Shows
LARC Presents...Corinne Ruff: How a Pasadena Church is Helping One Senior Through Wildfire Recovery (from AfroLA & KQED's The California Report)LARC partnered with AfroLA and The California Report from KQED on this special about how seniors in Altadena’s historic Black community are finding support after the Eaton Fire. Reporter Corinne Ruff explores the role of faith-based organizations in times of crisis, telling the story of a Pasadena church helping an elder congregant rebuild her home and her life. Editorial assistance came from Ari Saperstein, Molly Peterson, and Dana Amihere, with additional production support from Kendall Lowery and Khari Douglas.
2025-08-2011 minLARC Presents...Cliff Beach & Timothy Hall: Culver City Orchestra and the Symphony's Youth RevivalSymphony performances aren't known for their youthfulness... but one group is trying to change that. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the Culver City Symphony Orchestra held it's Youth Competition, bringing together aspiring musicians from across the region for a unique chance to play with the esteemed group. Hear how this competition is engaging students from across the city into a revival of classical music and how the students are pushing up against the longstanding norms. This story was reported by Cliff Beach & Timothy Hall as part of the LA Radio Club Reporting I...
2025-04-1806 min
Blind LandingHow NIL Reshaped Women's Gymnastics (With Alyssa Roenigk from ESPN)As the first generation of NIL gymnasts close the chapter on their NCAA careers this week, ESPN’s Alyssa Roenigk sits downs with Blind Landing host Ari Sapersein to look back at the stories that have defined this new era. They look back on Livvy Dunne's popularity, Leanne Wong's bow empire, Cecile Landi's tenure at University of Georgia and more. Check out Alyssa's reporting at ESPN.com and on social at @alyroe. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast. You can support the work we do by leaving a rating and review, sharing this episode with your friends and by...
2025-04-1723 minLARC Presents...Kilo Martin: Promotora Power – How One Community Organization In Westlake Is Turning Movement Into Medicine.2025 Reporter in Residence Kilo Martin takes us behind the scenes with Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP), a nonprofit serving the Westlake/Pico-Union neighborhood. Initiatives like their community Posada focus on supporting mental health through an unlikely vehicle: dance. Hear how CCNP is bringing the community together and helping to break down the stigma around mental health.This story was reported by Kilo Martin as part of the LA Radio Club Reporting Incubator, with editorial support from Angel Carreras, Alejandra Salazar, and Ari Saperstein. Special thanks to Khari Douglas, Kyle Lamont, Megan Jamerson, Andrea Bautista, and CCNP. Translation...
2025-02-0707 minLARC Presents...Kevin Lee: A Chess Meet-Up For All, From Elementary Schoolers To Formerly Incarcerated PlayersLA Radio Club Reporter in Residence Kevin Lee brings you this story about Coffee Chess, a meetup in Culver City where players young and old come together for the joy of the game. Learn what makes Coffee Chess different than the stuffy chess clubs of yore, and what this community means to its unconventional slate of members. Story editing by Jenn Swann, with additional scoring & mastering from Aaron Dalton. “LA Radio Club Presents…” is produced by Aaron Dalton, Emma Lehman and Ari Saperstein. This piece was made for the SoCal Reporting Incubator, from LA Radio Club. Visit radioclubcollective.com to lea...
2024-12-3005 minLARC Presents...Mya Constantino: The Family Secret That Brought Me To LALA Radio Club Reporter in Residence Mya Constantino brings you this story about deep secrets, long-lost siblings, and the meaning of family. After discovering her father’s secret, one Angeleno contends with what it means for their relationship and her own identity. Story editing by James Kim, with additional scoring & mastering from Aaron Dalton. “LA Radio Club Presents…” is produced by Aaron Dalton, Emma Lehman and Ari Saperstein. This piece was made for the SoCal Reporting Incubator, from LA Radio Club. Visit radioclubcollective.com to learn more.
2024-12-2914 minLARC Presents...Stella Hartmann: Looking Back At Oil Can Harry's, An LGBTQ+ Historic LandmarkLA Radio Club Reporter in Residence Stella Hartmann brings you this story about Oil Can Harry’s, a now-defunct country-western LGBTQ+ bar in Studio City. As one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ bars in the country, Oil Can Harry’s was known to regulars not just as a space for disco and rodeo, but as a safe haven for a community forced into the margins. Story editing by Angel Carreras, with additional scoring & mastering from Aaron Dalton. “LA Radio Club Presents…” is produced by Aaron Dalton, Emma Lehman and Ari Saperstein. This piece was made for the SoCal Reporting Incubator, from LA Ra...
