New & Must Listens
Reporter Brian Reed re-examines everything about journalism, the profession he thought he knew. In the middle of making his second hit podcast, Brian got sued. Accused. Told the biggest story of his career — the Peabody Award-winning series S-Town — wasn’t journalism. Which meant he had to spend years proving that it was. Obsessing over the question, “What is journalism, anyway?”
1: The Critic
CultureBrian talks to a fellow journalist who called his most well-known work “morally indefensible.”
4: Can Journalism Save a Marriage?
CultureA married couple finds themselves fighting miserably over the news.
3: The Journalist and the Firefighter
CultureHow one of the most accomplished reporters of our time, Barton Gellman, lost his confidence in journalism.
It’s about the things we obsess over in our free time: TV and movies, music and celebrities, Internet and memes, and the people who make it. No topic is too big or small. And nothing’s off limits. The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW – your weekly destination for all things fun.
Who Belongs on Black Hollywood’s Mount Rushmore?
CultureIt’s Black History Month, and Sam is doing something a little different: building a Black Hollywood Mount Rushmore!
Should the Oscars Even Exist? with The Big Picture Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
CultureSam’s hot take — it’s time to put an end to the Academy Awards. He lays out his case to Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, hosts of The Big Picture podcast from The Ringer.
Sam Sings! with Celebrity Vocal Coach Doug Peck
CultureInstead of dishing on Grammys predictions, we’re taking singing lessons.
TikTok's Rise, Fall & Messy Future
CultureThe internet was in a frenzy over the short-lived TikTok ban. The app went down, then came back, and could still disappear again?
This season on Lost Notes: Groupies. Women of the Sunset Strip from the Pill to Punk.
The Groupie Dream
CultureAs the first wave of LA punk started to take hold in Hollywood, both on and off the Sunset Strip, the girls of the rock n roll underground flattened scene hierarchy by carrying the…
The Dawn of Punk
CultureIn the mid 1970s, as glam rock fizzled out, new kids began to trickle in on the block–kids who looked up to the groupies as party girl icons, as rock’n’roll legends, who went out there…
From the Slutmobile to the Starship
CultureRodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco. The Continental Hyatt House. The Rainbow Bar & Grill.
The Oral History of Star Magazine
CultureA teen magazine so daring, so outrageous, so scandalizing and sexually suggestive that it only lasted…five issues.
Fontaines D.C.: KCRW Live from HQ
Irish post-punks Fontaines D.C. rip through selects from their throttling 2022 LP “Skinty Fia,” including “Jackie Down The Line.”
MusicFresh Music
KCRW's signature music program features new releases, live performances, and artist interviews hosted by Novena Carmel.
Santigold: KCRW Guest DJ set
MusicAhead of a one-off show at the Bellwether, “Spirituals” songcrafter Santigold visits KCRW HQ to talk Schoolly D, The Smiths, Bad Brains, and more.
Charo: KCRW Guest DJ set
MusicLiving legend Charo shares songs that have shaped her — from the Elvis cut that reminds her of his 2 a.m. phone calls to the aerobic power of “The Macarena.”
Poolside: Guest DJ set
MusicPoolside’s Jeffrey Paradise breaks down letting go of “daytime disco” expectations for his new album “Blame It All On Love.”
Chromeo: KCRW Guest DJ set
MusicMontreal synth-funk icons spin fresh cuts ahead of new LP “Adult Contemporary,” and reveal their desire to be “The ZZ Top of funk.”
Intimate performances, fresh sounds, and candid conversations.
Tears for Fears: KCRW Live from The Village Studios
MusicLegendary new wave band Tears for Fears joins us at The Village Studios for a killer set spanning classics like “Mad World,” to standouts from their latest album, “The Tipping Point.”
Stromae: KCRW Live from HQ
MusicThe Belgian-Rwandan electro-hip-hop maestro stops by HQ to serve up visceral “Multitudes” and talk the myth of creative suffering.
The Linda Lindas: KCRW Live from HQ
MusicThe Linda Lindas thrash through cuts from their acclaimed 2022 debut LP “Growing Up” and talk claiming space, dancing to Blondie, and “Racist, Sexist Boy.”
Hermanos Gutiérrez: KCRW Live from HQ
MusicEcuadorian-Swiss sibling duo Hermanos Gutiérrez unleash their instrumental Latin Western sounds at KCRW, fresh off of their Dan Auerbach-produced 2022 album El Bueno y El Malo.
A free weekday download of standout songs, including advance releases, exclusive live tracks recorded at KCRW, remixes, and an introduction to new artists on our radar.
Jensen McRae: ‘Earthquake Yellow’
MusicWe first met LA-native musician Jensen McRae in 2020 and she swiftly became one of that year’s favorite artists, before she had even released her debut album(!).
Surprise Chef: ‘Fare Evader’
MusicMelbourne-based collective Surprise Chef are busy cooking up their new album Superb.It’s slotted for release mid-May, but we are here to share the song “Fare Evader” — a creamy…
Waxahatchee: ‘Mud’ (Clean)
MusicHow about a little country twang from Waxahatchee , who shares an outtake from her 2024 album Tigers Blood?
