San Francisco's innumerable intriguing historical sites, traditional events, and local curiosities are just as vivid to the eyes are they are to the ears. As an eclectic wonderland brimming with such fascinating backstories and evocative voices, many podcasts here are devoted to shedding light on these narratives and showcasing them for all those interested in attaining a fuller understanding of our community.
These essential podcasts not only provide platforms for must-know people in the SF Bay Area, but also thoroughly investigate and uncover all of our city's peculiar questions, untold histories, and otherwise esoteric tidbits.
Whether you're new to the Bay or just inquisitive on any local curiosity or happening that you see here, the following diverse array of podcasts are the perfect amusing and educational sources to answer any and all topics. They are also all immediately enthralling and are easy listens for a long commute.
See also: 5 Must-Read Books That Quintessentially Capture San Francisco's Charm
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We start off with perhaps the most comprehensive of them all, as the long-running Bay Curious from KQED has answers for each and every question here! Whether big- such as the history of the first people to live in the Bay, or incredibly small- like the story behind the dragon sculpture above the Broadway Tunnel, host Olivia Allen-Price has got you covered.
Their site even takes and votes on listener questions for future episodes, so that you can hear the in-depth answer to all your most niche questions, like if San Francisco really does have its own distinct regional accent.
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Total SF is a cute and charming show hosted by Peter Hartlaub and columnist Heather Knight that covers more current and "on-the-ground" happenings. You'll be drawn in as soon as you hear the podcast's classic intro of cable car bells and delightfully catchy theme song, followed by the pleasant ambient sounds of wherever they're recording that day.
With interviews and features with local community members, listen for an accurate and up-to-date feel of the city's atmosphere right from wherever you tune in, such as their fun coverage of the Secrets of Sutro Tower.
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Fifth & Mission by the San Francisco Chronicle centers more on hard news and how local politics, legislature, social justice movements, and more affect the local communities. Hosted by Producer Cecilia Lei and Director of News Demian Bulwa, this insightful podcast will both edify you on current policy news and captivate you on the poignant and genuine stories told from the downstream grassroots perspective. Listen to them discuss, for example, if the Supreme Court has too much power.
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Similarly, Rightnowish hits the perfect balance between educational, lighthearted, and impactful, covering the wide diversity of the Bay Area and current intersectional issues. Listen to Host Pendarvis Harshaw as he investigates, showcases, and amplifies community voices around SF, nearby Oakland, and more, such as this coverage on "Searching For A Kiki: The Next Generation of Black and Queer Bars."
See also: Oakland Black Pride Olaywa K. Austin On Their Organization's History, Philosophy, and Festival
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Raw Material by the SFMOMA highlights local artists sharing their unique perspectives on various artistic and cultural concepts, movements, and more. Rotating with a new theme every season, this current seventh iteration is titled "Visions of Black Futurity" and is led by podcaster-in-residence Babette Thomas to explore Black Bay Area art history pioneers.
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The California Report Magazine from KQED covers wider California issues in a more direct and serious manner. Stay up to date on all of our Golden State affairs by listening daily, starting off with The morning service, hosted Saul Gonzalez. Such contemporary topics include Fire Danger Higher Than Normal In Northern, Central California.
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Lastly, East Bay Yesterday is an archival podcast that shares interesting but lesser-known historical stories from Oakland and other East Bay areas. With their slogan as "A podcast about history that's not stuck in the past," this show perfectly combines the past with the present, combining the two eras' shared issues and influences to inspire, excite, and motivate their current listeners.
Get a taste of their thorough research with “More than just the 1960s” Following the footsteps of rock & roll legends, highlighting our pivotal musical roots and underground scenes.
With all of these highly edifying and entertaining podcasts, you are sure to be an expert on every Bay Area aspect in no time!
See also: Visit The Sutro Bath Ruins For A Marvelous Glimpse Into San Francisco's Opulent History
Photography by: Soundtrap-n30/Unsplash
