Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Healing words from a spiritual leader — amid fires, COVID, 9/11 anniversary
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 approaches 200,000. An upcoming presidential election lays bare Americans’ ugliest partisan divides and tribal impulses. Also, the 9/11 attacks took place 19 years ago today.
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenThe U.S. death toll from COVID-19 approaches 200,000. An upcoming presidential election lays bare Americans’ ugliest partisan divides and tribal impulses. Also, the 9/11 attacks took place 19 years ago today. Everything feels overwhelming right now. KCRW checks in with someone who’s been a calming and reassuring presence throughout these and other crises: Rabbi Steve Leder of Wilshire Boulevard Temple.
In this episode
5 storiesIn scorched Northern California, a town is hollowed out, evacuees are isolated, resources are strained
“There were charred trees, empty lots where nothing much was left other than crumpled metal, maybe some chimneys here and there, burned out cars. And there were downed power lines everywhere. And then every so often, you’d see a house that appeared almost untouched by the flames," says reporter Alexei Koseff of Berry Creek in Butte County.
Read the story8 minLA rabbi reminds everyone to focus on beauty that remains — amid fires, COVID, 9/11 anniversary
"When we remove certain things from our lives, it leaves some very beautiful things behind. And it creates the room, the vacuum for beautiful things to emerge," says Rabbi Steve Leder.
Read the story11 minUV light, masks, shields: How a Glendale salon owner is keeping clients and stylists safe
Governor Gavin Newsom says salons and barbershops can reopen for indoor services, even in high-risk counties like LA. But they can only open at 25% capacity.
Read the story8 minPro football is back. NFL invests heavily in COVID testing and contact tracing
“I wish the country would care as much as these sports leagues are as far as contact tracing and testing and rapid testing. So they’ve invested a lot of money in that. And if you do test positive for COVID, you have to sit out," says Randy Sklar.
Read the story8 minIn ‘The Broken Hearts Gallery,’ letting go of physical things means letting go of emotions
Critics review “I Am Woman,” a biopic of Australian singer Helen Reddy; “Unpregnant,” about a 17-year-old pregnant woman who can’t get an abortion without her parents’ permission, so she enlists the help of an ex-friend; “The Sit-In,” a new…
Read the story15 min
