Deborah Kobylt Live

Award-winning journalist and news anchor Elex Michaelson dreamed of working in the news business since he was a kid. Well, that dream became a reality due to his incredible work ethic, talent, determination, and undoubtedly good-natured personality. But don't let that nice-guy persona fool you. Elex is tough. He can interview CA Governor Gavin Newsom in the morning and President Donald Trump in afternoon, and both will leave feeling like they got a fair interview, largely in part because they did.  Elex's skill is that he knows how to ask a pointed question without picking a side, giving his guest the room to answer. And I'm honored to welcome one of the best newscasters in the business and my friend, Elex Michaelson, to our show today. Elex has been the anchor of various nightly newscasts at @FoxLA and host of #TheIssueIs, a smart political round up of the local, state, and national issues of the week. The show's success is largely due to Elex and his A-list Rolodex, including former CA governor Arnold Schwa

The voice over business is NOT an easy one to break into, but don't tell that to award-winning VO artist Randy Thomas, who's worked the Academy Awards seven times throughout her career, and is the first person to announce the Oscars, Emmys, and Tonys in the same year. Randy is also the first woman ever to announce the Oscars. Her resume is as long as the state of California, including when she made history as the half-time announcer for Super Bowl 44, introducing The WHO. She's been the voice of ABC's Nightline, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors, Democratic Nomination, and more. Please give a warm welcome to Randy Thomas, who joins our show today to talk about her legendary career and sometimes complicated life. Randy grew up listening to NY radio as a kid, and that's exactly where she started her career, on the radio. Needless to say, she's had one of the most successful announcing careers in the business, but as one of the first women, she says it wasn't always easy. And neither was her

Parents and their adult children are a topic I've been reading a lot about lately. In particular, parents who aren't letting go and continuing to make decisions for their adult kids that they should make for themselves. Then there's a second dynamic, adult children who are not just separating in a healthy way, but are disconnecting, leaving some parents confused and looking for answers. Please welcome to our show Kendall L. Williams, author of "Reclaiming Your Identity," and host of the Mum's True Tea Podcast. Her focus: helping moms reclaim who they were before kids, and finding the balance between being a guiding parent or an overbearing one.  Some children have chosen to completely cut off communication, leaving with many parents in a panic, and she talks about how to handle this, too. In other words, parents need to let go. Kendall said there's a variety of reasons for this recent dynamic, including social media influence and a culture of disrespect that's been tolerated. But was there trauma in the house

Sometimes, there are films that stay with us, and A LITTLE FELLOW: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini, directed by Davide Fiore, is one of those films, and I'm pleased to present Davide today on our #LittleItalyPodcast.  Back in the day, banks were primarily for the wealthy, and the poor and working class immigrants often stashed their savings under a mattress. But at the turn of the 20th century, A.P. Giannini revolutionized the industry with his small bank in San Francisco. A first-generation Italian-American, his goal was to serve “the little fellow” and breed prosperity within his immigrant community. By building trust and giving loans on a simple handshake, he created one of the largest banks in the country – Bank of America. A LITTLE FELLOW tells his story, and it's remarkable. In addition, A.P. Giannini was also one of the first investors in Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Hewlett-Packard. His forward-thinking helped the country through two World Wars and the Great Depression.  Davide is a native of

Italians have shaped the culture of America throughout this great nation, and particularly here in Los Angeles. Please welcome to our show an expert in this field, Marianna Gatto, Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles & Author, The Italian Americans Of Los Angeles. And let me tell you, this book is incredible and comprehensive. Marianna seems to have uncovered every inch of Italian heritage throughout this great city. Since Italians first came to this region, they have been agriculturalists, pioneers, outlaws and dreamers, and have brought with them tremendous culture, science, culinary expertise, and vibrancy to a variety of neighborhoods in Los Angeles, from the ports in Long Beach and San Pedro up to the northern most sections of Los Angeles. Marianna's comprehensive book talks about the trailblazers, winemakers, the original Italian Hall and Little Italy, Hollywood, and of course the secret History that she has uncovered. It wasn't easy being the first Italians to grace the soil here,

