by Hal Eisner
Veteran FOX 11 journalist Hal Eisner has spent a lifetime telling stories. Now he’s continuing the conversation. In this new chapter of What the Hal??, Hal sits down with newsmakers, storytellers, and people doing extraordinary things in everyday life. Expect thoughtful interviews, behind-the-scenes perspectives from a career in journalism, and real discussions about the issues shaping Los Angeles and beyond. It’s news, insight, and curiosity—through the eyes of someone who’s seen it all.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/13/2026
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July 22, 2026
<h2>WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 17</h2><h1>Flying Tails: Saving Lives One Flight at a Time</h1><p>What happens when an award-winning television journalist combines a passion for aviation with a love of animals? A nonprofit that's giving thousands of animals a second chance.</p><p>In this episode, Hal Eisner sits down with <strong>Ken Wayne</strong>, founder of <strong>Flying Tails</strong>, to discuss how volunteer pilots transport shelter pets, injured wildlife, and disaster-displaced animals to safety across California and beyond. From rescuing orphaned bear cubs and bald eagles to helping overcrowded shelters find homes for adoptable pets, Ken shares the inspiring stories behind this unique aviation-based rescue mission.</p><p>The conversation explores the challenges of animal transportation, the emotional realities facing shelters, and how community volunteers are making a life-saving difference—one flight at a time.</p><h3>KEY TOPICS</h3><p>• How Flying Tails transports rescue animals by air</p><p>• Ken Wayne's journey from television news anchor to nonprofit founder</p><p>• Wildlife rescues involving bears, bald eagles, mountain lions, and more</p><p>• Helping overcrowded animal shelters through volunteer aviation</p><p>• Emergency animal evacuations during California wildfires</p><p>• The logistics and safety of transporting animals by aircraft</p><p>• The importance of spaying, neutering, and responsible pet ownership</p><p>• Building a nationwide network of volunteer pilots</p><p>• The emotional impact of animal rescue on shelter workers and volunteers</p><p>• How the public can support Flying Tails' mission</p><h3>Support the Podcast</h3><p><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/haleisner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://buymeacoffee.com/haleisner</a></p><h3>Original Theme Music by Stuart Pearson</h3><p><a href="https://stuartpearsonmusic.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://stuartpearsonmusic.com</a></p><h3>Listen to Previous Episodes</h3><p><a href="https://audioboom.com/channels/4960408-what-the-hal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://audioboom.com/channels/4960408-what-the-hal</a></p><h2>Resources</h2><p>Flying Tails</p><p><a href="https://flyingtails.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://flyingtails.org</a></p><p>Flying Tales (PBS)</p><p><a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/flying-tales/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pbs.org/show/flying-tales/</a></p><p>Support Flying Tails</p><p><a href="https://flyingtails.org/support" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://flyingtails.org/support</a></p><h2>Connect with Us</h2><p><strong>Hal Eisner</strong></p><p>Instagram:</p><p><a href="https://instagram.com/haleisner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/haleisner</a></p><p>Facebook:</p><p><a href="https://facebook.com/haleisner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://facebook.com/haleisner</a></p><p>X:</p><p><a href="https://x.com/HalEisner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/HalEisner</a></p><p><strong>Elsa Ramon</strong></p><p>Instagram:</p><p><a href="https://instagram.com/elsamramon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/elsamramon</a></p><p>X:</p><p><a href="https://x.com/ElsaMRamon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/ElsaMRamon</a></p><p><strong>Hunter Lowry</strong></p><p>Instagram:</p><p><a href="https://instagram.com/serendipitychick" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/serendipitychick</a></p><p>Takeaways:</p><ul><li>The nonprofit organization Flying Tails, founded by Ken Wayne, transports rescue animals across California to ensure their safety and well-being.</li><li>Ken Wayne discusses his transition from an award-winning television journalist to a dedicated animal rescue pilot, highlighting the emotional impact of his work.</li><li>The podcast emphasizes the critical issue of overcrowded animal shelters, where many animals face euthanasia if not relocated to more accommodating facilities.</li><li>Flying Tails operates a nationwide network of volunteer pilots, facilitating the urgent transport of animals during emergencies, such as wildfires.</li><li>Ken shares poignant stories of wildlife rescues, including transporting orphaned bear cubs and injured bald eagles to rehabilitation centers.</li><li>The conversation addresses the logistical challenges of safely transporting animals by air and the importance of responsible pet ownership in preventing shelter overcrowding.</li></ul><br/><p>Companies mentioned in this episode:</p><ul><li>Flying Tails</li><li>California Fish and Wildlife</li><li>San Diego Humane Society's Wildlife Center</li><li>Pacific Wildlife Care</li><li>Marine Mammal Center</li><li>LA Animal Services</li><li>Hollywood Huskies</li></ul><br/>
July 15, 2026
