Monks & Merrill

Hour 1 - From a major child exploitation crackdown in Riverside County and a federal sting in North Hollywood, to an Orange County mother speaking out after her son struck a veteran on an e-motorcycle — plus California’s looming gas supply crunch and a gas giveaway shut down by police.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - No Party Preference gubernatorial candidate Elaine Culotti joins The Monks & Merrill Show to discuss her ballot designation as “Entrepreneur/Farmer/Developer” and her anti-party, pro-business vision for California. Plus, new polling reveals a dramatic shift in the governor’s race, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass weighs in on debate performances, campaign violence messaging, and her shrinking pool of undecided voters in the L.A. mayoral race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Firefighters rally behind a new LAFD tax measure as Los Angeles voters brace for yet another possible sales tax hike tied to healthcare funding concerns. Plus, Monica Rodriguez joins The Monks & Merrill Show to break down Council File 25-0006-S35 — a wildfire preparedness initiative launched after the devastating January 2025 wind and fire disaster, spearheaded by Nithya Raman, Katy Yaroslavsky, and seconded by Ysabel Jurado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering the latest with the Andres Virus, 4 California residents are being monitored after exposure. PLUS why Arcadia mayor, Eileen Wang has resigned, AND the latest with the Congressional District Race. All of that and more on KFIAM-640!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monks and Merrill are delving into the Mayoral race. It's getting dirty with some dirty money and the nonprofit Neighbors First sending mailers that attack left-wing City Council. PLUS the May 13th televised LA mayoral forum on Fox 11 has been cancelled after too many people dropped out and MORE on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- More taxes on Monks and Merrill. We are covering the possible tax on golf courses and country clubs. Is this a fight over taxes or land? PLUS more problems with these e-bikes. There was a man attacked in Huntington beach by a few e-bike teens. OC is ending the e-bike problems on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering all things in the mayoral election. Karen Bass was a no show for the  televised mayoral forum, CA voters might be asked to undo states top two primary system, and Nithya Raman vs Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt, and Rae Huang. PLUS is this a mayoral race or an endorsement fight? We're getting into all of it on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monks and Merrill take on e-bikes. Do we need e-bike education or accountability? PLUS we are talking to Liza Frias from the LA Dept of Public Health, about the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation and more on KFIAM-640See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- Monks and Merrill are getting into LAPD. LA council wants to push toward ending pretextual stops. If we stop pretextual stops how will we catch criminals? More cameras. PLUS we are talking to Lou Shapiro about the officer involved shooting in the Burlington store on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (05/09) - CNBC is reporting that executives are burning out too, which is one of those stories that can make rank and file workers feel either validated or deeply annoyed. McDonald's is phasing out self-serve soda fountains in U.S. dining rooms, with the rollout expected to be complete by 2032. Southern California's summer travel season is turning into a pocketbook test. The McCourt Foundation, which operates the Los Angeles Marathon, wants the city to restructure its contract and forgive what the city lists as $442,840 in unpaid royalty payments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (05/09) - Steve Hilton, the leading candidate for California governor, shares his vision for the state, including cutting gas prices, reducing utility bills, and lowering taxes. He explains how he plans to achieve these goals, citing the state's abundant oil reserves and the need to cut bureaucratic red tape. Steve also discusses his plans for education, including freezing in-state tuition and rolling out three-year degree options. LA City Controller candidate Zach Sokoloff talks about his race. LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia talks about claims in fraud, waste, abuse and the need for more auditors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Monks and Merrill discuss the new D Line subway extension in Los Angeles, which is set to connect downtown LA to Beverly Hills and eventually Westwood. They're joined by Heather Brooker, a KFI reporter who's been covering the event. Heather shares her observations on the opening ceremony and the potential impact of the new line on the community. The hosts also dive into the challenges of addressing homelessness and the importance of investing in public relations to maintain a positive image of the Metro system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they dive into the latest addition to LA's public transit options. They're joined by Anthony Crump, a spokesperson for Metro, who shares the story behind the D Line extension. They also talk to Heather Brooker, a KFI reporter, who shares her experience riding the new line and the excitement of the community. The conversation covers the future of transportation in LA and the role of innovative technologies like delivery robots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they dive into the world of self-driving cars and the challenges they pose. The guys also talk about new legislation to ticket Waymos, including a proposed limit on the number of tickets self-driving cars can receive before being taken off the road. They also explore the changing narrative of San Francisco, which has transformed from a city plagued