Best AZPM Podcasts (2025)

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What role did the Southwest region play in The American Revolution? 30:06

Play Pause

14h ago30:06

30:06

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "We Walk in Beauty: Native American Photographs and Words"; Chris Dashiell on the Mexican film "No Nos Moveran"; and musician Clay Dudash talks about his band The Manor Born, and the DUSK Music Festival.By AZPM

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Tracking drought patterns via the jet stream using tree rings 12:58

4d ago12:58

12:58

Scientists are learning about the current drought in the Southwest by studying climate change in the past. University of Arizona researcher Ellie Broadman discusses drought evidence found in tree rings that show what happened in the jet stream before man-made global warming took place. Ellie Broadman spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Pl…

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"Stop putting us through this": The Tucson community copes with the food insecurity crisis. 27:25

10h ago27:25

27:25

Also on Arizona Spotlight: A hit-and-run acident takes the lives of three UA students;William Shatner brings "The Wrath of Khan" to Tucson; and remembering Diane Ladd.By AZPM

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Using machine learning to study natural language processing 13:13

6d ago13:13

13:13

Generative artificial intelligence is emerging as a tool to look at how people learn language. University of Arizona professor Gondy Leroy discusses research into how advanced machine learning can help families diagnose autism through the way their children acquire speaking skills. Gondy Leroy spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D. Regent's professor in…

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Tucson Roller Derby might not be the safest sport, but it is a safe space 28:20

8d ago28:20

28:20

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Rogue Theatre defies expectations with "Cloud Nine"; and remembering Tucson artist and Holocaust survivor Chris Tanz.By AZPM

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Learning from squirrels about microbial health 15:38

22d ago15:38

15:38

Squirrels are notorious for being somewhat anti-social creatures. A team of researchers is trying to understand how the animals share crucial microbes that keep them healthy. University of Arizona evolutionary biologist Lauren Petrullo discusses the behavior of squirrels that leads to microbial exchange. Lauren Petrullo spoke with Tim Swindle, prof…

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"Si Pudiera Quedarme" (If I Can Stay) tells the story of two women seeking asylum from deportation 32:23

14d ago32:23

32:23

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue" brings a new spin to beloved characters; understanding the needs of native plants during drought; and Diane Keaton remembered.By AZPM

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Investigating the imaginative part of the human brain 13:47

24d ago13:47

13:47

People have spent decades trying to find a way to measure the dimension of imagination. University of Arizona neuroscientist Jessica Andrews-Hanna discusses what happens in our brains when we find ourselves lost in thought, or when we develop brand new ideas. Jessica Andrews-Hanna spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph.D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuro…

1
The Steinfeld Gallery and Studios presents "A Gorgeous Excitement" 27:47

24d ago27:47

27:47

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Poet and author Tracy K. Smith to visit the Tucson Humanities Festival; Owl and Panther celebrates 30 years of hope; and one man's journey to becoming a full-time "worm wrangler".By AZPM

1
The myths and monsters of Ray Harryhausen arrive in Tucson 30:50

1M ago30:50

30:50

Visit a traveling exhibition at the Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures that celebrates the groundbreaking special effects created by a filmmaking legend, the late Ray Harryhausen. Mark talks with Harryhausen's daughter Vanessa, and the curator of this one-of-a-kind collection, Connor Heaney. Also on Arizona Spotlight: Composer Evan Walker discu…

1
Turning to wildlife to stop the spread of wildfires 5:26

1M ago5:26

5:26

Firefighters have found extensive underground burrows dug by prairie dogs helped them halt the advance of wildfires in some Western states. University of Arizona researcher Courtney Duchardt discusses data suggesting prairie dog colonies can alter landscapes and reduce wildfire spread and intensity. Courney Duchardt spoke with Tim Swindle, professo…

1
Arizona Theatre Company's "Deceived" takes gaslighting to a whole new level 35:17

1M ago35:17

35:17

Also on Arizona Spotlight: For 60 years, The Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter has offered hope to felines and humans in need; and a gold medal Olympian Carrie Bates shares her story of addiction and recovery.By AZPM

1
Feeding plants and animals using solar energy 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

Tens of billions of pounds of wasted food ends up in landfills in the United States each year. University of Arizona professor Goggy Davidowitz is leading a team developing a system that collects food waste and dries it in a vertical greenhouse, so it can be used to fertilize fields and feed livestock. Goggy Davidowitz spoke with Tim Swindle, profe…

1
Hidden Voices 27:37

2M ago27:37

27:37

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Building bridges through interfaith connections; the documentary "Stripped for Parts" looks at the current state of the news business; and iconic Tucson cafe "The Little One" serves its final dish.By AZPM

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Investigating dark matter in the universe 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

Researchers know dark matter exists in the universe, but the evidence is hard to find. University of Arizona astronomy professor Dennis Zaritsky explains how scientists are exploring the space between galaxies to resolve this decades-old mystery. Dennis Zaritsky spoke to Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of planetary science at the University of Ariz…

1
How the trauma of living through the Holocaust is felt across generations. 27:37

2M ago27:37

27:37

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet the host of a new podcast dedicated to building a stronger Arizona community; and the story of a beloved dog named Betty that takes a surprising turn.By AZPM

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Coping with federal funding cutbacks for research grants 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

