Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Host Madeleine Brand looks at news, culture and emerging trends through the lens of Los Angeles.
Most Recent Episode
Trans swimmer on public misperceptions of ‘biological advantages’
Malfunctioning high-power transmission lines weren't the only cause of January’s devastating Eaton Fire. Small distribution lines, which feed power to individual homes, were sparking throughout January 7, well before the blaze started, according to an NPR investigation.
Little fakes everywhere: Sora 2 is a new, extremely realistic video generator from OpenAI. It’s pushing the rules of consent on the internet in unprecedented ways.
When it comes to trans people and sports, the debate and new laws have focused on women. Trans activist Schuyler Bailar is the first openly transgender athlete to compete in Division 1 sports on a men’s team. He says, “What does it mean to have these ‘biological advantages,’ and when are biological advantages permitted, and to whom are they permitted? Right? Michael Phelps, winningest Olympian of all time, he is praised for his ‘freak of nature’ body. He produces half the levels of lactic acid than the average athlete. He has double the lung capacity. He has freakishly long arms, or really long torso with short legs. … When people talk about him, they say, ‘Amazing!’ … But then, if we shift over to Caster Semenya, who supposedly produces more testosterone than the average woman, people say, ‘That's unfair.’”
The Dodgers are heading back from Philadelphia, up two games to zero against the Phillies in their playoff series. Will they close it out on Wednesday? Meanwhile, as the WNBA grows in fans, prominent players are questioning the league’s leadership.
Today's episode was produced by Brian Hardzinski, Angie Perrin, Robin Estrin, Jack Ross, Zeke Reed, and Nihar Patel.
More Episodes
Connecting with the audience is key to Heidi Duckler Dance
Days after the 20-point Gaza peace plan was unveiled, questions remain about Hamas’ response, the fate of hostages, delivery of humanitarian aid, and whether this plan can stabilize the region.
At least seven people who were part of a class-action sex abuse settlement with LA County were solicited to join the lawsuit, according to an LA Times investigation. In two cases, the claimants allegedly made up their stories of sex abuse with help from the person soliciting their participation.
Dancer Heidi Duckler came to LA with a car full of props. She soon ditched the props, and brought dance to real-life locations like City Hall and the LA River. Her company is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend.
Film critics William Bibbiani and Christy Lemire review the latest film releases: The Smashing Machine, Are We Good, Play Dirty, and Good Boy.
Today's episode was produced by Brian Hardzinski, Angie Perrin, Robin Estrin, Jack Ross, and Nihar Patel.
A24 films: Budding auteurs, unusual marketing, new AI adoption
On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed generals and admirals at Marine Corps Base Quantico, saying the military had gone soft and woke. He decried diversity initiatives and declared the era of “gender delusion” to be over. “The era of unprofessional appearance is over. No more beardos,” he said. Critics argue that the new rules disproportionately impact Black and Brown soldiers, many of whom have pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), which makes it impossible to shave without developing painful bumps and ingrown hairs.
Since its inception in 2012, American film studio A24 has established itself as a zeitgeisty innovator willing to invest in budding auteurs. It has also become a cultural touchstone that manages to thread the needle between commercial success and arthouse credibility. How long can that last, especially now that there’s VC money invested and a new division devoted to AI?
Multidisciplinary artist Derek Fordjour’s new show at David Kordansky Gallery pays tribute to Black music by transforming the white box that is the art museum into a dreamy, wooded glade filled with art and performers. Plus, Jeff Koons’ 37-foot-tall sculpture, called Split-Rocker, is being installed outside LACMA.
Today's episode was produced by Brian Hardzinski, Angie Perrin, Robin Estrin, Jack Ross, Zeke Reed, and Nihar Patel.
Supervisor Barger on what went wrong during January’s fires
LA County was plagued by understaffing, underfunding, plus outdated and unclear policies and procedures during January’s wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, according to a new independent review, commissioned by the LA County Board of Supervisors. Some Altadena residents want the state to investigate this too, which Supervisor Kathryn Barger says she would support.
Susan Choi’s latest and sixth novel, Flashlight, opens with a mystery. It’s 1978, and a precocious 10-year-old named Louisa is walking on the beach with her father, Serk. He’s carrying a flashlight. The two of them, along with Louisa’s mother, Anne, are spending the summer in coastal Japan. Japan is where Serk, who’s ethnically Korean, spent his childhood, and where he disappears. Tragedy unfolds, and Louisa is found washed up by the tide, barely alive. Serk, who can’t swim, is never found, presumed to be dead. Drowned. The novel is told through multiple perspectives. It spans four generations of Serk’s family as they move through Japan, the United States, and North Korea after World War II. In that way, the story – an exploration of fractured identity, loss, and loneliness – is also a geopolitical story. Flashlight was recently nominated – and shortlisted – for the prestigious Booker Prize.
If you don’t consume a lot of meat or fish, good alternate protein sources include legumes (beans, lentils, peas), cottage cheese, and tofu. Cooking Indian and Mediterranean dishes is a great way to add protein. And it’s easy to make protein bars at home.
