Crosscurrents
853 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 46 ratingsCrosscurrents 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
Poet Sarah Fathima Mohammed / The Stoop: Pious And Pleasured / New Arrivals
September 05, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn this episode we speak with nationally recognized poet, Sarah Fathima Mohammed. She shares how the women in her life inspire her work and how she found her voice through poetry. Then, in an excerpt from The Stoop podcast, we hear from a wellness educator who says female sexual pleasure is a neglected part of Muslim teachings. And, a reading from Cloverdale author Vince Montague.
KALW Day: 82 Years on the Air
August 31, 2023 16:59 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBTomorrow our station turns 82 years old — happy birthday KALW! We’re one of the oldest FM stations in the country and the very first one west of the Mississippi. So, we're going to take a moment to look back at what we've accomplished and look forward to where we want to go from here.
Disability System Accountability / Investigative Journalism / Disco Tour
August 30, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBIn this episode, we hear how a new state bill can bring more accountability to California’s developmental disability system. Then, one of San Quentin’s award-winning reporters talks about his investigative journalism career. And, a walking tour honors a San Francisco queer and disco icon. Plus we get an update on new COVID-19 variants.
Former disability group home admin accuses parent company of abuse, mismanagement
August 29, 2023 16:16 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBOur investigation deepens when an administrator at Katrina’s group home comes forward. She discloses disturbing details about resident mistreatment, and describes a facility — and company — in disarray.
Investigation Uncovers Abuse of Nonverbal Autistic Woman in 'Enhanced' California Group Home
August 28, 2023 16:17 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBA group home employee reaches out to the family of a nonverbal autistic woman with evidence of abuse. We investigate their allegations and discover a residential facility that was cited over and over but allowed to continue operating.
tbh: Activating Teen Voters / New Arrivals: Anita Gail Jones
August 24, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBGen Z is known for being one of the most politically active generations, but their turnout at the polls still lags behind previous generations. What’s behind the low numbers? We hear it directly from teenagers in an episode from the KALW original podcast, tbh. Then, Novato author Anita Gail Jones reads from her latest novel.
tbh: Climate Apocalypse Fatigue / New Arrivals: Jane Kuo
August 23, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBClimate change is scary and it's even scarier for teenagers who feel like it’s up to their generation to fix it. In an episode from the KALW original podcast tbh, teenagers tackle climate anxiety and action. Then, a reading from San Carlos author Jane Kuo. Plus, our local music segment spotlights Decant. They’re playing at Berkeley Art Gallery this Friday.
tbh: Losing A Classmate To Fentanyl / Activism From Grief
August 22, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn this episode, we hear how students honored the life of a classmate who died from a fentanyl overdose. A story of student journalism making an impact in the fourth episode from the new season of our podcast, tbh. Then, we hear how the family of a man who was killed by police in 2017 carries on his legacy.
tbh: Wellness Centers / How Texas Is Approaching Homelessness
August 21, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we meet recent Independence High School graduate, Jamareion Adrow. He was guided through high school with the help of his school's wellness center. Now, he's advocating for better resources and encouraging his peers to do the same. Then, we hear how California officials have been visiting Texas to get advice on how to deal with homelessness.
tbh: AI, Art, & Jobs
August 17, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBIn the second episode of tbh, we explore the effect of AI on creative fields. In the wake of new technologies, how are visual artists feeling about how AI can or should be used? Listen to tbh to hear Santa Clara High School senior, Theodore Nguyen, tell his story.
tbh: Is ChatGPT A Toy? A Tool? A Threat? Or Something Else?
August 16, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn the first episode of tbh's new season, we hear from Berkeley High school junior, Miriam Reichenberg. She is thinking a lot about how students are engaging with ChatGPT and also returning to older forms of technology in hopes of sparking their creativity. We'll get to hear what Gen Z thanks about the future of AI and what it means for them.
Reckoning With Our Past / A Journey To Live Freely
August 15, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn this episode, we hear from people who have returned home from prison. It’s three stories from our Uncuffed re-entry class about how reckoning with the past can make you proud of who you are today. Then, in honor of Transgender history month, a conversation with Anjali Rimi about being transgender and an immigrant, and finding community in San Francisco.
In Harm's Way Pt. 4 / San Francisco's Songs / Casting Pools
August 03, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we hear how students preparing for careers in addiction support also learn how to take care of themselves. Then, we discover the surprising history behind why San Francisco's has two official songs. And, we go to a place where amateurs and pros learn to cast a line. Plus, our local music segment features Marin group Ray and Paul Holmberg.
Shakespeare Garden / Rose Garden / Spreckels Lake
August 02, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we take a tour on our Golden Gate Parkcast. We begin by exploring a place of quiet, relaxation, and literature. Then, we head on over to one of the best-smelling gardens in San Francisco. And finally, we get the wind in our sails at Spreckels Lake. Plus, our featured local music today is Canyon from San Francisco. They're playing at Baltic Kiss in Richmond this Saturday.
A Mother's Hustle / Golden Gate Park Band / High School Band Practice
August 01, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn today's show, two men share how they grew up watching their mother’s hustle. We’ll hear about their childhoods and what they want for their own kids in this new story from Uncuffed. Then, San Francisco author Jilanne Hoffmann reads from her new environmental children’s book. And, we’ll listen to the stories and music of two Bay Area bands.
Field Of Dreams / Music Without Borders / Lindy In The Park
July 31, 2023 16:27 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn today's show, we hear a new story from the Uncuffed team. It's about how reconnecting with a sport changed a person's life. Then, we have a conversation with a bilingual musician, who uses her craft to erase borders. Plus, we put our dancing shoes on and head to Golden Gate Park. With local music from Oakland's Hook-Ups.
In Harm's Way Pt. 3 / Nairobi Williese Barnes / Tunnel Jazz
July 27, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we hear how providers fighting the high rate of drug overdoses in San Francisco are facing staffing shortages. It’s the third installment of the new series 'In Harm's Way: Workers Battle the Overdose Crisis.' Then, a conversation with Oakland’s new Youth Poet Laureate. And, we find a jazz scene in an unlikely place.
Asian Underworlds / Conservatory Of Flowers / New Arrivals
July 26, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBToday, we hear about a San Francisco exhibit that explores how hell is perceived and represented in Asian cultures. It's a conversation on the art of Asian underworlds. Then, we start our tour of San Francisco’s largest public park. The first stop? The Conservatory Of Flowers. And, we listen to a reading from San Francisco author Sarah Ladipo Manyika.
SFMTA's Future / San Quentin Marathon / Every Road In San Jose
July 25, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBSan Francisco’s public transit is still recovering, but a better future might be just a few stops down the line. Today, a conversation with the director of the SFMTA. Then, we’ll hear about how running a marathon inside prison can be life changing. And, we’ll tour Northern California’s biggest city with the guy who ran every road in town. Plus a reading from San Francisco author, Ann Jacobus.
Untrammeled: How a plan to replant giant sequoias unearths questions about the meaning of wilderness
July 24, 2023 18:46 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, park managers are considering replanting sequoias in wilderness to restore the groves after severe fires they say humans caused. But some environmentalists say this goes against the very definition of wilderness. The debate raises questions about how we think about wilderness in a changing planet.
In Harm's Way Pt. 2 / Unfaithful (Re)creations / New Arrivals
July 20, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we meet a group of punks bring life saving supplies to the community, even as funding comes and goes. We bring you part two in our new series, "In Harm's Way: Workers Battle the Overdose Crisis." Then, we learn why a South Asian designer dresses as California flowers. And, we hear a reading from Berkeley author, Linda Joy Myers.
Hill Bomb Crackdown / Tommy Guerrero / New Arrivals: Nina Schulyer
July 19, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBRecently, more than a hundred people were arrested at San Francisco’s unsanctioned skate exhibit, the Dolores Park Hill Bomb. Today, we follow that story with a conversation about police action in the Mission district. Then, we meet a local skating legend who finds rhythm on the skateboard and on the bass. And, a reading from San Anselmo author Nina Schuyler.
Refugee Eyes / The Great Animal Orchestra / New Arrivals
July 18, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we meet a Palestinian photographer who uses her art to help change the narrative about her home, and why it matters to see the world through the eyes of a refugee. Then, we meet a man who’s dedicated his life to recording the sounds of California... and beyond. And, we'll hear a reading from a San Francisco author.
The Hood Cobbler / The Empathy Circuit / New Arrivals
July 17, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn today's show, learn about the art and science of clean kicks. We meet Oakland resident Austin Brown, who's found his true passion as the Hood Cobbler. Then, we talk to actor Josh Kornbluth to learn about a show that asks if empathy can bridge the divisions in our society. And, we head to the mountains for a reading from a San Francisco author.
In Harm's Way / Streets & Sanitation / New Arrivals: Christy Warren
July 13, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBOn today's episode, a new series premieres. ‘In Harm’s Way: Workers Battle the Overdose Crisis’ reports on how the closure of San Francisco's Tenderloin Linkage Center impacted those it served. Then, former first responder Christy Warren reads from her new memoir, 'Flash Point.' And, we talk about litter with the city's street cleaning bureau.
Manny's Disco Cleanup / Trash to Art / The Dirt on Dolores Park
July 12, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn today's show, we join a Sunday ritual focused on clean streets and good beats. Get down... and a little dirty at Manny's Disco Cleanup. Then, a story about an artist inspired to beautify East Bay streets using a surprising medium. And, we learn about the litter problem in Dolores Park and what it takes to keep the iconic landmark clean and safe for residents.
Refusing Refuse / Cultivating Quesada Street / New Arrivals
July 11, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we meet marketer-turned-civic-activist Vincent Yuen. He's on a mission to make San Francisco more beautiful... and to stop people from littering its streets. Then, we learn about how neighbors on Bayview's Quesada Street planted seeds of beauty and community on their block. And, we hear a reading from local poet Judy Wells.
Using Drones To Tackle Trash / No Coal In Oakland / New Arrivals
July 10, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn today's episode, we learn about how drones can provide a new perspective on the things we see everyday. Meet the San Francisco residents using these machines to help clean up their streets. Then, a pastor in Oakland fights back against a developer with plans to build a coal export terminal in the city. And, a reading from a local author.
Groundwater Rise / Planning Non-Traditional Weddings / New Arrivals
July 06, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn today's episode, we learn about an underground threat to Bay Area cities and beyond. A new study warning about groundwater rise and why our current mitigation methods may not be enough. Then, we hear about a business thats shaking up the wedding industry and redefining tradition for a new generation of couples. And, a reading from a local author.
Madison McFerrin / Lester and Dylan Chambers / New Arrivals
July 05, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we hear singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin talk about her San Francisco roots, musical influences, and journey. Then, we hear from another musical family — father and son psychedelic rock duo Lester and Dylan Chambers talk about their bond, struggles and the power of music. And, we hear a reading from a Bay Area poet.
Standout / Antioch Police Scandal / Restorative Justice
July 03, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we hear a new story from Uncuffed about a born athlete who was destined for football greatness... until a serious injury changed his path. Then, an interview about the Antioch Police Department facing allegations of corruption, police brutality, and racism. And, we learn about an early effort to bring restorative justice to an East Bay high school.
Sports Standout / Antioch Police Scandal / Restorative Justice
July 03, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we hear a new story from Uncuffed about a born athlete who was destined for football greatness... until a serious injury changed his path. Then, an interview about the Antioch Police Department facing allegations of corruption, police brutality, and racism. And, we learn about an early effort to bring restorative justice to an East Bay high school.
Home Baked: How pot brownies brought relief during the AIDS epidemic
June 29, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBFor Pride month KALW has been airing stories that explore and celebrate the Bay Area’s queer culture. But today, we’re going back a few decades to a more difficult time when AIDS was destroying the community. We hear the story of one baker who became an unexpected caregiver during this time, and brought relief to those who were suffering.
Teatro Jornalero / Uncuffed: Hole in the Heart
June 28, 2023 17:02 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBIn today's episode, we explore the healing art of storytelling. First, we take a trip to the theater to learn about how Oakland day laborers are taking their stories to the stage, as a way to find freedom and belonging. Then, we hear a new piece from Uncuffed. It's a story about two life long lovers, and how even prison couldn’t keep them apart.
tbh: The Dirty Truth About The 'Clean Girl' Aesthetic / New Arrivals
June 27, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBLast week KALW took home three awards from the Public Media Journalists Association. Today we’re re-airing one of those stories — a winner in the Student Narrative Podcast category. It's the story on the “Clean Girl Movement.” We unpack its problems, and get the dirty truth. And, a reading from local author Ginny Kubitz Moyer.
Parker Community School / Oakland Couple Saves Star Trek / New Arrivals
June 26, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we meet the Oakland parents who fought to keep their neighborhood school from closing last year — the story behind the Parker Community School. Then, we hear how a letter-writing campaign saved a beloved science fiction series. And, we’ll listen to a reading from Oakland author Rita Chang-Eppig.
Drag Queen Story Hour / Queer Superheroes / The Parade After Pride
June 22, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we hear about how San Francisco’s Drag Queens are taking their show to a different kind of stage — local libraries. We take you behind the scenes of Drag Story Hour. Then, we speak with an illustrator who is reimagining queer icons as superheroes. And, we learn about what it takes to clean up after Pride weekend.
