It's the time of year for Padres fans' favorite words: Play ball!

On today's arts and culture show, we get a peak into Padres Opening Day and hear from a Carlsbad chef in the running for a major award.

Plus, our Midday Movies critics highlight women directors for Women's History Month, from trailblazers to emerging new voices.

Then, the weekend preview of upcoming events in the music scene.

Guests:

• Jacob Aere, producer, KPBS
• Eric Bost, chef and owner of several Carlsbad restaurants
• Beth Accomando, arts reporter, KPBS
• Yazdi Pithavala, host, Moviewallas
• Julia Dixon Evans, arts reporter, KPBS

Laughter and joy have always been central to the Black experience.

The '90s especially were a golden era for Black comedy. But it didn't just start then — there were others that paved the way for shows like Living Color, Martin, and A Different World.

The truth is: Black comedians have always shaped culture and civic discourse in America.

We sit down with broadcaster and author Geoff Bennett to talk about his new book, "Black Out Loud," which explores Black comedy's history and cultural influence.

Guest:

• Geoff Bennett, co-anchor of PBS NewsHour, author of "Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms"

Across the country, hundreds of thousands of children are living in the foster care system.

It's an experience that author David Ambroz knows all too well.

In his memoir, "A Place Called Home," Ambroz recounts his experiences in and out of the poverty cycle — growing up homeless and later unprotected in the foster care system.

In spite of these harrowing experiences, his memoir is also a story about love, strength and solutions.

We sit down with Ambroz ahead of an upcoming appearance at the San Diego Writer's Festival.

Guest:

• David Ambroz, child welfare expert and author, "A Place Called Home"