Episode 55
February 4, 2025
Fernando Guerra on the L.A. Wildfires
The wildfires of January 2025 likely are the biggest natural disaster in Los Angeles history. Fernando Guerra, director of the LMU Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles, talks about the current and future impacts of the fires on the city’s people, resources, and budget.
Off Press Podcasts
Shirin Mollah on Mega Sports Events
Mega sports events promise huge revenue boosts to their host cities. Los Angeles has held eight 2026 World Cup matches and will host the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. Economist Shirin Mollah discusses whether revenue from these events beats costs when it comes to L.A.’s bottom line.
Allan Deck, S.J. on Pope Leo’s A.I. Encyclical
Pope Leo, in his encyclical about artificial intelligence, says advancing technology must serve people, not profit. Allan Deck, S.J., LMU professor of theology, explains that Leo’s message about A.I. is rooted in concern for human dignity, the value of work, and the common good.
Edel Rodriguez on Art and Politics
Artist and illustrator Edel Rodriguez, who began drawing as a child, came to America from Cuba in the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Today, his political illustrations appear on magazine covers around the world. He discusses art, censorship, and freedom of expression at the intersection of politics and visual media.