Listen in as host Ken Malloy interviews Iowa resident Michael Morgan.

Mr. Morgan talks of his successful work as a health practitioner and
teacher of Cranial Sacral, as well as his days as a pioneer as a glass
cutter using lasers. The hour flies by with stories of travels and
early days in the TM movement. If you or someone suffers from
migraines, autism, or alzheimers.... you may want to tune in.

So set your dial and stay awhile...

and GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR.

Wayne Fortin is the Founder and CEO of Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego County, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization of specially trained citizen volunteers who provide immediate emotional and practical support to victims and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy.

Huffington Post entertainment contributor Mike Ragogna speaks with experimental performance artist/multi-instrumentalist Laurie Anderson, who sings in a variety of experimental and art house music styles. Anderson did her first performance-art piece—a symphony played on automobile horns—in 1969. She graduated magna cum laude and Phi Betta Kappa from Barnard College in art history. In 1972, she received an MFA in sculpture from Columbia University. She became widely known outside the art world in 1981 when her single "O Superman" reached number two on the UK. She starred in and directed the 1986 concert film Home of the Brave.

It's hard to imagine what could top wandering New York's finest culinary bookstore where over 13,000 titles make stomachs gurgle and mouths water daily.  We're doing the next best thing which is talking with Matt Sartwell, manager of Kitchen Arts and Letters in Manhattan.  For more than 25 years the store has been a destination for chefs, authors, "foodies," and anyone interested in finding the right food book.  Its owner, Nock Wacksman, even has a strong Iowa connection.  He and his wife have been food judges at the Iowa State Fair for seven years.  Matt, who was an editor at Penguin Books before becoming a fixture at the store, will help us explore the best cookbooks of 2010, some current trends among publishers and the purchasing public plus discuss what books speak most clearly to different culinary interests.

Epiphanies. They are the sudden realizations that can change lives.

This week on Writers' Voices, we will be speaking with Elise Ballard about her book, "Epiphany: True Stories of Sudden Insight to Inspire, Encourage, and Transform". Elise Ballard had an epiphany and set out to find out if others have also experienced such a moment. They have. Her book is a collection of over fifty stories from people from all walks of life. From Deepak Chopra, Dr. Oz, Ali MacGraw, and Barry Manilow to teachers, missionaries, homemakers, and more, they all share about how one sudden moment of insight has the power to change lives.

Elise Ballard has worked as an actress, independent filmmaker, and film producer. She lives in Los Angeles and is working on the film and website for the Epiphany project.

James Moore speaks with poet/activist/academic Azril Bacal about his new collection of poems called "Itinerant Refractions" and his life as a social change agent.

This week Writers' Voices welcomes Shann Vander Leek, author of "Life On Your Terms." The book compiles interviews Shann conducted with over 40 successful entrepreneurs from around the world, who have discovered how to live their lives their way. The book shares their secrets, advice and encouragement for  finding your own entrepreneurial freedom.

Shann Vander Leek is an author, motivational speaker, yoga instructor and life coach with a background in broadcast television advertising sales, marketing and client development. She is the co-author of the bestselling "Wake Up Women: BE Happy, Health & Wealthy" and the creator of "Getting Your Groove Back - A Luscious Living Guide".

Cole Porter's simple, but lovely song sung by Frank Sinatra is ringing in my ears while I write this post:
I love paris in the spring time
I love paris in the fall
I love paris in the summer when it sizzles
I love paris in the winter when it drizzles
I love paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love paris, why oh why do I love paris
Because my love is here

We love the FOOD in Paris,  No surprise there.  Maybe you are planning a trip this year to that amazing city or possibly only dreaming of going.  Either way, you'll enjoy hearing the recent food exploits of Lonnie and Valerie Gamble during our next show. They returned a couple of weeks ago from a month's stay with Valerie's mom and shared their thoughts on how to eat well and not spend a fortune while talking with Kathy and me.

Iowa Renewability Energy Association managing director Steve Fugate speaks with Planet Erstwild host James Moore about all things renewable and energy efficient.

Two guests make a visit to Writers' Voices this week.

