In a Minute with Evan Lovett

Normally, companies are nameless, faceless, soulless entities. . .but there are four L.A. Companies that transcend just "doing business" - in fact, these four companies are BELOVED for their significant roles in L.A.'s history, culture, & communities. From sole proprietors to Mom & Pops, businesses are the lifeblood of Los Angeles - but these are the four that make the L.A. Mount Rushmore of Companies. Let's get into it!

Before there was Disneyland, Bob Gurr was part of Walt Disney's secret team. One of the original Disney Imagineers, Gurr designed Matterhorn, Autopia, Monorail, Haunted Mansion and anything on wheels at Disneyland. A true Disney legend, he is also an L.A. Native and regales us with stories of how L.A. has changed over his 90+ years - and what he likes best about Disneyland, even if he didn't design it!

In 1969, UCLA Computer Science Professor Leonard Kleinrock led a team of scientists in a project to get two computers to 'talk' to each other. Lo and behold, the experiment worked. . .and ARPAnet was created, laying the groundwork for the internet. Nearly 60 years later, Kleinrock is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at UCLA, still teaching - and still creating groundbreaking work, including forays into AI. A wildly endearing, vivacious, witty intellect, meet the man I call "the Vin Scully of Computer Science" - a person that truly belongs on the Los Angeles Mount Rushmore.

KROQ was an L.A. institution for decades, but they hit rock bottom a decade ago, plummeting to 23rd in the ratings. But thanks to Kevin Klein & Ally Johnson, KROQ is back on top as a purveyor of culture & great music in L.A. We talk to Klein/Ally about their origin stories, how they dealt with years of near-failure, and what the secret was to the station's miraculous turnaround.

L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia ran a grassroots campaign to win his election in 2022. He's still upholding his campaign promises by pushing for transparency in L.A.'s finances. The first Filipino to win citywide office in Los Angeles, Mejia's unorthodox approach has created unprecedented attention for a position that is often opaque. And of course we get into his origin story and vision for the future of Los Angeles. . .and his favorite Filipino foods!

I sit down with my dog Zoey. . .and Matt Nelson, the creator of WeRateDogs, Thoughts of Dog, founder of the 15/10 Foundation and host of the podcast The Dogs Were Good (again) to find out how Matt took his love of dogs worldwide. He's compiled more than 25 million followers while helping place so many deserving pooches in loving homes. Hear how Matt turned his viral fame into real-world impact through his 15/10 Foundation, supporting dogs in need and giving back to the community that’s made him famous. And let's find out what rating he's going to give Zoey!!! @dog_rates @dog_feelings

I sit down with worldwide phenomenon Kaskade, discussing how a kid from Chicago ended up in L.A. as the post popular DJ/producer/songwriter in the world. It was that origin in Southern California that was a life changing move and inspiration for his signature sonic sound. He also opens up about how his career put him in a position to be a PIONEER of the Las Vegas pool party scene, the first DJ ever at a Super Bowl, and having the largest single-day concert by an electronic artist. This is a true peak behind the curtain of one of the most popular acts this century.

From pop-up to pitmaster, Burt Bakman describes his unlikely rise from realtor to one of L.A.'s most revered BBQ pitmasters. An Israeli immigrant, Burt tells us how one fateful trip to Austin inspired his beloved Trudy's Underground Barbecue, which led to Slab, and working alongside Wolfgang Puck. A true 'Only in L.A.' story with a one-of-a-kind figure. . . .and of course, there's his Daily Hummus!

The first Latina elected to a Citywide office in Los Angeles HISTORY, Hydee Feldstein Soto is the 43rd City Attorney for the City of Los Angeles. Her inspirational story as a Jewish Puerto Rican is symbolic of the opportunity in world's melting pot of L.A. Her no-nonsense approach is a breath of fresh air in a world of bureaucracy, and her track record of fighting corruption and human trafficking shows that her intelligence, leadership can lead to real progress.

Thrilled to have my dear friend, as well as a partner of L.A. in a Minute, Mr. David Yerulshalmi of Injuryneeds on the podcast to tell his unreal story! His upbringing and how he dealt with and overcame adversity. . . much of it self-inflicted, to become a Power Attorney in Beverly Hills is truly inspiring! This is first time really opening up, and I'm honored to have him here with me to share it. This is a Can’t Miss Episode for all you ambitious folks out there!

