L.A. Meekly: A Los Angeles History Podcast
189 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 213 ratingsL.A. Meekly is a monthly comedy podcast about Los Angeles history put out by comedians Greg Gonzalez and Daniel Zafran that battles the idea that LA has no history by delving in the weird, unbelievable and, occasionally, haunted details from the past of their native city.
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Episodes
Talk-Umentaries (Los Angeles Documentaries)
March 01, 2024 08:00 - 2 hours - 110 MBAs March arrives and madness descends upon us all, so too does a new episode of L.A. Meekly. This month we're talking docs and going over a handful of documentaries about Los Angeles that we feel captures something about the city be it donuts, music, gangs or, perhaps...madness.
You Gotta Be Kidnapping Me (LA's Worst Kidnappings)
February 01, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 95.3 MBThe love month is here and what better way to celebrate (we guess?) than covering a few of Los Angeles' worst kidnappings. And that's worst in the sense of: these kidnappers had no idea what they were doing. Tune in to hear the stories of Mary Skeele (18:10) and Frank Sinatra Jr (45:39).
Sects Education (Religious Locations)
January 01, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBWelcome to 2024! The year that L.A. Meekly turns deeply religious! This month we're covering a few hidden and not so hidden religious locations and movements from around Los Angeles. We're covering the Jewish eruv (19:06), the Mormon Los Angeles California Temple (31:35), the Pentecostal Azusa Street Revival (45:54) and the Koyasan Buddhist Temple (1:16:55).
Creepy Christmas/Chaunted Channukah Part: Heaven (and Hell) ((Haunted Stories))
December 01, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBSeasons screamings, everyone. Tis the season to be...unholly? That's because it's time once again for our annual haunted episode. This year we'll be covering the tales of the Alexandria Hotel (18:50) and a haunted tour through UCLA (1:00:56).
Field Trip! How to Eat LA w/ Katherine Spiers
November 20, 2023 08:19 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBThanksgiving has come early, turkeys, so strap in for a discussion about food in LA with Katherine Spiers! We'll be covering her Los Angeles food website How to Eat LA, what sorts of food define the city and Daniel's least favorite Mexican restaurant. Check out Katherine's website How to Eat LA and her food podcast Smart Mouth as well!
Gettin' Malled (Malls)
November 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBSound the alarms! It's L.A. Meekly's 10th anniversary episode! And sound the alarms again because they just shoplifted from the places they're covering in this episode: malls. Just in time for your holiday shopping spree, we'll be covering the Glendale Galleria (25:49), the Sherman Oaks Galleria (39:09), Crossroads of the World (51:49) and Rodeo Drive (1:23:35).
Dressed to Excess (Fashion Designers)
October 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBThis Halloween we've got a passion for fashion and that means we're going to be talking about two of the biggest fashion moguls in Los Angeles history. We'll be covering the movie styles of Edith Head (17:44) and the outrageous cowboy fashion of Nudie Cohn (58:09).
The Meekly Music Box: Valley Queen
September 18, 2023 07:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBPlug in the old headphones, my liege, because the Meekly Music Box is back! Tune in this month while we learn all about Valley Queen and listen to their songs "Falling" and "Nobody Ever."
Now You Live Here, Now You Don't (Lost Cities)
September 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 68.7 MBWe're getting lost in the city. Lost in the city tonight (or day; whenever you listen to this, really). We're covering a couple failed cities within Los Angeles that are now lost to time. We have the oceanside paradise of Surfridge (15:41) and the desert socialist utopia of Llano del Rio (34:49).
Field Trip! The Bob Baker Marionette Theater with Alex Evans
August 14, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBWe've got no strings to hold us down because we're back with a signature LA Meekly field trip! This time we are thrilled to visit with Alex Evans: head puppeteer at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Learn all about him and the inner workings of the theater today!
Top Three, Amigos (Top 3 Things In Los Angeles)
August 01, 2023 06:58 - 2 hours - 134 MBFor it's one! Two! Three recommendations at the old pod game! We asked, dear listeners, and you answered. You all sent in categories of things you wanted to hear us rank our top 3s of from around Los Angeles and here it is! We'll be covering everything from our top 3 bean and cheese burritos to our top 3 freeway interchanges so strap in!
Live From the Heritage Square Museum w/ L.A. Not So Confidential and Hollyweird Paranormal
July 17, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 80.2 MBIt's a live (show)! It's a live (show)! As a special bonus this month here is the audio from our live show with the L.A. Not So Confidential podcast and the Hollyweird Paranormal podcast at the Heritage Square Museum. We'll be talking all things Doheny from man to mansion to murder to macabre!
