Enthusiastically Los Angeles

Glenn Gritzner

How did Downtown Los Angeles go from a glorified office park to being the "coolest Downtown in America" (at least according to GQ Magazine)? Who made it happen? What makes them tick? What are their stories? Your favorite Amateur Enthusiast interviews the dreamers, makers, movers, and shakers who made it happen - and continue to move it forward. From the famous to the infamous, the well known to the unknown, we all have one thing in common: a passion for Los Angeles. And we have our share of laughs along the way, too.

  1. 01/17/2022

    Cedd Moses/Pedro Shanahan

    Cedd Moses has been many things, from horse track better to financial advisor to bar owner to, really, the creator of modern nightlife in Downtown Los Angeles.  Now he can add one more title to his resume: author.  Cedd has written a love letter to bars and bartenders, and he gave it the same title as his company: Pouring with Heart.  Yes, Cedd is a repeat guest, but his first episode was really his story - this episode is more focused on his team and his service philosophy (and, of course, the book), and we're joined by Pedro Shanahan, who is the "spirit guide" for Cedd's bar group and also the voice for the audiobook version of Pouring with Heart.   But if you're reading this and thinking "nah, I don't need to listen to a podcast episode about a book on bars and bartenders", take a look at that title.  Because the book - and this conversation - is only about bars and bartenders on the surface: we talk just as much if not more about  compassion and empathy and community and the nobility of service and, well ... heart.  Oh, speaking of which, all the proceeds from the book go to a fund to help bartenders in need, so the simple act of buying it offers a little bit of heart to someone else.  I hope you'll check it out - and I hope you'll check out the book!

  2. 08/30/2020

    Antonio Villaraigosa Part 2

    Has anybody lived a more quintessentially Los Angeles life than former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa? In part 1 of this episode, we learned about Antonio's unlikely journey from high school dropout to elected official, just beginning his path towards leadership and power.  This second half dives deeply into his political career. Hear how he almost unexpectedly ran for Speaker, getting his votes in 10 days time.  Hear how Willie Brown continued to advise and guide him on his journey.  Hear how he decided to run for Mayor the first time ... and what it feels like to lose a race like that.  And how his entire team of advisors unanimously advised against him running the second time ... when he won. This is a long episode because it took many interviews to cover it all.  But political junkies - or anyone who wonders how politics really works - it doesn't get better than this.

  3. 08/30/2020

    Antonio Villaraigosa Part 1

    Has anyone lived a more quintessentially Los Angeles life than Antonio Villaraigosa?  From high school dropout to labor leader to, eventually, Speaker of the California State Assembly and Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio's journey is both unlikely and fascinating. You may be somewhat familiar with his story, but you've never heard him tell it like this.  Take a deep dive into his rough and tumble childhood, his close relationship with his mother, a very important relationship with his high school mentor, and how he almost stumbled into life as an elected official. This is part 1 of a two part episode - the more personal part.  Intimate and unexpected, you'll learn things you didn't know about one of this city's most iconic figures.

  4. 08/18/2020

    Carol Schatz

    The 24/7 Downtown Los Angeles we know now didn't happen by accident.  And it didn't happen without a lot of hard work.  And one of the hardest workers and most consequential leaders who helped make that happen was Carol Schatz - now widely recognized as the unofficial "Queen of Downtown".  As the longtime head of the Central City Association, Carol helped make sure that Staples Center actually faced *towards* Downtown. She helped pass the policies that allowed for the conversion of older buildings to condos and apartments.  She even fought for real nightlife options (putting the "24" in 24/7).  For all that and more, Carol is arguably on the Mount Rushmore of the new Downtown LA. But for everything people know about Carol, there's a lot that they probably don't.  Like the fact that she majored in "Revolution" at UC Berkeley.  Or that she was smack in the middle of the savings and loan crisis of the 80s.  Or that she was actually passed over for the CEO role at CCA two times - because nobody could imagine giving it to a woman - before finally getting the job, with an assist from Mayor Riordan. How did Downtown happen?  Listen to this episode to find out.

