Episode 9

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Published on:

20th May 2026

What the Hal?? Podcast 2.0 – Episode 9: Understanding Autism

WHAT THE HAL?? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 9

Understanding Autism — Moving from Awareness to Belonging

Watch this episode on YouTube

https://youtu.be/KygUeNMqn9E

Autism spectrum disorder, inclusion, and community understanding are at the center of this conversation with Paula Pompa Craven from Easterseals Southern California.

In this episode, Hal Eisner, Elsa Ramon, and Hunter Lowry discuss how autism is understood today, the importance of early diagnosis and support, and why listening to lived experiences is essential in creating more inclusive communities.

From changing diagnostic criteria to common misconceptions and the importance of belonging, this episode explores the challenges and progress surrounding autism awareness and advocacy.

KEY TOPICS

• Rising autism diagnosis rates and increased awareness

• Understanding autism spectrum disorder and communication differences

• Misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding autism

• The importance of early diagnosis and intervention

• Challenges faced by girls and underserved communities

• Community support, inclusion, and belonging

• Debunking myths surrounding autism and vaccines

• Resources available for families and individuals

Support the podcast

https://buymeacoffee.com/haleisner

Original Theme Music Composed by Stuart Pearson

https://stuartpearsonmusic.com

Listen to previous episodes

https://audioboom.com/channels/4960408-what-the-hal

RESOURCES & LINKS

https://eastersealsautism.com/

https://eastersealsautism.com/watch

https://socal.easterseals.com/

https://easterseals.com

CONNECT

Hal Eisner

https://instagram.com/haleisner/

https://facebook.com/haleisner/

https://x.com/HalEisner

Elsa Ramon

https://instagram.com/elsamramon/

https://x.com/ElsaMRamon

Hunter Lowry

https://instagram.com/serendipitychick/

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About the Podcast

What the Hal?? v2
Expect thoughtful interviews, behind-the-scenes perspectives from a career in journalism, and real discussions about the issues shaping Los Angeles and beyond.
Veteran FOX 11 journalist Hal Eisner has spent a lifetime telling stories. Now he’s continuing the conversation.

In this new chapter of What the Hal??, Hal sits down with newsmakers, storytellers, and people doing extraordinary things in everyday life. Expect thoughtful interviews, behind-the-scenes perspectives from a career in journalism, and real discussions about the issues shaping Los Angeles and beyond.

It’s news, insight, and curiosity—through the eyes of someone who’s seen it all.
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About your host

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Hal Eisner

Hal Eisner
Show Creator/Host

An award-winning broadcast journalist, author, and podcast host whose career has spanned nearly six decades covering major stories in Los Angeles and across the United States. Best known for his longtime reporting at FOX 11 Los Angeles, he has earned a reputation for thoughtful storytelling, in-depth interviews, and a conversational style that connects audiences to the people and events shaping their communities. Through his podcast What the Hal?? 2.0 and his memoir An Accidental Career: My Fifty-Eight-Year Adventure as a Broadcast News Reporter, Hal continues to share stories, perspectives, and behind-the-scenes insights from a lifetime spent in journalism and public storytelling.