Crosscurrents

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

After 30 years in prison… What happens when you finally get out? There's a lot of celebration, and also a lot of serious catching up to do. And in that catching up, having to consider who you should turn to if something goes wrong? Uncuffed: Season 4, Ep. 2 - Catching Up

Bay Area youth are digging in to their civic communities. We hear what they’re doing to make the their world a better place. Then, the universal childhood with a local Poet. And, how free swim lessons are pushing back on stereotypes. Bay Agenda: Youth power listening party Bay Poets: 'I imitate you' by Tongo Eisen-Martin Free swim lessons help Bayview kids find their sea legs On Repeat: Damien Min...

For the first time in 25 years, The NBA’s All-Star game is back in the Bay! Today, we explore how the Bay Area is celebrating basketball’s most exhilarating players. Then, how one of our beloved local monuments was controversial before it was even built. The politics and battles around the Coit Tower murals. The Art Of The Game: Bay Area creatives celebrate basketball’s brightest Book It: Coit Tow...

Today, we visit the intersection of arts, culture, and sports, in San Francisco. The year of the snake meets the NBA All Star Game with a new sculpture. Then, one music venue in West Oakland holds the neighborhood's history… and its future. It's a visit to Esther’s Orbit Room. 'Warrior Serpent' celebrates Chinese New Year and the NBA All Star Game Esther’s Orbit Room builds on its history as a Bla...

Robert Townsend’s show highlights his evolution as an artist. It’s all about ‘Living the Shuffle.’ Then, we go to a show that’s a love letter to the City by the Bay. It's life and love, on center stage. Robert Townsend gets funny and personal in one-man show A love letter to San Francisco at Club Fugazi

Diesel trains are becoming more and more obsolete. So today we'll hear about Caltrain’s journey into the future with a fully electric fleet. Then, what does climate activism look like in an uncertain environment? And, the winding but promising story of the Klamath Basin. And to take us out, we'll hear an episode of On Repeat. Caltrain jumps into the future, from diesel trains to electrification Ba...

Today, how the San Francisco Mime Troupe has been ‘speaking’ truth to power for 65 years. Then, how some unhoused people stay warm and dry in the rain. And, we explore the history of black communities in San Francisco. And an episode of On Repeat with Emmanuel Nado, one of the hosts of Africa Mix.  Never silent, always revolutionary Sidewalk Stories: How do unhoused people stay dry when it's raini...

Today, we learn how Black History Month began, and why it's still relevant. Then, the powerful poetry of Ashia Ajani. And, a new season of Uncuffed starts with a view from the outside. The story of Black History Month Bay Poets: 'Durag' by poet Ashia Ajani Season 4, Ep. 1 - Day One

In encampment sweeps unhoused people can lose vital medications and documents. We hear about San Francisco’s Bag & Tag policy. Then, former Representative Barbara Lee reflects on her career so far. And, the music that makes one Emo radio guy - dance. San Francisco's 'bag & tag' policy for homeless encampment sweeps Beyond the Fog Radio: Barbara Lee reflects On Repeat: Wonway Posibul, "Emo...

Journalism continues to change with the times. But what’s next? Today, first amendment experts explore the dangers and opportunities of journalism in a second Trump term. Then, a tiny mountain town that’s a major foodie destination. Slowing down at The Still Life Cafe. And, we add a dash of poetic flavor. Bay Agenda: The future of journalism California Foodways: Owens Valley town of Independence h...

An Oakland comic is making space on stage for Indigenous comedians. So today, we're prescribing laughter as 'Good Medicine.' Then, the many ways and reasons we’ve evolved to listen. "Good Medicine" is Jackie Keliiaa's stand up showcase, featuring Indigenous comics The art and science of listening

We are getting ready to ring in the new year of the Snake, but first… A look back. Today, lesser known histories of the Bay’s Chinese American community. Then, a unique San Francisco tradition embedded in local Lunar New Year celebrations: The Miss Chinatown USA pageant. The national legacy of Chinese American communities The making of a Chinese American beauty queen

In his first days in office, San Francisco’s new mayor has already rocked the boat. We take a look at Daniel Lurie’s approach to the fentanyl epidemic. Then, we meet the students who are taking a stand against plastic waste, one lunch at a time. And, we go genre exploring with one of our DJ’s with an episode of On Repeat, our mini-pod for music discovery. SF Mayor Lurie's 'fentanyl state of emerge...

For the first time in a long time, applications are open for Oakland’s Section 8 housing. We're chasing the “white whale” of rental assistance. Then, cheese making inspired by classical music. And, we’ll get a little preview of what’s to come with our newest season of Uncuffed. Oakland's Section 8 waitlist open for the first time in 14 years California Foodways: In the North Bay, a temple for chee...

Today, we’re going back in time to 1964, to what would later be known as The Freedom Summer. Back then, the  Mississippi Summer Project was a secret plan to try and force change in America.

Today, we check in on the race to Oakland’s city hall. Then, we hear from the host of the new series “Fire Escape” about the challenges faced by incarcerated firefighters.

Today, we meet the people organizing a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the music of Aretha Franklin. Then, for some artists, immense talent can come with demons.