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.
To understand the challenges and the treasures historical preservation provides, KALW recently hosted a live panel as part of our Bay Agenda series. The night was also a special live recording of the Western Neighborhoods Project “Outside Lands" podcast!
Today, we’ll meet the folks who preserve the people’s history. Then, a Hamlet retelling mixes old themes with modern truths. It's ‘Fat Ham’ at the San Francisco Playhouse. And, stay tuned 'For a Spell.'
Today, we hear from Greg Eskridge, Uncuffed’s first Leadership Fellow and the host of the show. And Greg is joined by Kelly McEvers, the Storytelling Lead Teacher for Uncuffed’s expansion into the California Institution for Women.
Sonoma County is a big part of the Bay Area’s local food scene. But over the past few months, several small-scale food producers in the county have either closed operations, or moved their headquarters out of state.
It’s our Spring Membership Drive! Today we hear a story about local food production. And, we're joined by members of the Uncuffed team to talk about a very special new episode.
Today, we celebrate a small local publication reaching 30 years in print, Street Spirit! They are a monthly newspaper that reports on and is sold by the east bay unhoused community. We hear from Executive Director Alastair Boone about how they were able to navigate the paper to a successful return to print with community support.
In 2010, Oakland resident Kelly Carlisle was concerned about the health and wellbeing of youth in the city. At the time, Black students were being suspended from school at higher rates than others, and issues of child trafficking were making headlines . Kelly was in search of a solution and a positive outlet for kids. With a few agriculture books and a lemon tree, she decided to start a farm ....
Oakland’s mayoral special election has gotten gritty. Today, we hear how in a conversation with The Oaklandside reporter Eli Wolfe. Then, a cartoonist tells the story about a middle-school kid fasting during Ramadan. And, a song for Spring, and soulmates in a new My Mixed Tape from Uncuffed.
Next week, Oakland voters will go to the polls to elect a new mayor. But as the campaigns draw to a close, charges of misinformation and campaign skullduggery are ramping up.
Author Elizabeth Horner Turner uses the constraints of flash fiction, which are very short stories, to create surreal and sometimes unsettling characters. New Arrivals: Elizabeth Horner Turner chapbook offers surreal, offbeat flash fictions
From our friends at Sights + Sounds: Oakland cartoonist Wahab Algarmi created the graphic novel “ Almost Sunset .” It’s about a Muslim-American boy in middle school fasting during Ramadan, while struggling to find balance between family, school, and being accepted by his peers. You can listen to the full interview here: Cartoonist Wahab Algarmi's graphic novel 'Almost Sunset'// Paul McCartney's photo exhibit at the de Young Museum// Oakland Gay Mens' Chorus' spring concert...
In honor of the changing season, we’re bringing you some fresh music. It’s a special new episode of ‘My Mixtape’ and in it we hear from musician Lee Jaspar at San Quentin, who wrote a love song for the spring season. Then he met the love of his life… and the song fit perfectly.
A California Proposition was supposed to curb petty theft and drug abuse. Already, the proposed solution seems to be offering more problems than it’s helping to fix. Then, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie speaks to the current moment of African-centered culture. And, the deep roots of Bay Area poetry. Aftermath of Prop 36 has left thousands stranded between drug treatment and prison Literary powerhouse tells stories that bridge cultures, generations, and identities Celebrating the Mission with San Franc...
Today we’re bringing you an episode of Uncuffed from last season that really resonated with our Newsroom staff. It’s about a lesser known, but important aspect of life in prison: grieving. Most people in prison know that when you get an unexpected call to the counselor’s office… it probably doesn’t mean anything good. Often you’re told that a loved one, on the outside, has died. And once you’ve gotten that terrible news — there are lots of unspoken barriers that make it difficult to mourn. In th...
It’s Trans Day of Visibility. Recently, a Russian bathhouse in San Francisco went public with a controversial policy. Today, how one woman took her cause behind the scenes. Then, we hear the creative solutions unhoused trans people use to access resources. And, some of the pros and cons of living life out loud.
Environmental racism has meant some Bay Area residents suffer more than others. Today, we hear why it’s important for local agencies to step up for vulnerable communities. Then, can a workplace balance justice, equity and profitability? Creating a win-win workplace in a new episode of "Book It." Cleaning up toxic waste takes longer in marginalized communities Working to create the win-win workplace Bay Poets: "Leaving Las Vegas" by poet Paul Corman-Roberts...
Ramadan can feel different, depending on where you are. Today, we hear about fasting, prayer and reflection, wherever you live. Then, we meet someone that helps put on America's largest Halal festival. And, a Muslim rapper from Oakland is facing the haters head-on. Ramadan Mubarak! Halalfest helps Bay Area Muslims break their fasts Bay Area Beats: Alia Sharrief...