The Los Angeles media landscape is getting a huge jolt as the California Post launches today for print & digital. With the continued struggles of the L.A. Times and the Daily News anodyne coverage, News Corp. and the New York Post see the opportunity for "A new era of common sense and accountability in California" and Los Angeles. We sit down with Dylan Hernandez & Jack Harris, two recent defectors from the L.A. Times, to get the inside scoop.

Eli Lipmen, Executive Director of MoveLA joins the show to discuss The Future of Transportation in Los Angeles. As L.A. races to ‘be transit-ready’ for the World Cup, Super Bowl, & Olympics, will the billions spent have a substantial impact on our City? Lipmen talks about the funding from Measure R & Measure M and what progress is being made throughout our city from the billions of dollars generated.

L.A. is the land of film, and there have been thousands of movies made about L.A. These are the Top 5 Films that Define MY L.A. - and I want your feedback. What did I miss? What shouldn't have made the top 5? Also - do you know the FIRST movies ever made in L.A.? And the consummate L.A. movie that you MUST watch but haven't heard of? Let's get into it!

As L.A. continues to rebound in 2026, here are 10 things that will absolutely be on your radar. 2:40 - #1: The Mayoral Election 4:56 - #2: NBA All-Star Weekend Returns to L.A. (Feb. 13-15, 2026) 7:09 - #3: The FIFA World Cup Comes to Los Angeles (June 11-July 19, 2026) 10:08 - #4: ICE Raids, Immigration Enforcement, and a city on Edge 11:15 - #5: Hollywood at a Crossroads 12:30 - #6: LAX Automated People Mover (est. Fall 2026) 15:04 - #7: Affordable Housing 18:25 - #8: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (est. Sept. 22, 2026) 21:16 - #9: Burbank Airport's New Terminal 23:12 - #10 "L.A. In a Minute" & "In a Minute w/ Evan Lovett"

My wife Irene of Designstiles joins the show to give you the REAL answers to all your questions. From our L.A. faves to the “secret tunnels” to how we met - and how she tolerates me! - we get into it in an AMA that is completely unfiltered, and maybe just a little bit adorable!

When Lawrence Longo launched the Off the Menu app, he was not envisioning becoming one of the most prolific restaurateurs in Los Angeles. Yet a decade later, that's exactly where we are. Lawrence is responsible for the birth of Prince St. Pizza in Los Angeles, rescuing beloved stalwart Irv's Burgers, launching Tacos 1986 & even pioneering the smashburger craze with Burgers Never Say Die. Truly a fascinating character with a unique & fun origin story.

Simply put, Roy Choi is on the modern Mount Rushmore of Los Angeles. He not only created a food movement, but changed the culture in the city that defined him. A true L.A. American Dream story, we discuss the experiences that shaped who he is, and how he become one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.

Nithya Raman is the consummate L.A. American Dream story, the first south Asian and Asian American female ever elected to the L.A. City Council. The first “outsider” to defeat an incumbent in two decades, her approach to fixing what else Los Angeles is anything but status quo. Shaped by her world view and grasp of urban planning, we discussed her origin, story and vision for the future of Los Angeles.

People have been asking us to bring back the 'One Thing to do in L.A. this week's segment, so we listened... and we're bringing you SEVEN Things to do in L.A....and they're all FREE. From the South Bay to the Valley, from the Westside to the Eastside, we have you covered with fun, fascinating, and FREE ways to be a tourist in your own town. Let's get into it!

I sit down with L.A. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to discuss everything L.A. from the Crenshaw District to the Civic Center. Now in his third term representing CD8, Harris-Dawson is stewarding growth and development in one of the most crucial districts in Los Angeles, but also spearheading ambitious projects such as the $2.6 billion overhaul of the Convention Center. A highly engaging conversation with a dynamic personality, it's easy to see why MHD was unanimously elected President of the City Council.

In a Minute w/ Evan Lovett and L.A. in a Minute isn't just a one-person show...because Gloria is the backbone of the operation. From org & admin to insight & perspective, Gloria is an integral part of the team that makes the whole operation flow. And this episode marks the unveiling as we are officially introducing Gloria!

We all know and learned about the 7 wonders of the world, from The Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal in India... but it got me thinking, what are the 7 wonders of Los Angeles? I had fun diving into this and am thrilled to share what's on my list of the 7 wonders of L.A.!

