Press Play with Madeleine Brand

As Press Play takes a break for the holidays, here are a few of our favorite interviews from 2024. Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks about portraying a mom struggling to accept her daughter’s illness. She also shares wisdom from conversations with women ages 70 and up. Oscar winner Morgan Neville goes behind the scenes of directing a LEGO movie that chronicles Pharrell’s musical journey from discovery to stardom. George Frideric Handel wrote the music for “Messiah” during political and social unrest. Charles Jennens put together the text when experiencing deep despair.

President Biden races to cement his stamp on the federal judiciary, while President-elect Trump may remain dogged by his hush-money convictions. Rickey Henderson played for four California teams, and was the all-time leader in stolen bases, runs, and swagger. He passed away due to complications from pneumonia on Friday. The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.” Critics review the latest film releases: “A Complete Unknown,” “Babygirl,” “Nosferatu,” and “Better Man.”

On X, Elon Musk tried to kill a short-term budget agreement between Democrats and Republicans. Congress has until midnight Friday to strike a deal to avert a shutdown. Critics review the latest film releases: “Mufasa,” “The Room Next Door,” “The Brutalist,” and “Nickel Boys.” Bar cookies are easy to whip up for a crowd. Simply make the base, top it, pop the pan in the oven, and slice the bars to serve. The lemon bar is the queen of this type of pastry. Artist and community activist Rosten Woo’s “What Water Wants,” part of the PST ART event, is an immersive audio experience set on the banks of the LA River.

California Sen. Adam Schiff officially took office this month. He discusses the prospect of a preemptive pardon from President Biden, and the future of Democrats’ relationship with President-elect Trump. Once “alternative” media figures like Joe Rogan, Steve Bannon, and Charlie Kirk are winning bigger audiences than legacy media and becoming the new mainstream. Through their writings, Eve Babitz and Joan Didion cemented LA in our collective imagination as a sultry hotbed. A new book explores their relationship and what it reveals about LA’s famous women. Gifting a holiday cookie box to loved ones? Consider adding spice, vibrant colors, and a bit of booze to your selection of treats.

Despite ongoing concern about teen internet use, young people are online as much as ever. A new Pew survey of nearly 1,400 teens found surprising results across gender, racial, and political lines. Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s latest film is “The Room Next Door” — a former war correspondent has terminal cancer, makes a plan to kill herself, and asks her old friend to help. Film critic Alonso Duralde recommends holiday movies: “See You Next Christmas,” “Better Watch Out, “1985,” and “Christmas, Again.”

Texas sued a New York doctor who prescribed and sent abortion pills to a woman in a Dallas suburb. Texas has a near-total ban on abortion, but New York law protects doctors from lawsuits or prosecution if they send abortion medication across state lines. The bands Pixies and The Breeders helped shape the alternative rock sound of the early ‘90s. Now, almost 40 years into her career, Kim Deal is out with her first solo album “Nobody Loves You More.” Films are baked into the fabric of Press Play, so we’re going to pass the microphone around the staff. Meet everyone who makes this show happen, and hear about the holiday movies we can’t live without.

Hamas is reportedly willing to let Israel stage troops temporarily in Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement. Could it lead to annexation of the Palestinian territory? LA City Council voted unanimously to approve new housing development in LA’s dense corridors, but critics say more units are needed in single-family neighborhoods. Critics review the latest film releases: “Kraven the Hunter,” “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” “The End,” and “September 5.” Sam Sanders shares his approach to a stress-free holiday; Madeleine Brand reveals the secret for a successful office party.

The Biden administration is in its final 40 days and trying to make progress on Ukraine, Gaza, student loans, climate and immigration. Parents are suing Character.AI after its chatbots allegedly encouraged teens to hurt themselves or others. What’s making the tech push out this kind of language? “The Bibi Files” is a new documentary that features never-before-seen leaked footage of police interrogations of the Israeli Prime Minister, his family, and his associates. Hanukkah foods often focus on frying, so latkes are at the center of the table. But when it comes to the sweet side of things, jelly donuts or “sufganiyot” are a must-eat.

The Franklin Fire erupted on Monday night, and thousands of residents are under mandatory evacuation orders. The flames jumped PCH near Malibu Canyon Rd., threatening Malibu Pier. The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has unleashed a nationwide fury against health insurance companies, with horror stories shared online of how companies have denied life-saving treatment or bankrupted families. Rainn Wilson says a central theme in “Waiting for Godot” is the danger of inaction. He explains the linguistic and physical challenges of his role, and the healing power of theater. To the chagrin of parents with young children, the holiday season is another opportunity to accumulate more toys. They’re cheaper and easier to get, and American families are “drowning” in them.

Syrian rebels have taken Damascus. Their leader says he will protect minorities. What does the future look like in the war-torn state? LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong plans to install a "bias meter" next to every news article and op-ed. This comes after quashing the endorsement of Kamala Harris. A federal judge rules the U.S. Naval Academy can use race as a factor in its admissions, citing the military’s unique needs regarding a diverse officer corps. Emmy winner Ben Decter’s new musical shows the impact of his daughter’s epilepsy on their family, and the importance of communication.