Today, we hear the story of one woman’s incredible loss. And her struggle deciding whether or not to donate her son’s organs. It's a conversation about Black communities and the stigma around organ donation, we've got a new episode of The Stoop Podcast. The Stoop: Bury me whole
Oakland elementary school students are connecting creativity and Latino cultures through Mexican tin art. Today, the culture of Repujados. Then, how one studio is working to make glass blowing more approachable. And we hear from an Oakland mayoral candidate debate about the pressing issues in the upcoming special election. Teaching the art of Repujados to Oakland youth Making glass accessible to everyone LISTEN: Oakland Mayoral Candidate Forum...
Today, we meet a mentor who helps Bay Area youth to find inspiration through Art and Boxing. Then, skaters reflect on what a roller rink has meant to them, as it gets ready to close. And, some musical recommendations from the KALW team. Combining art and boxing to mentor youth Skating into the void: Aloha Fun Center’s final spin Uncuffed: My Mixed Tape - André Davis On Repeat: Sarah Cahill...
In prison, a name can mean way more than just how you introduce yourself. And changing or getting rid of a name, can be the beginning of an important transformation. Today, Uncuffed producers introduce themselves on their own terms. Season 4, Ep. 4 - Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself
Today, we meet a wrestler who's making a name for himself while honoring his family legacy. Then, Two candidates draw ahead in Oakland’s special mayoral election. Plus, a poem that explores the bittersweet flavors of life, and a reading from a local author about the Mayor of the Tenderloin. The Bloodline: Wrestling as Family Business Bay Poets: 'The Shape of Salt' by poet Jenny Qi Lee, Taylor apparent front-runners in Oakland's special mayoral election New Arrivals: Alison Owings profiles the “m...
Some of San Francisco’s Asian Americans think closing the Great Highway is a betrayal. The great debate about the great highway. Then, we hear what public health advocates are doing to meet the moment. And, a poetic health referral with Bay Poets. Great Highway closure feels like continued betrayal for some Chinese Americans Bay Agenda: Healthcare and The Public Good Bay Poets: 'The Referral' by Hannah Kezema...
A Bay Area photographer brings out pictures she’s had in storage for 50 years. Today, we're revisiting lost scenes of everyday life in San Francisco. Then, a new book explores the under-researched world of microdosing. It’s another segment from Book It. 'A Fearless Eye' unlocks photographic time capsule of San Francisco in the 1970's Microdosing For Health, Healing And Enhanced Performance...
Silicon Valley is all about innovation, but for some, it’s the heart of the Iranian diaspora. Today, keeping the traditions of Persian music. Then, we visit a local theatre company that incubates plays from under-represented artists. And, our very own Jeneé Darden is launching a new arts program! Keeping Persian music alive, one note at a time 3Girls Theatre showcases emerging women+ playwrights over the age of 40 Introducing "The Sights + Sounds Show with Jeneé Darden"...
Walking can help us connect with the present. Today, we get lost, and find our way, on San Francisco’s Crosstown trail. Then, we hear about the impact of having more people on the streets of the Mission District. Taking the long way: San Francisco's Crosstown Trail Tenderloin crackdown puts new pressures on the Mission...
The only Chinese hospital in the country has survived because of its community’s resilience. Today, we look at continuity of care in a local Chinese community. Then, a Democratic Club representing Asian Pacific Islander residents in San Francisco… moves to the right. And, we hear from The Dating Apps Reporting Project about how dating apps are not as safe as they market themselves to be. A Century of Care: San Francisco’s Chinese Hospital SOTB: SF's Asian Americans Shift Right? Dating apps track...
Scientists have been tracking elephant seals in the North Bay for decades. Today, we check in on breeding season at Point Reyes. Then, we ponder the human tendency to ‘other’… and why it’s time to focus on belonging. Building bridges across divides. At Point Reyes, ecologists have been tracking elephant seals for decades john a. powell on fostering belonging...
From the LA riots, to the Crime Bill - The 90s changed everything for people in California Prisons. Today, we’re going back to the 90s - and the Uncuffed producers ask, has anything changed? Honest conversations that are overdue - it’s a new episode of Uncuffed. Season 4, Ep. 3 - Where Were You In '92?
One spot in San Francisco is serving up Luisiana’s favorite meal. It's the power of gumbo. Then, we enjoy a SF evening celebrating Tango’s African roots. And, we go jam to global music with KALW DJ, Charlotte K. Gumbo, music, and dance! It must be Mardi Gras! Let the good times roll! The unifying power of gumbo African Night: The root of Tango On Repeat: Charlotte K....