I sit down with L.A.'s most beloved anchor, Lynette Romero of NBC4, for an honest & heartwarming conversation about her origin story as a Mexican-American from Colorado working her way into the most important job in L.A. local news. Her vivacious spirit and boundless energy are contagious, as she regales us with stories of her parents, meeting her husband in Guadalajara, and her thoughts on local journalism and the future of TV News.

Now batting in this week's podcast is Dodgers PA announcer Todd Leitz! "The Voice of Todd at Blue Heaven on Earth," Leitz is the most recognizable voice in L.A. This year marks his fifth World Series at Dodger Stadium. We discuss what it's like preparing for the games and making sure his pronunciation is spot-on for players from all around the world, and how close he was to almost being the PA guy with the team in San Diego. Does he really have the most mellifluous voice in L.A.? You be the judge - we say yes!

A personal episode as Waldie is one of the biggest influences on L.A. in a Minute, I sit down with D.J. Waldie - the preeminent author of Los Angeles, who finds the "poetry and meaning in the confines of regular life in Los Angeles. A native & resident of Lakewood (the most impactful neighborhood in the world) since 1946, Waldie's unique perspective and acute insights inspired Joan Didion to describe him as infinitely moving and absolutely original. Waldie is the author of the powerful and seminal work, Holy Land, and continuing with California Romantica (w/ Diane Keaton), Becoming Los Angeles, and the his newly released Elements of Los Angeles.

Jeff Strauss established himself as an L.A. player as a writer for multiple seasons on the show "Friends." After a long career as a writer & producer, he shifted gears and started at the bottom again, working his way up the culinary ladder, now running the best Bar in L.A., Oy Bar - and the best sandwich shop, Jeff's Table.

Special Episode* BEEF with is an award-winning, scripted narrative storytelling podcast that serves up the juiciest rivalries you've never heard of. Hosted by celebrated podcaster Bridget Todd, our show tells the tales of competitive enmity and petty grievances pushing historic luminaries in every aspect of our society, from music to business, politics to bird-watching, to the heights of their humanity potential and the deepest depths of self-destruction...all while changing the world as we know it. A group of rural farmers versus a growing metropolis. This week on Beef, the growing metropolis that is 1920s Los Angeles wages war on California’s peacefully bucolic Owens Valley over its most precious resource: water Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bridget Todd⁠⁠⁠⁠ Written by Max Wolfson Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by James "Sam" Levine Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nextchapterpodcasts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Two historically popular shoes, both with deep L.A. roots: The Nike Cortez is the symbol of Los Angeles culture, and the Vans Checkerboard is the symbol of Los Angeles subculture - and both shoes have been embraced worldwide for generations. So which shoe is MORE L.A., the Cortez or the Checkerboard. Sound off and let us know which piece of iconic Southern California footwear you are more proud to wear!

Jon SooHoo is in his 41st year as the Dodgers photographer and he has spent nearly half a century capturing the iconic historic sports moments in Los Angeles. An L.A. native, SooHoo is also the grandson of the founder of Chinatown in DTLA, Peter SooHoo. Hear how his unique experiences framed his one-of-a-kind perspective on capturing the greatest photographs in modern Los Angeles history.

Born in East L.A., raised in San Fernando, CD7 Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez is passionate, prepared, and persistent about positive change in L.A. and the impact she's already had on her district is palpable. Starting with one of her mantras, "A Clean City is a Safe City," Monica has strong thoughts about improving Los Angeles, especially in light of a difficult 2025.

L.A. native and Rams president Kevin Demoff joins the show to discuss his instrumental role in moving the Rams back to Los Angeles in 2016, clearing the way for Sofi Stadium to become an L.A. landmark. Demoff discusses the importance of continuing to grow his L.A. fan base and takes us through how he built a Super Bowl-winning organization, and why he's excited about the Rams in 2025 and beyond.

L.A. native Rick Caruso has built some of L.A.'s most popular destinations: The Grove, Americana at Brand, the Commons in Calabasas. We dive into the origin story that created his leadership style and how he's able to continue growth in an often-difficult, legislatively & politically, Los Angeles. We also highlight SteadfastLA, Rick's non-profit that is building homes and providing small business grants to communities devastated by the wildfires. And of course, we want to know, is Rick Caruso potentially the next Mayor or Governor?

