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.
Today, we visit a pop-up museum dedicated to San Francisco’s Cliff House and take a look back at the iconic attractions at Land’s End. Then, a third-generation Japanese woman uses art to tell her family’s story of incarceration during World War II. Followed by a reading from Palo Alto author Joanna Ho. And, today's local music features "Thank You Come Again."
Today, we hear how surprise letters during the pandemic changed everything for a family divided. How getting mail helped with the isolation of lockdowns in prison. The power of the written word - on an all new episode of Uncuffed.
Today, we learn how a historic theater in Oakland gets a new lease on life through cannabis. We take a trip to Ivy Hill Cannabis. Then, an author opens up about the adventures and mistakes of her youth. And, we hear a reading about the history of stand-up comedy in the Bay Area from Oakland author Nina G. And todays local music features San Francisco's Cindy.
Today, we take a stroll through the neighborhood of rock and roll icon Jerry Garcia. Get ready for a long, strange trip. Then, we hear from professional wrestler Bambina on queer representation inside the ring. Also, we listen to a reading from Sacramento author Shelley Blanton-Stroud. And todays local music features Healing Potpourri.
Today, we hear how Emeryville is building an affordable housing project for two underserved social groups, senior citizens and foster youth. Then, we listen as a Bay Area photographer’s recounts his experience covering the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis. Followed by a reading from San Francisco author, Ingrid Rojas Contreras. And, today's local music features John R. Burr.
Today, we hear how one San Francisco woman uses fashion to express her love for Disney and bring joy to others, we are Disney bound. Then, we’ll head to Japantown to check out an anime & cosplay festival. And, we listen to a reading from San Francisco author Judith Berlowitz.
Today, we hear about an exhibit featuring garments by renowned Chinese designer Guo Pei. When East meets West and fashion meets fantasy. Then, we’ll visit a restaurant in conservative rural California that relies on Bay Area diners. And, we’ll listen to a reading from a San Francisco author Kirstin Chen.
Last week, San Francisco became the first major American city to declare a public health emergency for monkeypox, evoking fears of a previous epidemic from almost 40 years ago. Today, we speak with an expert on infectious disease about reducing the spread of monkeypox in the Bay Area. Then, we hear the history behind the United Farm Workers, the rise of the union founded by Cesar Chavez and its fall, as one historian describes it. And, we’ll listen to a reading from West Marin author Barbara Gra...
In June 2020, San Quentin had one of the biggest COVID-19 outbreaks in a California prison. 2,000 incarcerated people were infected, and 29 died. Two cellmates recount what it was like during that devastating time.
Today, we take a peek into Maya Songbird’s world in Oakland’s very own Magic Shop. Join us as we step through a portal on Peralta St. Then, we find out why gamers are still devoted to a nearly 30 year old fantasy game. And, we’ll hear a reading from San Francisco author Kimberly Unger.
Today, we hear how the Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland saw a huge uptick in visitors during the pandemic. We'll meet the volunteers who maintained the garden despite the difficulties of the past two years. Then, we hear about the first American theater company devoted to the Middle East. And, we listen to a reading from Oakland author Alec Scott.
Today, we meet the Oakland parents fighting to keep their neighborhood school open. Class remains in session at Parker Community School. Then, we hear from Reveal’s Melissa Lewis, about how for the unhoused, encounters with the police are often problematic. And, we listen to a reading from Stanford Medical School professor, Dr. Anna Lembke.
At San Quentin, Nate McKinney got what he's been dreaming about for decades: parole. Nate and the hosts of the KALW podcast Uncuffed talk about what it’s like to spend your life hoping to be free. Their conversation first aired in November and earlier this summer, it took first place as the Best Interview Podcast, in the 2022 Public Media Journalism Awards. So to celebrate, we’re giving it another listen.
Today, we hear how San Francisco artist Huib Peterson connects his neighbors through his crocheted creations. We explore the science of happiness and helping. Then, we get a deeper understanding about the psychological link between them. And, we hear a reading from Santa Rosa author Heather Chavez.