First, Sherry Ellis returns to the show to discuss her newest book, "Now Write! Screenwriting: Screenwriting Exercises from Today's Best Writers and Teachers". The book, like previous installments in this series, offers the aspiring screenwriter many exercises and much advice from working movie and television writers and other experts in the business. The book features tips from screenwriters of such films as Raging Bull, Terminator 2, Groundhog Day, "Lost", and many more.

Listen boy, I've got some things I need to say to you
You've got me fooled more than I'd ever care to say was true
~ Freak Out, Melanie Taylor

Los Angeles based actress and singer-songwriter Melanie Taylor has her multi-talented fingers in a whole bunch of pies these days.  With a cool head, mature outlook on life and deep well of passionate energy, the 22 year old has what it takes to balance her time between acting, singing and even contributing her talents to charitable causes.

Her danceable pop-rock sound has people comparing her to other powerhouse women in the genre like Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson and Ke$ha.  Keep an eye on Melanie, she's going places! Read more about her on LyricalVenus.com

Cohosts Stuart Tanner & James Moore speak with Professor Richard Wolff who presents an alternative look at American economics. The Harvard/Stanford/Yale educated Wolff is Economics Emeritus, at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he taught economics from 1973 to 2008. His thesis that deep economic structures--the relationship of wages to profits, of workers to boards of directors, and of debts to income--are the root cause of our economic meltdown means the Great Recession may be far more than simply a "financial" crisis. This is riveting stuff. To go to Prof Wolff's website, click on the pic.

Christine Goodale talks about reopening her new restaurant, The Crepe Escape, at Everybody's Cafe for lunch fare Tuesday through Saturday.

David Lowery is the founder of the band Camper Van Beethoven and co-founder of the band Cracker. He has just released his first solo album, The Palace Guards. He discusses his new album, his bands, and his time spent entertaining the troops overseas.

Filmosopher Bruce Miller joins Monica Hadley and Caroline Kilbourn to discuss the movies and more. Bruce is the host of the KRUU show, The Filmosophers, co-hosted with Chris Busch. Bruce and Chris give their filmosophy on the movies and have filmosophical discussions. Bruce discusses current films from a spiritual perspective and much more.

Join in for this delightful conversation about movies, books and much more.

Curt Hanson talks about the new Iowa Congressional session and State House activities.

Cohosts Stuart Tanner & James Moore speak with Professor Richard Wolff who presents an alternative look at American economics. The Harvard/Stanford/Yale educated Wolff is Economics Emeritus, at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he taught economics from 1973 to 2008. His thesis that deep economic structures--the relationship of wages to profits, of workers to boards of directors, and of debts to income--are the root cause of our economic meltdown means the Great Recession may be far more than simply a "financial" crisis. This is riveting stuff.

singer/songwriter David Seagull talks about his upcoming concert this Saturday at Cafe P.

Don Hansen is a pioneer of American surfing. He is celebrating his 50th year of owning an operating Hansen's Surfboards, one of the world's top surf shops located in Encinitas, one of the epicenters, in the world of surfing.

Meital Dohan  is an Israeli actress, who is perhaps best known in the U.S. for her recurring role in season 2 of Weeds. Meital was born in raised in a small village in central Israel. She began studying acting at thirteen, and later joined Nissan Nativ – a highly prestigious acting school regarded as being the best in Israel. Ms.

     Skunk River Medicine Show featuring vintage        blues by Tom Morgan and George Foster

Tune in for a very special PLANET ERSTWILD. Host James Moore speaks with renowned author, speaker, and educational reformer John Taylor Gatto. If you enjoy having your assumptions challenged, you'll want to hear this.

Gatto spent 30 years teaching in public schools in New York. He was 3 times awarded the NYC Teacher of the Year before quitting with a Wall Street Journal article writing he was tired of hurting children. He contends that, by design, institutional teaching is not really teaching and actually harms children, breeding boredom, fostering obedience, and valuing conformity, competition and testing over promoting original, critical thinking and self-teaching. [Click on John's pic to read his Harper's article "Against School."]

Living in a plastic world
with a plastic dream
Where nothing is as it seems
~ Plastic, Diana Upton-Hill

If you live in Southeast Iowa, you're a fan of musical theatre, and you've been to a few shows in the past couple years, chances are you're already familiar with the talents of Diana Upton-Hill. Her newest album, Sparkle, is a chance to introduce the world to another of her skills - songwriting.

