Mike Bonin
@mikebonin.bsky.social
Living my best life as a teacher, writer, mentor, consultant, and troublemaking progressive activist. Dad, husband, hiker, 🏳️🌈, DC Comics nerd. Host of What's Next Los Angeles podcast, co-host of LA Podcast. Former member of the LA City Council.
“Hear me, President Trump:
To get to any of us, you will have
to get through all of us.”
To get to any of us, you will have
to get through all of us.”
November 5, 2025 at 3:28 PM
“Hear me, President Trump:
To get to any of us, you will have
to get through all of us.”
To get to any of us, you will have
to get through all of us.”
On What's Next, Los Angeles, we present a one-on-one interview with LA Mayor Karen Bass. We discussed her style of leadership, progressive politics, a new challenger in the mayor's race, housing policy, homelessness, the upcoming Olympics and more.
whatsnextlosangeles.buzzsprout.com
whatsnextlosangeles.buzzsprout.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:04 PM
On What's Next, Los Angeles, we present a one-on-one interview with LA Mayor Karen Bass. We discussed her style of leadership, progressive politics, a new challenger in the mayor's race, housing policy, homelessness, the upcoming Olympics and more.
whatsnextlosangeles.buzzsprout.com
whatsnextlosangeles.buzzsprout.com
Antifa isn’t a group. It’s an umbrella term - like MAGA. By declaring Antifa a “terrorist organization” they’re creating a legal framework to charge organizers, protesters, elected officials, commentators and anyone they want with domestic terrorism.
This is how freedom dies and fascism thrives.
This is how freedom dies and fascism thrives.
September 19, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Antifa isn’t a group. It’s an umbrella term - like MAGA. By declaring Antifa a “terrorist organization” they’re creating a legal framework to charge organizers, protesters, elected officials, commentators and anyone they want with domestic terrorism.
This is how freedom dies and fascism thrives.
This is how freedom dies and fascism thrives.
How did LA go from being a notorious anti-worker city to a stronghold of labor power?
Listen to this re-air of my interview with Kent Wong of UCLA Labor Ctr on What’s Next, Los Angeles. Brought to you in partnership with @laforward.bsky.social . whatsnextlosangeles.buzzsprout.com
Listen to this re-air of my interview with Kent Wong of UCLA Labor Ctr on What’s Next, Los Angeles. Brought to you in partnership with @laforward.bsky.social . whatsnextlosangeles.buzzsprout.com
September 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
How did LA go from being a notorious anti-worker city to a stronghold of labor power?
Listen to this re-air of my interview with Kent Wong of UCLA Labor Ctr on What’s Next, Los Angeles. Brought to you in partnership with @laforward.bsky.social . whatsnextlosangeles.buzzsprout.com
Listen to this re-air of my interview with Kent Wong of UCLA Labor Ctr on What’s Next, Los Angeles. Brought to you in partnership with @laforward.bsky.social . whatsnextlosangeles.buzzsprout.com
Wallis Annenberg was a titan. But the obituaries failed to mention that she was a lesbian. It was a noteworthy example of queer erasure.
I talk with her former partner, journalist @karenocamb.bsky.social on What's Next, Los Angeles -- wherever you get your podcasts.
@laforward.bsky.social
I talk with her former partner, journalist @karenocamb.bsky.social on What's Next, Los Angeles -- wherever you get your podcasts.
@laforward.bsky.social
August 6, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Wallis Annenberg was a titan. But the obituaries failed to mention that she was a lesbian. It was a noteworthy example of queer erasure.
I talk with her former partner, journalist @karenocamb.bsky.social on What's Next, Los Angeles -- wherever you get your podcasts.
@laforward.bsky.social
I talk with her former partner, journalist @karenocamb.bsky.social on What's Next, Los Angeles -- wherever you get your podcasts.
@laforward.bsky.social
INFRASTRUCTURE WEAK: On this week's LA Podcast, Alissa, Mike, and Godfrey discuss the next era for LA’s homeless services, a terrifying Trump executive order, LA Charter reform and the CA governor's race.
