Best KCSB News Podcasts (2026)

1
One Year After the Palisades Fire, a Conversation with a Firefighter on Protecting Homes From Wildfires 8:21

Play Pause

11h ago8:21

8:21

As the anniversary of the Palisades fire nears, many California residents continue to question the most effective ways to protect their homes against continuous wildfires. KCSB's Emerson Good spoke with Nicholai Allen, a wildland firefighter who worked in the Palisades Fire who is developing technology to further protect homes from wildfires.…

1
U.S. Military Operation Detains Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro: Breaking Down the Conflict 12:46

11h ago12:46

12:46

On January 3rd, the United States carried out a military operation in Venezuela, taking President Nicolás Maduro into custody. The move has triggered international reaction and raised new questions about U.S. involvement in the region and Venezuela’s political future. KCSB's Emerson Good spoke with UCSB Associate Professor Juan Pablo Lupi to break …

1
Santa Barbara's Eclectic Blues Scene and the Importance of Community: In Conversation with Morganfield Burnett 14:31

9d ago14:31

14:31

Following the loss of his van, a means of transportation and housing for Santa Barbara blues artist Morganfield Burnett, community members came together to support his continued music endeavors. KCSB’s Tatiana Jacquez sat down with Burnett to discuss his life and journey to Santa Barbara, the career he’s built here, and his response to the communit…

1
Deforestation in Indonesia Leads to Disproportionate Death Toll Following Tropical Storm 3:35

15d ago3:35

3:35

After a tropical storm killed over 700 people on the island of Sumatra, survivors aren't just blaming the rain, they're blaming decades of deforestation by palm oil and mining companies for the catastrophic landslides. KCSB’s Manny Rodriguez has the latest.By KCSB News

1
A Look at the Effects of Nationwide Redistricting on the 2026 Midterm Elections 13:16

15d ago13:16

13:16

Several states changed their congressional maps after November's special elections. Both Democratic and Republican leaders are pushing to secure power in the House of Representatives. KCSB's Nico Brown-Corrada sat down with UCSB Political Science professor Heather Stoll to learn more about the impacts of redistricting on the 2026 midterms.…

1
Diablo Canyon To Extend Life of Power Plant 20 Years, Despite 2025 Shut-Down Promise 2:41

15d ago2:41

2:41

Diablo Canyon was headed for retirement, renewable sources propped to take its place. Until the plan suddenly changed. Now one state commission could make the call on whether it runs for 20 more years. KCSB’s Juliana Chandler has the update.By KCSB News

1
Ringing In the New Year With the Santa Barbara Symphony 15:08

15d ago15:08

15:08

The Santa Barbara Symphony is once again ringing in the new year with a high-energy celebration at The Granada Theatre, where guests will be able to delight in champagne as they are dazzled by music. Guest conductor, Stuart Malina, and Symphony President, Kathryn R. Martin, say this year’s event promises not just beautiful music, but real joy and a…

1
Inside IV: Choosing Housemates for a Happy Home 29:32

25d ago29:32

29:32

Choosing the right roommate - or housemates - is an important decision for Isla Vista student residents. KCSB’s Clarissa Hom speaks with Robin Unander, lead attorney at the Associated Students Legal Resource Center about this – and another important topic - what to do if you’re injured in a bike accident.…

1
Cynthia Erivo Receives SBIFF's Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film 3:38

26d ago3:38

3:38

Cynthia Erivo was honored at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival with the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film, recognizing her impact on the industry. On the red carpet, KCSB's Emerson Good spoke with both Erivo and the director of Wicked, Jon M. Chu.By KCSB News

1
UCSB Will Host ParalympicsGB for the LA28 Games 8:47

1M ago8:47

8:47

When the Olympic Games come to Los Angeles in the Summer of 2028, some PARAlympic athletes will be using UCSB as their home base for training and preparing for the LA28 Paralympics. KCSB's Inesha Ranasinghe-Denish brings us this story.By KCSB News

1
IVCSD Hosts Special Meeting to Address Proposed Deltopia Festival Ordinance 10:01

1M ago10:01

10:01

On Monday, December 1st, the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) held a special meeting to address a proposed festival ordinance before it goes to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on December 9th. To continue our coverage on the proposed Festival Ordinance by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, KCSB's Tatiana Jacquez …

