Inside the Issues: The Podcast

Edina Leković of the Islamic Center of Southern California says “no two Ramadans are the same.” That rings especially true this year, as Muslims around the world face a different kind of Ramadan amid the pandemic.

On this week's episode of SoCal in 17, host Alex Cohen speaks with Leković to see how the local Muslim community is observing Ramadan differently this year and if that means skipping fasting or not hosting crowded iftar meals.

Alex also gives an update on Sarah and Coco’s virtual wedding, which included a lot of robot dances and face mask kisses. Producer Esther Lee also chimes in about her faith and how her church has been meeting online.

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Sarah Shewey and Colin Ho are tying the knot this week, and Alex had a chance to speak with the couple before their virtual ceremony. With over a thousand weddings under her belt, wedding planner Sarah has several ideas for the ceremony, including dinner kits and backdrops for the guests. Later, producer Esther Lee shares her own wedding plans (or lack thereof).  

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

Sarah and Coco’s Save the Date Video: https://twitter.com/pinkcloud/status/1247980535273545728?s=20

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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Actor Edward James Olmos’ Latino Film Institute launched live script reading sessions where cast members from shows like “Vida” and “Gentefied” perform scripts written by students. With film production coming to a halt due to the coronavirus, Olmos says he felt it was his “responsibility to do something to support.” Alex Cohen speaks with Olmos about these efforts and what his daily quarantine routine has been like. Later, Alex and producer Esther Lee share their recent vivid coronavirus dreams.

 

Mentioned in episode:

-SoCal in 17 Spectrum website 

-Alex's twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

-idreamofcovid.com

-latinofilm.org

-youthcinemaproject.org

 

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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On the very first episode of “SoCal in 17”, Alex Cohen followed the story of Carl and Jeri Goldman, a Santa Clarita couple quarantined aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship. For weeks, the couple chronicled their journey online, including Carl’s quarantine experience after testing positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, both are now safely back home. Alex caught up with Jeri Goldman to talk about her experience and how it has been adjusting to life and work after quarantine. Later, producer Esther Lee shares an haiku about her engagement experience.  

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

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Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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In this bonus episode, Alex Cohen speaks to L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and the latest city efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mayor Garcetti admits he’s had to make some really tough decisions, but says he’s “heavy of heart, but clear of mind.” Also in this episode, Mayor Garcetti answers questions submitted by our listeners.

 

IN THIS EPISODE

https://laprotects.org

https://greenbardistillery.com

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

 

GET IN TOUCH

Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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Alex speaks to "Contagion" writer Scott Burns about why he wrote a movie about a pandemic. He shares what he's learned about pandemics in the process of researching the movie and opens up about COVID-19. He reveals that he is not surprised about the fact that this is happening today and that the experts told him it's not a matter of "if," but "when."

Also in the episode, Alex and Esther discuss their guilty stay-at-home viewing pleasures. Hint: it has something to do with cats. 

 

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

 

GET IN TOUCH

Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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This week, Alex Cohen welcomes Rep. Adam Schiff to the podcast to discuss the historic $2 trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package and some of the behind-the-scenes work it took to get it done. Rep. Schiff also weighs in on President Trump's response to the crisis and the challenges of potentially ending social distancing measures by Easter. He also opens up about the pandemic and the situation the state is in today.

 

IN THIS EPISODE

Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla

 

GET IN TOUCH

Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

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On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17

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A few weeks ago, a young Chinese American entrepreneur from Pasadena went to a local nail salon to get a manicure and what happened next led to her writing a New York Times column. Alex Cohen talks with Celine Tien about her racist encounter and the dangerous impact of associating the coronavirus with a particular group of people.

 

Also in the episode, Alex speaks with Dr. Neil Schierholz, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Angeles Psychology Group. He talks about how to keep mentally healthy and how to cope with anxiety, fear, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

IN THIS EPISODE

• Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla
• Tucker Nichols Instagram

 

GET IN TOUCH

Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

• SoCal in 17 Page  
• On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17
• Call (424) 209-8764 and leave us a voicemail!

 

The World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Host Alex Cohen shares how COVID-19 is affecting members of her family and life in Los Angeles. 

Later, Alex speaks with someone who paved an unknown road—Representative Yvonne Brathwaite Burke. In 1972, she became the first black woman from California elected to the House and the first member of congress to give birth. Rep. Burke joins the podcast with her daughter, Assemblymember Autumn Burke, who remembers seeing her mom's picture in her school textbook.

Lastly, producer Esther Lee gives her take on the coronavirus outbreak and a xenophobic encounter she had in Mexico.

 

IN THIS EPISODE

- Alex's Twitter handle: @alexcoheninla
- Washyourlyrics.com

 

GET IN TOUCH

Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

SoCal in 17 Page  

On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17

Call (424) 209-8764 and leave us a voicemail!

L.A.’s new voting system was finally put to the test, and things did not go too smoothly for some. Computer glitches led to voters waiting hours in line. KFI AM’s Mo’Kelly and Naomi Seligman, former director of communications for Mayor Eric Garcetti, discuss lessons learned from election day, how gender plays a role in the presidential race, and L.A. County DA Jackie Lacey’s husband’s run-in with a protester. Last but not least, a haiku about pizza at a voting center.

About that news haiku: each week on the podcast, Alex Cohen and producer Esther Lee turn a news story into 17-syllable poetry. Check out the latest haikus and help them decide who is the better poet.

GET IN TOUCH

Have an idea for our "News in Haikus" segment, or just want to ask Alex a question? There are three ways to get in touch:

SoCal in 17 Page  

On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17

Call (424) 209-8764 and leave us a voicemail!