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

Critics review the latest film releases: “Challengers,” “Uncropped,” “Egoist,” and “Alien” (re-release).

‘Challengers’: Characters drive the thrilling sports drama, says critic

Critics review the latest film releases: “Challengers,” “Uncropped,” “Egoist,” and “Alien” (re-release).

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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

More from KCRW

Technology has devastated kids’ abilities to connect and learn. Pew data from 2022 says nearly half of teens were online almost constantly.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

This fall, women lawmakers are slated to make up the majority in the California Legislature — a historical first. They could lead on reproductive care and family leave.

from KCRW Features

All 371 locations of 99 Cents Only stores will close permanently, which means a big loss for those who rely on a low-income brick-and-mortar retailer in their neighborhood.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

OJ Simpson, 76, died on Wednesday. Thirty years ago, his murder trial and acquittal became a flashpoint of celebrity, race, and jurisprudence.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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

Beloved 99 Cents Only stores are closing permanently, so customers are grabbing their final bargains.

from KCRW Features

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

The Santa Monica City Council recently voted to explore compensating the descendants of a Black man named Silas White for his plot of land on Ocean Ave.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A day after Gaza protests erupted on campus, USC students are disappointed to learn that May 10’s main stage commencement ceremony is canceled.

from KCRW Features