Retake with John Horn

Latest Episodes:

LA Made: The Barbie Tapes: When Girls--And Barbie--Could Do Anything Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

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.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes".

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made

LA Made: The Barbie Tapes from LAist Studios - Battle of the Bulge Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

In episode two of LA Made: The Barbie Tapes, 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.

From LAist Studios, “LA Made: The Barbie Tapes".

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made

Introducing LA Made: The Barbie Tapes from LAist Studios Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

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".

Listen now at https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made

Tom Hanks, the Sequel - and Farewell, John Horn! Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

Part two of John’s discussion with Tom Hanks reflecting on the podcast Dead Eyesand lessons he’s learned on set and in the audition room over the years. Plus, a special message from John.