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Food scholar Darra Goldstein traces the lineage of early fermented beverages, which were offered to deities and used in rituals.

Food scholar Darra Goldstein traces the lineage of early fermented beverages, which were offered to deities and used in rituals.

from Good Food

Holiday film picks: ‘See You Next Christmas,’ ‘Better Watch Out’

Film critic Alonso Duralde recommends holiday movies: “See You Next Christmas,” “Better Watch Out, “1985,” and “Christmas, Again.”

‘Didion and Babitz’: You need both LA cultural icons, says author

Through their writings, Eve Babitz and Joan Didion cemented LA in our collective imagination as a sultry hotbed.

Putting together the ultimate holiday cookie box? Here’s your guide

Gifting a holiday cookie box to loved ones? Consider adding spice, vibrant colors, and a bit of booze to your selection of treats.

Portal to 2025, a KCRW Members-Only Experience

Date: Friday, January 10, 2025 Timing: 7 PM - midnight Location: Clifton's Republic, 648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s latest film is “The Room Next Door” — a former war correspondent has terminal cancer, makes a plan to kill herself, and asks her old friend to help.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The band Pixies and The Breeders helped shape the alternative rock sound of the early ‘90s.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Films are baked into the fabric of Press Play, so we’re going to pass the microphone around the staff.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Author Brad Stulberg shares hopeful observations from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, while also reflecting on the growing masculinity crisis.

from Life Examined

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This season on Lost Notes: Groupies. Women of the Sunset Strip from the Pill to Punk.

Lost Notes

This season on Lost Notes: Groupies. Women of the Sunset Strip from the Pill to Punk.

 Are your friends sick of hearing about your latest hookups and troublesome relationships? We’re not. KCRW is here to ask, How’s Your Sex Life?

How’s Your Sex Life?

Are your friends sick of hearing about your latest hookups and troublesome relationships? We’re not. KCRW is here to ask, How’s Your Sex Life?

 Evan Kleiman explores current events, social phenomena, history and culture through the lens of food.

Good Food

Evan Kleiman explores current events, social phenomena, history and culture through the lens of food.

 In-depth interviews with the most innovative & influential people in entertainment, art, and pop culture. Hosted by film critic Elvis Mitchell, at KCRW.com.

The Treatment

In-depth interviews with the most innovative & influential people in entertainment, art, and pop culture. Hosted by film critic Elvis Mitchell, at KCRW.com.

This Week on KCRW

The risks are rising, and state and government officials are not taking this seriously.

The risk of a bird flu epidemic

The risks are rising, and state and government officials are not taking this seriously.

from Second Opinion

John David Washington talks starring in his brother Malcolm’s adaptation of “The Piano Lesson” and how playing college football continues to shape his acting.

John David Washington talks parallels between college football and acting

John David Washington talks starring in his brother Malcolm’s adaptation of “The Piano Lesson” and how playing college football continues to shape his acting.

from The Treatment

Director Matt Tyrnauer reflects on how a great editor set the course for his future in filmmaking.

How a ‘cinéma verité paper cut’ led Matt Tyrnauer to filmmaking

Director Matt Tyrnauer reflects on how a great editor set the course for his future in filmmaking.

from The Treatment

Filmmaker Marco Perego breaks down the Italian neorealist influence on his new short film “Dovecote” which stars his wife Zoe Saldaña.

Marco Perego on making his new short film “Dovecote” with wife Zoe Saldaña

Filmmaker Marco Perego breaks down the Italian neorealist influence on his new short film “Dovecote” which stars his wife Zoe Saldaña.

from The Treatment

Consumption, big tech in focus in ‘Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy’

Documentarian Nic Stacey on his film, ‘Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy’

Consumption, big tech in focus in ‘Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy’

from The Business

Lesley Jacobs Solmonson explains how liqueurs went from the hands of the apothecary to those of the mixologist.

How a medieval alchemist, trade routes, and Catherine de Medici brought liqueur to the liquor cabinet

Lesley Jacobs Solmonson explains how liqueurs went from the hands of the apothecary to those of the mixologist.

from Good Food

Balo Orozco shops the farmers' markets to make seasonal shrubs.

Market Report: Transforming passion fruit into shrubs

Balo Orozco shops the farmers' markets to make seasonal shrubs.

from Good Food

Sociologist Nicola Nice takes a look at how women brought the cocktail home.

From pre-Civil War Virginia to 'Mad Men,' women guided the modern cocktail craze

Sociologist Nicola Nice takes a look at how women brought the cocktail home.

from Good Food

The latest film releases include Kraven the Hunter, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, The End, and September 5.

Weekend film reviews: ‘Kraven the Hunter,’ ‘The End,’ ‘September 5’

The latest film releases include Kraven the Hunter, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, The End, and September 5.

from Weekend Film Reviews

Sam Sanders shares his approach to a stress-free holiday; Madeleine Brand reveals the secret for a successful office party.

Best and worst holiday traditions: Sam Sanders, Madeleine Brand

Sam Sanders shares his approach to a stress-free holiday; Madeleine Brand reveals the secret for a successful office party.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Critics review the latest film releases: “Kraven the Hunter,” “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” “The End,” and “September 5.”

Weekend film reviews: ‘Kraven the Hunter,’ ‘The End,’ ‘September 5’

Critics review the latest film releases: “Kraven the Hunter,” “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” “The End,” and “September 5.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Long Beach International Tamales Festival is December 14. How the event came to be is one of triumph, commitment, and never quitting.

What makes a good tamale? Festival honors cultural cuisine

The Long Beach International Tamales Festival is December 14. How the event came to be is one of triumph, commitment, and never quitting.

from KCRW Features

Hanukkah foods often focus on frying, so latkes are at the center of the table. But when it comes to the sweet side of things, jelly donuts or “sufganiyot” are a must-eat.

Sweet side of Hanukkah table: Jelly donuts are essential

Hanukkah foods often focus on frying, so latkes are at the center of the table. But when it comes to the sweet side of things, jelly donuts or “sufganiyot” are a must-eat.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Rainn Wilson says a central theme in “Waiting for Godot” is the danger of inaction. He explains the linguistic and physical challenges of his role, and the healing power of theater.

Rainn Wilson on what ‘Waiting for Godot’ reveals about humanity

Rainn Wilson says a central theme in “Waiting for Godot” is the danger of inaction. He explains the linguistic and physical challenges of his role, and the healing power of theater.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand