Hey everybody,

In middle school, we had a Pi Day competition: Who could memorize the most digits of pi? I was so proud of myself for memorizing 40 digits (and yes, I still remember them), but I should’ve known a pre-pubescent math genius was going to show us all up by rattling off hundreds.

Normally, my sore loser tendencies would’ve been triggered, but not this time. That’s because I walked away with a consolation prize: a slice of pie. And I love pie.

To me, pie is a specialty item. Most restaurants don’t serve it, and pie shops are few and far between. I’m very accepting of all kinds of pie. My go-tos are usually pecan, mixed berry, and key lime. Pumpkin isn’t usually my thing, but I’ll happily eat it when Thanksgiving rolls around. And I love a pretty lattice crust. 

My favorite pies, though, are homemade — especially the ones my mom bakes. I’ve never actually made a pie myself, but with a staff pie contest coming up in a few weeks, this might finally be my moment to shine… or at least make something edible.

If you’re feeling inspired to bake, consider registering for our PieFest & Contest! This classic KCRW event returns after a three-year hiatus on March 14th (Pi Day!) at the beautiful Autry Museum. And if your plan is simply to picnic with friends and enjoy some excellent pie, we’d love to have you. 

Molly Chapman
Your KCRW Insider

Steamrollers, Record Breakers, and Late Surges: Inside the 2026 Oscar Nominees

In 1974, Paramount released two classics: The Godfather Part II and Chinatown. It was the last time Best Picture had two contenders coming from the same studio — until now. This year, Warner Bros. has produced two of the most-nominated films, both vying for Best Picture. Kim Masters is joined by Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter’s Executive Editor of Awards, to break down the strategy behind Warner Bros.’ Oscar campaigns. Together, they also take a deep dive into the rest of this year’s nominees and discuss the Academy’s new Best Casting category

The Treat: Guillermo del Toro Talks Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro’s films often reveal beauty within the gothic and the grotesque. His latest project, an Oscar-nominated adaptation of Frankenstein, is up for nine awards next month, including Best Picture. Speaking with Elvis Mitchell, del Toro celebrates the late director Ken Russell — whose work often stirred controversy and faced censorship, but, as del Toro notes, was also marked by dazzling beauty and extraordinary craft.

If you enjoy a weekly Treat, we’d love to hear from you!

Pie. Is. Back!

Apple, cherry, lemon meringue, key lime — it’s Pie Time! Bakers, this is your moment to shine. The KCRW PieFest & Contest is back, landing on Pi Day, March 14th, at The Autry Museum. Read on to learn more about the event and prepare your best pie to be judged by some very special celebrity judges, including Will Ferrell and Roy Choi!

Chuck Klosterman Argues Football’s Hold on America Will Fade Away

The Super Bowl is the most-watched TV event of the year, and last year, NFL games made up half of the 100 most-watched television broadcasts. So why does author Chuck Klosterman think football is ultimately doomed to self-destruct? Klosterman sits down with Madeleine Brand to discuss the origins of football, its deep ties to television and advertising, and the reasoning behind his prediction of the sport’s future decline.

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THE OTHER ART FAIR: FEBRUARY 26th–MARCH 1st

The Other Art Fair Los Angeles returns for LA Art Week with their biggest fair yet. 160 emerging artists will have works for sale that you can take home the same day. Choose from thousands of original works and prints, with prices starting at just $100. Opening Night on Thursday, February 26th kicks things off. KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox will be spinning tunes on Friday night. Play a round at The Art Of Ping-Pong, a special exhibition benefitting Altadena Brick by Brick. Each day includes interactive installations, food trucks, and the Fair bar. It has all the makings of a perfect day out in LA. Say goodbye to your plain white walls and fall in love with something new. Tickets are available now. 

Congress Takes up Ice Reforms, Trump Calls To “Nationalize” Voting

Democrats say they won’t fund the Department of Homeland Security without restrictions on federal immigration agents. For them, this is a moment for Congress to check the executive branch. So, how might Congress realistically check President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies? In this shifting political landscape, how will congressional Republicans respond? And with the midterms looming, is bipartisan compromise still possible? Dive deeper in the latest episode of Left, Right & Center.