What The Hal?

Guest host Christine Devine fills in for Hal Eisner. She is joined by Retired LAPD Detective Gil Escontrias and his therapy dog Scout. Then, Christine shares video of the L.A. Press Club awards where she was awarded the President's Award for Impact on Media. Merwin returns along with Jessica Petrass, an Associate Director of Education for John Burton Advocates for Youth – or JBay. Lastly, Christine promotes the “What the Hal” podcast and we close with more photos from the Press Club awards featuring Tae and Tray Thompson. 

Guest host Bob DeCastro talks to guests about the future of the food service industry, from what's changed in restaurants since the COVID-19 pandemic, to restaurants selling their wares, and more.

Guest host Bob DeCastro fills in for Hal Eisner. He is joined by Certified Financial Planner David Rae. Then, author and Professor Lillian Faderman talks to Bob about coming out as a lesbian back in the 1950’s. Also joining Bob is Film Critic and “Dish Nation” host Andrew Freund to talk about the summer film season.

Guest host Christine Devine takes over for Hal Eisner. Rob Scheer, the Founder of Comfort Cases joins Christine to discuss how he came up with the idea for the program. Then, Brian Banks joins to talk about the ten years since he was exonerated after having been convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.

Guest host Bob De Castro takes over for Hal Eisner. Mandy Sackett, Surfrider Foundation's California Policy Coordinator, joins Bob to talk about the potential of desalination to alleviate the worst threat of drought in California. MWD General Manager Adel Hagekhalil joins Bob to talk about the drought crisis, which he calls the worst drought ever. Bob speaks to Emily Parker, a water quality scientist with Heal the Bay, about the problem of microplastics.

Hal talks to 1933 group Co-owner Bobby Green about the designer group that has renovated many of L.A.’s historic eateries and bars. Also, Andrew Meieran, the Owner of Clifton’s and Founder of The Neverlands joins Hal to discuss the renovation and re-launch of Clifton’s Republic. Nick Griffin, Executive Director of Downtown Center Business Improvement District joins Hal to talk about the function of the BID.

Hal talks with Dr. Anil Sharma, Psychiatrist and vice president of the psychiatry department of Dignity Health Northridge; Dr. Laurel Bear, the founder of Gateway to Success; Dr. Suman Radhakrishna, with Dignity Health California Hospital.

Hal talks with SkyFox reporter Stu Mundel about advances in helicopter reporting over the years; the founders of the Melrose Trading post as it celebrates its 25th anniversary; and leaders from Descanso Gardens about their new art exhibit.

USC Professor Jody Armour joins Hal to take a look back at the 1992 L.A. Riots.  Also, author and commentator Earl Ofari Hutchinson talks with Hal about the ongoing issues between law enforcement and the Black community. Hal is also joined by Hyepin Im, the founder and CEO of FACE LA – Faith and Community Empowerment.

Sandi Hemmerlein, travel blogger of AvoidingRegret.com, joins Hal out at the LAX dunes. Hal also speaks with Nancy Price, an environmental specialist from Los Angeles World Airports, Amanda Amaral, LAWA Environmental Supervisor, Tina Backstrom, LAWA Sustainability Director, and Chris Enyart with The Bay Foundation on what's going on in the enclosed area.