Have we raised resilient kids? Please welcome to our show Dr. Lynn Lanni, PhD, Family and Marriage Therapist, who joins us to talk about a growing trend in some households - adult children who are limiting communication with their parents, leaving them confused, not knowing how to handle the situation and asking themselves what went wrong. So I've invited Dr. Ianni to help sort things out so families can begin the healing process and start talking again. Dr. Ianni said there's a variety of reasons for this recent dynamic. Was there unresolved trauma? Is it social media influence? Did parents get trapped into the "everybody gets a trophy" mindset and not raise resilient kids? Was there an abusive parent? Could it be recent therapy trends? Whatever the underlying reason, it seems to be an issue particularly with millennial and Gen Z kids with their parents, and Dr. Ianni says there are ways to deal with it so adult children and parents feel safe again to communicate with love and mutual respect. Please find my

The Assistance League Los Angeles has been dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults in the community through philanthropy, service, and dedicated programs for more than 106 years. Please welcome to our show Madison Jennings, communications director, who joins us to tell us more about the mission of League, in addition to their upcoming fundraiser, Really Big Shoe, a night of comedy being held at The Preseve LA, which is sure to draw a fun crowd while doing good in the community. The Assistance League has improved the lives of more than 22,000 homeless, foster, and impoverished children in Los Angeles, and the need keeps growing, particularly in the areas of education, arts programs, and critical need services. The Assistance League has a variety if focused programs, including scholarships, the foster children's resource center, preschool learning center, theater for children, and operation school bell. We'll talk about each during our interview. As always, the Assistance League is always

Please welcome to our show, #MallaryTenoreTarpley, mom, journalism professor at UT Austin, and author of SLIP, Life in the Middle of Eating-Disorder Recovery. Mallary wrote this book to help others struggling with what she calls "the middle," a gray space between sickness and recovery. Her story is a raw one. Having lost her mother at age eleven, she went deep with an eating disorder, being treated for anorexia and spending years in and out of treatment at Boston Children's Hospital and other centers. She said in her book that she felt recovery was not within reach for her, but she works at it every day. There's hope. There's a way to heal, even if you relapse and find yourself in the middle. That's okay. Mallary says she discovered through therapy that she mentally wanted her body to stay at the age she was when she lost her mother. Her father tried everything, fearing he would lose his daughter and eventually had her treated in hospital. But it didn't end there. She talks about the disorder, triggers, treat

Since the beginning of time, life has presented us with challenges, and the big test in life is figuring out how to handle them. But it seems lately, particularly since the onslaught of social media and 24/7 info being blasted onto our phones, we can't get away from the noise. And that creates anxiety, and a slew of other challenges we're faced with. Question is, how? Please welcome to our show Dr. Audrey Hope, trauma therapist and counselor at Seasons Rehabilitation in LA, and Audrey's gift is sifting through the noise, showing us how to find balance and ultimately healing. How? We talk about that. Ultimately, there's various ways to deal with past trauma, but she focuses on healing, not blaming. Shifting, evolving, and forgiving (particularly yourself), with a focus on a health and the future. What do YOU want for your life, where to do you see yourself, and finding skills to get there. Not woo-woo, just hard work, faith, and technique. She calls it soul healing. We'll get into it. Please join my conversati

Please give a warm welcome to our resident political analyst, #JohnKobylt, host of the award-winning #JohnKobyltShow on #iHeartRadio & #KFIam640, talking about the latest in California & LA, and how it is erects all of us. For three decades, John has been presenting all sides of what's happening in our great state and city, and he's been the #1 rated radio and podcast because he holds nothing back. We will discuss the state of the state, the latest with the fires, what jobs are coming and going in #California. We also address the homeless crisis, and it is a crisis in #LosAngeles. Where is the money is going, and much more to talk about. Then there's the fires that consumed thousands of homes. How's the rebuild going? Agree with John or not, if we get up and speak out, we can have a healthier, safer city and state. But it's upon all of us to do something, and sitting back and watch costs increase and quality of life decline should not be an option. And we talk about that. Please join me on all video a

It's wedding season, at least in my family where it seems I'm attending a wedding every other week! It's been wonderful catching up with friends and family and watching how happy couples handle their nuptials. Each has been beautiful and unique. So please welcome to our show a true expert in the field of wedding photography, Gigi de Manio, who joins us to talk about her experience in putting out the event of your dreams and how to have that captured in photos. Gigi has photographed many celeb clients as well, including Chelsea Clinton, and I asked her what it was like capturing the moment her dad, former President Bill Clinton, walked her down the aisle. How do you get the perfect shot that also looks natural and unrehearsed? Gigi gives us some tips and tricks not only during our podcast, but she also talks about it in her beautiful book, SILVER Moments Into Memories, a stunning photo book from some of the weddings she's shot around the world. In fact, her work has been featured in People, Martha Stewart W

Knowing when to unplug from the noise in life is critical, and lately in Los Angeles, it's survival. The stress from the recent fires and political unrest is a lot to take on, but we have to find a way to stay balanced and healthy. Please welcome to our show, #SuzeYalofSchwartz, founder of #Unplug meditation and wellness center and the Unplug app. And let me tell you, if you're not near Los Angeles and cent get to her studio, the app is a MUST! First off, it's reasonable, and it's packed with daily practices of breathing and relaxation exercises that are easy, relaxing, peaceful, and critical to bringing us to a place of feeling calm and centered. And if we feel calm and centered, we can tackle almost anything in life, because we're of a clear mind. And that's when the magic happens. Suze lost her home in the #Palisades #fire, and it her daily meditation retreat that's pulled her through. In fact, when I saw her posts almost immediately after the fires, I was stunned at her sense of calm, and she says it's be

Please welcome to our show, my friend Marla Tellez, award-winning newscaster at Fox11 Los Angeles, who joins us to talk about career, personal struggles growing up, and becoming a mama a few months ago at the age of 48! Growing up, Marla said she never dreamed of becoming a news anchor or reporter. She had other ideas, but when the opportunity presented itself, she grabbed it and never turned back. Now, she anchors along side an incredible team at FoxLA that includes my friends Elex Michaelson and Christine Devine, arguably one of the best newscasts in town (of course I worked there, so I’m biased). Marla has an incredible story of her own, and wait until you hear it. Not an easy childhood, she worked hard to keep strong while navigating some pretty challenging hurdles, particularly with her dad. We’ll ask her about that and what kept her going. Marla is also a runner, which not only keeps her sane, but also fit. Now 49, she had her first baby just a few months ago - Sloane - and I’m so in love with this litt

Please welcome to our show my friend, Jake Steinfeld, founder of Body By Jake, the phenom fitness lifestyle routine that’s changed bodies from flabby to fit worldwide. But that’s just part of his story. Jake is also a successful entrepreneur and he’ll be talking about a new product that he’s launching. He is also an established actor, and is one of my all-time favorite movies (think Eddie Murphy). In a town rumored to be transactional, he’s anything but, having been married for decades to my beautiful friend, with whom he shares four children. Jake is a family guy, and often referred to as the “Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades,” and yes his home, and just about everything in it, burned to the ground in the January fires. But perhaps it’s his resilience that I most admire, always looking ahead, creating new business opportunities, remaining positive, and focusing on rebuilding. And I thought, there’s a lot we can learn from Jake Steinfeld about how to keep going even when the world seems to be going up in s

May is #MentalHeath Awareness Month, and I’d like to welcome to our show mental health advocate and author Tracey Yokas, whose book, “BLOODLINES, A Memoir Of Harm And Healing,” is gaining attention for its raw portrayal of tackling mental health issues so they don’t consume your life. I met Tracey at a writer’s group I’m a part of, and I was instantly drawn to her story. There are so many struggling with past wounds and aren’t sure how to heal or even where to turn. BLOODLINES shows us it’s possible to recover and lead a healthy life. She talks about her family’s journey with mental illness and healing so people don’t feel they’re alone. We will also discuss Tracey’s early years that led her to this point, and what fuels her. When she isn’t writing about mental health and wellness, Tracey can be found playing with paint, glitter, and glue, and she says it’s art that fuels her passion for connection in community. She is also dedicated to supporting women by creating safe spaces where art, words, and vulnerabil

