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.