A leaked conversation between three Los Angeles City Council members and a top labor leader that included racist remarks has roiled City Hall. “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani dive headfirst into the scandal and fallout.

In the official companion podcast to her nightly show, "Inside The Issues,” Spectrum News 1 political anchor Alex Cohen brings listeners inside the world of SoCal politics. From the personalities to the races and what goes on behind closed doors, Alex and political science professor Sara Sadhwani cover it all. Join every Thursday for a spirited discussion that's as informative as it is fun.

This week, it came out that billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who is trying to become the next mayor of Los Angeles, has already spent more than $60 million in the race against Rep. Karen Bass. “Inside the Issues: The Podcast” hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down how the candidates are spending the money.

On the debut episode of the new "Inside the Issues: The Podcast," hosts Alex Cohen and Sara Sadhwani break down a contentious county supervisor race and discuss the ramifications of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade back in June, which has become a hot topic this election season.

In the official companion podcast to her nightly show, "Inside The Issues”, Spectrum News 1 political anchor Alex Cohen brings listeners inside the world of SoCal politics. From the personalities, to the races and what goes on behind closed doors, Alex and political science professor Sara Sadhwani cover it all. Join every Thursday for a spirited discussion that's as informative as it is fun.

Former Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna has picked up the endorsement of all five Los Angeles County supervisors and all the other candidates for sheriff he defeated in the primary. He joins us this week to talk about why he got into law enforcement and what he would do about alleged deputy gangs if elected. Plus, a special announcement from the SoCal in 17 team.

Get in Touch

Want to ask Alex a question?

• Visit the SoCal in 17 page
• On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @alexcoheninla

In this Episode

• • Find Robert Luna on Twitter: @lunaforsheriff

As Southern California faces blistering heat, we're joined by Los Angeles Chief Heat Officer Marta Segura, who is one of just three in the country. Segura opens up about how her parents' struggle with heat-related illness informed her approach to this new and critical role, and she shares her vision for the job. Plus, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger on why we cannot let ourselves think this week was just a weird, warm fluke.

As classes resume at the University of Southern California, we are joined by professor Manuel Pastor, who teaches a course called “Los Angeles and the American Dream.” He shares how LA holds a special place in the American narrative — a land of great opportunity but also great disparity.

We then speak with Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, about how his upbringing in the Coachella Valley has influenced his strategy on conservation.

Get in Touch

Want to ask Alex a question?

• Visit the SoCal in 17 page
• On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @alexcoheninla

In this Episode

• Find Manuel Pastor on Twitter: @Prof_MPastor
• Find Joaquin Esquivel on Twitter: @ejesquivel @CaWaterBoards
• Course Syllabus

This week, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is back with us to discuss why he has not shown up at recent hearings of the LA County Civilian Oversight Commission investigating deputy gangs. He also shares his thoughts about the approved measure that will allow voters to decide whether the LA County Board of Supervisors can remove a sheriff. Then, Inspector General Max Huntsman offers his take on the sheriff's behavior and what has been happening within the department for decades.

Want to ask Alex a question?

• Visit the SoCal in 17 page
• On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @alexcoheninla

Show Notes:

Sheriff Alex Villanueva @lacosheriff LA County Civilian Oversight Commission @LACountyCOC

This is an encore episode. To listen to the original episode from Feb. 18, 2022, click here.

What would California look like if we eliminated poverty? According to former Stockton mayor Michael Tubbs, that's no science fiction plot but rather a plausible version of our future. Tubbs recently launched a new initiative called End Poverty in California. He joins us to explain his EPIC vision and how important personal narratives are when it comes to understanding the lives of poor people.

Want to ask Alex a question?

• Visit the SoCal in 17 page
• On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @alexcoheninla

• Visit the EPIC website
• Find EPIC on Twitter @EndPovertyCA

This is an encore episode. To listen to the original podcast from Dec. 17, 2021, click here.

Republicans talk in headlines, Democrats speak in fine print, so how can those on the Left do a better job of messaging?

Last December, Ben Meiselas, host of "The MeidasTouch" podcast, joined us to talk about creating an effective political message and why many Democrats are lousy at it.

Plus, Rep. Katie Porter shared her approach for selling the American public on the Build Back Better Act. 

Get in Touch

Want to ask Alex a question?

• Visit the SoCal in 17 page
• On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @alexcoheninla

In this Episode

• Watch Rep. Katie Porter break down the Build Back Better Act
• Watch the Let’s Go Brandon video