by crime and homelessness to a thriving metropolis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Last night's mayoral debate in LA was a wild ride. Monks and Merrill break down the highlights, including a heated exchange between Katie Porter and Chad Bianco. They also dive into the gubernatorial debate, where Julia Mueller from the Hill joins the conversation, sharing her expert analysis on the debates and what they mean for the candidates. The guys also discuss the LA mayoral debate, where Spencer Pratt surprisingly impressed with his responses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they dive into the controversy surrounding Turner's Outdoorsman, a gun store in Torrance, California. Supervisor Janice Hahn is calling for stricter regulations after discovering that the store has been linked to nearly 8,000 crime guns sold between 2022 and 2024. The hosts discuss the numbers, questioning whether the store is doing something wrong or if it's just a matter of correlation. They also touch on the city's response to recent raid on MacArthur Park, where federal agents cracked down on an open-air fentanyl and meth market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they dive into the city's approach to homelessness and the impact on public safety. Councilman John Lee joins the show to discuss the proposed expansion of the Municipal Code 41-18, which aims to keep homeless encampments further away from schools and sensitive areas. The hosts also discuss a concerning outbreak of the Hantavirus on a cruise ship and its implications for public health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, the hosts dive into the heated LA mayoral debate between Karen Bass and Nithia Ramen. They discuss the controversy surrounding the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association forum, where the two candidates went head-to-head. The hosts analyze the debate's highlights, including the candidates' differing views on homelessness and their approaches to addressing the issue. They also touch on the upcoming gubernatorial debate, where seven candidates clashed in a lively discussion. With their sharp insights and witty commentary, Monks and Merrill break down the key takeaways from these pivotal debates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they dive into the pressing issue of homelessness in Orange County. They discuss the upcoming release of the county's homeless count, which has raised concerns about the accuracy of the numbers. The hosts also explore the innovative approach of a local church in Santa Ana, which is leasing its land to provide affordable housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, they dive into the latest news on the 110 freeway tunnel fire in Los Angeles. The fire, caused by a homeless encampment, shut down the northbound lanes, causing a major disruption to traffic. Council Member Tim McCosker is calling for stronger safety measures and better oversight after the incident. The conversation also touches on the issue of homelessness and the need for a twofold approach: enforcement and compassion. Michael and Chris discuss the economic impact of the fire and the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness in the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, the hosts dive into the growing concern over e-bikes and their impact on communities. They discuss a recent incident in Orange County where a teenager on an e-motorcycle hit and killed an 81-year-old veteran, leading to serious charges against the boy's mother. The DA from Orange County, Todd Spitzer, joins the show to discuss the case and the potential consequences for parents who provide their kids with modified e-bikes. The hosts also explore the liability issues surrounding e-bike manufacturers and the importance of educating parents and kids about the risks associated with these vehicles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, hosts Michael and Chris are joined by Steve Hilton, the leading candidate for California governor. Steve shares his vision for the state, including cutting gas prices, reducing utility bills, and lowering taxes. He explains how he plans to achieve these goals, citing the state's abundant oil reserves and the need to cut bureaucratic red tape. Steve also discusses his plans for education, including freezing in-state tuition and rolling out three-year degree options.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - In this episode of Monks and Merrill, Michael and Chris discuss the latest developments in the Los Angeles mayoral race. They dive into the controversy surrounding the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association's debate, where only two candidates, Mayor Bass and Councilwoman Ramen, were invited to participate. They also discuss the recent allegations against State Farm, which has been accused of mishandling wildfire claims in California. The conversation touches on the complexities of insurance companies and the challenges faced by homeowners in the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks and Merrill are talking to LA City Controller candidate Zach Sokoloff about his race. PLUS what is LA's logo? We get into the benefits of having a unified logo for the city. It's all on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks and Merrill are talking to News Nation's Mills Hayes about the sudden shut down of Spirit Airlines. PLUS we are talking to AG candidate Michael Gates. AND all things 2028 Olympics. Are we ready? We get into it on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks and Merrill are talking to Michael Schneider of streets for all about the insane cost gap in LA. PLUS are the sidewalks accessible for the disabled? They're supposed to be. AND all things High Speed Rail Project. We get into all that and more on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (05/02) - The New York Times column looks at how "end times" thinking moved from church sermons and prophecy paperbacks into American politics, conspiracy culture and even foreign policy language. A new NBC Decision Desk poll finds nearly half of adults ages 18-29 say they would rather live in the past than the present or future. West Hollywood is moving forward toward legal recognition and anti-discrimination protections for polyamorous and other nontraditional families. The New York Post story points to the American Lung Association's 2026 "Sate of the Air" report, which finds California still dominates the country's worst air pollution rankings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (05/02) - Susan Shelly, Vice President of Communications in the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association joins the show to discuss the anti-mansion tax. LA’s biggest money fight as guest Joseph Donlin, Director of United to House LA, breaks down the high-stakes push to roll back the controversial “mansion tax” and why a statewide measure heading for November isn’t a done deal yet. State Sen. Roger Niello joins to break down his push to curb lawsuit abuse after a single individual filed nearly 1,800 disability lawsuits against Southern California small businesses—sparking outrage among shop owners. Plus - fireworks or drones? We talk to Sgt. Frank Garza about Placentia's strict fireworks law and we ask you what you prefer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Chris Merrill is flying solo today and he is covering gas prices. CA gas prices are still out of control and we check in with Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy.com to help you find the cheapest gas locations. PLUS we check in with Heather Brooker about LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia and his claims about fraud, waste, and abuse and the need for more auditors. It's all on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - All Chris Merrill and no Michael Monks and he is covering the question fireworks or drones? We talk to Sgt. Frank Garza about Placentia's strict fireworks law and we ask you what you prefer. All that and more on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 -  LA rent is down and Chris Merrill is talking to Jiaui Xu of realtor.com about the best places to rent right now. PLUS the latest in politics with Pratt vs Bass & Ramen and where the mayor's race stands? It's all on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Special guest Joseph Cabrera, gubernatorial candidate, breaking down his run and the shifting race as new polls show Newsom leading while Becerra and Hilton battle for the top two. Then it’s from ballots to billionaires—inside the jaw-dropping $400M Bel-Air mega-mansion and a surge in high-profile squatting cases. Plus, LA rents hit a 4-year low… so why does six figures still feel like scraping by? Buckle up—this episode covers power, property, and the price of living in LA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - LA’s biggest money fight as guest Joseph Donlin, Director of United to House LA, breaks down the high-stakes push to roll back the controversial “mansion tax” and why a statewide measure heading for November isn’t a done deal yet. Then, from policy to progress—new affordable housing opens in East Hollywood while Metro turns up the energy with D Line station launches featuring pop-ups, pickleball, and even salsa lessons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - A wave of high-stakes issues shaping LA and beyond. A new push from a city council member could open local elections to noncitizens—what would that mean for the future of voting? Then, legal insight from The Hill’s Zach Schonfeld on a major Supreme Court ruling and its potential ripple effects on California’s Voting Rights landscape. Plus, serious concerns raised at Pomona College as allegations of racism spark community response and a broader conversation about bias and accountability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour1 - California’s gubernatorial candidates repeatedly talked over one another while sparring on the state’s most urgent issues. Affordability dominated the stage, with sharp exchanges and pointed attacks aimed at figures like Steyer and Becerra. The debate also exposed deep divisions over how to address gaps in Governor Newsom’s CARE Court mental health system, particularly around involuntary care. New proposals from Sen. Catherine Blakespear seek to expand access and create clearer pathways for higher-level treatment, but candidates remain split on how far reforms should go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2 - State Sen. Roger Niello joins to break down his push to curb lawsuit abuse after a single individual filed nearly 1,800 disability lawsuits against Southern California small businesses—sparking outrage among shop owners. Meanwhile, Los Angeles officials warn of a looming budget crisis as competing ballot measures could put up to $1 billion at risk, even as the city proposes hiring 510 new police officers, expanding the “Inside Safe” homelessness program, and grappling with delayed street repairs. A proposed sales tax to fund the fire department adds to the pressure, while a broader statewide ballot fight is emerging as a “tax cage match,” pitting a billionaire wealth tax for public services against efforts to limit local tax increases and roll back measures like LA’s controversial “mansion tax.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Councilmember Nithya Raman faces scrutiny after pledging to break from LAHSA if elected—despite records showing she’s considered the move for nearly two years. Meanwhile, mayoral candidate Adam Miller unveils his ambitious “7x7 Plan” to dramatically reduce street homelessness through stricter enforcement, expanded services, and faster shelter solutions. Plus, KFI’s Heather Brooker joins to assess whether Los Angeles’ film and TV industry is finally rebounding, even as major player Quixote scales back its local soundstage footprint and exits other key production hubs, raising fresh questions about the region’s entertainment future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1- Monks and Merrill are covering the Elon Musk and Sam Altman beef over Open AI. PLUS do you agree or disagree with the 5% billionaire tax? We break it down and play back your thoughts on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monks and Merrill are getting into the mansion tax pros and cons. We are also talking to Susan Shelley VP, Communications at Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association who shares her thoughts. PLUS has the California dream  changed? We get into it and we talk to SGT Derek Leone about the new SMART Center in Santa Monica. It's all on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3- Merrill and Monks are delving in to the LA dream and why it's changed over the years. Do we need more housing in LA? PLUS we are diving into Karen Bass and Executive Directive 10 and more. It's all on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 - Monks and Merrill are delving into the attempted assassination of the Administration over the weekend. We are talking to News Nation reporter Hannah Brandt and Legal Analyst and attorney Lou Shapiro. PLUS the latest with the victims of the Wildfire and their payout. All that and more on KFIAM-640!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 2- Monks and Merrill are covering the new California bill SB982 and it's impact on the Wildfire victims. We also talk to Staci Heaton about the potential fire risk area fee. PLUS where should the $14.85 billion budget go and how will the Olympics impact Airbnbs. All that and more on KFIAM-640.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 - Time for some politics on Monks and Merrill. They are deep diving into Spencer Pratt and City Councilmember Nithya Raman. PLUS Sheryl Sokoloff, mother of Zach Sokoloff spent $2.5 million on his campaign, and City Controller Kenneth Mejia is already hitting back hard, accusing Sokoloff of trying to buy the race. AND the fight against speeding in LA continues. We are covering the speed camera pilot law. Is the problem the driver or the road? It's all on KFIAM-640. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (04/25) - Los Angeles City Council voted to make the original King Taco a Historic-Cultural Monument. The New York Times spotlighted a viral term spreading across social media - "Alpine Divorce". It describes partners abandoning each other during hikes, climbs, or bike rides in dangerous terrain, often after arguments or ego battles. An new Slow Boring column by Matthew Yglesias argues that society increasingly treats dogs less like pets and more like people. A New York Post story revisits multimillion-dollar Southern California homes perched near eroding coastal bluffs, with owners frustrated by risks and regulatory limits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (04/25) - Joey Tuccio joins the show to talk about Skid Row animals. Plus, there may be some unlawful rent increases happening in LA and a housing shortage. Also, a new Southern California school district ban on e-bikes for younger students raises fresh questions about safety and student independence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (04/24) - The long-delayed opening of Long Beach’s new homeless shelter takes center stage, as behind-the-scenes disputes over billing continue to hold up progress. April Parker, founder of the April Parker Foundation, joins breaking down the latest developments and what it means for the unhoused community. The show also explores California’s housing market, as expert Oscar Wei explains why sales are down, but home prices keep rising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (04/24) - Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer joins Monks and Merrill to break down a controversial case in Lake Forest, where a mother faces charges after her teenage son, riding an e-moto, allegedly injured an 81-year-old man. The conversation dives into the growing confusion between legal e-bikes and more powerful electric motorcycles that don’t belong on public streets—and the serious consequences that can follow. Then, Chris turns to listeners: when kids cross the line, how far should accountability go for parents? What’s a reasonable punishment in a case like this?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks and Merrill Hour 3 (04/24) - 11 scientists dead or missing, and conspiracy theories are now knocking on the White House door. What’s real, what’s speculation, and why is Congress sounding the alarm? NewsNation’s Rich McHugh joins separate facts from fiction and explains what we know so far. Then, the show shifts to something impactful and local: Andy Riesmeyer stops by to talk about the upcoming PanCAN PurpleStride event, raising awareness and hope in the fight against pancreatic cancer. How you can get involved—and why your participation matters right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks and Merrill Hour 1 (04/23) - Los Angeles council members proposing a new commercial tenant anti-harassment ordinance, while Heather Brooker breaks down Spencer Pratt’s headline-grabbing mayoral run fueled by reality TV flair and TikTok strategy. Writer Nick Morton shares his unexpected pivot from Hollywood to construction, alongside a look at California’s Film & TV Tax Credit driving award wins and signaling industry momentum despite recent production setbacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monks and Merrill Hour 2 (04/23) - A fiery California governor debate as six leading candidates clash over wealth, experience, and race, with insights from Caroline Vakil. Alex Stone joins to discuss a shocking case of a California mom arrested over her son’s alleged crimes. Plus, a new Southern California school district ban on e-bikes for younger students raises fresh questions about safety and student independence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.