Total SF

A new chapter for Total SF! May 10, 2024

Total SF is returning to the San Francisco Chronicle as a newsletter, stories and guides to explore the Bay Area, and an expanded event series. Please subscribe to the free newsletter at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsfnewsletter!

Peter Hartlaub and Tony Bravo dig out the old podcast equipment and talk about what's coming up next for Total SF, including a "The Towering Inferno" movie night, San Francisco Public Library event and more fun. Thanks for listening for five years, and we hope you'll join us for the next chapter!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 things we learned about San Francisco (a Total Farewell!) Jul 28, 2023

With Heather Knight leaving for the New York Times, co-hosts Knight and Peter Hartlaub talk about how they met, their friendship and bond with the Total SF community, then each list three things they learned about San Francisco over a five-year partnership. Also in this episode, Hartlaub and Knight give each other the lightning round — and address "Star Trek IV," doom loops and the future of San Francisco.

THANK YOU for listening. Please keep following Total SF - we may have announcements about future collaborations and podcasts.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of San Francisco City Hall Jul 21, 2023

San Francisco City Hall has a legendary dome and rotunda, featured in movies including "Milk" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and literally covered in gold. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub take a dome tour with City Hall building manager Rob Reiter, visiting behind the scenes and climbing to the very top of the structure. Then they sit down with City Hall historian Ellen Schumer, who is also chair of the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission, to hear stories about former mayors, the wedding of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe and the meaning of the plaster symbols on the rotunda walls.

Also in this episode, Knight and Hartlaub have an announcement about a job change, and the future of the podcast.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pouring one out for Anchor Brewing Jul 14, 2023

With the news that Anchor Brewing is closing, Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub pay tribute to the 1927-year-old brewery, share some fond beer memories and talk about what Anchor meant to San Francisco. They also talk about the La Cocina closing, and pledge to support surviving small businesses. The second half of the episode is a repeat of the Jan. 27, 2023, Total SF interview with Anchor brewmaster Dane Volek.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the S.F. Public Library archive Jul 07, 2023

When the San Francisco Public Library moved to its new location at 100 Larkin St. on April 18, 1996, it had a brand new archivist, Susan Goldstein, who brought the library into the 21st Century with new ideas, digitization and a proactive approach toward gathering more diverse and complete collections that represent the city. Goldstein, who retires this month after 28 years with the library, gave Total SF co-host Peter Hartlaub a tour of the archive and San Francisco History Center, then sat down to talk about her career, her favorite discoveries and what history has to say about San Francisco's current struggles.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 50th birthday Sutro Tower! Jun 30, 2023

As Sutro Tower reaches its 50th anniversary on July 4, 2023, Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight pay tribute to the controversial TV tower — which began as a fiercely protested structure, and has developed into one of the most beloved San Francisco landmarks. Hartlaub and Knight also recount their trip in a very small elevator to the top of the tower, and talk about the history, including plans for a restaurant at the top.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 San Francisco things we miss when we're gone (Flashback episode!) Jun 23, 2023

In this July 15, 2022 flashback episode, a return from vacation sparks a Total SF discussion between hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub about the San Francisco things they miss when they're gone, including weather patterns, food and one very specific transit agency. Knight just returned from two weeks in England, and Hartlaub — who rarely travels — channels the things he missed while living in Los Angeles in the 1990s. Total SF also gets a visit from James Morehead, the poet laureate of Dublin, Calif., (and Total SF listener) who shares a poem he wrote about San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Cow Palace! Jun 16, 2023

The Cow Palace is the Swiss army knife and working class hero of Bay Area arenas. Total SF co-host Peter Hartlaub gets a tour of the 82-year-old arena then sits down with Cow Palace president Chris Corgas and CEO Allison Keaney to talk about Evel Knievel, Cow Palace hockey, Dianne Feinstein's livestock queen win and the present and future of the arena. Future events include boxing, a lowrider show, mariachi festival and NOFX Punk in Drublic craft brew and music festival. More information at www.cowpalace.com

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is San Francisco a great running city? Jun 09, 2023

San Francisco's hills and busy streets can make it a challenge for runners. But professional runner and UCSF cancer biologist Paddy O'Leary says S.F. is an outstanding running city, and produced "Urban Oasis: A Love Letter to San Francisco" as proof. With Total SF host Peter Hartlaub days away from competing in the grueling Dipsea Race, O'Leary, last year's second-place finisher, offers tips for the Dipsea course and some of his favorite places to train in San Francisco. Hartlaub and O'Leary also urge running-averse co-host Heather Knight to give it a try.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask a drag queen, with D'Arcy Drollinger Jun 02, 2023

D'Arcy Drollinger, drag star and owner of Oasis SF, achieved his biggest role yet when he was named San Francisco's first drag laureate by S.F. Mayor London Breed. Drollinger joins Total SF hosts Heather Knight, Peter Hartlaub and Tony Bravo to talk about the new role, the potential for a drag emporium in S.F. and the future of "Golden Girls Live" after the passing of drag icon Heklina, who played Dorothy. Drollinger also answers Total SF "ask a drag queen" questions, including how long it takes to get ready for a performance, they key to dancing in heels and how celebrities react to drag queens who play them.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story behind S.F.'s official instrument May 26, 2023

What's the story behind North Beach and San Francisco's official instrument? Accordion player Tom Torriglia and San Francisco Italian Athletic Club chief operating officer Nick Figone join Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to explain the history of North Beach, take some accordion requests and talk about the Festa Italiana street festival coming up on Saturday and Sunday June 3-4. The festival will feature accordion music, pizza tossing, a children's activities and beer and wine.

More information at www.sfiacfoundation.com

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the San Francisco Opera House May 19, 2023

The San Francisco Opera is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023, with programming returning on June 3. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight paid a visit to the War Memorial Opera House, getting an insider's tour — including a drop inside the iconic chandelier — from building steward John Boatwright and prop master Lori Harrison. Boatwright and Harrison share their best stories, including high points in S.F. Opera history, ghost sightings in the old building and tips for guests who want to see the opera for the first time.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Archery lessons and S.F. love with Dave Eggers May 12, 2023

Author Dave Eggers has made his home in San Francisco, founding McSweeney's Publishing and co-founding the 826 Valencia writing workshop. His latest book, "The Eyes & the Impossible" may be his most S.F. book yet, following the adventures and poetic thoughts of a dog in a loosely fictionalized version of Golden Gate Park. Eggers joins Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about archery, the inspiration he finds in the park, his optimism about San Francisco and the greatness of "So I Married an Axe Murderer."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of SFMOMA! May 05, 2023

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is internationally known, but it remains dedicated to local artists and art-lovers. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight take a tour with chief curator Janet Bishop, who has worked at the museum for 35 years. After a walk through the One-Way Color Tunnel, Bishop talks about SF MOMA's amazing founder Grace McCann Morley, last year's Soap Box Derby and the museum's post-pandemic rebound.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best hidden stairways of San Francisco Apr 28, 2023

Is San Francisco a great stairway city? Walk SF's Nancy Botkin answers with a definite "yes," after designing the S.F. Stair Challenge, a 4-mile, 2,000-step path through North Beach, Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill that's happening Saturday, May 6, 2023, exclusive to members of the pedestrian advocacy group. Botkin leads Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight on the bulk of the hike, then sits down at Joe DiMaggio Park in North Beach to pick some favorite stairways in San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 things to do in S.F. this spring! Apr 21, 2023

With the weather improving after a frigid winter, Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight pick eight fun things to do this spring. Outdoorsy adventures include a super bloom flower tour, walk from Oracle Park to North Beach, SF City FC soccer game at Kezar Stadium and fun on the Treasure Island ferry. Also in this episode, an important announcement about Heather's Bay Area Hip-Hop Mixtape.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of S.F. International Airport! Apr 14, 2023

San Francisco airport commissioner Jane Natoli gives Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight a tour of SFO's Harvey Milk Terminal, then sits down to discuss the artwork, amenities and hidden gems in San Francisco International Airport. Also in this episode, Natoli discusses the concept of a "quiet airport," the importance of making transgender travelers feel welcome, her favorite S.F. burrito and why SFO should have a gay bar called "The Cockpit."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ultimate Bay Area hip-hop mixtape Apr 07, 2023

KQED launched the ambitious That's My Word project earlier this year, assembling several music and culture writers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in the Bay Area. KQED's Gabe Meline and Pendarvis Harshaw join Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight in The Chronicle archive to talk about the project, the KQED/Chronicle rivalry and the legacy of rap music in the Bay Area. Meline, Hawshaw and Hartlaub also draft some of their favorite artists and songs for a Bay Area hip-hop mixtape, aimed at Knight and others who might want an entry point into the local rap scene.

Follow the KQED project at www.bayareahiphop.org

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Pier 39 sea lions Mar 31, 2023

How did the sea lions get to Pier 39? With the pinnipeds dominating the voting for the Official Animal of San Francisco, Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight sat down with Pier 39 harbormaster Sheila Chandor and former CEO Taylor Safford to learn about the history of Pier 39's famous marine residents. Chandor and Safford also talk about Pier 39's beginnings as a much-derided tourism center, and why a larger number of locals have been enjoying the waterfront attraction.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill Mar 24, 2023

The parrots of Telegraph Hill have been getting strong support for Official Animal of San Francisco. "Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" director Judy Irving and parrot rescue volunteer Sarah Lemarié join Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about the 20th anniversary of the movie, its restoration and what the flock is up to now.

News about Irving's films, including her new documentary "Cold Refuge," can be found at www.pelicanmedia.org. Lemarié is CEO of Mickaboo, a rescue organization that fosters domesticated birds. Learn more about the organization's work at www.Mickaboo.org

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Golden Gate Park bison Mar 17, 2023

Bison may not be native to San Francisco, but they have a lasting legacy in the history of the city and Golden Gate Park. Western Neighborhoods Project executive director Nicole Meldahl joins Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub to talk about the 1891 bison arrival in S.F., numerous escapes, Dianne Feinstein's weird bison gift and that time the Golden Gate Park superintendent wanted to feed excess bison to the bears. Knight and Hartlaub also give an Official Animal of San Francisco update — talking about the demise of the seagulls.

Learn more about Western Neighborhoods Project at outsidelands.org.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S.F.'s 90-year-old fish is breaking records Mar 10, 2023

Methuselah the Australian lungfish arrived at the Steinhart Aquarium in 1938, when Willie Mays was six years old and Al Capone was still seeing time in Alcatraz. Cal Academy of Sciences biologist Ryan Schaeffer gives Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight a tour of the famous fish's enclosure, before talking about the life, care, puppy-like quirks and history of the world's oldest fish in a zoological settling.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Animal Month! Meet Claude the albino alligator Mar 03, 2023

March is animal month on Total SF, where hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight showcase some of the most iconic animals in San Francisco, and poll listeners and readers to determine the official animal of San Francisco. First up is an up-close feeding with Claude the albino alligator, and an interview with California Academy of Sciences biologist Emma Kocina. She talks about Claude's training, the details behind his breakup with alligator roommate Bonnie and the strange things people drop in Cal Academy enclosures.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind the scenes with our Warriors beat writer Feb 24, 2023

C.J. Holmes joined the San Francisco Chronicle last year with some unique experience to cover the Warriors beat — he was a Division I basketball player who competed against current NBA stars. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight meet Holmes, shoot around at a park near the newsroom, and ask Holmes about his journey from playing ball to covering the current world champions. Holmes also breaks down the wild and erratic current Warriors season, talking about the current chemistry while breaking down the possibilities for another playoff run.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 9 best live music venues in S.F. Feb 17, 2023

San Francisco is filled with excellent music venues, from historic spots including the Great American Music Hall and SF Masonic to the brand new Chase Center. Dublin poet Laureate James Morehouse joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to draft their nine favorite music venues in San Francisco, and tell stories about some of their favorite concerts in the city. Morehead wrote the upcoming book "At the Barricade," celebrating San Francisco's music venues through his poetry and photography.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The most romantic spots in San Francisco Feb 10, 2023

For Valentine's Day, Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub, Heather Knight and Tony Bravo head to the Cupid's Span sculpture along the Embarcadero to pick 12 of the most romantic spots in San Francisco. The picks include some less obvious spots, including the most romantic view in San Francisco, a tour of Chinatown and North Beach and two romantic walks through the Presidio.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ruth Asawa’s must-see S.F. Fountain turns 50 Feb 03, 2023

This Valentine's Day is the 50th anniversary of Ruth Asawa's most community-minded work, her San Francisco Fountain, which was conceived with baker's dough and made with contributions from more than a hundred locals ages 3 to 90. Asawa's grandson Henry Weverka joins Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub, Heather Knight and Tony Bravo to talk about Ruth Asawa's legacy, growing interest in her work, the Apple Store controversy and the history and wonderful details of the fountain.

More information about Asawa and her work at www.ruthasawa.com.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of Anchor Brewing in San Francisco! Jan 27, 2023

Anchor Brewing has been a big part of San Francisco for more than a century, surviving Prohibition as the only steam beer left in San Francisco, then leading the craft beer movement after innovative brewer Fritz Maytag took over in 1965. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight got an Anchor Brewing tour from brewmaster Dane Volek, then sat down to talk about Anchor history, the controversial label change and what is was like joining the Anchor team as a 20-year-old San Francisco State student 15 years ago.

Also in the episode, Knight and Hartlaub take three calls from the Total SF Party Line. Ask a question or make a request to the Total SF team at 415-777-7413.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Cal Academy penguins! Jan 20, 2023

With two new penguin chicks arriving at California Academy of Sciences late last year, Academy biologist Holly Rosenblum gave the Total SF team a behind-the-scenes tour — and an exclusive interview with the baby birds. Also in this episode, hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub announce their new quest to find an official animal of San Francisco (the penguins are nominated!) and Rosenblum explains the international breeding program to save the African penguins — which includes travel on commercial flights.

Learn more about the African penguin colony and the best time to visit at calacademy.org

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 FREE things to do in S.F. in 2023 Jan 13, 2023

With wet weather hitting San Francisco, Stuart "Broke-Ass Stuart" Schuffman joins Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight in the San Francisco Chronicle archive to talk about free things to do in 2023. Choices include a free museum in the city with no fee, hidden parks near the Financial District, the best outdoor movie series and the best free basketball action in the city. Get tips from Broke-Ass Stuart and his new book Slouching Toward Neverland at www.brokeassstuart.com

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 things you must do in S.F. in 2023 Jan 06, 2023

As a bomb cyclone hits San Francisco, Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight hunker down in the San Francisco Chronicle archive and look forward to exploring San Francisco in 2023, and each choose seven things that listeners should do in the city this year. Choices include two of the city's most underrated hikes, the Muni route with the best views and a new adventure to challenge Peter's fear of heights.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 reasons why we still love San Francisco (Best of 2022!) Dec 30, 2022

After seeing yet another high-profile attack about "the decline of San Francisco," hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight returned on Feb. 8, 2022, to the San Francisco Chronicle's podcast studios to discuss the myth of the Golden Age of S.F., and then pick eight reasons why they still love the city. San Francisco's parks and views, a few very competent city agencies and the Phoenix mentality are all on the list. Is San Francisco over? Maybe some day, but it's definitely not going to be decided by some venture capitalist on Twitter.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the San Francisco fog! Dec 23, 2022

Gerry Diaz is the first meteorologist in San Francisco Chronicle history, after working for the National Weather Service. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub invite Diaz on the podcast to talk about San Francisco fog and why it happens, the current cold front and help us give a name to San Francisco's wind. Knight and Hartlaub also welcome Diaz to San Francisco, and talk about how newcomers to the city help us all appreciate our home.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best places to get married in San Francisco Dec 16, 2022

San Francisco is a beautiful place to have a wedding, as Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight learned, after attending the nuptials of podcast listeners Kevin Dublin and Kate Lewin. Hartlaub and Knight play audio from that wedding, then invite Chronicle arts and culture columnist Tony Bravo for a draft to pick the best places in the city to get married. The Muni historical streetcars, Hornblower cruises, San Francisco Botanical Garden and Vaillancourt Fountain (!?!) make the list.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Transamerica Pyramid! Dec 09, 2022

The Transamerica Pyramid was mercilessly attacked by critics when it was finished 50 years ago. But now a new owner of the Pyramid may be a catalyst to help save San Francisco's struggling Financial District. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight welcome new Pyramid owner Michael Shvo, who talks about his childhood visit to the building in the 1970s and his current plans to revitalize the area. And then the podcast hosts take a trip to the very top of the city's second-tallest building, climbing ladders through the spire of the landmark.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The joyous sounds of Glide Memorial Church Dec 02, 2022

Glide Memorial Church musical director Vernon Bush is a dynamic presence leading the Glide Ensemble, using his experience as a preacher's kid and his love for community to lift the diverse group – and the congregation — higher. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight watch and record a Glide Ensemble rehearsal, then join Bush on stage to talk about his upbringing near choirs, the church's history and how he feels about the Tenderloin District making the news. And Bush tries to explain what it's like leading a choir when Joan Baez, Bobby McFerrin or Bono might drop by at any time.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 things we're thankful for in San Francisco Nov 23, 2022

Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight choose the eight things they're thankful for in 2022, including two very specific modes of transit, a small business category that survived the pandemic and ... disco balls? Also in this episode, Hartlaub heads out to JFK Promenade and interviews Total SF listeners and other San Franciscans, asking the question: "What are you thankful for in San Francisco in 2022?"

