Best Sample Library Podcasts (2025)

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Thousands Protest The Trump Administration Across California 11:43

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9h ago11:43

11:43

2,000 cities across the country participated in Saturday’s No Kings protest. Organizers say five million people took to the streets. That included cities up and down the state of California. If you're arrested and charged with a crime, you have a right to an attorney to defend you in court. But what about an investigator to collect evidence to help…

1
Appeals Court Allows National Guard To Remain In Los Angeles 11:17

3d ago11:17

11:17

A federal appeals court has blocked a judge’s ruling regarding the Trump administration's use of the California National Guard in Los Angeles. Federal Judge Charles Breyer ruled late Thursday that President Trump must return control of the National Guard to Governor Newsom. But the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the deployment to continue, sc…

1
Increased ICE Raids Send Shock Waves Through Farm Worker Community 11:02

4d ago11:02

11:02

Multiple federal immigration enforcement actions involving farm workers have taken place in recent days in multiple regions of California including those in Ventura, Kern, and Tulare counties. Workers are being detained without warning, at job sites and in the fields. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff are calling these actions “unjustified…

1
What Immigrants Should Know As ICE Enforcement Continues 11:32

5d ago11:32

11:32

As Immigration and Customs Enforcement escalates its efforts to detain as many people without legal status as possible in California, immigration advocates are reminding people of their constitutional rights. Guest: Nisa Khan, KQED Thousands of migrant families across the country received a text message from Immigration and Customs Enforcement last…

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Chapter 149: John and Alison on fascism-fighting fiction fomenting freedom and fraternity 45:00

5d ago45:00

45:00

It started with a modern plea for help: "Can I charge my dead phone in your bookstore?" I was in Del Mar, California, walking up the coast of the Pacific Ocean after birding all morning in Torrey Pines. I was tracking my birds on eBird—the Peregrine Falcons, Anna's Hummingbirds, and California Scrub-Jays—and, of course, completely drained…

1
More Protests Held Across Southern California As Trump Administration Orders More National Guard To LA 11:40

6d ago11:40

11:40

Protests continued across Southern California, and the rest of the state on Monday over the Trump administration's immigration actions. Reporter: Megan Jamerson, KCRW A labor leader was released from custody on Monday after his arrest during a downtown L.A. immigration raid set off a firestorm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a…

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National Guard Deployed As Protesters Clash With Law Enforcement 11:46

7d ago11:46

11:46

Protests were held over the weekend across Los Angeles because of the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown in the city. Things ratcheted up even further after President Trump announced the planned deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, in light of the protests. Guest: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report When the immigrat…

1
Latest Travel Ban Blasted By Immigrant Rights Groups 11:43

10d ago11:43

11:43

Immigrant-serving groups across the Bay Area are condemning a Trump administration travel ban that will bar most of the citizens of 19 countries from entering the U.S. Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED Immigration lawyers and advocates say at least 15 people, including some children, were arrested outside of ICE offices in San Francisco this week. Re…

1
Community Outrage Continues Over ICE Raid At San Diego Restaurant 11:45

11d ago11:45

11:45

The fallout from the recent ICE raid on a San Diego restaurant continues as union leaders condemn the raid on Buona Forchetta, calling it cruel and an attack on workers. Reporter: Alexander Nguyen, KPBS One of the fiercest critics of the restaurant raid has been a San Diego City Councilman, who has called it terroristic and fascist, earning the con…

1
California Supreme Court To Hear Case On State's Rooftop Solar Policy 11:32

12d ago11:32

11:32

It's an important day for the future of solar energy in California. Three environmental groups are set to go before the state Supreme Court to challenge a state policy on solar panels. Guest: Malena Corollo, CalMatters and The Markup The California Air Resources Board has launched a mobile monitoring program to collect pollution data from neighborh…

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Banks Asking For Customer's Voice Samples 11:33

13d ago11:33

11:33

Many of us have become accustomed to giving up some personal data to access financial services accounts, like Social Security numbers and the places we were born. But a growing number of financial institutions are also asking for customers’ voice samples. Reporter: Rachael Myrow, KQED Bay Area members of Congress are pushing the Trump administratio…

