FRIDAY FIVE
Sweater weather has officially commenced, and you’re likely spending a lot more time inside, yet there are only so many Netflix shows you can binge-watch. If you’re looking for something else to keep you busy, we suggest exploring these podcasts, which will help you dive deep into the Bay Area’s history, politics, and subcultures.
Here are our five favorite podcasts about the Bay Area.
1. Ear Hustle
Life in San Quentin State Prison is full of myths and stereotypes for those of us who aren’t familiar with the incarcerated life. But the podcast Ear Hustle shines a light on what life is like inside and out, from serving time in San Quentin to what happens when inmates reintegrate into society. Likewise, the podcast’s production team works both in the prison’s media lab and at its own offices outside. The podcast is put on by Bay Area artist Nigel Poor along with formerly incarcerated inmates Earlonne Woods and Antwan “Banks” Williams. In 2016, Ear Hustle won Radiotopia’s Podquest contest, and the podcast has won several other awards since.
Ear Hustle | earhustlesq.com
2. Bay Curious
Do you ever walk around the Bay Area and ask yourself a random question about something you see on the street? For example, have you ever wondered why there is a Texas flag in front of San Francisco City Hall? Yes, we have too. Well, luckily, there’s a podcast for that. KQED’s podcast Bay Curious seeks to answer quirky questions about the region we live in. The episodes are short (between 10 and 15 minutes each), but there’s no shortage of interesting tidbits you’ll soak up and be able to share with friends.
Bay Curious | kqed.org
3. Rightnowish
This is another KQED podcast that we can’t get enough of (dare we say right now?). Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw interviews artists, writers, dancers, and other creators in the Bay Area on how our beloved home influences their work—and how their work influences our home. Touching on everything from what street sofas say about the housing crisis to Oakland’s own roller-skating country singer, Rightnowish inspires listeners to go out and explore their home.
Rightnowish | kqed.org
4. San Francisco City Insider
For such a small city, San Francisco politics wield a lot of influence, and many of our local politicians have become players on state and national levels. Some of the ordinances that have passed in our foggy city have set a precedent for cities around the country. But with great power comes great responsibility—and drama. If you want to stay in the know, San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight hosts San Francisco City Insider, providing insight into the city’s biggest news stories and most pressing issues.
San Francisco City Insider | sfchronicle.com
5. Equity
If you follow the tech-startup scene in San Francisco, TechCrunch’s podcast Equity gives you everything you need to know about the latest rounds, IPOs, and acquisitions. Hosted by Kate Clark and Alex Wilhelm, it features as regular guests venture capitalists, CEOs, and other movers and shakers in the scene. After a few episodes of this knowledgeable podcast, listeners will feel like they’re peeking in on discussions in the boardroom.
Equity | techcrunch.com
