Best KVPR Podcasts (2025)

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Dec. 24: KVPR Looks Back At The News Cycle Of 2025 22:07

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2025 brought us so much news. In this end-of-year episode of Central Valley Daily, the news team looks back at the news that shaped the year and what to expect for the new year. Plus, the latest news headlines: What some new laws will bring in the new year, and new data shows how immigration has changed in California.…

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Dec. 25: Author Mas Masumoto On Finding The ‘Sounds Of Our Histories’ [Encore] 12:15

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Japanese-American author Mas Masumoto has written over a dozen books. His latest takes on a different angle – and sound. In this encore episode, we revisit a conversation with Mas about the idea behind “Shadow Music” and other work it inspired.By Elizabeth Arakelian, Jonathan Linden

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Dec. 23: A Guaranteed Income Program Just Wrapped Up In Fresno. Did It Work? 14:54

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For the past year, 300 families were given $500 a month as part of a guaranteed income program in Fresno – the first in the city’s history. On today’s episode, Fresno State Professor Amber Crowell breaks down how families spent the money and what it shows about the feasibility of such programs to combat rampant poverty.Plus, the latest news headlin…

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Dec. 22: This Fresno Native Just Became Runner Up On ‘The Voice.’ Hear Him Sing For Us. 14:57

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NBC’s popular singing competition show “The Voice” spotlights talented singers from across the nation. And this season, the runner-up is from Fresno. On today’s episode, Ralph Edwards recounts his experience singing on national television and working with Snoop Dogg, and he tells us what’s next for his singing career. Plus, he sings a few bars of a…

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Dec. 19: Why These Faith-Based Hospitals Can Refuse Maternal Care 15:09

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The state of California protects women’s reproductive rights, including the right to an abortion. So what happens when a woman needs one at a Catholic hospital that refuses to conduct abortions? On today’s episode, San Francisco Standard reporter Anya Schultz breaks down complicated maternal care at Catholic hospitals in California. Plus, the lates…

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Dec. 18: Wind, Rain, And Snow: A Female Rock Climber Defies The Odds To Make History 14:29

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Professional climber Sasha DiGiulian has scaled rock faces all over the world, recently making history in Yosemite National Park. She was the first woman to free climb the Platinum Wall trail up the sheer granite face of El Capitan. On today’s episode, Sasha explains the extreme conditions she faced, and why she calls climbing a ‘global language.’ …

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Dec. 17: Fresno Catholic Bishop Joseph Brennan’s Case For Human Dignity Amid Immigration Actions 16:02

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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently issued a special statement about their concern for immigrants in the U.S. The bishops called out the climate of fear and anxiety for many immigrants, noting they’re saddened by the vilification of immigrants. Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno breaks down the statement and …

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Dec. 16: Fresno’s Major Airport Expansion Is Here. It Almost Didn’t Happen. 15:03

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For years, the City of Fresno has been renovating and expanding Fresno Yosemite International Airport. In the coming weeks, many of those projects will be fully in use – including a brand new terminal and new restaurants. But these projects met some turbulence earlier this year when the federal government threatened to pull funding. KVPR reporter S…

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Dec. 15: This State Park In Merced County Offers A Glimpse Of The Valley’s Native Landscape 12:58

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There’s a relatively unremarkable piece of land in Merced County that appears to simply be grasslands. But this area offers a glimpse into the San Joaquin Valley’s native landscape. On today’s episode, Sarah Puckett with American Rivers explains why so many environmental partners are working to restore floodplains in Great Valley Grasslands State P…

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Dec. 12: Hanukkah Starts On Sunday. A Bakersfield Rabbi Discusses This Treasured Holiday. 14:47

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Hanukkah, the 8-day festival of lights, starts on Sunday. Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger with the Chabad of Bakersfield explains the meaning of the holiday and highlights events in Bakersfield and Tehachapi. Plus, the latest news headlines: how Valley Catholics are celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Reedley College wins a prestigious natio…

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Dec. 11: A Local Romance Writer On The Importance Of Online Bookworm Communities 14:51

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Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. Or if you’re Rebecca Jo Jackson, to write one. On today’s episode, the Visalia-based author discusses the latest book in her Sweet River romance series, “Olivia’s Only Pretending.” Plus, the latest news headlines: Hundreds of millions of dollars to address California homelessness could be in j…

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Dec. 10: Chemicals That Never Break Down Are Reaching Our Food And Water 14:32

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For decades, so-called “forever chemicals” have been increasingly used on crops and consumer products in the U.S. Environmental advocates are raising alarm over the lack of regulation and research into how these chemicals affect the human body. Today we speak with a policy analyst with the Environmental Working Group who breaks down how these chemi…

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Dec. 9: Would You Send Your Loved One’s Ashes Into Space? [Encore Interview] 13:56

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Space is becoming increasingly commercialized. This has given rise to so-called “memorial spaceflights.” That’s when people can choose to send their loved one’s ashes into orbit. In this encore episode of Central Valley Daily, we revisit a story by KVPR’s Kerry Klein about a Central Valley native’s decision to honor her travel-loving sister with on…

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Dec. 8: A ‘Nursing Home Empire’ Is Facing Abuse Allegations 12:22

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A number of nursing homes in California are facing lawsuits for purported negligence and abuse. Some have already had to pay millions to residents or family members. On today’s episode, Jocelyn Wiener with our news partner CalMatters introduces us to one owner at the center of CalMatters reporting.By Elizabeth Arakelian, Jonathan Linden, Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado

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Dec. 5: Where’s The Sun? A Meteorologist Breaks Down Why The Valley’s Been So Foggy Lately 14:42

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The Valley has been blanketed in thick Tule fog in recent weeks, which may remind some Valley residents of years past. So why is it unusual to see these conditions now, and why are they so different than in the past? San Francisco Chronicle Meteorologist Anthony Edwards breaks down what’s changed. Plus, the latest news headlines: Valley Congressmen…

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Dec. 4: Why Fresno Is Cracking Down On This Controversial Substance 13:32

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Kratom is among the many substances on the market that claim to improve health and wellness. But many in the medical community worry about widespread abuse, and leaders in Fresno are seeking to ban it. Pablo Orihuela, with our news partner Fresnoland, breaks down why. Plus, the latest news headlines: California’s economy is likely to keep worsening…

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Dec. 3: As Immigration Enforcement Sweeps The Country, Valley Towns Are Already Feeling The Economic Effect 14:39

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Small farm towns that typically balloon in size during peak harvest seasons in the San Joaquin Valley are seeing less activity as the Trump Administration cracks down on immigration. CalMatters reporter Nigel Duara set out to examine what these impacts look like, even as enforcement has largely been confined to major cities for now. Plus, the lates…

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Dec. 2: Kern County Art Gallery Honors Lives Lost To AIDS 14:51

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The AIDS epidemic of the 1980’s brought tragedy for more than 100,000 Americans. Four decades later, Kern County is honoring victims through art. On today’s episode, Audrey Chavez with the Bakersfield AIDS Project discusses the community’s display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Plus, the latest news headlines: our neighbors in Stockton reel after a de…

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Dec. 1: Looking For A Good Book This Holiday Season? These Are NPR Favorites 11:14

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Every year, NPR collaborates with its team and puts together ‘Books We Love.’ It’s a curated list of hundreds of books that staff members and trusted critics say are worth a read. NPR’s Andrew Limbong joins us to discuss the thorough list and some of his favorite books from this year.By Jonathan Linden

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Nov. 26: Porterville PD Faces Federal Lawsuits As Interim Leader Takes Over 14:29

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The police chief and assistant police chief in the City of Porterville are both out on “authorized leave,” as an interim police chief is leading the department. At the same time, the department is facing multiple civil rights lawsuits. KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein breaks down what we know about the department’s current affairs. Plus, the lates…

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Nov. 25: It’s Legal For Children To Work In California's Fields. Lax Enforcement Can Make It Unsafe. 15:23

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Thousands of children work in California’s agricultural fields – and while child labor is legal in the ag industry, lax enforcement means kids are suffering. On today’s episode, journalist Robert J. Lopez tells the stories of dozens of child laborers whom he spoke with for his report for Capital and Main entitled “California’s Child Farmworkers: Ex…

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Nov. 24: A New Book Is The First To Document Yosemite’s Wildlife In 100 Years 14:31

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It’s easy for visitors to Yosemite National Park to marvel at the park’s ancient trees and landscape. But what about the many creatures that call the park home? For the first time in more than 100 years, there’s a new book dedicated just to Yosemite’s wildlife. On today's episode, we speak with the author of that new book, Beth Pratt.…

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Nov. 21: How The Tejon Indian Tribe Plans To Leverage New Casino Revenue 14:32

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Hard Rock Casino Tejon opened this month to much enthusiasm – especially from the Tejon Indian Tribe. Tribal leaders say the new event space will bring jobs and revenue to the region. On today’s episode, we speak with tribal chairman Octavio Escobedo III about how the casino’s presence could benefit the tribe. Plus, the latest news headlines: The C…

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Nov. 20: Fresno County Looks To A New Way To Get Around: A Regional Rail System 15:10

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What’s the future of transportation in Fresno County? A new proposal seeks to build a regional rail to connect communities in the west with those in the east. Today we speak with Paul Herman, deputy director of the Fresno Council of Governments, about the plan and what it means about the future of transportation in the county and the wider region. …

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Nov. 19: What Do Layoffs At The Fresno Bee Say About The State Of Local News? 14:04

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Earlier this month, The Fresno Bee’s parent company McClatchy laid off three long-time editors at the local newspaper. As a result, the local opinion pages will now be managed from hundreds of miles away by editors at The Sacramento Bee. To understand what this means for local media, we speak with Jim Boren, a former executive editor of the newspap…

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Nov. 18: President Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Comes For Truckers 15:38

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The nation’s trucking industry is one of the latest targets of President Trump’s immigration crackdown agenda. Recent deadly trucking accidents provided the administration with examples of why it needs to take some immigrant drivers off the road. So how is the industry reacting? We speak with industry veteran Craig Fuller, from the industry website…

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Nov. 17: UC Merced Chancellor Reflects On University’s First 20 Years 13:07

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The University of California, Merced, is celebrating 20 years since opening its doors to its first students. In that time, the campus has grown to be nationally ranked and to play an integral part of the central California region. Today we speak with UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz about the campus’s past and future.…

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Nov. 14: Should The Ten Commandments Be Displayed In Schools? 15:05

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The Kern County Board of Education is proposing to display the Ten Commandments in its school lobbies. But the proposal has been met with protest from those who want to keep separation of church and state. In this episode, we speak with attorney Chris Line. He's with the Freedom From Religion Foundation, one of the civil rights groups opposing the …

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Nov. 13: KVPR Speaks With Rep. Adam Gray Just As Historic Government Shutdown Ends 15:22

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The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday night to end the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The bill restores federal worker salaries and food aid benefits that had slowed earlier this month. But it doesn’t include healthcare subsidies that Democrats had largely been pushing for. But Merced Democratic Rep. Adam Gray tells KVPR that this…

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Nov. 12: How An NFL Superstar Is Giving Back To His Small California Town 13:47

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Firebaugh may be a small town in western Fresno County. But it has left its mark on the sport of football – as the hometown of NFL quarterback Josh Allen. On today’s episode, KVPR’s Samantha Rangel takes us there to witness the unique way Allen is giving back to his hometown.Plus, the latest news headlines: Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s upset with De…

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Nov. 11: Unpacking California's Historic Land Return To The Tule River Indian Tribe 14:30

