Crosscurrents

Today, we learn that the majority of people in the Black Panther Party are women, and they’re finally getting more recognition for their contribution to the movement. Then, we revisit a story about a mural in West Oakland that also pays tribute to women members of the Party. And, we hear a reading from a Santa Rosa-born and raised author on what it means to be connected to one’s home.

The Midterm Elections are coming up quickly. While all Californians receive mail-in ballots, polling places will still be open. Today, we’ll hear from the people on the frontlines of elections — poll workers and officials who make sure voting in San Francisco runs smoothly. Then, we speak with Poetry Flash editor Joyce Jenkins, lead organizer of the Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival. And, we...

On this episode of Crosscurrents, we hear from recent Oakland School for the Arts graduate and Minions superfan Elizabeth Truong. She brings us along with her and her family on their recent trip to watch Minions: The Rise of Gru at the movies as she explores how theaters have changed during the pandemic. Then, San Leandro City Manager Fran Robustelli speaks on a new financial incentive helping the...

Today, we joyfully request the honor of your presence at an extra special wedding. Our Uncuffed producer, Edmond Richardson is marrying the love of his life. And you’ll bear witness to his marriage in an unlikely place --- San Quentin State Prison. It’s a place where people don’t often have reason to celebrate…but as you’re about to hear, love can clearly make it through the walls. You don’t need...

Cultural critic Brittany Luse talks about the excitement and challenges of her new, big job. We hear from the new host of NPR’s It’s Been A Minute. Then, we’re going to the Cow Palace to check out one of their signature events. And, three local authors read from their new releases

During the pandemic, high schoolers were away from stuck at home and spent countless hours in front of screens. For many teenagers, the images they see online make them feel worse about how we look. In the latest episode of the KALW original podcast tbh, a high school student reflects on expectations for Black girls. Then, we hear about a San Francisco writer’s sci-fi audio drama of human versus a...

Food has been historically used as a tool of discrimination against Black communities, whether it's in minstrel shows, commercials, or cartoons with images of characters in Blackface eating watermelon or fried chicken. Today, in an episode from The Stoop podcast, we unpack the history of food shaming and hear how people are trying to fight it head on.

Today, we hear about a new kind of reality show for writers. Then, readings from three local authors show the breadth of nature books. And, an illustrator talks about her artwork on the DC Comics’ “Poison Ivy” series.

Today, we learn how a letter-writing campaign saved a beloved science fiction series. The story of how two Oakland fans saved Star Trek. Then, we hear a reading from Oakland author Meron Hadero. And, San Francisco's public school teachers are due to receive their first salary increase in four years.

The “clean girl aesthetic” is part lifestyle, part looks but it isn’t attainable for everyone. Elise Muchowski takes a look into algorithms and how they control the trends we see online.

Death is a normal part of life in prison, but it’s rare that someone can live to tell the tale. Wilbert Stoneham dropped to the floor one day after a cardiac arrest. He awoke to realize he was being brought back to life by a guard who was once his nemesis. In the newest episode of Uncuffed, we hear how a near-death experience can change your perspective on everything, including someone you despise...

Today, we take a trip into the world of psychedelic assisted therapy. Plant medicine and mental health. Then, a new book by artist George McCalman features Black icons you know, and some may have never heard of.

What if Oakland residents had a direct say in how their city spent money? We hear from a community organizer working to bring about a "People's Budget." Then, we learn the historical significance behind a special creek in East Oakland. And, we listen to a reading from Oakland author, Joshua Peralta. We also feature the music of Oakland's Samba Revue.

Today, we speak with author Munashe Kaseke, who writes stories about Zimbabwean immigrant women. She says her goal is that each story makes you look at your own assumptions of what you think when you hear "immigrant." Then, we answer a question from a listener like you about BART's railway. And, we’ll hear a reading from San Francisco author Rob Volpe.

For many teens across the nation, the sex ed curriculum doesn't yet reflect an inclusive perspective of sexuality and gender. Especially for those with a relatively obscure sexuality, like asexuality. The newest episode of KALW's series tbh, comes from George Reitan, a high school sophomore in San Francisco who wants that to change.

California's prison population is aging — between 2000 and 2017, and the share of incarcerated people over 50 more than quintupled. For those with long or life sentences, watching friends aging and getting sick behind bars is a reality check of what a life sentence can really mean.

Today, we learn how Aztec Dancers play a major role in San Francisco’s Mission District. We look at the commitment they make and their history. Then, we hear about a new way we can tap into existing wealth to solve some of our most challenging issues. And, we’ll listen to a reading from Menlo Park author, Mike Trigg.

Today, we join the Rebel Kings of Oakland, a group of drag kings who have been incubating new drag performers for over a decade, one of the oldest gay bars in the West. Then, we hear about the A's proposed new stadium in the Port of Oakland. And, we’ll hear why you can’t ride BART home from an A’s game if you live in Marin. Also, we’ll hear a reading from San Rafael author Meleah Ekstrand.

Today, we debut the newest season of KALW's series tbh, the podcast for, by and about teenagers. In this episode they share their perspectives on gender identity. Then we celebrate BART's 50th birthday with a ride on their midnight train.

Today, we meet a 17-year-old Oakland high school student who’s living on her own. We’ll hear how she gets by with help from some key adults at her school. Then, we listen to San Francisco author Margo Candela as she reads from her latest book. And, today's local music features Kenny Washington.

Today, we learn how 50 years before Colin Kaepernick took a knee to protest racial injustice, Oakland's Bill Russell took a stand against Jim Crow. We’ll hear from author David Steele about his latest book, on the long history of activism by athletes in major sports. Then we revisit a San Francisco musical tradition. And, we’ll listen to a reading from Berkeley author Monica Wesolowska. With local...

Today we hear what high schoolers think about video game addiction. Finding the line between a hobby and an obsession. Then, we'll learn what happens after a deep sea creature washes up on shore.

Today, we meet someone who handles high-stakes situations with grace and a level head. We spend an afternoon with Reverend Anannda Barclay. Then, we talk Black food with award winning Chef Bryant Terry.

Today marks 81 years of KALW broadcasting to the Bay Area. It’s our station's birthday, so we decided to invite some old friends. There’s a party in the News Department and of course, you’re all invited.

Today, we hear the story of transgender immigrant and organizer Anjali Rimi, who says moving to San Francisco was life changing. Then, a drag performer tells us how trans queens have been othered in the art of drag. And, we listen to a piece from the San Francisco StoryCorps about telling someone who you are and seeing where it goes. With, local music from the New Voices Bay Area TIGQ Chorus.