Our Gangs (Gangs of Los Angeles)
July 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBThe gang's all here. And that's what scares us. This month we'll be covering a handful of Los Angeles' biggest gangs: MS-13 (25:19) and the Crips and the Bloods (1:03:25). Warning: There are some graphic depictions of violence in this episode.
The Meekly Music Box: Spooky Tavi
June 19, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIt's time to get Spooky. It's also time to get Tavi. The Meekly Music Box is back and we are thrilled to feature the music of Spooky Tavi this month. Tune in as we hear all about him and listen to his songs "Hyperdrive" and "Time Is A Sword."
Rude Crude Dudes (Oil In LA)
June 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 93.6 MBOil! Is! The! Topic! Of! This! Episode! This month we'll be discussing Los Angeles' history with the ooey gooey stuff from the earliest discoveries (14:10) to the rise of Edward Doheny (27:11) and a few of the most influential oil fields in town including Fairfax (1:12:20), Signal Hill (1:20:02) and Long Beach (1:24:33).
Hollyweird Paranormal Crossover Bonus (The Ghost of Mae West and Montgomery Clift)
May 15, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBAn episode of L.A. Meekly that's NOT L.A. Meekly?! Yes, listener. Your dream come true. Today we're releasing an episode of the Hollyweird Paranormal podcast in your feed to give you a taste of what you'll get at our upcoming live show at the Heritage Square Museum on May 20. Go to linktree.com/candyisdandypod to get your tickets today!
The Garden of Good and Eatin' (Old Hollywood Hangouts)
May 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 93.5 MBWe're taking a trip back into old Hollywood to spend a night in two of the most legendary celebrity hangouts the city has ever known. We'll be serving food at the Hollywood Canteen (14:57) and spending the night at the salacious Garden of Allah (58:38).
The L.A. Meekly Junk Drawer: Part II (Random Topics)
April 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBSpring cleaning is here so we're clearing out our junk drawer once again to make room for new junk. We'll be covering a mishmash of topics that didn't quite fit into other episodes including Burmah White the Blonde Rattlesnake (15:50), the Venice Beatnik scene (33:52) and the Korean Bell of Friendship (1:03:40).
The Meekly Music Box: Skip Heller and Hollywood Film Noirchestra
March 22, 2023 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBThe Oscars may be over but movies are here to stay, baby! This month we are excited to feature music from the big and little screen by Skip Heller and Hollywood Film Noirchestra. We'll be listening to "A Touch Of Evil" and "Street Moods In Jazz" and you are gonna wanna hear it!
The Day the Music Subdivided (Lost Music Venues of Los Angeles)
March 01, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 86.5 MBPut on your dancing shoes and your listening ears because this month we're taking in some shows in musical venues of days long gone! We'll be covering some of the lost influential music venues of Los Angeles including the El Monte Legion Stadium (15:05), the Masque (33:07) and the Palomino (1:06:11).
Ghirardelli Squares by Candy Is Dandy
February 15, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBA San Francisco treat in MY Los Angeles history feed? Put the fists away. It is merely an episode of our new show Candy Is Dandy in the LA Meekly feed! In place of a Music Box this month we are releasing here our newest episode of Candy Is Dandy on Ghirardelli Squares. If you haven't already, subscribe to Candy Is Dandy anywhere you get your podcasts and enjoy more Greg and Daniel every month!
Tinker Tailor Soldier Barbie (Toy Companies of LA)
February 01, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 97.1 MBIt's time to regress with the Meekly boys because it's playtime! We'll be talking about the two big local Los Angeles toy brands up to and including Wham-O (14:48) and Mattel (48:37).
The Meekly Music Box: Strange Hotels
January 23, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBCrank up the player piano and crank open your ears because it's time for the first Meekly Music Box of 2023. This month we are thrilled to feature the band Strange Hotels and listen to their songs "10PM In Los Feliz" and "Only 18."
L.A. Degenerates (Sleazy Figures)
January 01, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 97.6 MBWelcome to 2023: the year of the dirtbag! We're starting off the year with a couple of L.A. history's sleaziest characters. We'll be covering Charles Bukowski (21:12) and Miguel Leonis (1:06:20).
The Meekly Music Box: Rose's Pawn Shop
December 12, 2022 16:48 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBTo close out 2022 we've got a couple tunes for you. This month we're featuring some Americana-Folk-Rock-Bluegrass straight from the country heart of Los Angeles with Rose's Pawn Shop. Tune in while we take a listen to their songs Ghost Town and Better Now.
Creepy Christmas/Chaunted Channukah Part: heX (LA Ghost Stories)
December 01, 2022 10:16 - 1 hour - 106 MBA decade of ghost stories. That is what we have given you. Now it's time for you to give it to US. This Creepy Christmas/Chaunted Channukah you sent in your Los Angeles ghost and alien stories and we're reading them here tonight! This episode is best enjoyed at night.
Holiday Merch Announcement
November 22, 2022 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 MBTis the season...TO SPEND! Our 2023 365 days of Los Angeles history calendars are out now. Listen in on how to buy yours in time for black friday!
The Meekly Music Box: Angela O'Neill and the Outrageous8
November 21, 2022 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBSettle in by the turkey roasting fire and pop on the latest Meekly Music Box because, to get you in the mood for the holiday, this week we're featuring the big band jazz of Angela O'Neill and the Outrageous8. Tune in as we learn about the band and listen to their songs "Now and Again" and "New York Minute." And don't miss out on hearing Daniel accidentally call Christmas "Halloween" once again proving he's Jack Skellington.
Cleanup On Episode 107 (Supermarkets)
November 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 88.3 MBWe're all lost in this episode about supermarkets because it's the holiday season and it's inside of supermarkets where you'll be spending most of your time for the rest of 2022. In honor of that, we'll be covering the history of a few of the city's biggest supermarkets. We'll be talking Vallarta (14:55), Trader Joe's (29:05) and Ralphs (1:03:00).
The Meekly Music Box: Edward Torres
October 17, 2022 07:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBCome one, come all. Step right up. We've got a brand new Meekly Music Box to fit the season. We're proud to feature the music of the live organist at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater Edward Torres. While not a traditionally recorded musician, Edward was kind enough to make a recording of the sort of musical medley you will hear at one of their shows including the songs "Paramount On Parade," "September In The Rain," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and the beloved "Grim Grinning Ghosts."
Podcast On Haunted Hill (L.A. Horror Movies)
October 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 100 MBGrab some popcorn and a bloody knife because for Halloween this year we're discussing some of the most iconic Los Angeles horror movies. We'll be talking about everything from Night of the Comet and Nope to Chopping Mall and Tales From the Hood.
The Meekly Music Box: Sad Girlz Club
September 12, 2022 07:00 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MBStop, hey, what's that sound? It's the Meekly Music Box so shut up and listen. This month we are pleased to feature the music of Sad Girlz Club. Settle in as we talk about the two sides of punk and listen to their songs "Problems" and "I Think I'm Ready."
KMEEK (Radio Stations)
September 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 97.9 MBCrank up that dial (volume button) on your receiver (phone) and tune in to our newest broadcast (episode). This month we'll be talking about the radio history of Los Angeles. We'll cover the very early days (16:44), KHJ (29:55), Power 106 (52:36) and KDAY (1:19:07).
The Meekly Music Box: Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles
August 15, 2022 07:00 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBIf you're hearing music that must mean it's Meekly Music Box Monday. A phrase we've never used before. This month we are thrilled to feature Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles. They are the world's first LGBTQ+ mariachi band and we'll tell you all about them as we listen to "Popurri Rocio Durcal" and their cover of "My Way."
Y Tu Mob Boss Tambien (Jack Dragna vs Mickey Cohen)
August 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 93.3 MBJust when you thought you were out, we pull you back in to another episode of L.A. Meekly. This month we're diving into two of the titans of the classic mob era of Los Angeles: Jack Dragna (16:09) and Mickey Cohen (42:30).
The Meekly Music Box: A Horse A Spoon A Bucket
July 18, 2022 07:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBPack your headphones, we're taking a trip to Magic Baby Island. Courtesy of this month's featured band: A Horse A Spoon A Bucket. We'll tell you everything you need to know about one of the most unique bands in Los Angeles as we listen to Party Baby and Gopher Jamboree.
Candy Is Dandy
July 11, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBA second podcast hosted by the Meekly boys right here in my feed? It better be about candy you say? Well you're in luck. We are proud to introduce our new show Candy Is Dandy: The Candy Review Podcast. Listen in to this backdoor pilot and hear our first episode on Snickers and please subscribe to the show anywhere you get your podcasts!
