As the graduating class of 2020 approaches the end of their high school career, the COVID-19 pandemic has put an end to any promise of a traditional graduation ceremony. Now, districts and schools are trying to devise ways to recognize students' academic achievements, while still obeying social distancing guidelines. Christina Pascucci speaks with Knight High School graduating senior Damian Jeffries about a fun idea he presented to his district to celebrate the class of 2020.

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently came under fire for closing beaches in Orange County due to overcrowding, inciting protests and lawsuits. Yet, just a few days later, San Clemente and Laguna Beach were allowed to reopen after reaching agreements with state officials on new protocols and procedures. Christina spoke with Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen about the beach closure, and details about how the beach was eventually allowed to reopen. They also discuss the modifications and...

Today, Christina talks to a man who is used to thriving in unusual environments. Dr. Scott Parazynski is a physician, author, tech CEO, and astronaut. He has also and adventured lived all over the world, and summited Mt. Everest. Recently, the COVID-19 outbreak hit very close to home for Scott, as both his parents were diagnosed with the disease. Scott shares some of the details of that experience. He also talks about the importance of finding solutions the problems caused by COVID-19. He is...

Travel blogger Alyssa Ramos recently ditched her apartment in Los Angeles to fulfill a dream of moving to Barcelona, Spain. Just ten days after arriving, the city was placed under strict home confinement orders due to COVID-19, and Alyssa was unable to leave her home for nearly 50 days. Alyssa shares her experience with the lock down in Spain, and her perspective on the situation in the United States.

As part of his 4-phase plan to begin reopening the state, Governer Gavin Newsom suggested the possibility that schools could begin allowing students and faculty back on campus to begin classes as early as July. Christina spoke with Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo about the announcement, and what preparations and resources are needed to continue classroom education effectively and safely. She also addresses some of the concerns around the idea of starting an early...

This week, it was announced that the drug remdesivir, an antiviral medication developed by Gilead Sciences, had proven effective against COVID-19 in a major study. The drug was found to cut the time of patient recovery by an average of 4 days. Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that remdesivir will set a new "standard of care" for treatment of COVID-19. To learn more about the drug and the results of the study, Christina speaks with Dr. Terese Hammond, pulmonary critical care specialist and one of...

The COVID-19 pandemic is often drawing comparison to the 1918 influenza pandemic (The Spanish Flu). While the 1918 flu pandemic had a far more devastating global impact than it appears COVID-19 will have, looking back at history reveals just how similarly the world of the past and the world of the the present have responded to our respective outbreaks. Ventura resident and historian Cynthia Thompson has been digging into the past to learn about how the community responded to the 1918...

While more COVID-19 testing sites continue to emerge around Los Angeles County and neighboring areas, most are only offering tests to those who are exhibiting symptoms, frontline health care workers, or those who are considered high risk. In Carson, California, however, a new drive-up testing site will administer free testing for all residents, city employees, and anyone else who books an appointment regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not. Christina speaks with Carson Mayor Albert...

During the COVID-19 crisis, 911 health emergency calls have dropped dramatically. Doctors are growing concerned that people with serious medical issues, like heart attacks and strokes, are avoiding hospitals due to fear of catching COVID-19. Dr. Richard Shemin of the American Heart Association explains why people should not ignore medical emergencies, plus a young woman shares why she wishes she paid attention to the warning signs when her own health was in jeopardy.

Dr. Steven O’Day is the Executive Director of the John Wayne Cancer Institute and Cancer Clinic, and Director of Providence Los Angeles Regional Research. Today, Christina talks with Dr. O'Day to learn about some of the clinical trials that are taking place to combat COVID-19. He also reveals some of the more promising drugs researchers are looking at that could get us closer to solving this crisis, and he also addresses recent headlines regarding drugs like hydroxychloriquine and Gilead’s...

In the episode, Mark Takano, Congressman for the 41st District of California, answers your questions regarding the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program. Congressman Takano clarifies rumors that stimulus check payments are taxed or will need to be paid back. He also explains why larger companies like Shake Shack and Ruth's Chris were able to borrow millions of dollars from a loan program meant for smaller businesses, and what's being to done to replenish that fund and close loopholes. He...

