Shows / Crosscurrents
Crosscurrents
Crosscurrents 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.
Episodes
- Crosscurrents
Helper's High / Feeling Good About Doing Good / New Arrivals: Heather Chavez
Today, we hear how San Francisco artist Huib Peterson connects his neighbors through his crocheted creations. We explore the science of happiness and helping…
- Crosscurrents
Salmon Restoration / Encampment Fires / New Arrivals: Kathleen Woods
Today we learn how an endangered species of salmon is finally getting help after 80 years. The fight of the Winnemem Wintu people to return salmon to their…
- Crosscurrents
@WORK: Gold Miners / Ballet Dancer Roberto Vega Ortiz / New Arrivals: Mary Ann Hogan
The California Gold Rush petered out in the mid 1800s, but it never quite ended. Today, we meet modern-day gold miners in a story from our series @WORK. Then…
- Crosscurrents
Fighting the Tide
California is losing its underwater kelp forests.In this special documentary from KPFA, we learn why this is happening, and meet the scientists working to…
- Crosscurrents
Communicating In A Polarized World / Luenell / New Arrivals: Nonfiction
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…
- Crosscurrents
Muppet Performer David Goelz / New Arrivals Collection: Memoirs
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…
- Crosscurrents
@Work: Great America / Judy Juanita / New Arrivals Collection: Essays
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…
- Crosscurrents
Lowrider Bike Club / Activist Kin Folkz / New Arrivals Collection: On Love
Today, we learn about lowrider bikes and the way one bike club is working to change the perception of lowrider culture in Northern California. Then, we hear…
- Crosscurrents
Sensory Rich World Building / Oakland Rent Increase / New Arrivals Collection: Youth
Today, we meet an artist who takes ordinary objects and experiences and reimagines them to find new meaning. We speak with Multi-media artist, Robin David…
- Crosscurrents
Cleaning After Pride / Songs of the Patriarchy / New Arrivals: Faith Kramer
Pride March is one of the biggest events in San Francisco, but after all is said and done, who cleans everything up? Today, we hear about the delicate…
- Crosscurrents
Former Warriors Head Coach Al Attles / New Arrivals Collection
The Warriors just won their fourth NBA title in eight years – we hear from the man who coached them to their first title here back in 1975, former Warriors…
- Crosscurrents
Into The Fold: Life, Death And Burritos / Spatial Sound Art / New Arrivals: Toni Mirosevich
Today, we hear the story of how a burrito sparked a special connection between two Bay Area comedians. It’s a new installment of Into The Fold with Kristee…
- Crosscurrents
Gold Chains: California Fugitive Slave Law / Isabel Jones
Today, we are going to talk about slavery, maybe what comes to mind is the American South- but California has a history of enslavement too. So why isn’t it…
- Crosscurrents
Sanctuary State For Abortion / Fatherhood From Afar / New Arrivals: Mitchell Schwarzer
Today, we explore how California is making plans to become a sanctuary state for abortion access. We learn what California’s role will be if the Supreme Court…
- Crosscurrents
Bounce: San Francisco Warrior Tom Meschery / Magician Dan Chan / New Arrivals: Kristina Micotti
The Warriors are in the NBA finals — we’ll hear from a player slash poet who was on the team when they originally moved to the city 60 years ago: hometown hero…
- Crosscurrents
Federal Recognition for Bay Area Tribes / Muralist Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith / New Arrivals: Mac Barnett
Today, we hear about the challenges native tribes face when they apply for federal recognition. Then, we talk to Oakland muralist Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith about…
- Crosscurrents
Hey Area: Joaquin Miller Park / Baruch Porras-Hernandez / New Arrivals: Lee Kravetz
Today, we learn about what happens when a park is constructed on stolen land. What the history of one East Bay park can tell us about borders, access, and…
- Crosscurrents
Oaklandside: Reparations / First Black Woman Judge / New Arrivals: Dahlia Gallin Ramirez
Today, we’ll hear updates on what California’s reparations task force has been doing. Then, we’ll speak with Judge LaDoris Cordell, Northern California’s first…
- Crosscurrents
Oakland Zoo Centennial / The Specialist: Zoo Chef
Today, the Oakland Zoo celebrates its centennial. We’ll hear about its evolution and what’s next. Then, we'll meet the zoo’s specialized chefs serving the…
- Crosscurrents
Bounce: Bringing Oakland Flavor To San Francisco / New Arrivals: Aya De León
The Warriors are back in the NBA Finals and we’re going to take a look at how they brought some Oakland flavor across the bay. We hear, how Bakesale Betty’s…
