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Is there still value in school field trips?

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Florida Outreach Program Helps Homeless Families Cope

Do students really learn on school field trips? ; Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Field trips are becoming less common in schools across the country. An American Association of School Administrators survey showed that more than half of American schools completely eliminated planned field trips from the  last school year.

But a recent study from the University of Arkansas found that enrichment or cultural field trips do have a lasting impact on students and an opportunity to add a greater depth to their education. The study looked at over 10,000 students at over 100 schools. The study found that students gained a greater sense of critical thinking, empathy and tolerance from the field trip.

Many schools have cut back on field trips because of budget restraints. Other schools have opted for “reward” focused trips such as outings to the movies in exchange for good test scores.

Do students really learn on field trips? Do you think schools should continue enrichment trips to places like museums and historical sites?  What field trips do you remember as a child?

Guest:

Jay P. Greene, Professor of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas

Sujata Bhatt, Founder and Teacher, The Incubator School 


Fed keeps historic economic stimulus program going, despite expectations

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The US Federal Reserve building is seen

The US Federal Reserve building is seen on August 08, 2011 in Washington DC.; Credit: MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images

Despite swirling rumors that they’ll do otherwise, the Federal Reserve is not going to apply the brakes on the government’s $85-billion a month treasury and mortgage bond buying program known as “quantitative easing.”

The Fed announced its first round of quantitative easing in November 2008 and renewed it in June 2010. This current round of quantitative easing, known as QE3, started in September 2012. Quantitative easing is an unusual tool for central banks to lower interest rates and stimulate lending.  

Stock markets in the US and abroad have been expecting the Fed to act differently. How is today’s announcement going to impact the markets?

Guest:
Joseph Brusuelas,  Senior Economist at Bloomberg Industries

End of an era: Boeing announces closure of last aircraft manufacturing plant in Southern California

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Boeing Delivers First C-17 Globemaster III To United Arab Emirates Air Force

The first of six C-17 Globemaster III airlifters built for the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence is prepared before taking off from Long Beach Airport on May 10, 2011. Boeing announced yesterday that it will end production of the C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets and close the final assembly facility in Long Beach in 2015. ; Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Boeing announced yesterday that it will end production of the C-17 Globemaster III cargo jets and close the final assembly facility in Long Beach in 2015. The Chicago-based aerospace giant will build the final 22 aircraft in the interim.

The company expects to lay off 3,000 employees at four sites in California, Georgia, Arizona and Missouri, starting in early 2014. The decision marks the end of large aircraft production in Southern California, once the center of the American aerospace industry.

Author D.J. Waldie, who has written extensively about the aerospace industry in Southern California, notes that during World War II Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach employed 50,000 people and at the height of the Cold War, it employed twice that. From 1910 to today, Waldie adds, we have witnessed the birth, growth, decline and disappearance of an entire industry.

What’s the significance of that for Southern California?

Guest:

D.J. Waldie, is the author of several books on Southern California and a frequent writer of the history and politics of Los Angeles; former Deputy City Manager of the city of Lakewood

Say it ain’t so! DC wants you to wait 24 hours before getting a tattoo

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21st International Tattoo Convention

Should there be a waiting period to get a tattoo?; Credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images

Certain things are forever, while body art isn’t one of them, it certainly feels like it. To prevent “tattoo remorse,” the Department of Health in the District of Columbia is considering mandating a 24-hour waiting period before someone can get body piercings or a tat.

"The licensee or operator of a body art establishment shall ensure that no tattoo artist applies any tattoo to a customer until after twenty-four hours have passed since the customer first requested the tattoo," so states the proposed language of new regulations from DC’s DoH. 

Tattoo artist Kevin Hinton thinks the waiting period idea is nearly unenforceable, would be bad for business and possibly dangerous.

"I would fear that you would drive people underground possibly getting tattoos in an unsterile environment in garages, homes and apartments...of course the loss of income," said Hinton on AirTalk.  

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Kaplan says that while he does often see patients hoping to have regrettable tattoos removed, he is unsure whether a mandated waiting period is necessary. 

"I certainly have seen many patients come to me for tattoo removal who said they had just gotten the tattoo a few days earlier and they instantly regretted it," said Dr. Kaplan. "Whether there should be a law about that...That does seem like a far-reaching government move."

 

KPCC's online polls are not scientific surveys of local or national opinion. Rather, they are designed as a way for our audience members to engage with each other and share their views. Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, facebook.com/kpcc, or in the comments below.