Like a multi-faceted gem, Sparkle showcases several sides of a dynamic and passionate performer.  Flowing from high-energy pop to moody, gothic rock, the album evokes powerhouse voices such as Evanescence, Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne by turn. Read more at Lyrical Venus.

Corey Hickenbottom talks with Leroy Troy, a regular fixture on every episode of The Marty Stuart Show, & Lil' Mikey Armistead, both of The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, about the history of their band, the late great Charlie Louvin, Roy Acuff, their newest cd, "Poor Leroy's Almanack", and much more.

Legendary singer Gregg Allman Talks about his new blues project which has been burning up the charts.

Writer/producer/historian/journalist JP Sotille kicks things off at 2:05pm with a conversation about the Pharamceutical Industry's marketing strategies, the Credit Industry's marketing strategies, and his new film HEIST, due out this summer. Joining the discussion is Stuart Tanner.

 Conversations with brother Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies, who are also sporting new trackage.

This week's Writers' Voices features Cheryl Fusco Johnson talking with children's book author Jacqueline Briggs Martin. Jacqueline's most recent book is "The Chiru of High Tibet". Her book tells the true story of how a scientist and four mountain men set out to save the antelope-like creature called the chiru. Chirus are sought after for their soft wool, however they cannot survive being sheared. Taking their wool means taking their life. This practice has caused the chirus to be on the brink of extinction.

Jacqueline Briggs Martin has written many children's books, including the Caldecott Award-winning "Snowflake Bentley", "Good Times on Grandfather Mountain", "Banjo Granny" and many more. She currently lives in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

PLANET ERSTWILD host James Moore speaks with Idris Goodwin, poet, playwrite, author, educator, and rapper, who will be performing his poetry and more as part of his These Are the Breaks book tour at Revelations at 2pm on Saturday, February 12th. Presently hailing from iowa City, this is one talented cultural creative.

The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater appears as one of the top 20 contestants on the second season of the NBC reality talent show America’s Got Talent. It is a father-daughter act originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, done together by Gregory and Anastasia Popovich, along with their team of trained animals. They did a trained cat act in the L.A. auditions, and performed a skit titled “The Homeless Clown” during the semifinal rounds.

Stuart and James talk with Karim, a citizen of Cairo, who bears eye witness testimony to the historic events taking place in real time in Egypt. This upswelling of a leaderless people's movement has swept the country, been fraught with ups and downs, devolved into violence when pro-Mubarak elements attacked peaceful protesters a few days back, and is challenging existing countries across the Middle East.

Bluebirds on the fence, playin' kinda shy
We could sit a while and watch the clouds go by
Fragrance fills the air, I'm magnolia high
~ Natchez Road, Sweetwater Rose

If you didn't know better listening to country music sirens Sweetwater Rose, you might think they all hatched out of the same nest and grew up singing side-by-side from day one, but these songbirds were fully fledged when circumstances brought them together.  Lala Deaton, Marna Taylor and Ali Sperry found each other in Nashville thanks to the vision of Mac and Diane Gayden, music business veterans who knew that today's audiences had a longing for raw, authentic connection.

Sweetwater Rose is bringing their special brand of sweet and sultry to the Sondheim Center on Saturday, February 12th. 

An engaging conversation with seminal Nashville artist Mac Gayden who will be performing with his group Sweetwater at the Sondheim Center this Saturday, Feb 12th at 7:30pm.

Mac is the co-writer of the rock classic "Everlasting Love' and has played on records by Dylan, Elvis, JJ Cale and many more rock'n'roll luminaries. He is a 5th generation Nashvillian who grew up down the street from the Everly Brothers, rode home from school with Hank WIlliams, Sr, and has the sweetest touch on slide guitar this side of anywhere. He is a wonderful songwriter with a soulful voice.

On this week's Writers' Voices, Cheryl Fusco Johnson talks with author Wendy Delsol.

Wendy started writing novels at age forty. After studying at UCLA Writers' Extension Program and at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, she sold a young adult novel, "Stork", to Candlewick Press. That book was released last October. "Stork" tells the story of Kat Leblanc, a fashion conscious 16-year-old who moves from L.A. to a small town in Minnesota. In her new surroundings, she becomes a member of an ancient order of bird women who have the extraordinary task of soul delivery.