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The so-called “Land Back Movement” seeks to return ancestral lands to native groups as a way to preserve and reestablish indigenous sovereignty. The State of California recently completed one of those deals with the Tule River Indian Tribe. In this episode, we speak with a journalist from Tribal Business News about that deal and its meaning. Plus, …

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Nov. 10: He Prosecuted The ‘Golden State Killer.’ A New Book Tells His Story 14:08

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The “Golden State Killer” began his crimes in Tulare County in the 1970s and evaded authorities for decades until his capture in 2018. On today’s episode, Sacramento District Attorney Thien Ho discusses his new book, “The People Vs. The Golden State Killer,” which details his lead role in the case and what he learned from survivors’ stories.…

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Nov. 7: NPR’s Ari Shapiro Brings A Different Kind Of Show To The Valley This Weekend 13:52

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Journalist and author Ari Shapiro hosted NPR’s flagship show “All Things Considered” for 10 years. This fall he decided to step away, trading the studio for the stage. Shapiro is an experienced cabaret singer and in today’s episode he tells us about his show “Thank You For Listening,” which he will perform at Modesto's Gallo Center for the Arts on …

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Nov. 6: Making Sense Of California’s Prop. 50 Victory 14:17

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Was California’s Proposition 50 measure an early referendum on President Trump’s second term in office? Voters overwhelmingly supported an effort by Gov. Gavin Newsom to redraw congressional lines and give more power to Democrats next year. We look more closely into the measure’s approval with The Maddy Institute’s Blake Zante. Plus, the latest new…

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Nov. 5: California Voters Approve Proposition 50 In Bid To Boost Democratic Power 13:38

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California’s Proposition 50 got the seal of approval from voters on Tuesday. The measure passed by double digits and dealt a significant victory to Democrats looking to clamp down on the Trump Administration and the GOP in Congress. KVPR News Director Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado breaks down what the result means. Plus, the latest news headlines: Ca…

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Nov. 4: How This Valley School District Is Turning Around Student Test Scores 14:51

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School districts are in an upward climb to get student engagement and test scores back to pre-pandemic levels. Sanger Unified in Fresno County has historically struggled with test scores, but is now outperforming state averages in English and math. Lasherica Thornton, education reporter for EdSource, explains what the district is doing differently …

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Nov. 3: Meet The Man Walking Hundreds Of Miles For Fire Victims 14:25

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The tragic Southern California fires earlier this year destroyed houses and killed dozens. Among the homes destroyed was Demitri Camperos’. Camperos is now trekking from Altadena to Paradise — the site of the tragic 2018 Camp Fire — to raise awareness for fire victims. Host Elizabeth Arakelian met Demitri halfway through his journey in Fresno.…

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Oct. 31: These Valley Residents Are Keeping ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ Traditions Alive 15:32

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“Dia de los Muertos,” or Day of the Dead, is much more than commercialized imagery of colorful skulls and skeletons adorned with bright flowers. In this episode, the KVPR newsroom sets out to shed light on three of the key ingredients to honor the occasion. Plus, the latest news headlines: The Tule River Indian Tribe gets thousands of acres of land…

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Oct. 30: Federal Election Monitors Are Coming To The Valley, But Details Are Vague 14:14

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Voters in California are heading to the polls to weigh in on Proposition 50, which, if approved, could mean more Democratic seats in the House of Representatives. As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would send election monitors to polling sites in Fresno and Kern counties and three others in the state.…

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Oct. 29: Glaciers In The Sierra Nevada Could Disappear In The Next 75 Years 13:14

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Glaciers in the Sierra Nevada have existed for thousands of years. However, new research published in the journal “Science Advances” projects that they will disappear by the end of the century. Andy Jones, a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-author of the research, explains the findings on today’s episode. Plus, the l…

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Oct. 28: New Research Sheds Light On The Obesity Problem For Latinos In The Valley 14:09