SF Gay Men's Chorus / Radically Fit / Queer Wrestling
June 21, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we explore the story behind a sound that serves as a national symbol for LGBTQ+ resistance. Dive into the history of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Then, we’ll visit a space in Oakland where queer people of color are getting radically fit. And, professional wrestler Bambina talks about queer representation inside the ring.
Uncuffed Playlist
June 20, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBThe Uncuffed Playlist is the newest prison training program from KALW. It is the first music radio show in the state to be hosted by incarcerated people and available to the public. Participants in this program make an hour-long playlist of their favorite songs and tell stories about how those songs have shaped their lives.
Mother's Of The Movement / Bayview's New Farmer's Market
June 19, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we hear from Black women whose children were killed — often because of failures in our law-enforcement system. We bring you powerful conversations from the Kehinde Wiley exhibit "An Archaeology of Silence" — currently at the de Young museum. Then, we learn about a new Bayview farmer’s market featuring Black owned businesses.
California Foodways: Farming With Ghosts / New Arrivals: Reyna Grande
June 15, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we are taking you Masumoto’s Family Farm is well known — their produce stocks the shelves of popular Bay Area grocers, like San Francisco’s Bi Rite Market and Berkeley Bowl. Less known is the family history of the third generation farmer David Mas Masumoto. And, we hear a reading from Woodland author Reyna Grande.
Cannabis Equity / The Cost Of Selling Marijuana
June 14, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday, we hear how the nation’s first cannabis equity program has failed some East Bay businesses, and we learn how the City of Oakland might be able to help. Then, we explore how much it costs to launch a cannabis venture in the Bay Area, anyway. Plus, listen to local music from the Oakland band Van Goat.
Urban Creeks / Dropping Audubon / New Arrivals
June 13, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBToday, we take a trip to East Bay's Codornices Creek. We learn about the different reasons why people are drawn to it and what it takes to restore and maintain an urban waterway. Then, we learn why the Golden Gate chapter of the Audubon Society is dropping the Audubon name. And, we’ll listen to a reading from San Francisco author Lynne Twist.
Trans Aerialist / Sunday Skool / Dance Like The World is Ending
June 12, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBToday's show is about finding ourselves and our people. First, we speak with a trans-aerialist who explains how his art allows him to connect to his body. It's a conversation about movement, freedom and creativity. Then, we take a class that gets queer bodies moving. And, we hear from a queer country singer.
Developing Young Filmmakers / Hip Hop Hope / San Francisco Reparations
June 08, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBIn Oakland, there's one group that's helping young people of color tell diverse stories. Today, we hear how some teens are getting hands-on experience making movies. Then, we learn how rap can get kids hooked on school. And, we get an update on San Francisco’s reparations task force. Plus we hear readings from local writers.
The Kitchen Sisters: House Full Of Black Women — Chapter 2
June 07, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBFor some eight years now, 34 Black women from the Bay Area have gathered monthly around a big dining room table in Oakland. Together, they use art to address issues plaguing their community. Today, we bring you part two of their story, House Full of Black Women, from our friends at the Kitchen sisters. Plus, we have readings from local poets.
The Kitchen Sisters: House/Full Of Blackwomen — Chapter 2
June 07, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBFor some eight years now, 34 Black women from the Bay Area have gathered monthly around a big dining room table in Oakland. Together, they use art to address issues plaguing their community. Today, we bring you part two of their story, House Full of Black Women, from our friends at the Kitchen sisters. Plus, we have readings from local poets.
The Kitchen Sisters: House Full Of Black Women — Chapter 1
June 06, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBFor some 8 years now, thirty-four Black women from the Bay Area — artists, scholars, midwives, nurses, an architect, an ice cream maker, a theater director, a choreographer, musicians, a donut maker, educators, sex trafficking abolitionists and survivors have gathered monthly around a big dining room table in Oakland, California. Together, they use theater, dance and ritual to address issues plaguing their community.
The Kitchen Sisters: House/Full Of Blackwomen — Chapter 1
June 06, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBFor some eight years now, 34 Black women from the Bay Area — artists, scholars, midwives, nurses, an architect, an ice cream maker, a theater director, musicians, educators, a choreographer, donut maker, sex trafficking abolitionists and survivors have gathered monthly around a big dining room table in Oakland, California. They use theater, dance and ritual to address issues plaguing their community.
The Kitchen Sisters: A Civic Gathering Place
June 05, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBIn this episode, we are going to visit a place that hosts community forums and debates on everything from political candidates to the city's trash can design. Come with us as we head over to San Francisco's Mission district to visit Manny's, a space for civic gathering in this special episode from our friends — the Kitchen Sisters.