The sequel to "Stork", "Frost", will be published in 2012. Wendy's also sold an adult novel, "The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls", which is slated for publication August 2011.

Curt Hanson is a Democratic member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing the 90th District. He was elected in a special election on September 1, 2009 to replace John Whitaker.

PLANET ERSTWILE Host JAMES MOORE talks with Elliot Hoffman, co-founder and CEO of Natural Capitalism, Inc, a business in partnership with Dr. L. Hunter Lovins devoted to working with small and mid-size companies to improve their profits by fully embracing sustainable business practices. He has begun a Sustainability Circle with 8 businesses in Fairfield.

Brent Willett's first installment of his book review segment he calls "The Sound & the Jury," a tip of the hat to American author William Faulkner. He reviews Tom Zoellner's book "URANIUM and The Heartless Stone."

Two minds in love, Stan and Hunter Freberg discuss their new comedy cd "Songs In the Key of Freberg", their relationship, and Stan's career, which has encompassed animation, tv, radio, comedy records, advertising and beyond. Stan is a member of the Radio Hall of Fame, Animation Hall of Fame, and has his own star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is perhaps best known for his comedy records: "Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America", "St. George and the Dragonet", "John and Marsha", and many more. Stan has also been credited as bringing comedy to advertising.

Stan also created the word "Grammy" for the Grammy awards.

Join co-hosts Stuart Tanner & James Moore for a special edition of Tanner & Moore focusing on the unfolding events in Libya with two Libyan exiles. 

Asma Yousef, a political activist who grew up in Bhengazi the second largest city in Libya, and Hafed Al Ghwell, a Washington DC-based Libya and Middle East analyst, will discuss the situation there.

According to The Independent, around 20 demonstrators were reported to have been killed in Libya in clashes with security forces on a "day of rage" across the country.

According to an opposition website, Libya Al-Youm, four of the deaths took place in the eastern city of Al Bayda when snipers from the paramilitary internal security force picked off ringleaders at a rally. The website also claimed that six more were shot down in the country's second-largest city, Benghazi, which had seen days of increasingly violent protests. Yesterday's confrontation took place after a large crowd surged towards the State Security building following the funeral of two others killed a day earlier.

Tune into this week's Writer's Voices for an interview with Mary Helen Stefaniak. Stefaniak's most recent book is "The Cailiffs of Baghdad, Georgia: A Novel." Her book, which takes place during Depression-era Georgia, tells of what happens when a new, unconventional and well-traveled school teacher comes to town, choosing to revive the annual town festival as an exotic Baghdad Bazaar. The story is told from the perspective of eleven year old, Gladys Cailiff. The book takes readers from the American South to the banks of the Tigris River and back again.

    MEIKO, singer-songwriter

                              AFRO CELT SOUNDSYSTEM

Want to get to know what drives a person to create the same thing over and over again until she's got it right?  Tune it to this week's Great Taste and listen to Christine Goodale.  This woman is a powerhouse plus an excellent cook.  Sure, she's got good genes coming from France, but it took perseverance to actually make the creations, you see as images on this post taste amazing.

It might help to get into a romantic mood for this Writers' Voices because our guest this week will be Ottumwa-native Leigh Michaels. Leigh is the author of over 80 romance novels with over 35 million copies of her novels published. Her work has been translated in over 25 languages and published in more than 120 countries. "The Mistress' House," the first in a new series, is her most recent novel. The book tells three interconnected stories that take place around a London townhouse owned by the Earl of Hawthorne.

Leigh Michaels has also written several non-fiction books on writing romance stories.

Don't miss this fascinating interview.

At 8 AM on Friday, Mike talks with John Waite, best known for his huge hits, "Missing You" and "Change".He first came to be known for being the bassist and lead singer for the British rock group, The Babys. He has since gone on to a successful solo career. His new album, "Rough & Tumble" releases this week.

Despite being deaf since birth, Stephen J. Hopson enjoyed fifteen years of extraordinary success in the turbulent world of Wall Street before switching gears in 1996 and becoming a transformational speaker, author and eventually a pilot.  His latest book is Obstacle Illusions, Transforming Adversity Into Success.