Glazed and Confused (Donuts)
July 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBIt took 103 tries but we're finally doing the episode we've always dreamed of: the donut history of Los Angeles. And the best part: we try a donut from every place we cover. We'll be discussing (eating) Yum Yum (14:58), Winchell's (29:28), Randy's (46:30) and the Cambodian American history of the modern day mom and pop donut shop (1:05:13). Grab a dozen and eat along with us!
The Meekly Music Box: Raised On TV
June 13, 2022 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBYou're in for a treat this time, meeklings, because on this month's music box we've got the Valley's own Raised On TV. Settle in to get a taste of the Valley sound with their songs "Mess I Made" and "Caroline."
Plans, Trains and Automobiles (Daytrips from LA)
June 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 89.2 MBWe're going on a trip and you're coming with us whether you have the time off or not. This month we're getting loose and offering up the best day trips surrounding Los Angeles and how L.A. has shaped these places and vice versa from Solvang to Knott's Berry Farm.
Charles Phoenix (An Interview)
May 24, 2022 07:00 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBWe did it. We got him. We are thrilled to present to you an interview we had the privilege of doing with L.A. history icon Charles Phoenix. Listen in as we discuss the mid century allure of southern California, what it means to L.A. to lose our cultural treasures and the best affordable pizza in town.
The Meekly Music Box: Lamar Woods & Juancho Ca$h (Interview w/ Carl Tart)
May 16, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBHas it been a year of the Meekly Music Box already? We started 12 months ago so it must be. This month we're featuring the music of Lamar Woods and Juancho Ca$h. For this very special anniversary episode we have Juancho Ca$h himself (aka Carl Tart) to talk about their music and the specific flavor Los Angeles gives to "lifestyle rap."
Gardena of Edena (Gambling)
May 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBListening to L.A. Meekly has always been a gamble but this month that's a good thing. That's because we'll be discussing the history of gambling in Los Angeles. From the early wild west days (10:51) to the offshore gambling boats (21:12) to the heyday of Gardena (55:56). This episode is brought to you by People's Choice Beef Jerky. Use promo code LAMEEKLY15 to get 15% off your order today.
L.A. Taco Live's Laura Tejeda (An Interview)
April 20, 2022 07:00 - 42 minutes - 39.7 MBAn L.A. Meekly episode in your feed this late in the month? Why, Easter must have come late and Passover and Ramadan right on time! Tune in for this virtual field trip with Laura Tejeda of L.A. Taco Live. We'll discuss the ins and outs of L.A. Taco, her food based activism in East Los Angeles and how Daniel can stop gentrifying things.
The Meekly Music Box: Townland
April 11, 2022 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MBCrank up the old crank powered radio and settle in to listen to our featured band this month: Townland. We'll be getting into their origin and current incarnation as we listen to The Solid State and Gin Atomic.
Hail Mary (Mary Pickford 100th Episode Bonanza)
April 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 111 MB100 episodes. Could you ever have believed it? Could you ever have wanted it? To celebrate, we're going deep into the life and work of the patron saint of Los Angeles and L.A. Meekly: Mary Pickford. We'll cover her life (11:46), United Artists (49:24) and Pickfair (1:28:03). Plus we get sappy thanking all you smelly fans. This episode brought to you by the Hometown History podcast found anywhere you get podcasts. And by Q for Quinn. Use promo code LAMEEKLY for 15% off today.
The Meekly Music Box: Ginger Root
March 14, 2022 07:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBThe ides of March may be coming tomorrow but if I were you ide listen to this: our 10th episode of the Meekly Music Box! This month we are thrilled to feature the incredible Ginger Root. Hear all about the man and learn what "aggressive elevator soul" sounds like as we sit down and listen to "Juban District" and "Mahjong Room."
A Special Announcement!
March 08, 2022 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.1 MBJust a brief listen to announce a very special new project that is out today!
The Phantom Mannix (People Behind the Scenes)
March 01, 2022 08:00 - 2 hours - 112 MBThis month we're pulling back the curtain for two stories of the people behind the scenes of the movies and music you know and love. The people who helped make things run smoothly outside of the public eye. One will horrify you. One will delight you. Both will ruin popular entertainment for you forever. We'll be covering the debauchery and crimes that were covered up by the notorious Eddie Mannix (15:07) and the musical geniuses that were The Wrecking Crew (1:08:15).
The Meekly Music Box: Fartbarf
February 14, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 31.7 MBLove is in the air and barf is in the mouth. That's why this month's featured band on the Meekly Music Box is the one, the only: Fartbarf. Tune in while we listen to "Simple Planet" and "Master of the 5 Count" and hear about the band's mission of making perfoming as hard for themselves as possible.