Crosscurrents

Today for Throwback Thursday, we’ll meet a cellist who multiplies her sound to create a one person orchestra. Then, we’ll meet KALW’s new Friday night music DJ, J Boogie. And, author Lyndsey Ellis talks about grief and healing in her novel "Bone Broth."

California’s utility giant PGE has committed to burying ten thousand miles of power lines in rural areas. We’ll hear from Paradise Mayor Steve Crowder about how he thinks that could help protect towns like his. Then, we’ll meet KALW’s new late night Wednesday DJ LadyRyan. And, when someone is sent to prison, how do they figure out all the little do’s and don'ts?

The California Gold Rush petered out in the mid 1800s, but it never quite ended... In the latest from our @Work series, we meet modern-day gold miners. Then, we hear about the history of an unusual Gold Rush era meal and, in a story from California Foodways, we hunt for a place where you can order it today.

It’s been 31 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed. Today, we’ll hear how Berkeley protesters helped bring about the ADA. Then, San Francisco author activist Alice Wong brings readers personal stories from people with disabilities.

For today's throwback, we’re digging into our Audiophiles, and getting our hands dirty and going deep into a world of surprising sounds at the Exploratorium. Then, get to know Aaron Byrd, the mind behind KALW’s new weeknight music programming.

The legislature is considering a bill that would keep California state prisons from handing people who get parole and are undocumented over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We’ll find out why that’s important, how it’s controversial, and whose lives would be changed as a result. And, we'll hear firsthand from a man at Solano prison who worried about what would happen to his family before he...

A Bay Area florist shares how she stayed connected to her community. It’s the latest installment of our @Work series. Then, we’ll hear from one of KALW’s newest DJs: Patrick King Most. And, Petaluma author Joy Lanzendorfer reads from her novel set in 1930s Hollywood.

This week KALW is bringing new voices to our airwaves. We’ll hear from the station’s general manager Tina Pamintuan about what to expect. And then, we'll meet DJ Wonway Posibul. And, we’ll celebrate the legacy of longtime Philosophy Talk host Ken Taylor.

Today, we visit an island in the San Francisco Bay where the walls can talk… and they tell a tragic story. It's secret that unlocked a new life for the historic immigration station at Angel Island. Then, Anna Sale joins us to talk about how we can have those conversations that we typically avoid. And, we hear a reading from Oakland author Elizabeth Gonzalez James's new novel.

Auburn, California is a town of 14,000 people nestled in the Sierra foothills. Many Bay Area residents pass through it on summer getaways into the mountains, heading northeast to places like Tahoe. But the small town has stories of its own, including the blood-soaked tale of one man. His name? Rattlesnake Dick.

Today, in the next episode of What Works, health workers in East Palo Alto go door-to-door to get information out about the COVID-19 vaccine and rent relief. Then, we’ll hear how some seniors have been coping with isolation in these times. And, Berkeley author Andreas Karelas reads from his new book, "Climate Courage."

San Francisco rented hotel rooms during the pandemic to house thousands of people experiencing homelessness. Today, we hear how they're starting to close them. Then, how Filipinx artist Rachel Lastimosa is celebrating her past amidst the Anti-Asian violence of the present. And, for throwback Thursday we have a StoryCorps about a transpacific Filipino romance.

A UC Berkeley study ranked Oakland in the top 20 most segregated cities in the U.S. Today, we hear how that affects quality of life for marginalized groups. Then, producer Chris Keys talks about his mindful method to making music. And, San Francisco poet Josiah Luis Alderete reads from his new poetry collection.

In the latest episode from our podcast What Works: Grassroots Solutions Around the Bay Area, we meet Nevida Butler, who has been working with the Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto for four decades.

Oakland has appointed its first-ever poet laureate. Today, we meet Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, also known as WordSlanger. Then, we dive into the watery past of Orinda. And, a new cookbook explores San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Today, we’re going to a half century old San Francisco establishment that uses sound for healing. Then, from Solano State Prison, we hear about one man’s struggle against the stereotypes of mental illness. And, San Francisco author Jenny Bitner reads from a new novel.

Today, we hear about conflict of interest case against Richmond Mayor Tom Butt. Then, the story behind the construction of one of the Bay Area’s most unusual bridges. And, Berkeley author Bonnie Tsui reads from her new children’s book.

Today, we're going to Richmond in the latest episode from our series "What Works: Grassroots Solutions Around The Bay Area." We'll hear about a garden project that's bringing nourishment to a community that lives in a food desert, and we'll visit bicycle program that helps kids get their own wheels. And, in an episode from our pocket-sized podcast New Arrivals, we get a reading from a new cookbook...

Today, we meet a scientist studying the epic tale of California wildlife facing big wildfires. Then, how did Marin County get its name? And, a young singer from Oakland writes about healing after heartbreak.

As fire season bears down on Sonoma County, some communities are practicing evacuations. Today, we hear about wildfire drills. Then, a former L.A. gang member who told his story to the world, has passed away. And, we’ll get a mini-reading from Oakland author Gabriela Garcia’s new novel. Plus, today's local music features Oakland artist Heather Normandale. She’s performing with Paul Sounder this Sa...

Today, Fairfield City Councilmember Doris Panduro talks about what it's like connecting directly with the people of her city in the latest episode in the series What Works: Grassroots Solutions around the Bay Area. Then, local author Gary Kamiya icon explores a big question in his latest collection of stories.

First, we meet a group of South Bay Bikers with a message and a mission. Then, Berkeley screenwriter Malcolm Spellman talks about his hit Marvel series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”

Today we bring you the story of an indigenous Alaskan leader who is fighting to stop oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Then, a latin dance duo is creating more space on the dance floor for queer artists. And, how can you learn to be a father, from inside prison, to a child whose voice you’ve never even heard?

First, Alameda youth host a debate for candidates running for District 18 Assemblymember. Then, we hear about a case in Santa Clara County that tackles the issue of caste discrimination. And, we’ll hear an excerpt from a new anthology by Tureeda Mikell.

From the What Works Series, people in Solano County are turning to their neighbor’s fruit trees to help address food insecurity. Then, country singer Miko Marks talks about the lack of diversity in country music.