Hour 1 - Concerned advocates say Los Angeles officials still haven’t reviewed a critical plan addressing homelessness and human trafficking tied to the upcoming Olympics. On the Monks and Merrill Show, Stephanie Richard of Loyola Law School discusses a coalition of 50 leaders and organizations calling on the LA City Council to release human rights protections for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Meanwhile, political pressure intensifies as the council urges an investigation into LA28 chair Casey Wasserman, Mayor Karen Bass calls for his resignation, and the LA28 CEO publicly backs the embattled leader.

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Hour 2 - Controversy surrounds an upcoming gubernatorial debate hosted by USC and ABC7 after critics point out the absence of candidates of color. The conversation also looks at Antonio Villaraigosa’s latest political setback, new insights from the PPIC survey on Californians’ views of government, and the growing influence of Los Angeles County’s powerful chief executive role. Plus, the city prepares cooling centers for extreme heat while Rick Caruso explains why he’s stepping away from another political run to focus on family.

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Hour 3 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they discuss the financial struggles of the City of Los Angeles. City Controller Kenneth Mejia joins the show to break down the city's $200 million budget deficit and the potential consequences of overspending. They explore the city's plan to increase revenue through hotel taxes and taxing unlicensed cannabis businesses, sparking a debate about the effectiveness of these measures. The conversation also touches on the city's financial mismanagement and the impact on its residents.

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Saturday Hour 1 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they discuss the concept of hard work and its perception in Los Angeles. They dive into a WalletHub study that ranked the city's work ethic, sparking a conversation about what it means to be a hard worker. Monks shares his personal experience of moving to LA and the city's indifferent attitude towards its residents. The hosts also discuss the decline of department stores and the impact of luxury brands moving online.

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Saturday Hour 2 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they explore the intersection of technology and responsibility. They discuss how companies are using data collected from apps like Pokémon Go to create visual positioning systems, which are being used in automated systems like delivery robots. The hosts question whether we're volunteering for self-surveillance and what the consequences are. They also delve into a case in Orange County where a father is charged with child endangerment for modifying an e-bike to go 60 miles per hour, and talk to Orange County DA about the case and the need for regulations on e-bikes.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (03/13) - Rachel Frazin of The Hill joins Monks and Merrill to unpack the White House’s push to ease shipping rules in an effort to lower fuel prices, rising fears of a global food shock, and the decision by the Trump Administration to allow Russian oil sales amid soaring energy costs. The fellas also tackle major local headlines—from near-record February cargo at the Port of Los Angeles and a federal effort to tame fuel prices through shipping changes, to LAPD boosting patrols in Downtown L.A. following a violent street takeover. Plus, new concerns over the city’s finances after the Los Angeles City Controller reports Los Angeles could be $200 million over budget.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (03/13) - Monks and Merrill, the fallout continues after a violent street takeover near Circa in Downtown L.A., as Councilmember Ysabel Jurado pushes the Los Angeles Department of Transportation to study street-calming measures in the area. The fellas also dive into a new Los Angeles City Council study examining homeowner trends across Los Angeles County and why corporate landlords aren’t always the big firms people expect—often hidden behind LLC structures. Plus, science meets everyday life: a new study suggests difficult people may accelerate aging, and guest Natasha A. Mesiakovska of the UC Irvine School of Medicine joins the show to explain why hair turns gray—and what you might be able to do about it.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 3 (03/13) - A new survey shows nearly half of California teachers are considering leaving the profession, raising concerns about the future of classrooms across the state. Monks and Merrill break down what’s driving the burnout and what it means for students. Guest Dr. Isha calls in to talk about “bubble-wrapped kids” and why many teachers say students are struggling with everyday independence. The fellas also dive into new early-grade academic data from NWEA showing younger students’ reading scores still lagging after pandemic disruptions—plus they react to listener Talkbacks.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (03/12) - An Orange County father is facing child endangerment charges after his teen crashed a 60-mph e-bike, sparking a larger conversation about e-bike safety, accountability, and the role of parents. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer joins the show to discuss the case and the growing concerns around powerful e-bikes and young riders. Later, Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court breaks down why Californians are paying about $2 more per gallon than the national average and outlines five ways the state could lower gas prices as drivers continue to feel the squeeze at the pump.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (03/12) - Newport-Mesa schools are considering banning most student e-bike use after growing safety concerns, highlighting a broader debate about how cities and schools should regulate the fast-growing trend. At the same time, California officials are cracking down on a $20 million luxury car tax scheme known as the “Montana Loophole,” where buyers allegedly avoided state taxes by registering high-end vehicles out of state. And as new car prices continue to soar, many Americans say they’re struggling just to afford the basics—raising bigger questions about the cost of living and financial pressure facing households today.

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