Crosscurrents

During the pandemic, high schoolers were away from stuck at home and spent countless hours in front of screens. For many teenagers, the images they see online make them feel worse about how we look. In the latest episode of the KALW original podcast tbh, a high school student reflects on expectations for Black girls. Then, we hear about a San Francisco writer’s sci-fi audio drama of human versus alien machines.

Food has been historically used as a tool of discrimination against Black communities, whether it's in minstrel shows, commercials, or cartoons with images of characters in Blackface eating watermelon or fried chicken.Today, in an episode from The Stoop podcast, we unpack the history of food shaming and hear how people are trying to fight it head on.

Today, we hear about a new kind of reality show for writers. Then, readings from three local authors show the breadth of nature books. And, an illustrator talks about her artwork on the DC Comics’ “Poison Ivy” series.

Today, we learn how a letter-writing campaign saved a beloved science fiction series. The story of how two Oakland fans saved Star Trek.Then, we hear a reading from Oakland author Meron Hadero. And, San Francisco's public school teachers are due to receive their first salary increase in four years.

The “clean girl aesthetic” is part lifestyle, part looks but it isn’t attainable for everyone. Elise Muchowski takes a look into algorithms and how they control the trends we see online.

Death is a normal part of life in prison, but it’s rare that someone can live to tell the tale. Wilbert Stoneham dropped to the floor one day after a cardiac arrest. He awoke to realize he was being brought back to life by a guard who was once his nemesis. In the newest episode of Uncuffed, we hear how a near-death experience can change your perspective on everything, including someone you despised.

Today, we take a trip into the world of psychedelic assisted therapy. Plant medicine and mental health. Then, a new book by artist George McCalman features Black icons you know, and some may have never heard of.

What if Oakland residents had a direct say in how their city spent money? We hear from a community organizer working to bring about a "People's Budget." Then, we learn the historical significance behind a special creek in East Oakland. And, we listen to a reading from Oakland author, Joshua Peralta. We also feature the music of Oakland's Samba Revue.

Today, we speak with author Munashe Kaseke, who writes stories about Zimbabwean immigrant women. She says her goal is that each story makes you look at your own assumptions of what you think when you hear "immigrant." Then, we answer a question from a listener like you about BART's railway. And, we’ll hear a reading from San Francisco author Rob Volpe.

For many teens across the nation, the sex ed curriculum doesn't yet reflect an inclusive perspective of sexuality and gender. Especially for those with a relatively obscure sexuality, like asexuality. The newest episode of KALW's series tbh, comes from George Reitan, a high school sophomore in San Francisco who wants that to change.

California's prison population is aging — between 2000 and 2017, and the share of incarcerated people over 50 more than quintupled. For those with long or life sentences, watching friends aging and getting sick behind bars is a reality check of what a life sentence can really mean.

Today, we learn how Aztec Dancers play a major role in San Francisco’s Mission District. We look at the commitment they make and their history. Then, we hear about a new way we can tap into existing wealth to solve some of our most challenging issues. And, we’ll listen to a reading from Menlo Park author, Mike Trigg.

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.