Hour 1 - Sergio Avedian, Senior Contributor at The Rideshare Guy, joins the Monks and Merrill Show to break down why Los Angeles International Airport is proposing steep rideshare fee increases that could make Uber and Lyft trips to and from the airport more expensive. The conversation also dives into major delays for the long-awaited LAX rail connection—now years behind schedule and potentially missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup timeline. Plus, lawmakers prepare transportation strategies for the 2028 Summer Olympics, including new OC transit plans and growing oversight questions at Los Angeles City Council surrounding LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman and reported ties to documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

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Hour 2 - Global bond markets are sliding as a spike in oil prices—driven by the escalating war in Iran—fuels fears that interest rate cuts could be delayed. Meanwhile in Southern California, drivers are seeing the immediate impact, with gas prices jumping about 50 cents in just a week. Veteran journalist Dan Walters joins the show to break down how much of California’s soaring gas prices stem from global turmoil versus state policy. We’ll also dig into the political fallout: Chevron warns of a potential economic collapse in California in a dire letter to Gavin Newsom, Republicans say Donald Trump could intervene in the state’s oil crisis, and California Democrats suddenly back away from a climate rule they supported just months ago amid fears the state’s energy market is nearing the brink.

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Hour 3 - The world of elite dining collides with labor controversy as the chef behind famed restaurant Noma responds to abuse allegations just ahead of an ultra-exclusive $1,500-a-ticket Los Angeles pop-up. Neil Saavedra joins the show to break down the backlash, the chef’s response, and why labor advocates say the controversy highlights deeper problems across the restaurant industry. Meanwhile, a major energy decision looms in L.A. as officials consider keeping the coastal Scattergood Generating Station running, testing the region’s clean-energy goals in the era of Donald Trump. We’ll also look at whether hydrogen—often touted as a cleaner fuel because it produces water vapor instead of carbon dioxide—could play a role in California’s energy future. 

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Hour 1 - Santa Ana winds tear through Southern California, sparking fires in the canyons and even knocking a tree onto railroad tracks in Anaheim. The Monks and Merrill Show brings in TikTok’s Weather Daddy, Jason Farhang, who breaks down the science behind the powerful wind events and the extreme weather patterns driving them. Meanwhile, street takeovers continue to plague the region as a mob storms a Downtown LA apartment lobby and clashes with staff, raising new questions about enforcement and the latest LA County Street Takeover Reduction Plan. And in a lighter moment, Merrill shares the painfully hilarious story of showing up to Gary and Shannon’s 10-Year Anniversary Party—only to discover his name was definitely not on the list.

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Hour 2 - Monks and Merrill examine what shifting economic signals could mean for Southern California with insights from a leading, unbiased economic forecasting organization that has analyzed global, national, state, and local economies for more than 70 years. The conversation turns to major retail shakeups as Saks Fifth Avenue announces closures in Orange County and Palm Desert, while Neiman Marcus prepares to shut down its Canoga Park location—raising questions about the future of high-end brick-and-mortar shopping. Monks and Merrill also respond to listener talkbacks before diving into a deeper debate about transportation: adding up what urban highways really cost and weighing the pros and cons of Southern California’s freeway system—from economic impact and mobility to congestion, pollution, and urban development. 

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Hour 3 - Monks and Merrill dig into a growing debate at Los Angeles City Council over whether officers with the Los Angeles Police Department should stop using minor traffic violations as a reason to investigate other potential crimes—commonly known as “pretextual stops.” The discussion comes as city leaders consider whether the Los Angeles Police Commission will support changes to the practice. Monks and Merrill explore the High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Toolkit, how traffic enforcement strategies are used to deter crime, and what has happened in other cities and states that have scaled back low-level traffic stops. The conversation weighs the competing arguments over public safety, civil liberties, and the real-world impact of changing how police approach routine traffic enforcement. Plus, President trump talks U.S.-Israel-led Iran war enters second week 

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Saturdays Hour 1 - In this episode, Monks and Merrill dive into the rising cost of home insurance in California. They discuss how the state's wildfires have led to skyrocketing insurance rates, with some homeowners facing bills of up to $44,000 a year. The hosts talk to Lorraine Crawford, a homeowner in Agoura Hills, who shares her story of struggling to afford her insurance and considering downsizing. They also explore the impact of these rising costs on the state's housing market and the potential consequences for homeowners.

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Saturdays Hour 2 - In this episode, Monks and Merrill dive into two pressing issues in Los Angeles. First, they discuss the city's homeless industrial complex, specifically the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LASA), with Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. She shares her concerns about the agency's effectiveness and the need for greater accountability. The conversation also touches on the city's handling of homelessness and the proposed solutions. Later, Monks shares his thoughts on the high-speed rail project, which has been plagued by delays and budget overruns, and questions the latest plan to save $100 billion.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (03/06) - Southern California drivers are feeling the global fallout at the pump, with gas prices jumping at least 30 cents per gallon since the start of the Iran war. As former President Donald Trump declares the only acceptable outcome is Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” Americans appear far less unified at home—new polls show skepticism about the U.S. strikes. Historically, presidents often benefit from a short-term “rally around the flag” boost in approval during military conflicts, but it’s unclear whether that effect will take hold this time as economic concerns—especially rising gas prices—hit close to home.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (03/06) - Monks and Merrill look at major developments shaping Los Angeles—from recovery after the Altadena fire to the battle over historic preservation. Guest Adrian Scott Fine, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Conservancy, joins to discuss the impact of the Altadena fire and what it means for protecting historic communities. Meanwhile, Monks and Merrill provide an update on the push to demolish the controversial Barry Building. Plus, a shocking federal case alleges an 18th Street gang leader known as “Moms” ran operations for her imprisoned Mexican Mafia husband—sparking a deeper look at the violent rise and fall of the Los Angeles Mafia.

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