Top Stories & Episodes
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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.
Second OpinionBlessed or Broken? Rethinking Mental Health Across Cultures
What one culture calls mental illness, others call a divine gift.
The BusinessEverything you need to know about the Warner Bros. sale (so far)
Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw share the latest updates on the Warner Bros. sale. Plus, holiday leftovers rom recent conversations with Wake Up Dead Man filmmakers Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman, and Stranger Things executive producer Shawn Levy.
Left, Right & CenterCan Europe trust Trump’s vision for peace?
European leaders are skeptical of President Trump’s plan for peace in Ukraine. And how might the president’s views on migration impact the EU?
Good FoodThe best pancakes in LA
Plus: Sichuan peppercorns, salad at the center of the table, and Golden Delicious apples.
Press Play with Madeleine BrandDisney’s $1B Sora deal could upend Hollywood’s relationship with AI
Plus, our weekend film reviews (including the latest Knives Out entry) and Evan Kleiman brings brisket and salmon recipes ahead of Hanukkah.
Weekend Film ReviewsWeekend Film Reviews: 'Dust Bunny,' 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery'
Plus, an anime based on Hamlet.
The Sam Sanders ShowK-Pop, AI Slop & Ms. Rachel? 2025 Pop Culture Review
Did 2025 Pop Culture Sizzle or Fizzle?
KCRW Reports$1,500 for World Cup tickets? Some fans aren't too excited
The World Cup comes to SoFi stadium in June; many soccer fans are pumped, but others are annoyed at high prices and worried about more federal attention to LA.
Press Play with Madeleine BrandA bear moved into Altadena man’s crawlspace. He won’t leave.
Plus, Australia bans social media for users under 16, Target continues to face backlash over its rollback of DEI efforts, and Paramount’s Landman drops us right in the middle of a West Texas oil boom.- The Sam Sanders Show
How Queer Was 2025?
Queerness is everywhere on screen now. But is it the representation we fought for? 
Press Play with Madeleine BrandRemembering Frank Gehry, the ‘never pretentious’ star of the starchitects
Plus, Paramount’s hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, the Supreme Court considers expanding presidential power, and LA-based quintet SML blurs the lines between jazz and electronica.
Good FoodThe frenzied last days of LA's oldest bar and restaurant
With all the recent closures of classic LA restaurants, reporter Jennifer Swann explains why crowds are lining up around the block to get one last taste of Cole's.
KCRW ReportsFrom Dirndls to the 'Wiener Toss': Red Lion's Evolution
Over 66 years, the German tavern in Silverlake has evolved from a Black Forest fantasyland to something stranger, sillier, and more distinctly LA.
KCRW ReportsThe legacy of Chicano artist Jose Lozano
The late painter's art is featured across Southern California.
The Sam Sanders ShowRuth E. Carter: What Makes an Iconic Costume?
Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter makes people look good on the big screen — especially Black people.
She’s the mind behind the costumes for countless iconic films including Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing, the Black Panther franchise, and arguably the biggest movie this year… Sinners.
Sam chats with Ruth about the literal blood and sweat that goes into her designs, the first garment she ever made, and working as one of the few Black costume designers in Hollywood.
Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.
KCRW ReportsL.A. changed architect Frank Gehry. He changed it right back.
Frank Gehry has died at age 96. Over a 70-year career, he became one of the world's most celebrated architects, and cemented the reputation of Los Angeles.
The TreatmentGuillermo del Toro on building the world of Frankenstein
Plus, Guillermo del Toro breaks down the parallels between Frankenstein and his creature.
- Second Opinion
Why the President's 'Routine' MRI Is Bad Medicine
The President's 'routine' MRI that cost $3,000 and no doctor recommends is a perfect example of how too much healthcare can be just as harmful as too little. 
Left, Right & CenterTrump rants, Hegseth deflects while Congress looks for answers
The president delivers a hateful rant during a cabinet meeting. Is Pete Hegseth on the hot seat? Plus, we’ll discuss a revealing new social media feature.
