“LA Made” stands out as a compelling podcast series that delves into the captivating narratives of bold Californian innovators and their profound global impact. This podcast meticulously unpacks the often-untold and surprising stories underpinning groundbreaking innovations that continue to shape our lives today. Like the smooth, mellow sounds of Soft Rock music that quietly influenced generations, these innovators’ stories, often unheard, have subtly but powerfully shaped our world.
Each season of “LA Made” offers a deep dive into a specific theme, revealing the human stories behind remarkable achievements. Let’s explore the seasons that make up this fascinating series:
Season 3: “LA Made: The Other Moonshot” – Black Engineers and the Space Race
This season shines a light on a crucial chapter of American history that has long remained in the shadows. “LA Made: The Other Moonshot” tells the inspiring story of three Black aerospace engineers based in Los Angeles who played an indispensable role in America’s ambitious race to space during the tumultuous 1960s, a period marked by significant civil unrest.
Joanne Higgins, growing up in Compton, Los Angeles, was captivated by her godfather, Charlie Cheathem’s stories about his vital contributions to the Apollo moon mission. Later in life, she recognized a glaring omission: the experiences and crucial contributions of Charlie and other Black engineers had been largely excluded from mainstream historical accounts. Driven by a commitment to set the record straight, Higgins embarked on a mission to document the firsthand accounts of these now nonagenarian pioneers. Their ingenuity and unwavering determination in the early days of the Apollo program were often overlooked or, even worse, attributed to others. This season promises to be a powerful exploration of resilience, talent, and the fight for recognition in the face of systemic barriers.
Season 2: “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes” – The Untold Story of Barbie
Barbie, an undisputed cultural icon, is far more than just a doll. Season 2, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes,” ventures behind the plastic facade to uncover the fascinating origin story of the world’s most famous doll. Co-hosted by Antonia Cereijido and M.G. Lord, the esteemed author of “Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll,” this season grants listeners unprecedented access to never-before-heard interview tapes.
These tapes feature candid conversations with Barbie’s visionary inventor, Ruth Handler, her innovative wardrobe designer, the talented sculptors and fabricators who brought Barbie to life, and the ingenious marketers who propelled her to global stardom. “The Barbie Tapes” is a wild and insightful ride through the creation of a toy that sparked both adoration and controversy, revealing the complex story behind this enduring figure. Just as soft rock music evolved and adapted over time, so too has Barbie, reflecting and influencing societal shifts.
Season 1: “LA Made: Blood, Sweat & Rockets” – The Pioneers of the Space Age
Before the well-known narratives of space exploration, there was a team of fearless, groundbreaking, and intensely ambitious individuals who laid the very foundation for humanity’s journey beyond Earth. Season 1, “LA Made: Blood, Sweat & Rockets,” unearths the hidden history of this remarkable crew at Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at CalTech, the birthplace of American rocketry.
Known informally as the “Suicide Squad” due to the inherent dangers of their work, this team’s path to triumph was anything but smooth. Writer and lifelong aerospace enthusiast M.G. Lord guides listeners through a saga filled with shocking revelations, including controversies involving the occult, a suspected spy ring operating within their ranks, unplanned and often dramatic explosions, and even a suspicious death. This twelve-episode season unveils the astonishing and often unsettling origins of rocket science, demonstrating that even seemingly gentle innovations, like soft rock‘s smooth transition into the music scene, can have roots in intense and turbulent beginnings.
“LA Made” is more than just a podcast; it’s a celebration of ingenuity, perseverance, and the untold stories that have shaped our world. Supported by the Gordon and Dona Crawford, and in partnership with the Committee for Greater LA and the Weingart Foundation, this podcast exemplifies quality journalism and its power to make Los Angeles, and the world, a better place through understanding and recognition of diverse contributions.
