Welcome to the LA Dreaming Podcast! I am so excited to have this show serve as another resource for helping you get the most out of your time in Los Angeles. New episodes will be released twice a month. Please consider subscribing to make sure that you never miss an episode.
If you are interested in appearing as a guest on an upcoming episode, have topic suggestions, have questions about a topic, or would like to consider sponsoring an episode please reach out to me at ladreamingca@gmail.com.
The LA Dreaming Podcast
Each episode of the LA Dreaming Podcast will have a blog post that provides helpful information related to the topic discussed which you will find listed below. You can listen to the podcast through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or Podbean.
#1 Outdoor Movie Screenings in LA Podcast Episode Guide
For our first episode, we spoke with Casey Hempel about outdoor movie screenings in LA. There are so many different outdoor movie screening series these days that it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one to do. In this episode, we hope to help you make the right choice. We do our best to cover almost every single screening series in LA but we hope to continue updating the blog post as we learn about other ones.
#2 Halloween in Los Angeles Theme Park Edition Episode Guide
This episode is all about Halloween in Los Angeles Theme Park Edition. There are so many different ways you can experience Halloween in LA. We are focusing on what makes the Halloween experiences at the theme parks unique. We speak with theme park extraordinaire Meghan about Oogie Boogie Bash, Halloween Horror Nights, Fright Fest, Knott’s Scary Farm, Brick or Treat, and Howl-O-Scream.
At the end of the podcast, we talk about a few non-theme park Halloween experiences like Freeform’s Halloween Road, The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, a showing of Hocus Pocus that Meghan is hosting, and Street Food Cinema screenings.
#3 Spooky Things to do in LA with Ramsey Wild Episode Guide
There are so many Spooky Things to do in LA. Everything on this list can be experienced year-round but are extra fun to do in the fall. For episode three of the LA Dreaming Podcast, we talk to Ramsey Wild who has a fun series on Tik Tok about Spooky Things to do in LA.
#4 The Disneyland College Program with Caitlin Casillas
The Disneyland College Program is a challenging but magical internship experience. Due to COVID-19, the DCP has not returned but since the Walt Disney World program has resumed we have to assume the Disneyland one will eventually return. I participated in both the Walt Disney World College Program as well as the Disneyland one. In the newest episode of the LA Dreaming Podcast, I discussed my experience on the Disneyland Program with my friend Caitlin.
#5 The Beautiful 9 National Parks in California with Flying Dawn Maire
California is an incredibly beautiful and diverse state. Our national parks all offer something different which is why you should consider visiting them all. In the newest episode of the LA Dreaming Podcast, we discuss the beautiful 9 National Parks in California with Dawn from FlyingDawnMarie.com.
#6 The Best Things to do for Christmas in LA with LifeHacksLA
The best things to do for Christmas time in Los Angeles with Stefan from LifeHacksLA. We discuss fun and unique experiences that will keep you busy this holiday season.
#7 Where to See Christmas Lights In Los Angeles
In episode 7 of the LA Dreaming Podcast, I spoke with Caroline from LoveandLoathingLA.com about where to see Christmas Lights in Los Angeles. We both have a passion for the holiday season and are so excited to share with you some of our favorite spots to have an extra magical experience. Los Angeles is a town that truly goes all out for the holiday season which makes it difficult to fit it all in during one season. I hope this episode & guide will help you find a new way to explore LA this year.
#8 & 9 The Rose Parade Part One & Two
In episode 8 of the LA Dreaming Podcast, I spoke with Bonnie Mink about the iconic Rose Parade. In part one we talk about the history of the parade, how you can volunteer to decorate a float, and how to attend. For part two, we interview family friend Richard Burrow who has designed award-winning Rose Parade Floats.
#10 Birthday Freebies in LA
In this episode, we discuss the best birthday freebies in LA with Jennifer Hubbard. From free tickets to the LA Kings, to a free meals and desserts from multiple restaurants, this episode is a great resource for planning out your birthday week.
#11 Reflecting on ”The O.C.” TV Series
“The O.C.” was an iconic teen drama series that aired on Fox from 2003 to 2007. While the story took place in Newport Beach, California, the show never filmed scenes there. We discussed the impact of the show, filming locations, fashion, and meeting cast members with my friend Esther Lane Montes.
#12 How to Be a Contestant on Wheel of Fortune
My friend Bruno and I talk about our experiences as contestants on Wheel. We share tips for contestants, behind-the-scenes information, and more!!
#13 Must-See Movie Theaters in Los Angeles
We discuss must-see movie theaters in Los Angeles with classic film fan Jack Fields. From the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to the Los Angeles Theatre in DTLA, we touch on some of the ways you can experience and explore our wonderful theatres.
#14 Fun Things to do in LA with Kids
There are so many activities in the Los Angeles area that it can be overwhelming when you are trying to figure out what to do. This post focuses on fun things to do in LA with kids. We spoke with Mom Blogger Christina Patricio, from ThePatricios.com on the LA Dreaming Podcast about this topic. During our conversation, we talked about 10 different ideas for things to do with kids in LA.
#15 Seeing TV Stars at PaleyFest
We talk about a favorite annual event, PaleyFest, with Shelby Parker. PaleyFest is an experience that gives fans an up-close and personal behind-the-scenes look at numerous TV series. This is a great way to see the stars of one of your favorite shows.
#16 Secret Swings in Los Angeles
Finding secret swings has become a favorite adventure for so many. In this conversation with Brenda, we share swings in the LA area as well as several outside of LA County. We hope this inspires you to get out and explore.
#17 Things to do in Venice Beach & Santa Monica
We are talking to Erin from TheSoCalGal about things to do in Venice Beach and Santa Monica. You can easily spend an entire day exploring this fun area.
#18 How to See Movies for Free in LA
There are so many different ways that you can see movies for free in LA. In this episode, we discuss the different ways that you can see movies for free with Elliott Ares. We share how you can attend test screenings of upcoming movies, FYC events, movie premieres, and more.
#19 Hidden Gems in Orange County
We discuss hidden gems in Orange County with Rey from @exploreytion. There are so many cool places to visit in the O.C., but in this conversation, we strive to share with you some places that will hopefully make your next adventure even more epic. We mention places in Brea, Huntington Beach, Newport, Irvine, Anaheim, and more!
#20 The Hollywood Bowl
In this episode, we discuss the iconic Hollywood Bowl with Bonnie Mink. In addition to being the summer home for the LA Philharmonic, you can also enjoy concerts, movie screenings with the orchestra playing along, and fun events like the Sound of Music sing-along. Plus, since the bowl is considered a public park you can come here to work out on Saturday mornings.
#21 Beach Bonfires in Orange County
We discuss beach bonfires in Orange County with Heather from ThatOCGirl.com. Did you know that while LA County only has two beaches where you can enjoy a bonfire, the OC has more than 8 beaches for you to choose from? If you don’t want to spend all day saving a fire pit, Heather shares tips for the ultimate VIP experience.
#22 Experience Old Hollywood Glamour at These Los Angeles Spots
In this episode, we discuss Old Hollywood-inspired Spots in Los Angeles with Lara Scott. While there are so many different places that you check out to experience Old Hollywood Glamour, we focus on five locations that will help transport you back in time. Three of the locations we discuss, The Hollywood Roosevelt, The Pantages Theatre, and The Millenium Biltmore Hotel have all hosted the Academy Awards. We also discuss the LA Central Library and the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo. Join us as we share what makes these places special.
#23 In-N-Out Burger: Unwrapping California’s Original Drive-Thru
In-N-Out Burger is a beloved California-based fast food chain. Enjoying a burger & fries at In-N-Out is a must-do whether you are local or visiting LA for the first time. In this episode, with my Dad, we discuss the history of In-N-Out, and how you can visit the replica of the original location as well as the company store. We share some of the coolest locations you can visit as well as some tips to make your experience even more enjoyable. Our goal was to share a few things that even big fans might not know.
#24 Hiking Trails in Los Angeles
We discuss hiking trails in Los Angeles with journalist Ellie Rudy. Los Angeles County has so many different hiking trails for people of all skill levels. For this conversation, we focus on seven different areas where you can enjoy a walk or hike including the Angeles National Forest, Malibu Creek State Park, and Mount Baldy. Our goal is to encourage you to go out and explore our beautiful trails.
#25 Tips for Attending the D23 Expo
I had Disney blogger Mindy on the LA Dreaming Podcast to discuss tips for attending the D23 Expo. about what to expect as a first-time attendee. This conversation is helpful for those planning on going to the upcoming expo or wanting to attend one in the future.