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking steaks, history and caviar doughnuts, with Tyler Florence Nov 18, 2022

Food Network chef Tyler Florence is an international star, but he chose to settle in the Bay Area. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub meet Florence at Warriors owner Joe Lacob's table in the Chase Center restaurant Miller & Lux, to talk about the California cattle barons who inspired the steak house's name, the future of restaurants in San Francisco, how the South Carolina-born chef ended up settling in the Bay Area and the secret "Goodfellas" door between his restaurant and the Warriors arena.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NBA's Warrior/poet writes a new chapter Nov 11, 2022

Tom Meschery had his number retired by the Golden State Warriors. He's a poet, 20-year English teacher, poet, bookstore owner and at age 84 just published his first novel. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub sit down with the extremely well-rounded basketball great to talk about Meschery's signing bonus and NBA fights in the 1960s, his immigrant childhood in San Francisco and his new book — "The Case of the '61 Chevy Impala: A Brovelli Brothers mystery."

He also reads three basketball-themed poems from his book "Clear Path." Meschery's books and more information at www.Warrior14.com

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best (and worst) Bay Area hikes! Nov 04, 2022

What are the best hikes in San Francisco and the Bay Area? Chronicle data editor Dan Kopf joins Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about their recent collaboration, using more than 600,000 AllTrails user reviews to determine the best and worst hikes in the region. Kopf talks about his own love of hiking (and fungi) and the 10 best local trails, Knight recounts her journey on the worst trail in S.F. and Hartlaub explains whether the highly-rated Dipsea Trail cured his dislike for hiking.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Branching out with S.F.'s tree maestro Oct 28, 2022

Mike Sullivan is the author of The Trees of San Francisco, and has been sharing his tree expertise for years on his site sftrees.com. But he found new purpose during the pandemic, working with tree-loving friends to create chalk tree tours throughout the city. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub sit down with Sullivan in his tree-filled Cole Valley backyard, and talk about S.F.'s good and bad tree neighborhoods, tree history and Peter's suggestion that there are "bad" trees. (Looking at you eucalyptus!) Also in this episode, the $1.7 million toilet limerick contest, with Sarah Katz-Hyman returning to help judge the entries.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A perfect day in San Francisco 2022 Oct 21, 2022

Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub each pick a full perfect day in San Francisco, including food, drinks, historic streetcars, drag shows, an edible and a lot of love for small businesses. It's a sequel to the 2021 "perfect day in S.F." episode that was the most popular Total SF release of the year. This year, we included perfect day ideas from 15 Total SF listeners, recorded on the All Our S.F. Outdoors Day hike across the Crosstown Trail.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Doggie Diner heads! Oct 14, 2022

With three 10-foot Doggie Diner heads appearing on John F. Kennedy Promenade in Golden Gate Park, historian, maker and Doggie Diner collector John Law joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about the phenomenon. The history of Doggie Diner includes detours into Dan White and Jefferson Airplane, with more recent stories about the preservation of the heads. And Law also talks about the Suicide Club and Cacophony Society, two local urban exploration and pranking groups that influenced everything from Burning Man to SantaCon.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making S.F. glamorous again, with Juanita More! Oct 07, 2022

Juanita More has spent 30 years in San Francisco as a drag queen, philanthropist, activist, chef and party central. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub visited the new Juanita More exhibit at the San Francisco Arts Commission's main gallery and talked with More and her fashion designer Mr. David Glamamore about their history, why San Francisco has not lost its soul and how to bring glamour back to the city and our lives.

Juanita: 30 Years of More! is free to the public and is open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday through Nov. 12, 2022. More information here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bay Area transit report card — Total Transit 2022 recap! Sep 30, 2022

Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub recap some of the highlights from their Total Transit 2022 adventure, where they attempted to ride as many of the Bay Area's 27 transit agencies as possible. (Ending at the San Francisco Giants game.) Audio from the journey is shared, including an interview with Pac-Man the BART falcon. And they break down some positives and negatives for regional transportation, and a grade for the current state of Bay Area transit.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask a Cable Car Gripman: Your questions answered! Sep 23, 2022

Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight visit the cable car barn in San Francisco and talk with gripman Val Lupiz and former cable car barn superintendent David Banbury about the history of the transit network, and ask listener questions about the cable car line. Lupiz and Banbury cover the meaning of certain bells, why Muni no longer allows tourists to push cars on the turnaround and what gripmen think about that cable car explosion scene in "The Rock."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask a Muni Driver: Your questions answered! Sep 16, 2022

Transit lover and poet Mc "Mack" Allen met Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight on Total Muni 2018, when he was the first civilian to find them during their successful attempt to ride every Muni line in one day. He's since become a Muni operator, and we invited him back on the podcast to answer "Ask a Muni driver" questions from listeners — including his favorite views, the strangest things he's seen as a driver and what he thinks of the Lunchables ad-wrap on several Muni coaches right now. We also share our "Lunchabus" poetry and Mack reads a new Muni poem.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The San Francisco Bay Ferry rises again! Sep 09, 2022

The ferry system in San Francisco was written off as dead in 1958. But the San Francisco Bay Ferry rose again after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and is arguably the most liked transit system in the Bay Area. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub recorded on the ferry with executive director Seamus Murphy, talking ferry history, learning how the system works and what's the possible future for the growing transit agency.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best stories from 50 years of BART Sep 02, 2022

For the first episode of Transit Month on the Total SF podcast, hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight invited BART's Alicia Trost and Seung Lee, who hold the keys to the transit agency's social media. Trost and Lee talk about BART history, modern challenges and the agency's 50th anniversary celebration, which lands during Transit Month in September. BART's big plans for the birthday include video games at the Powell Station, fare discounts and a big Sept. 10 party at the Lake Merritt Station.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb. Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of Glen Canyon: Dynamite, bears and a freeway revolt Aug 26, 2022

Glen Canyon is one of the most underrated parks in San Francisco, with a dramatic history that's mostly unknown beyond the Glen Park neighborhood. Glen Park Neighborhood History Project founder Evelyn Rose joins Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about the canyon's history, including the dynamite factory (and a huge explosion), the zoo and plans for a freeway that were successfully fought by three women called the "Gumtree Girls." Also in this episode, Hartlaub and Knight get another called on the Total SF Party Line (415-777-7413), this time asking about Heather's open dislike for "Star Trek" movies.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Honey Mahogany's S.F. drag race! Aug 19, 2022

Honey Mahogany is a drag queen, small businesswoman, social worker, political aide, "Ru Paul's Drag Race" contestant, singer, and now a candidate for District 6 supervisor. After Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight spent two years of talking about her — including a demand in an early 2021 episode for a Honey Mahogany High School — the San Francisco native sits down near the Central Freeway in District 6 to talk about Transgender History Month, her early life in the Sunset District, a "Ru Paul" breakdown and her optimistic view of the future for the city.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One day. 27 transit agencies. Can we ride them all? Aug 12, 2022

Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight announce Total Transit 2022, their attempt to ride as many of the Bay Area's transit agencies in one day. There are 27 transit agencies covering nine Bay Area counties, but most operate independently of one another. Knight and Hartlaub — who rode every Muni line in one day in 2018 — will try to ride as many as possible from early morning until night, while assessing the difficulty of riding different lines in our balkanized transit region. Also in this episode: We take another caller on the Total SF Party Line, this time asking about Glen Park Canyon history, and one headache-inducing part of the podcast..

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 perfect first dates in San Francisco Aug 05, 2022

San Francisco is one of the romantic cities in the world — and we've been spending the week thinking up perfect first dates. Chronicle arts and culture columnist Tony Bravo joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight record in the Conservatory of Flowers Dahlia Garden and pick nine ideas for first dates in the city, including museums, the best flower exhibition and the most romantic bar, bookstore and ferry ride. The hosts also share their own stories of first dates in San Francisco, and Bravo and Knight question Hartlaub's Homer Simpson-esque choice for bowling as a romantic first date.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music from the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," Castro Theatre organist David Hegarty and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Clark on the 'Stick, *that* brawl and his love for S.F. Jul 29, 2022

Will Clark is a San Francisco Giants legend, and an all-time Bay Area fan favorite athlete. On the week that the team retires his No. 22 alongside Mays and McCovey, Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight joined Clark in the "Tony Bennett Suite" at Oracle Park, where he told some of his best stories. The podcast ended with Hartlaub and Knight handing Clark covers of Chronicle Sporting Greens from the 1980s, while he told stories about his biggest game in the 1989 playoffs, his involvement in an epic brawl with the St. Louis Cardinals and why he thinks the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake happening during the World Series saved lives.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does Presidio Tunnel Tops meet the hype? Jul 22, 2022

With the awaited opening of the new Tunnel Tops and Battery Bluff parks in the Presidio, San Francisco Chronicle urban design critic John King joins Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub at the new park overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge to talk about the changes. Tunnel Tops links the Presidio to Crissy Field, and Battery Bluff exposes old military posts along a pathway with stellar views of the bridge and Marin Headlands. After a review of the new spaces, King, Knight and Hartlaub talk burritos, San Francisco movies and share their favorite and least favorite landmarks and buildings.

Also in this episode, Hartlaub and Knight debut their new Total SF t-shirts and Total SF phone line. Call 415-777-7413 and your question may be read on a future episode! (A few selected callers will win a T-shirt!)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 San Francisco things we miss when we're gone Jul 15, 2022

A return from vacation sparks a Total SF discussion between hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub about the San Francisco things they miss when they're gone, including weather patterns, food and one very specific transit agency. Knight just returned from two weeks in England, and Hartlaub — who rarely travels — channels the things he missed while living in Los Angeles in the 1990s. Total SF also gets a visit from James Morehead, the poet laureate of Dublin, Calif., (and Total SF listener) who shares a poem he wrote about San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 10 greatest S.F. movies of all time Jul 08, 2022

With Heather Knight out for the week, San Francisco Chronicle arts and culture columnist Tony Bravo takes co-hosting duties in to help pick the greatest San Francisco movies of all time. Total SF host Peter Hartlaub and Bravo choose 10 movies to show in a hypothetical two-day festival at the Castro Theatre. They quickly get five locks — starting with "Vertigo" and "Mrs. Doubtfire" — but struggle near the end, deciding whether to go with established classics or personal favorites.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of Sutro Tower! (Best of 2021) Jul 01, 2022

Sutro Tower may be the most beloved landmark among San Francisco residents, and after this best-of episode from 2021, we'll all have a PhD in the Sutro's history and present. Sutro spokesman Dave Hyams joins co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about what exactly Sutro does in 2021, the constant maintenance and some wild trivia. Did you know that there's so much concrete underneath Sutro Tower that the center of gravity is below ground? And no mayor has ever been to the top. (Be the first London Breed!) Also in this episode, we give a Total SF Book Club update, and replay Daniel Handler's very funny S.F.-centric accordion version of "Should I Stay or Should I Go"

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Castro Theatre's organ player rises again Jun 24, 2022

Longtime Castro Theatre organ player David Hegarty got a scare earlier this year, when Another Planet Entertainment took over operations of the 100-year-old cinema and the future seemed unclear. But the music will go on — the Castro is continuing to employ Hegarty, has been screening movies and a new generation will get to hear "San Francisco" before every show. Hegarty talks about his start as an organ player (including a stint at Pizza & Pipes) and the new digital organ for the theater that is close to reality.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Orpheum Theatre! Jun 17, 2022

The Orpheum Theatre on Market Street has a history that dates back to the Vaudeville era, with classic architecture that has been maintained and restored even through eras of turmoil and closure. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight get a tour from the stage to the rafters — passing through secret doors, learning about a hidden apartment and hearing how the home of "Hamilton" fared when the lights were turned out because of the pandemic. BroadwaySF spokesman Scott Walton and managing director Ranier Koeners also talk about running the Orpheum and sister theater Golden Gate in San Francisco's changing Tenderloin District.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AIDS Quilt returns, with Cleve Jones Jun 10, 2022

The AIDS Memorial Quilt will return to Golden Gate Park on June 11-12, with the biggest display in San Francisco history. Cleve Jones joins Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about his first time visiting San Francisco, how the quilt started and why activism in LGBTQ communities is as important as ever.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Fixing Our City Jun 09, 2022

New Chronicle podcast: Host Laura Wenus and producer Cintia Lopez are on a quest to find out why one of the wealthiest and best-educated cities in America, one where most people belong to the same political party and subscribe to the same basic values, has so many intractable problems. And more importantly: Can they be fixed? Join us as we find out, one San Francisco story at a time. Coming June 21 from the San Francisco Chronicle’s SFNext project. Follow Fixing Our City on your favorite app.

Got a tip, question, comment? Email us at sfnext@sfchronicle.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's inside the new Central Subway! Jun 03, 2022

Muni chief Jeffrey Tumlin offers Total SF a tour of the new Central Subway Union Square station and answers questions, including when (after a three-year delay) it might be open for passengers. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub also talk about the art installations, Rose Pak, whether the station is haunted — and the importance of the new Prop A bonds on the ballot, with some of the new subway being controlled with software that still uses floppy disks.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surprise day drinking with Hunter and Lexi Pence May 31, 2022

Former San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence and his wife Lexi (who hosts Let's Get Lexi on YouTube) have joined the small business community in San Francisco, serving their Pineapple Labs coffee at Hotel VIA and 25 Lusk restaurant across the street from Oracle Park. They talk about the endeavor and their increasing love of San Francisco — and surprise hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight with some alcoholic coffee drinks. Also in this episode: Talk about paddle boarding, surfing and a bonus Hunter Pence review of "Top Gun Maverick."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside story on the Mission District's best party May 27, 2022

San Francisco supervisor Myrna Melgar has been dancing in the Mission District's Carnaval festival since the 1980s, and once marched costumed in high heels when she was eight months pregnant. District 7 supervisor Melgar joins Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub to give her inside story on Carnaval, and also talk about car-free JFK the Nordstrom valet lot and her commissioned study proving male supervisors talk more than the women. Melgar also takes on the Total SF lightning round, picking her favorite place in S.F. to get a burrito, and which supervisor she'd like to take to Carnaval.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring San Francisco's new waterfront park May 20, 2022

Adam Zolot started his Dogpatch Paddle business after watching the construction of Crane Cove park outside his apartment window. Now he's leading youth camps and a Facebook paddleboard club with 1,200 members. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub take a paddleboat tour of Crane Cove with Zolot, Knight almost crashes into a yacht, and the pair meet a friendly seal whose name is Klay. (Or Chase.) Dogpatch Paddle will move into a Pier 70 space with the YMCA later this year. More information at dogpatchpaddle.com.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Started as a waiter, now he's Warriors president May 13, 2022

Brandon Schneider was a waiter at a Burlingame restaurant in 2002 when he took an entry level job cold-calling fans to sell ticket plans to see a losing Golden State Warriors team. Now he's the Warriors president, handling operations for a team shooting for its fourth title of the Steph/Klay/Draymond era. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight join Schneider outside Chase Center before a Warriors game to talk about the team's watch parties on the giant outdoor screen, planning an arena in a city where it's hard to build anything and the new statue of former San Francisco mayor Ed Lee.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hop in a time machine with Emperor Norton! May 06, 2022

Total SF's first live podcast in three years is a tribute to Emperor Norton, featuring the emperor himself (played by Joseph Amster) in front of a wonderful crowd at Manny's in the Mission District. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight host an evening of history featuring Amster and Western Neighborhoods Project board president Arnold Woods — then everyone (including the audience) hops in a time machine to decide where they'd most like to go in San Francisco history. With cameos from Muni head Jeffrey Tumlin and Countess Lola Montez.

Take a tour with Emperor Norton at Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine. Learn more about Western Neighborhoods Project and follow their podcast at Outsidelands.org.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love for the Tenderloin, with Matt Haney Apr 29, 2022

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney recently was elected to the California state assembly, after battling a negative campaign that labeled him "the Tenderloin supervisor." Haney sat down in the Tenderloin with Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight one day after his last Board of Supervisors meeting — where supervisors approved making a stretch of John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park permanent. Haney talked about his commute to Sacramento, his cats and city redistricting. Haney and the hosts also offer a spirited defense of the Tenderloin — a neighborhood with very visible challenges, that is also vital to the past and future of the city.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to save S.F. small business Apr 22, 2022

What we can do to save small business is San Francisco? "Fun Police" podcasters Manny Yekutiel and Sharky Laguana join Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about the present and future of San Francisco, and how lessons learned from a worldwide pandemic can help independent business in the future. Laguana is CEO of the van rental business Bandago and Yekutiel founded Manny's — the community space that will host Total SF's "An Evening with Emperor Norton" on April 28, 2022.

