AZPM

Arizona Spotlight

Arts EN ↓ 121 episodes

Rich in the fundamental elements of creativity and freedom, Southern Arizona is home to an arts scene that defies expectation. Each week, Arizona Spotlight explores the local creative community, including interviews with visiting performers and people around the country who are making important connections through art. The goal is to seek out and celebrate our shared humanity. Produced and hosted by Emmy award-winner Mark McLemore.

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Episodes

"Gabrielle Giffords: Won't Back Down" tells the story of a survivor who doesn't look back, but who must still acknowledge the past. 08.01.2026 27:23

A conversation with Julie Cohen and Betsy West, the directors of the documentary Gabby Giffords: Won't Back Down. Also on Arizona Spotlight: Dr. Fabi Hirsch-Kruse shares her pride over playing a part in Gabby Giffords' ongoing journey; and what Homicide Survivors Incorporated offers to a community in need.

Going the Distance, Part Two! 18.12.2025 33:07

Father and daughter join forces to ride their bicycles across the country. A University of Arizona student uses Kazakhtan as a fascinating classroom, and married flight attendants share their story about traveling the world.

A conversation with NPR's best known voice: Terry Gross. 11.12.2025 33:07

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Live Theatre Workshop invites you to spend "A Year with Frog and Toad"; and Saguaro City Music Theatre brings optimism personified to the stage with "Annie".

Frida's Garden at The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a place for inspiration to grow. 04.12.2025 27:46

Also on Arizona Spotlight:A church in Douglas, rises from the ashes of an arson; visit a place in Tucson honoring Frida Kahlo; hear an essay that highlights the simplicity of taking a walk and listen to memories of growing up on the Rillito River.

"Listening is an act of love." 27.11.2025 28:00

A Story Corps mobile recording booth recently visited Tucson, here is just a small sample of what they heard from us.

The best of the greatest hits of the Wobo Show: physical theater meets child's play. 20.11.2025 38:48

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A new book commemorates the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald; storyteller Curt Beall shares about his AIDS experience and finding new hope in Tucson; and some voices from the All Souls Procession.

What role did the Southwest region play in The American Revolution? 13.11.2025 30:06

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "We Walk in Beauty: Native American Photographs and Words"; Chris Dashiell on the Mexican film "No Nos Moveran"; and musician Clay Dudash talks about his band The Manor Born, and the DUSK Music Festival.

"Stop putting us through this": The Tucson community copes with the food insecurity crisis. 06.11.2025 27:25

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A hit-and-run acident takes the lives of three UA students;William Shatner brings "The Wrath of Khan" to Tucson; and remembering Diane Ladd.

Tucson Roller Derby might not be the safest sport, but it is a safe space 31.10.2025 28:20

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Rogue Theatre defies expectations with "Cloud Nine"; and remembering Tucson artist and Holocaust survivor Chris Tanz.

"Si Pudiera Quedarme" (If I Can Stay) tells the story of two women seeking asylum from deportation 24.10.2025 32:23

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue" brings a new spin to beloved characters; understanding the needs of native plants during drought; and Diane Keaton remembered.

The Steinfeld Gallery and Studios presents "A Gorgeous Excitement" 16.10.2025 27:47

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Poet and author Tracy K. Smith to visit the Tucson Humanities Festival; Owl and Panther celebrates 30 years of hope; and one man's journey to becoming a full-time "worm wrangler".

The myths and monsters of Ray Harryhausen arrive in Tucson 09.10.2025 30:50

Visit a traveling exhibition at the Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures that celebrates the groundbreaking special effects created by a filmmaking legend, the late Ray Harryhausen. Mark talks with Harryhausen's daughter Vanessa, and the curator of this one-of-a-kind collection, Connor Heaney. Also on Arizona Spotlight: Composer Evan Walker discusses "Dead White Man Music"; and PCC's "Night of t...

Arizona Theatre Company's "Deceived" takes gaslighting to a whole new level 02.10.2025 35:17

Also on Arizona Spotlight: For 60 years, The Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter has offered hope to felines and humans in need; and a gold medal Olympian Carrie Bates shares her story of addiction and recovery.

Hidden Voices 25.09.2025 27:37

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Building bridges through interfaith connections; the documentary "Stripped for Parts" looks at the current state of the news business; and iconic Tucson cafe "The Little One" serves its final dish.

How the trauma of living through the Holocaust is felt across generations. 18.09.2025 27:37

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet the host of a new podcast dedicated to building a stronger Arizona community; and the story of a beloved dog named Betty that takes a surprising turn.

Go below decks with "Ship" at Live Theater Workshop, a quirky new play about a young woman charting a course to adulthood. 22.08.2025 29:33

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Weekend Edition Sunday" host Ayesha Rascoe on the current reality facing NPR; and storyteller Sharon Wysocki tells how her art project went viral way back in the '90s.

"Music is a healing force." Meet the host of Papa Ray's Vintage Vinyl Roadshow. 14.08.2025 32:43

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How "Say One Thing" is helping to heal the Tucson community; an essay by nature writer, Rebekah Doyle; and behind the scenes at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's Raptor Free Flight Program.

80 years since atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, commemorating the victims and survivors. 07.08.2025 30:32

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Poet Joshua Lillie previews his new collection, "Small Talk Symphony".

Is television watching us? "TV's American Dream: U.S. Television after the Great Recession". 31.07.2025 29:54

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Vera C. Rubin Observatory begins to peer through space and time; and memories of growing up unsupervised in the 1950s.

"Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats"--Why Courtney Gustafson's book is resonating with more than just cat lovers. 24.07.2025 32:46

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Set sail for NPR's podcast, "Sea Camp"; and a new book makes native plant gardening in the Southwest accessible to all.

Exploring "Observational Ecology" with Alan Ruiz Berman 17.07.2025 31:24

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Local grassroots theater group debuts a new comedy/mystery; and how a local middle school teacher reclaimed her life after a tragic illness.

"Hidden Voices" reveals empathy and compassion on the streets of Tucson 10.07.2025 26:45

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Building bridges through interfaith connections; and the spiritual creations of artist, Quinton Antone.

The documentary "Final Vows" looks at a way of life that is disappearing 03.07.2025 25:17

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Retired Tucson architect Paula Holmes celebrates 100 years; and "Stories that Soar!" shares an amphibious love story.

The A.R.F.F. Program: How shelter dogs are helping people living with aphasia 26.06.2025 40:17

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Sharing memories of "The Twilight Zone" with Joseph Dougherty, author of "Rod Serling at 100".

The art of "Kindred Spirits: Honoring Animals in Death" 19.06.2025 29:00

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Katrina Kerstetter shares how she brought back things she learned in South Korea to help make Southern Arizona a better place.