Crosscurrents

Malcolm X was often called a polarizing figure. But to one Egyptian diplomat he was a friend. Today, we hear about the friendship which helped lead to the late leader’s spiritual and political transformation. Then, we’ll hear the story of one man and the powerful draw of Islam in prison.

Today, we hear from the daughter of Betty Reid Soskin — the iconic 102-year-old park ranger. She shares a story about a different part of her mother's life many of us may not know about — her time as a singer. Then, how one group is working to keep Richmond’s rich music legacy alive.

Today, we discuss how wealthy entrepreneurs are influencing city government through money and social media in a conversation with Mission Local Managing Editor Joe Eskenazi. Then, ahead of the Day Of Remembrance, we go to the site of one of the camps where Japanese American farmers were incarcerated during World War II.

Today we’re presenting a Valentine’s special from The Stoop podcast. It’s hosted by Leila Day and KALW's own Hana Baba and it’s about Black identity. In this episode, they explore the various ways love is expressed in Black communities — through words, but also through music, dance, family, and friendship.

People in prison are no strangers to stigmas and stereotypes — the outside world often perpetuates ideas about who is incarcerated that are far from reality. But stigmas also exist within prison. Today, from Uncuffed, how an HIV diagnosis changed one baseball player’s life, and the unlikely support he found on his team.

Today, we visit a park in Stockton that is a weekend haven for Hmong and Cambodian food. We meet the vendors and eat family recipes at Angel Cruz Park. Then, how can you make your home less reliant on fossil fuels? And, a reading from Cameron Park author Beverly Parayno.

Today, 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.

Today, 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.

San 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.

In 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.

Today, 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.

Recently, 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.

Today, 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.

In 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.

On 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.