Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Disney v. FCC, Skydance closes in big day for LA media giants
06/10/2026 | 53 min
Plus, the botched execution of Christa Pike and why Americans are turning against the death penalty. And before Google, there was the LA Public Library, whose librarians would try to answer any question.
The Strokes were supposed to save rock ‘n’ roll. They didn’t
05/10/2026 | 53 min
Plus, the Supreme Court is back in session and justices will decide if Boulder, Colorado can sue companies for climate disasters. And how surveillance culture makes it harder to hook up in your car.
Recapping the final (and only) Becerra-Hilton debate
01/10/2026 | 53 min
Plus, our weekend film reviews, and a pro’s guide to going out in LA when you have a toddler.
Bass and Raman’s differing views on Israel’s war in Gaza
30/09/2026 | 53 min
Plus, filmmaker John Wilson's new documentary about the history of concrete has a lot under its surface. And KCRW’s LeRoy Downs stops by to discuss jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, who was born 100 years ago this month.
'You don’t need to learn everything' to win on Jeopardy!
29/09/2026 | 53 min
Plus, an LA artist receives the MacArthur Foundation’s “genius grant,” and Angelenos screen their home videotapes on VHS for the first time with the help of T.A.P.E. Collective.