- Crosscurrents
Unhoused Population Snapshot / Pastor Vinnie / New Arrivals: John Leshy
Today, we’ll hear the latest Bay Area data on communities experiencing homelessness. We unpack the 2022 Point-In-Time Count. Then, we ride along with an East…
- Crosscurrents
The Stoop: Blaxit / 80 Over 80: Fannie Clark / New Arrivals: L.D. Greene
Today, we hear why are some Black people leaving the U.S. We take a look into "Blaxit," when Black people moving to other countries. Then, we’re bringing Older…
- Crosscurrents
Bounce: Steve Kerr / 80 Over 80: Dorothy Quock / New Arrivals: Kelliane Parker
Today, we'll talk about Golden State Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr. He is an NBA champion, but his grandparents actually saved lives. We’ll hear the story of…
- Crosscurrents
Psychedelic Soul Legacy / 80 Over 80: Orlando Cepeda / Vintage Baseball
Today, we speak with Lester Chambers from the legendary band "The Chambers Brothers" about the highs and lows of his life and music career. He and his son…
- Crosscurrents
Caltrans' Encampment Sweeps / Satya / 80 Over 80: Charles George
For Oaklanders seeking shelter underneath the highway, what do you do when your belongings are taken away? We hear an update on the encampment sweeps…
- Crosscurrents
Bounce: Joe Ellis / 80 Over 80: Jeane / New Arrivals: Monique Jenkinson
The Golden State Warriors are in the NBA conference finals again. We’ll get an update on their championship quest, and meet a homegrown player who made it big…
- Crosscurrents
Malcolm X and Tahseen Bashir / Becoming Muslim: Nation of Islam / 80 Over 80: Anne Marie Israel
Tomorrow is Malcom X's birthday. He was a polarizing figure but to one Egyptian diplomat, he was a friend. Today, we learn about the friendship which helped…
- Crosscurrents
Air Guitar Championships / Dave Haaz-Baroque / 80 Over 80: Brenda Joyce
Today, we hear how San Francisco’s regional Air Guitar championships let people become a rock star without an instrument. Then, we speak with a puppeteer who…
- Crosscurrents
California Foodways: A Farmers Feathered Allies / New Arrivals: Jessie Karnatz / 80 Over 80: Donald Matusen
Today, we’ll hear how birds and farmers have formed a mutually beneficial partnership when it comes to pest control. Then, an author known as “The Money Witch”…
- Crosscurrents
Bounce: From Wilderness To Superteam / 80 Over 80: Marcia Peterzell
The Warriors are in their first playoff run since they left Oakland. Today, we’ll hear how one longtime fan never lost hope. How he kept the faith for nearly…
- Crosscurrents
The History Of High Rise Public Housing / Cheyne Gallarde / 80 Over 80: Margaret Graf
Today, we'll learn about The Geneva Towers, they were a public housing project in San Francisco that was demolished in 1998. We'll take a look into the city's…
- Crosscurrents
Community Safety / Uncuffed: Mother's Day / 80 Over 80: Deanne Gottfried
Today we learn how San Jose business owners have been calling for a regular police foot patrol to make downtown safer. But local activists have a different…
- Crosscurrents
Bounce: The Rebirth / 80 over 80: Judy Goddess
The Warriors are in their first playoff run since they left Oakland. So, today we bring you a history lesson on how the Warriors became Golden State. Then…
- Crosscurrents
Jazz In The Fillmore / Mike Chen / 80 Over 80: Andy Morgan
Today, we learn how San Francisco’s Fillmore district was once home to a thriving jazz scene and vibrant black community, but by the '70s it was no more. We’re…
- Crosscurrents
Introducing 80 Over 80 / New Arrivals: Stephanie M. Wildman
May is Older Americans Month and we're sharing stories from San Franciscans 80 years and older as part of the "80 Over 80" project. And, we’ll hear a reading…
- Crosscurrents
Reclaiming Your Body After Trauma / Uyghur cuisine / New Arrivals: Shugri Said Salh
Today, we hear how an Oakland-based writer turned to poetry in her healing journey. Poet and artist Kira Lynne Allen talks about her art therapy workshop and…
- Crosscurrents
Bicycle Day / The Upshot: Michael Pollan
Today, we learn about an underground holiday called "Bicycle Day" which celebrates the creation of LSD. We attend San Francisco’s Bicycle Day event and learn…
- Crosscurrents
Uncuffed: I Can See You As My Neighbor
Tommy "Shakur" Ross has been incarcerated for over 36 years. In those decades, he's experienced a lifetime of transformation. He discovered Islam, helped found…
- Crosscurrents
Entering The Soundscape With Bernie Krause
Today, we go on a sonic tour of sounds from everyday life, led by bioacoustician and soundscape ecologist Bernie Krause. And, we dive beneath the waves to hear…
- Crosscurrents
Climate Costs, Part 3 / Golden Gate Parkcast: Conservatory Of Flowers
