PODCAST · government
MHD Off the Record
by MHDCD8
MHD Off the Record takes you inside Los Angeles City Hall with Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Each episode explores the culture, politics, and policies shaping life in Los Angeles from housing and homelessness to city planning, public safety, and immigrant rights.Focused on uniting neighborhoods across the city, the MHD Off the Record podcast blends political insight with community-driven solutions. Listeners hear conversations with civic leaders, activists, and community stakeholders that reveal how multicultural organizing, music, and personal stories influence the direction of Los Angeles.If you’re curious about how Los Angeles City Council makes decisions, want to learn about city resources, or care about the future of South LA and beyond, this podcast gives you the context and voices behind the policies that impact Angelenos every day.
Episodes
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South LA Highlight: Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute
On this episode of MHD Off the Record: South LA Highlights, we sit down with Traci Bivens-Davis, Interim Executive Director of the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI), an organization dedicated to preparing women for meaningful leadership and engagement in...
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[Re-Air] MHD OTR South LA Highlight: Crete Academy
On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Hattie Mitchell, Founder of Crete Academy, a non-profit charter school in South Central Los Angeles, aimed at serving students experiencing homelessness. Crete provides gifted programming, special education, enrichment, and a rigorous academic model.…
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[Re-Air] Ep. 32 Can Guaranteed Basic Income Really Break the Cycle of Poverty?
On this episode of MHD Off the Record, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with Abigail Marquez, General Manager of the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), and Michael Tubbs, Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) and Special Advisor to...
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South LA Highlight: LA Native
We sit down with Odessa Bowdin-Sierra, the founder and designer behind LA Native, a Los Angeles apparel brand celebrating local pride, neighborhood identity, and the belief that moving up doesn't always mean moving out. A proud Angelino with deep ties to the Crenshaw community, Odessa first made...
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South LA Highlight: Guardian Gym LA
In this episode of MHD Off the Record — South LA Highlights, host Chavonne Taylor sits down with Coach Dominic "Nick" Haider, founder of Guardian Project Los Angeles and Omni Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Coach Nick shares his personal journey from a bullied mixed-race kid who found refuge in martial arts...
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Ep. 43: What Does Hip-Hop Reveal About Power and Place? (Feat. Jeff Chang)
In this episode, Jeff Chang joins Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to discuss the cultural significance of hip-hop as a language of place, its role in expressing community truths, and how each generation redefines its voice through music, graffiti, and dance. Jeff Chang is an author,...
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[Re-Air] Ep. 27 How Can we Learn about LA's Robust History and Heritage? Feat. Evan Lovett
On this episode, MHD talks about the fascinating and rich history of the great City of Los Angeles with Evan Lovett. Evan Lovett is the dynamic creator of social media mainstay "L.A. in a Minute" and host of its engaging podcast, In a Minute with Evan Lovett. He emerges from the community of…
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[Re-Air] Ep. 26 How Do We Support Justice-Involved Individuals in South LA? Feat. Susan Burton
In this episode, MHD talks with A New Way of Life founder, Susan Burton, about her journey to criminal justice activism and the ways we can support those who are coming home after being incarcerated. Susan Burton, an esteemed advocate for criminal justice reform and the founder of A New Way of...
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Ep. 42: What Happens When You Legislate with Authenticity? (Feat. Holly Mitchell)
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell serves on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, representing the Second District, which includes more than two million residents across South Los Angeles, the South Bay, Koreatown, and surrounding communities. A third-generation Angeleno and longtime public...
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Keys to the City: Bureau of Street Lighting
Los Angeles has 223,000 streetlights, and the assessments that fund their upkeep haven't been updated since 1996. In this episode, we sit down with two leaders from the Bureau of Street Lighting to break down the ballot landing in property owners' mailboxes right now and what's at stake for...
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South LA Highlight: South Central Spits Fire!
bridgette bianca and GusTavo Guerra Vasquez are co-founders of South Central Spits Fire!, a program created to uplift the cultural and artistic wealth and diversity of literary talent in South Central Los Angeles. bridgette bianca is a poet and professor from South Central whose work centers the...