On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we're hearing from Anousheh Ansari, who observed the Earth from space as the first female private space explorer. Anousheh's experience in space, as well as the disciplined and rigourous training it took to get there, have given her a unique perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic. Anousheh is also helping lead a collaborative effort to solve the crisis as the CEO of XPRIZE,  a powerful platform for combining data, AI tools, and ideas to help solve the...

Results from serology blood tests in L.A. County have revealed that up to 5.6% of adults have antibodies to COVID-19, indicating that up to 442,000 adults have contracted and recovered from the disease. Researchers now believe the novel coronavirus has been more widely spread than previously thought. Christina Pascucci speaks with Dr. Marc Eckstein about the latest developments, plus what's next in regards to testing.

Donny O'Malley is a Marine Corps. veteran who has dedicated his post-service life to building a community amongst veterans using comedy and the power of laughter. He is the founder of Vet Tv and Irreverent Warriors. Donny shares with Christina how a positive outlook and community support is critical, especially for veterans, during self-isolation.

Heather Crookston Neal is a resident of Reno,Nevada. Heather has Crohn's Disease and must take medication that leaves her with a weakened immune system. Because of this, if Heather were to contract COVID-19, the consequences could be dire. Heather has begun speaking out and advocating for the immunocompromised in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and striving to put a face to invisible diseases.

Helix Wolfson is looking for love. He is self-isolating as a single man during the COVID-19 pandemic and, like many single people, is desiring to make a strong romantic connections. Dating during this time has a whole new set of challenges. In this episode, Helix gives advice for other singles looking for meaningful relationships despite not being able to leave their homes. He also describes how he is getting creative with digital dating, and how exactly he's searching for love in the time of...

On today's episode, Christina Pascucci speaks with Paul Amadeus Lane. Paul is a TV & radio personality, brand ambassador, keynote speaker and accessibility consultant. He is also a C6 quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair as the result of an automobile accident. Paul shares with Christina how virtual reality neurotherapy from the company Mieron is helping those who are not able-bodied during self-isolation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scientists around the world are racing to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. According to The WHO, there are currently 70 coronavirus vaccines in development globally. In today's episode, we look at where we're at in terms of getting a vaccine to market, and how blood tests from one couple may help scientists find answers to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's the question on everyone's mind: When will things return to some semblance of normalcy? On this episode of the podcast, Christina speaks with the man leading the charge in L.A.'s COVID-19 testing efforts, Dr. Marc Eckstein, who explains how serology blood testing works, and how it may help provide some much needed answers. He also reveals why there were early challenges to roll out coronavirus testing.

Christina Pascucci speaks with Dr. Michael Wasserman, an expert in geriatric medicine and the president of the California Association of Long Term Care Medicine, about what is needed to protect our most at-risk citizens. Dr. Wasserman explains the vulnerabilities for nursing homes and senior care facilities during the COVID-19 crisis. He also shares recommendations on what leaders should be doing to prevent outbreaks in among residents and caregivers.

It has been a stressful time for many people as there are mounting fears and worries surrounding our health and the health of loved ones, lost jobs and financial losses, and struggles with loneliness that come with self-isolating. Mental health services are expecting an increase in call volume in the weeks ahead, and there has already been a measurable uptick in calls that include “suicidal desires” spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Christina Pascucci speaks with Jessica Van Der Stad,...

Today is Wednesday, April 8th, and Jews around the world will be celebrating the first Seder of Passover. While Passover is a time that often brings families together, this year, the COVID-19 crisis will be keeping many Jews apart. However, the worldwide community will celebrate nonetheless in these unprecedented times. Christina Pascucci hears from a local rabbi to learn the ways how.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, many expectant mothers are beginning to seek alternative birthing options to avoid hospitals. As a result, there is a renewed interest across the country in the services of midwives, trained health professionals who assist healthy women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Christina speaks with Tiffany Gallo, a licensed midwife and owner of Pure Births Birth Center, who has seen a surge in business amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A nurse who was exposed to COVID-19 and is now experiencing symptoms expresses concerns about how the hospital she works at is handling the coronavirus outbreak. She also reveals that hospitals are still struggling securing personal protective equipment. Christina Pascucci shares how a local restaurant is helping medical workers. Plus, what two nurses are doing to help their colleagues who are short on supplies.