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
"A medium guy in general, across the board." Joe Pera talks with Tucson.
July 24, 2024

"A medium guy in general, across the board." Joe Pera talks with Tucson.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Checking in with the Tucson Audubon Society; and a Tucson knitter who is making socks the REAL old-fashioned way.
Previous
Sharing lived experience with keen observation.
July 18, 2024

Sharing lived experience with keen observation.

On this Arizona Spotlight, hear three women who are telling vibrant stories across different mediums.
Taking the camel to the drive-in: David Leighton's history of the Reid Park Zoo
July 10, 2024

Taking the camel to the drive-in: David Leighton's history of the Reid Park Zoo

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit the Word of Mouth Print Space; celebrate imagination at the Library's Megamania!! Festival; and meet the founder of the Naco Wellness Initiative.
Why "Breaking Bread" is a different approach to political discussion.
July 3, 2024

Why "Breaking Bread" is a different approach to political discussion.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How art can help with in-hospital healing; Luis Alberto Urrea on how his literature career began; and "Stories That Soar!" considers the meaning of love.
Understanding men's mental health, and overcoming depression
June 27, 2024

Understanding men's mental health, and overcoming depression

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Pascua Yaqui Tribe welcome new leadership; and the legacy of screen actor Donald Sutherland.
Monument Valley's important role in the classic westerns of John Ford & John Wayne.
June 18, 2024

Monument Valley's important role in the classic westerns of John Ford & John Wayne.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A local librarian is recognized for his dedication to youth mental health; and a personal story about what the U.S. flag can represent.
Ten-Minute Dramas presents "Chemistry".
June 13, 2024

Ten-Minute Dramas presents "Chemistry".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A program called "Red, White & Blue" wants veterans, first responders and their loved ones to get the mental and emotional help they need.
 The 54th annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival: "It's a movement, not a moment."
June 5, 2024

The 54th annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival: "It's a movement, not a moment."

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Richard Davis remembes growing up in Tucson's Black community; learn about Aphasia, and a place in Tucson offering friendship and support for those living with it; and go storm chasing with "Stories That Soar!"
Celebrating one of the Sonoran Desert's most popular visitors.
May 29, 2024

Celebrating one of the Sonoran Desert's most popular visitors.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The secrets of the Vegan Night Market; how the Noyce Teaching Scholarship is helping to find and retain good STEM teachers in Arizona; and Julie Sasse says goodbye to the Tucson Museum of Art.
Remembering Movie Legend Roger Corman.
May 22, 2024

Remembering Movie Legend Roger Corman.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Macro photographer Jillian Cowles peers into the private life of spiders; and Chris Dashiell visits "The Tomb of Ligeia".
Efforts to expand Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and create the Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge
May 17, 2024

Efforts to expand Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and create the Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson Tellers of Tales, a story from Nooshie Motaref, and a story from Penelope Starr
Craig T. Nelson delivers commencement address to the UA graduating class of 2024.
May 8, 2024

Craig T. Nelson delivers commencement address to the UA graduating class of 2024.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The documentary "Fair Play" gives visibility to the unending work of new mothers; and explore the Brazilian martial art of capoeira.
The documentary "The Happiest Country in the World: Finland" explores the reasons why.
May 1, 2024

The documentary "The Happiest Country in the World: Finland" explores the reasons why.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: What "Bad Art Night" at the Arizona Science Center offers the creatively curious; "I Dream in Widescreen 2024" showcases a new class of film makers; and "Stories That Soar!" offers a 4th grader's perspective on "Self Love".
"It's either too late, or too early." Arizona Theatre Company presents Sam Shepard's "True West".
April 24, 2024

"It's either too late, or too early." Arizona Theatre Company presents Sam Shepard's "True West".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A preview of the upcoming Tucson International Mariachi Conference; the peace and sisterhood of the Hamrah Arts Club; and the work of a largely forgotten female composer from the 18th century has a 21st century debut.
See - and hear - Chaplin's "City Lights", presented by The Fox Tucson Theatre and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
April 17, 2024

See - and hear - Chaplin's "City Lights", presented by The Fox Tucson Theatre and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: NPR's Sarah McCammon on her autobiographical memoir "Ex-vangelicals"; and a story about lessons in Little league and life from Steve Braun.
There is hope for the homeless at Sister Josè Women's Center.
April 11, 2024

There is hope for the homeless at Sister Josè Women's Center.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The holistic housing approach of "I Am You 360"; and 10-Minute Dramas returns with "It's Saturday".
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