Foo Howser

Big Do-Nut Drive-In, Programmatic Architecture, & L.A. Noir: A Conversation with Historian and Author Don Solosan

46 min · 7. juli 2025
episode Big Do-Nut Drive-In, Programmatic Architecture, & L.A. Noir: A Conversation with Historian and Author Don Solosan cover

Beskrivelse

đŸŽ™ïž In the very first episode of the newly rebranded Foo Howserℱ podcast, I sit down with historian and author Don Solosan to talk Los Angeles history, programmatic architecture, and his new noir novel, Corpse on the Run. We dive into the story behind the Big Do-Nut Drive-In (the predecessor to Randy’s Donuts), Don’s experience with the L.A. Conservancy and L.A. Historic Theatre Foundation, and his latest creative project: a 1949 hard-crime thriller featuring mobsters, double lives, and a city full of secrets. We also get into Don’s miniature sculptures of classic L.A. programmatic buildings and settle the ultimate L.A. food debate: Philippe’s or Cole’s? Don Solosan has called Los Angeles home for nearly 35 years and has no plans of leaving. He’s been involved with the L.A. Conservancy and the L.A. Historic Theatre Foundation, where he developed a deep appreciation for the city’s architecture and history. These days, he's channeling that passion into fiction. His latest book, Corpse on the Run, is a hardboiled crime novel set in 1949 Los Angeles. Danny Boy is living the good life; he’s an accountant with high-powered clients like mobster Mickey Cohen, a supportive wife, a hot mistress, a regular table at the Pacific Seas, and VIP access to the city’s most glamorous haunts. But when his network of street contacts suddenly turns cold, Danny learns someone wants him dead. And he’s not the type to wait around. He’ll dig up the truth, even if it means busting a few heads—and breaking a few hearts—along the way. 📚 Find Corpse on the Run at www.lulu.com/shop [https://www.lulu.com/shop] — just search Don Solosan. 🔗 More California history content: FooHowser.com [https://www.foohowser.com/] Music: "Squoosh!" By Jimit #FooHowser #CaliforniaHistory #YourHistoryHomie #Podcast

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Alle episoder

13 episoder

episode Hidden Gems, Huell Howser, & the Best Sandwich in L.A.: A Conversation with Chase Wilson of ChasingLA cover

Hidden Gems, Huell Howser, & the Best Sandwich in L.A.: A Conversation with Chase Wilson of ChasingLA

đŸŽ™ïž In this episode of the Foo Howserℱ Podcast, I sit down with one of my favorite content creators, Chase Wilson, the mind behind ChasingLA, where he mixes Los Angeles history with sharp, dry humor and a love for the city’s hidden gems. We talk about his journey into content creation, how he decides which landmarks and neighborhood spots to cover, and the research process that goes into his work. From Union Station, Chicken Boy, and Forest Lawn to local favorites like Patra’s Burgers, the Monte Carlo Deli, and Pat & Lorraine’s, Chase has built a library of videos that highlight both the iconic and the lesser known spots of L.A. We also dive into Huell Howser’s influence, his personal favorite episode, and why the legendary Langer’s #19 is the best sandwich in L.A. and might just be the best sandwich in the world.  You can find Chase here: www.tiktok.com/@chasingla [http://www.tiktok.com/@chasingla]  https://www.instagram.com/chasingla213 [https://www.instagram.com/chasingla213]  https://www.youtube.com/@ChasingLosAngeles [https://www.youtube.com/@ChasingLosAngeles]  🔗 More California history content: FooHowser.com [FooHowser.com]

29. sept. 202544 min
episode Big Do-Nut Drive-In, Programmatic Architecture, & L.A. Noir: A Conversation with Historian and Author Don Solosan cover

Big Do-Nut Drive-In, Programmatic Architecture, & L.A. Noir: A Conversation with Historian and Author Don Solosan