1
Los Angeles Ramps Up Preparations For Summer Olympics 11:32

14d ago11:32

11:32

In Los Angeles, the clock is ticking down, faster and faster it seems, to July 14th, 2028. That's the opening day of the Summer Olympics Games, followed shortly by the Paralympic Games. And as that date draws closer, the scale of the challenges that face Los Angeles to get ready is starting to sink in. Reporter: Saul Gonzalez, The California Report…

1
California Pelicans Experience Third Starvation Event In Four Years 11:20

17d ago11:20

11:20

Brown pelicans are in trouble again — and this time it involves infant birds. This spring marks the third starvation event in four years for the iconic California seabirds. Scientists are still looking for answers. Reporter: Anna Guth, KQED Overdose deaths are falling nationwide—but in California, they continue to rise. Reporter: Lesley McClurg, KQ…

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Newsom, Local Leaders Scuffle Over Homelessness Solutions 11:45

18d ago11:45

11:45

California is home to a quarter of the nation’s unhoused population. That’s around 187,000 people. As the state grapples with homelessness, tensions are hitting a high point between Governor Gavin Newsom and local leaders when it comes to funding solutions. Reporter: Laura Fitzgerald, CapRadio A family in Bakersfield is facing deportation, despite …

1
Ethiopian Woman Flees Torture, But Still Facing Deportation 11:31

19d ago11:31

11:31

Though the Trump administration has made it impossible to ask for asylum at the southern border, the U.S. is bound by international law to protect migrants who are likely to be tortured by their own governments if they go home. It’s called the United Nations Convention Against Torture. But it turns out that the administration has quietly dismantled…

1
Food Insecurity A Major Challenge For Central Coast Farmworkers 11:40

20d ago11:40

11:40

May marks the beginning of harvest season when some 800,000 farmworkers in California get to work picking food that lands on tables around the world. Though agriculture is a nearly $60 billion industry in the state, many farmworkers on the Central Coast don't have enough to eat. Reporter: Katie Brown, KAZU A school board in Temecula, that’s been em…

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Chapter 29: Michael Harris on queer questions and the quest for quiet 1:35:46

21d ago1:35:46

1:35:46

Loneliness rates have doubled since the 1980s and Vivek Murthy, former US Surgeon General, says loneliness will be the next major epidemic. So if loneliness is being alone and sad … then what’s being alone and happy? Solitude. A few years ago, I picked up an incredible book called 'Solitude' by Michael Harris, bestselling author and winner of the…

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What Makes A Song Song Of The Summer 11:35

21d ago11:35

11:35

Monday is Memorial Day. For many people, this holiday marks the unofficial start to the summer season. And no summer is truly complete without the perfect summer music playlist. Reporter: Billy Cruz, The California Report A race known as the “triathlon of the art world” is underway this Memorial Day weekend in Humboldt County. Founded in 1969, it’s…

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Six People Presumed Dead After Private Jet Crashes In San Diego Neighborhood 11:46

24d ago11:46

11:46

Six people are presumed dead after a private jet crashed into a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday morning. Sound Talent Group, a music talent agency based in the San Diego area, confirms that it lost three employees in the crash, including co-founder Dave Shapiro. California is suing the federal government for blocking the state’s ability to se…

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Cap And Trade Debate Includes Controversial Proposals 11:38

25d ago11:38

11:38

Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing an extension of the state's landmark climate program known as cap-and-trade. The program limits greenhouse gas emissions and raises money from polluters. And the governor has some controversial ideas for how to spend that money. Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED The US senate is moving ahead with plans to block Californi…

1
Two California Counties Battle Trump Administration Over Homelessness Funding 11:30

26d ago11:30

11:30

Lawyers for San Francisco and Santa Clara counties are back in court Wednesday. They’re fighting with the Trump administration over new rules around homelessness funding. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Teachers in Temecula can teach about race without fear of running afoul of the school board, at least for now. This comes after a California Appeals C…

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California Medicaid Recipients In GOP District See Potential Cuts As A "Disaster" 11:40