#26 Pop Up Experiences in LA
I spoke with LA adventurer Lena from Lenazilla on Instagram for this episode. We discuss pop-ups in LA with Lena. Pop-up experiences are popular events that take place throughout the LA area. Sometimes pop-ups are immersive experiences based on a popular TV show or movie; other times they highlight a celebrity chef or a musician. We also share all of the various ways that we learn about these types of events.
#27 The SoCal Haunt List
The SoCal Haunt List is a guide to help you discover yard displays, walk-throughs, paid attractions, and haunted shows in Southern California. We talked with Derek, the creator of the SoCal Haunt List, to find out more about the Halloween Scene in LA and beyond.
#28 Places in LA that Inspired Disney California Adventure
This episode is we focus on real places in Los Angeles that inspired Disney California Adventure Park. Our guest is travel blogger Lindsey, from “Adventures in Lindseyland“, who has written a lot about Disney-inspired travel and even had a series on Disney in LA. This conversation is bound to teach you something new and hopefully encourage you to seek out new places to discover and explore at both DCA and the city of LA.
#29 Food Halls & Food Markets in Los Angeles
We discuss Food Halls and Food Markets in Los Angeles with Kris from Get Lost With Kris on Instagram. Food brings people together and these locations that we focus on are providing places that are great to experience with family and friends. We speak about classics like the Original Farmers Market and Grand Central Market, both of which are beloved by locals. Other locations we discuss are Citizen Public Market, BLVD MRKT, the Anaheim Packing District, 4th Street Market, and the Riverside Food Lab. We also give a few shout-outs to other locations that we did not have more time to focus on. If you are a foodie we hope this episode will be extra enjoyable for you.
#30 Valentine’s Day Movie Filming Locations in LA
In this episode, we are discussing Valentine’s Day Movie Filming Locations in LA with Becca from The Film Tripper. Valentine’s Day uses so many real places that you can visit in Los Angeles as filming locations. We discuss locations like the Venice Canals, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Lake Hollywood Park, and more.
#31 7 Landmarks in Los Angeles County
In this episode, we are discussing 7 Landmarks in Los Angeles County that you can visit on a day trip. We are joined by Andy, the project manager of The SoCal Landmarks project. The SoCal Landmarks project was started a few years ago and has introduced many people, including me, to some spectacular places. In our conversation, we talk about Wayfarers Chapel, Point Fermin Lighthouse, the Korean Bell of Friendship, The USS Iowa, Sunken City, the Warner Grand Theatre, and Fort MacArthur. Andy also shares wonderful resources and suggestions for how people can become involved in preserving landmarks.
#32 TV Show Tapings in Los Angeles
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in the audience of a TV show taping? Join me as I speak with my friend and TV fan TeArra Hardiman about what it’s like to go to talk shows, game shows, and sitcom tapings in Los Angeles. We share what you can expect, how to get tickets, and tips to make your experience more enjoyable.
#33 Your Guide to TCM Classic Film Festival
The Turner Classic Movies Film Festival takes place every April in Hollywood, California. For this episode, we are joined by Jack Fields who is a classic movie enthusiast that has attended this festival every year since it began in 2010. Jack shares information about the TCM Classic Film Festival and what the experience is like. We discuss festival passes, how to get standby tickets, what venues are used and so much more. At the end of the episode, we also share places near Hollywood that class movie fans might like to check out.
#34 Exploring LA Public Libraries and Their Many Benefits
Do you know about some of the amazing things you can get with your LA Public Library? In this episode, I speak with Mayuko and Cisco from LA Library Adventures on Instagram. They visited all 73 branches in the LAPL system. We talk about some of the branches, resources like the California Library State Parks pass and so many other things you can get through our public libraries.
#35 The Painted Stairs in Silver Lake
Have you visited the painted stairs in Silver Lake? You can visit on your own, or if you want to be immersed in the stories and history of Silver Lake you can take a tour of the painted stairs with Chris from “See LA in a Day”. In our conversation with Chris, we talk about the Micheltorena Stairs, Stair Tempo, the Swan Steps, as well as other stairs in Los Angeles worth checking out.
#36 A Guide to Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic places to visit in Los Angeles. This beautiful museum is free, fun, and educational, and the views of the sky and LA are fantastic. The observatory also hosts free events like public star parties. Joining us this episode is Alanna from Periodic Adventures, as we highlight some of the best things to see inside and outside of the observatory. We also share tips for other things to do in the area to incorporate into your visit.
I want to give a special shout-out to my husband Elliott who has made my podcast dreams come true. He is working so hard behind the scenes to bring this show to life.