What do you think? Is it a good idea, or none of anyone’s business?

Guests:

Kevin Hinton, tattoo artist at The Tattoo Lounge in Mar Vista

Dr. Alex Kaplan, cosmetic surgeon and the medical director of Celebrity Laser Spa & Surgery Center in West Los Angeles

Sleeping Consciously: A guide to lucid dreaming

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"A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Mastering the Art of Oneironautics"

A lucid dream is one in which the person is aware they are in fact dreaming. The practice of Lucid dreaming has been adopted by people to gain clarity, a deeper understanding of themselves or even for fantasy fulfillment. Friends and lucid dreamers, Thomas Peisel, Jared Zeizel and Dylan Tucillo co-authored a book detailing the steps to achieve a lucid Dream. It takes beginners through the stages needed for heightened awareness in a deep dream state.

Have you ever had a lucid dream? What would you want to do if you could control your dreams?

Guests:

Jared Zeizel , co-author “'A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming'

Dylan Tuccillo, co-author, 'A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming'

GOP plans a risky vote to de-fund Obamacare

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Boehner Holds Press Briefing At the Capitol

U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) speaks during a news conference February 16, 2012 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Boehner is making amends with the conservative wing of his party by allowing Tea Party lawmakers to vote on de-funding Obamacare. ; Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images

House Speaker John Boehner is making amends with the conservative wing of his party by allowing Tea Party lawmakers to vote on de-funding Obamacare. It's a politically risky strategy that Democrats warn could lead to a government shutdown. The vote is set for Friday and would tie the proposal to de-fund the healthcare law to a spending bill that would keep Washington running beyond the end of the month.

The proposal would fund the government through December 15 but would strip all money away from implementing Obamacare. Republican leadership including RNC Chair Reince Priebus praised the vote, saying on Twitter that it's a "great move" and called on the Senate to get on board. President Obama, however, was not pleased and even accused House Republicans of using the debt ceiling debate to "extort a president."

If House Republicans are successful, what chance does this have of getting through the Senate? Why are Republicans attacking ObamaCare now before some of the struggles of implementation? What's the strategy here? What will happen to the healthcare law if it's de-funded?

Guests:

Lisa Mascaro, Congressional Reporter, Los Angeles Times

David Mark, Editor-in-Chief of Politix.com - with an x!

Contentious labor relations at University of California system

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University Of California Employees Protest Pending Cuts

University of California employees represented by the Union Coalition demonstrated in front of UCLA early this year at Ronald Reagan Medical Center to call on University of California executives take a pay cut instead of reducing services to patients, cutting employee hours and increasing student tuition.; Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

California’s employment relations board that deals with public employees is investigating complaints against University of California for threatening striking workers last May. UC says it takes the allegations very seriously and strongly disagrees with the union’s claims. AFSCME Local 3299 has been negotiating with the UC system for more than a year over a new contract. Union representatives say it’s likely to reach a final impasse.

The sticking points are much the same as other public employee contract disputes of late: pension obligations and executive compensation. However, the added complexity of tuition for the universities and patient considerations at UC hospitals make the stakes even higher.

Are negotiations happening in good faith? What will bring the parties together?

Guests:

Kathryn Lybarger, President, AFSCME Local 3299 (with over 22,000 members at the University of California); Senior Gardner, UC Berkeley

Dwaine Duckett, Vice President, Human Resources, UC System

Filmweek: Rush, Prisoners, Enough Said and more

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Ferrari And The Cinema Society Host A Screening Of "Rush" - Arrivals

Actors Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl attend the Ferrari and The Cinema Society Screening of "Rush" at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas on September 18, 2013 in New York City. ; Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Larry is joined by KPCC critics Claudia Puig and Wade Major to review this week’s releases including Enough Said, Prisoners, Rush and more! TGI-FilmWeek!

RushPrisoners

Enough Said

Guests:
Claudia Puig, film critic for KPCC and USA Today

Wade Major, film critic for KPCC and producer and host for IGN’s DigiGods.com


No tiaras for toddlers as France moves to ban beauty pageants (poll)

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Isabella Barrett prepares  from TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras prepares for an event.

Isabella Barrett prepares from TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras prepares for an event. ; Credit: Marc Andrew Deley/Getty Images

There will be no French equivalent of Honey Boo Boo as the country's upper house of parliament voted to ban beauty pageants for children younger than 16. The government is making the move to crack down on what it says is the over-sexualization of children.

