Dr. John Swartzberg is off this week; in his stead we speak to Dr. Paul Offit, a teaching pediatrician at the University of Pennsylvania who directs The Vaccine Education Center at  Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and formerly serviced on the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). His most recent book is Tell Me When … Continued

Edmund White (1940-2025) in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA Studios, September 20, 2012 while on tour for the novel “Jack Holmes and His Friend” and February 17, 2014 while on tour for “Inside a Pearl: My Years in Paris.” Edmund White, who died on June 3, 2025 at the age of 85, was often called the Grandfather of gay literature. Equally at home writing novels, biographies, plays, memoirs, essays and various hybrids, he was a pioneer in the LBGT world. Photo: David Shankbone.


Joseph Heller, author of “Catch-22” and its sequel, “Closing Time,” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded in San Francisco on October 17, 1994. In this interview, never before aired in its entirety, Heller talks about both books, the film based on “Catch-22” and some of the themes of his works. Also, reviews of “Parade” at the Orpheum Theatre through June 8, 2025, and “Pacific Overtures” at Brava Theater Center through June 15th. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


DIscussed in this episode: On Friday, the Kennedy Food and Drug Administration approved a new Moderna COVID vaccine that targets a smaller section of the COVID-19 spike protein than previous vaccines, but also restricted its use. What’s new: Moderna’s trials showed a higher antibody response than for previous COVID vaccines, and fewer side effects. The … Continued

J.K. Fowler, Executive Director of the Bay Area Book Festival discusses the festival’s line-up and his own involvement in the process. Legendary folk singer and artist Joan Baez talks about her career and her most recent book. Plus reviews of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at San Francisco Playhouse and “Yellow Face” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


Comprehensive coverage of the day’s news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. Trump announces plan for $175 billion Golden Dome missile shield UK, European Union sanction Israel over Gaza, West Bank violence Barbara Lee sworn in as Oakland mayor World Health Organization adopts world’s first pandemic agreement FDA will … Continued