Reserve your seats in advance at welcometomannys.com.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 things to do in S.F. this spring! Apr 15, 2022

Spring is here, and Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight are excited about the better weather on the way and our first spring in three years with loosened pandemic restrictions. Hartlaub and Knight sat on the steps of Alta Plaza Park and came up with a spring to-do list, including good food, good biking, cherry blossoms and the return of the live Hunky Jesus contest in Dolores Park.

Also in this episode, Hartlaub and Knight announce a LIVE podcast taping at Manny's, featuring an evening with Emperor Norton. Tickets are free but please reserve your seat in advance at welcometomannys.com.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 S.F. tourists traps that we love Apr 08, 2022

With tourists returning in larger numbers to San Francisco, Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight choose the eight touristy destinations they wholeheartedly embrace as locals. Along with the cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, Knight and Hartlaub pick some surprises. Tell us your favorite tourist traps on Twitter — using #TotalSF and tagging @PeterHartlaub and @hknightsf.

Also in this episode: Promotion for "What's Up Doc?" the next Total SF Movie Night, 7 p.m. April 21 at the Balboa Theatre in San Francisco. Buy tickets early at BalboaMovies.com - this will likely sell out.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Garfield, Batman and the joy of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Apr 01, 2022

The Cartoon Art Museum is one of the all-time non-profit survival stories, moving several times since it opened in 1987. It may have found the perfect home in San Francisco's tourism epicenter, on Beach Street a block from Fisherman's Wharf. Total SF co-host Peter Hartlaub sits down with museum curator Andrew Farago, to talk about Garfield, Mark Hamill, Batman, Peanuts, eating at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and the underrated power of San Francisco as a cartooning powerhouse. The Cartoon Art Museum's latest exhibition is "Keith Knight's 'Woke' in San Francisco," a tribute to longtime Bay Area artist Knight and the Hulu TV series based on his strip.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Armory building! Mar 25, 2022

The National Guard Armory has had fascinating and somewhat random 110-year history in San Francisco, including a military training site, boxing arena, studio where "The Empire Strikes Back" was made and porn studio for Kink.com. Stephanie Blake and Jeremy Houston from Skylight Studios join hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about its latest use — as a flexible event space. The current exhibition is Imagine Picasso, an immersive art experience that has been extended to April 9, 2022.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teen "Turning Red" star kept a huge secret Mar 18, 2022

Teen voice actress Rosalie Chiang, the Bay Area native who stars as Mei in Pixar's "Turning Red," wasn't supposed to appear in the finished movie — then was stunned to learn she would have her name at the top of the credits alongside Sandra Oh. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight meet Chiang at the San Francisco Zoo, where a red panda like the one in the movie was renamed for the film. Hartlaub and Knight tell Chiang about the history of S.F. Zoo animal thefts, and Chiang talks about how she landed the role, her first visit to Pixar and how she kept a four-year secret from her friends.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedians! Donuts! Spice Girls! (This episode has everything) Mar 11, 2022

"Comedians on Bicycles Getting Bobs" host Sarah Katz-Hyman and producer Alec Hawley are about to come out with the third episode of the web series. They join Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about creating an ultra-positive video series during tough times for the city, and the joys of biking and eating doughnuts in San Francisco. Then everyone conducts a "doughnut draft," picking the best doughnut options in history. Check out "Comedians on Bicycles Getting Bobs" on YouTube, with a new episode on March 26.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Car-Free JFK: Breaking news episode! Mar 08, 2022

News broke late Monday morning that 1) the S.F. Rec and Parks Department recommends that John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park remain closed to cars permanently; and 2) Mayor London Breed is endorsing the plan. Chronicle culture critic Peter Hartlaub and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight immediately got on the phone and recorded a podcast, talking about what the decisions means, how we got here and what kind of party the Total SF hosts will throw if the Board of Supervisors follow the recommendations and Car-Free JFK becomes forever after a 40-plus year fight. The road opened seven days a week at the beginning of the pandemic, to give bikers and walkers more open space.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is San Francisco a great biking city? Mar 04, 2022

San Francisco Chronicle theater critic Lily Janiak is feeling optimistic about the future of live theater in the Bay Area, as she reviews live indoors shows again after a worldwide pandemic. She's also excited about the journey to and from the theaters — since she was hired by The Chronicle, the critic has been riding her bike to almost every performance. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight meet Janiak next to Bernal Rock, where they talk about their favorite bike lanes, bike mentorship and answer the question: Is San Francisco a great biking city?

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 reasons why we still love San Francisco Feb 25, 2022

After seeing yet another high-profile attack about "the decline of San Francisco," hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight return to the San Francisco Chronicle's podcast studios to discuss the myth of the Golden Age of S.F., and then pick eight reasons why they still love the city. San Francisco's parks and views, a few very competent city agencies and the Phoenix mentality are all on the list. Is San Francisco over? Maybe some day, but it's definitely not going to be decided by some venture capitalist on Twitter.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of Grace Cathedral! Feb 18, 2022

Grace Cathedral in San Francisco was declared "a house of prayer for all people" when its first cornerstone was laid down in 1910, and the worship center has carried that pledge for more than a century. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight get a tour of the California Street landmark, then sit down with Very Rev. Malcolm Clemens Young, the dean of Grace Cathedral. Young talks about the cathedral's history — including a visit from Martin Luther King Jr. after the Selma march — and its role in the 21st Century as a place for all to enter. They also talk about Carnivale, the cathedral's gala coming up on March 1.

Total SF Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Thursday Feb. 24 in the Koret Auditorium at the San Francisco Public Library's main branch. Register for the live event or virtual at www.sfpl.org

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This chill S.F. spot is our pandemic MVP Feb 11, 2022

What has flower pianos, yoga on the meadow and magnolia blossoms and is free to San Franciscans? Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight pay a visit to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the most underrated 55 acres in San Francisco, to get a tour from executive director Stephanie Linder. The Botanical Garden gained popularity during the pandemic, when the open space and good vibes were more valuable than ever. Listeners will find out what happens when visitors try to steal plants (it happens!) and learn some of the secrets of the Garden.

Total SF Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Thursday Feb. 24 in the Koret Auditorium at the San Francisco Public Library's main branch. Register for the live event or virtual at www.sfpl.org

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An interstellar book club, with Charlie Jane Anders Feb 04, 2022

Science fiction author Charlie Jane Anders sits down outside the Exploratorium to talk about indie bookstores, the importance of mentors and her book "Victories Greater Than Death" — the latest Total SF Book Club title. Anders published three books in 2021, including a collection of short stories ("Even Greater Mistakes") and a book about writing to get through tough times ("Never Say You Can't Survive").

Total SF Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Thursday Feb. 24 in the Koret Auditorium at the San Francisco Public Library's main branch. Register for the live event or virtual at www.sfpl.org

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sing-alongs, drag queens and Keanu Reeves: All hail the Castro Theatre Jan 28, 2022

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight are joined by Chronicle arts and culture columnist Tony Bravo to talk about The Castro Theatre, and the changes set to happen when Another Planet Entertainment takes over in 2023. San Francisco native Bravo and the hosts share Castro history, its importance to the LGBTQ community and some of their favorite moments at the movie theater — including the "Last Black Man in San Francisco" premiere, and the time Bravo was able to introduce "Vertigo" star Kim Novak to his grandmother. And they share their hopes for the theater's future.

Total SF has an audio tour in Golden Gate Park! Learn more and sign up at sfchronicle.com/audiotours

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Francisco needs a pep talk (on a Ferris wheel) Jan 21, 2022

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight meet up with Bishop Megan Rohrer and record a podcast episode in their most unusual location yet — on the Ferris wheel in the music concourse at Golden Gate Park. As they sit in the VIP gondola and enjoy the view, Bishop Rohrer talks about keeping positive in 2022, when resolutions can lead to unneeded guilt and shame. And they give a blessing for San Francisco, talking about the potential for the city — even during frustrating times.

Total SF has an audio tour in Golden Gate Park! Learn more and sign up at sfchronicle.com/audiotours

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cleaning San Francisco's dirty streets — with Hunter Pence? Jan 14, 2022

Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub spend a Sunday afternoon cleaning up trash in North Beach, after Refuse Refuse SF founder Vincent Yuen put out a Twitter call to Hartlaub, Knight and Hunter Pence, and the former San Francisco Giants outfielder answered. After the event, the Total SF hosts sat down with Yuen to learn his origin story, discover a new word (garbology!), find out why the west side of the street in S.F. accumulates three times as much trash — and why empowering neighbors to clean their streets has become Yuen's mission.

Total SF has an audio tour in Golden Gate Park! Learn more and sign up at sfchronicle.com/audiotours

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 things you must do in S.F. in 2022 Jan 07, 2022

With overcast weather and omicron raging, hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight look forward to better days, and make a list of 16 things you should do in San Francisco in 2022. Among the suggestions is the most underrated place in S.F. to watch the sunset, the most entertaining Muni line, a new must-ride ferry route, the best section to watch a Giants game and ... the dissection of a cow eyeball?

Total SF has an audio tour in Golden Gate Park! Learn more and sign up at sfchronicle.com/audiotours

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A perfect day in San Francisco (Best of 2021) Jan 01, 2022

Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub break down their perfect day in San Francisco in this flashback episode, , creating an hour-by-hour list of things to do and places to go in the city, without telling each other until the podcast started rolling. It gets competitive, as Knight picks a more historical and cultural route, while Hartlaub chooses to get inebriated in the morning and eat sandwiches. But it's collectively a celebration of the city, with tips for your next off day in good weather. Some common ground includes the historic F-line street cars, a walk through Golden Gate Park, visits to independent bookstores and big finish on the roof of a drag club in SOMA.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good times with "curmudgeon" Quentin Kopp (Best of 2021) Dec 29, 2021

Quentin Kopp is a former San Francisco supervisor, state senator and judge — but he's known to local journalists as the most prolific angry letter-writer in the city. In this flashback episode from July 21, 2021, Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight visit the self-professed "curmudgeon" to talk about his life, his letter-writing process, what he really thinks of them ... and to wish him a happy 93rd birthday! After making peace, with no apologies, Kopp lets us know his advice for living a long and active life. (It involves more letters to The Chronicle.)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can the Tree Twins save San Francisco? Dec 22, 2021

Married couple Michael Morris and David Sweeney started putting on festive light-up tree costumes for a TV-20 "Dance Party" episode seven years ago. They got such a great reaction, they upped the costume details, upped the glitter and heels and upped their holiday spirit — surprising different neighborhoods in San Francisco throughout the holiday season as the Tree Twins. After Heather Knight spent a fun evening in North Beach with the twins, Total SF hosts Knight and Peter Hartlaub join Morris and Sweeney in their home, to talk about costume-making, what San Francisco neighborhoods are the best and worst for a tree visit — and why the city needs spontaneous joy more than ever.

Total SF has an audio tour in Golden Gate Park! Learn more and sign up at sfchronicle.com/audiotours

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newman. Redford. Hanks ... and Ruthe Stein Dec 17, 2021

After interviewing celebrities (mostly) for the San Francisco Chronicle for the past 50 years, Ruthe Stein has written a memoir of her experiences — "Sitting Down with the Stars: Interviews with 100 Hollywood Legends." Stein sits down with Total SF host Peter Hartlaub to talk about why she asks the uncomfortable questions, who are the nicest and most difficult stars and how she developed her own interest in Hollywood gossip. Hartlaub also asks Stein (his former editor) one tough question from the book: to defend her take that Jerry Lewis was kind of hot. "Sitting Down with the Stars" is available on Grizzly Peak Press.

Total SF has an audio tour in Golden Gate Park! Learn more and sign up at sfchronicle.com/audiotours

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Muni driver on his "Shang-Chi" viral moment Dec 10, 2021

Mc "Mack" Allen spent most of the pandemic with his dream of becoming a Muni driver put on hold. But he's driving buses now — part of the new class of Muni drivers — and his tweet thread about the "Shang-Chi" movie bus chase went viral, with a shout-out from Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu himself. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight rode the 44 O'Shaugnessy with Allen, then sat down to talk to him about becoming a bus driver, his first ride on a bus and why he thinks driving a bus will bring him ever closer to San Francisco.

Total SF has an audio tour in Golden Gate Park! Learn more and sign up at sfchronicle.com/audiotours

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of Golden Gate Park! Dec 03, 2021

Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight head to Golden Gate Park to announce their new audio tour of the park, "Secrets of Golden Gate Park: gunfire, graft and a 90-year-old fish." In this episode Knight explains why the park is distinctly San Francisco, Hartlaub shares some history and they introduce the new tour, which operates on the VoiceMap app and uses GPS technology to give a seamless audio tour through the outdoors. The 2.6-mile hike, on the 49 Mile Makeover route created by Knight and Hartlaub, visits the Conservatory of Flowers, AIDS Memorial Grove, Stow Lake, California Academy of Sciences and lesser known spots including the former Sweeny Observatory and Monarch Grove.

It's fun and affordable — and Chronicle subscribers get a big discount. Learn more and sign up at sfchronicle.com/audiotours

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A boatload of S.F. history with Gary Kamiya Nov 24, 2021

Gary Kamiya, who penned the ultimate San Francisco history book "Cool Gray City of Love," is giving nautical history tours. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub take a boat trip through the Bay with Kamiya, learning about Juana Briones and other under-appreciated early city heroes, Then they record on his patio in North Beach — talking about his first memories of San Francisco, why El Farolito is nothing like Carl's Jr., and why San Franciscans are generally wrong when they say the city has let them down. (But we should listen carefully to them anyway.)

More information at www.garykamiya.com. He also talks about his involvement as host in the new documentary "Moving San Francisco."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Cliff House! Nov 19, 2021

The future of the Cliff House restaurant space is in limbo, but it remains a destination, after the Cliff House Museum moved into the gift shop and set up an exhibit showing the history of entertainment on San Francisco's northwest corner. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight sit down with Western Neighborhoods Project executive director Nicole Meldahl to talk about the recent auction that contributes heavily to the museum collection. Hartlaub, Knight and Meldahl also discuss the potential future of the Cliff House.

The Cliff House Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday through early April, and is free to the public. More information here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The best views in San Francisco, ranked Nov 12, 2021

Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight pick their all-time favorite views in San Francisco, including Mt. Davidson, the Bernal Heights rock and two different views from modes of public transit. Hartlaub and Knight made their picks during a recording in Glen Park Canyon after going on this year's Peak 2 Peak hike through San Francisco, an annual benefit for members of Walk SF in its 17th year. Walk SF has reopened Peak 2 Peak ticketing for a week — join Walk SF and register here. And share your own favorite views in San Francisco using the hashtag #TotalSF and tagging @PeterHartlaub and @hknightsf on Twitter.

The Total SF Book Club event is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the Koret Auditorium at the SFPL main branch, with a virtual option. Register for free here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colma’s dead tell us their tales Oct 29, 2021

For Total SF's first Halloween episode, hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub meet with Terry Hamburg, director of the Cypress Lawn Heritage Foundation, for a tour of some of the Colma-based memorial park's most memorable graves. They visit Chronicle founders Charles and Michael de Young to get some of The Chronicle's gun-toting history, and talk about a decapitated cemetery resident and Hells Angels funerals. Plus, they pay respects to Willie McCovey and Lefty O'Doul. (Who really needs to be in the Hall of Fame.) Hamburg says people are welcome to stroll through the Cypress Lawn cemeteries, which encouraged visitors — including pets — to visit their open space during the pandemic.

The Total SF Book Club event is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the Koret Auditorium at the SFPL main branch, with a virtual option. Register for free here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of the Painted Ladies! Oct 22, 2021

George Horsfall lives in one of the Painted Ladies homes in San Francisco, and he's not just happy to live in the tourist landmark — he wants to share it with the world. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight get a full tour from Horsfall of his blue Victorian on the edge of Alamo Square, made famous by uncountable movie appearances, tourist souvenirs and the opening credits of "Full House." He explains that it's a surprisingly quiet life, and that the tourists are mostly wonderful. After being the recipient of the small "pay it forward" moment years ago, he's decided to give tours of the home, which can be secured by checking out his Instagram @bluepaintedladyhousetour.

The Total SF Book Club event is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the Koret Auditorium at the SFPL main branch, with a virtual option. Register for free here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why we swam in the San Francisco Bay Oct 15, 2021

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight dive in the San Francisco Bay with "Why We Swim" author Bonnie Tsui, as a warm-up for their Total SF Book Club event on November 17 at the San Francisco Public Library. Tsui talks about an Icelandic legend who survived a frigid multi-hour swim, why San Francisco is a great swimming city and how newcomers can get started — and maybe work up to their own Bay swim. Hartlaub and Knight also recap their very cold but invigorating swim, including a cameo from former author Daniel Handler.

