What the Hal?? v2

WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 23 Undue Medical Debt: Erasing Bills and Restoring Hope Medical debt can follow people long after they receive care, affecting their finances, credit, and willingness to seek treatment. But one nonprofit is working to provide immediate relief while pushing for broader changes to the healthcare system. In this episode, Hal Eisner speaks with Marisa Clemente , Vic...

WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 22 Postpartum Depression vs. Psychosis: Warning Signs Families Should Know What separates postpartum depression from postpartum psychosis—and which warning signs require immediate action? In this episode, Hal Eisner, Hunter Lowry, and Elsa Ramon sit down with psychotherapist Dr. Lynn Ianni to discuss postpartum mental health, including the important differences...

WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 21 Psychedelics and Mental Health: Hope, Hype, and the Science Interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy has grown dramatically in recent years, but where does the science stand today? Which treatments are showing promise, and what misconceptions still exist? In this episode, Hal Eisner sits down with Dr. Michael White , Distinguished Professor and Chair of the D...

WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 20 Kindness Is Free: Building Stronger Communities Through Compassion Can kindness really change lives? According to author and speaker Scott Aylor , the answer is a resounding yes. In this episode, Hal Eisner welcomes Scott Aylor, founder of Kindness Is Free , to discuss how simple acts of compassion can strengthen communities, improve mental well-being, and in...

WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 19 Meow Wolf: Inside the Immersive Art Experience What happens when art, technology, storytelling, and imagination collide? The result is Meow Wolf—an immersive experience that's redefining how people engage with art and entertainment. In this episode, Hal Eisner explores the creative world of Meow Wolf with members of its artistic team, discussing how these lar...

WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 18 Empowering Creativity: The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge How can storytelling change perceptions and create new opportunities? The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is proving that authentic representation can transform both the entertainment industry and the lives of filmmakers with disabilities. In this episode, Hal Eisner sits down with Nick No...

WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 17 Flying Tails: Saving Lives One Flight at a Time What happens when an award-winning television journalist combines a passion for aviation with a love of animals? A nonprofit that's giving thousands of animals a second chance. In this episode, Hal Eisner sits down with Ken Wayne , founder of Flying Tails , to discuss how volunteer pilots transport shelter pets,...

WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 16 New mRNA Flu Vaccine: Could It Change the Future of Medicine? Could a new generation of mRNA vaccines dramatically improve protection against seasonal influenza and change the future of infectious disease prevention? In this episode, Hal Eisner sits down with physician Dr. Steve Goldberg to discuss the science behind the next generation of mRNA flu vaccines....

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 15 LA City Library at 100: Innovation, Community and a Century of Learning For 100 years, the Los Angeles Public Library has served as a cornerstone of education, culture, and community engagement. But today’s library is much more than books on shelves. In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry explore the past, present, and future of the Los An...

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 14 Audubon Beyond Birds — Conservation, Education, and Community Impact Bird conservation is only part of the story. In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry sit down with Kathy Barton, President of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, to explore how one local organization is making a lasting impact through environmental education, habitat...

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 13 El Niño Explained: Weather, Climate and the Impacts Ahead What exactly is El Niño, and why can warming water in the Pacific Ocean influence weather patterns around the world? In this episode, Hal Eisner is joined by former FOX 11 meteorologist Rick Dickert for a clear and accessible look at the science behind El Niño and La Niña. Rick explains how these natu...

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 12 The Science of Kindness — Why It Matters More Than Ever Kindness, human connection, and the science behind positive behavior are at the center of this conversation with experts from Kindness.org. In this episode, Hunter Lowry leads a discussion exploring how kindness impacts happiness, mental health, relationships, and communities—and why intentional acts of...

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 11 ICE Raids and Your Rights — What You Need to Know Constitutional rights, public recording laws, and legal protections during ICE raids are at the center of this conversation with legal expert Ugo Lord. In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry discuss what individuals should understand about warrants, public interactions with law enforcement,...

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 10 Special Olympics — The Power of Inclusion Through Sports Inclusion, community, and the life-changing impact of sports are at the center of this conversation about the Special Olympics. In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry discuss how Special Olympics programs create opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports...

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 9 Understanding Autism — Moving from Awareness to Belonging Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/KygUeNMqn9E Autism spectrum disorder, inclusion, and community understanding are at the center of this conversation with Paula Pompa Craven from Easterseals Southern California. In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry discuss how autism i...

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 8 Fighting Fire with Sound — A New Approach to Fire Safety Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/sWNoPjze5yI Fire safety, wildfire protection, and new technology are at the center of this conversation with Sonic Fire Tech. In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry explore how acoustic fire suppression works, using sound waves to disrupt...

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 7 Ocean Warning Signs — What Marine Mammals Are Telling Us Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/hDEA-8rUAo0 Marine mammal strandings, toxic algae blooms, and ocean health are at the center of this conversation with experts from the Marine Mammal Care Center. In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry discuss how environmental changes al...

What the Hal?? Podcast 2.0 – Episode 6 Understanding Your Pet — Behavior, Health, and the Human-Animal Bond Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/FRi4enRzcCk Pet behavior, communication, and care are at the center of this conversation with Kim Todd. In this episode, Hal Eisner and Hunter Lowry explore how pets express their needs, emotions, and health through behavior and subtle cues, and...

What the Hal?? Podcast 2.0 – Episode 5 Travel Like a Pro — What You Need to Know Before You Go Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/AEIwmT4tq48 Travel safety, airline policies, and smarter planning are essential for navigating modern travel. In this episode, the hosts are joined by Peter Greenberg to break down how to stay informed, avoid disruptions, and travel more confidently. Key Top...

What the Hal?? Podcast 2.0 – Episode 4 Big Bear Eagles — Why Millions Are Watching Jackie & Shadow Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/QcOWIPv7OpM Big Bear bald eagles, wildlife conservation, and the viral Eagle Cam featuring Jackie and Shadow have captured a global audience. In this episode, the hosts explore the impact of the Eagle Cam and the efforts to protect the eagles’ habita...

What the Hal?? Podcast 2.0 – Episode 3 AI Scams — How to Protect Yourself from Modern Fraud Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/EqK7_m_kMEM Artificial intelligence is changing the way scams operate, making fraud more sophisticated and harder to detect. In this episode, the hosts break down how AI is being used in scams, what warning signs to look for, and how to protect yourself. Key To...

What the Hal?? Podcast 2.0 – Episode 2 Summer Willis — From Assault to Advocacy Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/uQp4RO1zPMQ Listener Note: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and may be sensitive for some listeners. Sexual assault, legal reform, and survivor advocacy are at the center of this conversation with Summer Willis. In this episode, the hosts explore her pers...

What the Hal?? Podcast 2.0 – Episode 1 What the Hal — The Launch of a New Podcast Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/biz6Y4K66cw Journalism and media experience come together as Hal Eisner, Hunter Lowry, and Elsa Ramon launch a new podcast focused on real, unscripted conversations. They discuss their careers in television news, the transition into podcasting, and what this new format m...

Veteran Los Angeles journalist Hal Eisner has spent decades reporting the stories that shape our communities. Now he’s taking those conversations to a more personal level. The New What the Hal?? Podcast 2.0 brings listeners inside thoughtful, candid discussions about the moments in life and the headlines that make us stop and ask — what just happened? Joined by journalist Elsa Ramon and former tel...