Inside the Issues: The Podcast

In the official companion podcast to Spectrum News 1's nightly show, “Inside The Issues”, political anchor Alex Cohen takes listeners on a deep dive inside the world of SoCal politics. From the personalities, the scandals, and what happens behind closed doors, Alex and political science professor Sara Sadhwani cover it all. Join every Friday for a spirited discussion that's as informative as it is fun.

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Episodes

California's First Partner says women are needed on corporate boards

California's First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom joins us to talk about gender and guns. On the gender front, she responds to a recent ruling by a judge overturning a state law which requires companies based in California to have at least one woman on their boards. Siebel Newsom shares why that's important, plus, how she plans to fight back against the decision. As the mother of four young kids, the First Partner responds to this week's horrific mass shooting in Texas. Get in Touch Want to ask ...

May 27, 2022•17 min

Black Lives Matter's spending raises concerns

After the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, millions of dollars poured into the accounts of the Black Lives Matter Global Foundation Network. Critics, including BLM leaders, have complained about how the money has been spent. This week, investigative journalist Sean Campbell joins host Alex Cohen to discuss the investigation on the organization and its acquisition of a $6 million house in Studio City. One of Black Lives Matter's original founders, Dr. Melina Abdullah, also joins us to respon...

May 20, 2022•17 min

'Turning Red': Actress Rosalie Chiang on finding fame as an animated panda

This Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, host Alex Cohen is joined by voiceover artist Rosalie Chiang who got a huge break when she landed the leading role of Meilin Lee in the Disney/Pixar film "Turning Red." Chiang shares what it was like to go through puberty at the same time as her animated character. Get in Touch Want to ask Alex a question? Visit the SoCa l in 17 page On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @ alexcohe ninl a In this Episode “Turning Red” movie: @Pixar...

May 13, 2022•16 min

The women who raised Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin

This Mother’s Day weekend, we are joined by local author and mom Anna Malaika Tubbs. Her new book, “The Three Mothers,” shines a light on the difficult and often overlooked work of Black mothers, and explores the lives of the women who birthed and raised Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin. She and host Alex Cohen also talk about the best gifts one can give to mothers everywhere. Hint: It’s NOT flowers or chocolate! Get in Touch Want to ask Alex a question? Visit the SoCa l ...

May 06, 2022•16 min

30 years later: Héctor Tobar and Gil Garcetti reflect on the 1992 riots

On April 29, 1992, a jury in Los Angeles found four police officers not guilty of use of excessive force in the beating of Rodney King. A video of that beating had gone viral and had set the city on edge. In this week's episode, we hear about the days of unrest that followed which resulted in more than 50 deaths and approximately a billion dollars worth of damage. First, journalist Héctor Tobar talks about covering the story for the LA Times, and former LA County district attorney Gil Garcetti, ...

Apr 29, 2022•17 min

Earth Day: How to do right by our planet

This Earth Day weekend, “SoCal in 17” brings you a special episode featuring Wade Crowfoot, California’s Natural Resources Secretary, talking about the drought. Crowfoot explains why he and Gov. Gavin Newsom do not think it is time just yet for mandatory water cutbacks. Plus, Sanden Totten from the “Brains On!” podcast drops by to talk about their new book, “Earth Friend Forever,” and how to talk to kids about sustainability without freaking them out. Get in Touch Want to ask Alex a question? Vi...

Apr 22, 2022•18 min

The race for LA: Mayoral candidates share their vision for the city

The contest to replace Eric Garcetti as the next mayor of Los Angeles is heating up. Which candidate will get your vote? This week, we bring you a special episode, featuring four of the leading candidates. They shared their stances on everything from homelessness to traffic with host Alex Cohen at a forum sponsored by the LA Business Council. Get in Touch Want to ask Alex a question? Visit the SoCa l in 17 page On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @ alexcohe ninl a In this Episode F...

Apr 15, 2022•1 hr 44 min

Moving past stereotypes: How a test might help filmmakers get Muslim women right

Frustration over years of watching Muslim women depicted as either super timid and ruled by men or hypersexualized, casting director Serena Rasoul decided it was time for a change. Through a partnership with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, Rasoul developed " Surviving to Thriving: Muslim Women on Screen Test ." Rasoul and filmmaker Iman Zawahry join host Alex Cohen to talk about how Hollywood can do better on this front. Get in Touch Want to ask Alex a question? Visit the SoCa l in...

Apr 08, 2022•18 min

‘So much comes at you’: Rep. Barbara Lee on being a Black woman in America

On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Biden’s pick for the Supreme Court. Rep. Barbara Lee joins us to discuss Jackson’s confirmation hearing and how race and gender shaped the intense questioning Jackson faced as the first Black woman nominated to the court. Get in Touch Want to ask Alex a question? Visit the SoCa l in 17 page On Twitter using hashtag #SOCALIN17 or her handle @ alexcohe ninl a...

Apr 01, 2022•17 min

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