Madeleine Brand

Madeleine Brand is the host of  the award-winning daily news and culture show, Press Play. On the show, she covers national, international and local stories through a Southern California lens.  She is also the co-host of KCRW's legal affairs podcast, The Legal Eagle Files.

Madeleine has hosted and reported for NPR and for affiliate stations for more than 30 years. She has a master's degree from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, where she also taught documentary radio. Madeleine's undergraduate degree is from the University of California Berkeley, where she graduated with honors in English.

Madeleine Brand on KCRW

Fava beans are one of the most ancient plants and among the easiest to grow. They’re key in Mediterranean and Middle East food cultures.

Fava beans are nutrient-packed — use them in pasta, purees, and more

Fava beans are one of the most ancient plants and among the easiest to grow. They’re key in Mediterranean and Middle East food cultures.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

LACMA has signed on as a partner in the development of Las Vegas’ only standalone art museum. Pieces from LACMA will be on rotating loan in Vegas once the museum is complete.

LACMA to send some of its art to Vegas. Will Angelenos miss out?

LACMA has signed on as a partner in the development of Las Vegas’ only standalone art museum. Pieces from LACMA will be on rotating loan in Vegas once the museum is complete.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Erick Elliott ’s (a.k.a. Erick the Architect) first solo album, “I’ve Never Been Here Before,” features big-name collaborators like James Blake and George Clinton.

LA brings a different energy to Erick the Architect’s music

Erick Elliott ’s (a.k.a. Erick the Architect) first solo album, “I’ve Never Been Here Before,” features big-name collaborators like James Blake and George Clinton.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

More from KCRW

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been fostering abandoned sea otter pups for release into the wild.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The southbound 101 freeway in Agoura Hills will be closed nightly for the next few weeks — as Caltrans continues building a massive wildlife bridge.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A higher minimum wage benefits fast food workers in an expensive state. It could also mean higher menu prices for customers, and tighter budgets for franchises.

from KCRW Features

Anticipating Monday’s total solar eclipse, Angelenos are flying and driving thousands of miles to get the best view – and, possibly, to be changed.

from KCRW Features

Regarding Her, a nonprofit accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage, is sponsoring a spattering of events this March.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The cities of Irvine and Santa Ana failed to pass an ordinance that would have required protestors to stand at least 300 feet from private residences.

from KCRW Features

In “Problemista,” a Salvadoran immigrant longs to become a toy designer when he arrives in New York. The challenges of getting a U.S. work visa threaten his dreams.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A landslide on Topanga Canyon Blvd. blocks access to Pacific Coast Highway, leading to three-hour commutes and potential catastrophe in fire season.

from KCRW Features

Sonoran white wheat is core to making flour tortillas. It has resurged in the past decade thanks to its versatility in baked goods, sweet flavor, and white color.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand