Crosscurrents

In today's episode, we hear how one studio is working to make glass blowing more approachable. Then, an update from Superintendent Matt Wayne on San Francisco’s Unified School District. And, El Cerrito author Maya Ealey reads from her new book.

Today, we hear from the first ever Uncuffed audio storytelling class for recently returned residents. A dozen formerly incarcerated individuals learned how to interview each other and created their own stories and their own friendships.

Yesterday was Lawrence Ferlinghetti Day in San Francisco. Ferlinghetti is considered the spiritual godfather of the Beat movement. Today, we’re bringing you a documentary about the former San Francisco poet laureate that was produced by Jim McKee of Earwax Productions in partnership with the Kitchen Sisters.

Earlier this month, San Francisco voters passed changes to Police Department policies and procedures by passing Prop E. Today, we learn how it works and what comes next. Then, we hear about an annual concert celebrating women who make music. And, a reading from the next generation of poets.

Today, we go to a 14-hour marathon event of learning, performance, and solidarity. We learn what it means to make art that meets the moment. Then, we hear what it’s like to be Black in Humboldt county. In this episode we bring you stories from the KALW Audio Academy's past and present cohort.

San Francisco's Aquatic Park is an urban park, a recreational escape and a historical record. Today, we hear how competing interests are shaping the park's future. Then, one man reflects on how he avoided incarceration by fleeing the state and building a new life across the country.

In this episode, a personal conversation with Bay Area boxing legend Andre Ward. We step outside the ring and hear about his struggles and victories in the personal fights of his life. Then, an update on how San Francisco is handling a surge in drug overdoses. And a reading from local author Lisa Hamilton.

San Francisco voters just passed the mayor’s controversial drug screening policy known as Prop F. Today, we get into how it will work, what we know and what we don’t. Then, we speak with KALW DJ Marcus Rosario about music discovery and creating sets in an era of artificial intelligence. Plus a reading from San Rafael author Maxine Rose Schur.

A coalition to recall Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has passed an important milestone. Today, we learn what happens next and how we got here with Oaklandside’s News Editor Darwin BondGraham. Then, a children’s book author reimagines “Rapunzel” with a twist. Plus a reading from Bay Area Poet Naomi Helena Quinonez.

Today, we follow a beloved Uncuffed producer as he walks out of Solano State Prison. And we hear from the people he left behind as they get used to a reality without him. We learn about his challenges and hopes for a new life on the outside from this episode of Uncuffed.

Ramadan is here and Bay Area Muslims have begun their daytime fast from food, drink. For Muslims, the fast is a private act of worship with deep meaning. And when the sun goes down, it’s time to eat. And there’s one fruit that reigns supreme in this month- the date- that dark, soft and sweet Middle-Eastern fruit of the date palm.

The California Academy of Sciences’ corpse flower recently bloomed, but what’s next? Today, we bring you a story on corpse flowers and conservation. Then, a play makes us look at how technology affects our lives. And, we go behind the scenes with a Hollywood food stylist.

A Bay Area play is taking on the issue of Black displacement. So in today's episode, we hear from the playwright of the new production "Dirty White Teslas Make Me Sad." Then, we go behind the scenes at the Marine Mammal Center. And, a reading from Novato author Joanne Greene.

Today is election day and San Francisco residents are being asked to vote on County Superior Court Judges. But do you know why? We learn how the process works, and what people should be thinking about in a special episode of "Civic" from the San Francisco Public Press.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed is asking voters to approve a solution that drug tests people who receive assistance to compel them into treatment.

Today, we explore why February has one extra day this year. It's a special episode all about lost days and leap years from 99% Invisible. Then, how Berkeley protesters helped bring about the the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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.