Arts and Culture

Today Paul Pepper visits with JOE POLACCO, author, "Vina, A Brooklyn Memoir." Joe tells us how this tribute to his Italian mother came to be, and what he learned about her after her death. Plus, find out where you can meet Joe in person next Monday! At [5:12] JANE WHITESIDES, Executive Director, Missouri Symphony Society, invites everyone to this year's annual "Symphony of Toys" concert at the Missouri Theatre! With an appearance by Santa Claus, audience caroling, a "performance" by notable Columbians (including our esteemed host) and more, this event is sure to delight the whole family! December 12, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with DR. NOEL BARTLOW, Assistant Professor, MU Department of Geological Sciences, about "geodesy," which is the study of the Earth's changing shape. Dr. Bartlow tells us how she applies this knowledge to the forecasting of earthquakes, as well as how early warning technology can benefit some transportation methods - watch!  December 9, 2016

Today Paul Pepper welcomes back MARIE ROBERTSON, Director/Co-owner of Dancearts. Marie tells us why she thinks a lot of adults choose to dance, and why Dancearts is a perfect place for those just starting out. At [3:05] JOHN BAKER, Executive Director, Community Foundation for Central Missouri, talks about this season's CoMoGives campaign. 92 local organizations could benefit from your generous donation this year; and giving is just a click away! Watch for details. December 8, 2016

Today Paul Pepper welcomes back MELANIE KNOCKE and REX BELTZ, who are fresh off their trip aboard NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, a modified Boeing 747 with a 100" telescope on board. Melanie and Rex take us behind the scenes of this "trip of a lifetime," which consisted of two, almost 10-hour flights off the coast of Southern California. December 7, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with NICK FOSTER, Executive Director, Voluntary Action Center, about the many Christmas-related programs underway this month at VAC. If you're interested providing a cushion for any potential "curveballs" in someone less fortunate's life, there's still time to volunteer or make a donation! At [3:23] DR. JOHN JARSTAD, Assoc. Prof. of Clinical Ophthalmology, MU Health Care, talks about LASIK eye surgery: what's the difference between that and cataract surgery? Why choose one over the other? Dr. Jarstad has the answers! December 6, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with Capital City Productions actress TORI STEPANEK about their latest production, "A Christmas Spectacular"! Locally written and produced, this show features the nine cast members playing themselves as well as other characters. Tori says, "think 1960s 'Judy Garland Christmas Special'." At [2:57] authors CATHERINE and RICHARD STICKANN tell us about their new book, 'Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives: The American Story'. Based on accounts from "primary sources," this book follows three men who travel west from New York to Colorado in search of mining opportunities during the Civil War. December 5, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with ALEX GEORGE, Director/Founder of the  Unbound Book Festival, about what to expect in year #2! If you attended this year's festival, the first, you'll be excited to know that not only is it coming back, but that nationally known author Salman Rushdie will be a featured speaker! Watch for details! December 2, 2016

Today Paul Pepper and KAY GLASS talk about what to expect at this year's Calvary Episcopal Church Bazaar. Famous for the "church mice," this popular, one-day-only bazaar also features a country breakfast, handmade items, a raffle, bakery and more! Watch for details! At [4:39] ED HANSON, Artistic Director, Talking Horse Productions, invites everyone to come see 'Stud Ducks,' a "hilarious comedy" about one man's love for his family and the extent to which he goes for his daughter and grandson. December 1, 2016

Today Paul Pepper welcomes back local barbershop quartet, the Boone County Hams! They give us a sneak preview of this Saturday's "Harmony for the Holidays" concert at Missouri Theatre, performing "O Come All Ye Faithful" [2:30] and "Mary Had a Baby" [6:23]  - watch! November 30, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with JENTRY MILLS, Marketing Director for Epoch Health, about "Swings for Screens," a nonprofit corporation that provides free health screenings to all men who might otherwise go unchecked. Jentry says this program has been known to catch high cholesterol, prostate cancer, proper liver function, vitamin deficiency and more. Watch for details! At [4:11] TODD DAVISON, Artistic Director of Maples Rep Theatre and actor DON RICHARD, invite everyone to come see "My Three Angels," a family comedy about three convicts on a French penal colony on Christmas Eve in the early 20th century. November 29, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with NANCY GRIGGS about this weekend's annual Holiday Home Tour! This is your chance to kick-start the holiday season by immersing yourself in the celebrated pastime of decorating, all while raising money for the Women's Symphony League. Two well-known Columbia homes are on the tour - watch for details! At [4:32] CHRIS CAMPBELL, Executive Director the Boone County Historical Society, invites everyone to their 'Country Holiday Concert,' starring Columbia's own Sutu Forte on piano and Nashville's own Jake Clayton on everything else! There are two chances to see what's being described as a "big, fun and energetic" holiday concert. November 28, 2016

Today Paul Pepper welcomes back BARBARA BUFFALOE, Sustainability Manager at the City of Columbia! It's officially the holiday season, and before you know it, you'll be wrapping gifts for friends and family. If you're wanting to keep the process environmentally-friendly, then watch for Barbara's tips on how to keep it 'green'! (She also delves into how to keep our home energy costs down without sacrificing comfort.) November 25, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving! Today Paul Pepper visits with JOAN STACK, Curator of Art Collections at the State Historical Society of Missouri, about their latest exhibit titled, "From Boone to Black Elk." Joan tells us that half the gallery is devoted to original drawings by Native American artist Standing Bear, and she's brought a few of them with her to show and tell! November 24, 2016

Today Paul Pepper and SEAN SPENCE, Regional Director of the Mid-Missouri Better Business Bureau, talk about popular holiday scams that only come around this time of year. Deals on the internet, bogus gift cards and charity scams are easy to fall for if you're not paying attention. On charity scams, Sean says that if you're getting phone calls asking for money and you're not sure about it, don't give them money. Watch for more great tips! November 23, 2016

Today Paul Pepper and SCOTT BRADLEY, General Manager of Carpet One Floor and Home, continue their discussion about green flooring options for your home. Today's topic is padding. This often over-looked, under-appreciated team player can also be made of environmentally-friendly materials. Scott tells us more - watch! At [4:43] 17 year-old SHRISTI BASHISTA, a Youth Ambassador with Partners of the Americas, returns with details about a project she's working on with Columbia's Central Latino to help foster more respect and more empathy in our community. November 22, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with our resident consumer/travel expert, MEL ZELENAK, about sharing ideas. Does your neighbor or friend know of a way to save a buck or two? Do you? If so, pass it on! Mel also delves more into his favorite bit of advice for young investors: avoid the financial planner. Watch! November 21, 2016

Today Paul Pepper welcomes back DEBBIE PARKER, MU's Center for English Language Learning, who introduces us to CHUQIAO WU, a student in the IEP Conversation Partner Program. This program encourages "students to meet Americans outside of class to practice their English skills and learn about American culture." November 18, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with JOHN MURRAY, Director of the University Concert Series, about all the holiday-themed entertainment that's set to hit the stage as early as November 28th! John says, "we don't start before Thanksgiving, but boy, we start right after." And rightly so with a jam-packed schedule like this that's sure to delight the whole family! Tickets on sale now. At [3:28] we meet NANCY HOLLOWAY, one of the new majors for the local Salvation Army. Nancy talks about the importance of Columbia's Harbor House, a homeless shelter that benefits from your donation during the annual holiday "giving" season. Watch! November 17, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with MELYNDA LOTVEN about this weekend's 7th annual Fall Into Art event at Parkade Center in Columbia! Don't miss works of art by 59 artists from all over Missouri. (Oh, and yes, the giant 'turkey gourd' you see was painted by Melynda and will be available for sale!) At [4:16] SASHA GOODNOW and SARAH GOODNOW RILEY-LAND have come up with a fantastic idea - and their timing couldn't be better! If while preparing Thanksgiving dinner next week you find yourself in need of certain speciality items (bread makers, dehydrators, mixers, etc.), the Free Kitchen Library is here to help - watch! November 16, 2016

Today Paul Pepper visits with DANIELLE WOODS, RN, about Binge Eating Disorder (BED). What is it? Danielle says this "form of self-harm and addiction (just like drugs and alcohol)" is a common occurrence in athletes who "eat more than a normal amount of calories in one sitting." McCallum Place Eating Disorder Centers has a variety of treatment programs to help combat this mental illness. At [4:20] NAT GRAHAM returns with ANDREA RAVELO, who gives us a sneak preview of her talk about orchids at this month's Science on Tap CoMo. Find out when and where! November 15, 2016

Today Paul Pepper welcomes cast members from Hickman High School's production of "Pippin." SOPHIA CASTO ("Fastrada") and LYDIA BRYDA ("Featured Dancer") tell us about the show, and then MIGUEL AVILES ("Pippin") and RAYA ABERBACH ("Leading Player") perform "Simple Joys" at [3:30]. November 14, 2016

Today Paul Pepper welcomes back JACK SCHULTZ, Executive Director of the Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri. Jack's topic today: the Tasmanian devil. What do you really know about this marsupial most famous for it's Looney Tunes counterpart? If your answer is "not much," enjoy! November 11, 2016