The Total SF Book Club event is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the Koret Auditorium at the SFPL main branch, with a virtual option. Register for free here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cellos, JFK Drive and the car-free future Oct 08, 2021

Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight drive into a nearly empty museum concourse parking garage to make a point: that there's plenty of room for cars to park in Golden Gate Park, and John F. Kennedy Drive should remain car-free. They talk about Knight's recent scoop about a potential car-free solution, and Hartlaub's upcoming history column featuring controversy surrounding the first cars in Golden Gate Park in the early 1900s. Stick around for our interview with the 15-year-old cello prodigy who was taking advantage of the nearly-empty garage acoustics and playing classical music during our recording.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Books on a bike in the Tenderloin District Oct 01, 2021

Alicia Tapia combines books and biking with the Bibliobicicleta, a rolling library that was funded by a Kickstarter and has brought joy and reading to San Francisco. Tapia meets Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight in the Tenderloin, where her bibliobicicleta has found new purpose, parking on the Safe Passage parklet on Turk Street and providing books for children and adults in the neighborhood. Tapia talks about how she started the Bibliobicicleta, why she doesn't need to expand it into a larger franchise and why the Tenderloin feels safer for her than many other places in the city.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding treasure at S.F.'s SCRAP center Sep 24, 2021

Total SF visits SCRAP, the hidden arts and crafts wonderland in the Bayview District of San Francisco. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight tour the non-profit and meet staffers and volunteers (including formerly homeless artist Wayne Foote) who have seen first-hand how discovering art can positively impact children and communities. After touring the facility, Hartlaub and Knight try to beat the clock in an Iron Chef-style collage challenge. Don't miss SCRAP's upcoming "RePurposeful" art show at the Randall Museum, with an October 1 gala and exhibit that lasts through December. Tickets and more information at www.scrap-sf.org

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Street performers: The underrated heartbeat of S.F. Sep 17, 2021

While the cable cars made headlines, another heartbeat of the city has also returned — the San Francisco street performer. Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight hop an F-line from the Powell Street cable car turnaround to Pier 39, to visit some of the city's most successful street artists. We hear from: Marc Coleman, the bard of the Ferry Building; Oakland Originalz dancer and stunt performer Javon Mabon; and and Larry "Bucketman" Hunt, who has been playing drums and eating fire in San Francisco since 1979. (And had a cameo in "The Pursuit of Happyness.") We get some history, and in the end learn the secret superpower of the San Francisco street performer.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A perfect day in San Francisco Sep 10, 2021

Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub break down their perfect day in San Francisco, creating an hour-by-hour list of things to do and places to go in the city, without telling each other until the podcast started rolling. It gets competitive, as Knight picks a more historical and cultural route, while Hartlaub chooses to get inebriated in the morning and eat sandwiches. But it's collectively a celebration of the city, with tips for your next off day in good weather. Some common ground includes the historic F-line street cars, a walk through Golden Gate Park, visits to independent bookstores and big finish on the roof of a drag club in SOMA.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

True stories from the Chronicle's funniest writer Sep 03, 2021

Steve Rubenstein, the longest tenured reporter at The Chronicle, joins Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about what the San Francisco Chronicle newsroom was like in 1976, give a review of the newly remodeled newsroom and explain why he loved every day of his 45-year journalism career (with a short leave to become a substitute public school teacher). Rubenstein also has good Herb Caen and Joe Rosenthal stories, and explains why he'd rather interview the president of the United States' chef than the actual president.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of Sutro Tower! Aug 27, 2021

Sutro Tower may be the most beloved landmark among San Francisco residents, and now we all have a PhD in the Sutro's history and present. Sutro spokesman Dave Hyams joins co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about what exactly Sutro does in 2021, the constant maintenance and some wild trivia. Did you know that there's so much concrete underneath Sutro Tower that the center of gravity is below ground? And no mayor has ever been to the top. (Be the first London Breed!) Also in this episode, we give a Total SF Book Club update, and replay Daniel Handler's very funny S.F.-centric accordion version of "Should I Stay or Should I Go"

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A final trip back to the Circle Star Theatre Aug 20, 2021

The Circle Star Theatre is hard to describe now that it's gone, with it's odd rotating stage and parade of music and comedy acts in the late Decembers of their careers. (Sinatra! Ella Fitzgerald! Richard Pryor!) But the quirky San Carlos freeway-side venue is beloved by those who experienced it from 1964 to 1993. "The Murders That Made Us" author Bob Calhoun joins Total SF host Peter Hartlaub to delve into the history of the Circle Star, highlighting some of it's strangest moments as they pay tribute to the strangest (and maybe best) place to see Kool and the Gang, With Total SF archive tributes from Greg Proops and Renel Brooks-Moon.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready for more 'People Behaving Badly'? Aug 13, 2021

Reporter Stanley Roberts, who created the popular "People Behaving Badly" segment on KRON, wants to come back to San Francisco. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight catch up with Roberts, who moved to Phoenix in 2018, but saw his TV job trimmed because of COVID-19 related cutbacks. He's hoping to come back to the Bay Area as a reporter ... or maybe a politician? Roberts talks about his early years as a reporter, why he left the Bay Area, and what he misses the most. (Apparently Arizona puts lettuce in its burritos!)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Francisco's beloved libraries are back Aug 06, 2021

City librarian Michael Lambert discusses how librarians stepped up as disaster service workers during the COVID-pandemic, but are reopening all branches but one this month. Lambert, a former competitive skateboarder, also showed off tricks outside the Park branch library. | Get full digital access to the Chronicle: sfchronicle.com/pod

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Into the lion's den with "curmudgeon" Quentin Kopp Jul 30, 2021

Quentin Kopp is a former San Francisco supervisor, state senator and judge — but he's known to local journalists as the most prolific angry letter-writer. in the city Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight visit the self-professed "curmudgeon" to talk about his life, his letter-writing process, what he really thinks of them ... and to wish him a happy 93rd birthday! After making peace, with no apologies, Kopp lets us know his advice for living a long and active life. (It involves more letters to The Chronicle.)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Page Street tribute and the return of S.F. Jul 23, 2021

Co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight record on the Page Street Slow Street, and draft their favorite things that are back since San Francisco reopened. After expressing opinions about the removal of Page Street's artwork, Hartlaub and Knight pay tribute to cable cars, Musee Mecanique and a new Oasis SF drag show.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Online piano bar for hippies," with David Gans Jul 16, 2021

Singer/songwriter David Gans has played 450 (nearly) consecutive Facebook Live streams since the pandemic began, and continues to play for the community he's built - even as in-person shows resume. Total SF host Peter Hartlaub watched one of Gans' streams and then interviewed Gans in his Oakland backyard — talking about his life in orbit of the Grateful Dead, how livestreams have helped his playing, and how his livestream community fueled the most artistically rewarding time of his 50-year career.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is from a David Gans Facebook stream - his originals "Summer By the Bay" and "Your Movie," with covers of "Wharf Rat" and "The Weight." More info on David Gans, his music and touring schedule at www.dgans.com. Cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Never leaving San Francisco, with Daniel Handler Jul 09, 2021

"A Series of Unfortunate Events" author Daniel Handler AKA Lemony Snicket joins Total SF to talk bookstores, swimming in the Bay and why he's tripling down on San Francisco when others are leaving. Total SF hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub interview Handler in the Philosophy Nook of Green Apple Books, one of Handler's favorites. Handler contributes to the next Total SF Book Club title, "The End of the Golden Gate." Sign up for the Tuesday, Aug. 24 event with Handler and Gary Kamiya here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Savage is ready for crowds again Jun 25, 2021

TV host and maker Adam Savage has been holed up in his Mission District "cave" workshop for much of the pandemic. But he's ready for crowds again, planning the Aug. 28-29 SiliCon convention, which will be one of the first Bay Area events with large crowds since the shelter in place started last March. Savage returns to Total SF to speak with co-host Peter Hartlaub about the Mission District and the future of San Francisco, his own convention beginnings, and what he plans to bring to the SiliCon convention.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secrets of Angel Island! Jun 18, 2021

Angel Island State Park is our pick for the official post-pandemic paradise of Total SF, with its biking trails, includible views, old buildings and ... did we mention the views? Hosts Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub are joined by retired ranger and historian John Martini, who offers some Angel Island history and makes a case for the park being very underused and underrated. Hartlaub and Knight also announce their next movie night, an IN PERSON screening of "San Andreas" at the Balboa Theatre in San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SF's spiritual spaces, with Bishop Megan Rohrer Jun 11, 2021

Bishop-elect Megan Rohrer returns to Total SF to share some of their favorite spiritual spaces in San Francisco — places where people can feel centered and reflect and revive. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight meet Rohrer in Grace Lutheran Church, and talk about their new job, which will make Rohrer the first transgender bishop of any major denomination religion in U.S. history.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crosstown Trail: The epic hike SF needs right now Jun 04, 2021

The Crosstown Trail is the hike San Francisco needs right now, traversing the city on a 17-mile diagonal and daring the walker or biker to fall in love with the city again. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight interview one of the Crosstown Trail's chief advocates and creators, Bob Siegel. But first Hartlaub and Knight recap the 30-Day Small Business Challenge that just ended, and announce their new Total SF Book Club title.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renel Brooks-Moon has more to say May 28, 2021

Giants PA announcer Renel Brooks-Moon has been a pandemic MVP on social media, continuing to cheer on the Giants and the city of San Francisco, while also speaking her truth about Black Lives Matter and the death of George Floyd, and baseball's response. She joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight in McLaren Park to talk about announcing to an stadium with no fans, her favorite small businesses in Visitacion Valley and her thoughts about the future of S.F. after the pandemic.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The little Boat Tram that could ... save San Francisco May 21, 2021

The beloved Boat Tram streetcar line is back after a pandemic hiatus and hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight are reporting on the first voyage of the beloved transit icon. Interviews include S.F. Mayor London Breed, Muni director Jeffrey Tumlin and Boat Tram operator Melvin Clark, who was inspired by Rice-O-Roni commercials to cross the country and join Muni.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunter and Alexis Pence go to bat for San Francisco May 19, 2021

After Hunter Pence retired from the Giants last year, Hunter and Lexi Pence decided to stay in San Francisco, exploring the city with fresh eyes and tripling down on their support of indie coffee houses and charity for the community. On May 22-23, 2021, they'll host their first coffee pop-up at Basebalism near Oracle Park. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight talk with the Pences about coffee, baseball and how much they've felt at home in S.F.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No Safeway? No Amazon? No problem! May 14, 2021

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight record in Chinatown's Portsmouth Square to give an update on the halfway point of the 30-Day Small Business Challenge. The Total SF co-hosts discuss the rules of the challenge, some areas where they *might* have broken the rules and how taking the challenge might change behavior (and help local businesses) beyond the 30-day mark.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The murders that made San Francisco May 07, 2021

"The Murders that Made Us" author Bob Calhoun joins Total SF host Peter Hartlaub on the patio of Red's Java House to talk about Gold Rush-era hoodlums, serial killers, cult leaders and other historic Bay Area criminals — and how they shaped the region. The book is true crime, but it's also a thoughtful (and often darkly funny) exploration of San Francisco Bay Area history.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moscone Center is the new Disneyland Apr 30, 2021

As the so called "master of disaster" for S.F. Department of Emergency Management, executive director Mary Ellen Carroll had been preparing for an earthquake. But she got a pandemic, and found a home base in Moscone Center, which has become a place of joy for San Francisco residents getting their vaccines. Carroll gives hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight a tour of the facility, and then sits down for an interview about preparedness, Anthony Fauci cardboard cutouts and why San Franciscans can be proud of what they've done for each other.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronicle sports editor Christina Kahrl blazes a new trail Apr 23, 2021

New San Francisco Chronicle sports editor Christina Kahrl was the first out transgender sports reporter, and takes over leadership of The Chronicle's Sporting Green at an important time for athletics, as sports becomes more intertwined with politics and social justice. Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight meet Kahrl near her new home in Oakland, and also talk about her Oakland A's fandom, sports analytics and her past as a drag queen in the years before she came out.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor London Breed: Shop locally — now! Apr 14, 2021

San Francisco Mayor London Breed joins Total SF to introduce the Small Business 30-Day Challenge, where San Francisco residents are urged to avoid chain stores and shop local for an entire month. Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight make the pledge as well, and talk to Breed about her favorite small businesses as a child in San Francisco, her comeback after a roller skating fall and some thoughts about a post-pandemic future for San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Car-free JFK Drive is not segregationist, with David Miles Jr. Apr 09, 2021

Golden Gate Park activist David Miles Jr. has been roller skating in the park since 1979, and he's stunned by the accusations from two supervisors that car-free JFK Drive is segregationist and "recreational redlining." Co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight record in the park with Miles, and talk about park history, diversity on car-free streets and S.F. mayor London Breed's skating lows and highs.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Ammiano: "Kiss My Gay Ass" Apr 02, 2021

Tom Ammiano was ahead of his time as a San Francisco supervisor, Assemblyman and the first openly gay member of the SF Board of Education. But he still has stories to tell — about working as a teacher in Vietnam during the war, struggling as a gay comic and his not-always-friendly rivalry with Dianne Feinstein. Total SF co-host Peter Hartlaub flies solo this week, listening to good stories and San Francisco history on location in Ammiano's backyard.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Follow Total SF adventures at www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf

Tom Ammiano's book "Kiss My Gay Ass" is available at www.kissmygayass.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A total San Francisco book club! w/ "Home Baked" author Alia Volz Mar 26, 2021

Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight introduce the Total SF Book Club, interviewing "Home Baked" author Alia Volz. The San Francisco memoir, featuring Volz growing up around her cannabis brownie-dealing parents, is the first book in the new club in partnership with the San Francisco Public Library and Green Apple Books. Volz joins Hartlaub and Knight for a conversation across the street from the Mission District warehouse where her parents used to bake hundreds of brownies a day for recreational and later medical drug use.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ultrarunner Luke Wicker, and a tribute to Mt. Davidson | Total SF Mar 19, 2021

Ultrarunner Luke Wicker joins the Total SF crew to talk about how he conquered every San Francisco peak in one 65-mile day, and pay tribute by recording on the top of Mt. Davidson, Wicker's favorite peak, Co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight also talk bathrooms, post-ultrarun meals and find out why Wicker ran 76 peaks in one day (with 10,000 feet of elevation climb!) and why the UK native is leaving S.F., but has nothing but love on the way out.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks and 8-time cable car bell-ringing champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JFK Drive car-free forever, and Slow Streets draft | Total SF Mar 12, 2021

The Total SF team makes a case for keeping JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park car-free forever, and conducts a Slow Streets draft, picking which of the SFMTA reduced traffic street should stay forever - and who should be the mayor of each street. Co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight also update on the Oasis SF telethon from the D'Arcy Drollinger episode, and offer some thoughts about the decision to return cars to Twin Peaks.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Brewer, "Coming 2 America" director raised in Vallejo | Total SF Mar 05, 2021

Craig Brewer, whose love for filmmaking started in Vallejo, talks about falling in love with movies, old school video rental shops and his new film "Coming 2 America." Brewer, who also directed "Hustle & Flow" and "Dolemite is My Name," has directed Eddie Murphy's last two films, and explains what it's like being on a set filled with legends. "Coming 2 America" is out on Amazon Prime Video March 5, 2021.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drag performer D'Arcy Drollinger fights to save the Oasis | Total SF Mar 03, 2021

In a special bonus Total SF, D'Arcy Drollinger talks about being a drag performer and small business owner, and the fight to save the Oasis nightclub with an old school telethon. Co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight join Drollinger on the roof of the nightclub at 11th and Folsom streets to learn about the struggles of one nightclub owner — who is trying to raise $100,000 on Saturday, March 6, to stave off closure.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cable car tribute (and how the Chronicle almost killed them) | Total SF Feb 26, 2021

With cable cars gone from San Francisco indefinitely, co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight pay tribute to the landmark transit, with wild history (including the time The Chronicle tried to kill the cable cars) and thoughts about cable cars going future. In the second half of the episode, they replay an interview with cable call bell-ringing champ Byron Cobb, who gives a bell-ringing demonstration.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slow Streets tribute, and Amos Goldbaum interview | Total SF Feb 19, 2021

Artist Amos Goldbaum talks about his new mural on the Sanchez Slow Street, as co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight make their first in-person podcast recording in a year. Hartlaub and Knight also pay tribute to Slow Streets, and talk about the recent Richmond District Slow Streets Art Hunt.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Bob Wachter on COVID, communicating and why he loves SF | Total SF Feb 12, 2021

Dr. Bob Wachter, UCSF Medical Center chair of the Department of Medicine, joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about how he got to San Francisco, his emergence as a go-to on Twitter for COVID information and his new gig as a fill-in host for Andy Slavitt's "In the Bubble" podcast. Wachter also talks about being a communicator, how San Francisco might be viewed when the crisis is over and submits to Heather's lightning round - revealing his favorite San Francisco movie and burrito.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Always Be My Maybe" tribute, with Vanessa Hua | Total SF Feb 05, 2021

""A River of Stars" and "Deceit and Other Possibilities" author Vanessa Hua joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to pay tribute to "Always Be My Maybe," the 2019 Netflix movie starring Ali Wong and Randall Park. "Always Be My Maybe" is also the next Total SF virtual movie night, starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 13. Also, support the Richmond District and its small businesses with the hashtag #ILoveTheRichmond.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S.F. school names we can get behind (a Total SF draft) Jan 29, 2021

Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight talk about the San Francisco Board of Education approval to rename 44 schools, they defend Dianne Feinstein as worthy of the school name she's set to lose — and the co-hosts pick some unproblematic citizens whose name should be on a school. Willie Mays, Maya Angelou and Emperor Norton are the starting point.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twin Peaks tribute, and other pandemic things we want to keep | Total SF Jan 22, 2021

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight pay tribute to Twin Peaks, which has been car-free for most of the pandemic but perhaps not for long. Hartlaub shares some Twin Peaks history, including plans for a waterfall, And the hosts pick other pandemic changes that they hope stay around through 2021 and beyond.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirk Thatcher interview - stories from the punk on the bus | Total SF Jan 15, 2021

After the success of the Total SF "Star Trek IV" movie night, host Peter Hartlaub interviews Kirk Thatcher, who played the punk on the bus and was an associate producer on the film. In addition to all things "ST IV," Thatcher talks about the rest of his career, including getting hired by Industrial Light & Magic as a teen to work on "Return of the Jedi," and writing and directing many Muppets projects.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stories from the San Francisco Chronicle archive | Total SF Jan 08, 2021

The Chronicle archive has photos dating back to the 19th Century. Total SF host Peter Hartlaub and librarian Bill Van Niekerken share secrets from the archive, including their favorite 1906 earthquake finds, some of their favorite finds and Bill's first day on the job. Van Niekerken retired this month, and the archive is now named the Van Niekerken Library.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saying goodbye to a horrible and heroic 2020 | Total SF Jan 01, 2021

Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight talk about the highs, lows and pure heroism in 2020, and predict good things for San Francisco in 2021. Hartlaub and Knight also end the year with a lightning round, choosing their takeout food MVPs, some of the small businesses that inspired them and what they're looking forward to the most in a post-vaccine world.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paula Poundstone in the Chronicle archive | Total SF flashback Dec 29, 2020

In this flashback podcast to a Total SF recorded on Dec. 31,, 2019, Paula Poundstone returns for her annual end-of-year trip to the San Francisco Chronicle archive. During the recording, right before her New Year's Eve show, Poundstone talks to host Peter Hartlaub about her year as a San Francisco bike messenger, shares some Comedy Day in the Park memories and talks about her love of the TV show "M*A*S*H" when she was a broke traveling comic.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nathan Tan on graffiti, SF and "Uncle Nate's Creativity Time" | Total SF Dec 23, 2020

Nathan "Nate1" Tan was a graffiti artist in his teens, then became a clothing designer creating the NewSkool line that specialized in hip-hop influences and San Francisco civic pride. He started a new unexpected career chapter during the pandemic — Uncle Nate of "Uncle Nate's Creativity Time," a series of worksheets and now videos on SFGovTV. Tan joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about old school San Francisco, indie businesses and his new gig as a video host.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Star Trek IV" tribute, with Carly Severn and Taylor Kate Brown | Total SF Dec 16, 2020

"Star Trek IV" is "the one with the whales" and it's also the one featuring San Francisco. Carly Severn and Taylor Kate Brown join host Peter Hartlaub to pay tribute to the 1986 film, covering the humor, the environmental message, the punk on the Muni bus and local history of the film. (Including why the San Francisco Chronicle didn't make a cameo.)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Pritchard gives a pandemic pep talk | Total SF Dec 10, 2020

Comedian and social worker Michael Pritchard returns to give us a motivational speech for the end of 2020. Pritchard re-joins host Peter Hartlaub and Chronicle homelessness reporter Kevin Fagan to give reason for hope and faith in humanity as we end a tough year with a vaccine in sight. He shares stories about Robin Williams, offers advice for coping with anger and frustration, and talks about what it was like to open as a comedian for the Grateful Dead.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Stanton and Bob Pauley interview | "Toy Story" at 25 Nov 27, 2020

With "Toy Story" turning 25 years old on Thanksgiving 2020, we spoke with Pixar's Andrew Stanton and Bob Pauley about the making of the movie. "Finding Nemo" and "WALL-E" director Stanton and "Toy Story 3" and "Toy Story 4" production designer Pauley talk about the highs and lows of making the movie, Steve Jobs and what it was like making the movie in Point Richmond.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pixar archive stories, with Jonas Rivera and Christine Freeman | "Toy Story" at 25 Nov 24, 2020

Pixar producer Jonas Rivera and senior historian Christine Freeman join Total SF host Peter Hartlaub to tell stories from the Pixar archive on the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking computer animated film "Toy Story.." They talk about how the archive started, some of the stranger things that are stored there and why a coffee cup stain or even a bank phone number on a piece of artwork is part of Pixar history.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A tribute to "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" | Total SF Nov 20, 2020

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight pay tribute to and break down the 1993 film "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit," joined by @sisterractivism superfan Sarah Katz-Hyman and a cameo from "Sister Act 2" director Bill Duke. Hartlaub, Knight and Katz-Hyman discuss the movie's poor reviews and resurgence, the music and the excellent performance by a pre-fame Lauryn Hill. They also discuss the possibilities of "Sister Act 3."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teen metal band Iron Front | Total SF Nov 10, 2020

One of the positives of the pandemic has been live music, and no band has rocked a front porch harder than teen East Bay death metal quintet Iron Front. Band members Topey Plourde (vocals, senior in high school) and Max Mahmood (drums, 7th grade) join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about making music while going to school during the pandemic, how crowds have responded to their music and some of their own favorite bands. We also play parts of three Iron Front songs off their EP Demonic Possession.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks, with cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new official flag for San Francisco? | Total SF Nov 02, 2020

Total SF interviews Brian Stokle, a San Francisco resident who created a new San Francisco flag, and has distributed 200 this year — mostly since the shelter in place started. Stokle and S.F. flag researcher John Lumea join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the history of the San Francisco flag, how Stokle came up with his new flag design, and their thoughts about some kind of city-wide contest in 2021 to create an official flag for San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks, with cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very San Francisco engagement, with poet Kevin Dublin | Total SF Oct 27, 2020

This interview and live podcast features Kevin Dublin, a Bay Area poet and educator who proposed to his girlfriend on the SkyStar observation ferris wheel at Golden Gate Park. Dublin joined Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight days before the planned engagement. Lewin and Dublin are interviewed on the day of the proposal, and Dublin reads his engagement poem - writing that is also a love letter to S.F. called "Such Great Heights."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Nixon rode on BART, and other transit stories from Mike Healy | Total SF Oct 26, 2020

Michael C. Healy joins Total SF to talk about his years as a BART spokesman, which started before the transit agency opened in 1972. Host Peter Hartlaub and current BART chief communications officer Alicia Trost coax stories from Healy, including the time Atari put arcade games on a BART platform, whether BART could have really crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and comedian Henny Youngman's time in a BART marketing campaign. Healy is the author of "BART: The Dramatic History of the Bay Area Rapid Transit System."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bart Shepherd interview, Steinhart Aquarium director | Total SF Oct 23, 2020

With the California Academy of Sciences reopening to the public on Oct. 23, Total SF is joined by Bart Shepherd, the senior director of Steinhart Aquarium. Shepherd and host Peter Hartlaub talk about Shepherd's early years working at the old aquarium, the move to 875 Howard Street, and what managing an aquarium has been like during the pandemic. Shepherd also provides an update on Methuselah the Lungfish, at 85+ years old the longest-living fish in captivity.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emperor Norton interview | Total SF Oct 20, 2020

San Francisco legend Emperor Norton joins Total SF co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about the early years of San Francisco and answer Knight's lightning round. Also on the podcast is Joseph Amster, who works in the tourism business in the city and is struggling like many others during the pandemic. Amster talks about how he got his start, and why he didn't pick Mark Twain as his character.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our favorite Bay Area hikes during the pandemic | Total SF Oct 15, 2020

With the pandemic leading to more outdoor hiking opportunities, co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight share their favorite hikes during the pandemic. Selections include multiple hikes on the 49 Mile Scenic Route, two hikes in the South Bay and one creative biking trip from the East Bay to San Francisco. Hartlaub and Knight also give a recap of their recent Walk SF Peak 2 Peak hike.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking back at Orange Skies Day, with Jessica Christian | Total SF Oct 09, 2020

On the one-month anniversary of the day the skies turned orange in San Francisco, host Peter Hartlaub and SF Chronicle photographer look back at the phenomenon known as Orange Skies Day in the Bay Area and beyond. Christian talks about her travels that day, taking iconic photos that were shared on social media by former President Barack Obama. And Hartlaub and Christian talk about how the day will be remembered.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Muni lines we miss the most, with Muni Diaries | Total SF Oct 07, 2020

Total SF invites our Muni Diaries friends Tara Ramroop and Eugenia Chien to talk about our last Muni rides before the pandemic, our hopes for Muni's future and pick the Muni lines we miss the most. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight also talk with Ramroop and Chien about the sounds of Muni, and the underrated joys of the 36 Teresita and the 39 Coit.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raina Telgemeier interview | Total SF indie bookstore tribute Sep 29, 2020

Raina Telgemeier is one of the most popular authors in Bay Area history, selling millions of copies of her young adult graphic novels including "Smile," "Ghosts" and her most recent memoir "Guts" — about her middle school anxiety and panic attacks. The San Francisco native joins host Peter Hartlaub as part of independent bookstore tribute month, talking about her relationship with Green Apple Books in S.F. — where she still signs copies of her books by the hundreds. She also talks about the first bookstore she fell in love with, what's she's reading during the pandemic and how she represents Bay Area landmarks and even accurate local weather patterns in her books.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should we put in our 2020 Time Capsule? | Total SF Sep 25, 2020

We're putting together an official "2020 Can Take the 38 Geary-Rapid Straight to Hell" Time Capsule. What should we put in it. Co-hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight offer their suggestions, including masks, off-brand hand sanitizer, murder hornets and a video of Kimberly Guilfoyle's RNC speech. There are some positives too, including all the great porch bands and wonderful photography.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The great stairways of San Francisco, with Alexandra Kenin | Total SF Sep 22, 2020

Urban Hiker founder Alexandra Kenin comes on Total SF to talk about her project personally climbing and documenting San Francisco's 900+ public stairways, and sharing some of her favorites. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight also ask Alexandra about coyote sightings, her favorite public restrooms and the most floors she's climbed in a day. See Alexandra's stairway project at Urbanhikerrsf.com.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corte Madera theater tribute, with Jason Snell and Beth Spotswood | Total SF Sep 18, 2020

With Cinemark announcing that it's done with the Corte Madera theater, host Peter Hartlaub invites two of his Mill Valley friends - The Incomparable host Jason Snell and Alta magazine digital editor Beth Spotswood - to pay tribute to the single-screen giant. Corte Madera was the home of blockbusters for decades, opening with "2001: A Space Odyssey" in 1969. In separate interviews, Jason and Beth tell stories about the theater, and why losing unique big screens theaters matters.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jorma Taccone interview | Total SF indie bookstore tribute month Sep 14, 2020

Jorma Taccone, director of "MacGruber," co-director of "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping" and member of The Lonely Island music/comedy group, has written a children's book. The Berkeley native comes on Total SF to speak with host Peter Hartlaub about why he made "Little Fox and the Wild Imagination" with illustrator Dan Santat. He also talks about fatherhood, scraper bikes, the time he appeared in one of his father Tony Taccone's plays and the importance of indie bookstores. Jorma and Tony Taccone have a "Little Fox" event set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Mrs. Dalloways in Berkeley. More information at www.mrsdalloways.com.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, with cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Officer Edith interview, SF Animal Care & Control | Total SF Sep 08, 2020

Lt. Eleanor Sadler from San Francisco Animal Care & Control has been bringing joy to Twitter and Instagram as "Officer Edith" for years. Sadler joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about how the account started, some of her more interesting animal encounters over the years, the coyotes of San Francisco and how animal lovers sheltering in place can help her small and scrappy city-funded agency.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, with cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Talbot and Jimmie Fails - "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" | Total SF flashback Sep 05, 2020

In a flashback episode from June 4, 2019, “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” director Joe Talbot and star Jimmie Fails come to The Big Event archive studio to talk about the scrappy road to making the indie movie that the longtime friends co-wrote. Host Peter Hartlaub asks about the 5-year production of the film, and the struggles (and heartwarming joy) of relying on the kindness of strangers for location scouting. And Hartlaub, Talbot and Fails all share their Danny Glover stories. The S.F.-based actor is a star in the film.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Colin interview, Six Feet of Separation publisher | Total SF Sep 02, 2020

When the shelter in place started, Chris Colin founded the newspaper Six Feet of Separation, written entirely by children with Colin acting as publisher. After national attention including a positive review by Dan Rather, the Bernal Heights newspaper has inspired many more local kid-staffed newspapers. Colin joins Total SF to talk about Six Feet, a writing project involving kids for the San Francisco Chronicle Throughline section and some of his favorite places in San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, with cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chuck Prophet interview | Total SF Aug 21, 2020

San Francisco singer/songwriter Chuck Prophet returns to talk about his life in San Francisco during his longest touring break in decades, his last gig before the shutdown and his new album, "The Land That Time Forgot." Host Peter Hartlaub invites San Francisco Chronicle pop music critic Aidin Vaziri for a short conversation before the interview and to interview Prophet - Vaziri profiles the musician in the Sunday Datebook section.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, with cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Schwartz interview | Total SF Aug 11, 2020

Peter Schwartz has been working as a futurist and scenario planner for more than 45 years, and he says the pandemic is an event like no other in his lifetime. But he also remains optimistic about where we can go from here. Total SF host Peter Hartlaub interviews the Salesforce senior VP of about his future-obsessed childhood, the changing attitudes about surveillance in the U.S. and the consulting work he's done on iconic movies - including "Sneakers," "WarGames" and "Minority Report."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb..

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephan Pastis interview | Total SF indie bookstore tribute month Aug 04, 2020

"Pearls Before Swine: comic strip artist Stephan Pastis was a lawyer who hated his job before starting the strip 20 years ago. The Santa Rosa resident still feels pressure to perform, which has led to some of his best work — including recent strips tackling the COVID-19 crisis. Pastis also talks with host Peter Hartlaub about co-writing the Disney+ "Timmy Failure" movie, meeting his hero Charles Schulz — and he pays tribute to his favorite independent bookstores.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb..

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jasmine Guillory interview | Total SF indie bookstore tribute month Jul 30, 2020

Romance novelist Jasmine Guillory joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the five novels she's written in the last three years, including the new one "Party of Two." The Bishop O'Dowd grad and lifetime East Bay resident talks about her love of Oakland, why she like to include food details in her writing and her favorite romantic movie. Guillory and Hartlaub also pay tribute to local bookstores - explaining how listeners can support indies during the pandemic.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb..

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Judd Winick interview | Total SF indie bookstore tribute Jul 20, 2020

Total SF welcomes Judd Winick, author and former "The Real World" cast member, to talk about the 20th anniversary of his AIDS education graphic novel "Pedro and Me" — and to pay tribute to his favorite Bay Area comic book shops. To kick off Total SF indie bookstore month, Winick talks about his successful new series "Hilo," what kept him and his family in San Francisco and why local book stores are worth fighting for.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pandemic reading list and indie bookstore tribute | Total SF in Exile Jul 14, 2020

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight talk about what they've been reading during the shelter in place, and pay tribute to the Bay Area independent bookstores and comic book shops they hope will survive. Selections include "The Wedding Date" by Jasmine Guillory, "What Unites Us" by Dan Rather and "Cool Gray City of Love" by Gary Kamiya.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to create an SF bike utopia, with Lily Janiak | Total SF in Exile Jul 09, 2020

Chronicle theater critic Lily Janiak joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about her bike-first lifestyle as a critic, and her thoughts about the future of bicycling in San Francisco. With the San Francisco Chronicle's new The Throughline section mapping out a possible biking/walking future, Hartlaub and Janiak suggest a few priorities — and offer listeners help feeling more comfortable biking into the city.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronicle homelessness reporter Kevin Fagan | Total SF in Exile Jul 06, 2020

The San Francisco Chronicle reporter Kevin Fagan is once again at the center of the reporting on a new homelessness project, talks about his own experience with homelessness. He also introduces two songs that he's written about the homeless, and recalls his early music career, which included busking in the UK and New Zealand.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extra Spicy hosts Soleil Ho and Justin Phillips | Total SF in Exile Jun 25, 2020

Chronicle restaurant critic Soleil Ho and food writer Justin Phillips return to Total SF to introduce their new podcast Extra Spicy. Ho and Phillips talk to host Peter Hartlaub about how they met, the story behind their awesome new salsa logo design and how the themes of race and diversity in the food world are more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ho, Phillips and Hartlaub also make a strong case for Guy Fieri.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community. Cable car bell ringing by eight-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Perlman tribute and final interview | Total SF in Exile Jun 22, 2020

After last week's death of David Perlman at age 101, host Peter Hartlaub and reporter Kevin Fagan pay tribute to the legendary former Chronicle science writer, who started at the newspaper in 1940 and worked until his 2017 retirement. After the tribute, we play our 2019 interview with Perlman, celebrating his 100th birthday. Perlman talks about his start at the newspaper, how he became a science writer, coverage from the moon landing to the AIDS crisis and his feelings about retirement at age 98.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renel Brooks-Moon interview | Total SF flashback Jun 20, 2020

This Total SF flashback is an interview with Renel Brooks-Moon, longtime Bay Area radio personality, and public address announcer for the San Francisco Giants since 1999. Recording on Aug. 13, 2019, Brooks-Moon visited the Chronicle archive, to speak with host Peter Hartlaub about her early years at KMEL (and one year at KFRC with Dr. Donald D. Rose), her work as a Giants PA announcer and the influence of her father Nathaniel Brooks, an educator who in 1968 became the first black principal in San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Cooper exit interview & "Pursuit of Happyness" breakdown Jun 16, 2020

Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper returns to Total SF after her surprise announcement that she'll take over as editor of public radio powerhouse WNYC. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight talk to Cooper about her first time in San Francisco, her move to New York and the editor submits to Knight's lightning round. And the trio break down one more movie together, "The Pursuit of Happyness," the story of a homeless man struggling to raise his son and become a stockbroker in 1980s S.F.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rev. Megan Rohrer interview | Total SF in Exile Jun 11, 2020

Fresh off their appearance on "Queer Eye" Season 5, Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer joins Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight. They talk about Rohrer's first time visiting San Francisco, ministry at a distance during COVID-19 and what it's like working as an SFPD Chaplain and with the homeless in these uncertain times. Rohrer also talks about their visit to the "Queer Eye" set, and completes Heather's lightning round.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunter and Alexis Pence interview | Total SF in Exile Jun 01, 2020

San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence and "Let's Get Lexi" creator Alexis Pence join Total SF to talk quarantine life, walk-up songs, best SF cheeseburgers and make a special announcement — Hunter and Alexis' latest Pineapple Labs coffee has partnered with the San Francisco Chronicle Season of Sharing fund, with proceeds from their June coffee going to the fund. The coffee and mug are available at www.thepineapplelabs.com

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lost Jeffrey Tumlin episode | Total SF in Exile May 20, 2020

In an episode recorded on March 5 more than a week before the shelter in place, Jeffrey Tumlin joined hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about his early love of San Francisco, and the potential for a transit-friendly city. He also committed to participating in Total Muni 2020 - repeating the 2018 endeavor by Hartlaub and Knight to ride every Muni line in one day. That won't happen for a while, but we're playing the episode, with a new intro paying tribute to fallen transit activist Courtney Brousseau.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, and cable car bell-ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Contagion" breakdown, with Audrey Cooper & Heather Knight | Total SF in Exile May 14, 2020

Total SF breaks down "Contagion," The Steven Soderbergh film was not considered a San Francisco classic (or even an S.F. movie) when it came out in 2020, but it has become iconic for its clairvoyance of the coronavirus pandemic. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight are joined by Chronicle editor Audrey Cooper, and they talk about how a Chronicle desk got in the movie, the short life span of Gwenyth Paltrow and what the movie got right and wrong.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SF quarantine house draft, with Heather Knight | Total SF in Exile May 01, 2020

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight make a round-by-round draft of the San Francisco residents they'd want in their quarantine house, battling each other for Marc Benioff, Hunter Pence and a few other surprises. Hartlaub and Knight also recap their first virtual movie night, "Inside Out," which brought #SFRuinsPizza to the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, with cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF "Inside Out" movie night pre-show | Total SF in Exile Apr 23, 2020

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight talk about their fifth Total SF Movie Night #5, a Saturday 4/25 screening of "Inside Out" with pizza and pillow fort making challenges. They also talk about keeping things ;positive in San Francisco, and Heather's big column writing award.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, with cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 5 greatest SF movies, with Heather Knight | Total SF in Exile Apr 11, 2020

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight reunite to rank their five favorite San Francisco movies to watch while sheltering in place — this is a happy podcast and all of the movies are funny, action-packed or inspiring. They also talk more about their first virtual Total SF event, an "Inside Out" virtual movie night at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What the hell do we do with our kids? | Total SF in Exile Apr 03, 2020

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight reunite to talk about some more good news in San Francisco, commiserate over the recent school closures, and share ideas for what to do with kids in the coronavirus era. They also announce their first Total SF event since shelter in place, an "Inside Out" virtual movie night at a date TBD.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday | Total SF in Exile Mar 31, 2020

Host Peter Hartlaub interviews San Francisco Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday, who has been at the center of the newsroom's coronavirus coverage. Part of the Total SF "Meet a Chronicle Colleague" series during the health crisis, Allday talks about how she fell in love with journalism, when she first heard about the virus and how it's impacting her life — in and out of the newsroom.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The all happy news episode, with Heather Knight | Total SF in Exile Mar 27, 2020

Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight podcast together for the first time since the coronavirus crisis forced San Francisco Chronicle reporters to work from home. Hartlaub and Knight share some good news stories that they've come across. And they continue a new Total SF feature, "Things I took for granted," talking about the things we'll embrace most when the crisis is over.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronicle photographer Jessica Christian | Total SF in Exile Mar 19, 2020

Chronicle photographer Jessica Christian joins Total SF in Exile to talk about Sunol, her first jobs and covering the coronavirus. She joins host Peter Hartlaub in his new living room studio, greets his dog Ripley, then talks about journalism in the shelter in place era. They also debut a new Total SF feature, "Things I took for granted," talking about the things we'll embrace most when the crisis is over.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warriors beat writer Connor Letourneau | Total SF Mar 16, 2020

The first episode of Total SF in Exile - recorded in host Peter Hartlaub's living room in the work from home era — is an interview with San Francisco Chronicle beat writer Connor Letourneau. This "meet a Chronicle colleague" episode features Connor talking about how he got into journalism, his favorite things in Alameda and what it's been like covering the Warriors in the coronavirus era.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community" and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The San Franciscan magazine co-founders Erica Messner and Amanda Legge Mar 06, 2020

The new magazine The San Franciscan put out its second episode, and Total SF hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight invited co-founders Erica Messner and Amanda Legge on to discuss their endeavor. They talk about their love of S.F. that inspired the magazine, that stunning Sutro Tower cover and the surprisingly cool conversation they had with the New Yorker's intellectual property lawyers.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, with cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kari Byron interview, with Jenny Buccos Mar 03, 2020

Total SF welcomes co-host Kari Byron, the former "MythBusters" host who talks about San Francisco, her former job at The Chronicle, Muni, bike lanes and (most of all) her new project Crash Test World. Hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight are also joined by ProjectExplorer founder Jenny Buccos, who is teaming up with Byron on "Crash Test World," which will be on Discovery in September. (Episodes available at www.ProjectExplorer.org.)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community," and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Herb Caen tribute, with Gordon Harvey Feb 25, 2020

Gordon Harvey lives in Alabama, but his heart is in San Francisco. The history professor created the Twitter account Herb Caen Daily (@HerbCaenDaily), sharing famous quotes from the legendary Chronicle columnist. In town to research a book on bike messengers, Harvey joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to pay tribute to Caen and the city that the columnist loved.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community, and cable car bell ringing by 8-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SF Gay Men's Chorus members Chris Verdugo and Michael Tate Feb 21, 2020

Gay Men's Chorus executive director Chris Verdugo and 18-year member Michael Tate visit the San Francisco Chronicle, to talk about the Chorus' past, present and future with hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight. The chorus is in the middle of Season 42, with several concerts including Penned in Pink at Davies Symphony Hall on March 26.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community." Cable car bell ringing by eight-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Van Mission, East Cut and other fake SF neighborhoods Feb 15, 2020

After reading Sam Whiting's story about the new so-called "Van Mission" neighborhood, Total SF calls an emergency podcast to determine what is and isn't a real neighborhood in San Francisco. Our team includes host Peter Hartlaub, editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper, urban design critic John King and features writer Sam Whiting. We discuss the often sketchy history of new neighborhoods and decide whether neighborhoods including NoPa, The Tendernob and La Lengua should be recognized by the media and the masses..

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community." Cable car bell ringing by eight-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vilaska Nguyen on comedy, being a public defender and his SF supervisor run Feb 13, 2020

Vilaska Nguyen is an attorney in the S.F. Public Defender's office and stand-up comedian. He also is announcing his candidacy for District 7 supervisor, to replace Norman Yee. In this Total SF/SF City Insider crossover podcast episode, Nguyen joins hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to talk about how Jeff Adachi inspired his comedy, why he lives in San Francisco and face the City Insider lightning round.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community." Cable car bell ringing by eight-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western Neighborhoods Project hops in an SF time machine Feb 03, 2020

Western Neighborhoods Project executive director Nicole Meldahl and co-founder David Gallagher join Total SF host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the San Francisco historical organization, its impressive photo collection and plans for the future. And they hop in the Total SF time machine to talk about the place they'd visit in the Western Neighborhoods if they could travel to the past.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community." Cable car bell ringing by eight-time champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Tolbert on his first years in the Bay Area, Alameda life and Manute Bol Jan 27, 2020

KNBR host Tom Tolbert joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about his first memories of San Francisco, and how a kid who grew up near Long Beach made the Bay Area his home. The former Warriors forward recalls when he realized a radio career might be a possibility, and his first day working with KNBR legend Ralph Barbieri. Hartlaub and Tolbert, both Alameda residents, share their opinions of island living. And Tolbert shares some memories about 7-foot-7 teammate Manute Bol.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community." Cable car bell ringing by eight-time bell ringing champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A tribute to "Bullitt," with Heather Knight and Eric Kingsbury Jan 23, 2020

Episode 115 is a tribute to the movie "Bullitt," the Steve McQueen classic with arguably the greatest car chase in history. Host Peter Hartlaub is joined by Chronicle columnist Heather Knight and friend of the show Eric Kingsbury to talk about the San Francisco locations, why the movie has aged well and the horrible scene where Bullitt steals a San Francisco Chronicle. All in preparation of the 7 p.m. Feb. 27 #TotalSF "Bullitt" screening at the Balboa Theatre in S.F. Buy tickets here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community." Bell ringing by 8-time cable car champion Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Roll Over Easy" radio hosts Chris Bunting and Luke Spray Jan 20, 2020

"Roll Over Easy" is a popular radio show and podcast on the online radio station BFF.fm, where hosts Chris Bunting and Luke Spray spread joy and San Francisco love every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. In their first interview since The Big Event became Total SF, hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight talk to the pair about how they met, their favorite S.F. things and what (if anything) pisses them off.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme song "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks. Cable car bell-ringing by Byron Cobb

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Big Event podcast becomes Total SF Jan 16, 2020

Peter Hartlaub is joined by Heather Knight to explain The Big Event podcast's transition to Total SF. All the old The Big Event episodes will remain and the general vibe of the podcast won't change, but we're doubling down on bringing you the best Bay Area characters and stories.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks with cable car bell ringing by Byron Cobb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shea Serrano on his journalism start, favorite SF films and "Movies and Other Things" Jan 13, 2020

Author and journalist Shea Serrano visits the San Francisco Chronicle to give his origin story as a writer, and talk about and his new book "Movies and Other Things." On Serrano's first visit to S.F., host Peter Hartlaub also asks him about his favorite San Francisco movies and stories of Mexican grandmothers.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album Community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paula Poundstone on bike messenging, "M*A*S*H" and her perfect comedy dream Jan 07, 2020

Paula Poundstone returns for her annual end-of-year trip to the San Francisco Chronicle archive. During the recording, right before her New Year's Eve show, Poundstone talks to host Peter Hartlaub about her year as a San Francisco bike messenger, shares some Comedy Day in the Park memories and talks about her love of the TV show "M*A*S*H" when she was a broke traveling comic.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wendy Tokuda interview — memories of KPIX, Dave McElhatton and more Dec 05, 2019

Former KPIX and KRON anchor Wendy Tokuda visits the San Francisco Chronicle archive studio, to talk about her former co-anchor Dave McElhatton, work with at-risk students, her family's history in Japanese internment camps and her continuing love for the Bay Area.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The greatness of "Sister Act," and a case for "Sister Act 2" Dec 03, 2019

With the third #TotalSF movie night approaching fast on Dec. 5, the Chronicle's Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight welcome "Sister Act" superfan and Sisteractivist Sarah Katz-Hyman, who runs the @SisterActivism Twitter account, to talk about the film's greatness. They talk about Whoopi Goldberg's time in San Francisco, and Katz-Hyman makes a case for the underappreciated "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit." #TotalSF hosts "Sister Act" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Balboa Theatre in S.F. Buy tickets here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Byron Cobb interview — SF Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest champion Nov 26, 2019

A crossover The Big Event and City Insider episode, where hosts Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight interview Byron Cobb, the reigning Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest champion and eight-time winner.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing ... your new 49 Mile Scenic Route Nov 15, 2019

Announcing the finish of the #TotalSF reboot of the 49 Mile Scenic Drive, the 81-year-old route with the seagull signs that needed an update. Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub talk about what they included, what they left out and why.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pacifica Taco Bell tribute, with Paolo Lucchesi Nov 11, 2019

Episode 103 of The Big Event is a tribute to the Pacifica Taco Bell, and a talk about fast food with (at the time of the recording) Food Editor Paolo Lucchesi. Host Peter Hartlaub and Lucchesi talk about their own fast food history, the best and worst fast food in the Bay Area, And they review the new Taco Bell Cantina on Pacific Coast Highway in Pacifica. After years as an A&W and a normal Taco Bell, the restaurant in late 2018 started a renovation and now sells alcohol.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joey Avery and Andrew Orolfo interview — rising comedians release Pier 69 album Nov 06, 2019

Joey Avery and Andrew Orolfo are rising comics in the Bay Area comedy scene, who have been considering a move to Los Angeles. They joined two friends, Mark Smalls and Dauood Naimyar, and recorded an album at the Set-Up comedy club in San Francisco, representing their best work in the Bay Area. "Pier 69: Junior Varsity" was released in September and hit Number One on the iTunes comedy charts. Avery and Orolfo came to The Big Event podcast studio to talk about comedy in the Bay Area, their album, and Orolfo's recent appearance on "The Late Late Show with James Corden."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Sampson interview — new Cal Academy director is Dr. Scott on "Dinosaur Train" Oct 23, 2019

Episode 100 of The Big Event is an interview with Scott Sampson — new executive director of the California Academy of Sciences and "Dr. Scott" on the PBS children's show "Dinosaur Train." Host Peter Hartlaub asks Scott about the past, present and future of the Cal Academy, coyotes in Golden Gate Park and that time the paleontologist named a new dinosaur after a famous rock star. Scott also talks about "Dinosaur Train," the educational show that he's been involved with since 2009.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc Benioff interview — on values, S.F. and his trailblazing grandfather Marvin Lewis Oct 15, 2019

Episode 99 is an interview with Salesforce co-founder and CEO Marc Benioff, who has a new book "Trailblazer," and writes about his foundational relationship with his grandfather, former San Francisco supervisor Marvin Lewis. Benioff talks with host Peter Hartlaub about the book (in bookstores Oct. 15), San Francisco and Lewis — a homeless advocate and monorail-loving politician who was a driving force behind BART. Hartlaub also shares some archive finds, including Benioff's father's "Candlestick Park coat," and the first Salesforce classified ad from 1999. (Spoiler: The fax number still works.)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49 Mile Makeover IV: Overrated Twin Peaks, with Heather Knight Oct 09, 2019

Episode 98 of The Big Event is the fourth 49 Mile Makeover podcast, where host Peter Hartlaub and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight report a big breakthrough on their new 49 Mile Scenic Route. Hartlaub and Knight also discuss the use of transit on the new route, give an update on Total SF movie night, and discuss whether Twin Peaks belongs on the new route.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Sbrocco interview — The Big Event flashback Oct 03, 2019

In this flashback episode from 2018, "Check, Please! Bay Area" host Leslie Sbrocco joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the show's origins, why they ply guests with wine before a show, her sparkling wine-themed tattoo and the "Check, Please! Bay Area Kids" four-part special, which enters its second season on October 2019..

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best and worst Warriors jerseys all time, with Ann Killion and Tony Bravo Sep 30, 2019

Episode 97 of The Big Event is a tribute to Golden State Warriors jerseys. With the team announcing new jerseys for Chase Center, host Peter Hartlaub is joined by The Chronicle's Tony Bravo and Ann Killion to pick the best jerseys in team history — The City and The Town both score well — and choose the worst jersey in Warriors history. They discuss the question: How old is too old for men to wear jerseys? And finally, they relive the greatest moment in Chronicle press conference history: Tony Bravo asking Draymond Green about his shorts suit.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Warriors president Rick Welts interview, with Heather Knight Sep 24, 2019

Warriors president Rick Welts joins the San Francisco Chronicle's #TotalSF team Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight for a The Big Event/SF City Insider podcast crossover. Welts makes the case to add the Chase Center to the new 49 Mile Scenic Route being created by Knight and Hartlaub, and talks about living in San Francisco, his friendship with NBA legend Bill Russell and submits to Knight's City Insider lightning round..

