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Datebook

by San Francisco Chronicle

A Bay Area entertainment podcast created by the San Francisco Chronicle Datebook section — with interviews and discussions related to current news and features. Hosted by the critics, editors and reporters of Datebook, who interview celebrities and newsmakers, recap and preview big events and break down the latest Bay Area entertainment news.

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Episodes

  1. Babylon Gone 3: Does SF Still Need Beach Blanket Babylon?

    Beach Blanket Babylon closes on New Year's Eve, after 45 years in San Francisco. Our third episode brings back the old Question Man format from the San Francisco Chronicle, now called "The Question," asking passersby on a North Beach street corner whether they've heard of Beach Blanket Babylon....

  2. Babylon Gone 2: "Let No Stranger Wait Outside Your Door"

    Beach Blanket Babylon closes on New Year's Eve, after 45 years in San Francisco. In the second episode of our Babylon Gone series, we find the longest-tenured employees at Babylon and hear their best stories, including "The show must go on" moments, celebrity guests (Sidney Poitier FTW) and the...

  3. Babylon Gone 1: The Wigmaster

    Beach Blanket Babylon closes on New Year's Eve, after 45 years in San Francisco. The first episode of our Babylon Gone series profiles Tim Santry, the show's longtime wigmaster. Santry grew up the son of farmers and, like many in Babylon, found a home in the quirky San Francisco musical review....

  4. Trailer: Babylon Gone, a new series from Datebook podcast

    The Datebook podcast returns for Season 2 with Babylon Gone, a three-part series looking into the end of Beach Blanket Babylon and the future of live theater in San Francisco. Produced by Peter Hartlaub, Annie Vainshtein and Lily Janiak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Movie with Mick LaSalle: On 'The Irishman,' 'Ford v Ferrari' and spoiler talk with Leba

    Episode 70 of the Datebook Podcast is Movies with Mick LaSalle, breaking down new films 'The Irishman," 'Ford v Ferrari,' 'The Report' and more. San Francisco Chronicle movie critic LaSalle applauds co-host Leba Hertz for being able to figure out twists in movies with the barest information.…

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  6. Theater with Lily Janiak — Bedridden for decades, Daniel Rudman returns to theater

    Theater critic Lily Janiak talks with Daniel Rudman, who was an up-and-coming local playwright in the 1980s until a construction accident left him bedridden for the next three decades. Now, thanks to a medical miracle, he’s semi-mobile again — and he’s back into playwriting. Produced by Lily...

  7. Movies with Mick LaSalle: On Eddie Murphy, "Dolemite" and "Jojo Rabbit"

    In the latest Movies with Mick LaSalle, Chronicle movie critic LaSalle and ex-editor Leba Hertz talk about Eddie Murphy, "Dolemite is My Name," "Roy Cohn," "Jojo Rabbit" and other new movies. Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "Midnight Special" by E's Jammy Jams. Learn more about your ad...

  8. Marc Huestis interview — Castro impresario on S.F. and movies

    Episode 67 of Datebook podcast is a conversation between Arts and Entertainment columnist Tony Bravo and filmmaker Marc Huestis. The director of "Whatever Happened to Susan Jane," known for his raucous live shows at Castro Theatre, earlier this year published "The Impresario of Castro Street: An...

  9. Robert Pattinson interview — on "The Lighthouse," and a near-riot at the Stonestown Hot Topic

    Episode 66 of Datebook podcast is an interview with Robert Pattinson. Chronicle A&E reporter Tony Bravo spoke with Pattinson at the Mill Valley Film Festival. They talk about his role in the new movie "The Lighthouse," his 2007 "Twilight" publicity appearance at a Stonestown Hot Topic, which was...

  10. Movies with Mick LaSalle: On "Joker," "Judy" and the Venice Film Festival

    In the latest Movies with Mick LaSalle, the Chronicle's movie critic Mick LaSalle is back with a report from the Venice Film Festival and joined by Leba Hertz.. They talk about highlights from Venice, Renee Zellweger's performance in "Judy," the highs and lows of "Joker" and some early thoughts...

  11. Judy Garland and "Judy," with Tony Bravo, Connie Champagne and Lara Gabrielle Fowler

    With the new Judy Garland biopic "Judy" in theaters, The Chronicle arts and culture writer Tony Bravo gathers two of his favorite Garland experts to talk about the legacy of the actress and Renee Zellweger's portrayal in the movie. Guests are Connie Champagne, a Bay Area actress and singer who…

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  12. Nato Green interview — on saving the Punch Line, and S.F. comedy

    Episode 63 of Datebook podcast is an interview with Nato Green, a union organizer and comedian who helped lead the fight to save the Punch Line comedy club, a historic space that was threatened with closure earlier this year. Green also talks about getting his start in comedy, and why he's a...

  13. Alice Kahn's Lost Jerry Garcia Interview

    Episode 58 of Datebook podcast is a 1984 interview between journalist Alice Kahn and Grateful Dead member Jerry Garcia. Reporter Kevin L. Jones wrote a story about the previously unpublished interview for the Chronicle. Garcia talks about his life in the Bay Area, the popularity of the Grateful...

  14. Metallica and beyond at the Chase Center, with Aidin Vaziri and Mariecar Mendoza

    Episode 61 of Datebook podcast is a look at the Chase Center entertainment schedule, with Chronicle pop music critic Aidin Vaziri, senior digital A&E editor Mariecar Mendoza and host Peter Hartlaub. Vaziri previews the arena-opening Metallica show with the San Francisco Symphony set for Friday…

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  15. Theater with Lily Janiak - Ed Moreno to Ed Berkeley and back again

    Theater critic Lily Janiak talks with local actor Ed Gonzalez Moreno about how he changed his name to “Ed Berkeley” when he moved to the Bay Area, to “neutralize” his race on paper, and why now he’s changed it back again, all in conjunction with his appearance in “Exit Strategy” at the Aurora,...

  16. When Critics Get Surprised, with Lily Janiak and Joshua Kosman

    In this flashback episode of "Datebook" podcast, Joshua Kosman and Lily Janiak join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about when critics get surprised, and how it fuels their work. Janiak talks about a presentation of "Our Town," Hartlaub recalls a Snoop Dogg concert that went from routine to...

  17. Linda Lee, S.F.'s Septuagenarian Nightlife Queen, with Tony Bravo

    Retired Bay Area “letter carrier” (postal worker) Linda Lee is a different kind of presence on the Bay Area’s gay nightlife scene. In her seventies, her penchant for festive kitty t-shirts, embellishments on her orthopedic cane and colorful sneakers make her a kind of fun grandmother/auntie...

  18. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — Datebook Podcast Flashback

    This bonus episode of Datebook podcast from 2018 is an interview with "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" directors Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman and Bob Persichetti. The filmmakers worked on the animated superhero film for more than three years, operating mostly under the radar, before the film…

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  19. Robert Mailer Anderson interview — on "Windows on the World," music and San Francisco

    Robert Mailer Anderson has written, produced and contributed to the soundtrack for “Windows on the World,” a drama about an Mexican citizen who searches for his father, an undocumented immigrant presumed dead in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. Anderson joins Datebook music critic Aidin Vaziri…

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  20. Movies with Mick LaSalle: "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and Quentin Tarantino

    Today's Movies with Mick LaSalle episode of the Datebook podcast focuses on Quentin Tarantino's new film "Once Upon a Time In Hollywood," a movie LaSalle says is the best of the year so far. Mick LaSalle is joined by senior arts & entertainment editor Rob Morast. They talk about the lesser...

  21. Duffy Jennings Interview — on Moscone/Milk Shootings, Zodiac and his Memoir "Reporter's Note Book"

    Duffy Jennings worked at the San Francisco Chronicle for just a decade, but it was filled with news; he covered the Milk/Moscone murders, parts of the Zodiac killings and other high-profile drama in the 1970s. His new memoir is "Reporter's Notebook," covering his time at The Chronicle and his...

  22. Sponsored Episode: The Weapon of Art, Transforming Guns into instruments of Hope

    During a time when senseless gun violence continues to plague our country, artists are transforming weapons into instruments of hope and symbols of peace. In this sponsored episode of the Datebook podcast, King Kaufman speaks with four key individuals behind the upcoming Art of Peace exhibition…

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  23. Movies with Mick LaSalle: New Pink Section Column, Women in Film and "The Lion King"

    Episode 54 of Datebook podcast is Movies with Mick LaSalle. The Chronicle's movie critic is joined by Leba Hertz and talks about his new column in the Sunday Datebook pink section, an upcoming column on women in film, and new films including "The Art of Self-Defense" and "The Lion King." Produced...

  24. Theater with Lily Janiak - Skyler Cooper on Playing Othello from Two Genders

    Theater critic Lily Janiak talks with transgender actor Skyler Cooper about playing the title role in “Othello” as a woman and then as a man — from Impact Theatre’s so-called “lesbian” production, in 2005, to Livermore Shakespeare Festival’s production, now running through July 21. Produced by…

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  25. Movies with Mick LaSalle: "Yesterday," "Spider-Man" and some love for the Roxie

    The latest Movies with Mick LaSalle covers some movies of the present and future, including "Toy Story 4," the Beatles music-themed "Yesterday" and "Spider-Man: Far From Home." LaSalle is joined by Leba Hertz, and goes on a few fun tangents, including talk about the Roxie theater. Produced by…

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  26. Gabby La La Interview — on ASMR, Playing the Sitar and Snow Angel

    Chronicle digital arts & entertainment producer Annie Vainshtein interviews Gabby La La, a musical artist who has teamed with Sayuri to create Crafting with ASMR videos. She talks about the art of ASMR, her development as a musical artist and her band Snow Angel. Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music...

  27. Glenn McCoy Interview — Executive Director for San Francisco Ballet

    Datebook podcast features an interview by San Francisco Chronicle reporter Sam Whiting with outgoing San Francisco Ballet executive director Glenn McCoy, who has worked with the Ballet for more than three decades. McCoy talks about his career, why he's retiring at just 60 years old, and what he...

  28. Introducing the Summer Fun Issue; Chronicle tips for things to do

    The San Francisco Chronicle on June 20 will publish its first Summer Fun Issue. In this week's Datebook podcast, host Peter Hartlaub is joined by senior digital A&E editor Mariecar Mendoza and pop music critic Aidin Vaziri to talk about some entertaining, unusual and often inexpensive things to…

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  29. Movies with Mick LaSalle: Emma Thompson, Dark Phoenix and more on Elton John

    In the latest Movies with Mick LaSalle, LaSalle and Leba Hertz cover new movies including "Late Night," "5B" and "Men in Black: International," and last week's "Dark Phoenix." Mick also talks more about Elton John, and response to his personal Elton John column and "Rocketman" review. Produced by...

  30. Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen Interview — Young Countertenor Debuts for SF Opera

    Chronicle classical music critic Joshua Kosman interviews Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, a gifted young countertenor who is about to make his S.F. Opera mainstage debut in Handel’s “Orlando.” We talk with him about his newly burgeoning career and his choice of this vocal niche. “Orlando” opens Sunday…

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  31. Theater with Lily Janiak — Maya Herbsman, Intimacy Choreographer

    Lily Janiak talks with intimacy choreographer Maya Herbsman. Intimacy choreography is a new name and discrete position for a longstanding job that historically fell to actors or director — how to stage sexually or otherwise intimate scenes in a way that serves the show while also keeping the...

  32. Movies with Mick LaSalle: "Rocketman," "Godzilla" and the best movie of the week ("Ma")

    In the latest Movies with Mick LaSalle, host Mick LaSalle talks about his love of Elton John and why he didn't like the new Elton John biopic "Rocketman," "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" and the best movie of the week - the horror/thriller "Ma" starring Octavia Spencer. Produced by Peter…

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  33. "Always Be My Maybe" star Randall Park and director Nahnatchka Khan

    With the May 31 Netflix release of "Always Be My Maybe" starring Randall Park and San Francisco native Ali Wong, San Francisco Chronicle senior digital A&E editor Mariecar Mendoza interviews Park and the movie's director Nahnatchka Khan. They talk about filming in San Francisco, a certain...

  34. Jimmy O. Yang Interview — Comedian and "Silicon Valley" Actor

    Jimmy O. Yang is an offbeat often outsized character as Jian-Yang in "Silicon Valley," Horace in "Fresh Off the Boat" and Bernard in "Crazy Rich Asians." He's a little more low key and thoughtful in person, speaking with San Francisco Chronicle Senior Digital A&E Editor Mariecar Mendoza about…

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  35. Movies with Mick LaSalle: RIP Doris Day, Shakespeare and "John Wick 3"

    Chronicle movie critic Mick LaSalle discusses the death of Doris Day, Shakespeare in movies, and new movies including "John Wick 3" and "My Son." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  36. "Wine Country" — Breaking Down the Napa Valley-Based Netflix Movie

    Chronicle wine writer Esther Mobley and Style reporter Tony Bravo join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the new Netflix movie "Wine Country," filmed in Napa Valley, starring and directed by Amy Poehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  37. T.C. Boyle interview — California Author on Fires, Drugs and "Outside Looking In"

    Chronicle deputy managing editor Kitty Morgan sits down with author T.C. Boyle to talk about his latest acid-infused book, “Outside Looking In,” his own past battle with drugs, the fires near his Montecito home, cats and living in California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

  38. Theater with Lily Janiak — A Conversation About Pay in Comedy

    Lily Janiak talks with performer Phil Wong, PianoFight's Rob Ready, Killing My Lobster's Allison Page and Endgames Improv's Max McCal about whether performers in sketch, improv and other kinds of comedy should get paid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  39. Movies with Mick LaSalle: Avengers Endgame first impressions

    Less than an hour after seeing "Avengers: Endgame," Chronicle film critic Mick LaSalle is joined by Peter Hartlaub and Leba Hertz to give their first impressions of the big new Marvel movie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  40. Joseph Young Interview — New Conductor of the Berkeley Symphony

    Critic Joshua Kosman interviews Joseph Young, recorded shortly after the 37-year-old was named conductor of the Berkeley Symphony. Young talks about getting the job, and childhood music interests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  41. Movies with Mick LaSalle: "Shazam," Superhero Movies and a Detour into the Federalist Papers

    Episode 36 of Datebook podcast is Movies with Mick LaSalle, starting with a discussion about "Shazam" and superhero movies, and other new films including "Dumbo," "The Public" and "The Invisibles." LaSalle and his co-host Leba Hertz also make a few detours, talking about baseball movies, the...

  42. Armistead Maupin interview — "Tales of the City" author drops by his old Chronicle home

    Episode 35 of Datebook podcast is an interview with "Tales of the City" author Armistead Maupin, returning to the San Francisco Chronicle to Style reporter Tony Bravo and Maupin's former People section colleague Ruthe Stein. Maupin talks about the beginnings of the "Tales" column, what it was…

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  43. Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij interview — The OA Part II in San Francisco

    Episode 34 of Datebook podcast is an interview with Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, co-creators of "The OA Part II." Marling is the series star and co-wrote the show. Batmanglij co-wrote and directed most episodes. They talk about why they came to San Francisco, how their research and…

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  44. Theater with Lily Janiak: Darryl V. Jones interview — on his vision for Lorraine Hansberry Theatre

    In Episode 33 of Datebook podcast, Lily Janiak talks to Darryl V. Jones, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre's new acting artistic director. She asks about his vision for the black theater company — a Bay Area institution, but one that's faced setback after setback in the last decade — as well as the show...

  45. Alex Gibney interview — on making "The Inventor" and faking it in Silicon Valley

    Episode 32 of Datebook podcast is an interview with Alex Gibney, talking about Silicon Valley and its role in his new HBO documentary about the Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos debacle, "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley." Gibney talks about his own young career as a documentarian, the...

  46. Movies with Mick LaSalle: "Captain Marvel," Spielberg on Netflix and new movies

    Episode 31 of the Datebook podcast is Movies with Mick LaSalle. Mick and movie editor Leba Hertz talk about Steven Spielberg's comments about Netflix, and debate whether Netflix releases should qualify for Academy Awards. They also talk about the new release "Captain Marvel," and whether it's one...

  47. Komal Shah Interview — Art Collection and the New Stanford Artist Conversation Series

    Episode 30 of the Datebook podcast is a conversation between San Francisco Chronicle art critic Charles Desmarais and Bay Area art collector Komal Shah, who along with her husband Gaurav Garg is presenting the Artists on the Future series at Stanford. The first event in the Komal Shah and Gaurav...

  48. Datebook Talks Oscars - Academy Awards Conversation with Mick LaSalle, Tony Bravo, Otis Taylor Jr. and Mariecar Mendoza

    Episode 28 of Datebook podcast is a live recording of the Feb. 20, 2019, Datebook Talks Oscars event, featuring an Oscars rundown with San Francisco movie critic Mick LaSalle, Style reporter Tony Bravo, East Bay columnist Otis Taylor Jr. and senior digital A&E editor Mariecar Mendoza. The group...

  49. Movies with Mick LaSalle: Academy Awards Should Win/Will Win Episode

    In Episode 28 of Datebook podcast, Mick LaSalle talks about what should win and what will win for the upcoming Feb. 24, 2019, Academy Awards. LaSalle is joined by Chronicle editor Leba Hertz. Their Movies with Mick LaSalle discussion leads to talk about "colonoscopy movies," Christian Bale's...

  50. Theater with Lily Janiak: Actor Caleb Cabrera

    In Episode 27 of Datebook podcast, theater critic Lily Janiak interviews local actor and pedicab driver Caleb Cabrera as part of The Artist's Life series, a recurring feature that spotlights the talent who help make up the rich tapestry of the Bay Area’s cultural life. We talk about his recent…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A Bay Area entertainment podcast created by the San Francisco Chronicle Datebook section — with interviews and discussions related to current news and features. Hosted by the critics, editors and reporters of Datebook, who interview celebrities and newsmakers, recap and preview big events and break down the latest Bay Area entertainment news.

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San Francisco Chronicle

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Datebook have?

Datebook currently has 77 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Datebook about?

A Bay Area entertainment podcast created by the San Francisco Chronicle Datebook section — with interviews and discussions related to current news and features. Hosted by the critics, editors and reporters of Datebook, who interview celebrities and newsmakers, recap and preview big events and break...

How often does Datebook release new episodes?

Datebook has 77 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Datebook?

You can listen to Datebook on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Datebook?

Datebook is created and hosted by San Francisco Chronicle.
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