Crosscurrents

Black hair has been the subject of many movies, books, and television shows. It has always been a significant part of the Black experience — from fighting stereotyping to finding the right hair products, styles, and the right salon. And even when you find that perfect style and hair salon, issues may come up. Today, in a special episode from The Stoop podcast, we meet salon owners and salon goers. It's "Hair Trouble."

Today, we meet a Berryessa Flea Market vendor who is helping her family keep their business. Then, we hear from a Bay Area drag queen who created and hosts an all-Black drag show. And, a family conversation about the value of a traditional dance heritage. Plus, our local music segment features San Francisco's Top Secret Robot Alliance. They are playing at Bottom Of The Hill on Friday, March 3.

Every Thursday, we're bringing you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. In episode 3, we go to Shasta Dam and learn the history behind its construction. Then, we hear from Chief Caleen Sisk about how the federal proposal to raise the dam opens old wounds for the Winnemem Wintu and further threatens their survival.

Today, Valerie Bachelor, who went from protester to member of the Oakland Unified school board, gives us an update on Oakland school closures. Then, we hear how the legend of the Emperor Norton lives on in San Francisco. And our local music segment features the band "Fake Fruits" who are playing at The Rickshaw stop this Thursday.

In today's episode, we learn that sometimes fixing our pet's behavior means we need to look at our own behavior first. Then, how a violinist brings joy to people’s lives. Plus, a Berkeley author shares tips from her new book. And, today's local music features Oakland's Madeline Kenney, who is playing at Bottom Of The Hill in SF this Thursday.

In today's episode, we hear how some folktales and stories are handed down generation to generation. KALW's Hana Baba wants to write a folktale book retelling these stories. However, there is a lot questions she has about how to do this right. In this excerpt from "The Stoop" podcast we explore what it means to be the next in line to preserve your family’s stories.

Every Thursday, we bring you episodes from the newest season of KALW's The Spiritual Edge. It's called "A Prayer For Salmon" and it's about the Winnemem Wintu and their fight to protect their sacred sites. In Chapter 2, we hear how a federal plan to expand the reservoir behind Shatsa Dam would flood their land.

In this episode, we hear how collecting recyclables can be tough work and for those depending on its income it becomes a matter of survival. Then, a conversation with Oakland poet James Cagney gets deeply personal and vulnerable. Plus, readings from East Bay authors. Today's local music features the Oakland band The Helltones.

Norway's progressive prison system is wildly different from anything in the United States and it serves as a model for folks trying to make a change here in California. In this episode, the Uncuffed team is heading to a Norwegian prison with horses, a marathon, and little cottages — unlike anything they have ever seen before.

Today, we meet Phillip Feemster who bought Clement Nursery. Then, poet Adrienne Danyelle Oliver shares how she navigates this society in a Black, female body. And, we’re going to Oakland barbershop Megah Browns where author Robert Liu-Trujillo took his son to get his first flat top.