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LA Made: The Barbie Tapes from LAist Studios
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LA Made: The Barbie Tapes
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LA Made: The Barbie Tapes from LAist Studios
Exploring stories of bold Californian innovators and how they forever changed the lives of millions all over the world.

About the Show

“LA Made” is a series exploring stories of bold Californian innovators and how they forever changed the lives of millions all over the world. Each season will unpack the untold and surprising stories behind some of the most exciting innovations that continue to influence our lives today.

Season 1, “LA Made: Blood, Sweat & Rockets,” tells the hidden story of the fearless, groundbreaking and ambitious crew who shaped our quest to outer space and ushered in the early days of space exploration at Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at CalTech. Known as the “Suicide Squad,” the team’s road to triumph was fraught with controversies involving the occult, a suspected spy ring, unplanned explosions, and a suspicious death. Join writer and life-long aerospace fanatic M.G. Lord as she uncovers their story and reveals the shocking origins of rocket science in this 12 episode season.

Season 2, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes,” tells the backstory of the world’s most popular doll, Barbie. Barbie is a cultural icon but what do you really know about her? Hear Barbie's origin story from the people who created her. Co-hosted by Antonia Cereijido and M.G. Lord, author of Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll, hear the wild stories from never-before-heard tapes of interviews with Barbie inventor Ruth Handler, her wardrobe designer and the sculptors and fabricators, and the innovative marketers who made her what she is today. This 3-part series premieres July 6, 2023.

Funding provided by:

Corporation for Public Broadcasting
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  • LA Made The Barbie Tapes Main Tile
    Listen 32:24
    Episode 3
    Listen 32:24
    The Barbie Tapes: When Girls--and Barbie--Could Do Anything
    In this episode, Ruth and Elliot Handler are gone, and the new Mattel team, led by a man who feared the volatility of the toy business, diversified the company and made a big gamble on electronics. It didn’t work. Fortunately, Barbie ends up in the sure hands of some trailblazing women executives, who could see that the culture was moving in a direction very compatible with Barbie’s persona. From the workforce to the workout, Barbie was a doll of her times.

    This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

  • LA Made The Barbie Tapes Main Tile
    Listen 32:36
    Episode 2
    Listen 32:36
    The Barbie Tapes: Battle of the Bulge
    For Barbie, the cultural upheaval of the 60s and 70s incites one identity crisis after another as Mattel tries to keep up with the times. On top of that, she has a new boyfriend to deal with. Ken's creation is a big hit for Barbie fans, but he’s facing a few growing pains of his own. In this episode, we investigate Ken's origin story, delve into the inner workings of Mattel, and hear how Barbie's inventor, Ruth Handler, was ousted from her own company.

    This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

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  • LA Made The Barbie Tapes Main Tile
    Listen 30:58
    Listen 30:58
    The Barbie Tapes: A Toy is Born
    When Barbie arrives on the toy scene in 1959, her celebrity is instantaneous, and not just because of her controversial appearance. Worldwide, Barbie is still the best-selling doll of all time. But Barbie has always been more than just a doll - she's a cultural touchstone. From prototype to prestige, this episode kicks off the origin story of Barbie as told by her creators in their own words.

    This podcast is supported by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

  • LA Made The Barbie Tapes Main Tile
    Listen 1:08
    Listen 1:08
    Introducing LA Made: The Barbie Tapes from LAist Studios
    Season 2 of “LA Made” tells the true story of the making and marketing of the most famous doll in the world, Barbie, told by the people who did it. We’ll hear from Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler, who spent years trying to convince her own company to make a teen aged fashion doll.

    From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes,” coming July 6, 2023. 

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