Alta Magazine Podcast

In this Alta Podcast, food writer Tamara Palmer makes it clear that when it comes to cuisine, LA is killing it right now. Meanwhile, longtime critic Michael Bauer defends San Francisco's culinary honor. 

In this Alta Podcast, Cathy Cassady and journalist David Ulin discuss the famous letter Cathy's dad, Neal Cassady, wrote author Jack Kerouac, its impact on American literature, Neal Cassady’s major role in the Beat Generation and the little-known but vital work of author Carolyn Cassady.

Miriam Pawel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, historian and author of several books, including the newly released “The Browns of California,” sits down with University of Southern California professor and historian Bill Deverell to discuss the political dynasty of former California governor Pat Brown, his son, Governor Jerry Brown, and the story of California through one extraordinary family.

Longtime Newsweek film critic and current lead programmer of the Palm Springs International Film Festival David Ansen explains exactly why he's never really liked the "Star Wars" franchise, details the backlash his "Star Wars" reviews have received and talks about the ever-changing world of film. 

"The California Field Atlas" author and artist Obi Kaufmann discusses his creative process, his plans for future work and why he's really not wild about being compared to John Muir. 

Alta contributor Shane Downing takes us into the battle to create an LGBTQ museum, explains the pros and cons of having such a museum in San Francisco versus elsewhere in the country and details the forces behind the movement. 

Blaise Zerega reports on Vi, a new in-ear AI device that encourages the user throughout a workout, monitors body data and offers fitness advice in much the same a human trainer would — without the weekly cost. Zerega also explains how a new pill can actually mimic the physical effects of exercise without requiring the user to move a muscle. 

Journalists Patrick Michels and Eric Sagara of Reveal/The Center for Investigative Reporting take us onto their research for their "Sonoma's Burning Problem" story, explain exactly why some geographic areas are more susceptible to fires than others and reveal how their work on this story changed the way they see fire safety in their own homes.

Emergency preparedness expert Janelle Fazackerly details exactly what's missing from most survival kits on the market and advises listeners on how to supplement their kits to best support their families when "The Big One" inevitably hits.