It's Czech-born Radim Schreiber. The award-winning photographer has his first solo photo exhibit "Fireflies" at Teeple-Hanson Studio for Artwalk. He is a Smithsonian Photo Contest Finalist.

James interviews Carl Gibson, organizer & spokesperson for the grassroots anti-austerity group US Uncut, highlighting the issue of corporate tax avoidance.

Ah, tea.  It was a wonderfully entertaining, relaxing and informative hour spent with Dora Pollak recording this week's Great Taste.  The previous weekend I had been to Gong Fu tea in Des Moines twice, and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere while sitting on a tatami mat with family members and sipping green tea.  So I was ready to learn more when Dora brought her pot, teas, and delicious goodies for tea snacking into the studio.  The aromas and smells of the different teas we tasted were divine.  The tea eggs and scones were perfect partners.

Conscious creation has been a hot topic for everyone from Oprah to Larry King and in movies like What The Bleep?! and The Secret. On this week's Writers' Voices will be discussing conscious creation and the movies. Monica Hadley and guest co-host Bruce Miller, of The Filmoshophers, will be talking with Brent Marchant, author of "Get the Picture: Conscious Creation Goes to the Movies". Using a wide variety of films, such as Vertigo, Good Night and Good Luck, Syriana, Sophie's Choice and more, as examples, Brent explains conscious creation, it's many concepts and the difficulties that arise in becoming conscious creators.

Brent Marchant, a student of metaphysics and a long-time movie lover, has a B.A. in magazine journalism and is a regular contributor to Belief.net, Vivid Life Radio, Divine Revolution,Sethnet Journal and Reality Change magazines. He currently lives in Chicago.

Host James Moore speaks with Sustainability Coordinator Scott Timm about this spring's Backyard Conservation Series, workshops & action steps galore.

My mother she said she had a dream
the week after you died
you called her on the phone and she cried
~ None of This Had to Happen, Josie Overmyer

Fairfield songbird Josie Overmyer has been quietly working her way into local hearts for the past few years with her piercingly honest lyrics, honey-dusted vocals, and vintage acoustic aesthetic.  Josie's understated, commanding songs bring to mind the likes of Iron & Wine or Bon Iver crossed with Emmylou Harris or a little Gillian Welch.

Josie is nearly finished with her debut album, Little Bird, and will be coming into the studio on Tuesday to share about her process and a few songs!

At 2:15pm, Corey Hickenbottom interviews Sean Johnson about their beekeeping workshops being offered Saturday in Fairfield as part of the Backyard Conservation Series.

Iowa Representative Curt Hanson keeps us up to date with the goings on at the state capitol in Des Moines and the many bills in various stages of legislation.

It's almost Spring so it's time to eat baby artichokes that make their way here from California.  The best I've found are grown organically by T & D Willey Farms in Madera.  We've had them in soup, pasta, risotto, and braised.  Every day is artichoke day; at least for a short while.  Before we know it asparagus will arrive, and the flood that follows that amazing stalk.  That reminds me I still haven't ordered seeds for a number of plants.  Hmmm, better get on that.

James talks with education director Megan Buckingham of Seed Savers Exchange, an amazing organization, offering a free gathering tonight at 7pm at the Jefferson County County Ag Grounds Extension office, as part of the 2011 Backyard Conservation Series.

Founding member of Blues Traveller, John Popper, talks with Mike Ragogna. "John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours", a new side project, is his new album out this month.  He talks about his life, music career, and what's in store for Blues Traveller. 

This week's Writers' Voices features an interview with Bob Saar. His most recent novel is titled "In Memory of David's Buick". The book follows Iowa songwriter Bucky Minnow, who's song David's Buick, was ripped off by booking agent, Buddy Payola, and Dusty Bodine, who is using Bucky's song and a magic guitar to return to fame. Bucky takes off on a road trip that leads him through incredible misadventures like no other and ultimately leads him to the meaning of life. Other characters in this book include Bucky's girlfriend, Lido Wan, disc jockey Roy Lukas, Shadow guitarist Dogus, an ancient medicine man, two ethereal spirits, and a host of FBI agents  The book gives a unique view of life, love, war, rock 'n' roll, Iowa, and sweater-clad Chihuahuas trapped inside hot automobiles.

