We’ve updated the format of this newsletter to share more of what’s going on in the studio here at KCRW, what we’re doing out in the community, and what the team here is excited about in and around Los Angeles. Reply to let us know what you think!

Hi y’all,

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

• In the studio: Question Everything with Brian Reed gets a nom nod
• In the community: KCRW Street team at L.A. Times Festival of Books
• Around the watercooler: A Star Party in Silverlake
• In other news: The CA governor race just got more chaotic

But first, we have a huge announcement regarding our KCRW App. Today, we released a new version of the app (7.3.0) with a new “Win” tab. Yes, it’s what you think it is: a place where you can win concert tickets, see our monthly sweepstakes prizes that you have a chance to win when you donate (monthly members are automatically entered to win every month), and plenty of member exclusives you get as a KCRW Member — like exclusive giveaways and first-come, first-served access to flash ticket drops for shows everyone wants to go to. Also, all members get a shorter 30-day wait until they’re eligible to win again, shortened from the usual 90-day wait. Check it out, new giveaways drop every day!

The KCRW app is a one-stop shop to get all your favorite shows, member exclusives, giveaway opportunities, and other recommendations. We have so much more planned for the KCRW app, so register in the app, get in the giveaways, and stay tuned for more awesomeness to come.

And now, continue on for more exciting things KCRW has to share in the studio and around your neighborhood!

In the Studio

Exciting news! Question Everything is nominated for a Webby Award!

From Brian: “We’re nominated in the Podcast News & Politics category for the live episode we did last year at Tufts University, as ICE was detaining grad student Rümeysa Öztürk for an op-ed she co-authored in the student paper calling on the school to divest from Israeli-aligned investments. Core, constitutionally-protected speech that our government jailed her for. It’s definitely worth listening to, if you didn’t catch it at the time — we had legendary Washington Post editor Marty Baron join us, among other great guests."

Award winners are decided by the public, so please take a moment to vote for Question Everything.

Also this week, Kim Masters sits down with Drew Goddard to discuss adapting Andy Weir’s novel Project Hail Mary for the big screen. He reflects on how his early days writing on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alias, and Lost trained him to move fast with his projects. Listen here!

On The Treatment, David Oyelowo talks about what drew him to Newborn, the lack of general awareness around the impact of solitary confinement, and what made him finally say yes to playing Othello years ago. Find the episode here.

On the latest Good Food episode, Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy of Diaspora Spice Co. find inspiration in spices from regenerative farms in Southeast Asia. It’s “The Spice Trade, Reimagined.”

KCRW In The Community

Do you love live jazz? KCRW Presents: "Third Thursdays" with Aaron Shaw/Devin Daniels Quintet. Come get your groove on tomorrow night at Sam First.

We are also hosting a KCRW Partner Screening of I Swear this Friday at the Linwood Dunn Theater, followed by a moderated conversation with writer-director Kirk Jones and lead actor Robert Aramayo. Make sure you RSVP asap because spots will fill up!

And the L.A. Times Festival of Books is this weekend! Our KCRW Street Team will be on-site Saturday and Sunday, alongside arts nonprofit Active Cultures. Come say hi, spin our prize wheel, and join us for a really wonderful arts activity.

Around The Watercooler
(Staff Recs)

Molly here again:
On Sunday, we celebrated my brother’s birthday with the Time Machine escape room at 60out in Koreatown, and it was a blast. Such a fun, low-key activity for a small group looking to put their thinking caps on. Afterward, we headed to The Row to try Kar Son, a new Chinese restaurant. Every dish was scrumptious; highlights included the Chongqing crispy chili chicken and the Sichuan eggplant stir-fry. And their sparkling tea selection is divine.

I also gifted my brother a handful of jazz records from Record Safari in Atwater, a great spot for anyone looking for well-priced vinyl.

Rom (Art & Design team): Star Party Silverlake
“Went to stargaze with the homies at Starparty in Silver Lake. We peered through so many telescopes to see Jupiter looming in the sky as live jazz set the vibe right. I bet there are people on Jupiter looking back at us, too!”

The next one is next Wednesday, April 23rd. Check it out!

Devon (Development team): Candid Home
“The cutest home and gift shop! Sadly, they're closing at the end of April, but everything in the store is currently 30% off. I popped in this weekend and bought a candle and throw blanket.”

Krissy (Events team): Weirdo Night 
“I attended my favorite monthly event! Weirdo Night is a long-running "freak forward variety show" hosted by Dynasty Handbag that takes place at Zebulon. I laughed during the freaky comedy, I cried (actual tears!) when drag artist Plastilina sang "Young & Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey, and I lost my mind over the brilliant performance art of Dynasty Handbag. This night is so special, and I can't wait for May.

In Other News

On Press Play: Congressman Eric Swalwell announced Monday he’ll resign from Congress, one day after he suspended his campaign to be California’s next governor. Madeleine Brand dives into the news of this already chaotic CA governor race.

From the LRC crew: President Trump issued a dire threat to Iran. The result? A very fragile ceasefire. The White House says the warning was necessary to get us to this point, but critics called it reckless. Listen to the conversation.

Toss the politics aside for a moment and read a more a-peas-ing topic of these seasonal delights: English, sugar snap, snow- the list of peas goes on. Spend pea time with Evan Kleiman as she takes us through the different types of peas alongside some fabulous reci…peas… 😁

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