An organization that helps researchers win grants for their work on the University of Arizona campus nearly shut down because of the Trump administration's funding freeze earlier this year. BRISA Center for the Environment director Paloma Beamer discusses how it is continuing its mission despite losing support from the federal government. Paloma Be…

1
Scanning the skies for a new ninth planet 8:47

2M ago8:47

8:47

It's been almost 20 years since Pluto lost its status as the ninth planet in our solar system. Now astronomers think they have identified a candidate to take its place. Katherine Volk with the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute discusses a rare object that is orbiting the sun in step with the eighth planet, Neptune. In this extended episode, …

1
An operations update on the new Vera Rubin Observatory 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

Astronomers released the first photographs from the Vera Rubin Observatory two months ago. Operations director Robert Blum describes how the University of Arizona-backed instrument is creating anticipation among scientists for new discoveries about the universe.By AZPM

1
Go below decks with "Ship" at Live Theater Workshop, a quirky new play about a young woman charting a course to adulthood. 29:33

3M ago29:33

29:33

Also on Arizona Spotlight: "Weekend Edition Sunday" host Ayesha Rascoe on the current reality facing NPR; and storyteller Sharon Wysocki tells how her art project went viral way back in the '90s.By AZPM

1
Using dryland farming techniques to grow crops in the Southwest 5:26

3M ago5:26

5:26

Dryland farming has been a staple for indigenous desert communities for centuries. University of Arizona professor Michael Kotutwa Johnson discusses how modern solutions to growing crops during the drought can be developed through traditional farming methods practiced on tribal lands. Michael Kotutwa Johnson spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emerit…

1
Tracking the first human footprints in the Southwest 5:26

3M ago5:26

5:26

Some of the earliest known evidence of humans living in and around southern Arizona and New Mexico has been traced to around 23,000 years ago. University of Arizona archeologist Vance Holliday discusses his finds near White Sands Missile Range and how they add to the book of human history in the region. Vance Holliday spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph.…

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"Music is a healing force." Meet the host of Papa Ray's Vintage Vinyl Roadshow. 32:43

3M ago32:43

32:43

Also on Arizona Spotlight: How "Say One Thing" is helping to heal the Tucson community; an essay by nature writer, Rebekah Doyle; and behind the scenes at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's Raptor Free Flight Program.By AZPM

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Updating strategies for planetary defense 5:26

3M ago5:26

5:26

Asteroid trackers are scanning the Earth's neighborhood to find any objects that pose a threat to our planet. University of Arizona planetary scientist Vishnu Reddy discusses a network designed to coordinate efforts worldwide to respond to potential life-threatening asteroid impacts. Vishnu Reddy spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus in Planet…

1
80 years since atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, commemorating the victims and survivors. 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Poet Joshua Lillie previews his new collection, "Small Talk Symphony".By AZPM

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The impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior 5:26

4M ago5:26

5:26

Researchers have found stress and trauma experienced during childhood leads to emotional and cognitive disorders later in life. University of Arizona behavioral neuroscientist Lindsay Halliday discusses how brain development is affected by our early environment. Lindsay Halliday spoke with Leslie Tolbert Ph. D. Regent's professor emerita in Neurosc…

1
Is television watching us? "TV's American Dream: U.S. Television after the Great Recession". 29:54

4M ago29:54

29:54

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Vera C. Rubin Observatory begins to peer through space and time; and memories of growing up unsupervised in the 1950s.By AZPM

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How southern Arizona could hold clues to Mars' past 5:26

4M ago5:26

5:26

The Sonoran Desert region called Pinacate is often compared to other worlds in our Solar System. David Crown with the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute explains how researchers are comparing Pinacate's ancient lava flows to photographs taken of Mars by robotic explorers. David Crown spoke with Tim Swindle, professor emeritus of Planetary Sci…

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"Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats"--Why Courtney Gustafson's book is resonating with more than just cat lovers. 32:46

4M ago32:46

32:46

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Set sail for NPR's podcast, "Sea Camp"; and a new book makes native plant gardening in the Southwest accessible to all.By AZPM

1
How magic tricks can help us understand how our brains work 5:26

4M ago5:26

5:26

Magicians have fascinated audiences for centuries. University of Arizona psychologist Eve Isham describes how magicians and illusionists use science to develop their effects and the connection with the inner workings of the mind. Eve Isham spoke with Leslie Tolbert Ph.D Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.…

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Exploring "Observational Ecology" with Alan Ruiz Berman 31:24

4M ago31:24

31:24

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Local grassroots theater group debuts a new comedy/mystery; and how a local middle school teacher reclaimed her life after a tragic illness.By AZPM

1
"Hidden Voices" reveals empathy and compassion on the streets of Tucson 26:45

4M ago26:45

26:45

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Building bridges through interfaith connections; and the spiritual creations of artist, Quinton Antone.By AZPM

1
The documentary "Final Vows" looks at a way of life that is disappearing 25:17

4M ago25:17

25:17

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Retired Tucson architect Paula Holmes celebrates 100 years; and "Stories that Soar!" shares an amphibious love story.By AZPM

1
Seeing the tiniest objects in the human body 5:26

5M ago5:26

5:26

Nanotechnology is allowing scientists to go beyond the microscope to see the smallest structures. University of Arizona optical scientist Euan McLeod describes high tech tools that let us observe and analyze objects at the molecular level. Euan McLeod spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph. D. Regent's professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of …