Bay Curious

About 25 years ago, Fernet-Branca went from a somewhat eclectic drink, shared among the city's old school bartenders, to one of the most iconic spirits in San Francisco. Its polarizing taste profile has been compared to Vicks NyQuil and VapoRub on one end of the spectrum, to a delightful Christmas Tree or Chinese herbs on the other end. How did this divisive Italian spirit work its way into the hearts of San Franciscans? Bay Curious producer Amanda Font bellies up to the bar to find out.Additional Reading: How Fernet-Branca Became San Francisco's Favorite Spirit Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Amanda Font. Kelly O'Mara contributed. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Ana De Almedia Amaral and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Holly Kernan and the whole KQED family.

Our lives are full of sounds. The rumble of car engines, a particular birdsong, the 'ding' of phone alerts, even the voices of our friends and family — these everyday noises become so regular we don't even consider that you might hear them one day and then never hear them again. This week, KQED's Rachael Myrow takes back in time to track down some of the lost sounds of San Francisco.Additional Reading: Read a transcription of this episode here Sign up for our Newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Check out our kid-friendly playlist of Bay Curious favorites Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://donate.kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Rachael Myrow. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Ana De Almeida Amaral and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Jen Chien, Maha Sanad, Katie Sprenger, Holly Kernan and the whole KQED family.

Most people believe that Monterey Jack Cheese originated in ... Monterey. And while the name 'Monterey Jack' establishes a clear claim, this week we're asking: Where is this silky cheese really from? You might be surprised.This episode originally aired on the podcast in 2022.Additional Reading: Move Over Monterey? Pacifica Lays Claim to Iconic Jack Cheese Read the transcript of this episode here Check out our kid-friendly playlist of Bay Curious favorites Buy the Bay Curious Book here! Sign up for our Newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Christopher Beale. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Ana De Almeida Amaral and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Jen Chien, Maha Sanad, Katie Sprenger, Holly Kernan and the whole KQED family.

The Wave Organ is an environmental sculpture that goes below the surface of the bay to create a unique sonic experience for visitors. Listener Robbie Rock has been visiting The Wave Organ since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and came to Bay Curious looking to learn who built it, why and how. Reporter Ana De Almeida Amaral takes us on the sonic journey that ensues when the moon, tides, human creativity and San Francisco history collide.Additional Reading: San Francisco’s Wave Organ Brings Sounds of the Bay to Life Episode Transcript A Kid-Friendly Spotify Playlist of Bay Curious Favorites Bay Curious Book Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing Company monthly trivia contest Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Ana De Almeida Amaral. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Ana De Almeida Amaral and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Holly Kernan and the whole KQED family.

When people think of the Black Panthers, most imagine militant Black men in berets carrying guns. While that's not an inaccurate picture, the Black Panthers did much more than just fight back against racist policing. They created a whole host of community programs. This week, we bring you an excerpt from the Mindshift podcast about one of them — an elementary school in Oakland that made a big impact on education.Additional Reading: 5 Ways the Black Panthers Shaped U.S. Schools Read a transcript of this episode Sign up for our newsletter Enter our Sierra Nevada Brewing company monthly trivia contest Your support makes KQED podcasts possible. You can show your love by going to https://kqed.org/donate/podcastsThis story was reported by Nimah Gobir. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Amanda Font, Christopher Beale, and Ana De Almeida Amaral. Additional support from Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Holly Kernan, and the whole KQED family.

Gabriela Glueck, a reporter for Bay Curious, uncovers the explosive history of Glen Canyon Park, once home to the first dynamite factory in the U.S. Ryan Flynn, a local resident, shares how he sparked this investigation by finding a forgotten historical marker. Longtime resident and historian Evelyn Rose discusses the significant yet dangerous roles of Chinese laborers in the explosives industry. Together, they explore dynamite's transformative impact on San Francisco and the park's hidden legacy, blending history with modern echoes.

Katherine Monahan, a KQED reporter, takes listeners on a chilling journey through the haunted USS Hornet, a retired WWII aircraft carrier. She recounts her late-night paranormal investigation with ghost hunters, attempting to make contact with spirits through flashlight communication. Monahan vividly describes personal encounters, including a touching moment connecting with a deceased loved one. The eerie atmosphere is amplified by chilling temperature drops and ghostly imagery, making the exploration of this haunted ship both captivating and spine-tingling.

Exploring the synergies between fandom and politics, this discussion unveils how passionate communities shape electoral engagement. Delve into the phenomenon of political fan edits on platforms like TikTok, which transform public perception of leaders like Kamala Harris. The conversation highlights the evolution of political branding in the digital age, revealing how pop culture, memes, and fierce loyalty impact modern campaigns. From the vibrant emergence of political fandoms to the risks of authenticity in viral trends, the interplay is as fascinating as it is complex.

Danielle Venton, a KQED science reporter with nearly a decade of experience covering wildfires, dives into California's complex fire ecosystems. She discusses how prolonged fire suppression has led to larger, more destructive wildfires, emphasizing the natural role of fire in certain ecosystems. Venton sheds light on historical fire practices, like prescribed burns, and the ecological benefits of wildfires, including the revival of wildflowers. The conversation challenges common misconceptions and highlights the intricate relationship between climate change and fire management.

Ana De Almeida Amaral, a KQED intern, shares the heartwarming story of the Presidio pet cemetery, a unique site where beloved pets find their final resting place. She discusses the emotional connection between pets and their owners, reflecting on the cultural significance of pet funerals. The podcast covers the transformation of the cemetery from military outpost to serene memorial park and the efforts to restore it. Listeners are invited to join in community engagement and trivia, making this a heartfelt exploration of love and loss.