Crosscurrents

In honor of the changing season, we’re bringing you some fresh music. It’s a special new episode of ‘My Mixtape’ and in it we hear from musician Lee Jaspar at San Quentin, who wrote a love song for the spring season. Then he met the love of his life… and the song fit perfectly. 

A California Proposition was supposed to curb petty theft and drug abuse. Already, the proposed solution seems to be offering more problems than it’s helping to fix. Then, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie speaks to the current moment of African-centered culture. And, the deep roots of Bay Area poetry.  Aftermath of Prop 36 has left thousands stranded between drug treatment and prison Literary powerhouse t...

Today we’re bringing you an episode of Uncuffed from last season that really resonated with our Newsroom staff. It’s about a lesser known, but important aspect of life in prison: grieving. Most people in prison know that when you get an unexpected call to the counselor’s office… it probably doesn’t mean anything good. Often you’re told that a loved one, on the outside, has died. And once you’ve go...

It’s Trans Day of Visibility. Recently, a Russian bathhouse in San Francisco went public with a controversial policy. Today, how one woman took her cause behind the scenes. Then, we hear the creative solutions unhoused trans people use to access resources. And, some of the pros and cons of living life out loud. 

Environmental racism has meant some Bay Area residents suffer more than others. Today, we hear why it’s important for local agencies to step up for vulnerable communities. Then, can a workplace balance justice, equity and profitability? Creating a win-win workplace in a new episode of "Book It." Cleaning up toxic waste takes longer in marginalized communities Working to create the win-win workplac...

Ramadan can feel different, depending on where you are. Today, we hear about fasting, prayer and reflection, wherever you live. Then, we meet someone that helps put on America's largest Halal festival. And, a Muslim rapper from Oakland is facing the haters head-on. Ramadan Mubarak! Halalfest helps Bay Area Muslims break their fasts Bay Area Beats: Alia Sharrief

Today, we hear the story of one woman’s incredible loss. And her struggle deciding whether or not to donate her son’s organs. It's a conversation about Black communities and the stigma around organ donation, we've got a new episode of The Stoop Podcast. The Stoop: Bury me whole

Oakland elementary school students are connecting creativity and Latino cultures through Mexican tin art. Today, the culture of Repujados. Then, how one studio is working to make glass blowing more approachable. And we hear from an Oakland mayoral candidate debate about the pressing issues in the upcoming special election. Teaching the art of Repujados to Oakland youth Making glass accessible to e...

Today, we meet a mentor who helps Bay Area youth to find inspiration through Art and Boxing. Then, skaters reflect on what a roller rink has meant to them, as it gets ready to close. And, some musical recommendations from the KALW team. Combining art and boxing to mentor youth Skating into the void: Aloha Fun Center’s final spin Uncuffed: My Mixed Tape - André Davis On Repeat: Sarah Cahill

In prison, a name can mean way more than just how you introduce yourself. And changing or getting rid of a name, can be the beginning of an important transformation. Today, Uncuffed producers introduce themselves on their own terms. Season 4, Ep. 4 - Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself

Today, we meet a wrestler who's making a name for himself while honoring his family legacy.  Then, Two candidates draw ahead in Oakland’s special mayoral election. Plus, a poem that explores the bittersweet flavors of life, and a reading from a local author about the Mayor of the Tenderloin.  The Bloodline: Wrestling as Family Business Bay Poets: 'The Shape of Salt' by poet Jenny Qi Lee, Taylor ap...

Some of San Francisco’s Asian Americans think closing the Great Highway is a betrayal. The great debate about the great highway. Then, we hear what public health advocates are doing to meet the moment. And, a poetic health referral with Bay Poets. Great Highway closure feels like continued betrayal for some Chinese Americans Bay Agenda: Healthcare and The Public Good Bay Poets: 'The Referral' by H...