Listen at thinkforward.la, on Apple Podcasts, via Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen at thinkforward.la, on Apple Podcasts, via Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
August 6, 2025 at 4:38 PM
INFRASTRUCTURE WEAK: On this week's LA Podcast, Alissa, Mike, and Godfrey discuss the next era for LA’s homeless services, a terrifying Trump executive order, LA Charter reform and the CA governor's race.
Listen at thinkforward.la, on Apple Podcasts, via Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen at thinkforward.la, on Apple Podcasts, via Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Can we fix a broken Los Angeles? I talk with @urbanistcole.bsky.social on the latest episode of WNLA. Rick has a unique insights and strong opinions to share. Check it out wherever you listen to podcasts. Brought to you in partnership with @laforward.bsky.social.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
July 2, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Can we fix a broken Los Angeles? I talk with @urbanistcole.bsky.social on the latest episode of WNLA. Rick has a unique insights and strong opinions to share. Check it out wherever you listen to podcasts. Brought to you in partnership with @laforward.bsky.social.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
On this week's LA Podcast, we track a third week of ICE raids that are more violent, more brazen, and raising more questions about LAPD's role in these kidnappings. Plus, the fight over the Olympic Wage -- and the impact of Mamdani's win.
www.thinkforward.la
www.thinkforward.la
July 1, 2025 at 7:32 PM
On this week's LA Podcast, we track a third week of ICE raids that are more violent, more brazen, and raising more questions about LAPD's role in these kidnappings. Plus, the fight over the Olympic Wage -- and the impact of Mamdani's win.
www.thinkforward.la
www.thinkforward.la
A deep dive into the week that was in Los Angeles -- ICE raids, federal troops, massive protests, and more. On the latest LA Podcast -- with me, @awalkerinla.bsky.social @rachelreyes.bsky.social and Scott Frazier.
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
www.thinkforward.la
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
www.thinkforward.la
June 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
A deep dive into the week that was in Los Angeles -- ICE raids, federal troops, massive protests, and more. On the latest LA Podcast -- with me, @awalkerinla.bsky.social @rachelreyes.bsky.social and Scott Frazier.
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
www.thinkforward.la
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
www.thinkforward.la
Today’s #FreeDavidEndRaids rally was like a solidarity bath — a show of the power and strength of our collective voice. There were thousands in attendance. Angry resistance was on full display, matched only by love for L.A. and determination to protect our families, friends, coworkers and neighbors.
June 9, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Today’s #FreeDavidEndRaids rally was like a solidarity bath — a show of the power and strength of our collective voice. There were thousands in attendance. Angry resistance was on full display, matched only by love for L.A. and determination to protect our families, friends, coworkers and neighbors.
Governor Newsom's latest budget proposal targets the most vulnerable for cuts in services. I talk with Chris Hoene of the CA Budget & Policy Center on the latest WNLA. Wherever you listen to podcasts, or here: bit.ly/4jpMP7m
A Think Forward production, from @laforward.bsky.social
A Think Forward production, from @laforward.bsky.social
May 28, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Governor Newsom's latest budget proposal targets the most vulnerable for cuts in services. I talk with Chris Hoene of the CA Budget & Policy Center on the latest WNLA. Wherever you listen to podcasts, or here: bit.ly/4jpMP7m
A Think Forward production, from @laforward.bsky.social
A Think Forward production, from @laforward.bsky.social
WAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE: @awalkerinla.bsky.social @godfreyplata.bsky.social and I discuss the LA budget going from disastrous to “very bad." That and a lot more this week. Listen -- and subscribe at thinkforward.la! @laforward.bsky.social
www.thinkforward.la/la-podcast/
www.thinkforward.la/la-podcast/
May 27, 2025 at 4:10 PM
WAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE: @awalkerinla.bsky.social @godfreyplata.bsky.social and I discuss the LA budget going from disastrous to “very bad." That and a lot more this week. Listen -- and subscribe at thinkforward.la! @laforward.bsky.social
www.thinkforward.la/la-podcast/
www.thinkforward.la/la-podcast/
As I predicted on LA Podcast recently, the conservative bloc on the LA City Council is voting no on the city budget - a reversal from last year, when the progressive bloc voted no. I’m curious to see what elements of the budget the mayor might veto, and whose rhetoric she echoes.
