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.
In this episode, we honor the San Francisco drag icon, Heklina. Then, we hear from a drag matriarch about how the artform can provide sanctuary for the queer community. And, we listen to a poetry reading from Alemeda poet and Sights and Sounds host Jenee Darden. Plus, a son speaks about why his father, a Black man, is considered The Godfather of Silicon Valley.
Every Thursday, we're bringing you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. It's about the Winnemem Wintu and their fight to protect their sacred sites. Today, we hear episode nine of The Spiritual Edge's newest season. In this segment, The Winnemem Wintu people decide to hold a war dance, their first in over a century.
We'll meet a group that's helping to clean up the most polluted neighborhood in San Francisco, while training a new generation for green collar careers. Then, Uncuffed producers talk about what they saw in Norway and how it compares to San Quentin. And, we meet a Marin County singer using her gift of music to help people who are ill.
Today, we bring you the story of fire, rain and a two-year effort to get black abalone out of harm’s way. Then, we learn about a program to reduce air pollution in San Francisco's Bayview Hunter's Point neighborhood. And, we speak with dancers from the Oakland Ballet’s "Dancing Moons Festival," which honors the Asian American Pacific Islander community.
Oakland's last major league sports franchise, the A's, could soon be leaving town. To understand what's happening we speak to former sports writer Dave Newhouse about how we got here and where it's all heading. Also, we visit the house of a Warrior’s fan left behind. Plus, we bring you an Audiograph throwback to another era in Bay Area sports history.
Every Thursday, we're bringing you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. It's about the Winnemem Wintu and their fight to protect their sacred sites. Today, we hear episode eight of The Spiritual Edge's newest season. In this segment, the Winnemem Wintu people tell their story of how the world began.
Even before the pandemic, running an independent theater meant facing a gauntlet of challenges. Today, we'll hear how these independent repertory theaters are adapting to the changing tides. Then, we have a conversation with the Museum of the African Diaspora's newly hired cultural critic, Dr. Artel Great. Plus, readings from Bay Area writers.
We get to know our wildest neighbors in this episode. An apex predator is among us and it’s their pupping season. What does the presence of coyotes mean for the city? We’ll also meet a few of Golden Gate Park’s heaviest and hairiest residents. A reading from Alameda Poet Laureate Kimi Sugioka. Plus, we visit a hospital for animals who should be swimming in the water.
Today, a conversation with Betty Reid Soskin – a real-life Rosie the Riveter. Then, what the legacy of revolutionary Angela Davis means to her niece. Plus, readings from Bay area writers. Poet Nia McAllister reads her piece "Say Her Name" and author Esther Erman reads an excerpt of her new book, "Rebecca of Salerno."
Every Thursday, we're bringing you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. It's about the Winnemem Wintu and their fight to protect their sacred sites. Today, we learn about California’s history with aggressive agricultural development and how indigenous people who lived here were forcibly removed and killed.
Today, we hear from Bolivian master tailors who are living and working in the East Bay. Then, we talk with artist Ajuan Mance about the complexities and culture that inspired her new book of illustrations titled “Living While Black.” And, from our podcast New Arrivals, a reading from San Francisco author Thomas McKenna.
Planting trees can do a lot more than just clean our air. Today, we go to San Francisco's Bayview to learn about its many benefits. Then, award-winning journalist Lauren Schiller's new book asks: Is feminism inclusive? Plus, one man's world came crashing down, and his wife and his faith helped him literally rise back up from the bed.
One group is keeping fun at the center of something that’s the cause of a lot of grumbling — litter. Today, we go out with Oakland’s Trash Falcons. Then, Bay Area comedic legend Margaret Cho reflects on her 40-year career. And, a reading from Berkeley author Monica Wesolowska's new children’s picture book that celebrates being yourself.
Every Thursday, we're bringing you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. It's called "A Prayer For Salmon" and it's about the Winnemem Wintu and their fight to protect their sacred sites. Today, the Winnemem Wintu and supporters continue their Run4Salmon journey and bear witness to more human built obstacles faced by migrating salmon.
It’s Women’s History Month and we are taking a look back at San Francisco icon, Phyllis Lyon. She was a lesbian activist and trailblazer for gay rights. Phyllis passed away in 2020 from natural causes at the age of 95. In her final years, a community of lesbian, queer and trans people supported her with kindness and deceit.
Today, we learn how a new bill would allow cannabis lounges to operate more like cafes. Then, we meet Rhonda Benin and hear about an annual concert celebrates women who make music. It's happening this Saturday at the San Francisco Jazz Center. And, we listen to a conversation about the importance of jazz to Black culture.
Today, we meet Chief Yogananda Pittman. She once led the U.S. Capitol Police, now she’s the head of UC Berkeley’s campus police. Then, we stay on the Berkeley campus to visit their historic home of student activism. And, we'll hear from the man behind the Campanile bell tower. Plus, a reading from Berkeley poet Heather Bourbeau.
Every Thursday, we're bringing you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. It's called "A Prayer For Salmon." In episode 5, the Winnemem Wintu and supporters start a two-week Run4Salmon prayer to call salmon back to the waters above Shasta Dam. The run follows the salmon’s migration path from the ocean to the mountains.
It's International Women’s Day, so what does feminism mean for today’s generation of women? For Maisa Morrar, a Palestinian-American, it’s about liberation and support. Then, we hear how women drummers unite in the east bay. And Atherton author, Susanne Pari reads from her new book. Plus, an update on Tesla’s troubles.
Today, we hear how San Francisco’s Gay Men’s Chorus is creating Disney magic — they're bringing "Disney Pride" to the stage. Then, a story from Uncuffed about two musicians in prison breaking racial taboos to form a band together. Plus, we ask, "did social media invent the California 'Super Bloom?'"
Today, we hear about the challenges in Oakland's department on homelessness. The search is on for the third person in three years to lead the department. Then, we visit a place for women to heal and work it. Plus, poems from East Bay writers. And, our local music features San Francisco musician Wanda What. She's playing at Bottom Of The Hill on March 9.
Earlier this month, KALW’s podcast The Spiritual Edge released its latest season. It’s called “A Prayer for Salmon." It’s about the Winnemem Wintu and their fight to protect their sacred sites and return salmon to waters above the Shasta dam. In episode 4, an elder remembers indigenous life back before the Shasta dam was built.
Today, a local photographer takes his craft back to the basics. Then, friends of disability activist Alice Wong talk about her memoir. And, we meet a lawyer who works with Black migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Black hair has been the subject of many movies, books, and television shows. It has always been a significant part of the Black experience — from fighting stereotyping to finding the right hair products, styles, and the right salon. And even when you find that perfect style and hair salon, issues may come up. Today, in a special episode from The Stoop podcast, we meet salon owners and salon goers. It's "Hair Trouble."
Today, we meet a Berryessa Flea Market vendor who is helping her family keep their business. Then, we hear from a Bay Area drag queen who created and hosts an all-Black drag show. And, a family conversation about the value of a traditional dance heritage. Plus, our local music segment features San Francisco's Top Secret Robot Alliance. They are playing at Bottom Of The Hill on Friday, March 3.
Every Thursday, we're bringing you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. In episode 3, we go to Shasta Dam and learn the history behind its construction. Then, we hear from Chief Caleen Sisk about how the federal proposal to raise the dam opens old wounds for the Winnemem Wintu and further threatens their survival.
Today, Valerie Bachelor, who went from protester to member of the Oakland Unified school board, gives us an update on Oakland school closures. Then, we hear how the legend of the Emperor Norton lives on in San Francisco. And our local music segment features the band "Fake Fruits" who are playing at The Rickshaw stop this Thursday.
In today's episode, we learn that sometimes fixing our pet's behavior means we need to look at our own behavior first. Then, how a violinist brings joy to people’s lives. Plus, a Berkeley author shares tips from her new book. And, today's local music features Oakland's Madeline Kenney, who is playing at Bottom Of The Hill in SF this Thursday.
In today's episode, we hear how some folktales and stories are handed down generation to generation. KALW's Hana Baba wants to write a folktale book retelling these stories. However, there is a lot questions she has about how to do this right. In this excerpt from "The Stoop" podcast we explore what it means to be the next in line to preserve your family’s stories.
Every Thursday, we bring you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. It's called "A Prayer For Salmon" and it's about the Winnemem Wintu and their fight to protect their sacred sites. In Chapter 2, we hear how a federal plan to expand the reservoir behind Shatsa Dam would flood their land.