27d ago11:40

11:40

Part of President Trump's self-described big, beautiful bill includes congressional Republicans' plans to change Medicaid. The proposal would cut billions from the safety net program. Many Republican lawmakers see this as a needed savings to slash what they see as waste in the system, but recent estimates show millions of Americans stand to lose th…

1
Independent California Pharmacies Brace For Tariffs On Imported Medication 11:45

28d ago11:45

11:45

Law enforcement authorities are seeking help to piece together the timeline of their primary suspect in the explosion at a Palm Springs fertility clinic over the weekend. Authorities identified 25 year old Twentynine Palms Guy Edward Bartkus in connection with the bombing and said he was likely killed in the blast. (Reporter: Madison Aument, KVCR) …

1
Farmworker Assistance Bill Patterned After Nonprofit's Work 11:35

1M ago11:35

11:35

As the state legislature works to tackle a $12 billion budget deficit, a bill aimed at delivering vital resources right to farmworkers’ front doors is being put on hold. It’s modeled after an existing program run by Ayudando Latinos a Soñar, a nonprofit based in Half Moon Bay. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, The California Report The federal government and…

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Vallejo Police Hid Details Of In Custody Death 11:40

1M ago11:40

11:40

Across California, families have had to fight, sometimes for years, just to learn what happened to their loved ones in police custody. Darryl Mefferd wasn't under arrest when he died after an encounter with Vallejo police in 2016. Local officials ruled his death an accidental drug overdose and for years, that's where the story ended. But new record…

1
Challenges of Participating in CA's Budget Process 11:30

1M ago11:30

11:30

It’s budget season at the State Capitol, which means grassroots advocates from around California come to plead for the funding they need for key community programs and projects. But, participating in the budget process and public committee hearings can be a heavy lift – especially for those outside Sacramento’s high-powered lobbyist class. (Reporte…

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An Aging Homeless Population Amidst A Push by Newsom to Ban Encampments 11:30

1M ago11:30

11:30

In recent years, the population of homeless people has aged, with about 20% of them now 55 or older. Many have never been homeless before. (Reporter: Jane Vaughan, Jefferson Public Radio) Conservative activists are welcoming an announcement from Governor Gavin Newsom this week pushing cities to ban homeless encampments across California. Advocates …

1
Chapter 148: Ginny Yurich obviates obsolete offspring with 1000 hours outside 1:57:02

1M ago1:57:02

1:57:02

Ginny Yurich (@1000hoursoutside) drove 5 hours up the road from Michigan to Toronto to hang out with Leslie and me. We went for a walk outside (of course!) and recorded this podcast—our second outdoors podcast in a row after Nickisha The Dog Walker! Why outside? I'm glad you asked! Ginny Yurich is the homeschooling mother of 5 (!) who has spiri…

1
Federal Funding Cuts May Jeopardize A Library Program Serving Blind and Print-disabled Communities 11:44

1M ago11:44

11:44

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is a federal agency that funds programs in libraries nationwide. In March, President Trump signed an executive order to slash the agency’s funding. And California's Braille and Talking Book Library, which serves the state's blind and print-disabled community, could be hit by these cuts. Reporter: Jasmine…

1
Newly-built Passageways Help Wildlife Safely Cross Roads 11:42

1M ago11:42

11:42

Los Angeles County's Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a 90-million-dollar bridge now under construction. It's designed to connect green spaces between a freeway so animals can cross safely. But animals don’t need these kinds of crossings to be so expensive and fancy. There are smaller and cheaper ways to cross the road. Guest: Seth Riley, Biologist, …

1
California's Tiny Home Boom Signals Hope In Housing Crisis Though Challenges Remain 11:12

1M ago11:12

11:12

A bill introduced in the state legislature by Sacramento Democratic Assembly member Maggy Krell aims to increase penalties for loitering to solicit minors for sex. But a provision specifically aimed at soliciting 16- and 17-year olds has divided state Democrats, and given Republicans a political opportunity to criticize their opponents. Reporter: L…

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Democrats Hope a Progressive Push Can Flip one of California's Conservative Enclaves 11:26

1M ago11:26

11:26

For a long time, California's Central Valley has been a bastion of conservative political support; the red spot in a state that's awash in blue. However, there are signs that support for the right could be wavering, as President Trump's policies on trade and immigration are impacting livelihoods in the Central Valley; and some of the biggest progre…

1
Trump's Proposed Budget Threatens NASA Space Research 11:23

1M ago11:23

11:23

Last week, the Trump administration announced its goal of cutting $6 billion from NASA or nearly a quarter of the space agency's budget. Science programs would be hit especially hard, like the work done by NASA facilities in California. Guest: Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy, Planetary Society Three people are dead, four have received medical a…

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Communities In Far Northern California Challenged By Return Of Gray Wolves 11:12

1M ago11:12

11:12

For decades, wolves were thought to have been hunted and poisoned into extinction in California with the last sighting of the animal in the 1920s. But that changed in late 2011 when a wolf wearing a radio collar crossed into the state from Oregon. In the years since, California’s gray wolf population has grown into the dozens, threatening the livel…

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Tariffs Likely To Increase Cost Of Weddings In California 11:28

2M ago11:28

11:28

Weddings are pricey affairs in California — and they’re about to get even more expensive. According to the National Bridal Retailers Association, about 90 percent of all wedding gowns sold in the U.S. are made in China. With 145% tariffs now being imposed on all Chinese goods coming into the U.S., that could mean big price increases for California …

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Most California Republican Voters Still Confident In Trump Administration 11:32

2M ago11:32

11:32

Nearly 40% of Californians voted for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Now, 100 days into his second term, how do they feel? Reporter: Izzy Bloom, KQED In San Francisco Wednesday night, former Vice President Kamala Harris laid into President Donald Trump at the 100 day mark of his presidency. Reporter: Scott Shafer, KQED Learn more about…

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Refugee Family Remembers Fall Of Saigon 11:27

2M ago11:27

11:27

The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago when American troops pulled out of Saigon. And for hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese who fled and resettled in California, April 30 is a significant day. Reporter: Daisy Nguyen, KQED A bill that would have lowered the state rent cap won't be moving forward this year, after its sponsors pulled it this week. Repor…

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Lawmakers Call for Investigations into Financial Aid Fraud at California Community Colleges 11:31

2M ago11:31

11:31

Millions of dollars meant to help California's community college students have been stolen by scammers, and now both Republican and Democratic leaders are calling for investigations. But there's debate over who's responsible and what solutions will actually help students most. Guest: Adam Eckelman, CalMatters An air force base in the Bay Area could…

1
Students Push For Race-Focused College Graduations In California 11:32

2M ago11:32

11:32

College staff in Southern California are busy organizing upcoming graduation ceremonies based on racial and ethnic identity. But two months ago, the Trump administration said these graduation ceremonies are illegal. And staff are not taking that declaration lightly. Reporter: Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, LAist Labor advocates in Los Angeles are pushing bac…

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Chapter 28: Mark Manson on constant cursing and clearing clutter 1:50:53

2M ago1:50:53

1:50:53

Have you heard of a book called 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck'? I’m guessing you have since it’s sold, uh, 16 million copies since it came out in 2016. There hadn't been a non-fiction book that big and disruptive in a long, long time… Mark’s meteoric success is the product of a giant mind which has mastered the art of taking the biggest, d…

1
Program Provides Unique Science Lessons On Tahoe Slopes 11:20

2M ago11:20

11:20

Skiers cruising down Tahoe’s white slopes this winter had a unique chance to learn about the surrounding ecosystem. UC Davis scientists clicked on their skis and led public tours down the mountain. Reporter: Anna Guth, KQED The American Civil Liberties Union has asked a federal court to stop the government from cutting off legal services to familie…

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Community College Job Training Program Struggles Due to Unreliable Funding 11:35

2M ago11:35

11:35

As the state grapples with the homeless population of over 187,000 people, a new program at Santa Monica Community College is training students for jobs to help people get off the streets and into housing. But it also faces an uncertain future. Guest: Marisa Kendall, CalMatters Farmworkers in the U.S. have historically been excluded from overtime p…