April has become one of my favorite months for several reasons. Among them, it’s spring (for half the planet anyway), and the many celebrations of renewal, planting, and fertility across religions and beliefs come with it. Secondly, the weather is about as perfect as it gets here in LA, at least what passes for it in this time of climate change.
But most of all, I appreciate that April is Earth Month, and since 1970, April 22nd is Earth Day. It fills my renewable cup when I see all the events put on by various organizations like TreePeople, FOLAR, Heal the Bay, and more — plus the aquariums, conservation research zoos, seed banks, etc. Schools change up their curriculums to include care for our planet, kids spend time hands-on in gardens, participate in re-use and renewal activities, and engage in sustainability experiments and discussions. It’s a special time for us as a species to acknowledge our one place in the galaxy and to learn, or relearn, that just like with our homes, we must take action to clean up after ourselves, cut out waste, and think practically about how we are spending our time, money, and resources — collectively.
It’s a lot of work. But you know what else happens in April that I like? It’s National Volunteer Month and April 21–27 is Volunteer Appreciation Week. There’s a special place in my heart for people who pitch in on behalf of the people who can’t, or on behalf of the whole planet. These people who have a little extra time could do whatever they want with it, and they choose to give it back to the community. (heart emoji)
Hey baker. Mmmhmm, yes we’re looking at you. Your last chance to sign up to enter a pie for PieFest is this Sunday, April 21st. Bake a pie for your chance to showcase your skills and stand out! Evan Kleiman, along with her team of judges including Valerie Gordon (Valerie Confections), Hannah Ziskin (Quarter Sheets), Sherry Yard (Bakery by the Yard), and Ira Glass (yes, THE Ira Glass) will evaluate each category and announce the winners at the end of the day. Winners will receive prizes provided by Le Creuset. Will your pie be the talk of the town? Want all the details? Check out the baker FAQ page.
Any of you out there keeping up with your plant parenting responsibilities developed during COVID? Even if you haven’t, here’s a cool little science experiment you should check out: Propagation! Hilton Carter, “The Plant Doctor,” has a recent publication called, The Propagation Handbook, which teaches readers to create more plants from the ones they already have. When you remove a piece (cutting) from a plant and give it the proper nourishment, the area where you made that cut will push out new growth. Every plant is a little different; find out how you can grow new plants from scratch!
Let’s reset this week with a little visit to what has turned into a tropical utopia. Ok, so there are no true utopias out there, but can we celebrate what Costa Rica is doing? On this Midweek Reset, psychology and education professor at Columbia University, Peter Coleman explains why Costa Rica remains peaceful and stable during turbulent times in other areas of Central America and around the globe. In the aftermath of bloody conflicts, Coleman says, Costa Rica intentionally chose to stop war and designed their country around that vision. What a concept!
Dan Kwartler, host of TED Climate says, “Changing the way we live doesn’t have to be a sacrifice, it can, in fact, be an upgrade”. We know today's youth have inherited a big, unprecedented climate problem to solve — and the eco-anxiety to go with it. Gen-Zer and activist Clover Hogan shares why the path to climate action starts with the one thing you can control: your mindset. She explains why challenging the stories that keep you feeling powerless can help you take the first step to protecting the planet for generations to come.
KCRW, Vidiots, and Max invite you to a special advance screening of Hacks Season 3 at Vidiots, located in Eagle Rock. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with creators Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs alongside Hacks fellow stars Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, and Mark Indelicato moderated by KCRW's Madeleine Brand.
Hacks explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a legendary Las Vegas comedian and an entitled outcast 25-year-old writer, Ava (Hannah Einbinder). In season three, a year after parting, Deborah Vance is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles.
Still thinking about that hunky herdsman you met during the family dude ranch getaway? Sexologist and intimacy coach, Elle Chase weighs in on the one that got away and so much more. Like, how common is it to have a sexless marriage? I’m Gen X, why are young people trying to date me?! This week, Elle Chase gives advice, busts sex myths, and shares why leaving her marriage was the right move.
Need advice about dating, sex, or relationships? Send Myisha an email or voice memo at sexlife@kcrw.org. Your message will be kept confidential.
"KCRW is a sanctuary for me. There’s a program and host for every moment of the day and night. You are a constant source of fuel for my imagination, education, and good vibes. Thank you!" – Elaine (Redondo Beach)