© 2025 KALW 91.7 FM Bay Area
KALW Public Media / 91.7 FM Bay Area
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Crosscurrents

Web Exclusive: The most human robots in the world

Samsara is a new film that takes viewers around the world – from Burmese temples, sulfur mines, and hot-air balloon rides – all without a word of narration. One of the stops along the way was in Japan, where the directors encountered robot clones. What does that mean? KALW's Ben Trefny asked director Ron Fricke and producer Mark Magidson to explain. 

Click the audio player above to hear the answer. Audio available after 5pm. 

Listen to the full interview here

Crosscurrents
I joined KALW in 2004. As Executive News Editor and then News Director, I helped our news department win numerous regional and national awards for long- and short-form journalism. I've also helped create numerous training programs — for teenagers, incarcerated people, and early-career journalists — and have taught hundreds of audio producers. I served as interim Executive Director for nearly two years. My work is currently focused on creating original live events, programming, and building partnerships with like-minded organizations.