2024-12-2811 minLARC Presents...Olivia Hewitt: Claremont Through The Eyes Of Milky The Stray CatLA Radio Club Reporter in Residence Olivia Hewitt brings you this story about Claremont’s stray cats. Hear about the adventures of Milky – or Roger, or Meepers, or Flashbang, depending on who you ask – and the other stray cats of this Inland Empire community. Story editing by Ashleyanne Krigbaum, with additional scoring & mastering from Aaron Dalton. “LA Radio Club Presents…” is produced by Aaron Dalton, Emma Lehman and Ari Saperstein. This piece was made for the SoCal Reporting Incubator, from LA Radio Club. Visit radioclubcollective.com to learn more.
2024-12-2712 minLARC Presents...Christian Brown: How Boulevard Recording Studio Preserves Music HistoryLA Radio Club Reporter in Residence Christian Brown brings you this story about the history of a celebrated recording studio and efforts to restore it after a devastating fire. As studios across the city and the country fall on hard times, Christian looks at how Boulevard Recording has persevered. Story editing by Avishay Artsy, with additional scoring & mastering from Aaron Dalton. “LA Radio Club Presents…” is produced by Aaron Dalton, Emma Lehman and Ari Saperstein. This piece was made for the SoCal Reporting Incubator, from LA Radio Club. Visit radioclubcollective.com to learn more.
2024-12-2409 minLARC Presents...Meghan Coyle: The History of South Bay's Sansei Baseball LeagueLA Radio Club Reporter In Residence Meghan Coyle brings you this story about Sansei Baseball, a Japanese-American youth baseball league in LA’s South Bay. Through conversations with locals, Meghan explores the history of baseball in LA’s Japanese-American community, and what Sansei brings to the kids that play on the team. Story editing by Andrea Gutierrez, with additional scoring & mastering from Aaron Dalton. “LA Radio Club Presents…” is produced by Aaron Dalton, Emma Lehman and Ari Saperstein. This story was made as part of the SoCal Reporting Incubator from LA Radio Club. Visit radioclubcollective.com to learn more.
2024-12-2306 minBlind LandingAccountability In Gymnastics: Part 2Will the FIG learn from the lessons of the Paris Olympics? Who will hold them accountable? That’s what we’ll explore in the second episode of a two-part deep dive from Blind Landing. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives and expertise as we talk through these issues with Olympic gymnast Lieke Wevers, US Congressman Steve Cohen, professor Andrea Geurin & gymnastics judge Kathi-Sue Rupp. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-08-2623 minBlind LandingAccountability In Gymnastics: Part 1Has the FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) operated ethically in the wake of the Olympic floor final controversy? Or are they violating their own policies and standards? That’s what we’ll explore in the first episode of a two-part deep dive from Blind Landing. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives and expertise as we talk through these issues with Olympic gymnast Lieke Wevers, US Congressman Steve Cohen, professor Andrea Geurin & gymnastics judge Kathi-Sue Rupp. Blind Landing is an award-winning independent podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
2024-08-2634 minBlind LandingAnnouncement From Blind LandingWe've got a special episode coming out this week and we want your help! Send your thoughts, questions and insight to blindlandingpodcast at gmail dot come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-08-1801 min
Blind LandingParis Olympics: Floor Controversy & Athlete Camaraderie (feat. Olympians Betty Okino & Shallon Olsen)On today’s episode of Blind Landing…0:00 - 13:00: The women's floor final controversy explained13:00 - 40:00: Olympic legend Betty Okino joins us to talk about the past and present of friendships amongst gymnasts40:00- End: Paris Olympian Shallon Olsen calls in to talk about camaraderie at the gamesAs we wrap up our coverage of the Paris Olympics on this packed episode, we start by explaining the breaking story around the women's gymnastics floor final and everything that led to the IOC reallocating the bronze medal init...
2024-08-1247 min
RehashParty GirlIf you're enjoying the Parker Posey-aissance, then Party Girl is the film for you. This little freak of a movie, about a Manhattan club-goer who experiences an existential crisis after reading the Myth of Sisyphus (yes, that's the plot) was, believe it or not, the first feature film to premiere both in theatres and online. And thus it occupies a very odd space in popular culture. Predicting many things to come: the streaming era, Brat, downtown edgelords. And remaining an artifact of a time where weirdo, shoestring budget flicks still had an audience. In this episode, Hannah and Maia...
2024-08-051h 00
Blind LandingParis Olympics: All-Around Final (with Monica Padman)Today on Blind Landing, we’re breaking down the women’s gymnastics all-around final with guest co-host Monica Padman, host of the podcast Armchair Expert. On this episode, we talk about the battle of the champions as returning Olympic champions Simone Biles, Suni Lee & Rebeca Andrade face off in one of the most exciting match-ups in Olympic history. Blind Landing is an award-winning, independently produced podcast hosted by journalist Ari Saperstein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-08-0344 min
Good Game with Sarah SpainCougars, Babies & Porta Potties, Plus Gymnastics Talk with Ari SapersteinAri Saperstein, host of the gymnastics podcast, Blind Landing, joins Sarah to talk about the individual all-around final, Simone Biles’ greatness and his list of athletes to watch in this weekend’s apparatus finals. Plus, Olympic boxing blows up the internet and all the Paris tea you can handle. Vote on our listener names! Here’s the link to make your voice heard! Listen to Ari’s podcast, Blind Landing Follow Lindsay Gibbs and subscribe to her Power Plays newsletter! On Twitter, follow Ari here and Blind Landing here A few Olympic events to watch today (Friday, August 2): 7:00am ET: US...
2024-08-0235 min
Blind LandingParis Olympics: Team Final (with Danusia Francis-Reid)Throughout this week, we’ll be bringing you special episodes debriefing the gymnastics competitions at the 2024 Olympics. Today, we’re breaking down the women’s team final and with guest co-host Danusia Francis-Reed, a commentator and former Olympic gymnast who competed for Great Britain, Jamaica and UCLA. On this episode, we chat about the “redemption tour” by Simone Biles and the US women, the historic achievements by Brazil & Italy and the importance of leadership and group morale in team competitions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-07-3126 min
Blind LandingOlympic Stories: Rebeca Andrade & Illia KovtunTo kick-off the start of Olympic gymnastics at the 2024 Paris games, we've put together a little showcase of our previous profiles about a couple of the top contenders. Rebeca Andrade from Brazil & Illia Kovtun from Ukraine both have had remarkable journeys to Paris that we break down on today's retrospective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-07-2846 min
Blind LandingAleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo & Levi Jung-Ruivivar On Representing The Philippines In ParisWe’ve got a Blind Landing exclusive today: The first group interview with the female gymnasts representing the Philippines in Paris. Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar are the first female gymnasts in 60 years to represent the Philippines at the Olympics. Host Ari Saperstein sat down with the trio to chat about their journeys to Paris, their connections to their heritage and their role in supporting the growth of gymnastics in the Philippines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-07-2151 minBlind LandingInside The 2024 Gymnastics Olympic TrialsHost Ari Saperstein takes us inside the arena at the 2024 US Olympic Trials for women’s gymnastics. Today’s episode is a collection of moments from the competition in Minneapolis, from the Olympic Box Suite to Press Conferences to drinks with Nadia Comaneci. Featuring: Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Joscelyn Roberson, Matt Cowan, Erica Schnebel, Alicia Sacramone Quinn, Chellsie Memmel, Sarah Korngold and, of course, Cecilia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-07-1137 min
Front Office Sports TodaySimone Biles and the Balance of Power in US GymnasticsThe Paris Olympics represent more than just a chance for Simone Biles to add to her singular career – she is looking to lead the US on a comeback after winning silver in the Tokyo Games. Journalist Ari Saperstein joins the show to discuss what’s at stake for Biles and a US gymnastics team that has been reshaped by injuries just before the Olympics begin.Plus, Paramount and Skydance struck a deal, the Dallas Stars are launching a free streaming service, a PED-friendly Olympics alternative is looking to raise $300 million, and Dan Hurley signed a $50M...
2024-07-0922 min
Apple News TodayShould Democrats be worried after last night’s debate?Reuters has a recap of the first presidential debate, from Biden’s shaky performance to Trump’s barrage of falsehoods.
Ari Saperstein of the Blind Landing podcast previews the U.S. gymnastics trials, as Simone Biles and others aim for spots on the Olympic team.
Writer and critic Emily Nussbaum speaks to Apple News In Conversation about the history of reality TV.
Today’s episode was guest-hosted by Gideon Resnick.
