Southern California is a wacky place filled with wacky people and their wacky stories. Bill brings a wide variety of them straight to you. It's independent radio that really feels like it could've come out of public radio. Well-produced, thoughtful, and entertaining.

This podcast is very well written and produced. Even if the subject seems only moderately interesting, the producer has a way of insightfully drawing out meaning and emotions attached to the subject. Also, I love the music chosen for background in this.

This podcast give depth and texture to LA in a unique and compelling way. Bill layers his message providing incredible insight into how we make and live in our homes. It's really a great podcast even if you don't particularly care about LA.

I'm not from California so I wasn't sure I would enjoy, or be able to relate to the show. Wow, was I wrong! The Podcast Digest recommended it, and so I had to give a listen. Binged the entire catalog. Amazing production. You must give a listen.

Ah, sweet nostalgia! I grew up in 70's L.A., and nothing makes me happier than when the next episode of Home drops into my podcast feed.

This is the show that answers questions I never new I had as I drive around LA. It makes me see the city a little bit clearer, and with more depth. I love it!

A moving and beautifully written story of reconciliation, after a life. Telling, and immediately recognizable to anyone who has lost a parent. Great job.

This is my favorite podcast hands down and just keeps getting better. I grew up in LA and left over 20 yrs ago. This podcast does three things: gives me little memories about a time past; tells me new things I never knew about this amazing place; and talks of real lives in LA-wonderful-mundane-a little different. It's a must listen, must subscribe.

This podcast is delightful in such surprising and profound ways it defies description. On one level, the stories will illuminate a love of LA you never knew you had, whether you’ve lived here or not. Others are just so remarkably curious and fascinating. In all cases the reporting that goes into each episode is first caliber old school thorough, and the narration smart and excellent - all blessed with that je ne sais quoi that is Bill Barol. Be prepared for a treat listening to these tales. Just one warning: they do not make good white noise while you do something else. You will be riveted, if not also touched to the point of tears. My personal favorite so far - Unmaking a Home. Enjoy! (with tissues handy.)

The show takes a wide view of the concept of "home," one which will appeal to anyone regardless of their current city of residence. It can be a little precious and overly scripted, but some of the episodes are just terrific which more than makes up for it.

The stories that Bill brings to life are one of a kind! The people, the places and the stories are a joy to hear! Regardless of where you live, you'll love this show!

Nostalgic subject matter. A voice that's comfortable and familiar. Stories I never knew about where I grew up. Have saved several stories to listen to again and again. Only wish there were more stories more often.

Great audio essays. Excellent writing, evocative sound. Download and listen, you’ll be glad you did.

Off to wonderful start in the new season. You've heard this story a bunch of times, but never quite like this. The bar just got raised. Great work Mr. Barol!

I recently moved from LA to London, and even though London is a fantastic city, there's no place like LA. LA is where I made my first home after college, and I miss it daily. This podcast makes me miss LA terribly, but more it makes me happy for the time I spent there. Also the most recent episode about his mother's death and getting rid of things is exactly what my family just went through with my grandpa - it was such a relatable and beautifully told story, and it genuinely made me cry. Can't wait to hear more stories!

First of all, Bill Barol has a voice that reminds me in all the best ways of late night New York FM radio in the 70s. So there's that. But wait, there's more: Barol has found stories you never knew you've been dying to hear.

More storytelling just like this podcast, that is! I've only heard Episode 0 but its top-notch production values and writing, plus the care taken with the arrangement and development of the elements, and the warmth & authenticity of Bill's narration and narrative... I don't believe it's possible to "put on" those qualities for a pilot episode and let them fall by the wayside once you've built a little momentum. This is the first taste of the ongoing feast to come. I'm subscribed. But I'll not binge to catch up. I'll savor each episode & digest it before moving on to the next. If Bill is forever seven episodes ahead of me, I won't mind. This is not a newscast, it's a storyfest, and a good story is timeless as well as timely. Kinda like this podcast!

What a pleasant surprise it was to stumble upon this podcast today. I've been a loyal listener to all of the biggy's before podcasts were podcasts and frankly, the same voices are getting boring (sorry Ira)! Not this fresh, new voice with stories to which I found myself binge listening. Thank you Bill Barol...I can't wait to listen to season 2

I lived inLA for a while, like a lot of us , and moved somewhere saner after the city burned me out. These stories show the good side of the city - the positive stuff. LA's a tough town to live in, but this podcast shows many of us what drew us there in the first place.

