Datebook presents the fall movie preview podcast, with pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub, movie editor Leba Hertz and Bad Reporter cartoonist Don Asmussen. We look at fall movies including “A Star is Born,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “First Man” – and give a Chronicle Little Man grade to the summer movie season that just passed.

Fall movie preview 2018

Gloria Estefan explains how her love of music compelled her to get back on her feet following the 1990 bus accident that nearly took her life.

Gloria Estefan on music

In this inaugural episode of the San Francisco Chronicle's 49ers podcast,  Assistant Sports Editor Mike Lerseth and 49ers beat writer Eric Branch discuss the team's "patient" front office, the prospect of a playoff run and whether Jimmy Garoppolo is the key to restoring the franchise's offensive glory.

Niners Notebook - Will Jimmy Garoppolo ever lose a game?

In this first episode of the San Francisco Chronicle's Oakland Raiders podcast, Assistant Sports Editor Mike Lerseth debriefs beat writer Matt Kawahara on the team's stunning trade of Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears and whether the team has any chance of making it to the playoffs without what was arguably one of their best players.

Theme music: "Ain't No Thing" by BOPD (Creative Commons 3.0)

Raiders Rap - What happened!?

The latest Datebook podcast is an interview with the filmmakers and a subject of the new documentary “Science Fair.” Host Leba Hertz is joined by directors Darren Foster and Christina Costantini, and teen science fair participant Robbie Barrat, a student who was failing math but excelling in the science fair community.
Producer is Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart’s Symphony 40 in G minor by Blue Dot Sessions.

"Science Fair" documentary interview

In this episode, theater critic Lily Janiak talks to local actor and singer Nathan Marken as part of our Artist’s Life Series, a recurring feature that will shine a spotlight on the talent who help make up the rich tapestry of the Bay Area’s cultural life. Marken performs with both the Kinsey Sicks and "The Speakeasy," in addition to doing volunteer work and activism for a variety of Bay Area nonprofits.

The Artist's Life: Nathan Marken

The latest Datebook podcast is an interview with legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Host Joshua Kosman spoke with Ma by phone about playing Bach on his current tour, the relation between culture and politics and economics, and how 62-year-old Ma feels about playing well-known pieces over and over.
Producer is Fernando Diaz and Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart’s Symphony 40 in G minor by Blue Dot Sessions.

Yo-Yo Ma interview

Virginia Ramos, San Francisco’s beloved Tamale Lady, died recently. In this audio clip, the street food legend tells former Chronicle photographer Mike Kepka about the different styles of tamale she made and why she did it. Patrons praise her culinary skill.