Elise Hu
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As seen in:
Built for Change,
NPR,
TED Talks Daily,
Medium,
MSN Canada,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Scribd,
Code Switch,
Here & now (2),
Los Angeles Times,
News.com.au,
The Atlantic,
WIRED Magazine
and
Covers:
culture, politics, state government, technology, innovation
Doesn't Cover:
finance, gadget reviews
Journo & host @TEDTalks Daily | 🎧@NPR Vet | Author FLAWLESS📖 | Co-founder @reasonablevol | Don't hang around here much anymore.
Articles by Elise Hu
Beyond the Talk: Bill McKibben on oil wars and the solar revolution
Bill McKibben, Elise Hu | TED Talks Daily • April 2026 Nearly 40 years after he wrote "The End of Nature," which many call the first book on climate change for a general audience, environmentalist Bill McKibben says the economics are finally on our side. In this conversation with Elise Hu, host of "TED Talks Daily," he explains how solar power became the "Costco of energy," why war is accelerating the shift to renewables and the power of community action to protect nature.
Beyond the Talk: Ann Patchett on reading, writing and the books she can’t put down
Novelist Ann Patchett joins Elise Hu, host of "TED Talks Daily," to discuss her enduring love affair with books (and the absurdity of book bans). Patchett reflects on her evolving relationship with reading and writing, how her independent bookstore cultivates community — and why 2026 might be the best year for novels she's seen yet.
How to escape the smartphone doom loop
Larissa May has spent a decade building digital wellness programs for young people, and she's discovered something quietly radical: the smartphone doom loop of screen dependence and anxiety isn't inevitable, and joy (not restriction) is the way out. She makes the case for a different relationship with technology — starting with swapping screens for some analog fun.
Downtime With: Manoush Zomorodi
The longtime tech and culture journalist on small changes that can make us feel like ourselves again. And why she won't tell you to stay away from screens. Note: Alisha is currently on maternity leave until the summer. In the meantime, Downtime is edited by Elise Hu. Our full weekly posts during this time are exclusively for paid subscribers. Upgrade here for full access and get 20% off your subscription.
Beyond the Talk: Hiba Qasas on peacebuilding in a fractured world
Following her talk at TED2026, conflict mediator Hiba Qasas joins Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, to explore a new framework for peacebuilding. Qasas shares how she builds common ground where formal diplomacy has stalled — and what the rest of us can do to help end conflict.
Downtime With: Youngna Park
Note: Alisha is currently on maternity leave until the summer. In the meantime, Downtime is edited by Elise Hu. Our full weekly posts during this time are exclusively for paid subscribers. Upgrade here for full access. Thank you for your support! Youngna Park is one of those people who just exudes an effortless cool.
12 Unexpected Summer Reads That Aren’t Necessarily “Beach Reads”
Reminder: Alisha is currently on maternity leave until the summer. In the meantime, Downtime is edited by Elise Hu. Our full weekly posts during this time are exclusively for paid subscribers. Upgrade here for full access. Thank you for your support! When I wrote to our contributors asking for their recs for our Downtime summer reading list, I kept the prompt open to interpretation.
Downtime With: Elise Hu
Note: Alisha is currently on maternity leave until the summer. In the meantime, Downtime is edited by Elise Hu. Our full weekly posts during this time are exclusively for paid subscribers. Upgrade here for full access. Thank you for your support! Happy Friday, y’all! Before I get into my favorite things, I want to just hypewoman Alisha real quick. After years of mutual admiration, the two of us finally met IRL when my book, Flawless, was coming out in 2023.
Ten Books To Break You Out Of A Reading Rut
Sometimes the vagaries of life, weird hormonal shifts or just a slew of “meh” books take us away from our reading habits, and we find ourselves in a … rut. A reading rut. If you’re find yourself in a more fallow period of reading, we’ve curated a list of ten irresistible books that beloved writers and editors are sharing with you to help break the rut. The panelists wear so many hats — among them are memorists, designers, beloved hosts, cultural critics and authors of both fiction and non-fiction.
Downtime With: Caroline Chambers
Note: Alisha is currently on maternity leave until the summer. In the meantime, Downtime is edited by Elise Hu. Our full weekly posts during this time are exclusively for paid subscribers. Upgrade here for full access. Thank you for your support! I’ll admit I am a woman who rarely feels like cooking. But given my family of five, and especially during the pandemic, I play the role of short order cook more often than I’d like.
Downtime With: Harling Ross Anton
Note: Alisha is currently on maternity leave until the summer. In the meantime, Downtime is edited by Elise Hu. Our full weekly posts during this time are exclusively for paid subscribers. Upgrade here for full access and get 20% off your subscription. Thank you for your support! It is with great excitement and some trepidation that I, Elise, step into Alisha’s shoes to edit Downtime as she takes parental leave.
Inheritance: Samsung
When you’re born into a powerful business dynasty, what comes first: the family or the firm? Inheritance explores the family dynasties behind some of the biggest names in global business. Many brands are controlled by families through the generations. But who gets the top job? And how do they hold onto power? In this brand-new 10-part series from the BBC World Service, we look behind closed doors- inside the billion-dollar deals and the family power struggles that shape global empires.
Big money, big ads, and California’s fight for redistricting
Big money, big ads, and California’s fight for redistricting Voters are bombarded by mailers and ads for and against Prop 50, which would allow California's legislature to redraw its Congressional maps mid-decade. Millions are pouring in from unions, billionaires, and national players. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection.
‘Grocery Goblin’ wonders: ‘What’s in Evan Kleiman’s fridge?’
‘Grocery Goblin’ wonders: ‘What’s in Evan Kleiman’s fridge?’ Writer Vanessa Anderson’s project “The Grocery Goblin” explores food and consumer culture via the grocery store. Her latest Substack post wondered what was in Evan Kleiman’s fridge. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Political difference, violence, and the murder of Charlie Kirk
Political difference, violence, and the murder of Charlie Kirk A former Obama staffer was meeting a Project 2025 author when she got news of Charlie Kirk’s death. KCRW discusses political violence and a plea for calm. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Weekend film reviews: ‘The Long Walk,’ ‘The History of Sound’
Weekend film reviews: ‘The Long Walk,’ ‘The History of Sound’ In “The Long Walk,” teenage boys compete in a contest where they must keep walking — or get shot. Credit: YouTube. The latest film releases include The Long Walk, The History of Sound, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, and Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues.
Prop 50 could tip the balance of power in Congress | Press Play
A former Obama staffer was meeting a Project 2025 author when she got news of Charlie Kirk’s death. KCRW discusses political violence and a plea for calm. Voters are bombarded by mailers and ads for and against Prop 50, which would allow California's legislature to redraw its Congressional maps mid-decade. Millions are pouring in from unions, billionaires, and national players.
The secret language of families | Press Play
The secret language of families Families invent their own secret languages — nicknames, jokes, and mispronunciations — that bond them together, linger for years. Linguists call this “familect.” Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
The music, movies, and moments we couldn’t stop talking about this summer
The music, movies, and moments we couldn’t stop talking about this summer KCRW host Sam Sanders dishes on all things pop culture — the moments, movies, music, and TV shows people couldn't stop raving about over the summer. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Economic check-in: National and Hollywood | Press Play
An economist explains that people are staying put in their current jobs amid economic uncertainty, it’s tougher to find a new role, and mass deportation policies are affecting the overall economy. Twenty-two TV series were just awarded the first round of expanded Hollywood tax credits. Is it enough to breathe life back into the industry? Families invent their own secret languages — nicknames, jokes, and mispronunciations — that bond them together, linger for years.
Debate brews over whether astrological signs are wrong
Debate brews over whether astrological signs are wrong A displeased astrologer weighs in after the New York Times reports that your zodiac sign is out of date. KCRW explains the long controversy between astronomers and astrologers. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
50 years ago in CA, a US president was almost assassinated 2 different times
50 years ago in CA, a US president was almost assassinated 2 different times As the trial for an alleged assassin of President Trump begins this week, KCRW looks back on September 1975, when two different women planned to kill President Gerald Ford. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Does ‘The Office’ spinoff ‘The Paper’ live up to its predecessor?
Does ‘The Office’ spinoff ‘The Paper’ live up to its predecessor? A small-town paper gets the mockumentary treatment in a new spinoff from “The Office,” mixing newsroom chaos, nostalgia, and laughs about the future of print journalism. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Safety or income? Immigrants make hard choice amid ICE raids
Many immigrants have feared going to work amid ICE raids. Weekly earnings for immigrant renters fell 62% this summer, according to The Rent Brigade’s recent survey. As the trial for an alleged assassin of President Trump begins this week, KCRW looks back on September 1975, when two different women had plans to kill President Gerald Ford.
Santa Monica’s money woes put spotlight on LA-wide sex abuse payouts
Santa Monica’s money woes put spotlight on LA-wide sex abuse payouts Santa Monica is on the verge of a fiscal emergency as massive sex abuse settlements and shrinking revenues stretch city services, reflecting a wider crisis across LA County. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Why is there no song of the summer for 2025? | Press Play
Why is there no song of the summer for 2025? A guitar is seen with blank paper on a clipboard. Credit: Shutterstock. Now in September, it’s becoming clear that no candidate exists for 2025’s “song of the summer.” This year has produced the fewest new hit songs in the history of the U.S., according to chart experts.
Alcaraz-Sinner US Open final solidifies new era in men’s tennis
Alcaraz-Sinner US Open final solidifies new era in men’s tennis The book “Changeover” explores the budding rivalry between tennis phenoms Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and what it means for the future of the sport. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Supreme Court lifts restrictions on sweeping LA immigration raids
Supreme Court lifts restrictions on sweeping LA immigration raids In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that temporarily blocked federal immigration agents from indiscriminately arresting people on sidewalks, at Home Depots, swap meets, etc. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection.
2025: No song of the summer? | Press Play
In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that temporarily blocked federal immigration agents from indiscriminately arresting people on sidewalks, at Home Depots, swap meets, etc. Santa Monica is on the verge of a fiscal emergency as massive sex abuse settlements and shrinking revenues stretch city services, reflecting a wider crisis across LA County.
RIP AOL dial-up internet | Press Play
RIP AOL dial-up internet Around 160,000 Americans still receive dial-up internet. AOL is ending the service. KCRW takes a trip down the memory superhighway. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
After denials, lawmakers tour DTLA’s controversial ICE facility
After denials, lawmakers tour DTLA’s controversial ICE facility After two months of denied access, Rep. Brad Sherman tours LA’s secretive ICE facility, raising questions about masked raids, detainee living conditions, and oversight rights. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
What does back-to-school season look like for Pali High?
Pali High starts its new academic term on August 13. Instruction will still temporarily happen at the old Sears in Santa Monica. There’s optimism for rebuilding the old campus and community. Over the weekend, an Israeli airstrike killed Anas Al-Sharif and four other Al Jazeera journalists in what the Israeli military said was a targeted attack on their media tent.
Trump wants UCLA to pay $1 billion fine. Will courts intervene?
Trump wants UCLA to pay $1 billion fine. Will courts intervene? UC regents are meeting to discuss whether to settle with the Trump administration over their freezing of grants. But an appeals court may unfreeze the money first. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Hundreds more deaths linked to January fires | Press Play
Hundreds more deaths linked to January fires New research reveals the death toll from the January fires in LA County may be far higher than official counts. Many deaths linked to smoke, stress, and health disruptions are unreported. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
The National Guard enters DC amid trial over LA deployment
The National Guard enters DC amid trial over LA deployment A new chapter is unfolding in the power struggle between President Trump and cities as he sends the National Guard into DC — and defends the LA deployment in court. Keep KCRW Independent. KCRW is here to provide you with local news, music discovery, and cultural connection. Stay up to date with all things KCRW by signing up for our newsletters! And, if you can support our efforts, make a donation today.
Woody Guthrie’s never-before-released songs are relevant today
A new chapter is unfolding in the power struggle between President Trump and cities as he sends the National Guard into DC — and defends the LA deployment in court. UC regents are meeting to discuss whether to settle with the Trump administration over their freezing of grants. But an appeals court may unfreeze the money first. New research reveals the death toll from the January fires in LA County may be far higher than official counts.
There has been so much conversation in online spaces over the past few months about divesting from social media. Folks are dropping X, Facebook, Instagram as a form of protest against billionaire tech bros like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. And a lot of us are also feeling the need to doom scroll less as a form of self care. Plus, when Tiktok drops a new Chubby filter, it doesn’t really make us want to be there. PS.
He lost his first LA Marathon medal in the fires -- this weekend he got his second
Burn zones from the most catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles history have yet to be fully cleaned up, and thousands of Angelenos remain displaced. But on Sunday, people turned out in droves along the 26.2 mile route of the Los Angeles Marathon, to cheer on more than 21,000 runners who took part. It marked a reaffirmation of vitality in a community that endured disaster just a few months ago.
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