Top Stories & Episodes
carousel
Left, Right & CenterThe shift from America First to Trump’s new interventionism
President Trump returned to office with expectations of isolationism. Instead, the first year of Trump 2.0 brought new forms of projecting American power and influence abroad.
The Sam Sanders ShowHow music taught Sam Sanders to be grateful for his grief (From Life in Seven Songs)
Sam shares the songs he returns to time and time again.
Resident DJRESIDENT DJ 012: THOMAS DOLBY
British music legend Thomas Dolby touches down at KCRW as our Resident DJ for the month of December 2025. In his fourth mix, he features music by The B-52's, Whodini, and James Brown.
Good FoodOur favorite interviews of 2025
Korean home cooking, making chorizo, tequila wars, babysitting cheese, and hanging onto food traditions amid chaos.
The Sam Sanders ShowWho Can Save Pop Music?
Sam and music journalist Reanna Cruz critique the year in pop.
The BusinessMegabanter 2025: Hollywood’s unraveling year of crises, consolidation, and AI
Kim Masters is joined by Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw for a year-end Megabanter, looking back at a messy 2025.
Weekend Film ReviewsWeekend Film Reviews: 'Marty Supreme,' 'Song Sung Blue'
Plus, why 'The Testament of Ann Lee' is a must-see on the big screen.
Press Play with Madeleine BrandGoodbye to ‘Stranger Things,’ the show that defined modern streaming
Plus, Wall Street investors are hoping to profit from LA County sex abuse settlements, KCRW’s Evan Kleiman eulogizes restaurants shuttered this year, and our weekly film reviews.
KCRW ReportsHe wants to change the way you think about the Cecil Hotel
Father Dylan Littlefield tries to turn around the building’s reputation as a place that inspires true crime documentaries.
Press Play with Madeleine BrandDOJ may face contempt charges over unreleased Epstein files
Plus, CBS top editor Bari Weiss draws ire after pulling a segment critical of the Trump administration, Argentinian musician Juana Molina is back with a new album, and the playoff-bound Rams and Chargers could lead to an all-LA Super Bowl.
KCRW MusicJon Batiste on Randy Newman, Americana, and "The Space of the Majestic"
Jon Batiste dropped by KCRW to join Anne Litt for a conversation about his high-visibility year, including the release of his 9th studio album Big Money, a major U.S. tour, and 2026 GRAMMY recognition in the Americana genre.
The TreatmentFinal reflections from Rob Reiner on his father's legacy
The late director pays tribute to another icon — his father.
Second OpinionWhat My Patients Taught Me About Gratitude
Practicing gratitude has benefits for your mind and body.
KCRW ReportsSierra Madre's Rose float thanks firefighters - with no flames
The town has been building Rose Parade floats for over 100 years. This year’s celebrates first responders during the Eaton Fire.
The TreatmentKate Winslet says hello to directing with Goodbye June
Actor turned director Kate Winslet feels right at home behind the camera.
Question EverythingThe Scammers and Smut that Sparked the Modern Internet
As lawmakers on Capitol Hill call for the repeal of Section 230, we return to the moment it was spawned.
The Sam Sanders ShowSamara Joy: What’s A Church Girl To Sing?
Samara Joy on staying true to herself in her latest album, Portrait.
Weekend Film ReviewsWeekend Film Reviews: 'The Housemaid,' 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'
Plus, 'The Voice of Hind Rijab.'
The BusinessVince Gilligan wants the audience to decide what ‘Pluribus’ is about
Vince Gilligan digs into the meaning of his Apple TV series, Pluribus, with Eric Deggans. Plus, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down the deal that led to the Oscars moving to YouTube in 2029.
Left, Right & CenterIs President Trump losing his grip on the Republican Party?
Congress continues its fight over healthcare. Will it drive a wedge into the Republican party? And what does the future of the GOP look like if Trump’s leadership weakens?
Press Play with Madeleine BrandOscars move reveals what YouTube always wanted: to replace TV
Plus, the “slow-motion, slightly-off-the-front-page collapse” of the FBI under Kash Patel, our weekend film reviews, and Evan Kleiman has the best spice blends for last-minute stocking stuffers.
KCRW ReportsM.L.K. Hospital ‘can’t cut enough to absorb’ Medicaid $ loss
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital in South LA, a safety net hospital, largely serves low-income patients. It's set to see 20% of its budget cut next year.
KCRW ReportsAn Olympics Idea to Travel the City, Slowly ... on Purpose
The Festival Trail is a nonprofit plan to link up Olympic and Paralympic venues, and the neighborhoods in between, for walking and biking. As with any non-car transit plans, it'll be an uphill battle.- The Sam Sanders Show
Samara Joy: What’s A Church Girl To Sing?
Samara Joy on staying true to herself in her latest album, Portrait. 