<p>WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 16</p><p>New mRNA Flu Vaccine: Could It Change the Future of Medicine?</p><p>Could a new generation of mRNA vaccines dramatically improve protection against seasonal influenza and change the future of infectious disease prevention?</p><p>In this episode, Hal Eisner sits down with physician Dr. Steve Goldberg to discuss the science behind the next generation of mRNA flu vaccines. They explore how this technology differs from traditional influenza vaccines, what clinical trials are revealing, and why researchers believe mRNA may become one of the biggest advancements in vaccine development in decades.</p><p>The conversation also examines recent Cyclospora outbreaks making headlines, vaccine safety, misinformation surrounding mRNA technology, food safety, and practical ways to reduce your risk of infectious diseases at home and while traveling.</p><p></p><p>KEY TOPICS</p><p>• Why seasonal flu vaccines don't always match circulating strains</p><p>• How mRNA technology works differently than traditional flu vaccines</p><p>• What current clinical trials reveal about next-generation influenza vaccines</p><p>• Vaccine safety and addressing common misconceptions</p><p>• The FDA approval process and what comes next</p><p>• How mRNA technology could transform future infectious disease prevention</p><p>• Recent Cyclospora outbreaks and protecting yourself from foodborne illness</p><p>• Safe food handling and washing fresh fruits and vegetables</p><p>• The importance of evidence-based medicine and peer-reviewed science</p><p>• Practical health recommendations for everyday life and travel</p><p></p><p>Support the Podcast</p><p>https://buymeacoffee.com/haleisner</p><p></p><p>Original Theme Music by Stuart Pearson</p><p>https://stuartpearsonmusic.com</p><p></p><p>Listen to Previous Episodes</p><p>https://audioboom.com/channels/4960408-what-the-hal</p><p></p><p>Resources</p><p>HealthTrackRx</p><p>https://healthtrackrx.com</p><p></p><p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Influenza</p><p>https://www.cdc.gov/flu</p><p></p><p>FoodSafety.gov</p><p>https://www.foodsafety.gov</p><p></p><p>World Health Organization</p><p>https://www.who.int</p><p></p><p></p><p>Connect with Us</p><p>Hal Eisner</p><p>Instagram: https://instagram.com/haleisner</p><p>Facebook: https://facebook.com/haleisner</p><p>X: https://x.com/HalEisner</p><p></p><p>Elsa Ramon</p><p>Instagram: https://instagram.com/elsamramon</p><p>X: https://x.com/ElsaMRamon</p><p></p><p>Hunter Lowry</p><p>Instagram: https://instagram.com/serendipitychick</p>
July 8, 2026
<p>WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 15</p><p>LA City Library at 100: Innovation, Community and a Century of Learning</p><p>For 100 years, the Los Angeles Public Library has served as a cornerstone of education, culture, and community engagement. But today’s library is much more than books on shelves.</p><p>In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry explore the past, present, and future of the Los Angeles Public Library with library leaders Christina Rice and Madeline Peña Feliz. From podcast studios and 3D printers to museum passes and technology lending programs, the conversation highlights how libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of modern communities.</p><p>The discussion also looks back at the devastating 1986 Central Library fire, the community effort that helped rebuild one of Los Angeles’ most treasured institutions, and how libraries are preserving history while embracing emerging technologies.</p><p></p><p>KEY TOPICS</p><p>• Celebrating the Los Angeles Public Library’s 100th anniversary</p><p>• How libraries have evolved beyond traditional books and reading rooms</p><p>• The Octavia Lab and the growing role of technology in public libraries</p><p>• Library programs supporting immigrants, students, and lifelong learners</p><p>• Free access to museum passes, hotspots, STEM kits, and technology through a library card</p><p>• The impact of the 1986 Central Library fire and the community’s recovery efforts</p><p>• Preserving history through archives, artifacts, and time capsules</p><p>• The future of libraries in a digital world</p><p>• Career opportunities in library science and public service</p><p>• Why libraries remain one of the most valuable free resources available to communities</p><p></p><p>Support the podcast</p><p>https://buymeacoffee.com/haleisner</p><p></p><p>Original Theme Music Composed by Stuart Pearson</p><p>https://stuartpearsonmusic.com</p><p></p><p>Listen to Previous Episodes</p><p>https://audioboom.com/channels/4960408-what-the-hal</p><p></p><p>RESOURCES & LINKS</p><p>https://lapl.org</p><p>https://lapl.org/central100</p><p>https://lapl.org/branches/central-library</p><p>https://lapl.org/tech2go</p><p>https://libbyapp.com</p><p></p><p>CONNECT</p><p>Hal Eisner</p><p>https://instagram.com/haleisner/</p><p>https://facebook.com/haleisner/</p><p>https://x.com/HalEisner</p><p></p><p>Elsa Ramon</p><p>https://instagram.com/elsamramon/</p><p>https://x.com/ElsaMRamon</p><p></p><p>Hunter Lowry</p><p>https://instagram.com/serendipitychick/</p>
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Veteran FOX 11 journalist Hal Eisner has spent a lifetime telling stories. Now he’s continuing the conversation.
In this new chapter of What the Hal??, Hal sits down with newsmakers, storytellers, and people doing extraordinary things in everyday life. Expect thoughtful interviews, behind-the-scenes perspectives from a career in journalism, and real discussions about the issues shaping Los Angeles and beyond.
It’s news, insight, and curiosity—through the eyes of someone who’s seen it all.
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