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[RE-Air] Ep. 34 What Does Real Public Safety Look Like? (Feat. John Kim)
The 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest, sparked by the acquittal of officers in the brutal beating of Rodney King, exposed deep cracks in the systems meant to protect and serve. More than thirty years later, what actions can we take to create real public safety practices that center justice, equity…
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[Re-Air]Ep. 25 How Do Our Artists Stay Rooted and Invested in the Community? Feat. D Smoke
On this episode, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson talks about education, family, and community with Inglewood's own D Smoke. Daniel “D Smoke” Farris is an acclaimed American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame after winning Netflix's "Rhythm + Flow" in 2019. Known for...
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South LA Highlight: Crop Swap LA
Jamiah Hargins is the founder and president of Crop Swap LA, a Los Angeles urban farming nonprofit rooted in Leimert Park and dedicated to making fresh, locally grown food accessible to South LA communities. Founded in 2018 as a simple neighborhood produce swap, Crop Swap LA has grown into a...
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[Re-Air] Ep. 13 What Should We Know About Black LA Business History? Feat. Yolanda Hester
African American entrepreneurship has a long and fascinating history in Los Angeles. The period from the 1920s to the 1960s was the era of “race enterprises,” in which black entrepreneurs specifically catered to black consumers. Collectively, these enterprises supported a growing middle class and...
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[Re-Air] Ep. 12 Do We Need New Models of Policing and Public Safety? Feat. Leslie Cooper Johnson and Brian Bentley
The 1992 Los Angeles Uprising was sparked after a jury acquitted four LAPD officers who had been charged with using excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King on April 29, 1992. With the anniversary of the civil unrest approaching, MHD and his co-host, Chavonne Taylor, discuss new...
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Ep. 41: What Happens When Black Women Lead? (feat. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Bernita Walker, and Brandy Muñiz)
On this episode, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with three trailblazing leaders featured in the current City Hall exhibition, "When Black Women Lead, Communities Thrive, Everybody Wins". In honor of African-American Heritage Month, the group discusses the pivotal…
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South LA Highlight: Here to Help
Tamekia Strayhorn is the Founder Executive Director of Here to Help Foundation, a South Los Angeles–based community development corporation focused on housing stability, economic opportunity, and support services for individuals and families navigating housing insecurity. Under her leadership…
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[Re-Air] Ep 7: What is the Role of Community Connection in Mental Wellness? feat. Dr. Cheryl Grills
Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and co-host Chavonne Taylor discuss the importance of viewing psychology and mental wellness from a community perspective with Dr. Cheryl Grills. Dr. Cheryl Grills is a Clinical Psychologist with a current emphasis in Community Psychology. She is also a...
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[Re-Air] South LA Highlight: Wellnest
On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Paco Retana, Vice President of Programs at Wellnest, a nationally acclaimed, and leading provider of emotional health and wellness services to children, young adults, families, and their communities. As Vice President of Programs at Wellnest, he is...
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Ep. 40: What Does it Take to Lead a Global City? (Feat. Eric Garcetti)
In this episode of MHD Off the Record, Council President Marquise Harris-Dawson sits down with former Los Angeles Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Returning to his roots in the San Fernando Valley, Garcetti reflects on his journey from the youngest City Council President in LA...
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[Re-Air] Ep. 33 Are Community Resources Truly Accessible? (Feat. Rocsii Woolley and Lauren Brazile)
Los Angeles is a huge city with many resources and opportunities. However, figuring out how to get access to the right resources—whether it’s housing, jobs, or financial support—can be overwhelming. So who should be responsible for making sure people get the help they need? Should the government…
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Keys to the City: Mayor's Office of Community Safety
On this episode, we’re exploring how Los Angeles is redefining public safety beyond enforcement. The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, led by Deputy Mayor Karen Lane, is building a citywide network of programs rooted in prevention, healing, and opportunity. We’ll be discussing everything from...
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Ep. 39: How Do We Turn Cultural Influence Into Economic Power? (Feat. James Fauntleroy)
On this episode, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with singer, songwriter, producer, and artistic creator James Fauntleroy. James is a four-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. He recently co-wrote "Die With A Smile" by...
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South LA Highlight: Cooking with Gabby
Cooking With Gabby was founded by Steven “Chef Steve” Vasquez Sr. and his wife Lisa. Their vision was to address the serious health challenges facing children and families—specifically poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It began with Chef Steve and his daughter Gabby cooking...