Obongjayer: “Just My Luck”
MusicNigeria-born, UK-based Obongjayer reflects on a surprising theme which you wouldn't guess when you hear the beat of “Just My Luck.”
Leading a good life doesn’t always mean leading an easy one
Lorraine Besser, philosophy professor and author of “The Art of the Interesting,” explores what it means to cultivate and live a good life.
CultureMost Popular
Left, Right & Center is KCRW’s weekly politics show where we take on the tough, divisive issues you’re afraid to talk about with your own family.
Trump sours on Zelensky amid US talks with Russia
NewsDonald Trump points fingers at Volodymyr Zelensky about the war with Russia. Should the president take accountability for the DOJ? Plus, how valuable are political rallies?
Is the right spearheading a new form of language policing?
CultureThe right says it’s pushing back on cancel culture. Are they just redefining it? Plus, the president banishes pennies and paper straws.
Can we make sense of Trump and Musk’s political approaches?
NewsKCRW unravels a disruptive White House week. Is the president just stirring outrage? Plus, we discuss Elon Musk’s influence on the foreign aid fight.
Trump muddies disaster responses with theories of his own
NewsDonald Trump bashed DEI policies in response to a tragic plane crash. He’s bucked heads with LA’s mayor over the wildfires. Is now the time to focus on policy?
Everything you wanted to know about good cooking and good eating from LA chef, author, radio host and restaurateur Evan Kleiman.
Homestyle Chinese cooking, spiny lobster, makgeolli
CultureDesigner-turned-food-writer Kristina Cho celebrates her Chinese heritage with delicious and approachable recipes.
Lab-grown chocolate, bird flu, beans, egg substitutes
CultureGabriela Glueck puts lab grown chocolate under the microscope. Apoorva Mandavilli reports on the bird flu crisis and what items to avoid when you're shopping.
Dates, candied fruit, maple syrup
CultureRawaan Alkhatib takes us on a hot date, offering a global perspective on the ancient superfood.
League of Kitchens, immigration raids, Indonesian cooking
CultureAfter the Eaton Fire, Randy Clement, who owns Good Neighbor Bar, used wine delivery software to canvas Altadena, informing neighbors whether or not their homes had survived.
Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.
Pamela Anderson on second chances and ‘The Last Showgirl’; The Murdoch empire keeps unraveling
CultureThe ongoing Murdoch family drama is ramping up again; this time coming in the form of courtroom details released from a private trial in Nevada.
A chat with the directors of ‘Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’; Why Disney is dialing back on DEI
CultureThe Trump administration’s hostility toward DEI initiatives has led companies like Disney and PBS to reevaluate their stance on advocating for these principles.
Jesse Eisenberg on finding the humor in ‘A Real Pain’; FCC battles CBS over Kamala Harris interview transcript
CultureThe FCC has published the raw transcript of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris following Donald Trump’s claims of CBS commiting “election interference.”
Producer Marc Platt talks 20+ years of ‘Wicked’; Ad for Texas production hits Hollywood when its down
CultureMatthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star in an ad asking Texas legislators to create incentives for productions to shoot in their home state.
Johnny Marr: KCRW Guest DJ set
Ahead of the album “Spirit Power,” and coffee table book “Marr’s Guitars” — Johnny Marr stops by MBE to share stories and songs that define him.
MusicEntertainment Fix
It’s about the things we obsess over in our free time: TV and movies, music and celebrities, Internet and memes, and the people who make it. No topic is too big or small. And nothing’s off limits. The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW – your weekly destination for all things fun.
Who Belongs on Black Hollywood’s Mount Rushmore?
CultureIt’s Black History Month, and Sam is doing something a little different: building a Black Hollywood Mount Rushmore!
Should the Oscars Even Exist? with The Big Picture Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
CultureSam’s hot take — it’s time to put an end to the Academy Awards. He lays out his case to Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, hosts of The Big Picture podcast from The Ringer.
Sam Sings! with Celebrity Vocal Coach Doug Peck
CultureInstead of dishing on Grammys predictions, we’re taking singing lessons.
TikTok's Rise, Fall & Messy Future
CultureThe internet was in a frenzy over the short-lived TikTok ban. The app went down, then came back, and could still disappear again?
Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.
Pamela Anderson on second chances and ‘The Last Showgirl’; The Murdoch empire keeps unraveling
CultureThe ongoing Murdoch family drama is ramping up again; this time coming in the form of courtroom details released from a private trial in Nevada.
A chat with the directors of ‘Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’; Why Disney is dialing back on DEI
CultureThe Trump administration’s hostility toward DEI initiatives has led companies like Disney and PBS to reevaluate their stance on advocating for these principles.
Jesse Eisenberg on finding the humor in ‘A Real Pain’; FCC battles CBS over Kamala Harris interview transcript
CultureThe FCC has published the raw transcript of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris following Donald Trump’s claims of CBS commiting “election interference.”