Today we learn how an endangered species of salmon is finally getting help after 80 years. The fight of the Winnemem Wintu people to return salmon to their homelands. Then we hear how a fire at an encampment in West Oakland brought firefighters to the scene for the 90th time in a year. And, we’ll hear a reading from a San Bruno author.
The California Gold Rush petered out in the mid 1800s, but it never quite ended. Today, we meet modern-day gold miners in a story from our series @WORK. Then, ballet dancer Roberto Vega Ortiz creates a space for male and non binary artists to perform en pointe. And, we hear a reading from a local author's memoir.
California is losing its underwater kelp forests.In this special documentary from KPFA, we learn why this is happening, and meet the scientists working to change the tide.
Today, we ask how can people better understand each other in a charged political environment? We'll hear about new research on the matter from UC Berkeley. Then, the actress and comedian Luenell tells us about the career dream she’s working to make reality. Her journey from Oakland to Hollywood. And, we'll hear from three local authors as they read from their books of nonfiction.
Muppet performer Dave Goelz tells us what it was like to work in the creative world of the late Jim Henson. Then, three local authors read from their memoirs: Rachel Michelberg, Melissa Harris, and Kristin Keane.
Today, we are going to hear what it’s like being a medic at a favorite summer destination, Great America. Then, we speak with author Judy Juanita about joining the Black Panther Party in the 60s. And, we’ll hear readings from three San Francisco authors: Beth Winegarner, Virgie Tovar, and Jodi Klein.
Today, we learn about lowrider bikes and the way one bike club is working to change the perception of lowrider culture in Northern California. Then, we hear from an activist who created a space for queer arts to be a form of wellness. And, we listen to readings from three local authors: Vanessa Hua, Angela Terry, and Charlie Jane Anders.
Today, we meet an artist who takes ordinary objects and experiences and reimagines them to find new meaning. We speak with Multi-media artist, Robin David. Then, we talk to Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife, who recently led a campaign to cap the annual increase on rents in rent-controlled buildings. And, we listen to three Bay Area authors read from books for and about young people.
Pride March is one of the biggest events in San Francisco, but after all is said and done, who cleans everything up? Today, we hear about the delicate balancing act of cleaning confetti and glitter. Then, what happens when you sing a song with toxic lyrics on repeat for three days straight? And, we’ll listen to a reading from Oakland author Faith Kramer.
The Warriors just won their fourth NBA title in eight years – we hear from the man who coached them to their first title here back in 1975, former Warriors head coach Al Attles. And, Bay Area authors Evelyn LaTorre, Masha Rumer and Loren Rhoads read from their memoirs in a literary collection from our podcast, New Arrivals.
Today, we hear the story of how a burrito sparked a special connection between two Bay Area comedians. It’s a new installment of Into The Fold with Kristee Ono. Then, we will go to a half century old San Francisco establishment that uses sound for healing. And, we will hear a reading from Pacifica author Toni Mirosevich.
Today, we are going to talk about slavery, maybe what comes to mind is the American South- but California has a history of enslavement too. So why isn’t it better known? We’ll hear a story from California's history. Then, we speak with a dancer from Fairfield who shares her experience of competing on the reality show “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls.”
Today, we explore how California is making plans to become a sanctuary state for abortion access. We learn what California’s role will be if the Supreme Court overturns Roe V. Wade. Then, we hear how you can be a father, from inside prison, to a child whose voice you’ve never even heard. And, we’ll hear a reading from Oakland author Mitchell Schwarzer.
The Warriors are in the NBA finals — we’ll hear from a player slash poet who was on the team when they originally moved to the city 60 years ago: hometown hero Tom Meschery. Then, How one man left his finance job to become a magician for Silicon Valley's elite. And, we’ll hear from a San Jose author.
Today, we hear about the challenges native tribes face when they apply for federal recognition. Then, we talk to Oakland muralist Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith about how she turns large, blank walls into art that tells a story. And, Oakland author Mac Barnett reads from his new children’s book.
Today, we learn about what happens when a park is constructed on stolen land. What the history of one East Bay park can tell us about borders, access, and equity. Then we speak with writer and performer Baruch Porras-Hernandez about body positivity and being queer. And, we’ll hear a reading from San Mateo author Lee Kravetz.