‘Long Story Short’: Jewish family drama, grief, humor
What does President Trump's rambling, hour-long speech before the U.N. General Assembly mean for other countries, and how will world leaders respond to his accusations that their "countries are going to hell?"
Experience heartbreak, hilarity, and the chaos of a very real Jewish family. From the mind behind BoJack Horseman, Raphael Bob-Waksberg talks about his new animated series, Long Story Short.
Los Angeles is responsible for unique Asian fusion dishes, like the Korean taco, the California sushi roll, and the Chinese chicken salad. Evan Kleiman explains how the Chinese chicken salad came to be, and recommends where to get a good one.
Today's episode was produced by Brian Hardzinski, Angie Perrin, Robin Estrin, Jack Ross, and Zeke Reed.
James Conlon on his last season with LA Opera
Slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk combined organizational acumen and internet savvy to build a political machine. Now his death is being used to justify a crackdown on the left.
Actor, filmmaker, and activist Robert Redford died today at 89. He made dozens of legendary movies and founded the Sundance Film Festival.
LA Opera Music Director James Conlon talks about the Recovered Voices program, the importance of educating young people about classical arts, and why “West Side Story” is significant to him.
The Dodgers fight through injuries and a tough loss ahead of the MLB playoffs. The Valkyries hope to make WNBA playoff history. And UCLA football scrambles after another coaching shakeup.
Prop 50 could tip the balance of power in Congress
A former Obama staffer was meeting a Project 2025 author when she got news of Charlie Kirk’s death. KCRW discusses political violence and a plea for calm.
Voters are bombarded by mailers and ads for and against Prop 50, which would allow California's legislature to redraw its Congressional maps mid-decade. Millions are pouring in from unions, billionaires, and national players.
Critics review the latest film releases: “The Long Walk,” The History of Sound,” “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” and “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues.”
Writer Vanessa Anderson’s project “The Grocery Goblin” explores food and consumer culture via the grocery store. Her latest Substack post wondered what was in Evan Kleiman’s fridge.
Safety or income? Immigrants make hard choice amid ICE raids
Many immigrants have feared going to work amid ICE raids. Weekly earnings for immigrant renters fell 62% this summer, according to The Rent Brigade’s recent survey.
As the trial for an alleged assassin of President Trump begins this week, KCRW looks back on September 1975, when two different women had plans to kill President Gerald Ford.
A small-town paper gets the mockumentary treatment in a new spinoff from “The Office,” mixing newsroom chaos, nostalgia, and laughs about the future of print journalism.
A displeased astrologer weighs in after the New York Times reports that your zodiac sign is out of date. KCRW explains the long controversy between astronomers and astrologers.
Labor Day special: New Hollywood’s leading men in photos
In the 1970s, actress Candy Clark shot relaxed, intimate portraits of her friends and boyfriends, including Jeff Bridges, Nicolas Roeg, and Ed Ruscha. The images are now part of a new book.
When AI companionship turns into psychosis
An anthropologist and a psychiatrist weigh in on “AI psychosis,” following several recent, high-profile cases of users losing touch with reality during conversations with bots.
The summer COVID spike is here, but new FDA vaccine restrictions limit who can get a booster, and CDC turmoil impacts U.S. public health policy.
Critics review the latest film releases: “Caught Stealing,” “The Roses,” “The Toxic Avenger,” and “A Little Prayer.”
Finger clapping — touching your thumb and middle finger together in a form of silent applause — may seem like a hot new thing on TikTok. But the queer ballroom scene has been doing it for years.
‘Love, Queenie’: Hollywood’s first Indian star hid her origins
The Federal Reserve was set up over 100 years ago to insulate monetary policy from politics. Now Trump is trying to exert authority over the organization.
The Spotify habits of politicians, celebrities, and other public figures were released on a site called Panama Playlists. The leak revealed just how much of our online lives may be less private than we think.
Merle Oberon hid her mixed-race, impoverished background to become a movie star in Britain and then Hollywood. But her career fizzled out in the 1940s, and all that cover-up had a psychological impact.
Consider setting up a pickle bar for your Labor Day get-together. Pickles fit right in with cheese, charcuterie, and crackers. They can also be used for sandwiches and cocktails.
Why did modern cities move away from creating shaded public spaces?
After Kamala Harris declined to run for California governor, the crowded field lacks a clear frontrunner. Former Congresswoman Katie Porter has a slight edge, but Rick Caruso could shake up the race.
Heat waves are among the deadliest natural disasters. Shade is a vital defense. But in cities like LA, it’s treated as a privilege, not a right.
A new Hulu series revisits the story of Amanda Knox, the American college student studying abroad who was accused of killing her roommate. Knox and Monica Lewinsky are executive producers.
The colonial-era Mercator map distorts continental size, making Africa look smaller than it is. The 55-nation African Union joins the push to embrace a new world map.