Crosscurrents

In this episode we speak with nationally recognized poet, Sarah Fathima Mohammed. She shares how the women in her life inspire her work and how she found her voice through poetry. Then, in an excerpt from The Stoop podcast, we hear from a wellness educator who says female sexual pleasure is a neglected part of Muslim teachings. And, a reading from Cloverdale author Vince Montague.

Tomorrow our station turns 82 years old — happy birthday KALW! We’re one of the oldest FM stations in the country and the very first one west of the Mississippi. So, we're going to take a moment to look back at what we've accomplished and look forward to where we want to go from here.

In this episode, we hear how a new state bill can bring more accountability to California’s developmental disability system. Then, one of San Quentin’s award-winning reporters talks about his investigative journalism career. And, a walking tour honors a San Francisco queer and disco icon. Plus we get an update on new COVID-19 variants.

Our investigation deepens when an administrator at Katrina’s group home comes forward. She discloses disturbing details about resident mistreatment, and describes a facility — and company — in disarray.

Recently, KALW’s series “Without a Voice” won the Northern California Society of Professional Journalists award for Investigative Reporting in audio. It looks into allegations of abuse at one of the most carefully regulated group homes in the state.

Gen Z is known for being one of the most politically active generations, but their turnout at the polls still lags behind previous generations. What’s behind the low numbers? We hear it directly from teenagers in an episode from the KALW original podcast, tbh. Then, Novato author Anita Gail Jones reads from her latest novel.

Climate change is scary and it's even scarier for teenagers who feel like it’s up to their generation to fix it. In an episode from the KALW original podcast tbh, teenagers tackle climate anxiety and action. Then, a reading from San Carlos author Jane Kuo. Plus, our local music segment spotlights Decant. They’re playing at Berkeley Art Gallery this Friday.

In this episode, we hear how students honored the life of a classmate who died from a fentanyl overdose. A story of student journalism making an impact in the fourth episode from the new season of our podcast, tbh. Then, we hear how the family of a man who was killed by police in 2017 carries on his legacy.

Today, we meet recent Independence High School graduate, Jamareion Adrow. He was guided through high school with the help of his school's wellness center. Now, he's advocating for better resources and encouraging his peers to do the same. Then, we hear how California officials have been visiting Texas to get advice on how to deal with homelessness.

In the second episode of tbh, we explore the effect of AI on creative fields. In the wake of new technologies, how are visual artists feeling about how AI can or should be used? Listen to tbh to hear Santa Clara High School senior, Theodore Nguyen, tell his story.

In the first episode of tbh's new season, we hear from Berkeley High school junior, Miriam Reichenberg. She is thinking a lot about how students are engaging with ChatGPT and also returning to older forms of technology in hopes of sparking their creativity. We'll get to hear what Gen Z thanks about the future of AI and what it means for them.

In this episode, we hear from people who have returned home from prison. It’s three stories from our Uncuffed re-entry class about how reckoning with the past can make you proud of who you are today. Then, in honor of Transgender history month, a conversation with Anjali Rimi about being transgender and an immigrant, and finding community in San Francisco.

In the conversation around reparations for African Americans, housing is a key element. In this episode, we hear about a new state proposal to address housing through a number of policies, including tax relief and affordable housing for formerly segregated neighborhoods. Then, we dig into the recommendations submitted by San Francisco's reparations task force.

In recent years, U.S. TV studios that make reality shows have started making them in Africa. Shows like "The Real Housewives" of Lagos, Durban, and Nairobi, and "Young Famous and African." In this award-winning episode of The Stoop, a podcast hosted by Hana Baba and Leila Day, we hear why Hana, who is African, went from being excited to feeling like something was off.

Today, we hear the story of San Francisco’s twin windmills from our podcst, The Golden Gate Parkcast. Then, we learn about a former cop who bought a castle in the city. And, a reading from Calistoga author Claudia Hagadus Long. And, our local music segment features Berkeley band, Jones Carwash. They are playing at Bottom Of The hill on August 11.

Today, in two stories from Uncuffed, we hear how getting back into the dating world after incarceration can be challenging. Then, San Francisco author Cecelia Rabess reads from her book about an unlikely romance. And, we meet Golden Gate Park’s hairiest denizens.

First up, we hear how a San Quentin Prison media maker learned to become a leader in a new story from Uncuffed. Then, we meet a former actor who brings mindfulness practice to classrooms. And, we go to the next stop on our Golden Gate Parkcast tour. Plus, today's local music features KALW host Tarik Ansari’s San Francisco-based band Electric Ex.

Today, we hear how students preparing for careers in addiction support also learn how to take care of themselves. Then, we discover the surprising history behind why San Francisco's has two official songs. And, we go to a place where amateurs and pros learn to cast a line. Plus, our local music segment features Marin group Ray and Paul Holmberg.

Today, we take a tour on our Golden Gate Parkcast. We begin by exploring a place of quiet, relaxation, and literature. Then, we head on over to one of the best-smelling gardens in San Francisco. And finally, we get the wind in our sails at Spreckels Lake. Plus, our featured local music today is Canyon from San Francisco. They're playing at Baltic Kiss in Richmond this Saturday.

In today's show, two men share how they grew up watching their mother’s hustle. We’ll hear about their childhoods and what they want for their own kids in this new story from Uncuffed. Then, San Francisco author Jilanne Hoffmann reads from her new environmental children’s book. And, we’ll listen to the stories and music of two Bay Area bands.

In today's show, we hear a new story from the Uncuffed team. It's about how reconnecting with a sport changed a person's life. Then, we have a conversation with a bilingual musician, who uses her craft to erase borders. Plus, we put our dancing shoes on and head to Golden Gate Park. With local music from Oakland's Hook-Ups.

Today, we hear how providers fighting the high rate of drug overdoses in San Francisco are facing staffing shortages. It’s the third installment of the new series 'In Harm's Way: Workers Battle the Overdose Crisis.' Then, a conversation with Oakland’s new Youth Poet Laureate. And, we find a jazz scene in an unlikely place.

Today, we hear about a San Francisco exhibit that explores how hell is perceived and represented in Asian cultures. It's a conversation on the art of Asian underworlds. Then, we start our tour of San Francisco’s largest public park. The first stop? The Conservatory Of Flowers. And, we listen to a reading from San Francisco author Sarah Ladipo Manyika.

San Francisco’s public transit is still recovering, but a better future might be just a few stops down the line. Today, a conversation with the director of the SFMTA. Then, we’ll hear about how running a marathon inside prison can be life changing. And, we’ll tour Northern California’s biggest city with the guy who ran every road in town. Plus a reading from San Francisco author, Ann Jacobus.

In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, park managers are considering replanting sequoias in wilderness to restore the groves after severe fires they say humans caused. But some environmentalists say this goes against the very definition of wilderness. The debate raises questions about how we think about wilderness in a changing planet.