Producer Marc Platt talks 20+ years of ‘Wicked’; Ad for Texas production hits Hollywood when its down
CultureMatthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star in an ad asking Texas legislators to create incentives for productions to shoot in their home state.
The Treatment is a compelling listen to the vital conversations about the catalysts of creative inspiration. Following some of the most interesting, influential, and crossover creators in the world of entertainment, fashion, sports, and the arts, we hear from tastemakers who are the very fabric that forms popular culture.
Questlove, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Schwartzman
CultureQuestlove speaks on Sly Stone and Black genius more broadly, Ke Huy Quan tells us about his new film “Love Hurts,” and Jason Schwartzman has The Treat.
BONUS: Extended interview with actor Edward Norton
CultureOscar nominated actor Edward Norton sits down for an extended interview with Elvis Mitchell in front of a live audience at KCRW's Annenberg Performance Studio.
Edward Norton, James Mangold, Arianne Phillips and John David Washington
CultureDig deep into the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” with Best Supporting Actor nominee Edward Norton, director James Mangold, and costumer Arianne Phillips.
Demi Moore, Zoe Saldaña, and Jesse Eisenberg
CultureWe’re talking Oscars w/ Best Actress nominee Demi Moore, Supporting Actress nominee Zoe Saldaña, and Original Screenplay nominee Jesse Eisenberg (The Treat).
The 30(ish) Best Albums of 2024
We screamed, cried, danced, and caught feels throughout the year–and that’s just from listening to good music. Here’s our Top Albums list, hand-picked and wrapped by our very human DJs.
MusicGetting Personal
Are your friends sick of hearing about your latest hookups and troublesome relationships? We’re not. KCRW is here to ask, How’s Your Sex Life? With non-judgmental, real advice from sexologist and certified dating coach, Myisha Battle. Submit your questions at sexlife@kcrw.org.
The perfect kiss with Bob the Drag Queen
CultureHow do I teach my partner to be a better kisser? Bob the Drag Queen joins Myisha to answer your questions for our season finale!
Will I ever love again? with Luke Franchina
CultureWill I ever love again? This week, content creator Luke Franchina joins Myisha to talk about the path to healing post-breakup.
Non-monogamy training wheels with Brandon Kyle Goodman
CultureIs there intimacy in non-monogamy? Actor Brandon Kyle Goodman returns to dish out advice and talk about their new podcast, Tell Me Something Messy.
Talk dirty to me with Dr. Carol Queen
CultureHow can I explore my sexuality in my 60s? This week, sexologist Carol Queen joins Myisha to talk about sex in your 60s and dirty talk.
KCRW's Life Examined is a one-hour weekly show exploring science, philosophy, faith — and finding meaning in the modern world. The show is hosted by Jonathan Bastian. Please tune in Sundays at 9 a.m., or find it as a podcast.
Playing the status game, and why we can’t hide from it
CultureJournalist and author Will Storr explains how status influences everything we do. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we all seek to be of value and feel accepted.
Alain de Botton on the complexity of modern love
CulturePhilosopher Alain de Botton shares his thoughts on love and relationships. Psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary explains why anxiety is on the rise.
Dogs: The science behind their success
CultureDog psychologist Clive Wynne says the secret of dogs’ success in the human world is their immense hearts and capacity to forge an emotional bond with people.
MDMA, Ecstasy, Molly: Coming soon to a therapist near you
CultureLSD and Ecstasy were once the hippy-trippy illegal substances for concerts, raves, and parties.
Each episode of this documentary series begins with a medical mystery. Sometimes the sickness is in the body, and sometimes the sickness is in the system. Once you peel back the layers, more questions emerge. Created by Allison Behringer and supported by KCRW.
Sex Hurts
CultureFor Bodies host Allison Behringer, sex suddenly becomes painful. This is her journey to find out why.
The Cost of Silky Soft
CultureJohnson & Johnson knew its baby powder contained asbestos but kept selling it and specifically marketed the product to Black women.
Not This Again
CultureAngelina was a journalist living in Brooklyn when she was diagnosed with ALS. She now lives with her parents.
How do I avoid becoming a climate cop?
Is there a way to gently nudge people toward greener behavior without becoming a nagging drag?
CultureEat Up
Everything you wanted to know about good cooking and good eating from LA chef, author, radio host and restaurateur Evan Kleiman.
Homestyle Chinese cooking, spiny lobster, makgeolli
CultureDesigner-turned-food-writer Kristina Cho celebrates her Chinese heritage with delicious and approachable recipes.
Lab-grown chocolate, bird flu, beans, egg substitutes
CultureGabriela Glueck puts lab grown chocolate under the microscope. Apoorva Mandavilli reports on the bird flu crisis and what items to avoid when you're shopping.
Dates, candied fruit, maple syrup
CultureRawaan Alkhatib takes us on a hot date, offering a global perspective on the ancient superfood.
League of Kitchens, immigration raids, Indonesian cooking
CultureAfter the Eaton Fire, Randy Clement, who owns Good Neighbor Bar, used wine delivery software to canvas Altadena, informing neighbors whether or not their homes had survived.