đŸŽ™ïž In the very first episode of the newly rebranded Foo Howserℱ podcast, I sit down with historian and author Don Solosan to talk Los Angeles history, programmatic architecture, and his new noir novel, Corpse on the Run. We dive into the story behind the Big Do-Nut Drive-In (the predecessor to Randy’s Donuts), Don’s experience with the L.A. Conservancy and L.A. Historic Theatre Foundation, and his latest creative project: a 1949 hard-crime thriller featuring mobsters, double lives, and a city full of secrets. We also get into Don’s miniature sculptures of classic L.A. programmatic buildings and settle the ultimate L.A. food debate: Philippe’s or Cole’s? Don Solosan has called Los Angeles home for nearly 35 years and has no plans of leaving. He’s been involved with the L.A. Conservancy and the L.A. Historic Theatre Foundation, where he developed a deep appreciation for the city’s architecture and history. These days, he's channeling that passion into fiction. His latest book, Corpse on the Run, is a hardboiled crime novel set in 1949 Los Angeles. Danny Boy is living the good life; he’s an accountant with high-powered clients like mobster Mickey Cohen, a supportive wife, a hot mistress, a regular table at the Pacific Seas, and VIP access to the city’s most glamorous haunts. But when his network of street contacts suddenly turns cold, Danny learns someone wants him dead. And he’s not the type to wait around. He’ll dig up the truth, even if it means busting a few heads—and breaking a few hearts—along the way. 📚 Find Corpse on the Run at www.lulu.com/shop [https://www.lulu.com/shop] — just search Don Solosan. 🔗 More California history content: FooHowser.com [https://www.foohowser.com/] Music: "Squoosh!" By Jimit #FooHowser #CaliforniaHistory #YourHistoryHomie #Podcast

7. juli 202546 min
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🎧 The podcast is back and it’s got a new name! Formerly known as Californiography, the show is now officially called Foo Howserℱ. Same host, same love for California’s history, food, people, roadside attractions, and everything in between
 just with a name that matches the brand. In this trailer, I’m breaking down why the name changed, what’s staying the same, and what to expect in this new chapter of the podcast. Hit follow so you don’t miss the new episodes — coming soon to Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, and wherever you listen. Let’s keep exploring this great big backyard of ours we call California!🌮 Music: "Squoosh!" By Jimit #FooHowser #CaliforniaHistory #PodcastTrailer #YourHistoryHomie

4. juli 202527 s
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Interview with Eric Craig from The South LA Recap

In this episode I sit down and chat with Eric Craig from The South LA Recap. The South LA Recap is an online platform where he explores the vast history, neighborhoods, businesses, and people in South Los Angeles. Eric talks about his background and how it informs his work, I got to ask him questions about some of my favorite South LA Recap videos, and he shared a 1-Day South L.A. itinerary that foodies and history nerds can appreciate.  Follow The South LA Recap My Whittier on social media and at the links below: * Instagram [instagram.com/southlarecap]: @southlarecap * YouTube [youtube.com/@SouthLARecap]: youtube.com/@SouthLARecap * Website [SouthLARecap.com⁠]: SouthLARecap.com [http://SouthLARecap.com] Check out the History of Fatburger video here [https://tinyurl.com/5cbxvpun]: https://tinyurl.com/5cbxvpun Check out my YouTube [youtube.com/@californiography] here (Don't forget to subscribe!): youtube.com/@californiography Follow me on social media: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/californiography/] @Californiography * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@californiography_] @Californiography_ * Twitte [https://twitter.com/californiograph]r @Californiograph

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In this episode we dig into the history of the French Dip Sandwich and the 2 L.A. restaurants that claim to be the originators. We’ll take a look at each one’s origin story and examine the evidence to back each up. I’ll also tell you which one I believe the most, which one I prefer, and give you my go-to order at each one.  If you haven't seen my video on the French Dip Sandwich you can watch it on my YouTube  [https://tinyurl.com/33pvn5bf]channel: https://tinyurl.com/33pvn5bf (Don't forget to subscribe!) Follow me on social media: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/californiography/] @Californiography TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@californiography_] @Californiography_ Twitter [https://twitter.com/californiograph] @Californiograph

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