faced with the consequences of her decisions, Paulina grows estranged from her family — but meets Gina, a cousin who left the community decades before. And Paulina turns to her ultimate battle: the fight for her children in court.Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-30/foretold-podcast-romani-american-child-custody-court" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more information about this episode</a>. Read the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-30/foretold-episode-8-romani-american-custody-children" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode transcript</a>. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. See opinion pieces by Romani writers in conjunction with the "Foretold" podcast <a href="https://latimes.com/foretold" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

The Fallout

In the beginning, Faith thought Paulina was giving her a hot news tip about psychics and scams. Years of investigation revealed something else.Check out more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: “I would not exist if my ancestors had not practiced Drabarimos,” or spiritual medicine,  spiritualist and filmmaker George Eli writes. He delves into how he got into his line of work and why his community and heritage have become so misunderstood.

In the beginning, Faith thought Paulina was giving her a hot news tip about psychics and scams. Years of investigation revealed something else.Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-23/foretold-podcast-romani-american-fortunetelling-psychic-spiritualist" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more information about this episode</a>. Read the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-23/foretold-episode-7-romani-american-psychic-scam-stereotypes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode transcript</a>. Dive deeper: “I would not exist if my ancestors had not practiced Drabarimos,” or spiritual medicine,  <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-05-16/romani-fortune-telling-spirituality-supernatural-dream-interpretation-palm-reading" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spiritualist and filmmaker George Eli writes</a>. He delves into how he got into his line of work and why his community and heritage have become so misunderstood.

A Prism

Now that Paulina has left her family, she has a choice to make: Does she take her custody case through the Romani judicial system? Or does she turn to the American courts, trusting the system she has always been taught to fear?Check out more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. See opinion pieces by Romani writers in conjunction with the Foretold podcast here.

Now that Paulina has left her family, she has a choice to make: Does she take her custody case through the Romani judicial system? Or does she turn to the American courts, trusting the system she has always been taught to fear?Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-16/foretold-podcast-romani-american-family-divorce-custody" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more information</a> about this episode. Read the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-16/foretold-episode-6-romani-american-court-kris-custody-divorce" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode transcript. </a>Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. See opinion pieces by Romani writers in conjunction with the Foretold podcast <a href="https://latimes.com/foretold" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Your Laws vs. Our Laws

As a young mother, Paulina grows disillusioned with her home life and yearns for independence and a space she can call her own. Once she opens a new psychic shop, she meets a couple of new clients who give her a peek into their outside world — and there’s no going back. Check out photos and more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. Author and activist Nicoleta Bitu shares more on how fighting oppression and patriarchy led her to her own Romani feminism.

As a young mother, Paulina grows disillusioned with her home life and yearns for independence and a space she can call her own. Once she opens a new psychic shop, she meets a couple of new clients who give her a peek into their outside world — and there’s no going back. Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-09/foretold-podcast-romani-american-family-fortunetelling" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photos and more information</a> about this episode. Read the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-09/foretold-episode-5-romani-american-family-fortunetelling" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode transcript</a>. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. Author and activist Nicoleta Bitu shares more on <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-05-09/romani-feminism-european-roma-rights-activism-women-patriarchy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">how fighting oppression and patriarchy led her to her own Romani feminism.</a>

New Territories

Now married, Paulina moves in with Bobby’s family in Orange County and is met with a host of expectations: cooking, cleaning, serving, working at the psychic shop and having children. This kind of family dynamic has helped keep the Romani culture alive across the centuries. But it still catches Paulina by surprise.Check out photos and more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. See opinion pieces by Romani writers in conjunction with the Foretold podcast here.

Now married, Paulina moves in with Bobby’s family in Orange County and is met with a host of expectations: cooking, cleaning, serving, working at the psychic shop and having children. This kind of family dynamic has helped keep the Romani culture alive across the centuries. But it still catches Paulina by surprise.Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-01/foretold-podcast-romani-american-marriage-mother-in-law" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photos and more information</a> about this episode. Read the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-05-02/foretold-episode-4-romani-american-marriage-family-tarot" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode transcript. </a>Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. See opinion pieces by Romani writers in conjunction with the Foretold podcast <a href="https://latimes.com/foretold" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

The Train Station

Before Paulina was born, her future seemed predestined: She’d marry her relative and close family friend, Bobby. They were a match written in the stars. And their wedding only augured more good things to come. Or so she thought.Check out photos and more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. Author Oksana Marafioti shares her recollections of how arriving in Los Angeles as a teenager led her to celebrate her Romani roots. 