The pageants are popular across France but don't reach the level of intensity as the US where padded bras, high heels and thongs have showed up in the costumes of very young girls.

Concern over the pageants was fanned by a photo display in Paris Vogue that featured under-age girls in sexy clothes and postures, with high heels and heavy makeup. If it passes, anyone who "helps, encourages or tolerates" a children's beauty pageant will face up to two years in prison and a $40,000 fine.

Opponents of the bill argue that the penalty is too steep but the conservative representative who sponsored the ban says it's necessary to protect children from being pushed into a sexual role too early.

KPCC's online polls are not scientific surveys of local or national opinion. Rather, they are designed as a way for our audience members to engage with each other and share their views. Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, facebook.com/kpcc, or in the comments below.

Should beauty pageants for young girls be banned or limited? Some pageants in France have already banned the use of swimwear for young girls. Is that enough to protect them from possible harm? Are pageants helpful or harmful for young girls? Kids are subjected to sexual images in the media and advertising on a regular basis so should pageants take the blame for over-sexualization?

Guests:

 Dr. Martina Cartwright, nutritional scientist, professor at University of Arizona. Author of “Princess by Proxy: What Child Beauty Pageants Teach Girls About Self-Worth and What We Can Do About It”, published November 2012  in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

Carl Dunn, CEO of Pageantry magazine

Rosy employment numbers predicted for California

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Job Seekers Meet With Recruiters At Job Fair

A job seeker shakes hands with a recruiter during the San Francisco Hirevent job fair at the Hotel Whitmore in San Francisco, California. ; Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

California has an average jobless rate of 8.9 percent this year. Its gross domestic product is 2.7 percent. But if economists at the University of Pacific are right, the Golden State is about to experience a bit of dramatic growth.

Economist Jeff Michael at the UOP's Business Forecasting Center says in a quarterly report that California's economy will grow by 3.3 percent next year and will hit 3.9 percent in 2015. Unemployment, meanwhile, will dip to 8.2 percent next year and will drop to 6.3 percent in 2016. UCLA’s Anderson Forecast sees slower growth, but similar employment figures.

But just how real are these numbers? Where would the jobs come from? Which industry would lead growth?

Guests:

Jeff Michael, Economist at the University of the Pacific

Jerry Nickelsburg, Senior Economist, University of California Los Angeles Anderson Forecast

In 12,000-word interview, Pope Francis says the Church needs to change direction

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Pope Francis Attends Easter Mass and Urbi Et Orbi Blessing in St. Peter's Square

Pope Francis greets the faithful prior to his first 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica during Easter Mass on March 31, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. ; Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

It's clear right from the start that Pope Francis' views on social issues are markedly different from his predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. In an lengthy interview in La Civiltà Cattolica, a Jesuit magazine, the pontiff has laid out his vision and priorities for the Catholic Church. One thing he wishes to see is for the Vatican to devote less attention on abortion and gay issues. "The teaching of the Church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the Church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time," he told the magazine. Pope Francis has made headlines before for what could be described as his unorthodox views on controversial issues.

In May, he defended atheism and suggested that the gates of heaven are open to atheists who perform good deeds. In July, he told reporters that it was not up to him to judge priests for being gay as long as they are searching for god. "This Church with which we should be thinking is the home of all, not a small chapel that can hold only a small group of selected people. We must not reduce the bosom of the universal Church to a nest protecting our mediocrity,'' he told La Civiltà Cattolica. Pope Francis’ statements have divided everywhere.

Do his views signal a change in theological policy for the Vatican? What do you think of the Pope’s more liberal stance?

Guests:

Rocco Palmo, commentator on the Catholic Church and author of the revered blog “Whispers In The Loggia” (pron: LO-juh)

Father Thomas Reese, senior analyst at the National Catholic Reporter, and author of “Inside the Vatican: The politics and organization of the Catholic Church”

 

Actor Daniel Bruhl on new film 'Rush'

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"Rush" Ferrari Arrivals

Actor Daniel Bruhl attends the Ferrari and The Cinema Society Screening of 'Rush' at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas on September 18, 2013 in New York City. ; Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Ferrari

The film “Rush” portrays the mid-70’s rivalry between Formula 1 racecar drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during racing's heyday. Daniel Bruhl plays the Austrian Lauda, a much more disciplined, technical competitor than his British playboy rival Hunt, played by Chris Hemsworth.

