The Upshot

The Upshot•www.theupshotpod.com

Arts

A podcast about the stories behind the print. Hosted by Leah Rose and produced by Justin Richmond. www.theupshotPOD.com

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Episodes

Weed Tourism: Chris Colin on his story "The Eden of Weed"

Leah Rose talks to Chris Colin about his story “The Eden of Weed” from San Francisco Magazine's April 2016 issue. In his story Chris gets high and takes a trip to the Solar Living Center in Mendocino county, California. The Solar Living Center is an ecological-Epcot Center that was created by an enterprising environmentalist named John Schaeffer whose been at the forefront of the back-to-the-land movement since the 1970s. Last year Schaeffer updated the Solar Living Center by building a marijuan...

Mar 17, 2016•15 min

Teen Suicide: Diana Kapp on her story "Why Are Palo Alto's Kids Killing Themselves?"

Diana Kapp's story from the June issue of San Francisco Magazine focuses on two recent clusters of suicides among high school kids in Palo Alto, a largely affluent city that many believe encourages a culture of fierce competition and stifling academic pressure. Diana investigates why eight teenagers over the past 5 years have killed themselves and tries to pin down the various theories as to why. Some people believe suicide can become a trend, and a way to gain distinction in a cut throat enviro...

May 13, 2015•15 min

Worker's Rights: Lauren Smiley on "What Strippers Can Teach Uber.”

In her latest piece for Medium's online magazine Matter, "What Strippers Can Teach Uber," writer Lauren Smiley investigates the circumstances behind a class-action lawsuit against Uber, Lyft, and other on-demand tech companies. Lauren's story details how a $40 billion company like Uber may be exploiting its workers through legal loopholes, and how one lawyer is fighting to get those workers the rights they deserve.

May 04, 2015•23 min

Hate Crime: Dashka Slater on "The Fire on the 57 Bus in Oakland."

Writer Dashka Slater sits with host Leah Rose to discuss her story "The Fire on the 57 Bus in Oakland." Slater's story is about an agender teenager named Sasha who was set on fire while riding a public bus home from school in November of 2013. In her story, Slater also profiles Richard Thomas, the 16-year-old who set Sasha on fire. The result is a well rounded portrait of two young men who were forever changed after that day.

Apr 20, 2015•28 min

Gentrification: Andrew Leonard on the future of San Francisco's Chinatown

Host Leah Rose sits with Andrew Leonard to discuss his piece "Long Live the Empress" from the April 2015 issue of San Francisco Magazine. Andrew’s story takes a look at how the closure of an iconic Chinese restaurant and banquet hall called the Empress of China may be a sign that San Francisco’s Chinatown is on the brink of serious social and cultural change.

Apr 06, 2015•14 min

Orgasmic Meditation: Robin Rinaldi on her story "Love in the Time of Plethora"

Host Leah Rose sits with writer Robin Rinaldi to discuss her personal essay, "Love in the Time of Plethora" from the February 2015 issue of San Francisco Magazine. Robin's essay explores her time spent living in San Francisco where she ended her marriage, lived in an orgasmic commune, and eventually found the passion she longed for.

Mar 12, 2015•23 min

Psychedelic Cure: Michael Pollan on his story "The Trip Treatment"

Michael Pollan, the award winning food and agriculture writer, sits with host Leah Rose to discuss his latest piece "The Trip Treatment" from the February 9, 2015 issue of The New Yorker. Pollan's article takes a comprehensive look at the renaissance of psychedelic research and the doctors who are currently giving high doses of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, to people who are dying of cancer and battling addiction.

Feb 28, 2015•25 min

Homelessness: Gary Kamiya on his story "The Outsiders"

San Francisco Magazine's executive editor Gary Kamiya sits with host Leah Rose to discuss his new piece "The Outsiders" from the March issue of San Francisco Magazine. Gary’s story looks at homelessness in San Francisco, a 30 year-old problem that he says has been both chronic and humiliating. Homeless people have become signifiers of the city by the bay along with the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars. “The Outsiders” examines how we often treat homeless people and what the city of San Francisc...

Feb 22, 2015•17 min

Polyamory: Julia Scott on her story "Poly Love"

Host Leah Rose talks with Julia Scott to talk about her article "Poly Love" from the February 2015 issue of San Francisco Magazine. Julia’s article looks at the group dynamics of polyamorous relationships and profiles married couples who manage to openly maintain relationships with outside partners, as well as people who are committed to multiple people at the same time. As if keeping up with one partner wasn’t hard enough, you can imagine, polyamorous relationships can get a little messy. Their...

Jan 20, 2015•18 min

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