Good FoodGo global with your holiday baking
Asian cookies, Lebanese sweets, Polish rye breads, German Christmas treats, and a hot new Turkish restaurant.
The TreatmentThe Treat: Actor Greg Kinnear
Actor Greg Kinnear on the surprising place he got his start.
The BusinessCeline Song on confronting the cost of love in ‘Materialists’
Kim Masters talks with Celine Song about Materialists and its strong global box-office run. Masters and Matt Belloni also weigh in on Netflix’s plans for Warners and the looming threat of shorter theatrical windows.
Weekend Film ReviewsWeekend Film Reviews: 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2,' 'The Secret Agent'
Plus, Kristen Stewart's directorial debut The Chronology of Water.
Press Play with Madeleine BrandCaribbean boat strikes, Signal fiasco. Could Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s days be numbered?
Plus, why self-driving cars could be a “public health breakthrough,” a new documentary follows a woman in rural Iran who won a seat on her village council, and our weekly film reviews.
Latest Playlists
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Morning Becomes EclecticMorning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 17, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Morning Becomes EclecticMorning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 16, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Tyler "Boogie" BoudreauxTyler "Boogie" Boudreaux's playlist: December 15, 2025
Part wax. Part digital. Pure heat.
Morning Becomes EclecticMorning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 15, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Dan WilcoxDan 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 TejadaJohn 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.
MetropolisMetropolis playlist: December 13, 2025 (Guest Mix from Hercules & Love Affair)
Jason Bentley captures a hypnotic pulse of modern city life.
Raul CamposRaul Campos' playlist December 13, 2025
Soulful grooves, fresh remixes, Latin rhythms, and rock.
Anne LittAnne Litt's playlist December 13, 2025
New rhythms. Sonic memory lanes. Everything else in between.
LUXXURYLUXXURY's playlist December 12, 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 12, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Resident DJRESIDENT DJ 010: THOMAS DOLBY
British music legend Thomas Dolby touches down at KCRW as our Resident DJ for the month of December 2025. In his second mix, he features music by David Bowie, The Blue Nile, and Prince.- Tyler "Boogie" Boudreaux
Tyler "Boogie" Boudreaux's playlist: December 11, 2025
Part wax. Part digital. Pure heat. - Morning Becomes Eclectic
Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 11, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
Ro "Wyldeflower" ContrerasRocio "Wyldeflower" Contreras' Playlist: December 10, 2025
A globe-trotting journey through new and classic rhythms.- Morning Becomes Eclectic
Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 10, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
- Morning Becomes Eclectic
Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 9, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
- Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras
Rocio "Wyldeflower" Contreras' Playlist: December 8, 2025
A globe-trotting journey through new and classic rhythms.
- Morning Becomes Eclectic
Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist: December 8, 2025
KCRW’s signature music program — defying format since 1977.
- Ro "Wyldeflower" Contreras
Rocio "Wyldeflower" Contreras' Playlist: December 7, 2025
A globe-trotting journey through new and classic rhythms. - Dan Wilcox
Dan Wilcox's playlist: December 7, 2025
New discoveries, remixes, rarities, b-sides, and classics. - Chris Douridas
Chris Douridas' playlist: December 7, 2025
Genre-defying sounds, from fresh cuts to timeless gems.
- John Tejada
John Tejada's playlist December 6, 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. - Raul Campos
Raul Campos' playlist December 6, 2025
Soulful grooves, fresh remixes, Latin rhythms, and rock.
Music Shows & DJs
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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
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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
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Trivia Night
Re/creation Cafe, Los Angeles, CA
KCRW PresentsFreeTrivia Night
Re/creation Cafe, Los Angeles, CA
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Resolutions NYE/NYD
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
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Jason Bentley's Metropolis NYE
Townhouse Venice, Venice, CA
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Power up Altadena!
Zorthian Ranch, Altadena, 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
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Attune
NXT Art Foundation, Los Angeles, CA
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