Against the Grain is a radio and web media project whose aim is to provide in-depth analysis and commentary on a variety of matters — political, economic, social and cultural — important to progressive and radical thinking and activism. We’re based at the studios of Pacifica station KPFA-FM in Berkeley, California.
ATG focuses on meaty theoretical and action-oriented issues that the mainstream media tends to ignore, matters like political economy, the global justice movement, philosophical and cultural ideas, and race and gender relations. We strive to bring these perspectives to the airwaves in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and, most of all, useful to people working for social change.
Please join us, listen in, and let us know what you think (http://www.againstthegrain.org/contact). And if you like what we’re doing, pass the word along. You may even want to ask your local community radio station to carry ATG.
Against the Grain is co-produced and co-hosted by SashaLilley and C.S. Soong. Contributing producers include Ramsey Kanaan and H.N. Yuen.
What people are saying about the program:
“… almost all my friends are avid KPFA fans and one thing we all agree on is how absolutely wonderful, stimulating, thought-provoking, energizing — and addictive — your super super show is.”
— Jeanie via e-mail
“I just wanted to drop a line to say that your program is simply the best radio program out there. I am always amazed at the quality of your shows. Thank you for doing this.”
— N.H., Stanford, CA
“I deeply appreciate the research and planning that you put into each interview, as well as your dogged (perhaps almost rabid) attention to the unfolding of the subject at hand…. What a welcome change from the typical frenetic, sound-byte-style programming that has infested almost every nook and cranny of our media. My soul feasts on these programs and I thank you for the excellent work you are doing!
— J.R. via email
“I think your program is one of the best on the radio or on any other media, bar none. Many of the books I read I discovered by listening to your program or viewing the links on your website.”
— Bill, Hayward
“I find your choices of subject matter intriguing and the views of your guests stimulating. The hour always seems to go by way too quickly and I am left wanting your discussions to continue on into the afternoon…. Each [program] is a nourishing meal for the mind and the soul.”
— Carol via e-mail
“I enjoy your show on KPFA enormously — your program is really the best thing happening on the broadcast airwaves now, be it radio or TV…. You tackle real issues and fascinating subjects and you handle them with the greatest intelligence and honesty.”
— Les via e-mail
“I am impressed by [C.S.’s] clarity, excellent questions, choice of subject matter, and obvious close preparation for the interviews that he conducts.”
— D.R. via e-mail
“It is of inestimable value to provide this deeper level of substance and help encourage a little serious re-thinking … It may not be for everybody, but I feel it is of huge importance, and where else is this level of discussion so readily available?”
— W.K., Oakland
“I also want to commend you on an excellent show, you are one of the most sensitive and intelligent voices on the air waves.”
— David S. via e-mail
“I have always been impressed by the thoroughness of your preparation and inquiry…. I think this is the most intelligent program on the air in recent years. Congratulations on doing a terrific job.”
— Carol S. via e-mail