Cryptocurrency has been pumping since Donald Trump’s reelection and promise to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.” Critics review the latest film releases: “Y2K,” “The Return,” “Get Away,” and “Nightbitch.” At least five people are running to head the Democratic National Committee. Plus, familiar and potentially polarizing people like Rahm Emmanuel have been floated. The best cookbooks contain stories of cultural and historical importance. Here are Evan Kleiman’s recommendations this year.

Syrian rebels are advancing on Hama after capturing Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. They’re challenging President Assad. Russia has joined the regime in counterstrikes. LA County is allowing people to sell food they make in home kitchens — if they meet standards for a health permit. The program is Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO). Beginning July 2026, California shoppers will no longer see the “sell by” date in grocery stores. What do the various date labels even mean? Johnny Carson was seemingly a friend to millions as the host of "The Tonight Show" for three decades. That wasn’t the case in his personal life, according to “Carson the Magnificent,” published in November. Sony’s PlayStation launched in Japan in 1994, and revolutionized gaming by pursuing an older audience and using film-like graphics. That big-budget sophistication eventually led Sony to play it safe in terms of game development.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares, then lifts, martial law. It marks the boiling over of more than two years of simmering political tensions. The National Retail Federation expects consumers to spend more this holiday season compared to last year, upwards of $900 per person on gifts, food, and decorations More people are making friends through apps. Some work like dating apps, while others bring people together over dinner parties. A zero-tolerance immigration policy separated over 5,500 children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. The new documentary, “Separated,” looks at what happened. State wildlife officials say more than 70 gray wolves could be in California – up from 44 last year — and new packs exist. But their future is uncertain.

Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, after saying he wouldn’t. How did the nation’s founders want pardons to be used? Is this an abuse? Trump’s pick for FBI director is a loyal warrior who pledges to go after the “deep state” and anyone who stands in the president’s way. This week, the Supreme Court hears a challenge to a Tennessee law that bans what’s known as gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender minors. George Frideric Handel wrote the music for “Messiah” during political and social unrest. Charles Jennens put together the text when experiencing deep despair.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a 60-day ceasefire after more than a year of costly fighting. Previous truces between the sides didn’t last. Will this one? YouTube star MrBeast holds elaborate games and events where people compete for money. Some contestants are suing him for how they were treated. MrBeast is defending himself. “Porcelain War” is a new documentary that vividly portrays the lives of civilians-turned-soldiers on and off Ukraine’s battlefield against Russia. Critics review the latest film releases: “Moana 2,” “Queer,” “Maria,” “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”

In addition to China, President-elect Trump proposed new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Will he carry through with them, or is it a negotiating tactic? The new podcast “Backfired: Attention Deficit” looks at the origins of ADHD, the surge of diagnoses over the past few decades, and drug demands and shortages today. In Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, women are forbidden from obtaining an education or even speaking loudly in public. “Bread & Roses” is a new documentary about three women fighting this oppression. The Thanksgiving table often includes rich dishes with soft textures. The next day, some crunch with a nice acidic dressing will be a welcome relief.

One of the biggest producers of raw milk had its product test positive for bird flu. What are the risks of drinking raw milk, and of bird flu in general? The Palm Springs City Council has voted to pay $5.9 million in reparations for Section 14 descendants, addressing the painful legacy of displaced Black and Latino families. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced legislation to ban trans people from using bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity while on federal property. Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to dismiss his cases against President-elect Trump. The Israeli and Palestinian boy band, as1one, flew to LA to record their debut album the day before Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023. Two band members discuss how the violence has affected them.

The annual U.N. climate summit has accomplished little, so activists are defacing priceless paintings to raise the alarm. The fight to save the planet is flagging. Mike Huckabee and Pete Hegseth, Trump’s picks for ambassador to Israel and defense secretary, have strong pro-Israel views that may trace back to the Bible. Critics review the latest film releases: “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” and “The Piano Lesson.” For five nights only at the Wallis, puppets and stage actors are bringing to life the Booker Prize-winning novel “Life & Times of Michael K.” Follow the title character’s journey through war-torn South Africa.

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations. A new LA City controller audit has found that less than $600 million was spent to fight homelessness in the last fiscal year. That includes state and federal grants, as well as tax dollars. Standup comedian Hannah Gadsby talks about the complexity of fame and the importance of connecting to audiences. They say their latest show is the funniest one they’ve ever done. A stew is cooked in less liquid than a soup, so its broth is reduced, sometimes thickened, and more flavorful. Try recipes from authors of “Autentico” and “My Everyday Lagos.”

Ukraine fired the first U.S.-supplied long-range missiles at Russia, which has threatened a potential nuclear response. The dynamics of the war will likely change under Trump. President-elect Donald Trump says he’ll declare a national emergency on immigration and use the military to carry out mass deportations. Advocates for undocumented immigrants are preparing. “Say Nothing,” a new limited series on FX, follows the decades of violence in Northern Ireland through the eyes of the Price sisters, who went from protesting peacefully to planting bombs. Spatulas and other utensils made from black plastic are potentially toxic to human health, even more so than regular plastic items, researchers say. Also problematic: black food containers like sushi to-go trays.