Karen Pelland

Karen Pelland

Independent Producer

Karen Pelland is a freelance radio journalist who occasionally dabbles in documentary film. Prior to getting her start at WBUR public radio in Boston in 1999, however, she wandered the grey cubicles of corporate America, not quite sure what it was all about. After moving to New York in 2002, her work ranged from freelance radio gigs to non-profit consulting, documentary film production and book research. Lots of dog sitting, too. In addition to Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, her other documentary projects include Morgan Spurlock’s What Would Jesus Buy? and Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? When she’s not road tripping around the country, Karen currently lives in Santa Barbara, California, freelancing around town, as well as for NPR and other public radio outlets.

Karen Pelland on KCRW

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why it’s getting harder and harder to afford local California lobster, look no further than the exploding middle class in China. Its demand for…

Shelling out for California lobster

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why it’s getting harder and harder to afford local California lobster, look no further than the exploding middle class in China. Its demand for…

from News Stories

More from KCRW

As women rise to positions of authority within LA’s alcohol industry, they are using their experiences to support one another and create welcoming spaces.

from Greater LA

Panelists discuss recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria after a devastating earthquake, President Biden’s State of the Union, and racism surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the…

from Left, Right & Center

Senator Steve Padilla’s SB 253 requires officials to calculate how much people need to earn to pay for basic needs in each California county.

from Greater LA

One (very unauthorized) play about the king of pop had its performance schedule cut short by COVID-19. Now, the show is back on. But like all of us, it’s changed.

from Greater LA

Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise seem to have reconciled at the Academy Award luncheon. Who benefits from the friendship?

from Hollywood Breakdown

A day after Disney’s Q1 report and Bob Iger’s restructuring and cost cutting plans, he announced he’s open to selling Hulu, and possible exit in two years.

from Hollywood Breakdown

Californians can’t smoke green and buy grub at cannabis lounges under current law. A new bill could change that. Plus, could other states start to buy CA weed?

from KCRW Features

Students at Dorsey High School learn real-life business skills by creating and marketing an avocado-based sauce. Sales are strong. Maybe it’s the avocado-pit alien logo?

from Greater LA

Sidewalk vendors in LA are suing the city for access to no-vending zones as part of a broader push to make vending a viable legal business opportunity.

from Greater LA