Larry Mantle Hosts New Podcast ''Passing The Mantle''

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 8, 2024 | 3:52pm CT

''Passing The Mantle''

"Passing the Mantle," a new weekly podcast from LAist Studios, puts Larry Mantle behind the microphone in a way listeners have never experienced before. Host of KPCC (LAist 89.3)'s "Air Talk," the longest-running daily talk show in Southern California, Mantle is joined on the podcast by his son and co-host Desmond, as they explore their curiosities about how the world has changed -- and stayed the same -- across generations. The series premieres July 8, with new episodes every Monday.

In each episode of "Passing the Mantle," Larry and Desmond, a student at Stanford Law School, dive into a new subject or societal trend that fascinates them both, often for different reasons. They explore how their contrasting careers, experiences and generations give them different insights into the same topics, revealing stories that neither of them has ever heard before. The podcast gives listeners an honest look at Larry's relationship with his son and new insight into his life when he's not on air.

"After nearly 40 years of hosting 'AirTalk' I wanted to take on the challenge of a podcast. It's a different kind of presentation than a live program," said Larry Mantle. "It was particularly exciting that LAist management suggested I partner with my son, Desmond, to share our multi-generational thoughts on a wide range of topics including interracial relationships, religion, curiosity, and why we love LA."

"My dad and I have always had great conversations, so this podcast was a natural vehicle for us to share some of our conversations with an interested audience," added Desmond Mantle. "I'm very excited to show listeners that Dad and I really are like this all the time: We always seek out new ideas, diverse perspectives, and nuanced explanations for complex phenomena. My father and I think through things similarly but sometimes reach different conclusions because of our different ages, and I hope listeners will enjoy hearing how we discuss those issues across our respective generations."