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[Re-Air] South LA Highlight: 24th STreet Theatre
On this episode, Los Angeles City Council District 8 staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Jay McAdams, Executive Director of the 24th STreet Theatre, a unique organization blending professional productions and world-class artists with quality arts education since 1997. Their mission is to…
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Ep. 38: What is California's Prop. 50?
On this episode, the roles have shifted a little... Producer, Chavonne Taylor, steps into the host role to interview Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson about Proposition 50, the single item on California’s November 2025 special ballot. At its core, Prop 50 would put new,...
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Ep. 37 How Can Communities Protect Each Other? (Feat. Maya Suzuki-Daniels & Lupe Cardona)
On this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with with Maya Suzuki-Daniels and Lupe Carrasco Cardona about immigrant rights, community safety, and the grassroots organizing behind the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. These patrols, launched in San Pedro, are…
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Ep. 36 Why Do We Need Public Investment in Youth Sports? (Feat. Renata Simril)
Renata Simril is the President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth sports equity and legacy planning. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded access to sports for young people across Southern California, particularly in underserved communities, with a...
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Ep. 35 What Does it Take to Protect Immigrant Rights? ( Feat. Angelica Salas and Ernesto Rocha)
On this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson delves into the critical issues of immigrant rights, the profound impact of storytelling, and how both shape justice and community in Los Angeles. Angelica Salas is a nationally recognized immigrant rights leader and...
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South LA Highlight: Low Rider Solidarity and Unity Ride
In this episode, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with Andre Christian of Watts Life United, Roman Maldonado from Thee Illusions Car Club, and Dwight Lewis of the National Lowrider Association. These men are some of the organizers behind the Stop the Hate & Stop the...
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South LA Highlight: 27th Street Bakery
Los Angeles's own Jeanette Bolden-Pickens is the third-generation owner of 27th Street Bakery, a historic South LA business known nationwide for its legendary sweet potato pies. A proud Angeleno, she took over the family legacy started by her grandfather in 1956—keeping its deep community roots...
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South LA Highlight: Breaunna Alston of Destination Crenshaw
Breaunna Alston is the Communications and Marketing Specialist for Destination Crenshaw, a community-led public art and cultural infrastructure project along Crenshaw Boulevard. Originally from Sacramento, she brings a strong background in media arts and a passion for storytelling to her work....
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LA Resource: Know Your (Immigration) Rights
On this episode of MHD Off the Record’s LA Resources, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Ritu Mahajan Estes of Public Counsel about your rights regardless of immigration status, what to do during an ICE encounter, and how communities can safely support one another…
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Keys to the City: South LA's Development Services Center
On this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Kinikia Gardner, a Senior Planner with the Los Angeles City Planning Department. With more than two decades of experience in urban planning, Kinikia has focused her career on making the planning process more…
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[Re-Air] How Can We Understand Black History Through Art? Feat. Naima Keith
Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harrs-Dawson sitsdown with Naima Keith, Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA, about the important role of Black Art in LA History. Naima J. Keith is the Vice President of Education and Public Programs at LACMA. Within her role, she...
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*Bonus Episode*: Tackling LA's Budget feat. Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky
Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky represents LA’s 5th District and currently serves as Chair of the City Council’s Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee. A native Angeleno and environmental attorney, she brings a policy-driven approach to tackling some of the city’s most urgent...
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South LA Highlight: Vallarta on Crenshaw
Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with Cesar Gonzalez, COO of Vallarta Supermarkets, about valuing families, communities, and creating access to both jobs and healthy food in South Los Angeles. Cesar Gonzalez is the Chief Operating Officer of Vallarta Supermarkets, a...
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Ep. 34 What Does Real Public Safety Look Like? (Feat. John Kim)
The 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest, sparked by the acquittal of officers in the brutal beating of Rodney King, exposed deep cracks in the systems meant to protect and serve. More than thirty years later, what actions can we take to create real public safety practices that center justice, equity…
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Keys to the City: Organics LA and the Zero Waste Initiative
The Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) is the city department responsible for protecting public health and the environment through waste management, water reclamation, pollution prevention, and sustainability programs that touch every Angeleno’s life. On this episode, Los Angeles City...
