A Martínez
A Martínez is one of the hosts of Morning Edition and Up First. He came to NPR in 2021 and is based out of NPR West.
Prior to NPR, Martínez was the host of Take Two at KPCC in Los Angeles since 2012. During his tenure, Take Two created important forums on the air and through live events that elevated the voices and perspectives of Angelenos, and provided nuanced coverage of the region's challenges including homelessness, climate change and systemic disparities in health and education. He is also a familiar voice to sports-talk radio listeners in Los Angeles as a former host of 710 KSPN's In the Zone, and he was a longtime pre- and post-game show host for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers.
Before he joined KPCC, Martínez had never listened to public radio. He views his path in public radio as proof that public radio journalism can be accessible, relatable and understandable to anyone, regardless of their background or educational pedigree, and says it has changed both his career and his perspective on life.
With a career that has lately been focused on Southern California, Martínez is excited to get to know the rest of the U.S. through Morning Edition.
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NPR's A Martínez speaks with Kenneth Branagh {BRAN-uh} about playing an ex-KGB agent who teams up with a stranded U.S. Navy pilot, played by Ryan Reynolds, in the Cold War action-comedy film "Mayday."
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NPR's A Martinez speaks with bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings about his new album So Much for Goodbyes. -
His first solo album finds the Beastie Boys rapper making music with his sons and embracing the unpredictability of collaboration. -
NPR's A Martinez talks with actor Will Forte about the long-delayed release of the movie "Coyote vs. Acme." It's a live-action version of the classic Warner Brothers Road Runner cartoons.
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The Oscar-winning actor known for his intense on-screen performances talks about his first love — music — and collaborating with conductor on Life is a Dream.
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On "Baraja Bendita," Becky G returns to her rap roots and reflects on creative freedom and why she sees protecting spaces for Latino joy as an act of resistance. -
NPR's A Martinez talks with comedian Jeff Arcuri about the stand-up comic art of crowd work, which involves talking to audience members and ad-libbing off what they say.
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A new book celebrates the 40th anniversary of Paul Simon's signature album, "Graceland." NPR's A Martinez speaks with Ashley Kahn, author of "Days of Miracle and Wonder."
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NPR's A Martinez talks with actor and comedian Bresha Webb about her new comedy special, "LOL Live with Bresha Webb." It streams on Disney+ and Hulu beginning Aug. 7.
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NPR's A Martinez speaks with Julian Shapiro-Barnum, the host of the popular series "Recess Therapy," about his new book, "How to Grow Up Without Becoming a Grown-Up."