Before Paulina was born, her future seemed predestined: She’d marry her relative and close family friend, Bobby. They were a match written in the stars. And their wedding only augured more good things to come. Or so she thought.Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-04-25/foretold-podcast-romani-american-wedding-engagement" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photos and more information</a> about this episode. Read the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-04-25/foretold-episode-3-romani-american-wedding" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode transcript</a>. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. Author <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-04-18/romani-community-soviet-union-russia-refugee-california-hollywood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oksana Marafioti shares her recollections</a> of how arriving in Los Angeles as a teenager led her to celebrate her Romani roots.

Business Arrangements

We go back to where it all began: Morro Bay. Paulina shows Faith her hometown, where she recounts a childhood in a tightknit family, vibrant parties and an education cut short. Check out photos and more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. Author Oksana Marafioti shares her recollections of how arriving in Los Angeles as a teenager led her to celebrate her Romani roots. 

We go back to where it all began: Morro Bay. Paulina shows Faith her hometown, where she recounts a childhood in a tightknit family, vibrant parties and an education cut short. Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-04-18/foretold-podcast-romani-american-education-assimilation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photos and more information</a> about this episode. Read the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-04-18/foretold-episode-1-education-fortuneteller-romani-american" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode transcript</a>. Dive deeper: There is no monolithic “Romani American experience,” not even in California — there are a multitude of them. Author <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-04-18/romani-community-soviet-union-russia-refugee-california-hollywood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oksana Marafioti shares her recollections</a> of how arriving in Los Angeles as a teenager led her to celebrate her Romani roots.

A Certain Kind of Education

In the fall of 2019, reporter Faith E. Pinho received a tip from Paulina Stevens. Paulina said she had grown up in an insular Romani community in California, where she was raised to be a wife, mother and fortuneteller — until she decided to break away. This opens the door to a story spanning multiple continents, hundreds of years and complex, even metaphysical, realities.Check out photos and more information about this episode. Read the episode transcript. Dive deeper: Our Romani cultural consultant's op-ed describing how her heritage fits into her own life.

In the fall of 2019, reporter Faith E. Pinho received a tip from Paulina Stevens. Paulina said she had grown up in an insular Romani community in California, where she was raised to be a wife, mother and fortuneteller — until she decided to break away. This opens the door to a story spanning multiple continents, hundreds of years and complex, even metaphysical, realities.Check out <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-04-11/foretold-podcast-fortunetelling-romani-american-g-word" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photos and more information</a> about this episode. Read <a href="https://www.latimes.com/podcasts/story/2023-04-11/foretold-episode-1-g-word-podcast-transcript-fortunetelling-romani-american" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the episode transcript</a>. Dive deeper: Our <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-04-08/international-romani-day-europe-roma-india-xenophobia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Romani cultural consultant's op-ed</a> describing how her heritage fits into her own life.

The G-Word

At 12 years old, Paulina Stevens could predict the course of her entire life. Growing up in a traditional Romani family, Paulina was destined to become a wife, mother and fortuneteller. Married at 17 and a mother by 19, Paulina settled into a predetermined life... until she decided to change the course of fate. "Foretold" is a gripping journey of self-discovery as Paulina navigates the consequences of her decision to leave her community and redefine her identity. Taking listeners beyond stereotypes and myths, “Foretold” explores the history and context of Romani culture, and Paulina’s place in it. Follow and listen to “Foretold” at latimes.com/foretold. Coming April 11th.

At 12 years old, Paulina Stevens could predict the course of her entire life. Growing up in a traditional Romani family, Paulina was destined to become a wife, mother and fortuneteller. Married at 17 and a mother by 19, Paulina settled into a predetermined life... until she decided to change the course of fate. "Foretold" is a gripping journey of self-discovery as Paulina navigates the consequences of her decision to leave her community and redefine her identity. Taking listeners beyond stereotypes and myths, “Foretold” explores the history and context of Romani culture, and Paulina’s place in it. Follow and listen to “Foretold” at <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/ForetoldLP " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">latimes.com/foretold</a>. Coming April 11th.

Introducing: Foretold

Paulina Stevens grew up in an insular Romani American family, destined to leave school, marry young, and become a fortuneteller. By 17, her fate was sealed — until she decided to leave it all behind. "Foretold" follows Paulina as she navigates the consequences of her decision to leave her community and redefine her identity. Hosted by Los Angeles Times reporter Faith Pinho, "Foretold" will take you past the neon "psychic" signs and trendy tarot cards to unravel myths and stereotypes that have followed the Romani people for centuries.