Meredith Leighton is a dietician working for Fresenius Medical Care of North America. Ms. Leighton discusses nutrition and health. She focuses specifically on kidney health as March is National Kidney Health Month.

Mike Ragogna interviews filmmaker and iconic American artist David Lynch about his special project that is happening today. He will be producing a web-based filmic event with rockers Duran Duran from Los Angeles. Tickets for the 'Unstaged: An Original Series from American Express' show reportedly sold out in less than five minutes. The concert will be streamed live on March 23rd at 9pm CST on Duran Duran's Vevo page.

Paul Dalio is a fourth-year graduate student at the New York University's prestigious School of Film. He is currently working on a project with filmmaker Spike Lee. Paul discusses his work in film and also his experiences dealing with and understanding bi-polar disorder.

The first KRUU fundraising dining experience is tastefully coming your way from The Mainstay Inn, 300 North Main Street on Wednesday, March 30th from 6:45-9:00 PM.

Experience a five-course Nepali dinner (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options) cooked by Chef Mangal Tamang, plus the fun of "LIVE" radio as we broadcast GREAT TASTE at 7:00 PM.

This elegant affair is designed to enhance not only your tastebuds, but Fairfield's grassroots, solar-powered community radio station, KRUU 100.1 FM. KRUU broadcasts its amazing array of diverse shows with the help of nearly 100 volunteers and relies on listener support to for operating expenses.

Here's how to get tickets to the Nepali taste extravaganza:  We have room for ONLY 22 guests. You have to submit a one-time bid to try and secure a ticket.One chance is all you get!

GREAT TASTE gets a bit scientific this week as we explore the role food plays in feeding the brain.  It seems funny that little attention is paid to this particularly important part of the physiology in the course of general food discussions.  We're always talking about how a particular food affects the functioning of other organs or usually conversing about the sensory titillations we experience when eating.  But, our brain serves as the central hub for everything that happens to us processing information through as many as 1 quadrillion synaptic connections.

If we are really taking care of physiological businesss we need to consider how to keep the brain in prime condition.  Rates of Alzheimer's disease are climbing dramatically, and some health experts believe that within the next 20 years one in every four adults in the US over 65 will contract the disease.  Perhaps the best strategy to combat brain-debilitating diseases is a routine designed to support the brain and its functioning?

Web broadcaster, author, Talk for Food host & producer Adam Abraham of Phoenix talks about his stopover in Fairfield and his work in the areas of spiritual integration and body/mind nourishment with PLANET ERSTWILD host and KRUU executive director James Moore.

Find out more at webtalkradio.net or talkforfood.com.

Sheriff Richard Mack, author, national speaker & former sheriff of Graham County, Arizona and long-time crusader for freedom and individual rights, speaks with James Moore and Clyde Cleveland, author of Common Sense Revisited.

Mack is coming to Fairfield to speak Sunday, March 27th at 1pm at an event called "Dismantling Corporatocracy" at the Sondheim Center. Cleveland is hosting the event.

Also, speaking will be Barbara Loe Fisher, co-founder and president of the National Vaccination Information Center.

Rising Iowa blues musician, Erick Hovey, (photo) speaks with DJ Andy and plays a three-song set from his CD, Prairie Dance Music.

Dolores "LaLa" Brooks is Mike Ragogna's featured guest artist. The Crystals are an American vocal group based in New York, considered one of the defining acts of the girl group era of the first half of the 1960s.

Cheryl Fusco Johnson takes hosting duties on Writers' Voices this week with guest Anola Pickett. Anola is the author of "Wasatch Summer", a historical juvenile fiction novel, that will be released next month by Cedar Fort. The book follows eleven-year old Hannah Turner on a coming of age journey, as she faces unlikely dangers as she watches her family's sheep in the mountains. 

A former teacher and school librarian, Anola has co-authored a classroom activity book, as well as books, magazine stories, and articles. Anola and her husband, Peter Dolye, have a son, Gerry, who's a novelist and journalist currently living in Abu Dhabi.

Curt Hanson is a Democratic member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing the 90th District. He was elected in a special election on September 1, 2009 to replace John Whitaker.

James Moore discusses all things Red Rock, upcoming events and more, with Jerry and Misty.

Chef Mangal Tamang presents a dinner of typical Nepali food on our "live" broadcast from The Mainstay Inn this Wednesday.  Mangal is a Nepali native, graduate of the Indian Hills Culinary Program, and winner of an international cooking competition in Spain. 

The dinner is the first in our planned quarterly culinary extravaganzas that will serve as fundraisers for solar-powered and listener-supported KRUU. 

Here's what we'll be enjoying while you listen: [Click on the "Read More" link below]

 

Children's book author, Kathy Brodsky, makes a visit to Writers' Voices this week. Her most recent book, "The Winner Is...", tells the humorous story of a dog who tries to be someone else in order to win a contest. Her other books include, "My Bent Tree", "The Inside Story", "Just Sniffing Around" and "Purrsnikitty". Having worked as a psychotherapist for almost 40 years, Kathy has a wealth of material to draw upon for her work.

Joseph Tiefenthaler will also be a guest on this Writers' Voices. He will be discussing the many literary events that were part of the 2011 Mission Creek Festival.

Martha Creek is and orgained Unity Minister, peace worker and coach. She is trained as a facililtator throug the Byron Katie International School for The Work. Martha has lead numerous workshops around the country. She owns The Work and lives from a place of freedom and compassion.

www.marthacreek.net

Children's book author, Kathy Brodsky, makes a visit to Writers' Voices this week. Her most recent book, "The Winner Is...", tells the humorous story of a dog who tries to be someone else in order to win a contest. Her other books include, "My Bent Tree", "The Inside Story", "Just Sniffing Around" and "Purrsnikitty". Having worked as a psychotherapist for almost 40 years, Kathy has a wealth of material to draw upon for her work.                     

Joseph Tiefenthaler will also be a guest on this Writers' Voices. He will be discussing the many literary events that are part of the Mission Creek Festival, in Iowa City.

Lawrence Roeck is an accomplished director of feature films and documentaries. Most recently he directed the international art forgery movie Carmel-by-the-Sea starring Lauren Bacall, Alfred Molina, Hayden Panettiere and Josh Hutcherson. He also filmed Clint Eastwood for the Morgan Freeman narrated documentary produced by Warner Brothers. The Eastwood Factor.

Scott Eastwood, son of legendary actor and filmmaker, Clint Eastwood, is a film actor. Scott has appeared in the films Flags of Our Fathers, Pride, and Gran Torino. Lawrence and Scott are currently working on The Crags, an action thriller that will premiere in 2012. 

  This week's show is one I have been looking forward to for months.  It took some major coordination to have all the proper players in town at the same time and available to share a treasured family recipe with our Great Taste audience.

I don't want to give away the story behind the formation in 1976 of the Bob Busch Cheesecake Company with its headquarters in Hawaii or how the company expanded and opened its own bakery in Venice, California.  You'll have to tune in as family members Lillian, Chris, Judy and Julia join us in the studio to share amusing anecdotes of cheesecakes past. 

Will they be bringing any cheesecake?  What do you think?  The famous recipe will appear on this blog post later in the week.

GREAT TASTE is LIVE from the KRUU studio Wednesday at 7:00 PM CDT and easily available in your home by clicking on Listen Live at kruufm.com for the stream.

Including brief interview with controversial cartoonist, animator and free culture activist Nina Paley.

Corey Hickenbottom goes on a wing and a prayer trek to Scott Timm's house to discuss raising chickens in the city limits with Scott's son, Grant. A workshop will be held at the Fairfield Public Library on Sunday, April 10th at noon, with a self-directed tour to follow from 1pm-3pm, all part of Fairfield's Go Green Backyard Conservation Series.

Stephen Hopson is the guest this week on Writers' Voices. Stephen, living currently in Fairfield, was born deaf, but had the dream at a young age to become a pilot. As an adult, he made aviation history by becoming the world's first deaf instrument-rated pilot. He also had a very successful 15-year career on Wall Street. In 1996 he had an epiphany that inspired him to leave Wall Street behind to pursue a career as a motivational speaker and author. "Obstacle Illusions; Transforming Adversity into Success" is his first book. The book tells stories from Stephen's life, from childhood to adulthood, and shares lessons he has learned along the way.

