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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Monks and Merrill Hour 3 (03/06) - Lawmakers are pushing a proposal that could make a version of Daylight Saving Time permanent—reviving debate over why Californians approved California Proposition 7 (2018) but still change their clocks twice a year. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles City Council is weighing a resolution raising concerns about Casey Wasserman, head of the LA28 Organizing Committee, and reported ties to documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, media shakeups continue as David Ellison says CNN will operate independently as Paramount Global moves to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, promising a renewed focus on being “in the truth business.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (03/05) - Pop star Britney Spears is reportedly arrested for DUI in California, while global tensions rise as North Atlantic Treaty Organization leaders say they will not trigger NATO Article 5 after a missile tied to the Iran conflict entered Turkey airspace and was shot down. We’re joined by Orange County–based activist Roya Javaherchi of the Mahsa Army to discuss growing support among the Iranian diaspora in the U.S. for regime change in Tehran. Kristi Noem is reportedly fired, sending shockwaves through the political world. Turmoil hits the California Democratic Party as party leaders warn the crowded governor’s race could hand victory to the GOP if candidates don’t drop out.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (03/05) - Major decisions shaping Los Angeles take center stage. A new report warns the city’s hotel industry could feel the impact of the minimum wage ordinance, while Los Angeles County officials urge Santa Catalina Island to sterilize its mule deer population rather than eradicate them. We also break down the potential ripple effects of Paramount Skydance’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, and a newly approved package by the Los Angeles City Council aimed at strengthening the region’s film industry.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 3 (03/05) - Tensions are rising at Los Angeles City Council as city leaders consider pulling roughly $300 million in homelessness funding from Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority amid mounting frustration over oversight and results. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez has been particularly outspoken, questioning whether the current system is delivering meaningful progress. She joins the Monks & Merrill Show to discuss accountability, potential reforms, and what changes could be coming to how Los Angeles manages its homelessness programs.

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Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (03/04) - The hosts break down the Supreme Court siding with parents over “no secret genders” policies and the growing debate around medical privacy for transgender residents. They also dive into the sudden departure of Janisse Quiñones from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, a shocking case involving a 17-year-old allegedly building chemical weapons in his Irvine garage, and the escalating fight over AI vs. human workers as cities consider self-checkout staffing mandates. Machines or humans — and who really pays the price?

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Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (03/04) - Monks and Merrill Show, guest Rebecca Zandovskis, Senior Director of Business Development at Genesis Builders, shares how the company’s fixed-price Altadena homes — starting under $700K — are being put to the test as the community rebuilds. After losing her own home in the Altadena fire, Zandovskis discusses the emotional and financial realities of recovery, including $3.8 million in funding tied to the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. Plus, the Los Angeles City Council weighs historic landmark status for the iconic The Brady Bunch house, open-air “mall parks” surge in popularity across Southern California, and the future of Moreno Valley Mall hangs in the balance after a health and safety shutdown.

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