Press Play with Madeleine BrandRob Reiner’s son’s struggles feel familiar for many families
Plus, President Trump’s chief of staff spoke candidly to Vanity Fair about her boss and others in the White House, and how to choose a holiday movie everyone will like.
Press Play with Madeleine BrandRhea Seehorn on happiness, self-loathing, and optimism in ‘Pluribus’
Plus, an attack on Americans in Syria and the Bondi Beach antisemitic shooting renews focus on ISIS, and the origin story of the drunken, debaucherous SantaCon.
The Sam Sanders ShowCan We Survive the Gift Guide Industrial Complex?
There’s a gift guide for everyone on your list. Is that a good thing?
Press Play with Madeleine BrandRemembering Rob Reiner, and his ‘endlessly quotable’ films
Plus, nine former Justice Department attorneys resign over pressure to investigate antisemitism on UC campuses, and the band HAIM dishes on their new album, relationships, and Paul Thomas Anderson.
KCRW ReportsIt's go time for Santa
KCRW hung out with a local Santa performer to experience a day in his life. Spoiler: there's no elves helping him out, but he could use a few this time of year.
KCRW ReportsFeeling the holiday blues? Call the 24/7 WeHo Poetry Hotline
Anyone can call the West Hollywood Holiday Poetry Hotline to hear “poetry prescriptions" for a bit of comfort in December.
The TreatmentOscar winner Paul Tazewell on telling story through costume
Wicked: For Good designer talks dressing Elphaba and Glinda.
Latest Playlists
carousel
Ro "Wyldeflower" ContrerasRo "Wyldeflower" Contreras' playlist December 24, 2025
Music to lift your spirits. An expansive sonic journey featuring new and classic rhythms from all over the globe.- Resident DJ
RESIDENT DJ 012: THOMAS DOLBY
British music legend Thomas Dolby touches down at KCRW as our Resident DJ for the month of December 2025. In his fourth mix, he features music by The B-52's, Whodini, and James Brown. 
Morning Becomes EclecticAnne Litt's playlist: December 24, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Morning Becomes EclecticMorning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 23, 2025 (with Special Guest Leon Thomas)
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Morning Becomes EclecticMorning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 22, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Peanut Butter WolfPeanut Butter Wolf's playlist: December 21, 2025
Peanut Butter Wolf digs through his crates of over 50,000 records, as well as digital crates of tons of unreleased music, to favor the underdog. In his second KCRW episode, he features music by _ and more.
Dan WilcoxDan Wilcox's playlist: December 21, 2025
New discoveries, remixes, rarities, b-sides, and classics.- Anne Litt
Anne Litt's playlist December 21, 2025
New rhythms. Sonic memory lanes. Everything else in between.
John TejadaJohn Tejada's playlist December 20, 2025
John Tejada crafts seamless journeys through electronic music, blending deep cuts and future sounds to connect the underground's past with its evolving future.
MetropolisMetropolis playlist: December 20, 2025 (Guest Mix from Lee Burridge)
Jason Bentley captures a hypnotic pulse of modern city life.
Raul CamposRaul Campos' playlist December 20, 2025
Soulful grooves, fresh remixes, Latin rhythms, and rock.- Anne Litt
Anne Litt's playlist December 20, 2025
New rhythms. Sonic memory lanes. Everything else in between.
LUXXURYLUXXURY playlist December 19, 2025
LUXXURY mixes dance, rock & post-punk, playing remixes and dubbed out edits of vintage classics, hidden gems of funk, and dusty disco discoveries.
Morning Becomes EclecticMorning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 19, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
- Resident DJ
RESIDENT DJ 011: THOMAS DOLBY
British music legend Thomas Dolby touches down at KCRW as our Resident DJ for the month of December 2025. In his third mix, he features music by Richard Hell, Venus Hum, and Grateful Dead. 
Tyler "Boogie" BoudreauxTyler "Boogie" Boudreaux's playlist: December 18, 2025
Part wax. Part digital. Pure heat.
Morning Becomes EclecticMorning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 18, 2025 (Anne Litt guest hosts)
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
- Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras
Rocio "Wyldeflower" Contreras' Playlist: December 17, 2025
A globe-trotting journey through new and classic rhythms. 
Morning Becomes EclecticMorning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 17, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
- Morning Becomes Eclectic
Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 16, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
- Tyler "Boogie" Boudreaux
Tyler "Boogie" Boudreaux's playlist: December 15, 2025
Part wax. Part digital. Pure heat. - Morning Becomes Eclectic
Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 15, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
- Dan Wilcox
Dan Wilcox's playlist: December 14, 2025
New discoveries, remixes, rarities, b-sides, and classics.
Chris DouridasChris Douridas' playlist: December 14, 2025
Genre-defying sounds, from fresh cuts to timeless gems.- John Tejada
John Tejada's playlist 12/13/25
John Tejada crafts seamless journeys through electronic music, blending deep cuts and future sounds to connect the underground's past with its evolving future.
Music Shows & DJs
carousel
Resident DJ
Thomas Dolby drops original mixes just for KCRW. Every Friday in December.
LUXXURY
LUXXURY mixes dance, rock & post-punk, playing remixes and dubbed out edits of vintage classics, hidden gems of funk, and dusty disco discoveries.John Tejada
John Tejada crafts seamless journeys through electronic music, blending deep cuts and future sounds to connect the underground's past with its evolving future.Morning Becomes Eclectic
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Henry Rollins
A mix of all kinds, from all over and all time.
Metropolis
Jason Bentley captures a hypnotic pulse of modern city life.Anne Litt
New rhythms. Sonic memory lanes. Everything else in between.
Chris Douridas
Genre-defying sounds, from fresh cuts to timeless gems.
Raul Campos
Soulful grooves, fresh remixes, Latin rhythms, and rock.SiLVA
A dance-forward mix spanning all genres.
Tyler "Boogie" Boudreaux
Part wax. Part digital. Pure heat.Dan Wilcox
New discoveries, remixes, rarities, b-sides, and classics.
LeRoy Downs
Exploring the multitudes contained within jazz.Francesca Harding
Music to make you feel.Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras
A globe-trotting journey through new and classic rhythms.
Nassir Nassirzadeh
Indie found sounds, nostalgic guilty pleasures, and introspective piano solos to help you feel deeply and move freely through life.
KCRW Original Shows & Podcasts
Left, Right & Center
Different takes. Same table.
Good Food
We’ll feed your belly and your curiosity.
The Sam Sanders Show
Big questions & hot takes on pop culture.
Question Everything
Fight for the truth. New episodes every Thursday.
The Business
Inside Hollywood with all the deals, drama, and decision-makers.
The Treatment
The most interesting and influential figures in entertainment.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Host Madeleine Brand looks at news, culture and emerging trends through the lens of Los Angeles.
KCRW Reports
Original reporting and interviews bring you the stories of LA.
Lost Notes
This season on Lost Notes: Groupies. Women of the Sunset Strip from the Pill to Punk.
Weekend Film Reviews
The best film reviewers in the business give you recommendations on what to see and what to skip each week.
Bodies
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.
Life Examined
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.
Newsletters
carousel
5 Things To Do This Week
What to do with your free time in LA.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
5 Songs to Hear This Week
Must-hear tracks, curated by KCRW’s music team.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Local Newsletter
From Santa Barbara to Orange County, Los Angeles to Riverside — and points between — get the best local stories to your inbox every week.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Music Insider
New tracks, free music downloads, and live performances, curated by legendary KCRW DJ Anne Litt.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Art Insider
Let KCRW's art expert Carolina A. Miranda share where and how art and design are transforming LA's cultural landscape.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
The Good Food Newsletter
Weekly food recommendations and story roundups from the Good Food podcast. Written by Evan Kleiman.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Entertainment Newsletter
A look into who and what’s shaping the entertainment we consume.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Sam Sanders Newsletter
Find out what pop culture Sam can’t stop thinking about, plus behind-the-scenes tidbits that didn’t make the show.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Design & Architecture Newsletter
Frances Anderton's dispatches on the world of design and architecture, and a roundup of related events.
Bi-weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
KCRW Insider
The best of KCRW – new music, new podcasts, events, and more.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Top 30 Albums Of The Week
A list of the top 30 albums in KCRW’s on-air rotation.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Second Opinion
Dr. Michael Wilkes offers an alternative perspective on medical ideas.
Weekly. Cancel or pause anytime.
Upcoming Events
See morecarousel
Trivia Night
Re/creation Cafe, Los Angeles, CA
KCRW PresentsFree
Resolutions NYE/NYD
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
KCRW PresentsConcerts
Jason Bentley's Metropolis NYE
Townhouse Venice, Venice, CA
KCRW PresentsConcertsDance
Power up Altadena!
Zorthian Ranch, Altadena, CA
KCRW PresentsConcertsJazz / Freeform
Pieowa: A Piece of America
The Lido Theater, Newport Beach, CA
Film/TVKCRW Presents
Vinicius Cantuária & Chico Pinheiro
Sam's First, Los Angeles, CA
KCRW PresentsConcertsJazz / Freeform
Constant Smiles, Graffiti Phallico, Nymphlord
Permanent Records' Roadhouse, Los Angeles, CA
ConcertsKCRW PresentsIndie / Alt
Ski Team, See Night
Healing Force of the Universe, Pasadena, CA
Indie / AltKCRW PresentsConcerts
Cate Le Bon
The Belasco, Los Angeles, CA
KCRW PresentsConcertsFeatured
Say She She
The Belasco, Los Angeles, CA
KCRW PresentsHand-Picked MusicConcerts
