Press Play with Madeleine Brand

KCRW

Latest episode

Evan Kleiman on the meme’d, maligned, and misunderstood bay leaf
1/30/2026 | 52 mins.
Plus, the prospects of President Trump’s Board of Peace running Gaza, our weekend film reviews, and the behind-the-scenes studio machinations of the new Melania Trump "documentary."
Writer George Saunders on death, morality, and ruining our planet
1/29/2026 | 52 mins.
Plus, how California lawmakers are responding to federal immigration enforcement tactics, why fentanyl overdose deaths suddenly declined in 2023, and why a $1,500 per person dinner sold out in minutes.
‘Sinners’ nabs record 16 Oscar noms. Has horror finally found respect?
1/27/2026 | 52 mins.
Plus, how the narrative about ICE is shaped by cell phone videos from both protesters and agents, President Trump turns his eyes to Cuba, and a dispatch from the Sundance Film Festival.
Will CBP agents who killed Alex Pretti be held accountable?
1/27/2026 | 53 mins.
Plus, how LA activists are monitoring ICE activity at a MacArthur Park Home Depot, and rapper IDK on how serving time set him on a path to make music.
“They’re all kind of mid”: An underwhelming CA governor’s race
1/23/2026 | 53 mins.
Plus, a new magazine called Geezer is a tongue-in-cheek alternative to the AARP, our weekend film reviews, and Evan Kleiman previews Dine LA’s Restaurant Week.