Press Play with Madeleine Brand

KCRW

Latest episode

Comedian Eddie Izzard takes on the ultimate tragedy: Hamlet
21/1/2026 | 52 mins.
Plus, the Supreme Court hears cases on gun rights and executive power, why the U.S. has had a longer adversarial relationship with Iran than with the USSR, and remembering fashion designer Valentino.
Selena, A Tribe Called Quest inspire Adrian Quesada’s ‘boleros psicodelicos’
19/1/2026 | 52 mins.
Plus, LA-based quintet SML blurs the lines between jazz and electronica, and a new book tells the story of the women of Parliament-Funkadelic who shaped the sound of ‘70s funk.
BTS is back! Previewing the year ahead in KPop
15/1/2026 | 52 mins.
Plus, San Francisco’s free childcare could be a way for Democrats to thread the affordability needle, a campaign for social media not in the hands of tech billionaires, and our weekend film reviews.
Could exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi be Iran’s next leader?
15/1/2026 | 51 mins.
Plus, how climate change is prompting some Americans to move north, and Evan Kleiman learns a lot about food through niche newsletters. She shares her favorites.
Can Democrats capitalize as ‘Abolish ICE’ regains momentum?
14/1/2026 | 52 mins.
Plus, the billionaires working to defeat a wealth tax that’s not even on the ballot yet, how AI can help someone grieving, and what exactly is beef tallow?