Press Play with Madeleine Brand

KCRW

Latest episode

Is Israel preparing to occupy Lebanon again?
2026-03-16 | 51 mins.
Plus, President Trump loses a court battle against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a free music showcase called The Rehearsal at a downtown market, and remembering the philosopher who coined the term “the public sphere.”
What makes good casting as the Oscars add a new category
2026-03-12 | 52 mins.
Plus, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s first public statement raises questions about the health of Iran’s supreme leader. And our weekend film reviews include a Colleen Hoover drama all about yearning.
Iran War could prompt a fresh look at alternative energy
2026-03-11 | 51 mins.
Plus, a preliminary report says the U.S. fired the missile that hit an Iranian school, new shows starring Tracy Morgan, Rachel Weisz, and Steve Carrell, and Evan Kleiman on how to make the simple potato sing.
Why air power alone is destined to fail in the Iran War
2026-03-10 | 51 mins.
Plus, California Republicans are scrambling to hold power after Congressional maps were redrawn to favor Democrats, and how a school in rural Louisiana managed to send so many kids to elite colleges.
Buck Meek looks in 'The Mirror' to face fear, find self-acceptance
2026-03-09 | 53 mins.
Plus, Live Nation settles with the Justice Department, The New York Times details years of abuse by celebrated chef René Redzepi, and how some Academy members skirted new rules for Oscar voting.