NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING

In this episode, Ruth and Elliot Handler are gone, and the new Mattel team, led by a man who feared the volatility of the toy business, diversified the company and made a big gamble on electronics. It didn’t work. Fortunately, Barbie ends up in the sure hands of some trailblazing women executives, who could see that the culture was moving in a direction very compatible with Barbie’s persona. From the workforce to the workout, Barbie was a doll of her times.

This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes". 

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

In this episode, Ruth and Elliot Handler are gone, and the new Mattel team, led by a man who feared the volatility of the toy business, diversified the company and made a big gamble on electronics. It didn’t work. Fortunately, Barbie ends up in the sure hands of some trailblazing women executives, who could see that the culture was moving in a direction very compatible with Barbie’s persona. From the workforce to the workout, Barbie was a doll of her times.

This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes". 

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

In episode two of LA Made: The Barbie Tapes, for Barbie, the cultural upheaval of the 60s and 70s incites one identity crisis after another as Mattel tries to keep up with the times. On top of that, she has a new boyfriend to deal with. Ken's creation is a big hit for Barbie fans, but he’s facing a few growing pains of his own. In this episode, we investigate Ken's origin story, delve into the inner workings of Mattel, and hear how Barbie's inventor, Ruth Handler, was ousted from her own company.

This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes". 

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

In episode two of LA Made: The Barbie Tapes, for Barbie, the cultural upheaval of the 60s and 70s incites one identity crisis after another as Mattel tries to keep up with the times. On top of that, she has a new boyfriend to deal with. Ken's creation is a big hit for Barbie fans, but he’s facing a few growing pains of his own. In this episode, we investigate Ken's origin story, delve into the inner workings of Mattel, and hear how Barbie's inventor, Ruth Handler, was ousted from her own company.

This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes". 

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

Season 2 of “LA Made” tells the true story of the making and marketing of the most famous doll in the world, Barbie, told by the people who did it. We’ll hear from Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler, who spent years trying to convince her own company to make a teen aged fashion doll.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes". 

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

Season 2 of “LA Made” tells the true story of the making and marketing of the most famous doll in the world, Barbie, told by the people who did it. We’ll hear from Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler, who spent years trying to convince her own company to make a teen aged fashion doll.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes". 

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made  

In this special episode (and our season finale!), Erick and Megan hear from listeners about the wildest things they did for love. Plus, love isn't always perfect. We'll also hear listeners breakup stories. 

Content Warning: Some Sensitive Subject Matter. Listener Discretion Advised.

Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join.

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

In this special episode, Erick and Megan interview dating coach and certified love expert Damona Hoffman about how to spot the signs of a toxic relationship, like the one the fictional characters were in during our nine part audio drama. They discuss strategies for pursuing healthy relationships: like how communication and trust play a role and identifying relationship pink flags (yes, there is such a thing)!

For more love tips from Damona, check out her show, The Dates & Mates Podcast. 

Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join.

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

In this special live episode of the show, we get real. Erick and Megan are joined on stage at the Crawford Family Forum by actress Gabrielle Ruiz and Into It host Sam Sanders. They discuss the state of the romantic comedy today, share love stories, and play some games. Listen to test your own rom-com trivia knowledge! 

 

Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join.

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.

Erick must decide if he’s going to take the leap back into love. 

This is part nine of a nine-part serialized rom-com for your ears. 

The scenes and characters in this episode are inspired by Erick Galindo's life, but it's a fictional story. 

 

Support WILD and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join.

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.