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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

SHOW: Community, Food, And Music

Today we’ll meet the Haitian pastor trying to advise his flock in these uncertain times. Then Oakland’s first Haitian restaurant serves up some hearty, braised goodness. And, a multicultural choir comes together to sing classical Arabic music.

Jun 26, 202527 min

Aswat Ensemble performs songs from the Arab world with a multicultural twist

The Arabic music ensemble Aswat is based in the city and plays classical Arab standards in concerts throughout the Bay Area. But you don't have to know the language to participate. Non-Arabic speaking Americans make up half of the choir members and musicians, and that's part of the mission: to spread a love for Arabic music that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Jun 26, 20256 min

Uncuffed: Season 4, Ep. 8 - Mama

Decades after a traumatic childhood - the host of Uncuffed finally gets to ask his mother a question. Then, we’ll hear from women in prison on cargiving from the inside.

Jun 25, 202527 min

SHOW: Unhoused Displacement Since Grant's Pass Ruling And Reclaming The Black Banjo

In the last year, Bay Area unhoused communities have faced an increase in forced displacement. Today, we hear directly from people caught up in Oakland's sweeps and how San Francisco officials are changing policies for those that live in recreational vehicles. Then, how the banjo is being reclaimed by Black musicians.

Jun 24, 202528 min

Reclaiming Black Banjo

Folk Music & Beyond host JoAnn Mar spoke with Dr. Angela Wellman and Hannah Mayree , two Bay Area musicians and educators who are part of the current effort to encourage more African Americans to take up the banjo and reconnect with the early American roots music of their ancestors....

Jun 24, 202510 min

SHOW: Finding Community In A Changing San Francisco

Today, three generations of local leaders share their experience of transitioning. Then, we celebrate Bay Area public transit. And, writers bring us some lyrical non-fiction in a collection from New Arrivals, our pocket sized book tour.

Jun 23, 202527 min

New Arrivals: Nonfiction

Here are some readings from our series New Arrivals, a pocket-sized book tour with Bay Area authors. Today, examples of the many worlds nonfiction writing can explore.

Jun 23, 20255 min

SHOW: Flor Y Canto, Flowers And Song

This weekend The Mission will be alive with spoken word and stories. It's the return of the Flor Y Canto Literary Festival! Then, a poem about taking the bold step… to be vulnerable.

Jun 18, 202527 min

SHOW: Queer Bars, Past And Present

Today on episode 3 of Bounce: Rikki’s! The Bay Area's first women’s sports bar. Then, we remember a legendary bar in San Francisco that was a home to the queer community.

Jun 17, 202527 min

Queer Power Hour Live! “Pride, Protest, & Punchlines”

Last week, KALW hosted a wild night of fun and laughter at our event space in Downtown San Francisco. It was a live episode of our show, Queer Power Hour, and the theme was “Pride, Protest, & Punchlines.” In this excerpt we bring you the comedic stylings of Natasha Muse .

Jun 16, 202514 min

New Arrivals: Nature

Here are some readings from our series New Arrivals, a pocket-sized book tour with Bay Area authors. Today we’re featuring stories that explore nature, and the way people are part of it.

Jun 16, 20254 min

SHOW: Preparing For The Unknown

Today, what Medicaid access means in one local community. Then, impacts of climate change through short stories. And, a poem to remind us of the Bay/LA connection.

Jun 12, 202527 min

Bay Poets: 'Pochequis Christ' by poets soledad con carne

Here's a segment from our series, Bay Poets. This one reminds us how Bay Area communities are intertwined with our family and friends in Los Angeles. Poet soledad con carne gives us a vision in the form of a poem with their piece “Pochequis Christ.”

Jun 12, 20252 min

Book It: Short stories explore the personal impacts of climate change

Here’s an episode of BOOK IT. Our author interview series hosted by KALW’s Angie Coiro. Today, we’re bringing you one of our favorite episodes. In it, Nina Schuyler discusses her debut book, “In This Ravishing World.” It’s a collection of interconnected short stories about the personal impacts of climate change.

Jun 12, 202514 min

Sights + Sounds: SNJV hosts "Booked & Beautiful"

" Booked & Beautiful " is a talk show at the San Francisco Main Public Library. The show features on-stage conversations with influencers from the local LGBTQ+ community with live performances and audience participation. Artist SNJV is the host. He is known for combining dance, drag, culture and drama to his performances.

Jun 11, 202510 min

Queer Surf: From the bars to the beach

(A Crosscurrents Replay!) Bay Area beaches are nestled into the city and along cliff sides. Northern California waves are cold and wild. Two Bay Area surfers are taking hold of that wildness and the possibilities it opens up.

Jun 11, 202510 min

New Arrivals: Memoirs

Here are some readings from our series New Arrivals, a pocket-sized book tour with Bay Area authors. Today we’re featuring stories that come from lived experience.

Jun 11, 20255 min

SHOW: Speaking Up In Hard Times

Today, Bay Area advocates are responding to increased threats to queer rights. An update on the A’s troubled move to Las Vegas. And, a poem on speaking up in hard times.

Jun 10, 202527 min
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