KALW

Crosscurrents

Society EN ↓ 3059 episodes

Crosscurrents is KALW Public Radio's award-winning news magazine, broadcasting in the Bay Area Mondays through Thursdays on 91.7 FM. We make joyful, informative stories that engage people across the economic, social, and cultural divides in our community.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.kalw.org

Author

KALW

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.kalw.org

Latest episode

Oct 27, 2026

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Episodes

School Principals / Burton High Lunch / Remembering Trina Robbins 15.04.2024

Many San Francisco principals are working hard to set the right tone for their schools. Today, we learn the work of a Principal. Then, we keep it close to home and visit the Burton High School cafeteria. And, we remember a San Francisco comic legend.

Teen Vaping / Video Game Addiction / Asian American Representation 11.04.2024

Today we feature stories from SFUSD students. We hear why vaping is exploding in popularity among teens. Then we learn, how videogames are left one high schooler feeling disconnected from his friends. And, why media representation matters to young people.

The Spiritual Edge: A History of Islam in America 09.04.2024

Tomorrow, Muslim’s around the world will be celebrating Eid ul Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Eid is observed with prayers, friend and family visits, big social gatherings, food fairs and festivals. So — when did Islam first show up in the US?

Pleeay / Pinoy Power / Remembering Heklina 08.04.2024

In this episode, we meet a four-person multimedia band that’s doing dance differently. A conversation with the band Pleeay about their genre of “gutter pop.” Then, an exhibit in San Francisco celebrates six decades of Filipino artists, culture and history. And, we honor the San Francisco icon, Heklina.

Foul Ball / The Last Mermaid / New Arrivals 04.04.2024

In this episode, we follow the Oakland A’s last season in the Bay Area. We bring you the first episode of our new series, "Foul Ball." Then, a Pacifica comic book artist imagines a mermaid living in a post-apocalyptic Bay Area. And, we hear a reading from a San Francisco author about calming down.

The Far Country / Angel Island / China Camp 03.04.2024

Today, we learn about a play that portrays the historical hardship and heart of Bay Area Chinese immigrants. Then, we’ll learn the secret that unlocked a new life for the historic immigration station at Angel Island. And, we visit China Camp state park where the past and the present live side by side.

Oakland's New Chief of Police / Library Evolution / Richmond's Tool Library 02.04.2024

Today, we learn about the new chief of the Oakland Police Department. We sit down for a conversation with criminal justice reporter Ali Winston. Then, we hear about the transformation of libraries away from just books. And, how borrowing tools helps build community.

San Pippo / Emotional Support Sea Lion / Google Brain 01.04.2024

Today, we bring you a very special episode of Crosscurrents. First, we hear how the coastal town of San Pippo sees climate change as a glass half full. Then, we bring you practical advice on combating airline anxiety. And, we have conversation with the very first user of the new Google Brain.

City Of Refuge / Chocolate History / DJ King Most 28.03.2024

In this episode, we hear how an Oakland pastor turns the tables on homophobia in the Church. We hear the good word at the City of Refuge. Then, we learn about the Bay Area’s long history of chocolate connoisseurs. And, we get to know one of KALW’s DJs, Patrick King Most.

Public Glass / SFUSD Superintedent Matt Wayne / New Arrivals 27.03.2024

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.

Uncuffed: Stories From Re-Entry 26.03.2024

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.

The Kitchen Sisters: Lawrence Ferlinghetti 25.03.2024

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.

SF Public Press: Prop E / Just Like A Woman / Bay Poets 21.03.2024

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.

Artists As First Responders / Being Black In Humboldt 20.03.2024

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.

Aquatic Park / Uncuffed: Reflections From A Life On The Run 19.03.2024

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.

Boxer Andre Ward / San Francisco's fentanyl crisis / New Arrivals 18.03.2024

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.

SF Public Press: Prop F / DJ Marcus Rosario / New Arrivals 14.03.2024

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.

Recalling District Attorney Pamela Price / Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu / Bay Poets 13.03.2024

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.

Uncuffed: Welcome Home Luis 12.03.2024

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.

Breaking Fast With Dates / Kitchen Sisters: Romance and Sex Life of the Date 11.03.2024

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.

Afterlife Of A Corpse Flower / Big Data / Hollywood Food Stylist 07.03.2024

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.

Dirty White Tesla's Make Me Sad / Women In STEM / New Arrivals 06.03.2024

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.

Civic: Making Sense Of Voting On Judges In San Francisco 05.03.2024

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.

Civic: Tying Cash Welfare To Drug Screening 04.03.2024

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

99% Invisible: The Calendar / History Of The ADA 29.02.2024

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.

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