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[Re-Air] South LA Highlight: LA Focus
On this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Lisa Collins, founder and publisher of LA Focus, a monthly newspaper dedicated to highlighting news relevant to LA’s African American community. A passionate Los Angeles native, Lisa aims to equip Black Angelenos with...
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Ep. 33 Are Community Resources Truly Accessible? (Feat. Rocsii Woolley and Lauren Brazile)
Los Angeles is a huge city with many resources and opportunites. However, figuring out how to get access to the right resources—whether it’s housing, jobs, or financial support—can be overwhelming. So who should be responsible for making sure people get the help they need? Should the government…
more -
Ep. 32 Can Guaranteed Basic Income Really Break the Cycle of Poverty?
On this episode of MHD Off the Record, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with Abigail Marquez, General Manager of the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), and Michael Tubbs, Founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) and Special Advisor to...
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Ep. 31 How Do We Prevent Erasure of Altadena's Black Community?
For this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson honors the Black history and Legacy of the Altadena Community in Los Angeles County. How and why did Black families move to Altadena, what challenges have they overcome to keep their place in it, and how do we prevent…
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Keys to the City: Wildfire Recovery for L.A. Businesses
The City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (or EWDD) drives economic growth by supporting thriving businesses and creating job training and career opportunities across Los Angeles. Their mission focuses on fostering a strong workforce, sustainable neighborhoods, and...
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Los Angeles City Resources: FEMA, Recovery, and Support
On this episode of MHD Off the Record, we decided to bring you Los Angeles City resources that can help you, your family, and our community as we recover from the unprecedented wildfires that have impacted so many of us and our loved ones. Below are the resources we discuss on the show. Please...
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[Re-Air]MHD OTR South LA Highlight: TG Boxing Gym
On this episode, Los Angeles City Council staffer Chavonne Taylor speaks with Rudy and Ana Garcia, owners of Team Garcia Boxing Gym in South Central Los Angeles. TG Boxing Gym has experienced trainers and coaches who can help you reach your goal to compete as an amateur or pro boxer. Team Garcia...
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Keys to the City: Mark Twain Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library
You’re listening to MHD OTR’s Keys to the City, where we help unlock access to the city’s best-kept secrets—free and low-cost resources that can make a real difference in your life. Each episode, we give you the keys to opportunities and programs that you might not know about, but should…
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City in All Directions: Mama's International Tameles, Audubon Center at Debs Park, LA State Historic Park
For this episode of MHD Off The Record’s City in All Directions, we take you through Los Angeles City Council District 1 and spotlight places in the City of Los Angeles where you can eat, learn, and play! From hidden gems to community favorites, we’re here to connect you with local spots,...
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Keys to the City: Jackie Tatum Harvard Park and Recreation Center
You’re listening to MHD OTR’s Keys to the City, where we help unlock access to the City of Los Angeles's best-kept secrets—free and low-cost resources that can make a real difference in your life. Each episode, we give you the keys to opportunities and programs that you might not know about, but...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
MHD Off the Record takes you inside Los Angeles City Hall with Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Each episode explores the culture, politics, and policies shaping life in Los Angeles from housing and homelessness to city planning, public safety, and immigrant rights.Focused on uniting neighborhoods across the city, the MHD Off the Record podcast blends political insight with community-driven solutions. Listeners hear conversations with civic leaders, activists, and community stakeholders that reveal how multicultural organizing, music, and personal stories influence the direction of Los Angeles.If you’re curious about how Los Angeles City Council makes decisions, want to learn about city resources, or care about the future of South LA and beyond, this podcast gives you the context and voices behind the policies that impact Angelenos every day.
HOSTED BY
MHDCD8
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does MHD Off the Record have?
MHD Off the Record currently has 130 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is MHD Off the Record about?
MHD Off the Record takes you inside Los Angeles City Hall with Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Each episode explores the culture, politics, and policies shaping life in Los Angeles from housing and homelessness to city planning, public safety, and immigrant rights.Focused on uniting...
How often does MHD Off the Record release new episodes?
MHD Off the Record publishes regularly with 130 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to MHD Off the Record?
You can listen to MHD Off the Record on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts MHD Off the Record?
MHD Off the Record is created and hosted by MHDCD8.
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