Crosscurrents

Just off Highway 101 at the Octavia Boulevard exit in San Francisco, there’s a mural that introduces Bay Area residents to Palestinian culture. Today, we meet the artist behind the work. Then, from the Uncuffed team, we hear how re-entering the outside world after years in prison can be difficult to navigate, and even scary.

KALW is turning 80 this year! It's the perfect time to dig into our archives to bring you some of our favorite stories. Today, we’re revisiting an episode from our podcast tbh, looking at how prejudice has impacted the education of Black students — and what’s being done about it. Then we’ll hear from Berkeley rapper and singer Rexx Life Raj, who shares how he uses his music as a journal. Plus, Cam...

Rollerskating is "back" in style. Today, we meet a man who is welcoming people into the skating community. Then, we hear about the roots of a longstanding San Francisco bicycling tradition. Plus, from our podcast New Arrivals, San Francisco author Chris Colin reads a bedtime story for adults.

In a new story from the producers of Uncuffed, we hear how a mother’s love and support can bring strength and endure even through years of incarceration. Then, we look back at the surprising history of San Francisco’s official song … or, rather, songs. Plus, from our podcast New Arrivals, San Francisco author Ron Nyren reads from his new novel about a family who survived the 1906 earthquake.

San Francisco is officially in the Yellow Tier for COVID-19 restrictions and it has had one of the highest uptake of vaccines of any major city in the country. Today, we hear what to expect in this next phase. Then, author D.K. Dailey talks about why she didn’t let rejection from publishers stop her from writing sci-fi.

Twenty five years after Guatemala's civil war ended, human rights leader Rosalina Tuyuc is promoting healing for her people based ancient Maya wisdom.

Over one million Bay Area residents are estimated to struggle with food insecurity. Today, we talk to author and homeless advocate LaRayia Gaston about her efforts to divert healthy food away from the trash. Then, award-winning poet Safia Elhillo, who is a child of immigrants, writes about longing for a place she will never see. Today's show is all about books.

This year marks the first time that a U.S. president has ever acknowledged the Armenian genocide. Today, we’ll hear from one Armenian American about what it was like to grow up with that legacy. And, we take a deeper look at the death of Mario Gonzalez, who was killed by police officers in Alameda.

California reports more cases of human tracking than any state. In Oakland, most sex trafficking victims are Black girls under the age 18. Regina Evans is an activist and artist using her creative gifts to call attention to this crisis and rescue girls.

With students back in school, an East Bay high school radio station is returning to the airwaves. Today, we catch up with some of their on-air personalities. Then, San Francisco Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin talks about becoming a publisher. And, Valerie Miner’s short stories take us across oceans.

Today, we're looking back at a powerful act of civil disobedience that changed the makeup of the San Francisco Police Department. Then, after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted for the murder of George Floyd, many felt relief, but there’s also ongoing grief. How can you start healing when you're living in a continuous cycle of trauma?

We hear from Mills College President Elizabeth Hillman about the recently announced plans to close the historic institution. Then, from our team at Uncuffed - we listen to some powerful and inspirational songs that incarcerated producers have turned to during a year of lockdown. And, an Oakland author reads from his new book in the latest from New Arrivals.

The San Francisco Film Festival is streaming online this year, showing films from around the globe. We talk to the Suzannah Mirghani, the director of a short film about child marriage. Then, Tongan-American singer Aisea Taimani talks about how spirituality and culture co-exist in his music. And, San Francisco author Roberto Lovato reads from his new memoir.

What happens when the thing that helps us cope in dangerous times becomes dangerous itself? Today, we're bringing you a story about the downside of chemically-enhanced productivity. And, it's the one year anniversary of our podcast New Arrivals! Listen to three mini-readings from Bay Area authors.

Some Bay Area counties have already opened up appointments for residents over 16 to get a COVID-19 vaccine. By Thursday, everyone over 16 in the state will be eligible. But finding an appointment is another thing. Today, we hear tips on how to get started and what to expect when you get there. Then, a reading from San Francisco author Kathy Seligman. Plus, for today's local music, a new song from...

Unemployment during the pandemic led some people to turn to home cooking for income. Today, we’re taking a tour of Richmond’s underground dining scene. Then, we’ll hear music that helped incarcerated producers through a year of lockdown. And, author Danielle Fuentes Morgan reads a passage from her new book. Plus, today's local music features a new song from Ryan Von Gonten.

San Francisco public school students begin returning to campuses next week, against a backdrop of a contentious conversation about equity. Today, we’re taking a look at two SFUSD board meetings to understand recent decisions about reopening. Then, blues guitarist Chris Cain talks about his latest album and early lessons he learned about music. Plus, we hear a song from San Francisco artist 24kGold...

Many Bay Area counties have at least partially vaccinated more than half of eligible residents, but there are still barriers to reaching the most vulnerable. Today, we’ll hear an update on the vaccine rollout. Then, a community leader responds to anti-Asian-American violence by facilitating trust and communication. And, professional wrestler Bambina talks about queer representation inside the ring...

Millions of us are video conferencing more than we ever have before. What does that mean for our psychological health? Today, we explore "Zoom fatigue." Then, a high-tech exhibit gives Van Gogh fans a different experience. And, we talk to a choreographer who brings her sacred connections to the stage.

Oakland resident Jil Vest was walking past the protest murals downtown when she got an idea. Today, we’re looking at a mural that honors the women of the Black Panther Party. Then, we’ll go back in time to hear how the Black Panthers organized to keep their communities safe. And, we’ll fill our plate at the People’s Kitchen Collective.

The number of people held at Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County has been rising since last May. Today, we're looking into why. Then, we meet a playwright who was just honored for the impact her work has had in her community. And, we hear a reading from a new young adult novel set in Hawaii.

Today, we meet the beloved duck couple at Lake Merritt that gave some Oaklanders hope and community during the pandemic. Then, we hear about the history of the lake as the nation’s first wildlife refuge. And, we get to know the people behind the lake's weekend drum circle. We’re spending the day at Oakland’s crown jewel. Plus, today's local music features Oakland band Fake Fruit.

Today, we’ll hear what it’s like to find permanent supportive housing, after a decade of experiencing homelessness, in another excerpt from the 99% Invisible project According to Need.

In California, there are thousands of people living in roadside tent encampments. Today, we meet a woman in Alameda County who gets a chance at permanent housing in another story from the 99% Invisible project According to Need. Then, author Jerry Thompson reads from "Berkeley Noir," a collection of stories he co-edited with crime novelist Owen Hill. And, today's local music featurs Oakland-based...

A year ago our lives were turned upside down when the pandemic and lockdown hit the Bay Area. Today, it's a new episode of Day By Day. We reflect on the past and look ahead to what's next.