Linda Dishman

05/26/20 • 78 min

Los Angeles used to have a reputation as a city that not only didn't care about its past, but hardly realized it even had a past. One of the biggest reasons that has changed is the advocacy and the effectiveness of the Los Angeles Conservancy. And the woman who has headed that organization for over 25 years is Linda Dishman.
How does someone become interested - and make a career in - historic preservation? What's it like to take on the mighty Los Angeles Archdiocese ... and win? And after so much success saving so many historic buildings ... what's next? (Hint: the 70s are now 50 years old)
Take a deep dive into some of the Conservancy's biggest fights, and hear why historic preservation goes far beyond any 4 walls. And how it might even include a rotating foot sign.

Previous Episode

Paul Audley

Film LA might be one of the most important agencies you've never heard of. Why? Because nearly everything that gets filmed in Los Angeles has to be approved and permitted by them.
Heard anything about "runaway production" (ie, the economic loss from filming that happens in other states)? It's partly Film LA's job to fix that by making it easier and simpler to film here.
Helicopters flying under freeway overpasses? Cars racing in the LA River? Creating a train wreck in Downtown Los Angeles? All facilitated and figured out and permitted and managed by Film LA.
But this isn't just a podcast about what it's like to be charge of film permitting in Los Angeles (though that would certainly be interesting enough). It's also Paul's story - and it's not one you'd probably expect. To wit: before taking this job, he had had never worked in entertainment, never worked in filming, and never been to Los Angeles. How the heck did that happen? Take a listen and find out.

Next Episode

Dave Whitton

You have probably not heard of Dave Whitton. But if you've been to Seven Grand ... Villains Tavern ... One Eyed Gypsy ... or, now, PrankBar, you have been subject to his hospitality.
Why did I ask him to be interviewed? Because he has made a journey that is less common than you might expect - from bartender to bar owner. And also, because he's funny and a great interview.
He started out like so many others - moving to LA to chase the dream. And, even while making his way up the LA cocktail food chain, he continued to play in a band (the Eggshell Egoz - perhaps perfect for people in his profession...). But, also like so many others, he ended up tending bar to make some money on the side. And it turns out that not only was he really good at that, but he had a knack for the business side of things too. So, after stints at Golden Gopher and Seven Grand (and being mentored by ELA podcast guest Cedd Moses), he got into the ownership game when he helped open Villains Tavern. Then, finally, he opened his own place - PrankBar, his "indoor/outdoor bar" in South Park, just up the street from Staples Center.
So, we'll hear about that journey - which included early stops at places like Howl at the Moon and Islands (what? Yep.). The trials and tribulations of deciding to open your own business. How it's going now. What keeps him up at night. And we'll do it all while laughing a lot inside an ADA lift/photo booth at Prank....