Whenever I return from Italy, where my family is from, I wonder why I don’t get a place there for my family to enjoy. But I have no idea where to start, who to call, or what it involves. Please welcome Antonello Pierro, attorney and Italian real estate expert to our show, who can walk us through the steps on how it done. First up, purchasing property in Italy is different than buying a place in the states. So you need to know the rules so that you don’t run around in circles wasting time and spending money you don’t need to spend. Also, once you find that coveted property, what’s involved in terms of contracts, and you need to be fully protected. For example, there’s different types of properties to purchase, and Antonello can walk us through those steps, too. Please join #deborahkobyltlive, #LittleItalyPodcast & #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast on all video and audio podcast platforms. I’m your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it’s my pleasure to welcome you here. Please invite your friends to listen, too!

Please welcome to our show a woman I’ve long admired, Lavinia Errico, co-founder/owner of the powerhouse gym #Equinox, in addition to the founder of MOVEJOY, a platform that guides women through movement to heal, rise up, and feel more joy. And that it does! But it’s not just Lavinia’s business chops that are impressive, it’s her sincere mission to help others, whether it’s in the fitness space, spiritual, or change-of-life. Lavinia walks her talk when it comes to building others up so we can all be mentally and physically healthier. I recently attended one of MOVEJOY’s events in Malibu, not sure what to expect. But I came away feeling understood, like there was a genuine sisterhood in that space, acknowledging we were all there to learn and grow. There were interesting speakers with real take-aways, physical movement, art therapy, and friendship. And I mean it when I say people were there from every walk of life to learn, and we did. We will also journey into Lavinia’s background that ultimately led her to

Health and wellness has been all the talk for decades now, and Adrienne Youdim, MD triple board certified physician, author, and Tedx Speaker, breaks down what people are hungry for, and how to achieve better balance in our daily lives. Often, it’s about simplicity. Adrienne wrote, “Hungry for More,” which explores what’s really eating at us, why we develop unhealthy habits, and how to break the cycle. She asks, “What are you hungry for? Love? Connection? Belonging?” We’ll talk about that, but also the mental drain so many are feeling now, whether it’s from world events, too much social media where we mindlessly scroll for hours, or for those of us in LA, the aftereffects from the fires here and the mental toll it’s taken on our health. I often wonder if we’ve lost our way, and what’s a simple and organic way to get back into balance. We’ll talk about that, too. Please join my conversion with Adrienne Youdim, MD, on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, and invite your friends. I’m your host, #

Award-winning chef, @Barbara_Pollastrini, owner of @da_Barbara_P restaurant in Hollywood, has been cooking up masterpieces in the kitchen since she was a little girl in Rome. And dining at her restaurant here, it’s easy to see why Appetito and Los Angeles Magazine named her one of the top Italian restaurants not to miss in LA. The entire experience is like being in someone’s home. In fact, the kitchen at da Barbara is literally part of the dining space, so you can watch your meal being prepared while enjoying a glass of wine. Please join me in welcoming Barbara to our #LittleItalyPodcast & #DeborahKobyltLIVE, where we will dive into her early years studying in Rome and her dream of coming to California, making a name for herself while competing in shows on the Food Network and Discovery Channel. Clearly her dream came true, as she is not just a famed chef, but also a female entrepreneur. Barbara also serves on the board of the Italian-America Chamber of Commerce West @IACCW_LA, led by president Genny Nevo

Please welcome my resident political analyst, John Kobylt of the award-winning #JohnKobyltShow on #KFIam640 and #iHeartRadio, updating us on issues that matter, from the massive gas price hikes expected in California, to Rick Caruso and his incredibly effective Steadfast LA, which aims to help victims of the deadly January 7th wildfires rebuild more efficiently without government red tape. We’ll also talk about the #StayInLA movement to keep filming here in Los Angeles, a city filled with creative minds and innovators, but in recent years companies have been leaving due to the high cost of doing business in California. We will also talk about the aviation disaster at some of our airports, namely Newark, NJ, where air traffic controllers have walked off the job due to stress over recent equipment failures. It is said that in some airports, floppy disks are still being used, and equipment is severely outdated. The there’s of course the tariffs. One day it’s up, next day it’s down. Where do we stand, particularl