A conversation with actor Simu Liu about defying tropes as Marvel’s first Asian superhero, feeling empowered on the set of “Shang-Chi” after his experience with “Kim’s Convenience,” and the importance of being the “masters of our own narrative.” Guest photo by Miller Mobley.

A conversation with actor Simu Liu about defying tropes as Marvel’s first Asian superhero, feeling empowered on the set of “Shang-Chi” after his experience with “Kim’s Convenience,” and the importance of being the “masters of our own narrative.” Guest photo by Miller Mobley.

Asian Enough: Simu Liu

Maz Jobrani

A conversation with comedian and actor Maz Jobrani about centering his Iranian American identity in his standup, toeing the line with stereotypes onstage, and immigrating to California as a child when his family fled the Iranian Revolution. Guest photo by Storm Santos. 

A conversation with comedian and actor Maz Jobrani about centering his Iranian American identity in his standup, toeing the line with stereotypes onstage, and immigrating to California as a child when his family fled the Iranian Revolution. Guest photo by Storm Santos.

Asian Enough: Maz Jobrani

Leyna Bloom

A conversation with model, actor and dancer Leyna Bloom about making history as the first trans cover model for a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, embracing her Black and Filipina identity, and reconnecting with her mother — who was deported more than 20 years ago. Guest photo by Zenobia.

A conversation with model, actor and dancer Leyna Bloom about making history as the first trans cover model for a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, embracing her Black and Filipina identity, and reconnecting with her mother — who was deported more than 20 years ago. Guest photo by Zenobia.

Asian Enough: Leyna Bloom

Hari Kondabolu

A conversation with comedian and filmmaker Hari Kondabolu about taking on "The Simpsons" with his documentary “The Problem With Apu,” where he draws the line between activism and comedy, and why he’s cool with white people walking out of his shows. Guest photo by Rob Holysz.

A conversation with comedian and filmmaker <a href="https://twitter.com/harikondabolu?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hari Kondabolu</a> about taking on "The Simpsons" with his documentary “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGzvEqBvkP8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Problem With Apu</a>,” where he draws the line between activism and comedy, and why he’s cool with white people walking out of his shows. Guest photo by Rob Holysz.

Asian Enough: Hari Kondabolu

A conversation with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan of the Netflix comedy series “Never Have I Ever” about her Tamil Canadian identity, having Mindy Kaling as a boss and breaking ground by playing a flawed Asian American lead on TV. Guest photo by Yasara Gunawardena / Netflix.

A conversation with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan of the Netflix comedy series “Never Have I Ever” about her Tamil Canadian identity, having Mindy Kaling as a boss and breaking ground by playing a flawed Asian American lead on TV. Guest photo by Yasara Gunawardena / Netflix.

Asian Enough: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Lucy Liu

A conversation with Emmy-nominated actor Lucy Liu about fame, art, motherhood and standing up for herself on the set of "Charlie’s Angels." Guest photo by Sophy Holland.

A conversation with Emmy-nominated actor Lucy Liu about fame, art, motherhood and standing up for herself on the set of "Charlie’s Angels." Guest photo by Sophy Holland.

Asian Enough: Lucy Liu

Jenny Yang

A conversation with comedian and writer Jenny Yang about giving ourselves permission to create, her past life as a labor organizer and how growing up among other Asian Americans taught her she could do it all.

A conversation with comedian and writer Jenny Yang about giving ourselves permission to create, her past life as a labor organizer and how growing up among other Asian Americans taught her she could do it all.

Asian Enough: Jenny Yang

A conversation with chef and food media personality Sohla El-Waylly about cooking Bangladeshi food with her mom, appropriation vs appreciation and microaggressions in food media. Guest photo by Jingyu Lin. 

A conversation with chef and food media personality Sohla El-Waylly about cooking Bangladeshi food with her mom, appropriation vs appreciation and microaggressions in food media. Guest photo by Jingyu Lin.

Asian Enough: Sohla El-Waylly

John Cho

A conversation with actor John Cho about fatherhood, the complexities of fame and unpacking the stories our parents tell us.

A conversation with actor John Cho about fatherhood, the complexities of fame and unpacking the stories our parents tell us.

Asian Enough: John Cho

Nicole Chung

A conversation with writer Nicole Chung about challenging the narrative of her adoption story in her memoir “All You Can Ever Know,” processing grief and why it’s so hard to talk about racism. Guest photo by Erica Tappis.

A conversation with writer Nicole Chung about challenging the narrative of her adoption story in her memoir “All You Can Ever Know,” processing grief and why it’s so hard to talk about racism. Guest photo by Erica Tappis.

