As Torched readers know, I may write about the Olympics and Paralympics, but I understand very little about what actually happens inside the competition venues. And that's why I'm so excited for this conversation with the phenomenal Jill Jaracz, co-host of the essential Olympics and Paralympics podcast Keep the Flame Alive. Jill possesses all the insider knowledge about the behemoth that is the IOC, the host city requirements, plus the rules governing every single sport. I met Jill when she was in Los Angeles this summer covering the LA28 world press briefing and, boy, does she have a lot of questions for us all as well.
For nearly a decade, Jill has been co-host/executive producer of Keep the Flame Alive's weekly show that pivots to a daily show during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, covering Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, and Milan-Cortina 2026. In addition to producing Keep the Flame Alive since 2017 — over 600 (!) daily and weekly episodes — Jill has written for many publications, including the Cleveland Plain Dealer and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and was a research librarian at The Boston Consulting Group for 10 years.
Sports fans, this talk with one of my favorite Olympic and Paralympic experts is for you!
Torched Talks with Keep the Flame Alive's Jill Jaracz Monday, October 19 12 to 1 p.m. PT
🎤 Torched Talks is an ongoing series of conversations with experts on topics facing LA in its megaevent era. It's free and open to all — simply join the Zoom to participate. If you can't make it, I'll post the recording here when it's over. Catch last month's Torched Talks with state budget advisor Jason Sisney, who, in turn, appeared on Keep the Flame Alive
🥵 I have some questions for people who attended the 103-degree Dodger game on Saturday, October 3. Contact me by email, text: 323 207 5607, Signal: awalkerinla.99 or Instagram DMs
Alissa Walker
Alissa Walker