A Bay Area photographer brings out pictures she’s had in storage for 50 years. Today, we're revisiting lost scenes of everyday life in San Francisco. Then, a new book explores the under-researched world of microdosing. It’s another segment from Book It. 'A Fearless Eye' unlocks photographic time capsule of San Francisco in the 1970's Microdosing For Health, Healing And Enhanced Performance

Silicon Valley is all about innovation, but for some, it’s the heart of the Iranian diaspora. Today, keeping the traditions of Persian music. Then, we visit a local theatre company that incubates plays from under-represented artists. And, our very own Jeneé Darden is launching a new arts program! Keeping Persian music alive, one note at a time 3Girls Theatre showcases emerging women+ playwrights o...

Walking can help us connect with the present. Today, we get lost, and find our way, on San Francisco’s Crosstown trail. Then, we hear about the impact of having more people on the streets of the Mission District. Taking the long way: San Francisco's Crosstown Trail Tenderloin crackdown puts new pressures on the Mission

The only Chinese hospital in the country has survived because of its community’s resilience. Today, we look at continuity of care in a local Chinese community. Then, a Democratic Club representing Asian Pacific Islander residents in San Francisco… moves to the right. And, we hear from The Dating Apps Reporting Project about how dating apps are not as safe as they market themselves to be.  A Centur...

Scientists have been tracking elephant seals in the North Bay for decades. Today, we check in on breeding season at Point Reyes. Then, we ponder the human tendency to ‘other’… and why it’s time to focus on belonging. Building bridges across divides. At Point Reyes, ecologists have been tracking elephant seals for decades john a. powell on fostering belonging

From the LA riots, to the Crime Bill - The 90s changed everything for people in California Prisons. Today, we’re going back to the 90s - and the Uncuffed producers ask, has anything changed? Honest conversations that are overdue - it’s a new episode of Uncuffed. Season 4, Ep. 3 - Where Were You In '92?

One spot in San Francisco is serving up Luisiana’s favorite meal. It's the power of gumbo. Then, we enjoy a SF evening celebrating Tango’s African roots. And, we go jam to global music with KALW DJ, Charlotte K. Gumbo, music, and dance! It must be Mardi Gras! Let the good times roll! The unifying power of gumbo African Night: The root of Tango On Repeat: Charlotte K.

Today, we meet a retired librarian and author who brings Oakland history to her writing. Dorothy Lazard talks about her childhood memoir. Then, it’s a challenging time to to envision Trans futures- but folks are pushing forward. And, back in The Town: an Oakland-grown singer-songwriter returns to her roots. It’s a homecoming! Dorothy Lazard, retired Oakland Librarian, talks about memoir at Books I...

The City of Berkeley got money from the state to get encampment residents off the street. Today we look at how special funding is changing one city’s approach to an encampment closure. Then, a local writer tells a fictionalized version of the troubled history of Kashmir. We meet the author of the new book ‘Call Her Freedom.’ How state funding is influencing the closure of one Berkeley encampment B...

Today, we meet the "Godfather of Skate" at his place of worship. We're going to the Church of 8 Wheels. Then, a flavorful play pushes back on the racial stigmas of MSG. And, catching a vibe with Maria Yates in an episode from our music podcast, "On Repeat." Rolligion: The next generation of The Church of 8 Wheels ‘Exotic Deadly’ play uses comedy to challenge stereotypes of MSG On Repeat: Maria Yat...

The new administration has introduced the harshest immigration policies in decades. Today, we hear about the history of the Sanctuary movement, and how the Bay Area is responding to federal pressures. Bay Area Sanctuary Cities Under Trump's Second Term Fighting fear and finding power

For perpetrators of domestic violence it can be hard to ask for help. Today, we hear about a unique approach to stopping hurt at the source. Then, immigration advocacy is adapting to rapidly changing policies. We’ll hear how Bay Area organizations are responding.  Willing to change: Working with perpetrators of domestic violence Bay Agenda: Immigration & Human Rights SOTB: Immigration Realitie...

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 how one man was inspired by Malcolm X while in prison. Malcolm X and Tahseen Bashir: A Fateful Friendship The Spiritual Edge: Freedom in prison