The Dave Chang Show The Los Angeles Fires, Lettuce Cup Memories, and New York vs. L.A. With Jacob Soboroff
Jan 22, 2026
Jacob Soboroff, an MSNBC correspondent and author of 'Firestorm,' shares his poignant experiences with the Los Angeles fires from both a personal and professional perspective. He reminisces about family gatherings tied to a comforting lettuce cup dish, which helps him process the emotional toll of the fires. The discussion dives into the devastating effects of climate change on future disasters, a comparison of living in LA versus New York, and Jacob's journey into journalism. Their banter is both insightful and entertaining, highlighting the unique dynamics of each city.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Driving Back To Check The Neighborhood
- Jacob drove between the Palisades and Dodger Stadium area daily during the first week of the fires to check on his home.
- He described seeing hurricane‑like fire behavior with embers flying sideways like rain.
The 'Fire Of The Future' Is Multi‑Faceted
- Jacob calls the recent blazes “the fire of the future” driven by climate change, infrastructure decay, and new hazards like EV batteries.
- He warns these compound factors make future fires more violent and toxic for responders and residents.
Take Post‑Fire Health Risks Seriously
- Prepare for long-term health impacts; firefighters already show elevated toxic metals in blood after fires.
- Take respiratory and exposure risks seriously for responders and residents in post‑fire recovery.