Asian Enough: Nicole Chung

Thank you for putting out quality content.

Thank you

Thanks for this series. It makes me feel validated, heard, and visible.

Resonates!

Foretold

Viet Thanh Nguyen

A conversation with novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen about cultural authenticity, inherited trauma and the “Crazy Rich Asians” effect.

A conversation with novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen about cultural authenticity, inherited trauma and the “Crazy Rich Asians” effect.

Asian Enough: Viet Thanh Nguyen

A conversation with L.A. Times health reporter Soumya Karlamangla about talking to your parents about coronavirus, the pandemic's impact on the Asian American community and the rise of COVID-19-related discrimination.

A conversation with L.A. Times health reporter Soumya Karlamangla about talking to your parents about coronavirus, the pandemic's impact on the Asian American community and the rise of COVID-19-related discrimination.

Asian Enough Bonus Episode: Coronavirus Update from Soumya Karlamangla

A conversation with rapper Dumbfoundead, a.k.a. Jonathan Park, about Asians in hip-hop, why he isn't more famous, and his family’s journey from South Korea to Argentina to Los Angeles.[Advertisement] Asian Enough is presented by "Little America," now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, in the TV app, on all iOS devices, and TV App supported devices.

A conversation with rapper Dumbfoundead, a.k.a. Jonathan Park, about Asians in hip-hop, why he isn't more famous, and his family’s journey from South Korea to Argentina to Los Angeles.[Advertisement] Asian Enough is presented by "Little America," now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, in the TV app, on all iOS devices, and TV App supported devices.

Asian Enough: Dumbfoundead

Niki Nakayama

A conversation with chef Niki Nakayama, owner of n/naka restaurant in L.A., about authenticity in food, creating the satirical menu for “Always Be My Maybe” and getting her grilled cheese sandwich fix in Japan.[Advertisement] Asian Enough is presented by "Little America," now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, in the TV app, on all iOS devices, and TV App supported devices.

A conversation with chef Niki Nakayama, owner of n/naka restaurant in L.A., about authenticity in food, creating the satirical menu for “Always Be My Maybe” and getting her grilled cheese sandwich fix in Japan.[Advertisement] Asian Enough is presented by "Little America," now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, in the TV app, on all iOS devices, and TV App supported devices.

Asian Enough: Niki Nakayama

Rabia Chaudry

A conversation with civil rights attorney Rabia Chaudry about race and the “Serial” podcast, defying cultural expectations, and defending Muslim Americans after 9/11.[Advertisement] Asian Enough is presented by "Little America," now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, in the TV app, on all iOS devices, and TV App supported devices.

A conversation with civil rights attorney Rabia Chaudry about race and the “Serial” podcast, defying cultural expectations, and defending Muslim Americans after 9/11.[Advertisement] Asian Enough is presented by "Little America," now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, in the TV app, on all iOS devices, and TV App supported devices.

Asian Enough: Rabia Chaudry

A conversation with chef and Food Network star Jet Tila about growing up in L.A.'s historic Bangkok Market, Thai food in America and driving jackfruit trees around Mexico with his dad.[Advertisement] Asian Enough is presented by "Little America," now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, in the TV app, on all iOS devices, and TV App supported devices.

A conversation with chef and Food Network star Jet Tila about growing up in L.A.'s historic Bangkok Market, Thai food in America and driving jackfruit trees around Mexico with his dad.[Advertisement] Asian Enough is presented by "Little America," now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, in the TV app, on all iOS devices, and TV App supported devices.

Asian Enough: Jet Tila

Mina Kimes

A conversation with ESPN sports journalist Mina Kimes about the Asian athletes Asian Americans love to root for, identifying as hapa, and why racist trolls don’t bother her.

A conversation with ESPN sports journalist Mina Kimes about the Asian athletes Asian Americans love to root for, identifying as hapa, and why racist trolls don’t bother her.

Asian Enough: Mina Kimes

Margaret Cho

A conversation with comedian Margaret Cho about race in comedy, growing up in a queer bookstore in San Francisco and that time her parents smoked weed.

A conversation with comedian Margaret Cho about race in comedy, growing up in a queer bookstore in San Francisco and that time her parents smoked weed.

Asian Enough: Margaret Cho

Lulu Wang

A conversation with director Lulu Wang about Asian American identity, fighting for an inclusive Hollywood, and an update on the family secret that inspired "The Farewell."

A conversation with director Lulu Wang about Asian American identity, fighting for an inclusive Hollywood, and an update on the family secret that inspired "The Farewell."

Asian Enough: Lulu Wang

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!