Imperfect Paradise is a longform narrative podcast showcasing California stories with universal significance. Each story takes on something essential about California -- its progressiveness, its reputation as a home for dreamers and schemers, its heartbreaking inequality, its varied and diverse communities, its unique combination of dense cities and wild places -- and each season breaks it down into multiple 20-40 minute episodes that will be released sequentially. Season 1 sheds light on divisive housing issues in Orange County. Season 2 investigates the death of Chicano activist Oscar Gomez. Season 3 unravels the controversy surrounding LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Season 4 asks how Katie from rural Maryland became Guru Jagat of Venice—and how a former yoga and wellness star fell down the far-right rabbit hole.The stories will be reported by the KPCC/LAist newsroom and contributors (journalists, storytellers) from around the state.

Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.