Bruhl’s most recent and perhaps most well-known role came in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds,” in which he plays the German war hero Fredrick Zoller. He also had a smaller role in “The Bourne Ultimatum” and starred in the 2003 film “Goodbye Lenin!”

This time around, Bruhl worked under award-winning director Ron Howard to tell the story of one of the greatest rivalries in the history of Formula 1 racing.

Guest:
Daniel Bruhl, actor starring in “Rush,” opening in select theaters September 20, opens everywhere September 27

The Girl: A life in the shadow of Roman Polanski

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"The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski"

Samantha Geimer speaks about for the first time about her life changing encounter with Roman Polanski as a child. In her book she delves into the repercussions, and how her life was impacted by the events. She shares her version of the events that happened on March 10,1977 and the aftermath of that fateful night. She begins by sharing her background and how she ended up doing a photoshoot with Polanski at 13-years-old. In this book Geimer comes out of the shadows and proves she is not a victim.

Guest:

Samantha Geimer, author of  “The Girl.”  

The future of taxicabs

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Will this force the taxi industry to evolve or is this the beginning of the end for the traditional yellow cab?

Will this force the taxi industry to evolve or is this the beginning of the end for the traditional yellow cab?; Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

On Thursday California became the first state to regulate ride-sharing companies such as Lyft, Uber and Sidecar. Download an app and catch a ride in someone's else's car.

Now, these ride-sharing drivers will have to go through a background check, get training and special credentials that will put them squarely on the turf of the state's professional taxi drivers. Taxi associations across California are not happy about the threat to their business.

Will this force the taxi industry to evolve or is this the beginning of the end for the traditional yellow cab? What will this mean for people without smartphones and who rely on hailing a cab and paying cash? Is it worth the hassle to participate in ride-sharing if you have to go through the hassle of getting special credentials?

Guests:

Jacqueline Leavitt, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affair

Mark Gruberg, United Taxicab Workers of San Francisco

Is the chain of command interfering with justice in military sexual assault cases?

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Democratic Senators Discuss House Republicans' Proposal To Modify Women's Reproductive Health Services

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has been building support for her proposed legislation which would remove commanding officers from being the final arbiter of sexual harassment and assault cases; Credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

In the military, the chain of command is the foundation of discipline and order, but in recent months, legislators and many members of the military have become concerned that it’s become an obstacle to prosecuting claims of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Opponents of the current system think it intimidates victims from bringing claims to senior officers, while proponents see the military’s system as more than adequate in ensuring a fair process.

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has been building support for her proposed legislation which would remove commanding officers from being the final arbiter of sexual harassment and assault cases, but opponents argue that the current system insures trials that are fair and balanced.

How important is preserving the chain of command? And should sexual assault cases be held to different criteria in military courts?

Guests:

Roger Canaff, president of End Violence Against Women International (EVAW), former Assistant District Attorney in New York, worked with the Department of the Army to investigate and prosecute sexual assault cases

Jeff Addicott, professor of law at St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, where he is the director of the Center for Terrorism Law; he's a 20 year JAG officer and was senior legal counsel to the Green Berets


GOP vs. GOP in fight over Obamacare and government shutdown

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Sen. Ted Cruz Speaks Before A "Defund Obamacare" Town Hall

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during a town hall meeting hosted by Heritage Action For America at the Hilton Anatole on August 20, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Cruz is staging events across Texas sharing his plan to defund U.S. President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. ; Credit: Brandon Wade/Getty Images

The Senate is expected to begin debate on a two-fold piece of legislation that would "defund Obamacare" while allowing funding to continue for the rest of the government.

Some Republicans, including highly influential groups such as Heritage Action, Club for Growth and the Tea Party movement, say they are committed to their demand strip monies from the Affordable Care Act even if it shuts down the government. Texas Senator Ted Cruz said Sunday, "If Harry Reid kills that (demand), Harry Reid is responsible for shutting down the government."

Other notable Republicans warn that the GOP-controlled house will wear the blame if the government shuts down and brings a chill to the U.S. economy. Karl Rove calls the defunding strategy "an ill-conceived tactic." As reported by the National Journal,  a Congressional Research Service report released at the end of July found that much of the health care law’s implementation is separate from annual discretionary appropriations, therefore would not be affected by the current proposed legislation.

Who would you blame if the government shuts down?

