LAist Studios, Southern California Public Radio’s podcast studio, is relaunching its long-form narrative journalism show “Imperfect Paradise” this fall and when it does the show will not only have a new host, but it will also begin releasing on a weekly basis. That sets the stage for the podcast to also air on “LAist 89.3” KPCC each Sunday.
Since its debut, “Imperfect Paradise” has been released on a story-by-story basis. For instance, in May it released episodes about immigration, in July it dropped episodes related to COVID, and this month it released a series of episodes related to “Barbie.” LAist Studios says the same general programming strategy will continue going forward. Each “Imperfect Paradise” story cycle will be told over the course of four weeks – with the main story comprising three episodes, followed by a fourth episode featuring topical conversations and interviews. Podcast episodes will premiere every Wednesday, with the broadcast version airing the following Sunday. Additional content from each story will be available on LAist.com, YouTube and across LAist’s social media footprint.
“The evolution of the show demonstrates LAist’s commitment to storytelling across platforms – linear radio, on-demand audio, online, and across social media,” the studio says in an announcement about the show’s overhaul. Upcoming stories include a never-before-seen look behind the secret recordings made of Los Angeles city council members, a false accusation against a Latino couple by a white mom-influencer, the unconventional push by dancers at a strip club to unionize, and a secretive private club for magicians forced to reckon with its problematic history.
Key to the relaunch is the appointment of a regular host. Antonia Cereijido, who has been Executive Producer for LAist Studios, will take on the role. Cereijido, who played a pivotal role in the initial launch of the podcast in January 2022, will work with journalists from the LAist team and outside contributors to tell stories that highlight complex aspects of American identity, forged in California. Catherine Mailhouse, Director of Content Development for LAist Studios, will serve as Executive Producer. Day-to-day operation of LAist Studios continues to be led by VP of Podcasts Shana Naomi Krochmal.
“Relaunching the show as a weekly podcast and on-air broadcast with Antonia at the helm allows us to further deliver on what we know our listeners want more of – deeply reported journalism on themes that our talented newsroom is uniquely positioned to explore,” Krochmal said. “Antonia demonstrated her strength and versatility as a reporter and presenter when she hosted “Norco ‘80” and “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes,” proving that she has a knack for telling exactly the kind of stories we want to continue highlighting in Imperfect Paradise.”
Prior to being named host of Imperfect Paradise, Cereijido produced a slate of podcasts for LAist Studios that includes “K-Pop Dreaming,” “LA Made: Blood, Sweat & Rockets,” “The Big Burn,” and “Party Crews: The Untold Story.” She joined LAist in 2021 from NPR’s “Latino USA,” where she spent six years as a producer and host of her own segment, “The Breakdown.” She has also hosted podcasts for Mic and Slate.
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