Don't miss this inspirational show!

Tune in for a very special Writers' Voices this week as we welcome one of our favorite authors, Anne Lamott. Lamott's most recent novel, "Imperfect Birds", tells of seventeen-year old Rosie Ferguson, who's seemingly perfect life is proven false as her web of lies is exposed and her parents are forced to deal with the consequences.

Lamott, a New York TImes best-selling author, is a past recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. Her other books include "Grace (Eventually)", "Plan B", "Bird by Bird", "Traveling Mercies", "Rosie" and many more.

Anne Lamott spoke at the Hoyt Sherman in Des Moines on Wednesday, April 13.

Spring is here?  Well, close enough for us to showcase Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and the opportunities that abound locally and nationally.  The Asian greens pictured on this post come from a local CSA.  Asian greens are so simple and quick to serve plus they give a lot of nutrition back to us.  A fast and tasty method is to thinly slice some garlic and toss it into a pan that's been heated with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil.  Let the garlic soften over a medium low fire, but not brown.  After 2-3 minutes of cooking the garlic toss in the greens, hit them with a generous sprinkle of sea salt and use a tongs to mix them in the hot pan.  Cook until they are a bit wilted, but still maintain their bright color.  It only takes another 2-3 minutes.  Serve with a spritz of lemon or lemon zest on top and maybe a drizzle of olive oil.

Rick Cutler is a jazz drummer and pianist. He studied at Julliard and with jazz great Chick Corea. For eighteen years he served as musical director and keyboardist for tap dance legend Gregory Hines.

Mr. Cutler was one of the original percussionists for Leonard Berstein's "Mass" which was performed for the opening of the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. He has performed with the likes of Lisa Minnelli, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Billy Eckstine, and Donna Summer to name a few. He currently tours as drummer for Lisa Minnelli.

REBROADCAST! REBROADCAST!

NO LIVE SHOW THIS WEEK!

We've got happy shots adorning this week's blog post. The little guy on the left is taking his life's work of pollinating seriously as he checks out the bloom on a Meyer Lemon tree. It's pretty easy to forget about the role that pollinators play in bringing food to our table. The bottom line is that without them most of the vegetables and fruits we eat wouldn't grow. Wanda Sandfire and Sean Johnson have plenty to tell us about the critical role of pollination played by a diverse number of insects, animals, and natural forces is explained.  Tune in as they help us understand and explain how we can contribute positively to the pollinator world.

This week's features a very special Writers' Voices. Local artists Betsy Dockhorn, Toni D'Orr, and John Stimson will all be guests to discuss the Book as Art Form.

Betsy Dockhorn will discuss her ongoing writing-based performance art project involving letters. Toni D'Orr, who creates meticulous tiny handmade books, will discuss her art. Both Betsy and Toni are involved with The Center for the Book, located in Iowa City. They will discuss what the Center for the Book is, what it does, and more. Also joining the conversation will be local artist John Stimson.

Don't miss this delightful conversation exploring the past, present, and future of the book!

David S. Ware, the legendary jazz saxophonist. Ware's band became the avant- garde supergroup of the 90's. Wrote one critic, " His knowledge of functional harmony is above and beyond that of virtually any other free saxophonist. He is a true heir to Coltrane."

Joe Kapp is the former quarterback of the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings. He was also the quarterback of the University of California at Berkeley where he led the Golden Bears to their last Rose Bowl appearance. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Kapp is only one of seven players to have played in the Rose Bowl and the Super Bowl, and he is the only player to quarterback in the Rose Bowl, the Super Bowl, and the Grey Cup.

I met this week's guest, Andrew Pitz, several weeks ago at Wheatsfield, the co-op in Ames.  Andrew was promoting his Sawmill Hollow Family Farm's two varieties of aronia berry wine.  Immediately, I was struck by his passion for not only the little purple berry that is packed with high concentrations of anti-oxidants, but his ideas about land stewardship, natural healing, and the importance of sharing that knowledge to enrich both people and planet. While I listened, I tasted the wines which were very pleasing and will especially appeal to folks who don't like the tannic quality inherent in many grape wines.