This podcast is supported by listeners like you.
Donate and support this podcastListen for free
Arizona Spotlight
AZPM Passport

Arizona Spotlight

Look for us on Apple Podcasts, the NPR app, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and wherever you find your podcasts.

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, Arizona Spotlight features the distinctly Southwestern music of the acclaimed Tucson band Calexico.
Most Recent
Ending the silence about mental health in Southern Arizona.
May 28, 2025

Ending the silence about mental health in Southern Arizona.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson youth explores emotion and expectations in his book "The Weight of Tomorrow"; and how Ability Dogs of Arizona pairs those in need with canine companions.
Previous
The game is afoot in "Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B".
May 22, 2025

The game is afoot in "Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: What's it like to win on "Jeopardy"?; and the debut of "Cracks", a new Ten-Minute Drama by Alejandro Canelos.
Stories about hope, renewal, and second chances.
May 15, 2025

Stories about hope, renewal, and second chances.

Also on Arizona Spotlight:
The Master - Apprentice program preserves not only mariachi, but women in mariachi.
May 7, 2025

The Master - Apprentice program preserves not only mariachi, but women in mariachi.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Sound Fiction returns with James Mustard's "Homestead on Bellatrix Prime"; celebrating the return of the Elegant Trogon to Madera Canyon; and "A Book I Love" from Cyclovia Tucson 2025.
Student filmmakers confess "I Dream in Widescreen."
April 30, 2025

Student filmmakers confess "I Dream in Widescreen."

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Film essayist Chris Dashiell; remembering James Mercer, a Pima County Ranger killed in action in 1914; and "Stories That Soar!" celebrates the sun.
Journeys in space and mind.
April 23, 2025

Journeys in space and mind.

On Arizona Spotlight: Join Pati Jinich as she explores "Panamericana"; and Tibetan Buddhist Lama Lodu Rinpoche visits Tucson to share ancient wisdom about our inner space.
Crystal Gayle sings songs of the heart.
April 16, 2025

Crystal Gayle sings songs of the heart.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: This month's storyteller shares about the one thing in life he cannot resist; and a new segment of "A Book I Love."
Going the distance!
April 10, 2025

Going the distance!

Meet Bruce Gungle, an ultramarathon runner, bicyclist and mountain climber; hear from University of Arizona triathlete Laura Holanszky; and Michael McKisson on what it's like to bike almost every street in Tucson.
April events that bring the Tucson community closer together
April 2, 2025

April events that bring the Tucson community closer together

Learn about the All In for Autism Dino Day & Walk; Pima Community College's Climate Community Day; John Coinman returns to the 40th Annual Tucson Folk Festival; and a new "Stories That Soar!" with some 1st grade humor.
"It's the New Zoo Revue, comin' right at you!": A conversation with the hosts of the beloved 1970s kids' show.
March 26, 2025

"It's the New Zoo Revue, comin' right at you!": A conversation with the hosts of the beloved 1970s kids' show.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "A SandHill Day" by nature writer Rebekah Doyle; and the final essay from "The Class of 2024" about how teens help each other through difficult times.
The new film "Corina" offers a compassionate look at living with anxiety.
March 19, 2025

The new film "Corina" offers a compassionate look at living with anxiety.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "A Book I Love" from the 2025 Tucson Festival of Books; "The Class of 2024" continues; and Mary Jo Pollack shares the story of earning her driver's license in 1964.
"Back to the Heart" - Gabrielle Pietrangelo celebrates the end of a 4-year journey with a new album.
March 13, 2025

"Back to the Heart" - Gabrielle Pietrangelo celebrates the end of a 4-year journey with a new album.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson architect Paula Holmes at 100, a woman always ahead of her time; and Lilliona from "The Class of 2024" shares an essay about growing up in the digital age.
Two new books that bring important histories to light.
March 5, 2025

Two new books that bring important histories to light.

Kirsten Miller talks about her novel "Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books"; and Mike Stark shares the natural history "Starlings The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird".
The Class of 2024: Student essays about graduating in a time of uncertainy.
February 26, 2025

The Class of 2024: Student essays about graduating in a time of uncertainy.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: TIHAN provides kindness and support to those living with HIV or AIDS; and a new Ten-Minute Drama.
Rogue Theatre's "Marjorie Prime" creates a conversation about what it means to be human in the age of AI.
February 19, 2025

Rogue Theatre's "Marjorie Prime" creates a conversation about what it means to be human in the age of AI.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Understanding canyons on the moon; and more voices from The Class of 2024.
Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers brings songs of love to Tucson.
February 13, 2025

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers brings songs of love to Tucson.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Marquez Price's new book "The Backcourt" examines the bonds of family, friendship, and teamwork; and Luis shares what the first year of both high school and the COVID-19 pandemic was like for him in "The Class of 2024".
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona