125. Uncovering 250 Neighborhoods with Tony From Hear in LA
Show Notes:
About the Guest(s):
Tony Pierce is a seasoned journalist and podcast host based in Los Angeles. With a rich background in journalism, Tony has worked with prominent media organizations, including the LA Times and LAist, and contributed to the Academy of Motion Pictures’ social media endeavors.
He is now the creator and host of the podcast “Here in LA,” which takes listeners on a journey through the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles, capturing unique stories and voices from every corner of the city.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of LA Hackers, host Stefan welcomes Tony Pierce of “Here in LA” to the show. The conversation meanders through Tony’s fascinating journey from the suburbs of Illinois to a vibrant career in Los Angeles journalism.
Known for his contributions to major publications like the LA Times and LAist, Tony provides a compelling narrative of his experiences in the blogosphere, his accidental dive into journalism, and his passion project, the “Here in LA” podcast.
This show is a testament to Tony’s profound connection with the sprawling city of Los Angeles, engaging listeners with tales of exploration, opportunity, and the quest for authentic storytelling.
The episode meticulously unfolds Tony’s mission to chronicle the vast diversity and untold stories of LA. With 250 neighborhoods in Los Angeles to explore, Tony’s ambition is to cover five unique individuals from each neighborhood, a colossal 20-year undertaking that aims to reflect the multifaceted essence of this metropolis.
The conversation weaves through Tony’s strategy for selecting guests, the importance of listening to local voices, and utilizing LA’s public transportation as an insightful way to uncover the city’s hidden gems.
Listeners are treated to anecdotes from Tony’s life as an Uber driver, which further enrich his understanding and portrayal of LA’s neighborhoods. As Tony shares his vision, the episode becomes a vibrant tapestry showcasing Los Angeles’s complexity and cultural richness.
Key Takeaways:
- Tony Pierce’s journey to journalism is marked by perseverance and passion for authentic storytelling, illustrating the impact of the digital age on media careers.
- The “Here in LA” podcast is an ambitious project aiming to cover 250 neighborhoods, exploring the diverse tapestry of Los Angeles through personal stories.
- Tony emphasizes the word “opportunity” as the essence of Los Angeles, where people from varied backgrounds come to fulfill their dreams.
- Utilizing public transportation provides unique insights into LA’s neighborhoods, revealing a side of the city often missed by car-bound Angelenos.
- Personal anecdotes, such as driving Uber in LA, offer a raw and unscripted perspective of the city that enriches Tony’s storytelling.
Notable Quotes:
- “Magic can happen here way more times than it can happen in Podunk, USA.”
- “There’s a lot of mediocre people doing very well in their dreams… you’ll never know while you’re doing some other crappy job just to pay the rent.”
- “I consider this podcast to be the most ambitious podcast in podcast history because it’s going to take me 20 years.”
- “One word to sum up LA is opportunity.”
- “I realized I didn’t know anything about LA. Driving Uber was eye-opening, taking me to every nook and cranny of Los Angeles.”
Resources:
- Here in LA Podcast Website
- Here in LA Twitter
- “OscarsSoWhite” hashtag discussion
- Mention of “Mapping LA” project
- Facebook Neighborhood Groups for LA areas