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New research reveals Latinos in the San Joaquin Valley have higher rates of obesity compared to their counterparts. That is especially true among children. Tim Sheehan, a reporter with our news partner The Intersection, breaks down this research and the factors contributing to the problem. Plus, the latest news headlines: ICE places British comment…

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Oct. 27: Exploring Our Own ‘Hidden Brain’ With The Writer Shankar Vedantam 13:27

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The beloved radio show and podcast “Hidden Brain” is celebrating its 10th anniversary. On today’s episode, we speak directly with the host, Shankar Vedantam, about why the show is so successful and needed in today’s world. Vedantam also tells us what is next for the show.By Elizabeth Arakelian, Jonathan Linden

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Oct. 24: Inside The Indian Celebration Of ‘Light Over Darkness’ 14:02

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Millions of Indians across the world are celebrating a five-day festival known as Diwali. The festivities end on Saturday, but for those who celebrate, they represent the start of a new year. The holiday marks the victory of good over evil. At one temple in Fresno, one Hindu member takes us inside the sacred space where the celebration is held. Plu…

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Oct. 23: Bakersfield Rep. Vince Fong Weighs In On The Second-Longest Government Shutdown 19:21

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The federal government has been partially shutdown for more than three weeks. This is the second-longest government shutdown, surpassed only by the 2018 closure during President Trump’s first term. That one lasted 35 days. Republican Congressman Vince Fong explains why he thinks Congress is at an impasse and the urgency to make a deal with Democrat…

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Oct. 22: A State Bill On Political Repression Divided Hindus And Sikhs. Newsom Rejected It. 13:59

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A bill that would have trained law enforcement officials to target so-called “transnational repression” passed in the California legislature with bipartisan support. But Gov. Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed it this month. On today’s episode Richa Karmarkar, a national reporter with Religion News Service, explains why the bill divided Hindus and Sikh…

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Oct. 21: In California’s Redistricting Effort, Farmers Say They Could Lose A Voice In Congress 14:56

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On Nov. 4, California voters will decide whether to support or reject Proposition 50. That’s Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to counter surprise congressional redistricting in Texas and other red states. If Prop 50 passes, it could change the makeup of the Valley’s congressional representation. KVPR Associate Editor Kerry Klein sets out to look into the p…

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Oct. 20: A Valley Outlaw Inspired ‘The Legend Of Zorro.’ This Author Wrote His Story. 10:27

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Central California was terrorized by crime during the Gold Rush era. Among the most well-known outlaws at the time was one named Joaquin Murrieta. On today’s episode, we speak with author John Bossenecker about his new book “Bring Me The Head of Joaquin Murrieta: The bandit chief who terrorized California and Launched the Legend of Zorro.”…

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Oct. 17: One Of The First Laws Reining In AI ‘Chatbots’ Was Just Signed In California 14:17

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Artificial intelligence is developing quickly, and some critics fear it could be at the expense of children’s well-being. A new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom will require companies to be more active in monitoring signs of self-harm among users. On today’s episode, journalist Khari Johnson, with our news partner CalMatters, breaks down the legisla…

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Oct. 16: You Can Now Play The World’s Second Most Popular Sport At Fresno Parks 14:01

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Here’s a hint: it’s not soccer, football or baseball. Instead, two parks in Fresno have added the city’s first public cricket pitches. KVPR’s Israel Cardona Hernandez joined a cricket league to find out what this sport means to local communities. Plus, the latest news headlines: Kern County schools weigh a controversial idea; and the new blend of g…

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Oct. 15: Researchers Were Studying Land In The Sierra. Then The Garnet Fire Destroyed It. 14:36

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The Garnet Fire swept through the mountains in eastern Fresno County this summer. Among the affected regions was a little-known area called the “Tea Kettle Experimental Forest.” Matthew Hurteau, a professor of biology at the University of New Mexico, joins us to discuss how the Garnet Fire thwarted his planned research at the site and what comes ne…