Radio Friends with Paul Pepper

TRYPS artistic director JILL WOMACK invites the youth in our community to spend these next couple of months engaged with her staff in learning a variety of aspects related to the creative side of live theatre. Jill also touches on the effectiveness of doing this all online. Plus, MARILYN McLEOD tells us about a few of the many public events coming up in February sponsored by the League of Women Voters, including a two-part forum on social justice issues. (4:17) February 1, 2021

Resident storyteller LARRY BROWN is making a rare non-holiday-related visit to our show today: "I thought, boy, this is a season in which we need a break." His story, 'Chickens Underground', made its debut at the 'Chicken Festival', an annual event for local storytellers that this year took place online due to the ongoing pandemic. (And yes, he explains why it's called the 'Chicken Festival'.) January 29, 2021

Mid-Missouri's local Salvation Army is calling its 2020 Red Kettle Campaign a success despite the ongoing pandemic. Regional coordinator MAJOR CURTISS HARTLEY tells us who will benefit from our community's deep pockets. Also, JEFF MORAN takes us on a virtual tour of Mobility Worldwide's new facility. "The new shop is three times as big as the old shop!" (4:48) January 28, 2021

Author JOHN HOWE, "The Foolish Corner," says this about racial bias in the courtroom: "people come to the world with all kinds of biases of which they're largely not aware, and racial bias is one type; and so apparently it influences the sentencing decisions made by judges." January 27, 2021

Carpet One Floor and Home's SCOTT BRADLEY says carpet made from corn - yes, corn - "checks all the boxes" when it comes to choosing an environmentally-friendly floor covering for your home. Find out why! Also, Coyote Hill Christian Children's Home is celebrating 30 years this year. KARI HOPKINS tells us how they'll be celebrating this momentous occasion! (4:25) January 26, 2021

The deadline for filing your 2020 taxes returns to its longtime home of April 15 this year - at least that's the plan as of right now. To help you get both your personal and business portfolio is in order is our guest today, financial advisor ALEX LaBRUNERIE! January 25, 2021

When you've written poetry based on photographs for a monthly magazine for close to 40 years - as WALTER BARGEN has done with Today's Farmer - it's easy to want to take a trip down memory lane from time to time. Here now is our third trip down that lane. January 22, 2021

We may not know for certain what the future holds for our little planet, but Columbia's Climate and Environment Commission is determined to lay the groundwork that establishes adaptability for generations to come. Guest: LINDA GODWIN January 21, 2021

OsteoStrong Columbia co-owner CARL GERHARDT tells us about the science behind OsteoStrong's four Spectrum System used to achieve ideal bone strength and health. Also, CHRISTY LOWE recaps Voluntary Action Center's 2020 Holiday Program: "it was really amazing to see this year." (5:02) January 20, 2021

"You have to check your own feelings, because getting angry at them only makes things worse." That's the message from SUZANNE OPPERMAN, SMART Recovery facilitator, to those dealing with a family member who has a dependency like drugs, alcohol or food, for example. January 19, 2021

We all know it's important to take care of our teeth, to take care of our mouth, yet a staggering 74 million people in the United States are without dental insurance. If that's you, DRS. PHILIP BATSON and ELIZABETH ABE, Columbia Healthy Smiles, are here to talk about another option that might help you pay down those bills: a dental plan. January 18, 2021

"This story would not have been written if my mother had not told me about her grandfather..." Author JOE POLACCO's new book, 'Giovanni: Street Urchin of Naples', is best described as historical fiction, the (occasionally embellished) story of Joe's great-grandfather making the journey from Italy to America and his ascension to patriarchy in a society rife with racism and injustice. January 15, 2021

Guardianship is "very similar to adoption in a number of ways" according to KATHRYN O'HAGAN, president of Columbia Foster and Adoption Project. We get into the nuances and more in this wide-ranging interview about CFAP's mission to assist the more than 400 children in need of foster care in mid-Missouri. January 14, 2021

If you haven't seen 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' or 'Moonstruck' in a while, the Ragtag Film Society has got you covered. Actually, it's your own car doing the covering because...it's a drive-in! STACIE POTTINGER tells us when and where we can watch these classic movies on their big 40' screen. Stacie also touches on this year's True False Film Fest. Also, dietitian LeANN ROBLEY shares some easy at-home exercise and nutrition ideas. "The big thing is starting out small." (4:50) January 13, 2021

Shovels ready?! The District is about to break ground on the long-awaited 'Gateway Plaza' at the corner of Broadway and Providence, and you're invited! Executive director NICKIE DAVIS tells us what this beautiful new green space will look like. Also, SUSAN COOK-WILLIAMS fills us in on what's to come in 2021 for River City Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers and donations are always welcome! (4:38) January 12, 2021

Capital City Productions opens "The Yearling" four weeks from today! Executive board member ROB CROUSE tells us why you'll want to mark your calendars so you don't miss this classic musical about a boy and his pet fawn. Also, VIRGINIA RAMSEYER WINTER invites adults 50 and over who need to scratch their proverbial lifelong learning itch to sign up for Osher@Mizzou's winter session. Each class takes place via Zoom. (4:42) January 11, 2021

It's January, winter is upon us, and if you're a pet owner, you know life isn't as easy-going as it is during the warmer months. DR. MAR DOERING, DVM, All Paws Medical and Behavioral Center, has some good tips that'll keep Fluffy and Fido safe and healthy until the spring season arrives later this year! January 8, 2020

Artificial intelligence expert SCOTT CHRISTIANSON introduces us to what's known as "adversarial networks." Basically, AI is now in the art and music business, the proof being a 'painting' done by two AI's working together to "solve the same problem." It's a fascinating process that Scott explains. (Their partnership - a first - netted more than $400K at Christy's!) January 7, 2021

Stop Human Trafficking Coalition of Central Missouri board member ED WILLIAMS shares a personal story about a relative who was trafficked in Mexico, Missouri, unbeknownst to him while he was working for the Audrain County Sheriff's Department. "I spent 15 years in law enforcement and never heard of or even taken a report of trafficking." January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Missouri Sex Trafficking Awareness Month. January 6, 2021

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri executive director ANN MERRIFIELD invites anyone interested in becoming a 'big' (that would be the adult) to a 'little' (that would the child) to apply today. "Our mission is that we want to help all of our youth achieve their full potential." January 5, 2021

Truman Veterans' Hospital staff cardiologist DR. ANAND CHOCKALINGAM has written a new book! 'Seeking Hunger: How Food Shapes Our Thinking, Health and Destiny' stems from Dr. Chockalingam's belief that "our body, our mind, our psyche, our society has...been shaped and motivated by hunger" since the dawn of mankind. January 4, 2021

The affects of COVID-19 on those with dementia (and their caregivers) who have been living in isolation since early 2020 are wide-ranging. Advocate/volunteer LOIS LONG offers this piece of advice for the next time you pay that person a (socially-distant) visit: go in with good attitude. It's what's called "melodic therapy," and Lois has seen it work first-hand. You'll make their day! January 1, 2021

Since 2013, Columbia Daily Tribune publisher emeritus Hank Waters has always been our final guest of the year. Hank died over the summer, leaving behind a legacy that won't soon be forgotten. Taking his place on this New Year's Eve is 'Notes from Boomerang Creek' columnist - and longtime friend of the show - CATHY SALTER. December 31, 2020

"The story of our economy in 2020 is one of great disruption, of great loss for so many people... To get the whole economy healed again in 2021, we need that vaccine, and the scientists have really come through for us." -- ALEX LaBRUNERIE, LaBrunerie Financial  December 30, 2020

The shame; the guilt. For those in recovery, the holiday season - and all that comes with it - can be overwhelming, and sometimes even triggering. SUZANNE OPPERMAN, SMART Recovery, tells us how we as hosts, as family members, as friends, can make sure that those with an addiction problem feel comfortable in what is to most a normal, festive setting. December 29, 2020

Today is day three of Kwanzaa, the African-American celebration that begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. The theme this year is, 'Kwanzaa and the Well-Being of the World: Living and Uplifting the Seven Principles'. Guest: YVONNE MATTHEWS, Lincoln University  December 28, 2020

Merry Christmas, everyone! Our guest today is storyteller LARRY BROWN. He shares with us an original story titled, 'Wanda Hand and Opossum'. December 25, 2020

We dipped into the archives to bring you this holiday clip show featuring music from Cathy Barton and Dave Para [4:35], Simpatico [2:19] and Talking Horse Productions [7:33]! December 24, 2020

All-day snacking can be "detrimental' to the health of your teeth. Why? Because it takes about a half-hour for your mouth to return to a neutral pH level (a good thing). If you're always eating, it can't get back to that "healthier state." Guests: DRS. PHILIP BATSON and ELIZABETH ABE, Columbia Healthy Smiles  December 23, 2020

While never easy, it's especially difficult to lose a loved one during the holiday season, a time of year inherently filled with an expectation of happiness. End-of-life doula MICKEY HAVENER is here with tips on how to cope, starting with taking care of yourself. December 22, 2020