Hi friends, 

This is Marie, KCRW’s Audience intern, back for one last Insider edition. With only a few days left of my internship, I can’t help but reflect on how incredible this experience has been, and how KCRW will continue to shape my professional (and recreational) future. If there’s one word to describe my experience here, it’s variety. From attending a Sam Sanders taping to watching a Live From HQ performance to compiling exciting sweepstakes emails, I’ve really seen and done it all here. It’s almost impossible to pick a favorite moment from these past 10 weeks.

I’ve always thought that the phrase “the people make the place” was super cliche, but at KCRW, it’s the truth. While all the performances and events will go down as some of the coolest work moments ever, it’s the morning chats about pop culture and the impromptu lunches that I will remember most. The more ordinary moments where I’m chatting with the Membership team about Kacey Musgrave’s cheerleader debut, the newest Summer I Turned Pretty episode, a horror movie rec, what’s best on the Din Tai Fung menu, college dating fails, or our messy roommates (all real convos I’ve had with the Membership team over these last 10 weeks) are the real memories I will cherish forever. 

I love how everyone who’s a part of the KCRW community, both us employees and you listeners/readers, values discussions about what’s happening in the world. It’s so refreshing to be surrounded by such creativity, curiosity, and social awareness. There’s never a dull moment at 89.9, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Amidst all the challenges facing public media this summer, KCRW still finds reasons to celebrate — it’s all about that community. For one last bash, I’ll be at this Friday’s Summer Nights event at Descanso Gardens. And if you’re looking for one last night of summer fun, there’s plenty of upcoming Summer Nights that will deliver. I can attest, they are pure magic. 

Because of my time here, I know I’ll do best in a professional environment that applauds creativity and creates community, just like KCRW. As I say my final goodbyes to my favorite team, it’s comforting to know that the spirit of KCRW is never out of reach. In fact, just last week, I was in an Uber home from a concert, and the driver was listening to 89.9! Plus, HQ is really only one bus ride away …. 

It’s now time for me to sign off, but KCRW will continue to propel me forward in every aspect of my life. Thanks for reading my brain dumps these past few weeks :) 

It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later,
Marie

Why Cartographers Want to Overhaul the World Map

What is the Mercator Map, and why do we still use this version of the printed map when it was created in 1569? Turns out there are hundreds of variations of printed maps, and the Mercator Map was created to maintain accurate angles while traveling by land and sea. This required the sizes of land masses and oceans to be manipulated from their true size. We don’t travel by printed maps so much anymore, which has motivated cartographers to want to overhaul printed maps and move to something akin to the Equal Earth Map — showing the size of land and sea more accurately. Listen in.

Does Pop Culture Give a F*#% about Friendship?

Hot take? Traditional marriage deliberately pulls people away from having close friendships, which in turn weakens our communities and support structures. Pop culture certainly props up romantic relationships and the pursuit of them, but what about good old-fashioned friendships? Sam Sanders and BFF guests, Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays, dive into the role of friendships in our lives.

DIY Granola Bars For Your Summertime Excursions

Granola and energy bars? Basically, siblings with different personalities. Granola is your loose, golden, crunchy mix (with those glorious clumps), while energy bars are granola’s glued-together cousin — compact, chewy, and travel-ready. From egg-white clumping tricks to date-paste binders, DIY methods let you tailor texture, flavor, and flair. Should you choose to accept this kitchen mission, make some homemade bars and share your outcomes with Evan Kleiman on the Good Food Substack!

What If Your Pet Had A Song?

KCRW Editorial Intern Stella Merims followed the stories behind eccentric DIY flyers posted around the city, from boxing raves to pet-song composers. One standout is musician Casey Lipka, who performs under the name Maestro Waggington. Her flyer asks, “What if your pet had a song?” For $95, she creates custom jingles and video collages based on each animal’s personality and photos. Lipka believes empathy and humor are key, offering playful songs that celebrate pets while highlighting the human touch behind her creative side business.

Make Your Mark with KCRW

We’re nearing the end of August — which is Make a Will Month. The perfect time to reflect on what matters most. By including KCRW in your will, you help ensure that what you value today will continue to thrive tomorrow. It’s an easy step with a lasting impact.