1
Book Bans in the American Prison System 2:37

1M ago2:37

2:37

For people in prison, books can be more than a pastime - they can be a lifeline to the outside world. However, new restrictions all across the country are cutting off that necessary connection. KCSB’s Juliana Chandler has the story.By KCSB News

1
Revealed Biodiversity in Santa Barbara’s Channel 11:49

1M ago11:49

11:49

UCSB students and marine biology researchers gathered to collect organisms in the Santa Barbara Channel. After classifying the species, further analyses were made as each organism was examined in labs. KCSB’s Abbey Santellanes spoke with Skylah Reis, a Ph.D. student at UCSB, to uncover the steps that were taken and the importance of this oceanic re…

1
Federal Regulators Crack Down on Tech Companies Over Monopolization 2:14

1M ago2:14

2:14

A judge has decided that the company that owns Instagram and Facebook, Meta, is not a monopoly. KCSB’s Inesha Ranasinghe-Denish explains more.By KCSB News

1
UFCW Santa Cruz Markets Workers Authorize an Unfair Labor Practice Strike, Holding New Ownership Accountable for Improper Conduct 7:03

1M ago7:03

7:03

Grocery workers at Santa Cruz Markets in Goleta and Santa Barbara have unanimously voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike, setting the stage for a possible walkout just days before the busy Thanksgiving holiday. Union leaders say the vote is a response to what they describe as ongoing labor violations by the company, and workers are now…

1
Indigenous Activists Fight Back Against Brazil’s Attempt To Commodify Their Rainforests 2:16

1M ago2:16

2:16

In Brazil, tensions escalated as Indigenous activists pushed past security at a UN Climate Conference. Tired of being excluded from summits which affect their rainforest, the activists raised concerns regarding the protection of their climate authority. KCSB’s Juliana Chandler has the story.By KCSB News

1
Despite Indigenous Protests, Marine Life in the Mariana Trench Remains at Risk 1:44

1M ago1:44

1:44

The Trump administration recently announced plans to dramatically expand deep-sea mining in the western Pacific. Indigenous and local leaders are pushing back hard. KCSB’s Juliana Chandler has the story.By KCSB News

1
A Look Into the Health Risks Associated with Firefighting 3:14

1M ago3:14

3:14

Air quality monitors deployed by New York Times researchers have detected that firefighters in California are frequently exposed to high levels of hazardous microscopic particles. What health risks do these firefighters face? KCSB's Olivia Zou has this story.By KCSB News

1
Project Nimbus: Israel's Contract with Google and Amazon 2:52

1M ago2:52

2:52

Four years ago, Israel made a deal with both Google and Amazon to provide the government with AI services and cloud computing. KCSB’s Inesha Ranasinghe-Denish explains the contract and its use during the genocide against Palestinians.By KCSB News

1
UC Regents Vote to Continue Tuition Increases at UC Campuses 5:05

1M ago5:05

5:05

UC Regents voted to continue their tuition stability plan that includes yearly tuition hikes at all campuses, despite fierce student opposition. KCSB’s Hunter Maher reports.By KCSB News

1
Inside IV: Bluff Safety + Saving Deltopia 23:01

2M ago23:01

23:01

Isla Vista’s bluffs have been the scene of several tragedies over the years. During and after rain storms, saturated cliffs can be even more dangerous. KCSB's Emerson Good spoke with Captain Scott Safechuck with Santa Barbara County Fire about a recent bluff-fall rescue his team conducted. Capt. Safechuck also shares important information about how…

1
Carpinteria Update - 11/19/2025 1:53

2M ago1:53

1:53

Dennis Mitchell of Carpinteria Valley Radio brings you the latest from the region. For more, you can visit carpinteriavalleyradio.com.By KCSB News

1
Environmental Update - 11/17/2025 2:03

2M ago2:03

2:03

KCSB's Mavis Holley brings you the latest in environmental news.By KCSB News

1
Del Pueblo Cafe's Future After Being Saved from Closure 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

After the owners of Del Pueblo Cafe, a cozy Mexican-style restaurant in Santa Barbara, announced their dire financial struggles, the community came together to raise more than $20,000 to keep the restaurant's doors open. Co-owner Giselle Cuevas gives her insight on the economic and social factors that led to their near closure, and their overall ex…

1
Former NYC Executive Director for the Prevention of Hate Crimes Speaks Out on Adams Lawsuit and Department Operations 15:02

2M ago15:02

15:02

On October 28, 2025, Hassan Naveed, former Executive Director of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crime in New York City, filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court against Mayor Eric Adams, alongside several of his advisors. Naveed has cited alleged instances of workplace discrimination on the basis of race and religion as cause for his te…

1
Associated Students' Save Deltopia Town Hall Invites Community Input on The IV Foot Patrol's Proposed Noise Ordinance 9:03

2M ago9:03

9:03

With Deltopia’s crowds and safety concerns growing each year, a new proposal by the IV Foot Patrol to ban amplified music for 72 hours ignited a townhall debate in Isla Vista, prompting students, law enforcement, and community leaders to confront what the future of the tradition should look like. KCSB's Emerson Good has the story.…

1
ICE Raids Continue Along the Central Coast Arrests 2:38

2M ago2:38

2:38

Immigration and Customs Officials or ICE appears to be one agency that remained active during the federal government shutdown. KCSB’s Julianna Chandler explains immigration enforcement sweeps along the Central Coast have continued, uninterrupted.By KCSB News

1
Zohran Mamdani will be the Next Mayor of New York City 3:47

2M ago3:47

3:47

In New York City, 34-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican activist Curtis Sliwa to win City Hall. Who is Zohran Mamdani, and what are his political stances? Here’s KCSB Hunter Maher with the story.By KCSB News

1
Breaking Barriers: The Record-Setting Election of 2025 1:45

2M ago1:45

1:45

This year’s election results mark historic milestones for women and communities of color across the country, from Virginia’s first female governor to Detroit’s first woman mayor. Analysts are calling it a “year of the firsts,” as voters push for leadership that better reflects America’s growing diversity. Saniaa Ambardekar brings us a recap of the …

1
The Political Life and Legacy of Dick Cheney 2:52

2M ago2:52

2:52

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, whose relentless drive to expand presidential power and reshape American foreign policy after 9/11 made him one of the most influential and controversial figures of his era, has died at the age of 84. Manny Rodriguez with KCSB News looks back on his extensive political legacy.…

1
Oxnard Immigration Activist Collision Sparks Concerns From Advocacy Groups 1:48

2M ago1:48

1:48

A recent collision involving a well-known activist and federal immigration agents in Oxnard is raising concern among local advocacy groups as police continue to investigate. Reporting for KCSB News, Fiona Anderson gives us the latest developments in the case.By KCSB News

1
The History of the Stolen Louvre Art Pieces: A Conversation with UCSB Art History Professor Carole Paul 16:53

2M ago16:53

16:53

An art heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris on October 19th has left eight artifacts stolen, and one damaged during the theft, including priceless jewelry worn by Napoleon's wife Marie Louise. What is the historical significance of these artifacts, and how has the heist impacted French history? KCSB's Tatiana Jacquez spoke with UCSB Art History Prof…

1
Student Journalists File Lawsuit Following Threats of Deportation 3:01

2M ago3:01

3:01

Recently filed lawsuits alleging that immigration enforcement action on campuses has cast a chilling effect over immigrant and international student journalists. KCSB’s Bethany Baker has the recap of this case.By KCSB News

1
Palm Oil: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly 2:32

2M ago2:32

2:32

Palm oil alone is not harmful, but as Indonesia's primary export, it has caused much land use change from forests, which sequester carbon, to plantations, which are much less sustainable. KCSB's Devon Szalva gives an overview of palm oil and movement in Indonesia to change the narrative.By KCSB News

1
Assessing the Rise in Pet Vaccine Hesitancy 2:12

2M ago2:12

2:12

Vaccine sentiment is spilling into veterinary clinics, leading to preventable and fatal diseases for dogs and cats. KCSB's Kimberly Lucia has more on the story.By KCSB News

1
UC Registered Nurses Announced Sympathy Strike 1:57

2M ago1:57

1:57

Registered nurses across the University of California system are joining a sympathy strike, joining labor union workers who are protesting staffing shortages and stalled contract negotiations. KCSB’s Emerson Good has the story.By KCSB News

1
Inside IV: AS Food Bank Steps Up To Feed More Students + Haunted Isla Vista 19:58

2M ago19:58

19:58

More than 5, 000 UCSB students rely on CalFresh (SNAP) benefits, which are on hold due to the government shutdown. Find out how the Associated Students Food Bank at UCSB is pitching in to keep students fed during this uncertain time. KCSB's Inesha Ranasinghe-Denish speaks with Crystal Bach and Oralia Vega with the AS Food Bank to learn more. And, H…

1
Carpinteria Update - 11/05/2025 1:55

2M ago1:55

1:55

Dennis Mitchell of Carpinteria Valley Radio brings you the latest from the region. For more, you can visit carpinteriavalleyradio.com.By KCSB News

1
Carpinteria Update - 10/29/2025 1:59

2M ago1:59

1:59

Dennis Mitchell of Carpinteria Valley Radio brings you the latest from the region. For more, you can visit carpinteriavalleyradio.com.By KCSB News

1
Environmental Update - 11/03/2025 2:02

2M ago2:02

2:02

KCSB's Mavis Holley brings you the latest in environmental news.By KCSB News

1
Environmental Update - 10/27/2025 1:58

2M ago1:58

1:58

KCSB's Mavis Holley brings you the latest in environmental news.By KCSB News

1
IV Housing Coop Residents Find a Safe Way to Celebrate Halloween Season 7:05

2M ago7:05

7:05

The county sheriff's office has strict rules in place for Isla Vista residents during Halloween, limiting loud music and big parties. As KCSB’s Elizabeth Truong explains, students who live in one IV housing coop have been celebrating all month long and honoring the meaning of the season.By KCSB News

1
Ongoing Talks Between the University of California and UPTE Could Result in a UC-Wide Strike 6:37

2M ago6:37

6:37

After three weeks of private contract negotiations between the University of California and UPTE representatives, workers at the UCSB campus are preparing to strike should a deal not be struck. Today, UPTE organizers gathered outside the Arbor at the UCSB campus to begin organizing efforts. What has led up to this moment, and how are workers feelin…

1
Food Insecurity Grows As SNAP Benefits Shrink: How Santa Barbara is Being Affected 2:44

2M ago2:44

2:44

As multiple states sue the Trump administration over new cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, local advocates warn the effects will be felt close to home where thousands of Santa Barbara County residents rely on CalFresh and Foodbank support to put food on the table. KCSB'S Saniaa Ambardekar has the story.…

1
UCSB's External Vice President for Local Affairs Talks Noise Ordinances for Halloween and Deltopia 11:25

2M ago11:25

11:25

Questions about noise ordinances for big events like Halloween and Deltopia continue to be raised in Isla Vista. KCSB's Emerson Good sat down with EJ Raad, the External Vice President for Local Affairs, to talk about expectations for Halloween and Deltopia later this school year.By KCSB News

1
Censorship at Indiana University's Student-Led Newspaper 2:14

2M ago2:14

2:14

At Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University’s student-led newspaper, questions about censorship have emerged after the university prevented the publication of a recent newspaper issue. KCSB’s Inesha Ranasinghe-Denish has the story.By KCSB News

1
Reporter Mario Guevara Deported in Relation to His Journalistic Practices 2:55

2M ago2:55

2:55

Mario Guevara, a Salvadoran reporter arrested in June at a No Kings Rally, was deported in early October after more than 100 days in ICE custody. Critics claim his deportation was direct retaliation for his reporting on immigration and law enforcement issues. Graham Neiman with KCSB News has more.By KCSB News

1
Salud Carbajal on His Degrees Not Debt Act 7:19

2M ago7:19

7:19

Congressman Salud Carbajal has re-introduced his “Degrees Not Debt” legislation, aimed at reducing the cost of higher education and student debt nationwide, including right here on the Central Coast. KCSB’s Hunter Maher reports.By KCSB News

1
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department Releases Updates About a Missing Child 2:16

2M ago2:16

2:16

A 9 year-old girl from Vandenberg Village was recently reported missing. KCSB's Emerson Good gives an update on the case and a look into why its only seeing press coverage now despite her last contact dating back a year ago.By KCSB News

1
Santa Barbara’s No Kings 2.0 7:07

2M ago7:07

7:07

Saturday, October 18th, 2025 was the second nationwide protest organized under the banner “No Kings”. Thousands turned out in Santa Barbara for a rally – speeches and a march. KCSB's Ray Briare has more.By KCSB News