The Index PodcastHosts: Frank Girardot and J. Brian CharlesRuntime: ~1:40:21Posted: October 28, 2026 (Substack: truecrimearea51.substack.com/p/the-index-podcast) Frank Girardot and J. Brian Charles cover the week’s media ethics fight in Los Angeles, college football’s NIL and draft-age economics, athlete financial pitfalls, and a preview of their upcoming live election-night coverage. Opening: Walter Koenig, Star Trek, and Representation (~0:00–5:40) The hosts open with a casual discussion of Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekhov) turning 90. They note he was cast partly to give the show a younger, more Beatles/Monkees-like appeal, discuss Gene Roddenberry-era casting stories, and touch on the show’s Cold War framing (Romulans as stand-ins for China, Klingons for Russians) and progressive representation (George Takei as Sulu, Nichelle Nichols as Uhura in a non-domestic role). LA Media Landscape and the LA Taco / Memo Torres Story (~5:40 onward) The main segment focuses on the resignation of Memo Torres, a reporter at LA Taco, following reporting by LA Material about his involvement with California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and questions of influence on coverage. Key points discussed: Independent and neighborhood-focused outlets (LA Taco, Boyle Heights Beat, etc.) are filling gaps left by traditional media in covering Los Angeles, particularly ICE activity and Latino communities. LA Taco’s roots as a street-level food/culture site that evolved into immigration and community reporting. The line between journalism and advocacy: Torres and LA Taco faced scrutiny over source relationships and potential political influence. Broader ethics discussion: hard rules against romantic relationships with sources; the difference between informing the public and activism; how politicians routinely try to leverage reporters; and whether outlets that openly identify as advocacy-oriented should be held to traditional news standards. Context on LA as an atomized city of neighborhoods and specialized outlets rather than a single dominant narrative. College Football, NIL, Draft Age, and Player Economics (~1:05+) The conversation shifts to college football economics and player development: NIL money is changing incentives—players at certain positions (e.g., defensive tackle examples) may stay an extra year to improve draft stock rather than leave early. Concerns about draft age (QBs in their mid-20s being viewed as “old”), wear-and-tear, scheme habits, and parallels to NBA prospect evaluation. High-profile injuries (concussions) and the long-term risk calculation of staying in college versus turning pro. Financial aftermath for pro athletes: discussion of customized luxury homes that are hard to resell, players who have faced bankruptcy or major losses (e.g., Paul Pierce references), gambling issues in the NBA, and the pressure of supporting extended family. Election Night Preview and Closing Notes (~1:35+) The hosts announce a special live episode on Tuesday, November 3 covering election results, starting around East Coast poll closings and continuing through the West Coast. They plan traditional “newsroom pizza night” vibes, special guests, and straightforward reporting without the usual TV “results coming up” delays. They also promote: Returning for regular post-election coverage on Wednesday. J. Brian Charles’s Track Changes Substack (shifting to roughly every two weeks while he works on larger projects). Area 51 content, including ongoing true-crime reporting (e.g., the Mark Achille case series) and Sarah Girardot’s work on unsolved Los Angeles County homicides. Listen / Watch: Available on the Substack post and typically mirrored on the True Crime | Area 51 YouTube channel. Get full access to Area 51 at truecrimearea51.substack.com/subscribe
