52. Running political campaigns and election expectations with Matthew Baggetta (28:52)

Date:
2020-07-28
Main contributors:
Baggetta, Matthew, Smith, Kenny, Miles, Emily
Summary:
The coronavirus is changing a summer, and the upcoming fall season, of political campaigns. Traditional big rallies aren't taking place, large events that often feature campaigns or get out the vote drives are postponed or canceled, door-to-door electioneering may be impacted as well. Dr. Matthew Baggetta of the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs joins us to talk about local election strategies, messaging and what's to come as we look ahead in the campaign calendar.

53. Hidden Liberalism with Hussein Banai (24:46)

Date:
2020-09-16
Main contributors:
Banai, Hussein, Shanahan, James
Summary:
In our first episode of Season 6, The Media School's Dean Jim Shanahan sits down with Hussein Banai, assistant professor at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. Banai's new book, "Hidden Liberalism Burdened Visions of Progress in Modern Iran," describes the ways that liberal political ideals appear in the country, and what their influence might mean for Iran's future. The two discuss the book, modern Iran's political sphere, and how it may affect international relations in the future.

55. Interview with Beau Bledsoe, Kansas City, Missouri (05:23)

Date:
2020-09-09
Main contributors:
Beau Bledsoe
Summary:
Beau Bledsoe (Kansas City, Missouri) Beau Bledsoe studied classical guitar at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music under Douglas Niedt, where he received a Master of Music. There he continued his professional career in the Kansas City music scene playing with jazz musicians, classical chamber musicians, and also participating in the burgeoning Latin music scene. His interest in exploring new repertoire, cultures, and programming ideas led to the creation of a large body of arrangements, transcriptions and compositions for the solo guitar and guitar chamber music. He also founded Ensemble Ibérica, a group that performs the music of Ibéria (Spain and Portugal) and the colonial Americas while educating the public about Iberian cultural influence. His music is regularly programmed on Radio 1 BBC and All Songs Considered on NPR. His recording Yalnız by Alaturka received 4.5 stars and Best Albums of 2013 from Downbeat Magazine. He serves on the music faculty at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Interviewed by Holly Hobbs, 09/09/2020.

57. Interview with Belén Escobedo, San Antonio, Texas (06:06)

Date:
2020-09-16
Main contributors:
Belén Escobedo
Summary:
Belén Escobedo (San Antonio, Texas) Belén Escobedo plays rare and beautiful fiddle tunes in the South Texas-Mexican grass roots Tejano Conjunto tradition. Growing up on the south side of San Antonio and working as a professional fiddler since she was a teenager, Belén has preserved a unique style of fiddling that has all but disappeared from the Texas borderlands. Belén has a vast and unique repertoire, including tunes she learned from her grandfather’s whistling and a huge range of borderlands tunes from both sides of the border. The name of her trio, Panfilo’s Güera, honors her grandfather’s influence on her, the grandchild he called his güera, or “blondie.” Panfilo’s Güera is Belén, her husband Ramón Gutierrez (tololoche or double bass), and Stevie R. Vaveges (bajo sexto). Interviewed by Raquel Paraíso, 09/16/2020.

58. Interview with Ben Sollee, Louisville, Kentucky (05:48)

Date:
2020-10-09
Main contributors:
Ben Sollee
Summary:
Ben Sollee (Louisville, Kentucky) Ben Sollee is a cellist and composer based in Louisville, Kentucky. He has performed with companies including the Charlotte Ballet and the North Carolina Dance Theater, where he wrote original music for the play Dangerous Liaisons. Ben has toured on his bicycle, riding over 4,000 miles. He has been invited to speak on sustainability at festivals including South by Southwest Music (2011) and TEDx San Diego (2012). At home, Ben has raised awareness about Mountain Top Removal Strip Mining in Central Appalachia. His album Dear Companion (Sub Pop, 2010) with artist Daniel Martin Moore and producer Jim James sheds light on the issue. Ben’s music has been featured in film and television, including Mark Steven Johnson’s Killing Season starring John Travolta and Robert De Niro, ABC’s Parenthood, and HBO’s Weeds. Working with experimental technology, Ben has used the Vanishing Point virtual reality app, and created an interactive sculptural installation called Livestream. Interviewed by Tamar Sella, 10/09/2020.

59. On the Ballot: wildlife ecologist Merav Ben-David (26:44)

Date:
2020-10-19
Main contributors:
Ben-David, Merav, McCabe, Janet, Miles, Emily
Summary:
Merav Ben-David is a wildlife ecologist at the University of Wyoming. Her specialty? The effects of global environmental change on animals and their ecosystems. Her next move? A run for the U.S. Senate. In this episode, host Janet McCabe talks with Dr. Ben-David about what it means for a climate scientist to run for office in a state whose economy has long relied on coal.

60. Interview with Bertram Levy, Port Townsend, Washington (05:47)

Date:
2020-10-23
Main contributors:
Bertram Levy
Summary:
Bertram Levy (Port Townsend, Washington) Bertram Levy is one of the few accomplished bandoneonistas in North America. In 1989, Bertram first heard the instrument played live by Astor Piazzolla. He was so moved by Piazzolla’s music that he abandoned all his other musical endeavors to pursue the bandoneón. At that time Bertram was in his late forties and had achieved an international reputation as a banjo and concertina virtuoso. He had been featured on more than a dozen albums, including the Smithsonian CD compilation American Folk Music. He had also authored the definitive concertina tutor The Concertina Demystified, was chosen as banjo player of the year by Frets magazine, and was highlighted in several national broadcasts of The Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. In addition, he created and directed the most prestigious instrumental folk music festival in the United States: the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes. Bertram’s first bandoneón lessons were with Miguel Varvello in Buenos Aires in 1991 and later in Paris with Cesar Stroscio. In 2005, Bertram enrolled in the Conservatorio Manuel de Falla in Buenos Aires to study classical bandoneon with the great Rodolfo Daluisio. He founded Tangoheart in 1999 to introduce Pacific Northwest audiences to authentic Argentine tango. He currently lives both in Washington State and in Buenos Aires, where he continues his studies with Rodolfo Daluisio. Interviewed by Raquel Paraíso, 10/23/2020.