Crosscurrents

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.

In this episode of Uncuffed, we hear how one of the many struggles of parenting from inside prison is the constant fear that your children may follow in your footsteps. Children of incarcerated parents are more likely to get in trouble at school, lack stable housing, and end up involved in the criminal legal system themselves.

When it comes to riding horses, there is usually a high financial bar to clear. Today, we meet a woman working to put more people in the saddle. Then, a musical questions whether life was better pre-Covid. And, we’ll hear a reading from Berkeley author Vivian Pisano. And today's local music features Oakland's Luis Peralta.

Today, we meet a group of people protesting for racial inclusion at Burning Man. Turns out, that's not so easy. It’s an episode of The Intersection at Burning Man.

Burning Man is returning to the Black Rock Desert. Some burners travel long distances to make it to the Playa, but for others, the festival comes to them. What do the participants know about the land’s original inhabitants? Today, we go to the desert to find where the past meets the present.

Burning Man is back this year. And we’re going into that world today, by taking you inside its spiritual center. We’ll show you how the Temple came to be, and the deep emotion it stirs in its visitors.

Burning Man is back this year. So today, we are going to where the highway meets the desert. We’re going to The Playa to meet all kinds of interesting characters. Then, we’ll hear from a transgender pioneer of the modern gay rights movement.

Today, the former host of Mythbusters and Bay Area local Adam Savage talks about building a career around special- effects design. Then, we go to West Oakland to meet tinkerers and makers who keep old industrial machines from losing their steam. Also for Transgender History Month, we hear a story about identity. And for todays local music we feature Tiffany Austin.

Today, we visit a pop-up museum dedicated to San Francisco’s Cliff House and take a look back at the iconic attractions at Land’s End. Then, a third-generation Japanese woman uses art to tell her family’s story of incarceration during World War II. Followed by a reading from Palo Alto author Joanna Ho. And, today's local music features "Thank You Come Again."

Today, we hear how surprise letters during the pandemic changed everything for a family divided. How getting mail helped with the isolation of lockdowns in prison. The power of the written word - on an all new episode of Uncuffed.

Today, we learn how a historic theater in Oakland gets a new lease on life through cannabis. We take a trip to Ivy Hill Cannabis. Then, an author opens up about the adventures and mistakes of her youth. And, we hear a reading about the history of stand-up comedy in the Bay Area from Oakland author Nina G. And todays local music features San Francisco's Cindy.

Today, we take a stroll through the neighborhood of rock and roll icon Jerry Garcia. Get ready for a long, strange trip. Then, we hear from professional wrestler Bambina on queer representation inside the ring. Also, we listen to a reading from Sacramento author Shelley Blanton-Stroud. And todays local music features Healing Potpourri.