As Press Play takes a break for the holidays, here are a few of our favorite interviews from 2024.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks about portraying a mom struggling to accept her daughter’s illness. She also shares wisdom from conversations with women ages 70 and up.

Oscar winner Morgan Neville goes behind the scenes of directing a LEGO movie that chronicles Pharrell’s musical journey from discovery to stardom.

George Frideric Handel wrote the music for “Messiah” during political and social unrest. Charles Jennens put together the text when experiencing deep despair.

President Biden races to cement his stamp on the federal judiciary, while President-elect Trump may remain dogged by his hush-money convictions.

Rickey Henderson played for four California teams, and was the all-time leader in stolen bases, runs, and swagger. He passed away due to complications from pneumonia on Friday. 

The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.”

Critics review the latest film releases: “A Complete Unknown,” “Babygirl,” “Nosferatu,” and “Better Man.”

On X, Elon Musk tried to kill a short-term budget agreement between Democrats and Republicans. Congress has until midnight Friday to strike a deal to avert a shutdown.

Critics review the latest film releases: “Mufasa,” “The Room Next Door,” “The Brutalist,” and “Nickel Boys.” 

Bar cookies are easy to whip up for a crowd. Simply make the base, top it, pop the pan in the oven, and slice the bars to serve. The lemon bar is the queen of this type of pastry. 

Artist and community activist Rosten Woo’s “What Water Wants,” part of the PST ART event, is an immersive audio experience set on the banks of the LA River.

California Sen. Adam Schiff officially took office this month. He discusses the prospect of a preemptive pardon from President Biden, and the future of Democrats’ relationship with President-elect Trump.

Once “alternative” media figures like Joe Rogan, Steve Bannon, and Charlie Kirk are winning bigger audiences than legacy media and becoming the new mainstream.

Through their writings, Eve Babitz and Joan Didion cemented LA in our collective imagination as a sultry hotbed. A new book explores their relationship and what it reveals about LA’s famous women.

Gifting a holiday cookie box to loved ones? Consider adding spice, vibrant colors, and a bit of booze to your selection of treats.

Despite ongoing concern about teen internet use, young people are online as much as ever. A new Pew survey of nearly 1,400 teens found surprising results across gender, racial, and political lines.

Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s latest film is “The Room Next Door” — a former war correspondent has terminal cancer, makes a plan to kill herself, and asks her old friend to help. 

Film critic Alonso Duralde recommends holiday movies: “See You Next Christmas,” “Better Watch Out, “1985,” and “Christmas, Again.”

Texas sued a New York doctor who prescribed and sent abortion pills to a woman in a Dallas suburb. Texas has a near-total ban on abortion, but New York law protects doctors from lawsuits or prosecution if they send abortion medication across state lines.

The bands Pixies and The Breeders helped shape the alternative rock sound of the early ‘90s. Now, almost 40 years into her career, Kim Deal is out with her first solo album “Nobody Loves You More.”

Films are baked into the fabric of Press Play, so we’re going to pass the microphone around the staff. Meet everyone who makes this show happen, and hear about the holiday movies we can’t live without.

Hamas is reportedly willing to let Israel stage troops temporarily in Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement. Could it lead to annexation of the Palestinian territory?

LA City Council voted unanimously to approve new housing development in LA’s dense corridors, but critics say more units are needed in single-family neighborhoods.  

Critics review the latest film releases: “Kraven the Hunter,” “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” “The End,” and “September 5.” 

Sam Sanders shares his approach to a stress-free holiday; Madeleine Brand reveals the secret for a successful office party. 

The Biden administration is in its final 40 days and trying to make progress on Ukraine, Gaza, student loans, climate and immigration. 

Parents are suing Character.AI after its chatbots allegedly encouraged teens to hurt themselves or others. What’s making the tech push out this kind of language?

“The Bibi Files” is a new documentary that features never-before-seen leaked footage of police interrogations of the Israeli Prime Minister, his family, and his associates.

Hanukkah foods often focus on frying, so latkes are at the center of the table. But when it comes to the sweet side of things, jelly donuts or “sufganiyot” are a must-eat.

The Franklin Fire erupted on Monday night, and thousands of residents are under mandatory evacuation orders. The flames jumped PCH near Malibu Canyon Rd., threatening Malibu Pier.

The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed a nationwide fury against health insurance companies, with horror stories shared online of how companies have denied life-saving treatment or bankrupted families.

Rainn Wilson says a central theme in “Waiting for Godot” is the danger of inaction. He explains the linguistic and physical challenges of his role, and the healing power of theater. 

To the chagrin of parents with young children, the holiday season is another opportunity to accumulate more toys. They’re cheaper and easier to get, and American families are “drowning” in them. 

Syrian rebels have taken Damascus. Their leader says he will protect minorities. What does the future look like in the war-torn state? 

LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong plans to install a "bias meter" next to every news article and op-ed. This comes after quashing the endorsement of Kamala Harris.

A federal judge rules the U.S. Naval Academy can use race as a factor in its admissions, citing the military’s unique needs regarding a diverse officer corps.

Emmy winner Ben Decter’s new musical shows the impact of his daughter’s epilepsy on their family, and the importance of communication.