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks, off the album "Community"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KFOG radio tribute, with Peter Finch, Renee Richardson and Irish Greg McQuaid Sep 17, 2019

Episode 95 of The Big Event is a tribute to KFOG, with three classic KFOG veterans: longtime morning show newsman Peter Finch, DJ Renee Richardson and producer Irish Greg McQuaid. After talking about emotions surrounding the recent decision to end the KFOG call letters, the trio talk to host Peter Hartlaub about their early years at the station, what Dave Morey is up to now, their favorite and least favorite guests over the years and other fun stories from the beloved rock station.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marine World Africa U.S.A. tribute — The Big Event flashback with Jill Tucker Sep 12, 2019

In this The Big Event flashback, Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about covering the 2017 Wine Country Fires, and then pay tribute to the 1970s/1980s amusement park Marine World Africa U.S.A. They cover the history of the park and some personal highlights — including Jill Tucker's job as a Marine World safari boat driver.

Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49-Mile Makeover III: What should stay and go on the new scenic route? Sep 07, 2019

Episode 94 of The Big Event is a hard look at the 49-Mile Scenic Drive - and what should stay and go for the new #TotalSF 49-Mile Scenic Route. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight and pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub talk about their successful attempt to cover the 49-mile Scenic Drive in one day without using a car. The second half of the podcast is a discussion of what we should keep for the new route. We'll be taking reader suggestions and plan to unveil the 49-Mile Scenic Route later this year.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49-Mile Makeover II: Heather & Peter argue, meet some new friends Sep 02, 2019

Episode 93 of The Big Event is a both-feet-first jump into the 49-Mile Makeover. #TotalSF founders Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight will be covering the existing 49-Mile Scenic Drive route on Sept. 4 by foot, bike, skates, bus - anything but a motor vehicle that they're piloting. They talk about their plans for a new route with reader help, air out the arguments they've been having and invite two experts — Kristine Poggioli and Carolyn Eidson, authors of "Walking San Francisco's 49-Mile Scenic Drive."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Rock" tribute — SF Cinema Greatest of All Time, with Audrey Cooper and Heather Knight Aug 29, 2019

Episode 92 of The Big Event is a tribute to "The Rock," the 1996 movie starring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery. Host Peter Hartlaub, Chronicle columnist Heather Knight and editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper induct the film into the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time - despite some reluctance from Cooper. The Chronicle will screen "The Rock" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, at the Balboa Theatre, as the second #TotalSF movie night. Buy tickets here.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Travolta interview — on fandom, history and "The Fanatic" Aug 26, 2019

Episode 91 of The Big Event is a John Travolta visit to The Chronicle. The actor goes through his archive photo file, talks about fandom and his new film “The Fanatic,” a drama/horror movie is about a horror movie fan who meets his hero and their tense encounter escalates into violence. Travolta says he learned early to be nice to fans. He also talks about his flying, his preference to give away memorabilia, his decision to shave his head and his approach to playing an on-the-spectrum man.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chuck Prophet interview — on music, SF and saluting The Rubinoos Aug 21, 2019

Episode 90 of The Big Event is a The Bands We Follow episode, with Chuck Prophet saluting a band he's been following since childhood — The Rubinoos. With host Peter Hartlaub and Chronicle pop music critic Aidin Vaziri conducting the interview, Prophet talks about his childhood, falling in love with San Francisco and his discovery in his early teens of The Rubinoos, a Berkeley based band that came up in the 1970s - putting out two amazing albums before their careers stalled. Now with Prophet as a co-writer and producer, The Rubinoos on Aug. 23, 2019 will release a new album, "From Home."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renel Brooks-Moon interview — SF Giants public address announcer Aug 13, 2019

Episode 89 of The Big Event is an interview with Renel Brooks-Moon, longtime Bay Area radio personality, and public address announcer for the San Francisco Giants since 1999. Brooks-Moon visits the Chronicle archive, to speak with host Peter Hartlaub about her early years at KMEL (and one year at KFRC with Dr. Donald D. Rose), her work as a Giants PA announcer and the influence of her father Nathaniel Brooks, an educator who in 1968 became the first black principal in San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49-Mile Makeover Part I: Scenic drive needs a reboot Aug 09, 2019

Episode 88 of The Big Event is an introduction to the 49-Mile Scenic Drive makeover, where host Peter Hartlaub and Chronicle columnist Heather Knight begin the process of looking at the 80-year-old path through San Francisco, and how to improve on it for S.F. residents in 2019. Hartlaub and Knight kick the project off by interviewing Eric Kingsbury, a San Franciscan who recently walked the entirety of the 49-Mile Scenic Drive. Kingsbury encountered a coyote and poison oak, and has many ideas to improve the path.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dwight Clark tribute, with Brian Murphy, Matt Maiocco and Brad Mangin Aug 05, 2019

Episode 87 of The Big Event is a tribute to Dwight Clark, the San Francisco 49ers great who died in 2018 after a battle with ALS. With the book "Letters to 87" coming out on Aug. 7, 2019, host Peter Hartlaub is joined by the book's editor and NBC Sports Bay Area 49ers reporter Matt Maiocco, KNBR host Brian Murphy and photographer Brad Mangin. The Dwight Clark fans share stories, history and talk about the book. More information at www.lettersto87.com

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ear Hustle co-hosts Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor Aug 01, 2019

Episode 85 of The Big Event is an interview with Ear Hustle co-hosts Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods, who created one of the biggest hits of the current podcast boom, bringing visitors inside San Quentin State Prison. After a tour in the Chronicle archive to look at old San Quentin photos, host Peter Hartlaub talks about Woods’ first months outside of prison, after his life sentence was commuted by Gov. Jerry Brown late last year. Hartlaub, Woods and Poor also talk about the changes during current Season 4, prison photography and Woods' impressions of the Bay Area. (Including his review of BART, which he rode solo for the first time on the way to the recording.)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sony Metreon 1999 tribute, with John King and Paolo Lucchesi Jul 25, 2019

Episode 84 of The Big Event is a tribute to the Sony Metreon, the 1999 mall that was supposed to redefine the urban entertainment experience, but failed within a few years. Host Peter Hartlaub is joined by San Francisco Chronicle Food editor Paolo Lucchesi (a teen who visited the Metreon in 1999) and Chronicle urban design critic John King (who wrote about it during its launch).

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Durst interview — on San Francisco, and his new Chronicle column Jul 22, 2019

Episode 83 of The Big Event is a conversation with Will Durst, who is about to start a new column with the San Francisco Chronicle. Durst, who has been involved in the Bay Area comedy scene since the 1970s, begins by interviewing host Peter Hartlaub. Then Hartlaub and Durst talk about the plans for the column, his history as a column writer and why Durst is still optimistic about San Francisco.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apollo 11 moon landing tribute with David Perlman Jul 15, 2019

Episode 82 of The Big Event is an interview with David Perlman, who covered the Apollo 11 moon landing for the San Francisco Chronicle on July 20, 1969. Science writer Perlman, 100, who retired from The Chronicle in 2017 at age 98, remembers what it was like near Mission Control in Houston, his expense report, the excitement in San Francisco and his thoughts about space travel in 2019. Perlman is interviewed by The Big Event host Peter Hartlaub, and guests Steve Rubenstein and Leah Garchik.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Golden Gate Park roller skating tribute, with David Miles Jr. Jul 11, 2019

Episode 81 of The Big Event is a history of the Skate Patrol and Golden Gate Park roller skating tribute with David Miles Jr., the park's "Sk8father" who has been made roller skating in San Francisco a career for most of the past 40 years. Miles Jr. talks about his first time in San Francisco, how he got involved with lobbying City Hall on behalf of skaters, and the group's plans for the 40th anniversary - with events from July 11-14..

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community.".

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan the Automator interview — on living in S.F. and "Always Be My Maybe" Jul 08, 2019

Episode 80 of The Big Event is an interview with Dan "the Automator" Nakamura, the San Francisco native who has made unexpected and memorable music with Handsome Boy Mordeling School, the Gorillaz and Dr. Octagon. Dan the Automator comes to the Chronicle archive studio to speak with host Peter Hartlaub with two new movie projects, helping shape the band Hello Peril's sound in the Netflix hit "Always Be My Maybe." He also composed the score for Olivia Wilde's "Booksmart."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Savage interview — The Big Event flashback Jul 04, 2019

In Episode 79 of The Big Event is a flashback episode to November 2018. TV star and maker Adam Savage joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about living in San Francisco, his past working in local theater and special effects, and his new Science Channel show "Mythbusters Jr." Savage, who worked on the original "Mythbusters" for 13 seasons, has lived in San Francisco for 30 years, He also talks about his favorite S.F. movie, his first day in San Francisco and his work as a child actor - including his appearance in the Billy Joel video for "Second Wind (You're Only Human)."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Rice interview — The Big Event flashback Jun 26, 2019

This bonus flashback The Big Event episode is a 2018 interview with 49ers great Jerry Rice, who appears in the documentary "In Search of Greatness," now available for download on iTunes and Amazon. The wide receiver talks to host Peter Hartlaub about his first trip into S.F. to be introduced as a 49er - also his first time in a plane - and his continued love for the fans.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonas Rivera interview — "Toy Story 4" producer and Oakland A's superfan Jun 17, 2019

Episode 77 of The Big Event is an interview with Jonas Rivera, producer of Pixar's "Toy Story 4," which is out on June 21. Rivera started working as a Pixar intern before the original "Toy Story" came out, and won Academy Awards for producing "Up" and "Inside Out." He's also a lifetime Bay Area resident and Oakland Athletics superfan. Chronicle Oakland A's beat writer Susan Slusser joins the discussion.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oracle Arena tribute, with Ann Killion and Demian Bulwa Jun 12, 2019

Episode 76 of The Big Event is a tribute to Oracle Arena, home of the Golden State Warriors for most of the last half century, and premiere Bay Area concert venue. Host Peter Hartlaub is joined by two more longtime Bay Area residents, Chronicle sports columnist Ann Killion and metro editor Demian Bulwa. They talk Oracle Arena history, favorite moments, and what the legacy will be after the Warriors move back to San Francisco later this year.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Talbot and Jimmie Fails interview — "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" Jun 04, 2019

“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” director Joe Talbot and star Jimmie Fails come to The Big Event archive studio to talk about the scrappy road to making the indie movie that the longtime friends co-wrote. Host Peter Hartlaub asks about the 5-year production of the film, and the struggles (and heartwarming joy) of relying on the kindness of strangers for location scouting. And Hartlaub, Talbot and Fails all share their Danny Glover stories. The S.F.-based actor is a star in the film.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taron Egerton interview — "Rocketman" star talks about Elton John and visiting S.F. Jun 02, 2019

Episode 73 of The Big Event is an interview with Taron Egerton, who plays Elton John in the new biopic "Rocketman." Host Peter Hartlaub talks asks Egerton about his friendship with Elton John, his approach to singing classic songs and what memorabilia he kept from the "Rocketman" shoot. (It's big, and going in his kitchen.)

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF Live! with Amanda Guest, Emily Silverman, Tara Ramroop and Eugenia Chien May 28, 2019

A crossover episode of The Big Event and San Francisco City Insider podcasts, recorded live on May 16, 2019, at the Betabrand Podcast Theater in the Mission District. San Francisco Chronicle pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight interview BFF.fm online radio founder Amanda Guest, The Nocturnists podcast host Dr. Emily Silverman and Muni Diaries co-hosts Tara Ramroop and Eugenia Chien.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks on the album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penelope Houston interview — the Avengers singer, on performing and punk rock history May 20, 2019

Episode 72 of The Big Event is an interview with Penelope Houston, lead singer of the legendary 1970s punk band the Avengers. Houston joins host Peter Hartlaub and Chronicle music critic Aidin Vaziri to talk about San Francisco, her solo career (including most recent album "On Market Street"), and her work at the S.F. Public Library, where she's curating a punk rock archive. And she talks about why she still enjoys touring with the Avengers and singing the old songs, which still have relevance in 2019. .More information about Penelope Houston at www.penelope.net

Producer by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" from the Sunset Shipwrecks, off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Game" tribute — SF Cinema Greatest of all Time, with Beth Spotswood May 14, 2019

Episode 70 of The Big Event is a tribute to the 1997 movie "The Game," by David Fincher. Chronicle columnist Beth Spotswood and The Big Event host Peter Hartlaub celebrate the greatness of the movie, name a few flaws, discuss David Fincher's dislike for the film (and whether that matters) and estimate how much a real-life The Game would cost.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off the album "Community"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leah Garchik interview — Chronicle columnist on her 47-year career May 01, 2019

Chronicle columnist Leah Garchik announced in her May 1 column that in June, she will leave the newspaper after 47 years. Host Peter Hartlaub and reporter Steve Rubenstein sat down with Garchik to talk about her first day in San Francisco, her beginnings as a columnist and what she plans to do next.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaseem Bentley interview — San Francisco comedian and his new album "Lakeview" Apr 30, 2019

Kaseem Bentley, the son of a Muni bus driver, moved to Los Angeles a couple years ago. But he came back to record his debut comedy album, "Lakeview," filled with crowd interactions, storytelling and seemingly endless Bay Area references, from the 5 Fulton bus to the Serramonte Mall.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Art Spander interview — sports writer has covered Warriors since 1965 Apr 25, 2019

Episode 69 of The Big Event is a conversation with Art Spander, the former San Francisco Chronicle journalist who started covering the Warriors for the newspaper in 1965. Now in his 80s, Spander continues to cover the team for his web site www.artspander.com. The sports reporter talks about his beginnings as a reporter in 1960, and why he has no intentions to retire.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. The Big Event theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bands We Follow — The Avett Brothers, with Ann Killion Apr 15, 2019

Episode 68 of The Big Event is The Bands We Follow with San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Ann Killion. Killion talks to host Peter Hartlaub about The Avett Brothers, who she has seen in concert 20 times since son introduced her to the band. She also talks about her father Leo, who wrote a hit song in the 1940s, her early sports fandom and her path to becoming a sports columnist.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. The Big Event theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Tribute to the Richmond District, with Heather Knight, Supervisor Sandra Fewer and more Apr 09, 2019

Episode 67 of The Big Event is a tribute to the Richmond District. Recorded at the historic Balboa Theatre before their screening of "So I Married an Axe Murderer," host Peter Hartlaub and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight interview Supervisor Sandra Fewer, former Green Apple Books co-owner Kevin Hunsanger, Balboa owner Adam Bergeron, Richmond resident and affordable housing analyst Sophie Hayward and Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper.

Recorded at the Balboa Theatre in San Francisco..

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Pritchard interview — SF comedian rejected Hollywood for social work Apr 01, 2019

Episode 66 of The Big Event is an interview with Michael Pritchard, a Bay Area comedian and social worker. Pritchard was one of the biggest rising stars in the early 1980s, winning the San Francisco International Comedy Competition in 1980 and appearing on "The Tonight Show" the following year. But Pritchard rejected Hollywood to work in juvenile halls, with the homeless and in anti-bullying programs. Pritchard joined host Peter Hartlaub and reporter Kevin Fagan, who has gotten to know Pritchard covering homelessness for The Chronicle. More info at www.michaelpritchard.com

Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle basement archive.

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"So I Married an Axe Murderer" tribute, with Audrey Cooper and Heather Knight Mar 21, 2019

Episode 66 of The Big Event is a tribute to the 1993 San Francisco movie "So I Married an Axe Murderer," which was filled with strife during production and was a box office disaster, but has endured as a classic. San Francisco Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight join host Peter Hartlaub to induct "Axe Murderer" in the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time.

Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle basement archive.

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Neighborhood theater tribute, with Heather Knight and Adam Bergeron Mar 07, 2019

Episode 65 of The Big Event is a tribute to San Francisco's neighborhood theaters, past and present. Balboa and Vogue theater proprietor Adam Bergeron joins host Peter Hartlaub and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight to talk about their first theater memories, talk San Francisco theater history and announce a new Total SF event. "So I Married an Axe Murderer" screens 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the Balboa - with a special The Big Event "Tribute to the Richmond District" podcast recorded in the lobby beginning at 6:30 p.m., and other surprises. Buy tickets here.

Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle basement archive.

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soleil Ho interview - new San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic Feb 25, 2019

Episode 64 of The Big Event is an interview with new San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic Soleil Ho. Food editor Paolo Lucchesi and host Peter Hartlaub speak with Ho about her upcoming first reviews, her background as a writer and cultural critic, how writing on culture and race will fit into her food coverage and how she'd been managing to review restaurants without driving. Ho also tries her first It's It ice cream treat live on the podcast ... with devastating results for her host.

Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle basement archive.

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Best and Worst Muni Lines, Part 1 Feb 14, 2019

In Episode 62 of The Big Event, Muni thought leader MC Allen and Chronicle San Francisco columnist Heather Knight join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the best and worst Muni lines in the city. Inspired by Total Muni 2018, where Knight and Hartlaub rode every Muni line in one day, Allen spent last summer traveling on every Muni line end to end with his children. The group discusses what makes a good and bad Muni line, and break down the best, worst and most scenic Muni lines in S.F.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Thorn interview - with Lee Thorn and Kevin Fagan Feb 11, 2019

In Episode 61 of The Big Event, Jesse Thorn, host of NPR's "Bullseye," owner of the Maximum Fun podcasting network and San Francisco native, comes to the archive podcasting studio. We also invited his dad, protester, activist and frequent Chronicle article subject Lee Thorn. Jesse talks about his foundational San Francisco years at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, building his podcast network and why he still reps the Bay Area hard - even though he lives in Los Angeles. Lee Thorn and Kevin Fagan talk about Lee's activism, including a trip they took to Laos to install the internet in a remote village. And we learn how art and service intersect with the father and son.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tribute to S.F. Snow Day 1976 - History and Stories with Bill Fox and Bill Van Niekerken Feb 05, 2019

In Episode 60 of The Big Event, ex-SFPD officer, photographer and "Lands End" author Bill Fox joins host Peter Hartlaub snd Chronicle librarian Bill Van Niekerken to talk about Feb. 5, 1976 - the last time it snowed in S.F.. Burlingame natives Hartlaub and Van Niekerken have their own memories of the event. But Fox was getting off his shift as a cop and took some stunning photos from his Diamond Heights home. San Francisco snow history and all-time favorite 49ers players are also discussed.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My First Car - Chronicle Storytelling, with Lizzie Johnson and Susan Slusser Jan 28, 2019

In Episode 59 of The Big Event, Chronicle fire reporter Lizzie Johnson and Oakland A's beat reporter Susan Slusser join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about their first cars. After a beginning segment interviewing Johnson about her 2018 wildfire coverage - Dairy Queens, fire suits and Guy Fieri are covered - the reporters tell the stories of their 2000s Toyota Corolla, 1973 Plymouth Valiant and 1962 1/2 Chevy II Nova, and how the first cars they ever owned shaped their lives.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: The Total Muni Baby Interview Jan 21, 2019

In Episode 58 of The Big Event - and our fifth Total Muni episode - Chronicle reader Connor Skelly (and his infant son Finn!) talks about his Total Muni project - riding every Muni line with a baby. Inspired by The Big Event host Peter Hartlaub and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight, With baby in tow, Skelly talks about developing immunity by riding Muni, that time on the 38 Geary that a priest blessed his baby and then Peter, Heather and Connor pick their favorite Muni lines of all time..

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Perlman interview - Happy 100th Birthday Dr. Dave Jan 16, 2019

In Episode 57 of The Big Event, Chronicle science writer emeritus talks about his incredible San Francisco Chronicle career, which began in 1940 and ended with his retirement in 2017 at age 98. Perlman is joined at his San Francisco home by host Peter Hartlaub, and reporters Kevin Fagan and Steve Rubenstein. He gives his thoughts about science deniers, talks about how he became a science writer, his memories covering the AIDS epidemic with Randy Shilts and why he wishes he was still in the newsroom right now.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Burrito Stories, Part II, with Burrito Justice and Heather Knight Jan 10, 2019

In Episode 56 of The Big Event, San Francisco burrito expert and historian Burrito Justice join San Francisco columnist Heather Knight and host Peter Hartlaub, to talk about first burritos, best burritos and Burrito Law. The group also covers some burrito history, and the origin story of Burrito Justice - how he got his name, and why he maintains mostly anonymous (except during his welcome burrito delivery during Total Muni 2018).

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paula Poundstone interview - Paula returns to The Big Event! Dec 26, 2018

In Episode 54 of The Big Event, Paula Poundstone is our first returning celebrity guest - coming to The Big Event archive studio in advance of her New Year's Eve show at the Nourse Auditorium. Poundstone talks about previous New Year's Eve shows in San Francisco, the genius of Dana Carvey, her new podcast "Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone" and her continued enjoyment of S.F., where Poundstone is now a regular on New Year's Eve.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Savage interview - "Mythbusters Jr." and living in S.F. Dec 19, 2018

In Episode 53 of The Big Event, TV star and maker Adam Savage joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about living in San Francisco, his past working in local theater and special effects, and his new Science Channel show "Mythbusters Jr." Savage, who worked on the original "Mythbusters" for 13 seasons, has lived in San Francisco for 30 years, He also talks about his favorite S.F. movie, his first day in San Francisco and his work as a child actor - including his appearance in the Billy Joel video for "Second Wind (You're Only Human)."

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Princess Diaries" - SF Cinema GOAT with Kevin Fagan and Tony Bravo Dec 13, 2018

In Episode 52 of The Big Event, host Peter Hartlaub is joined by San Francisco Chronicle reporter Kevin Fagan and Style reporter Tony Bravo to pay tribute to "The Princess Diaries." The 2001 film, set in San Francisco, features Anne Hathaway as an awkward girl who finds out she's a princess - and Julie Andrews as her grandmother and queen. The Garry Marshall film was not embraced by critics, but Bravo, Fagan and Hartlaub make an argument it's an excellent S.F. film, and worthy of S.F. Cinema Greatest of All Time inclusion.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry Jenkins interview - "If Beale Street Could Talk" Dec 10, 2018

In Episode 51 of The Big Event, "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk" director Barry Jenkins comes to the San Francisco Chronicle to speak with host Peter Hartlaub about his new movie - and the eight years he spent living in San Francisco. Jenkins worked in telemarketing before making "Medicine for Melancholy," his debut film shot in San Francisco. After a Best Picture Academy Award win for "Moonlight" in 2017, "Beale Street" is getting strong awards season acclaim.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Sbrocco interview - "Check, Please! Bay Area" Nov 20, 2018

In Episode 50 of The Big Event, "Check, Please! Bay Area" host Leslie Sbrocco joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the show's origins, why they ply guests with wine before a show, her sparkling wine-themed tattoo and the new "Check, Please! Bay Area Kids" four-part special. The KQED show is in the middle of its 13th season.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Cable car gripman Val Lupiz interview Nov 16, 2018

In Episode 49 of The Big Event, host Peter Hartlaub and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight are joined by their cable car friends from Total Muni 2018 - Val Lupiz, Jeremy Whiteman and Frank Zepeda. Peter and Heather announce their latest Total SF project, sponsoring an S.F. cable car for a charity event. And they interview Lupiz, a 20-year gripman who met his wife on a cable car, and has other fun stories.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub.

Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Rice interview - "In Search of Greatness" Nov 02, 2018

Episode 48 of The Big Event is an interview with San Francisco 49ers great Jerry Rice, who appears in the new documentary "In Search of Greatness." The wide receiver talks to host Peter Hartlaub about the little things that set him apart, his "nerdy" childhood and the reason why he decided not to celebrate in the end zone. They also look through the San Francisco Chronicle "Jerry Rice" photo file, and Rice tells stories about his first trip into San Francisco to be introduced as a 49er - also his first time in a plane - and his continued love for the fans.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Burrito Stories: An afternoon of S.F. burrito history and storytelling Oct 31, 2018

Episode 47 of The Big Event is a discussion of burritos in San Francisco, including the history of the Mission-style burrito, discussions about Chipotle and the Pacifica Taco Bell - the most beautiful Taco Bell in the world. Host Peter Hartlaub welcomes San Francisco Chronicle food editor Paolo Lucchesi and editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper to discuss the best burritos they've ever eaten, and burrito etiquette.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks on their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rami Malek interview: "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Malek, Joseph Mazzello and Gwilym Lee Oct 24, 2018

Episode 46 of The Big Event features "Bohemian Rhapsody" stars Rami Malek, Joseph Mazzello and Gwilym Lee drop by The Big Event archive studio to talk about what it was like to play Freddie Mercury, Brian May and John Deacon in the new biopic. They also talk with host Peter Hartlaub about California earthquakesm the 1985 Live Aid concert and make a dramatic reading of the San Francisco Chronicle's scathing first Queen reviews from 1976 and 1980.

Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle basement archive.

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks off their album "Community."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Night of the Living Deadline Halloween Challenge Oct 03, 2018

On the latest episode of "The Big Event," host Peter Hartlaub is joined by Tony Bravo, Heather Knight and Jill Tucker to talk about their best and worst Halloween costumes over the years - and discuss Night of the Living Deadline, a Chronicle costume build chosen by readers and executed by Chronicle staff. The group argues whether to include Laughing Sal, the Vaillancourt Fountain and Millennium Tower among the finalists.

Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle’s basement archive.

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks. Opening signature by Leah Garchik.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Inside Out” – SF Cinema GOAT with Audrey Cooper and Heather Knight Sep 28, 2018

Episode 43 of The Big Event podcast inducts “Inside Out” in the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time. Host Peter Hartlaub is joined by Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper and columnist Heather Knight, who talk about the subtle genius of the 2015 Pete Docter film, what it’s like to raise kids in San Francisco (where Riley moves to in “Inside Out”) and why this qualifies as one of the greatest S.F. films made. They also rank their favorite Pixar films, including … “Planes 2”?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Tourist traps we like, Part II Sep 20, 2018

Episode 42 of The Big Event celebrates the best tourist traps in San Francisco, with reader feedback from our first episode, and a brutal rundown of our journey to Hard Rock Café at Pier 39 after the first tourist traps episode. Hosted by Peter Hartlaub. We also prepare for Sept. 26, which will be the first Tourist Trap Day in San Francisco, where readers and listeners are invited to visit their favorite S.F. tourist traps – or ones they’ve been wanting to check out. Peter and Heather Knight will be visiting reader tourist trap picks all day. #GetTrapped #TotalSF

Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle’s basement archive.

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks. Opening signature by Leah Garchik.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan Yanehiro and Richard Hart interview – “Evening Magazine” tribute Sep 17, 2018

Episode 41 of The Big Event podcast is a tribute to the original “Evening Magazine,” the innovative TV newsmagazine that began in 1976 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hosts Jan Yanehiro (1976 to 1990) and Richard Hart (1979 to 1989) worked together for a decade during the show’s original run, and continue as colleagues at the Academy of Art University, where Yanehiro is the director of the School of Communications & Media Technologies. While happily reminiscing about “Evening” (the parties were apparently incredible), they also talk about the state of journalism and innovations going on today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not dead yet ... The Big Event is back! Sep 13, 2018

In a bonus episode of The Big Event, host Peter Hartlaub is happy to announce the podcast is back after our Apple Podcasts near-death experience, and ready to finish September strong. Heather Knight joins the conversation to talk about how her podcast City Insider benefited from the disaster, the triumphant return, and what’s up next on The Big Event.

Recorded in the San Francisco Chronicle’s basement archive.

Theme music is "The Tide Will Rise" by the Sunset Shipwrecks. Opening signature by Leah Garchik.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Joy Luck Club” tribute with Vanessa Hua Aug 30, 2018

"A River of Stars" author Vanessa Hua joins host Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight to induct "The Joy Luck Club" in the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bands We Follow – The Jam and Y&T, with Susan Slusser Aug 23, 2018

Susan Slusser joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the bands they follow, including Paul Weller/The Jam and hard rock band Y&T.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total SF: Tourist traps we like, with Heather Knight and Paolo Lucchesi Aug 16, 2018

San Francisco columnist Heather Knight and food editor Paolo Lucchesi join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the S.F. tourist traps they tolerate and even like.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Proops interview – The Big Event flashback Jul 26, 2018

Comedian Greg Proops joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk San Francisco comedy and Bay Area nostalgia.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Sister Act” – SF Cinema GOAT with Tony Bravo and Beth Spotswood Jul 19, 2018

Tony Bravo and Beth Spotswood join host Peter Hartlaub to induct "Sister Act" into the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal interview Jul 13, 2018

"Blindspotting" co-writers and stars Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the new film set in Oakland.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bay Area drive-in tribute with Tony Bravo and Jill Tucker Jul 05, 2018

Chronicle style reporter Tony Bravo and education reporter Jill Tucker join host Peter Hartlaub to pay tribute to drive-in movie culture in the Bay Area.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boots Riley interview, with Lakeith Stanfield Jun 28, 2018

"Sorry to Bother You" writer/director Boots Riley and actor Lakeith Stanfield join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the new film set in Oakland.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Milk" - SF Cinema GOAT with Audrey Cooper and Heather Knight Jun 21, 2018

Chronicle editor-in-chief Audrey Cooper and San Francisco columnist Heather Knight join host Peter Hartlaub to induct "Milk" into the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jello Biafra interview Jun 13, 2018

Former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra joins host Peter Hartlaub and sports editor Al Saracevic to talk about his politics, sports, San Francisco and his upcoming 60th birthday.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Durst interview May 24, 2018

San Francisco comedians Will Durst and Debi Durst join host Peter Hartlaub and Chronicle columnist Heather Knight to talk comedy history, and why they still love San Francisco.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alden Ehrenreich interview May 04, 2018

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" actor Alden Ehrenreich joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about his role in the new movie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total Muni 2018, Part IV: Requiem for a Felton May 03, 2018

Chronicle columnist Heather Knight joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about Total Muni 2018, their successful attempt to ride every Muni line in one day.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total Muni 2018, Part III: "It's a Better Story if You Fail Miserably" Apr 27, 2018

Chronicle columnist Heather Knight and photographer Jessica Christian join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about their attempt to ride every Muni line in one day.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Henry Winkler interview Apr 15, 2018

Actor Henry Winkler joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio to talk about his new show "Barry" on HBO, and take a trip down memory lane as well.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Total Muni 2018, Part II: No turning back, and Lou Seal is coming Apr 13, 2018

Chronicle columnist Heather Knight joins host Peter Hartlaub in The Big Event podcast studio to talk about their upcoming attempt to ride every Muni line in one day. A date has been set for April 30, 2018, and a final route is nearly complete.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SF Giants Opening Day in 1958 Apr 03, 2018

Chronicle librarian Bill Van Niekerken joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio to talk about the 1958 Opening Day for the San Francisco Giants, and answer reader questions about the archive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marine World tribute with Jill Tucker Mar 08, 2018

Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about covering the 2017 Wine Country Fires, and then pay tribute to the 1970s/1980s amusement park Marine World Africa U.S.A.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Peele interview Feb 26, 2018

"Get Out" writer/director Jordan Peele joins host Peter Hartlaub to talk about the success of that movie, and his favorite San Francisco-based thrillers.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry Baer interview; Total Muni 2018, Part I Feb 23, 2018

San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer and Chronicle columnist Heather Knight join host Peter Hartlaub in The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Birds" - SF Cinema Greatest of All Time Feb 19, 2018

San Francisco Chronicle style reporter Tony Bravo and Chronicle columnist/Alta Journal digital editor Beth Spotswood join host Peter Hartlaub in The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Photographing Warriors with Scott Strazzante and Carlos Avila Gonzalez Feb 08, 2018

San Francisco Chronicle photographers Scott Strazzante and Carlos Avila Gonzalez join host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio in the Chronicle's basement archive, to talk about what it's like to photograph Warriors games.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mo Willems interview Jan 30, 2018

Children's book author Mo Willems joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Mrs. Doubtfire” - SF Cinema Greatest of All Time Jan 25, 2018

San Francisco Chronicle style reporter Tony Bravo and columnist Beth Spotswood join host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

W. Kamau Bell interview Jan 11, 2018

Comedian W. Kamau Bell of "United Shades of America" joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paula Poundstone interview Jan 04, 2018

Comedian Paula Poundstone joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle basement archive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best hangover destinations of the Bay Area Nov 30, 2017

Our experts discuss what makes a good restaurant for hangover food, and where you should go in the Bay Area when you're hung over - or coming down after a hard night of drinking.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Moneyball” - SF Cinema Greatest of All Time Nov 29, 2017

The Big Event inducts "Moneyball" into the SF Cinema Greatest of All Time. San Francisco Chronicle A's beat writer Susan Slusser visits and talks about her experiences covering the team during the Moneyball years and filming of the movie. Peter Hartlaub talks about the backlash after giving "Moneyball" a lukewarm review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Bay Area story: The hardware store and the fire Nov 29, 2017

Families lost nearly everything in the North Bay fires, but at a hardware store in Santa Rosa, remaining open despite a lack of power, gratitude and empathy prevail.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronicle ranks the It’s Its Nov 28, 2017

We rank the It's It ice cream sandwiches from best to worst, and talk about the legacy of the old school Bay Area company - which has added pumpkin spice and green tea flavors.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Proops interview Nov 28, 2017

Comedian Greg Proops joins host Peter Hartlaub at The Big Event podcast studio, in the San Francisco Chronicle's basement archive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Zodiac" - SF Cinema Greatest of All Time Nov 17, 2017

The Big Event inducts David Fincher's 2007 movie "Zodiac" into the podcast's SF Cinema greatest of all time hall of fame. San Francisco Chronicle pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub is joined by Chronicle Zodiac death writer Kevin Fagan and columnist Beth Spotswood.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected