Total SF artwork

Total SF

346 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 282 ratings

A San Francisco culture podcast featuring celebrity guests, non-celebrity guests, personalities from the San Francisco Chronicle and a celebration of Bay Area life. Hosted by culture critic Peter Hartlaub and columnist Heather Knight and recorded on the streets, hilltops, parks and landmarks of San Francisco. The pair's focus on the whimsy and wonder of San Francisco began in 2018 when they rode every bus, train, cable car and street car in the city in one day. They believe in highlighting the eccentric characters, independent bookstores, burger joints and bars that make the bay so great.

TV & Film Society & Culture
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Episodes

"The Princess Diaries" - SF Cinema GOAT with Kevin Fagan and Tony Bravo

December 13, 2018 12:00 - 43 minutes

In Episode 52 of The Big Event, host Peter Hartlaub is joined by San Francisco Chronicle reporter Kevin Fagan and Style reporter Tony Bravo to pay tribute to "The Princess Diaries." The 2001 film, set in San Francisco, features Anne Hathaway as an awkward girl who finds out she's a princess - and Julie Andrews as her grandmother and queen. The Garry Marshall film was not embraced by critics, but Bravo, Fagan and Hartlaub make an argument it's an excellent S.F. film, and worthy of S.F. Cinema ...

Barry Jenkins interview - "If Beale Street Could Talk"

December 10, 2018 12:00 - 31 minutes

In Episode 51 of The Big Event, "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk" director Barry Jenkins comes to the San Francisco Chronicle to speak with host Peter Hartlaub about his new movie - and the eight years he spent living in San Francisco. Jenkins worked in telemarketing before making "Medicine for Melancholy," his debut film shot in San Francisco. After a Best Picture Academy Award win for "Moonlight" in 2017, "Beale Street" is getting strong awards season acclaim. Produced by Peter H...

Leslie Sbrocco interview - "Check, Please! Bay Area"

November 20, 2018 12:00 - 40 minutes

In Episode 50 of The Big Event, "Check, Please! Bay Area" host Leslie Sbrocco joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the show's origins, why they ply guests with wine before a show, her sparkling wine-themed tattoo and the new "Check, Please! Bay Area Kids" four-part special. The KQED show is in the middle of its 13th season. Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....

Total SF: Cable car gripman Val Lupiz interview

November 16, 2018 12:00 - 30 minutes

In Episode 49 of The Big Event, host Peter Hartlaub and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight are joined by their cable car friends from Total Muni 2018 - Val Lupiz, Jeremy Whiteman and Frank Zepeda. Peter and Heather announce their latest Total SF project, sponsoring an S.F. cable car for a charity event. And they interview Lupiz, a 20-year gripman who met his wife on a cable car, and has other fun stories.  Produced by Peter Hartlaub.  Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks...

Jerry Rice interview - "In Search of Greatness"

November 02, 2018 11:00 - 28 minutes

Episode 48 of The Big Event is an interview with San Francisco 49ers great Jerry Rice, who appears in the new documentary "In Search of Greatness." The wide receiver talks to host Peter Hartlaub about the little things that set him apart, his "nerdy" childhood and the reason why he decided not to celebrate in the end zone. They also look through the San Francisco Chronicle "Jerry Rice" photo file, and Rice tells stories about his first trip into San Francisco to be introduced as a 49er - also...

Burrito Stories: An afternoon of S.F. burrito history and storytelling

October 31, 2018 11:01 - 36 minutes

Episode 47 of The Big Event is a discussion of burritos in San Francisco, including the history of the Mission-style burrito, discussions about Chipotle and the Pacifica Taco Bell - the most beautiful Taco Bell in the world. Host Peter Hartlaub welcomes San Francisco Chronicle food editor Paolo Lucchesi and editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper to discuss the best burritos they've ever eaten, and burrito etiquette. Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks on ...

Rami Malek interview: "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Malek, Joseph Mazzello and Gwilym Lee

October 24, 2018 11:01 - 30 minutes

Episode 46 of The Big Event features "Bohemian Rhapsody" stars Rami Malek, Joseph Mazzello and Gwilym Lee drop by The Big Event archive studio to talk about what it was like to play Freddie Mercury, Brian May and John Deacon in the new biopic. They also talk with host Peter Hartlaub about California earthquakesm the 1985 Live Aid concert and make a dramatic reading of the San Francisco Chronicle's scathing first Queen reviews from 1976 and 1980. Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle basemen...

Total SF: Night of the Living Deadline Halloween Challenge

October 03, 2018 11:00 - 34 minutes

On the latest episode of "The Big Event," host Peter Hartlaub is joined by Tony Bravo, Heather Knight and Jill Tucker to talk about their best and worst Halloween costumes over the years - and discuss Night of the Living Deadline, a Chronicle costume build chosen by readers and executed by Chronicle staff. The group argues whether to include Laughing Sal, the Vaillancourt Fountain and Millennium Tower among the finalists. Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle’s basement archive. Theme music...

