Hey everybody,

Molly here, your KCRW Insider and your go-to for everything happening in and around KCRW. Here’s a preview of what you’ll get in the newsletter this week:

• In the studio: Lead director and executive Producer Hiro Murai discusses Emmy-nominated horror-comedy series Widow’s Bay
• In the community: A comedy show, a music showcase, and a film screening!
• Around the watercooler: KCRW’s Adria Kloke visits her new fav spot, a Mexican seafood oasis
• In other news: A guide to the best banchan in LA

And a couple other insider scoops:

Late last week, our Mojave tower went offline. Our team went out and determined the transmitter was fine, but the transmission line running up the tower was damaged. On Tuesday, they met a tower climber who restored the line to full power! We'll need to head back for a more permanent repair, but for now, everything is back up and running. Below you can see a view from one of the climbers on our tower, which is a job that, thankfully, hasn't been replaced by AI. Or by me, because that looks absolutely terrifying.

And something that doesn’t involve climbing, but it is still daunting to me: The LA Marathon. If you love running or want to cross your first finish line, this tidbit is for you! For the third year in a row, you can join Team KCRW for the 2027 LA Marathon, Charity Half Marathon, and now the LA 5K. As a member of Team KCRW, your race registration is covered! Plus, you'll receive exclusive Team KCRW swag, a year of KCRW Membership, training runs led by our Team KCRW coaches, and an invitation to our post-race celebration.

Along the way, you'll raise funds to support KCRW while training alongside a community that shares your love for public media (and running!). Even better, every friend or family member who donates will also receive a year of KCRW Membership.

We know fundraising can feel intimidating, especially if it's your first time. That's why Team KCRW provides fundraising guides, coaching, and plenty of support along the way. And I’ll be there to support you by cheering you on from one of our KCRW cheer zones!

-Molly

In the Studio

On The Business, Eric Deggans talks to Hiro Murai, lead director and executive producer of the Apple TV horror-comedy series Widow’s Bay. They discuss how Murai helped maintain the tricky tone of the Emmy-nominated series, his work with Donald Glover on the FX series Atlanta, and how he keeps the initial spark of creativity alive when dealing with the realities of TV production. (Molly’s note: I am obsessed with Widow’s Bay and cannot wait for season 2!)

Making their welcome return to KCRW, Mamas Gun rolled into the Annenberg Performance Studio to perform songs from their latest album, Dig!. Their incredible musicianship, undeniable chemistry, and effortless blend of soul, pop, and funk are on full display in this captivating live session.

Sam Sanders sat down with writer Jessica M. Goldstein to discuss her new novel, Retro. Set in a fantastical time travel agency, the book follows wealthy tourists who take vacations to the past. Sam chats with Jessica about what inspired the book and what the time travel genre says about our obsession with nostalgia.

KCRW In The Community

Molly here: Not sure if many of you know this, but I am a stand-up comedian, and I host my own variety show called “Molly’s House”! This Friday, August 7th, I’m guest curating the High Voltage show at Electric Lodge in Venice, bringing you a night of comedy and music. If you want to start the weekend with some laughs, I’d love to see you there.

It’s a School Night at The Airliner in Lincoln Heights this Thursday. This edition will feature Mothé, Shana Sarett, RYL0 with a DJ set by Group Chat. The show is free with an RSVP for 21+, $10 if you're under 21, and entry is first-come, first-served.

KCRW, Vidiots, and HBO Documentary Films invite you to a special advance screening of Monsters of God followed by a conversation with director and executive producer Eric Goode, executive producer Jeremy McBride, producer Tom Petersen, and film subjects Mike Van Nostrand and Tom Crutchfield, moderated by Jason Segel. Guests must be 21+ and must RSVP to attend. Guests will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis with member entry first. RSVP does not guarantee entry.

Around The Watercooler
(Staff Recs)

Adria (On-Air Promo): Mariscos in Frogtown
Mariscos Za Za Zá is an all-outdoor, order-at-the-counter drinks and mariscos spot attached to the buzzy Loreto in Frogtown. The dreeeeamiest outdoor space, this hidden gem (tucked behind the restaurant, down what feels like a service alley) feels like a portal right to Roma Norte in CDMX or Todos Santos in Baja. With dappled sunshine filtering through mature trees, plus super artful landscaping and planters throughout, it's more of an oasis than a patio... I could linger here for hours. Did I mention a marg of the gods, and the best damn tostada de atún I've ever had in my life? Go support and enjoy, but insiders, let's keep this one on the inside... shhhh!

Jen (KCRW President): Mini-mall Ramen
Iki Ramen is one of my go-to places when I need a meal that is quick, delicious, and comforting. The original location is tucked into a busy mini-mall on Western and 8th St. The chef is award-winning. The ramen is, of course, delicious and refined. They also serve mazumen, which is a brothless mixed noodle dish that you mix yourself. But my favorite is the Iki Grab Roll, which is pieces of sushi with a few sheets of nori so you can make your own roll. No lie, I dream about eating this very often. Parking is cheap on Western. There's another, larger location on Sunset in Hollywood that has cocktails. Try the IKI Nori concept too with omakase.

Molly here: I am attending my first film festival this weekend! My partner’s film, I Love You As Much As I Can, is an official selection in the LA Shorts International Film Fest and is premiering this Sunday at 10 PM. LA Shorts is the longest-running short film festival in Los Angeles, and the festival screens over 400 films. Screenings run all day from now through August 12th, so if you're looking for something to do, head to North Hollywood and catch a glimpse of the next generation of filmmakers.

In Other News

On Good Food, The Infatuation senior staff writer Cathy Park shares her guide to some of LA's best Korean restaurants, spotlighting the unforgettable banchan that make these meals so memorable.

Hollywood just had its biggest domestic box office weekend ever. Spider-Man: Brand New Day broke opening weekend records, while Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is on track to surpass $1 billion. Third-generation visual effects artist Christopher Lee Warren says their success reflects audiences' desire for practical effects and analog craftsmanship in the age of AI.

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