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Crosscurrents

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.

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Episodes

Highschool Fentanyl Overdose / Wellness Centers / Burton High Stories

In this episode, the story of high school students honoring the life of a classmate who died. How, a fentanyl overdose inspired student journalists to act. Then, we'll hear how a Wellness Center helped one student graduate. And, teenagers from Burton high share thoughts on the struggles they face.

Jan 22, 202427 min

Potrero Hill History / A Divine Journey / Pointer Sisters

In this episode, we visit one neighborhood in San Francisco that holds an annual event dedicated to celebrating its past, The Potrero Hill Archives Project. Then, a young woman in a refugee camp tackles the mental health issues plaguing her community. And, the story of a mother and daughter with a shared love for one particular Oakland band.

Jan 18, 202427 min

Prelinger Library / Prescribing Art / New Arrivals Collection: Poetry

Today, we visit a unique library in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood. We unshelve the unusual at the Prelinger Library. Then, we learn about a new health program that is prescribing art. And, we hear readings from local poets in a special New Arrivals collection.

Jan 17, 202427 min

Uncuffed: Grieving, Interrupted

Prison conditions can make it difficult to grieve loss on the inside. How do you process loss when you’re alone, when crying isn’t ok, and asking for help can be dangerous? What it means to be grieving in prison on a new episode of Uncuffed.

Jan 16, 202427 min

DIY Skate Park / LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity In Sexual Education

In Oakland, DIY spaces make treasure out of trash. Today, we learn what it takes to build your own skatepark. Then, why it’s important for sex education to be inclusive. It’s an award winning story from our podcast by, about and for teenagers, tbh.

Jan 10, 202427 min

Preserving Pickup Soccer Culture / Celebrating the Freedom of Queer Identity

In this episode, we learn why a game that unites people from around the Bay Area is becoming harder to organize. It's a story from our series Culture Keepers about who keeps pickup soccer games going. Then, teenagers share their perspectives on gender identity. It’s an award winning story from our podcast, tbh, our podcast by, about and for teenagers.

Jan 09, 202427 min

Tyson Amir / Regina Evans / Coptic Church

Today, one Black man’s work to connect his faith to his community, and to his fallen leaders. When your path to Islam means walking in the footsteps of Black Revolutionaries. Then, an Oakland artist takes on the issue of sex trafficking, inspired by her faith. And, we get a lesson in an ancient language.

Jan 08, 202427 min

NERT / Berkeley Encampment Sweeps / New Arrivals

Today, we ask a question — are you and your family prepared for the next big earthquake? Join us and meet San Francisco’s Neighborhood Emergency Response Team, and find out how to join! Then, a homeless encampment resident talks about the recent sweeps. And, we’ll hear readings celebrating San Francisco history.

Dec 21, 202327 min

Home Baked: How Pot Brownies Brought Some Relief During The AIDS Epidemic

The end of the year is nearing — we are well into December. A time for holidays, taking stock of the year. December is also HIV and AIDS awareness month. So today, we’re going to look back a few decades to a time when the Bay Area and the world faced the AIDS epidemic in this documentary.

Dec 20, 202327 min

Abalone Traditions / NIAD Art Exhibit / Uncuffed My Mixtape: This Christmas

In this episode, a story about how two people — 300 miles apart — come together to uphold traditions that depend on abalone. Then, an exhibit at the Oakland Museum puts the spotlight on artists with developmental disabilities. And, we hear how Christmas music takes on a new meaning when you haven't spent a holiday outside prison in decades.

Dec 19, 202327 min

Prison’s Secret Santas

Winter holidays can bring a mixed set of emotions for people in prisons. The pain of missing family can be even greater than usual. But it’s also a time when people in prison come together to make the best of their situation. It’s a reminder of the acts of kindness and resilience that can happen even under the hardest circumstances.

Dec 18, 202326 min

Sacrifices In War / Love And Loss During The AIDS Epidemic / New Arrivals

A filmmaker chronicles the life of a young army nurse who was killed while serving in Afghanistan, and explores questions surrounding her death. Then, one woman shares her experience as a prayer counselor during the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco. And, we’ll hear a reading from East Bay author Zusha Elinson.

Dec 14, 202324 min

Remembering Carolina Lugo / Singer Meklit Hadero's new project

Today, a family tradition keeps flamenco alive in the Bay Area. We're honoring the memory of flamenco performer Carolina Lugo. Then, we hear from a singer who shares stories of global migration through music. And, readings from our Bay Poets and New Arrivals reading series.

Dec 13, 202321 min

Uncuffed: Dog Training In Prison

When you’re in prison, you’re separated from loved ones, including your furry friends. Can bringing dogs into prison help with connection — and healing? Today, we’re taking you inside a very special training program. It's the newest episode of Uncuffed.

Dec 12, 202327 min

Finding Common Ground / Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue / Bay Poets

Since the Israel Hamas war began on October 7, many people have struggled with hopelessness. Today, the story of one man’s search for peace. Then, we learn about the founding of a Jewish-Palestinian dialog that started decades ago in a San Mateo living room. And, we hear the impact of that dialog, 30 years later.

Dec 11, 202327 min

Crisis Response, Pt 3 / Roadkill / Bay Poets

Crisis Intervention Specialists have taken on a unique role in Oakland. Today, we learn how community programs are working to respond more effectively and how that can change depending on their goals. Then, we meet a woman who spends her commute looking for animals. Plus poetry from Oakland's James Cagney.

Dec 07, 202327 min

Crisis Response, Pt 2 / Future Of Public Transportation

In Oakland, you’re supposed to be able to reach a community response team by calling 911, but the system doesn’t always work. In this episode, we bring you part two in our series about crisis response teams. Then, a panel conversation about the next stop for public transit.

Dec 06, 202327 min

Crisis Response / Author Ajuan Mance / Bay Poets

Do you know who to call when you see someone passed out on the street or dealing with a mental health crisis? Today, we meet the people in Oakland offering an alternative to the police. Then, an Oakland artist’s children’s book shares stories of Black men finding joy doing everyday activities. And, a reading from A.A. Vincent for our series Bay Poets.

Dec 05, 202327 min

Albany Bulb / Molly Giles / Bay Poets: Susana Prayer-Perez

There is a place where you can lose yourself and find inspiration. Today, we hear from people who’ve found joy and refuge on Albany Bulb. Then, author Molly Giles' new novel takes readers to a castle in Marin County, and there's a lot of drama under the roof. Plus, a reading from Bay Area Poet Susana Prayer-Perez.

Dec 04, 202327 min

Future of Bay Area Journalism / Vulture Capital

In this episode, we hear how the local media landscape has been undergoing some seismic changes. We bring you a conversation on the future of Bay Area journalism, with local journalists. Then, we learn how Alden Global Capital is plundering US newspapers.

Nov 30, 202327 min

The Second Nakba / Children Of The Night

Today, the death toll for Palestinians and Israelis is accelerating far faster than it did 75 years ago. A conversation about Palestine’s historical struggle for statehood. Then, we’ll get a glimpse into a local goth venue from our new series Culture Keepers.

Nov 29, 202327 min

Uncuffed: Art Saved My Life

In this episode, we bring you the latest story from Uncuffed's third season. Today, the team at San Quentin reflects on generational trauma, and what creativity means to them inside prison.

Nov 28, 202327 min

Emergence Magazine: Coming Home To The Cove Episode 3, Part 4 / Theresa Harlan

Today, in the final segment from Emergence Magazine's series Coming Home To The Cove, we hear why the erasure of Coast Miwok history on Tomales Bay impacts all of us. Then, we speak with Theresa Harlan about what it was like to make the series on her family’s story of eviction from their ancestral lands.

Nov 27, 202325 min

Emergence Magazine: Coming Home To The Cove Episode 3, Part 3

In this episode we continue a series from our partners at Emergence Magazine. It’s called Coming Home To The Cove, and it follows Theresa Harlan’s quest to chronicle the story of her family’s displacement from their ancestral lands. Today, we hear how California legally facilitated the removal and separation of indigenous children from their families.

Nov 23, 202325 min

Emergence Magazine: Coming Home To The Cove Episode 3, Part 2 / A Prayer For Salmon

We are continuing a series from our partners at Emergence Magazine. It’s called Coming Home To The Cove, and it follows Theresa Harlan’s quest to chronicle the story of her family’s displacement from their ancestral lands. Today, we hear about the pieces of their old home that remain on the land. Then, an update on the Winnemum Wintu tribe.

Nov 22, 202326 min

Emergence Magazine: Coming Home To The Cove Episode 3, Part 1

November is Native American Heritage Month so today we are continuing a special series from our partners at Emergence Magazine. It’s called Coming Home To The Cove, and it follows Theresa Harlan’s quest to chronicle the story of her family’s displacement from their ancestral lands. In this segment, we hear stories from some of the last Coast Miwok people to grow up on Tomales Bay.

Nov 21, 202327 min

Emergence Magazine: Coming Home To The Cove Episode 2, Part 3

This week and next, we’re bringing you the story of a Coast Miwok family’s eviction from their ancestral home in Northern California and one woman’s mission to bring the living history of her family back to the land. In this excerpt from the second episode of Coming Home to the Cove, we hear about the history of displacement on the Point Reyes National Seashore.

Nov 20, 202324 min

Emergence Magazine: Coming Home To The Cove Episode 2, Part 2

This week and next, we’re bringing you the story of a Coast Miwok family’s eviction from their ancestral home in Northern California and one woman’s mission to bring the living history of her family back to the land. In this excerpt from the second episode of Coming Home to the Cove, we hear how California broke it's promises to Indigenous people.

Nov 16, 202327 min

Emergence Magazine: Coming Home To The Cove Episode 2, Part 1

This week and next, we’re bringing you the story of a Coast Miwok family’s eviction from their ancestral home in Northern California and one woman’s mission to bring the living history of her family back to the land. In this excerpt from the second episode of Coming Home to the Cove, we go to Point Reyes where thousands of years of Indigenous presence has been erased.

Nov 15, 202327 min
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