  5. 07/26/2020

    Dave Whitton

    You have probably not heard of Dave Whitton.  But if you've been to Seven Grand ... Villains Tavern ... One Eyed Gypsy ... or, now, PrankBar, you have been subject to his hospitality. Why did I ask him to be interviewed?  Because he has made a journey that is less common than you might expect - from bartender to bar owner.  And also, because he's funny and a great interview. He started out like so many others - moving to LA to chase the dream.  And, even while making his way up the LA cocktail food chain, he continued to play in a band (the Eggshell Egoz - perhaps perfect for people in his profession...).  But, also like so many others, he ended up tending bar to make some money on the side.  And it turns out that not only was he really good at that, but he had a knack for the business side of things too.  So, after stints at Golden Gopher and Seven Grand (and being mentored by ELA podcast guest Cedd Moses), he got into the ownership game when he helped open Villains Tavern.  Then, finally, he opened his own place - PrankBar, his "indoor/outdoor bar" in South Park, just up the street from Staples Center. So, we'll hear about that journey - which included early stops at places like Howl at the Moon and Islands (what? Yep.).  The trials and tribulations of deciding to open your own business.  How it's going now.  What keeps him up at night.  And we'll do it all while laughing a lot inside an ADA lift/photo booth at Prank....

  6. 05/26/2020

    Linda Dishman

    Los Angeles used to have a reputation as a city that not only didn't care about its past, but hardly realized it even had a past.  One of the biggest reasons that has changed is the advocacy and the effectiveness of the Los Angeles Conservancy.  And the woman who has headed that organization for over 25 years is Linda Dishman. How does someone become interested - and make a career in - historic preservation?  What's it like to take on the mighty Los Angeles Archdiocese ... and win?  And after so much success saving so many historic buildings ... what's next?  (Hint: the 70s are now 50 years old) Take a deep dive into some of the Conservancy's biggest fights, and hear why historic preservation goes far beyond any 4 walls.  And how it might even include a rotating foot sign.

  7. 05/15/2020

    Paul Audley

    Film LA might be one of the most important agencies you've never heard of. Why?  Because nearly everything that gets filmed in Los Angeles has to be approved and permitted by them.   Heard anything about "runaway production" (ie, the economic loss from filming that happens in other states)?  It's partly Film LA's job to fix that by making it easier and simpler to film here. Helicopters flying under freeway overpasses?  Cars racing in the LA River?  Creating a train wreck in Downtown Los Angeles?  All facilitated and figured out and permitted and managed by Film LA.   But this isn't just a podcast about what it's like to be charge of film permitting in Los Angeles (though that would certainly be interesting enough).  It's also Paul's story - and it's not one you'd probably expect.  To wit: before taking this job, he had had never worked in entertainment, never worked in filming, and never been to Los Angeles.  How the heck did that happen?  Take a listen and find out.

  8. 05/01/2020

    Billie Greer

    Billie Greer is many things.  Pioneering female business leader.  Courageous risk taker.  Unmatched communications and public affairs professional.  And now?  "80 year old millennial", as she calls herself, living in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. We'll hear how she evolved from the traditional midcentury career woman "schoolteacher" path to one of the most respected civic leaders in Los Angeles.  How sitting in a Palmdale Planning Commission meeting at midnight inspired her to start her own business (because why wouldn't it?).  How she ended up working in the Schwarzenegger administration as a lifelong Democrat.  And ... how she ended up riding into her 75th birthday party on a Harley Davidson. Billie's been on quite a ride ... let's join her.

See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

How did Downtown Los Angeles go from a glorified office park to being the "coolest Downtown in America" (at least according to GQ Magazine)? Who made it happen? What makes them tick? What are their stories? Your favorite Amateur Enthusiast interviews the dreamers, makers, movers, and shakers who made it happen - and continue to move it forward. From the famous to the infamous, the well known to the unknown, we all have one thing in common: a passion for Los Angeles. And we have our share of laughs along the way, too.

Information

  • Creator
    Glenn Gritzner
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2022
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Enthusiastically Los Angeles
  • Show Website
    Enthusiastically Los Angeles