Crosscurrents

This Black history month, Black folks are witnessing a moment of reclamation of country music. Today, we meet KALW DJ Eryka Vargas, who talks about the diverse music they grew up with, including country. Then, a conversation about San Francisco’s rich history of poetry with poets Norman Zelaya, Genny Lim, and KALW’s very own Josiah Luis Alderete. And, we look back on the career of one of the Bay A...

In today's episode, a founding Uncuffed producer visits prison again, this time as a free man. Tommy "Shakur" Ross shares stories and advice from almost two years of freedom.

In this episode, one of the Bay Area’s youngest politicians shares his vision for South San Francisco. We spend a day with South City’s newest mayor. Then, Oakland writer Tommy Orange talks about his new novel "Wandering Stars." And, we hear why February is dedicated to Black history.

Today, we explore the tight-knit community of lowriders in San Jose. We hear about hydraulic lifts, custom cars, and socio-political implications. Then, we learn how one lowrider club uses bikes to challenge assumptions. And, a drag queen reflects on the closure of an Oakland queer bar.

Malcolm X was often called a polarizing figure. But to one Egyptian diplomat he was a friend. Today, we hear about the friendship which helped lead to the late leader’s spiritual and political transformation. Then, we’ll hear the story of one man and the powerful draw of Islam in prison.

Today, we hear from the daughter of Betty Reid Soskin — the iconic 102-year-old park ranger. She shares a story about a different part of her mother's life many of us may not know about — her time as a singer. Then, how one group is working to keep Richmond’s rich music legacy alive.

Today, we discuss how wealthy entrepreneurs are influencing city government through money and social media in a conversation with Mission Local Managing Editor Joe Eskenazi. Then, ahead of the Day Of Remembrance, we go to the site of one of the camps where Japanese American farmers were incarcerated during World War II.

Today we’re presenting a Valentine’s special from The Stoop podcast. It’s hosted by Leila Day and KALW's own Hana Baba and it’s about Black identity. In this episode, they explore the various ways love is expressed in Black communities — through words, but also through music, dance, family, and friendship.

People in prison are no strangers to stigmas and stereotypes — the outside world often perpetuates ideas about who is incarcerated that are far from reality. But stigmas also exist within prison. Today, from Uncuffed, how an HIV diagnosis changed one baseball player’s life, and the unlikely support he found on his team.

Today, we visit a park in Stockton that is a weekend haven for Hmong and Cambodian food. We meet the vendors and eat family recipes at Angel Cruz Park. Then, how can you make your home less reliant on fossil fuels? And, a reading from Cameron Park author Beverly Parayno.

Last month, Bay Area communities conducted their biannual Point in Time count. Today, a conversation on how we measure homelessness and the things we miss. Then, writer Tommy Orange talks about his latest project — a collaborative novel. And, we explore the history of black communities in San Francisco.

The Bay Area is home to a tradition of improvised group singing. In this episode, we find human connection through song. Then, we hear how one local performer teaches people how to go deep and explore their cultural roots through music. And, we explore what some people think they can tell about someone from the way they sound.

In this episode, we go to a show at Club Fugazi that’s all about celebrating the City by the Bay. Then, we hear two artists speak about how their work honors Black men and boys. And, we’ll take a look at the legacy the Black Panthers left in East Oakland.

What does it mean to imagine the ocean when you’re barred from seeing it or feeling it? In today's episode we hear about an environmentalist’s fight for the planet, from inside prison walls. Then, one musician speaks on his love for the kalimba. And, we drop in on a conversation about the challenges young people face.

For centuries, Black people have looked to humor and satire, not just for laughs — but for survival. Today, how satire has played a crucial role in the lives of generations of African Americans. We’ll hear about the past, present and future of the genre. And, we’ll hear from some local comedians.

Queer surfers are changing the culture of surfing in the bay. In this episode we paddle out with the Queer Surf Collective. Then, we'll hear from some of the first surfers to brave San Francisco waters. And, we talk about San Francisco’s school distric and learn what’s working and what’s not.

When violence has been normal for so long, it can be difficult to give it up. In this episode of Uncuffed, the Solano team shares stories about the moments they decided to change course.

It’s easy to get new things, and then dispose of them, but there’s another way. We meet the people who fix broken but beloved belongings. Then, we hear about the Bay Area's “reuse economy.” And, we visit a family business that practices another way of recycling. Today's episode is all about turning trash into treasure.

In this episode, we explore the evolving culture of quienceñeras. It's a new story from our series Culture Keepers. Then, what is being done to ease the pressure in one of the country’s most expensive housing markets? And, we hear what happens when you integrate shelter as a fundamental element to recovery.

Prison meals aren’t known for being gourmet. But what about those with serious food allergies? We find out in a new story from our Uncuffed team at Solano State Prison. Then, we’ll hear about some of the challenges that people without housing face in San Francisco. And, a behind-the-scenes look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In this episode, we learn how a Half Moon Bay non-profit is helping an impacted community of farmworkers. It's a story about finding help when disasters strike. Then, we hear from four candidates vying for San Francisco’s District 3 supervisor seat. And, producers of the Edwardian Ball talk about the festival’s legacy and fashion.

In this episode, the story of high school students honoring the life of a classmate who died. How, a fentanyl overdose inspired student journalists to act. Then, we'll hear how a Wellness Center helped one student graduate. And, teenagers from Burton high share thoughts on the struggles they face.

In this episode, we visit one neighborhood in San Francisco that holds an annual event dedicated to celebrating its past, The Potrero Hill Archives Project. Then, a young woman in a refugee camp tackles the mental health issues plaguing her community. And, the story of a mother and daughter with a shared love for one particular Oakland band.

Today, we visit a unique library in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood. We unshelve the unusual at the Prelinger Library. Then, we learn about a new health program that is prescribing art. And, we hear readings from local poets in a special New Arrivals collection.

Prison conditions can make it difficult to grieve loss on the inside. How do you process loss when you’re alone, when crying isn’t ok, and asking for help can be dangerous? What it means to be grieving in prison on a new episode of Uncuffed.