Hey everybody,

Molly here, your KCRW Insider and your go-to for everything happening in and around KCRW. Before we get started, we’d love your help. Take this KCRW Insider newsletter survey to let us know what you like and don’t like about this newsletter.

Here’s a slice of what you’ll get in the newsletter this week:

• In the studio: Chance The Rapper talks Coloring Book
• In the community:  FREE ‘90s dance party this Friday!
• Around the watercooler: KCRW’s Devon Rosen shares her fun-filled day in the valley
• In other news: Your property’s value can help fund KCRW

KCRW has been getting a lot of attention lately, and it’s always a special feeling to see our work recognized beyond our own walls. Whether it’s celebrating the incredible people who make this place what it is, highlighting our inspiring programming, or shining a light on the events that bring our community together, these stories are a reminder of the impact KCRW continues to have both locally and beyond. Here are a few recent highlights:

President of KCRW, Jennifer Ferro, joined Brian Morrisey on his podcast, The Rebooting Show, to share KCRW’s origin story, what community means to us, and the future of public media. Jennifer shares: "We use media to cultivate this community. We don't build a community in order to make media."

Jennifer Ferro also shared her insights with Fast Company, discussing how KCRW continues to thrive and deepen its connection with our community, even in the wake of losing federal funding.

Our very own Sam Sanders was recently featured in Forbes, sharing career lessons from his journey in media. We also just celebrated the 100th episode of The Sam Sanders Show, and it’s been a joy to have Sam’s energy, curiosity, and talent at KCRW. And if you’re a fan, you’ll love seeing Sam Sanders Live this Sunday, June 28th, at Dynasty Typewriter. Sam will be joined by Eliot Glazer (New Girl, Broad City), Traci Thomas (The Stacks, NPR’s Here & Now), and Franklin Leonard (The Black List) for a live taping of The Sam Sanders Show as they debate the best of the decade in a live ‘90s Nostalgia Bracket showdown.

-Molly

In the Studio

Chance the Rapper stopped by the studio to chat with Novena Carmel on Morning Becomes Eclectic. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Chance’s album Coloring Book, he and Novena reflect on the mixtape’s lasting impact on the music industry.

Emmy-winning writer and actor Richard Gadd followed up his acclaimed Netflix series Baby Reindeer with the new HBO drama Half Man. Gadd joined Elvis Mitchell on The Treatment to discuss his fascination with larger-than-life characters, why audiences connect so deeply with them, and the reason he often places his stories in what he describes as a metaphorical “oven.”

On The Business, Kim Masters talked to screenwriter David Koepp about Disclosure Day, his latest collaboration with director Steven Spielberg. Koepp also reveals the downside of his early success, which included writing the Jurassic Park screenplay when he was just 29.

KCRW In The Community

We are throwing a ‘90s-themed Summer Nights this Friday with ASU FIDM! It’s free and all ages and is going to be super fly. You’ll have after-hours viewing access to Obsessed: Fashion and Nostalgia in the '90s (we chatted with the exhibit’s curator), immersive gaming experiences, interactive storytelling activations, ‘90s-inspired photo moments, and local food vendors. Plus, KCRW DJs Olive Kimoto and John Tejada will be spinning retro sets with a modern edge!

LAUNCH LA is presenting the 23rd Annual TARFEST at Pan Pacific Park this Saturday, June 27th! The one-day-only festival is free + all ages, and our very own KCRW DJ SiLVA will be spinning on the KCRW stage. There will be art installations, fun activities, and delicious food options. Come on out!

Turn your commute into a soundtrack for Los Angeles with Soundtrips, a Metro Art and KCRW playlist series collaboration. For this edition, KCRW DJ Wyldeflower guides listeners through the city’s beaches, boulevards, and neighborhoods with a soulful mix of Latin grooves, funk, and local deep cuts.

Around The Watercooler
(Staff Recs)

Tyler Boudreaux (Music Team): June Residency at Zebulon
I went to Zebulon for the Primitive Ring residency that's going down every Tuesday night in June! LA trio Primitive Ring supergroup features members of Fuzz, Hooveriii, and Frankie and The Witch Fingers. It's a free show, and you should definitely not miss the chance to catch this dynamic performance. They have a rotating cast of bands and DJs opening the show before they deliver a set full of high octane, fuzz, garage, rock&roll, that switches up every week! The last night of the residency is this coming Tuesday night, June 30th. I also love hanging out on the Zebulon patio before, in between, and after the show and catching up with friends and other artists in the local scene. And if you're hungry, don't sleep on getting a bite at the cafe. Their fish and chips are BANGING!

Darius (Art & Design Team): Riding the D to the Academy Museum
I visited the Academy Museum for the first time while celebrating a friend's birthday. We took the Metrolink to Union Station and then hopped on the Metro D Line, with the museum just a short walk from the new Wilshire/Fairfax Station.

The museum's four floors feature exhibits like Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon and Ponyo, but the Jaws exhibit was definitely my favorite. Growing up with the film, it was amazing to see iconic scenes recreated and getting to see the memorabilia up close. There were also plenty of interactive experiences throughout the museum.

Don't leave without checking out the Oscars and The Godfather photo ops. If you're looking for an offer you can't refuse, take the Metro and spend a few hours geeking out over cinema history.

Alexandra (Membership Team): Volunteering in the South Bay
On a recent Saturday, I went with a friend to volunteer for the South Bay Parkland Conservancy. We spent a few hours restoring native habitat for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. We pulled weeds and invasive ice plant, watered plants, and spread mulch. It was great to get my hands dirty and see so many butterflies, snails, and other critters. They have volunteer opportunities across the South Bay, and some even have ocean views!

Devon (Development Team): A Day in The Valley
I started the day with a hike at Fryman Canyon, a beautiful loop that's just under three miles. Afterward, I stopped by Yala Coffee for a little caffeine boost before heading down Ventura Blvd. to explore the Sherman Oaks Antique Mall. The store is filled with unique booths with vintage goods, homewares, jewelry, records, and so much more. You can easily spend hours in here browsing, and my friend ended up leaving with a vintage fruit basket. It's the perfect place to find something you didn't even know you wanted!

In Other News

Firefighters continue to battle a cold storage warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that sent smoke and toxic-smelling air across large swaths of Los Angeles County. Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday because of the air quality, and schools on the city's east side have been temporarily relocated. Get the full scoop from Los Angeles Times reporter Hayley Smith on KCRW’s Press Play.

Turn an unwanted property into support for KCRW. Donate real estate in almost any condition, and your property's value can help fund independent music, local journalism, cultural programming, and NPR coverage.

PSA: Recent Phishing Scam Alert

Unknown individuals are impersonating KCRW employees, soliciting funds via emails and texts. The message invites recipients to participate in an interview and requests a booking or production fee, falsely representing this as a KCRW opportunity. KCRW will never solicit or accept money in exchange for coverage. Please do not respond, click links, or send payment. Always verify unexpected messages before taking action. KCRW staff email addresses will always come from @kcrw.org. This is a widespread issue. Be vigilant.

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