Sensitive, intriguing. I live in Los Angeles and love discovering the human stories behind places that may not even look significant. A wonderful podcast.

Have now completed the entire season -- it works on every level: reporting, writing, production, Barol's witty and warm delivery. Do yourself a favor and go Home.

I used to live in LA, so I naturally gravitate to any storytelling that uses it as a setting. But even if this wasn't "Stories From L.A." I'd still be a fan. This show is wonderfully written and edited. It has a Memory Palace type feel, albeit slightly drawn out. When I press play I know that I'm in for roughly 20 minutes of enjoyment and I'll have been introduced to a place or a person that hadn't existed in my consciousness before. That's such a gift. So five stars, hands down. Thanks Bill.

What a great idea for a podcast, and how well done it is. Beautiful. Fascinating. It’s a great companion piece to Karinna Longworth’s You Must Remember This. Bill Barol, take a bow.

This podcast brings LA to me here on the east coast. Great writing/storytelling, great audio presentation. Can’t wait to hear more episodes.

Beautifully done to the point of tears — thoughtful stories about real people who have a connection to a place. Heartfelt, honest, and touching.

This podcast - ostensibly about L.A. - takes the listener from Hollywood to the coast, to the desert… and Tibet. Bill Barol has created a podcast series based on encounters with an assortment of interesting characters whose lives in some way relate to a place or location. Each episode has gone in a different "direction." The consistent quality of the production, and the interest Barol takes in knowing his subject and sharing it with the listener makes for a very enjoyable listening experience that I look forward to each week. While I listen to a lot of podcasts, "Home" is the first one since "Serial" where I consciously await new episodes.

Honestly, I literally only downloaded this at the suggestion of a friend. It's wonderful: Insightful, funny, moving. I can't begin to say how much I've enjoyed this.

Bill Barol knows how to tell a story. Elegant writing, great voice. Good listen.

Bravo - writer Bill Barol weaves rich stories of unusual people taking unusual paths to unusual places in and around L.A. leading to new insights and fresh perspectives on the concept of "home". The narration is intelligent, engaging, and witty. The pacing of the interviews is spot-on, seamlessly interwoven with a wonderful palette of ambient sounds and soundtrack that together makes for compelling entertainment.

Loving this well-reported, hi quality production show about all things L.A.

This is a very original concept, and very well executed. Bill Barol has a broadcasting talent in addition to his writing talent. This is the kind of podcast that you listen to with your eyes closed, letting the great imagery play in front of you, as you imagine walking through these homes and neighborhoods.

Love this podcast--the episodes are different, interesting and beautifully produced, and no vocal fry. Looking forward to no. 4.

I'm a bit of a podcast junkie so I tend to subscribe to anything I come across that looks halfway interesting, only to delete 90% of them after 1 or 2 episodes. I don't think that will be the case here. With only 3 episodes to go off, I'd have no problem comparing this to 99pi or any of the other awesome Radiotopia shows that I love. It really is that good. Great stories, masterfully told, with excellent production. Looking forward to the next episode!

Not that my podcast listening habit needed any more heft, but I just had to add HOME: Stories From L.A. to the rotation. Bill Barol turns a deceptively simple concept into a fun, fascinating, quick-moving podcast. Already looking forward to the next one!

This podcast is MAGNIFICENT. Barol’s exploration of “home” is both profound and very, very funny. As a former East Coaster now Angeleno, I found his own story of migration to be particularly resonant, but the brilliance of this podcast is in its universality - who doesn’t have a strong feeling about home, positive or negative? I loved both his introduction (the warm donuts!) and the poignant, surreal story of Herman Stein in Episode One. My only regret is that I can’t give it ten stars, it deserves it.

As an LA transplant, one of my favorite things to do is spend Sunday afternoons taking Open House tours in the Hollywood Hills, imagining the lives of the residents who have come and gone over the years. "The House On the Hill" is a beautiful tribute to Herman and Anita and the "gem" of a mid-modern they called home. The sweet simplicity of Mr. Barol's approach to the material allows the intimacy of the story to truly envelope and transport the listener. This uniquely LA story is both poignant and surprising, conveyed with warmth, wonder, and reverence-- rarely has the word "Home" felt so meaningful. Looking forward to the next and the next and the next...

Humorist Bill Barol makes a splendid tour guide through the less-traveled corners of L.A. This diehard New Yorker was charmed, informed, and moved by these well-wrought tales.

A touching, intelligent examination of what home means to people from different walks of life. Barol hits the perfect note with his humor, his musical choices, and his thoughtful storytelling.

I listen to a lot of podcasts during my hour-long commute to and from work. HOME: STORIES FROM L.A. has moved to the top of my queue. Gorgeous production values, terrific music selections, and a voice you want to listen to for hours. But the beautiful stories Bill Barol tells are the heart and soul of this new podcast — funny and moving and completely engrossing. Do yourself a favor and download this wonderful series now.

I haven’t been much for the whole podcast thing, but when I heard that Bill Barol was bringing his wit and wisdom to a series about my favorite city, I was intrigued enough to check it out. I’m so glad I did. The story about film composer Herman Stein wasn’t at all what I expected, and was not only amusing and compelling, but deeply moving as well. The production value is superb, the music selections just right, and Barol’s voice is simply perfect. A fascinating series from a truly gifted storyteller. I’m already anxious for the next episode.

A musical portrait of an unsung master, as well as a very personal insight into a complex man. Bill Barol did a wonderful job of capturing a glimpse of Herman Stein, the artist, and the man. Which cannot be separated. With contributions from several people who knew him well, including very touching and informative commentary from his great friend David Schecter. A man that has admired his music since he was a child growing up during the era of the 1950’s Scifi-Horror movies, and that later befriended him toward the end of Herman Stein’s life. All involved should be commended for shedding light on an unrecognized virtuoso that withdrew to his house on the hill. Bill Barol has put together a brief, but engaging account, that draws the listener into the world of someone that deserves much more attention and accolade. Not just for his contributions to the world of great, classic monster music, but to the world of great music period. Music that tells a story. This is his story. A moving, and intriguing story, about an intriguing man and artist, Herman Stein.

Bill’s best work yet, filled with his trademark style of just the right mix of warmth and humor. This belongs on NPR or whatever’s better than NPR. Left me wanting more.

I really enjoyed listening to the show "The House On The Hill". I forgot that Herman Stein wrote the sentimental "Family Theme" for LOST IN SPACE. I definitely got choked up listening, especially when the answering machine message from Herman to David Schecter played at the end. Great stuff. Well done!

A podcast about home? In Los Angeles? I live in Portland, Oregon, what do I know from LA? And What do I care? Was I wrong, and in a big way. A home is a home anywhere, and it’s really about the people who inhabit these homes anyway, people like us and people not like us. There’s a universality to these stories that anyone can relate to, whether you are in LA, Portland, a suburb in Atlanta or a gulag in Siberia. So start off with this fascinating idea, look and listen inside the walls of these homes for the stories they tell and wrap it all together with a guy like Bill Barol, who as they say, can make the phonebook sound interesting and you end up with a great podcast. Give this a listen. You’ll be glad you did.

This podcast combines all the humanity of This American Life with a quick wit and compassionate eye to create something unique. It's like being invited into a neighbors house you never gave much notice to before only to find the owner has fascinating stories he's been waiting to tell you. By turns insightful and funny, comforting and surprising, it left me glad I was invited in.

All Barol's New Yorker wit applied to Los Angeles.

As a native of L.A. I’m always interested in hearing stories about my hometown. I got to tell you, this transplanted east coaster Bill Barol hit the nail on the head! His story was compelling, funny and left me wanting more. His voice is soothing, inviting and homespun; like a young Charles Kuralt. Looking forward to the next episode!!!

Best new podcast I've heard in a long time, combining laser-sharp writing with audio engineering that is as good as anything you have heard out of the Radiotopia-verse. But what puts this over the top is the specificity of the mission: to chronicle startling, fresh tales from the most under appreciated city in the country. Recommended for anyone who top-notch storytelling, secret histories, and audio innovation