May 23, 2025 at 12:11 AM
As I predicted on LA Podcast recently, the conservative bloc on the LA City Council is voting no on the city budget - a reversal from last year, when the progressive bloc voted no. I’m curious to see what elements of the budget the mayor might veto, and whose rhetoric she echoes.
Can mass transit survive Gov. Newsom's budget? I talk with Eli Lipmen of @movela.bsky.social about the governor's "May Revise" and how it impacts transit, housing, the climate, and more. On What's Next, Los Angeles? -- wherever you listen to podcasts.
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
May 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Can mass transit survive Gov. Newsom's budget? I talk with Eli Lipmen of @movela.bsky.social about the governor's "May Revise" and how it impacts transit, housing, the climate, and more. On What's Next, Los Angeles? -- wherever you listen to podcasts.
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
SHELTER SKELTER: On LA Podcast, Laura Raymond joins me and @awalkerinla.bsky.social for a whole episode on homelessness and housing. Newsom orders cities to ban homelessness, again. Is Measure ULA stifling housing production? Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
May 20, 2025 at 12:53 AM
SHELTER SKELTER: On LA Podcast, Laura Raymond joins me and @awalkerinla.bsky.social for a whole episode on homelessness and housing. Newsom orders cities to ban homelessness, again. Is Measure ULA stifling housing production? Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Who are the 2028 Olympic games for? The world? Or the people who live and work in L.A? That’s a question officials are wrestling with as the games approach. Today, LA City Council voted 11-3, for an “Olympic Wage,” saying hospitality workers deserve to make $30/hr by 2028.
May 15, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Who are the 2028 Olympic games for? The world? Or the people who live and work in L.A? That’s a question officials are wrestling with as the games approach. Today, LA City Council voted 11-3, for an “Olympic Wage,” saying hospitality workers deserve to make $30/hr by 2028.
Who are the 2028 Olympic games for? The world? Or the people who live and work in L.A? That’s a question officials are wrestling with as the games approach. Today, LA City Council voted 11-3, for an an “Olympic Wage,” saying hospitality workers deserve to make $30/hr by 2028.
May 15, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Who are the 2028 Olympic games for? The world? Or the people who live and work in L.A? That’s a question officials are wrestling with as the games approach. Today, LA City Council voted 11-3, for an an “Olympic Wage,” saying hospitality workers deserve to make $30/hr by 2028.
NEW EP of LA PODCAST — @awalkerinla.bsky.social, Rachel Reyes and I discuss: how LA’s budget crisis could lead to an LAPD with fewer officers; Metro hires a chief for its new police force, and LA County approves a $4 billion settlement for thousands of sexual abuse claims. @laforward.bsky.social
May 13, 2025 at 1:04 AM
NEW EP of LA PODCAST — @awalkerinla.bsky.social, Rachel Reyes and I discuss: how LA’s budget crisis could lead to an LAPD with fewer officers; Metro hires a chief for its new police force, and LA County approves a $4 billion settlement for thousands of sexual abuse claims. @laforward.bsky.social
What if, instead of using a massive punishment bureaucracy to enforce inequality, we worked to achieve equality?
Great question posed by @equalityalec, tonight at Oxy, talking about his insightful new book “Copaganda: how police and the media manipulate our news.”
It’s a real must-read!
Great question posed by @equalityalec, tonight at Oxy, talking about his insightful new book “Copaganda: how police and the media manipulate our news.”
It’s a real must-read!
May 2, 2025 at 4:44 AM
What if, instead of using a massive punishment bureaucracy to enforce inequality, we worked to achieve equality?
Great question posed by @equalityalec, tonight at Oxy, talking about his insightful new book “Copaganda: how police and the media manipulate our news.”
It’s a real must-read!
Great question posed by @equalityalec, tonight at Oxy, talking about his insightful new book “Copaganda: how police and the media manipulate our news.”
It’s a real must-read!
In the face of attacks on civil rights and civil liberties, Rudy Espinoza of Inclusive Action for the City faced his fears and found the courage to fight back. Listen to our conversation about finding strength in solidarity on What's Next, Los Angeles. @laforward.bsky.social
apple.co/4lWrpkE
apple.co/4lWrpkE
April 30, 2025 at 11:13 PM
In the face of attacks on civil rights and civil liberties, Rudy Espinoza of Inclusive Action for the City faced his fears and found the courage to fight back. Listen to our conversation about finding strength in solidarity on What's Next, Los Angeles. @laforward.bsky.social
apple.co/4lWrpkE
apple.co/4lWrpkE
News coverage profoundly shapes public policy -- especially on public safety issues. Come hear @equalityalec.bsky.social speak about his new book "Copaganda: How the Police and the Media Manipulate Our News" -- Thursday night, 7 pm, on the Oxy campus.
RSVP here: forms.gle/yqLHEeNc4sUt...
RSVP here: forms.gle/yqLHEeNc4sUt...
April 30, 2025 at 12:47 AM
News coverage profoundly shapes public policy -- especially on public safety issues. Come hear @equalityalec.bsky.social speak about his new book "Copaganda: How the Police and the Media Manipulate Our News" -- Thursday night, 7 pm, on the Oxy campus.
RSVP here: forms.gle/yqLHEeNc4sUt...
RSVP here: forms.gle/yqLHEeNc4sUt...
On this week’s LAPOD @awalkerinla.bsky.social & I are joined by Oscar Zarate of CHIRLA to discuss how workers are mobilizing for immigrant rights on May Day. Plus, the Real ID nightmare, and good LAX-area transit news! @laforward.bsky.social
www.thinkforward.la/la-podcast-p...
www.thinkforward.la/la-podcast-p...
April 30, 2025 at 12:36 AM
On this week’s LAPOD @awalkerinla.bsky.social & I are joined by Oscar Zarate of CHIRLA to discuss how workers are mobilizing for immigrant rights on May Day. Plus, the Real ID nightmare, and good LAX-area transit news! @laforward.bsky.social
www.thinkforward.la/la-podcast-p...
www.thinkforward.la/la-podcast-p...
Pope Francis tried to lead the Church to minister as Jesus did in the Gospels, with humility, with compassion, for and among the poor, the outcasts, the strangers, the sick. He was rebuilding the Church in the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount. May his successor do the same.
April 21, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Pope Francis tried to lead the Church to minister as Jesus did in the Gospels, with humility, with compassion, for and among the poor, the outcasts, the strangers, the sick. He was rebuilding the Church in the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount. May his successor do the same.
LA's Fighting Oligarchy rally featured powerful speeches from workers struggling to get by while executives get rich off their work: nurses, hotel workers, teachers, production assistants. Catch the highlights on What's Next, Los Angeles -- wherever you listen to podcasts.
@laforward.bsky.social
@laforward.bsky.social
April 17, 2025 at 5:02 PM
LA's Fighting Oligarchy rally featured powerful speeches from workers struggling to get by while executives get rich off their work: nurses, hotel workers, teachers, production assistants. Catch the highlights on What's Next, Los Angeles -- wherever you listen to podcasts.
@laforward.bsky.social
@laforward.bsky.social
Did you miss the Bernie rally in LA last weekend? You can catch the highlights -- including Eunisses Hernandez's powerful speech -- on the latest episode of What's Next, Los Angeles -- wherever you listen to podcasts.
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
April 16, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Did you miss the Bernie rally in LA last weekend? You can catch the highlights -- including Eunisses Hernandez's powerful speech -- on the latest episode of What's Next, Los Angeles -- wherever you listen to podcasts.
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social
Brought to you by @laforward.bsky.social