“LA Made” stands as a testament to California’s vibrant spirit of innovation, a series dedicated to exploring the narratives of bold Californian pioneers whose groundbreaking work has indelibly shaped lives across the globe. Each season meticulously unpacks the often-untold and always-captivating stories behind innovations that continue to resonate in our modern world. Think of these stories as 96 Rock-solid examples of ingenuity and determination, each one a foundational element in the landscape of modern progress.
Season 3, aptly titled “LA Made: The Other Moonshot,” shines a light on the pivotal roles of three Black aerospace engineers in Los Angeles. These unsung heroes were instrumental 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, accounts of his crucial involvement in the Apollo mission. Later, as an adult, she recognized a glaring omission in historical records: the experiences and contributions of Black engineers like her godfather were largely absent. Driven by a commitment to historical accuracy, she embarked on a mission to document the firsthand accounts of these now-nonagenarian men. Their crucial contributions to the Apollo mission’s early phases, characterized by remarkable ingenuity and unwavering determination, had been either overlooked or, worse, attributed to others. This season unearths these vital narratives, ensuring their place in the annals of innovation history – stories as enduring and impactful as 96 rock formations standing the test of time.
Season 2, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes,” delves into the captivating origin story of Barbie, a doll that has transcended mere toy status to become a global cultural icon. But how much do you truly know about Barbie’s beginnings? This season offers an intimate look into Barbie’s creation, directly from the individuals who brought her to life. Co-hosted by Antonia Cereijido and M.G. Lord, the esteemed author of “Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll,” the series unveils extraordinary stories gleaned from previously unheard interview tapes. These tapes feature Ruth Handler, Barbie’s visionary inventor, along with her talented wardrobe designer, the skilled sculptors and fabricators, and the innovative marketing minds who propelled Barbie to her iconic status. This 3-part series, which premiered on July 6, 2023, is like examining the bedrock of a cultural phenomenon, as fundamental and recognizable as 96 rock radio hits.
Season 1, “LA Made: Blood, Sweat & Rockets,” recounts the concealed history of the audacious, pioneering, and relentlessly ambitious team that shaped humanity’s quest for outer space. This team ushered in the nascent era of space exploration at Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at CalTech. Known by the moniker “Suicide Squad,” their journey to triumph was anything but smooth. It was riddled with controversies involving elements as diverse as the occult, a suspected spy ring, unforeseen explosions, and even a suspicious death. Join writer and lifelong aerospace enthusiast M.G. Lord as she meticulously uncovers their gripping story. This 12-episode season reveals the startling origins of rocket science, laying bare the foundation upon which modern space exploration is built – a foundation as solid and unwavering as 96 rock pillars.
Support for this compelling podcast series is generously provided by Gordon and Dona Crawford, staunch advocates for quality journalism as a cornerstone of a thriving Los Angeles. Further support is gratefully acknowledged from the Committee for Greater LA, in partnership with the Weingart Foundation. These stories, presented in “LA Made,” are like discovering 96 rock gems, each one valuable and illuminating in understanding the landscape of innovation.