2024-06-2813 minBlind LandingAssembling The World’s Best Gymnastics Team (with author Dvora Meyers)At most US Olympic Trials, you earn your spot by being the top finisher. In sports like track & field and swimming, it’s the top finishers who get to compete at the Paris Games this summer. Gymnastics doesn’t work that way –– but some people think it should. Unpacking this messy, subjective process are two guests: Dvora Meyers, author of The End Of The Perfect 10, and Emily Giambalvo, reporter at The Washington Post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-06-2837 minBlind LandingHow Female Gymnasts In Their 20s Became The Frontrunners For Olympic Gold (with Emily Giambavlo from The Washington Post)The story for nearly half a century has been that youth is the key to women’s gymnastics –– but in recent years, there’s been a surge of female gymnasts in their twenties dominating the sport. Emily Giambalvo from The Washington Post joins host Ari Saperstein to break down how everything we were told about success in gymnastics got turned upside down. You can follow Emily at @EmilyGiam on Twitter and read all her work at www.washingtonpost.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-06-1429 minBlind LandingThe Trifecta: How Simone, Suni, & Gabby Made HistoryOn May 18th 2024, the gymnastics world saw something that had never happened before: the return of three Olympic all-around champions. Host Ari Saperstein unpacks this historic story with producer Maddie Bender. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-06-0844 min
GymCastic: The Gymnastics Podcast2024 U.S. Championship RecapIt's Simone Biles' world and we're all just living in it. Over a decade from her very first national championship title Simone swept all four events and won the all-around by nearly 6 points. Of course, collecting another belt buckle wasn't the only thing at stake in Fort Worth and we break it all down. Jessica is joined by special guest, filing in for Spencer, Ari Saperstein, host of the podcast Blind Landing . We discuss who made it to Olympic Trials and why, standout performances and how Simone Biles showed her true character by helping her fellow Olympic all-around Champion.
2024-06-061h 15Front Office Sports TodayThe Leak That Changed Selection SundayIn 2016, CBS looked to make Selection Sunday an event on par with the NFL Draft, ballooning it from a tight half hour to a full two hours. That plan turned upside down when the NCAA tournament bracket was leaked before the network could roll it out. Front Office Sports senior writer Mike McCarthy joins to discuss the network’s nightmare and how it shaped the big day going forward.Plus, a miracle run altered a head coach’s fate, Caitlin Clark is getting a dedicated reporter, and we peek ahead to the Paris Olympics with journalist Ari Sape...
2024-03-1825 min
Chefs de Mission'De Lange Mannen' en volleybal anno nuZowel de Nederlandse volleybalvrouwen als -mannen proberen zich dezer dagen te kwalificeren voor de Spelen van Parijs. Hoe staat het er eigenlijk voor met onze volleyballers? Waar de vrouwen nog recentere successen boekten, denk je bij de mannen al gauw verder terug. Aan Atlanta 1996 bijvoorbeeld, toen ze een van de spannendste finales óóit speelden. Nynke duikt in het juicy verhaal van 'De Lange Mannen' én belde met oud-topspeelster Manon Flier (430 interlands) over het volleybal nu.Willem voegt het ongelofelijke verhaal van de Amerikaanse sprinter Betty Robinson toe aan het Chefs de Mission Museum. Welk moment wil jij nomi...
2023-09-2758 minFront Office Sports TodayReggie Bush Wants His Heisman BackReggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy in 2005, then had it taken away for accepting impermissible benefits, according to the NCAA. We dive into the backstory of this thorny case, and what’s likely to happen next.Plus, the US Gymnastics Championships begin on Thursday, as three former champions, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Suni Lee, look to assert themselves. Journalist Ari Saperstein joins to discuss what this key moment, with an eye toward the 2024 Olympics.
2023-08-2427 minBlind LandingThe Improbable Comeback of Rebeca AndradeThe making of Rebeca Andrade, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time and a comeback unlike any other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2022-11-0629 minBlind LandingKristi Yamaguchi: Asian American IdolFor many Asian Americans, seeing Kristi Yamaguchi win the gold in women’s figure skating at the 1992 Olympics was everything. She was more than a famous athlete — she was one of the few Asian Americans on TV, period. Yet for Kristi, the polished, glamorous image that we all saw was very different from her experience on the inside. From her choice to skate solo to seeking endorsements in an anti-Asian climate, reporter Stefanie Ritoper looks at the moments that almost stopped Kristi from becoming the Kristi Yamaguchi that we all know. Learn more about your ad c...
2022-05-1852 min
Blind LandingUkrainian Gymnast Illia Kovtun & The Story Behind The Photo Seen Around The WorldOn this special episode of Blind Landing, we're stepping away from figure skating and going back to the world of gymnastics to bring you Ukrainian gymnast Illia Kovtun. Illia tells us about what it's been like to compete during the invasion of Ukraine and the story of how politics found it's way onto the competition floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2022-03-1818 min
Blind LandingMabel Fairbanks: Beyond The EdgeMabel Fairbanks changed figure skating forever. As a Black figure skater in the 1940s, Mabel made a name for herself skating in ice shows all over the world — but was barred from entering competitions because of the color of her skin. Mabel made it her life’s mission to get Black skaters into the sport and to reach the highest peaks. Using excerpts of interviews with Mabel never before heard by the public, we’re bringing you not just the story of Mabel Fairbanks, but Mabel herself — her voice, in her own words. Learn more about yo...