When there is danger or crisis anywhere in the world, ABC's chief national correspondent, Matt Gutman is there. He shares intimate and harrowing stories from Afghanistan to Iraq to Israel. . . to back home in the Mojave Desert where his "Devil in Desert" podcast reached #1 on the charts.

In this episode, we sit down with Eddie Gorton, a school principal by day and stand-up comedian by night! Eddie shares how he balances two separate worlds, some of the funniest moments he shares on stage, and how laughter plays a role in his approach to leadership and life.

*Parental Advisory, Explicit Language* Global phenomenon Jim Jefferies stops by the I AM Studios for an intimate, hilarious, fun interview. No topic is off-limits, and Jim is at his endearing & engaging best for a two-hour conversation that could have gone 20 hours. From his background in Australia to his favorite things to do & places to eat in L.A., Jim truly shows off the wit & intelligence that led to him being one of the most renowned comedy figures in L.A...and the World!

LAX serves more than 80 million passengers per year... and it's terrible. Dingy, crowded, inefficient, slow - can this airport possibly serve as a beacon for the world as L.A. hosts the World Cup, Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics? The good news is that a $30 billion transformation is in progress, but will it be enough to avoid the pratfalls of flying in what Reddit calls "a pathetic dump of an airport?" In short, can LAX be fixed?

Has overall sentiment in Los Angeles ever been lower than it is now? I don’t think so, at least not in my lifetime… So what better person to discuss this with than the head of it all, Mayor Karen Bass! We cover uncomfortable but completely necessary topics like the seemingly never-ending homelessness crisis to crime, to LAPD, and more. This is a must-listen for anyone who is rooting for the ultimate comeback story of our great city.

Building a Los Angeles Mount Rushmore is no easy task, but I identify the four names that have most impacted the GLOBE from right here in L.A. From art to science, from sports to culture, the list of who DID NOT make the Mount Rushmore is almost as impressive as the names that did. . .and choosing FOUR names was nearly impossible - so let me know what you think of L.A.'s Mount Rushmore.

DTLA was hollowed out and vacant for much of the 20th Century. . .but the arrival of Staples Center heralded a renaissance. Restaurants, bars, lofts, studios, apartments, even hotels were filling the area with vivaciousness & energy that hadn't been felt in 70 years. But then came COVID, and the wave of crime & homelessness, which still hasn't abated. Today, more than 33% of businesses and residences are vacant and legacy restaurants are closing weekly. So what happened? This is the Demise of Downtown L.A.

I sit down with long-time L.A. Times writer & columnist Dylan Hernandez to discuss his recent column castigating the Dodgers for staying silent during the ICE Raids. We get into his origin story as a Japanese-Salvadoran growing up in South Pasadena and attending UCLA, as well as his view of the current media landscape, and why print (and the L.A. Times) are suffering.

Keyshawn Johnson is the pride of Dorsey High and USC, and was the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft. A true L.A. Legend, we sit down with him to discuss his origin story, and how he overcame a troubled adolescence to end up one of the best NFL receivers of all-time. Football is his profession, but L.A. is his passion, and we get into what Keyshawn loves about the greatest city on the globe. Watch Keyshawn’s LA Legends series on his podcast YouTube page here and listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Books the reason L.A. in a Minute and In a Minute with Evan Lovett exist. They’ve inspired everything I’ve done and continue to provide framework around my understanding of L.A. These are my Favorite Books about L.A., as well as my Summer 2025 reading list.

Join Mona Holmes of Eater LA, Jenn Harris of the L.A. Times, Jordan Okun of Air Jordan: A Food Podcast and Eddie Sanchez of Hungry Creative Co. as we talk about why it's so important to support the L.A. restaurant industry, our favorite restaurants, and the evolving landscape of food media. Please follow all of our guests on Instagram: Mona Holmes @monaeats Jenn Harris @jenn_harris_ Jordan Okun @jordankun Eddie Sanchez @hungryinla

I delve into the stories of three of my favorite L.A. American Dream Stories: Porto's Bakery, Fatburger, and Vallarta. Inspirational, iconic, and impactful - these are three fascinating origin stories that helped define L.A. culinary culture.

I get DMs all the time about things people love or hate about L.A. and one of the things people 'hate' the most are the transplants. Another thing people 'hate' are the natives. So who is right? Why do natives hate transplants and transplants hate natives? I dive into this dichotomy which is actually L.A.'s Civil War.