In rural towns built on oil, what happens as lawmakers move away from petroleum production? Today, we bring you another story from NPR’s California Newsroom…
- Crosscurrents
Climate Costs, Part 2
Today, we’re bringing you another excerpt from the one-hour special that explores the high price of climate change for California communities. It was produced…
- Crosscurrents
Climate Costs, Part 1
Today, we’re bringing you an excerpt from a one-hour special that explores the high price of climate change for California communities. It was produced by the…
- Crosscurrents
Investigating Wildfire Prevention Programs / Oakland Musician Rachel Lark / Bay Poet: Tureeda Mikell
Today, we take a look at a “critical” wildfire-prevention program, and why two years on, not a single project has been completed. Then, we listen to the sounds…
- Crosscurrents
Project Roomkey / Sonoma Valley Sunrise / Alice Walker / Bay Poet: Donte Clark
When vulnerable people fall through the cracks, who is to blame? Today, we take a look at dysfunction inside Vallejo’s Project Roomkey. Then, we hear the…
- Crosscurrents
School Closures / Prejudice in Schools / New Arrivals: Michelle Rial
A new study from Stanford examines what happens to cities when their schools close. We're asking what that means for a city like Oakland. Then, a poem from a…
- Crosscurrents
Into The Fold, Episode 1 / Mitla Cafe / Bay Poet: Maya Sisneros
Today is national burrito day, and we mark the holiday with the story of how one comedian's life was transformed by this magical food. It’s the debut of a new…
- Crosscurrents
Josiah Luis Alderete / Galeria de la Raza / New Arrivals: Kelliane Parker
Today, poet Josiah Luis Alderete gives his take on being both Mexican and American in his poetry. He talks to us about his collection of poetry and his essay…
- Crosscurrents
Ramadan moonsighting / Celia C. Peters / New Arrivals: Dallas Woodburn
Today, we learn how a new crescent moon means Ramadan has begun, but there’s sometimes a question about how to confirm it. Then, we hear how artist Celia C…
- Crosscurrents
The Stoop: 40 Acres and a Question
Today, we learn how a decision made last week brought reparations for African Americans an inch closer to being a reality. So we explore that question of…
- Crosscurrents
Breanna Sinclairé / Family Acceptance Project
Today, we hear how a trail blazing San Francisco opera singer faced obstacles that nearly pushed her to give up. We learn how music saved her life. Then, we…
- Crosscurrents
The famine in Tigray / Dan Hoyle's show 'Talk to your people'
The UN says more than 90% of the people in Tigray, Ethiopia need food aid. We hear how Bay Area Ethiopians are trying to raise awareness of what’s happening…
- Crosscurrents
tbh: Cancel culture and activism (rebroadcast)
Today, we bring you an episode of a podcast that won an award this year for best student project from the Northern California chapter of the Society of…
- Crosscurrents
Lawrence Ferlinghetti Day
Today is Lawrence Ferlinghetti Day. Ferlinghetti is considered the spiritual godfather of the Beat movement and in 2019, on his 100 birthday, San Francisco…
- Crosscurrents
Invasive species in the San Francisco Bay / California gulls / New Arrivals: Brian Tierney
Today, we learn how billions of plants, animals and microbes hitch a ride into the waters of the San Francisco Bay and disrupt the Bay’s delicate ecosystem…
- Crosscurrents
@Work: Managing a shelter / The team behind Ear Hustle (rebroadcast)
Today, we hear how a shelter director got into his line of work, and the way COVID-19 changed everything. Then, we talk with the award-winning hosts of the…
- Crosscurrents
Helping Ukrainian refugees / tbh: Segregation in schools / New Arrivals: Carolyn Arnold
Today, we hear how a San Francisco man watching the Ukraine refugees crisis flew to Romania, stood at the border and literally passed out cash to refugees…
- Crosscurrents
Animated opera / Mental Health Comedy Hour
Today, we hear how you can stage an opera without a concert hall. We meet a local opera composer who pivoted from live performance to animation because of the…
- Crosscurrents
Nightmares & Medicine / Uncuffed Pandemic Playlist / New Arrivals: Zara Stone
Today, we visit a bookstore that’s founded on a mission to serve the community. Then, from our team at Uncuffed, we’ll hear about the powerful and…
- Crosscurrents
Ukrainian conflict / Uncuffed: Pandemic Playlist, Part 1
Ukrainians are following the ongoing war closely, especially those with family back home. Like Dr Victoria Malko, professor of history at CSU Fresno. She gives…
- Crosscurrents
Bishop Woods' Berkeley Church / Sights & Sounds: Aiden Thomas
We examine the impacts of COVID and gentrification at one church in Berkeley. Then, Oakland writer Aiden Thomas makes history as a trans author with his…