Guests:

Shawn Steel, Republican National Committeeman in California; Founding Director, California Chapter of Club for Growth - an influential conservative lobbying group; Past Chairman, California Republican Party

Avik Roy, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Policy Institute; In 2012, Roy was a health care policy

Phillip Martin, Deputy Director, Progress Texas - a political communications firm described as advancing progressive values, such as the Affordable Care Act

Who is Al-Shabab?

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KENYA-MALL-ATTACK

Armed Kenyan policemen take cover outside the Westgate mall in Nairobi on September 23, 2013. Kenyan troops were locked in a fierce firefight with Somali militants inside an upmarket Nairobi shopping mall on September 22 in a final push to end a siege that has left at least 69 dead and 200 wounded with an unknown number of hostages still being held.; Credit: SIMON MAINA/AFP/Getty Images

A reported 68 people have died in a terrorist attack in Kenya this weekend. A group of masked gunmen stormed into a crowded shopping center in Nairobi and started shooting. The strike on Westgate was the deadline terrorist attack in the country since 1998, when 200 people died from an Al-Qaeda bombing of the American Embassy in the Kenyan capital.

Somalia-based terrorist group Al-Shabab has taken responsibility for the attack. Four Americans were believed to have been injured in the attack, American officials said. The Kenyan government is continuing its assault against the terrorists, who have been holed up on the third floor of Westgate.

Who is Al-Shabaab? What are their links to Al-Qaeda? Do they post a terrorist threat to the United States?

Guests:

John Campbell, former US Ambassador to Nigeria and Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, Director of the Center for the Study of Terrorist Radicalization at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank

Talking to your kids about making online confessions

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; Credit: Youtube/Cassidy Lynn

Transgender teen Cassidy Lynn Campbell made history last week, when she was named homecoming queen at a Huntington Beach high school.  

But after what was initially the “happiest day” of her life, she started receiving nasty comments on social media. In response, she made an extremely personal, emotional YouTube video about how the criticism made her feel.

The video has gone viral, which fanned even more backlash. How should parents help their children navigate their online lives?

What should kids know before deciding to share so much of themselves online?

What is our responsibility as a society in responding to these very public confessions, which are becoming more and more common?

Guest:

Julie Cederbaum, Assistant Professor at the USC School of Social Work

How does it feel when the internet hates you?

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Why was Hermelin ridiculed for using a typewriter in New York City to make a few bucks for writing stories?

Why was Hermelin ridiculed for using a typewriter in New York City to make a few bucks for writing stories? ; Credit: flickr/mimesis

C.D. Hermelin was a hated man before people even knew his name. With skinny jeans and a typewriter, he sat on a New York City park bench tapping out original stories for a few bucks a piece. But with one snap of a stranger's camera, Heremelin unwittingly became that most feared of internet beings - a meme. 'Typewriter Guy' was suddenly on the front page of Reddit as the internet's most hated hipster.

And the comments were not kind. Redditors told him to get out of their city and called him names we can't print here. It only got worse. He was hated on Pinterest, BuzzFeed and thousands of Facebook pages. Instead of trying to slink into obscurity, Hermelin decided to speak out and wrote an article about his time as an internet meme. With the rising popularity of websites like Reddit and BuzzFeed, more and more people are becoming unwitting internet memes.

Has this happened to you? Have you commented or shared one of these without knowing the story behind it? Would it change your mind if you did? What does it feel like to be the subject of online hatred?

Guest:

Christopher Hermelin, Brooklyn-based writer and that guy you hate on the internet

What goes into writing an iconic rock ballad?

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Songwriters Jerry Leiber (L) and Mike Stoller at the release party for their autobiography "HOUND DOG" at a private residence on June 7, 2009 in New York City.

Songwriters Jerry Leiber (L) and Mike Stoller at the release party for their autobiography "HOUND DOG" at a private residence on June 7, 2009 in New York City. ; Credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Bobbi Marcus PR

Mike Stoller and his partner Jerry Leiber wrote some of the most iconic songs in modern music, including "Hound Dog," “Stand by Me,” “Yakety Yak,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Spanish Harlem,” "On Broadway," "Kansas City," "Love Potion #9," "Fools Fall in Love,” and many more.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe, a live revue of the pair’s songs, is currently playing on the mainstage of the Pasadena Playhouse, where it runs through October 13th. We talk to Mike Stoller about what goes into writing such iconic anthems.

Do you have a favorite Stoller and Leiber hit? Why does their music resonate with you?

Guest:

Mike Stoller, legendary songwriter

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