2022-02-2349 min
Blind LandingOut On The Ice: Part 3“Out On The Ice” concludes with the story of Adam Rippon, the first out skater to represent the US at the Olympics, and a new generation of queer skaters determined to change the culture of their sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2022-02-0738 min
Blind LandingOut On The Ice: Part 2For decades, skaters have been pushed to play into narrow gender stereotypes on and off the ice, leaving queer athletes feeling like being themselves wasn’t an option –– but not everyone was going to stay silent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2022-02-0738 min
Blind LandingOut On The Ice: Part 1From the outside, figure skating might look like a queer haven, a space where LGBTQ+ athletes can be out and open… but inside of the sport? That couldn’t be farther from the reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2022-02-0738 min
Blind LandingBlind Landing: Season Two TrailerThe new season of Blind Landing is all about… figure skating! We’re taking you behind the scenes with the biggest names in the sport, from Adam Rippon to Kristi Yamaguchi, and telling the stories of skaters who dared to challenge the norms and put everything on the line for something greater than gold. New episodes coming February 7th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2022-02-0402 min
Blind LandingA Look At Safety In Gymnastics: Part 2When it comes to addressing the safety concerns gymnasts have about competitions, there are structures in place to help gymnasts be heard... but are these structures working? Can they work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-10-1828 min
Blind LandingA Look At Safety In Gymnastics: Part 1We spoke with Olympic gymnasts from around the world about the current state of safety at competitions. Twenty years after the Sydney vault controversy, things have changed. And not necessarily for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-10-1826 min
Feedback with EarBuds: The Podcast Recommendation PodcastLiz Muller on Immersive Audio & Podcasts on The OlympicsWelcome to Feedback with EarBuds, the podcast recommendation podcast. Our newsletter brings you five podcast recommendations each week according to a theme, and curated by a different person. Our podcast is an audio version of the newsletter.Subscribe to the newsletter: eepurl.com/cIcBuHThis week's theme is Olympics & Sports Stories. Thank you to Ari Saperstein for curating!This week's newsletter and podcast are sponsored by...Highbrow Drivel. Hilarious conversations with serious experts. Each week I'm joined by a new stand up comedian and a new expert to discuss their field of expertise...
2021-07-2520 min
Daily ReportCole Sprouse MAKES FANS MAD + Ex Lili Reinhart REACTS'Riverdale' star Cole Sprouse confirmed his relationship with his new girlfriend and fans are freaking out. Cole and his new-ish girlfriend just went Instagram official! Well, kinda. Cole posted a photo of his possible new girlfriend, Ari Fournier, on his Instagram and even posted on his Instagram story. So, what has Lili been up to? Well, she is addressing her own haters these days after a TikToker recently shared a video online claiming that Lili has a “no eye contact” rule on set. Listen to find out how Lili responded, plus how Cole 'pissed off' fans!" "→ Talent & Crew Cr...
2021-07-2005 min
Blind LandingThe Vault: Part 5On the final episode of Blind Landing, British gymnast Lisa Mason reflects on the culture she trained in. Elise and Allana discuss the impact that the Sydney Olympics had on their lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-07-1931 min
Blind LandingThe Vault: Part 4Romanian gymnast Maria Olaru discusses how the vault problem might have been stopped before it even started. Olympic officials explain what was happening behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-07-1926 min
Blind LandingThe Vault: Part 3The officials tried to solve the vault problem. Their decision had major consequences for everyone in the arena – but no one more so than the frontrunner, Russia’s Svetlana Khorkina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-07-1927 min
Blind LandingThe Vault: Part 2The story of the 2000 women’s gymnastics all-around final picks up with Australian gymnast Allana Slater. In the midst of the competition, Allana realized that it was no coincidence gymnasts were falling on vault. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-07-1920 min
Blind LandingThe Vault: Part 1Elise Ray, America’s top gymnast, qualified for the 2000 Olympics with big dreams –– but during the all-around final, high expectations clashed with reality and came crashing down. Literally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-07-1924 min
Blind LandingTrailerBlind Landing is the untold story of the greatest mistake in Olympic history. All episodes available on July 19th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2021-06-2502 min