Background Briefing

Background Briefing – July 18, 2024

Mounting Pressure From Democratic Leaders on Biden to Step Down Could Overwhelm His Stubbornness We begin with the possibility President Biden’s third bout of Covid will be the cover for him to step down, as Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, along with former President Obama, appear to be weighing in to suggest to … Continued


Two Archive Interviews from 2004: Jonathan and Faye Kellerman discuss their one collaboration, “Double Homicide,” along with their careers, recorded October 28, 2004. Walter Mosley discusses the Easy Rawlins novel “Little Scarlett,” along with his thoughts on racism in America in the 1960s and at the turn of the 21st Century. Also, a review of “Lifespan of a Fact” at Aurora Theatre through July 21, 2024. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


Pam MacKinnon, artistic director of ACT, American Conservatory Theatre, discusses post-pandemic life along with highlights of the upcoming season. David Sedaris, in an interview recorded in 2008, talks about his early days in radio as well as New Yorker fact checking. Also, a review of “Mother Road” by Octavio Solis, at Berkeley Rep Peets Theatre through July 21, 2024. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


Helen Benedict, Professor of Journalism at Columbia University, discusses her latest novel, “The Good Deed,” which focuses on refugees living on the island of Samos in Greece. Pride Month Special Interview: Mystery writer Joseph Hansen (1923-2004), author of the Dave Brandstetter mysteries, recorded in 1990 for the Probabilities radio program. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.


Hard Knock Radio

Affordable Housing

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In the Hard Knock Radio conversation host Davey D spoke with Ayanna Davis of Healthy Black Families and Michael Trujillo of the East Bay Community Law Center, about the displacement of Black communities in Berkeley due to historical and contemporary housing issues. ### **Displacement and Economic Impact** The 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly … Continued