Weekly Program Highlights
Friday 12/05
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Hidden Brain… Why are so many of us drawn to horror, gore, and true crime? Researchers say that our natural morbid curiosity serves a purpose. This week, explore our fascination with tales of murder and mayhem, and what this tendency reveals about our minds.
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Fresh Air…
6:30 – 7:30 PM
The Club McKenzie… Humorous Notes, part I: In the preface to his book, Jazz Anecdotes, jazz bassist and author Bill Crow writes that “most jazz musicians are good laughers.” He goes on to state “that if you want to play jazz for a living, you either learn to laugh or you cry a lot. But the pleasure of getting together and playing the music we love so much seems to bring out our good humor.”
Saturday 12/06
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me!… This week on Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me, Peter is already tired of the snow so the show is heading to Phoenix, Arizona, with panelists Alonzo Bodden [BOH-dehn], Luke Burbank, and Shantira Jackson. Alzo Slade fills in as judge and scorekeeper, and Andy Richter dishes about his time on Dancing With The Stars and plays Not My Job.
11:00 – NOON
Radiolab… Until recently, scientists assumed humans were the only species in which females went through menopause and lived a substantial part of their lives after they were no longer able to reproduce. And they had no idea why that happens, and why evolution wouldn’t push females to keep reproducing right up to the end of their lives. But after a close look at some whale poop and a deep dive into chimp life, they found several new ways of thinking about menopause and the real purpose of this all-too-often overlooked second act of life.
3:00 – 4:00 PM
American Routes… This week on American Routes, explore the sounds of musical and social breakouts. First, hear how the late British blues pioneer John Mayall broke out of England with his band the Bluesbreakers, bringing British blues to a larger audience. Hear some of Mayall’s sources and contemporaries, like Big Maceo and Eric Clapton. Then, music by Big Freedia, the Queen Diva of New Orleans Bounce, a rhythmic dance music with sources in hip hop and rap, as well as much earlier jazz and R&B. Plus, strut with Kermit Ruffins and Sam Morgan, head “Down Yonder” with Smiley Lewis, and “Take it to the Street” with Rebirth Brass Band.
Sunday 12/07
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Reveal… This week on Reveal, an exclusive look at the Global Sumud Flotilla. When activists sailed to Gaza trying to deliver aid, they were met with drone attacks and imprisonment.
11:00 – NOON
This American Life… This week on This American Life, people who find themselves in the middle of something much bigger than them—situations they didn’t create, but suddenly can’t ignore.
NOON – 3:00 PM
Sunday Baroque… Music is a great gift for the person who has everything –and it’s a great gift to give yourself. Suzanne Bona, host of Sunday Baroque, compiles a list of suggested recordings one might want to put on their gift list. Audition these recent releases throughout the month so you have a better idea of what you’re getting. This weekend, hear pianist Simone Dinnerstein’s new album.
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Code Switch & Life Kit… This week on Code Switch, a show about how the Trump administration is reshaping immigration courts — from firing judges to hiring enforcement officers. Then on Life Kit, how to work with your social anxiety.
6:00 – 7:00 PM
The Moth Radio Hour… This week on The Moth Radio Hour, stories of chance meetings, unexpected connections, and pleasant surprises: at Macy's; while camping; and in a graveyard.
Monday 12/08
1:00 – 2:00 PM
SPECIAL: Gubernatorial Candidates Forum… California voters are electing a new governor next year, and the race is already heating up. A crowded field of contenders are vying to lead the Golden State through some big challenges: a major budget shortfall, a housing crisis, the effects of climate change, and more. Join KQED’s Marisa Lagos as she hosts a gubernatorial forum, and hear how the candidates say they’ll tackle California’s future.
2:00 – 3:00 PM
The Splendid Table…
Tuesday 12/09
1:00 – 2:00 PM
TED Radio Hour… It's been a long, complicated year. TED speakers share ideas to help you get grounded, back on track, and even edge toward something like bliss.
2:00 – 3:00 PM
The Reluctant Therapist…
Wednesday 12/10
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Bioneers… This week on Bioneers, learn about fulfilling the promise of a “more perfect union” in the United States and how that means building a multi-racial democracy through transformative solidarity. As the Founder-in-Residence at Policy Link, Professor Angela Glover Blackwell has spent decades advancing racial and economic equity at the national and local levels. She says the fate of the wealthiest nation on Earth depends on what happens to the very people who’ve been left behind.
1:30 – 2:00 PM
California Report Magazine…
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Freakonomics Radio… This week on Freakonomics Radio, a Trump executive order is giving retail investors more access to private markets. Is that a golden opportunity — or fool’s gold?
6:30 – 8:00 PM
KCBX in Concert… This week on KCBX in Concert, host Lisa Nauful presents a captivating program featuring the artistry of flutist James Galway in Devienne’s Concerto No. 7 for Flute and Orchestra. Also on the program, the sparkling overture to Verdi’s La Traviata and Schubert’s cherished lied [leed], An die Musik. The program concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” and Tchaikovsky’s spirited Capriccio Italien.
Thursday 12/11
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Central Coast Voices…
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Latino USA… This week on Latino USA, the show travels down to South Georgia to spend 48 hours at “El Refugio,” a refuge for people visiting detainees at one of the country’s largest immigration detention camps. Meet volunteers who visit with detainees and the families of those held at Stewart Detention Center.
Friday 12/12
6:30 – 7:30 PM
The Club McKenzie…