“Inside Out” – SF Cinema GOAT with Audrey Cooper and Heather Knight

September 28, 2018 10:30 - 37 minutes

Episode 43 of The Big Event podcast inducts “Inside Out” in the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time. Host Peter Hartlaub is joined by Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper and columnist Heather Knight, who talk about the subtle genius of the 2015 Pete Docter film, what it’s like to raise kids in San Francisco (where Riley moves to in “Inside Out”) and why this qualifies as one of the greatest S.F. films made. They also rank their favorite Pixar films, including … “Planes 2”?  Learn more about yo...

Total SF: Tourist traps we like, Part II

September 20, 2018 11:00 - 21 minutes

Episode 42 of The Big Event celebrates the best tourist traps in San Francisco, with reader feedback from our first episode, and a brutal rundown of our journey to Hard Rock Café at Pier 39 after the first tourist traps episode. Hosted by Peter Hartlaub. We also prepare for Sept. 26, which will be the first Tourist Trap Day in San Francisco, where readers and listeners are invited to visit their favorite S.F. tourist traps – or ones they’ve been wanting to check out. Peter and Heather Knight ...

Jan Yanehiro and Richard Hart interview – “Evening Magazine” tribute

September 17, 2018 11:05 - 55 minutes

Episode 41 of The Big Event podcast is a tribute to the original “Evening Magazine,” the innovative TV newsmagazine that began in 1976 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hosts Jan Yanehiro (1976 to 1990) and Richard Hart (1979 to 1989) worked together for a decade during the show’s original run, and continue as colleagues at the Academy of Art University, where Yanehiro is the director of the School of Communications & Media Technologies. While happily reminiscing about “Evening” (the parties wer...

Not dead yet ... The Big Event is back!

September 13, 2018 08:00 - 8 minutes

In a bonus episode of The Big Event, host Peter Hartlaub is happy to announce the podcast is back after our Apple Podcasts near-death experience, and ready to finish September strong. Heather Knight joins the conversation to talk about how her podcast City Insider benefited from the disaster, the triumphant return, and what’s up next on The Big Event. Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle’s basement archive. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks. Opening signature by ...

“The Joy Luck Club” tribute with Vanessa Hua

August 30, 2018 08:00 - 40 minutes

"A River of Stars" author Vanessa Hua joins host Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to induct "The Joy Luck Club" in the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Joy Luck Club” – SF Cinema GOAT with Vanessa Hua and Heather Knight

August 30, 2018 08:00 - 40 minutes

"A River of Stars" author Vanessa Hua joins host Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to induct "The Joy Luck Club" in the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bands We Follow – The Jam and Y&T, with Susan Slusser

August 23, 2018 08:00 - 46 minutes

Susan Slusser joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the bands they follow, including Paul Weller/The Jam and hard rock band Y&T. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Tourist traps we like, with Heather Knight and Paolo Lucchesi

August 16, 2018 08:00 - 45 minutes

San Francisco columnist Heather Knight and food editor Paolo Lucchesi join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the S.F. tourist traps they tolerate and even like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Proops interview – The Big Event flashback

July 26, 2018 08:00 - 57 minutes

Comedian Greg Proops joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk San Francisco comedy and Bay Area nostalgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Sister Act” – SF Cinema GOAT with Tony Bravo and Beth Spotswood

July 19, 2018 08:00 - 49 minutes

Tony Bravo and Beth Spotswood join host Peter Hartlaub to induct "Sister Act" into the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal interview

July 13, 2018 08:00 - 29 minutes

"Blindspotting" co-writers and stars Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the new film set in Oakland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bay Area drive-in tribute with Tony Bravo and Jill Tucker

July 05, 2018 08:00 - 42 minutes

Chronicle style reporter Tony Bravo and education reporter Jill Tucker join host Peter Hartlaub to pay tribute to drive-in movie culture in the Bay Area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boots Riley interview, with Lakeith Stanfield

June 28, 2018 08:00 - 33 minutes

"Sorry to Bother You" writer/director Boots Riley and actor Lakeith Stanfield join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the new film set in Oakland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Milk" - SF Cinema GOAT with Audrey Cooper and Heather Knight

June 21, 2018 08:00 - 47 minutes

Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight join host Peter Hartlaub to induct "Milk" into the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jello Biafra interview

June 13, 2018 08:00 - 57 minutes

Former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra joins host Peter Hartlaub and sports editor Al Saracevic to talk about his politics, sports, San Francisco and his upcoming 60th birthday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Durst interview

May 24, 2018 08:00 - 41 minutes

San Francisco comedians Will Durst and Debi Durst join host Peter Hartlaub and Chronicle columnist Heather Knight to talk comedy history, and why they still love San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alden Ehrenreich interview

May 04, 2018 08:00 - 21 minutes

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" actor Alden Ehrenreich joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about his role in the new movie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total Muni 2018, Part IV: Requiem for a Felton

May 03, 2018 08:00 - 49 minutes

Chronicle columnist Heather Knight joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about Total Muni 2018, their successful attempt to ride every Muni line in one day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total Muni 2018, Part III: "It's a Better Story if You Fail Miserably"

April 27, 2018 08:00 - 26 minutes

Chronicle columnist Heather Knight and photographer Jessica Christian join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about their attempt to ride every Muni line in one day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Henry Winkler interview

April 15, 2018 08:00 - 28 minutes

Actor Henry Winkler joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio to talk about his new show "Barry" on HBO, and take a trip down memory lane as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total Muni 2018, Part II: No turning back, and Lou Seal is coming

April 13, 2018 08:00 - 26 minutes

Chronicle columnist Heather Knight joins host Peter Hartlaub in The Big Event podcast studio to talk about their upcoming attempt to ride every Muni line in one day. A date has been set for April 30, 2018, and a final route is nearly complete. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SF Giants Opening Day in 1958

April 03, 2018 08:00 - 39 minutes

Chronicle librarian Bill Van Niekerken joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio to talk about the 1958 Opening Day for the San Francisco Giants, and answer reader questions about the archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SF Giants Opening Day in 1958 - Archives Live

April 03, 2018 08:00 - 39 minutes

Chronicle librarian Bill Van Niekerken joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio to talk about the 1958 Opening Day for the San Francisco Giants, and answer reader questions about the archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marine World tribute with Jill Tucker

March 08, 2018 09:00 - 43 minutes

Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about covering the 2017 Wine Country Fires, and then pay tribute to the 1970s/1980s amusement park Marine World Africa U.S.A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Peele interview

February 26, 2018 09:00 - 26 minutes

"Get Out" writer/director Jordan Peele joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the success of that movie, and his favorite San Francisco-based thrillers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry Baer interview; Total Muni 2018, Part I

February 23, 2018 09:00 - 38 minutes

San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer and Chronicle columnist Heather Knight join host Peter Hartlaub in The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Birds" - SF Cinema Greatest of All Time

February 19, 2018 09:00 - 42 minutes

San Francisco Chronicle style reporter Tony Bravo and Chronicle columnist/Alta Journal digital editor Beth Spotswood join host Peter Hartlaub in The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Photographing Warriors with Scott Strazzante and Carlos Avila Gonzalez

February 08, 2018 09:00 - 51 minutes

San Francisco Chronicle photographers Scott Strazzante and Carlos Avila Gonzalez join host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio in the Chronicle's basement archive, to talk about what it's like to photograph Warriors games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mo Willems interview

January 30, 2018 09:00 - 27 minutes

Children's book author Mo Willems joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Mrs. Doubtfire” - SF Cinema Greatest of All Time

January 25, 2018 09:00 - 54 minutes

San Francisco Chronicle style reporter Tony Bravo and columnist Beth Spotswood join host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

W. Kamau Bell interview

January 11, 2018 09:00 - 43 minutes

Comedian W. Kamau Bell of "United Shades of America" joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paula Poundstone interview

January 04, 2018 09:00 - 56 minutes

Comedian Paula Poundstone joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle basement archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best hangover destinations of the Bay Area

November 30, 2017 07:00 - 39 minutes

Our experts discuss what makes a good restaurant for hangover food, and where you should go in the Bay Area when you're hung over - or coming down after a hard night of drinking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Moneyball” - SF Cinema Greatest of All Time

November 29, 2017 05:43 - 48 minutes

The Big Event inducts "Moneyball" into the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time. San Francisco Chronicle A's beat writer Susan Slusser visits and talks about her experiences covering the team during the Moneyball years and filming of the movie. Peter Hartlaub talks about the backlash after giving "Moneyball" a lukewarm review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Bay Area story: The hardware store and the fire

November 29, 2017 00:36 - 7 minutes

Families lost nearly everything in the North Bay fires, but at a hardware store in Santa Rosa, remaining open despite a lack of power, gratitude and empathy prevail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronicle ranks the It’s Its

November 28, 2017 23:32 - 32 minutes

We rank the It's It ice cream sandwiches from best to worst, and talk about the legacy of the old school Bay Area company - which has added pumpkin spice and green tea flavors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Proops interview

November 28, 2017 23:12 - 57 minutes

Comedian Greg Proops joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Zodiac" - SF Cinema Greatest of All Time

November 17, 2017 22:12 - 37 minutes

The Big Event inducts David Fincher's 2007 movie "Zodiac" into the podcast's SF Cinema greatest of all time hall of fame. San Francisco Chronicle pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub is joined by Chronicle Zodiac death writer Kevin Fagan and columnist Beth Spotswood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guests

Adam Savage
2 Episodes
Michael Pritchard
2 Episodes
Jesse Thorn
1 Episode
John King
1 Episode

Books

The Joy Luck Club
1 Episode

Twitter Mentions

@paulg 3 Episodes
@peterhartlaub 1 Episode
@hknightsf 1 Episode
@herbcaendaily 1 Episode
@cintialopez916 1 Episode
@laurawenus 1 Episode