I gave it 30 episodes and the amount of times I cringed gave me both a heartache and headache because process and content are problematic. As a 3rd generation native Angeleno I love LA so I generally root for anything that promotes the wonders LA has to offer but this podcast is everything natives hate; it’s really an influencers guide to LA social media hotspots and emphasizes every stereotype about LA. For example, they mention going to the Hollywood sign more times than I can count, something natives aren’t too interested in. Neighborhoods like San Pedro and DTLA are discussed adoringly but there is also an underlying judgment and racism that is clear (BTW - Roy Choi, David Cho, and David Chang are different people! And “transvestite”? yikes!). The “experts” that are brought on are literally the podcasters friends and family and they’re “experts” because they’ve lived in these areas for a few years, not because they’re people that have really studied the city’s history. Many guests didn’t really have an understanding for the cultural history or significance of these neighborhoods and many of these episodes spend 10-15 minutes discussing the guests, many of which are not natives, personal lives which is irrelevant to the podcast. How can you call yourself an expert on LA and not know about May Grey/June Gloom??? When they do focus on relevant content it’s very repetitive covering many of the same places that are tourist/transplant centric and a very white, cisgender, privileged guide to LA. If you want to know where influencers are going for The Gram it might appeal to you but if you’re looking to really get to know the city and appreciate it’s culture, this is not it. Also, please stop comparing LA to NYC. Angelinos love LA because it’s NOT NYC.
