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Artwork for Arizona Spotlight

Arizona Spotlight

AZPM
Tucson
Holocaust
Arizona Theatre Company
University Of Arizona
Arizona
Mental Health
The New Zoo Review
Gabrielle Pietrangelo
Calexico
Covid-19
Tucson, United States
Sonoran Desert
Tucson Pride Festival
Juneteenth
Community Support
Public Broadcasting
Ray Harryhausen
Pinyon Mine
Monument Valley
Final Vows

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 ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes493Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for Arizona Spotlight

Latest Episodes

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Scott Simon's latest book offers his appreciation of animal companionship; and how the spiritual combines with pop culture at The Last Supper Museum.

Also on Arizona Spotlight, national monuments under fire by the Trump administration; Julieta ASMR explains the basics of her art; and the Zachary family story of survival and love against the odds.

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Also on Arizona Spotlight: What to expect from the first ever Meza Festival, bringing global music to the local community; and storyteller Zach Gordon reflects on the importance of coffee and connection.

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In part 2, more highlights from the event, including an essay from nature writer Rebekah Doyle, a poem fromindigenous creative Mariana Rivera, and an interview with acclaimed fiction author Linda D. Addison.

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Carisa Hendrix
Magician and comedian known as Lucy Darling
Lucy Darling character, performer
Episode: Carisa Hendrix talks about becoming Lucy Darling
Alyssa Namias
Director of Cookie Queens
Cookie Queens film
Episode: A new documentary tells the story of four Girl Scouts who yearn to be "Cookie Queens".
Elaine Romero
Playwright and professor
University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film and Television
Episode: Tucson playwright Elaine Romero being celebrated on the national stage
Linda D. Addison
Writer of poetry and fiction, Bram Stoker Award winner
Independent author; collaborates with Jamal Hodge on works
Episode: "Tucson is listening..." Part 2
Mariana Rivera
Local poet, 2026 fellow of Indigenous Nations Poets
Independent artist
Episode: "Tucson is listening..." Part 2
Rebekah Doyle
Nature writer and essayist, contributor to the show
Independent writer
Episode: "Tucson is listening..." Part 2
Logan Phillips
Tucson poet laureate
Independent / Tucson poetry community
Episode: "Tucson is listening..."
Jenica Bosco
Storyteller invited to share a personal story
Independent
Episode: "Tucson is listening..."
Alejandro Canelos
Author, playwright and musician
Independent / author
Episode: "Tucson is listening..."

Host

Mark McLemore
Emmy award-winning host and producer focused on Southern Arizona arts and culture.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 16 ratings
  • Great podcast, though there are some boring episodes.

    Great quality, mark does a great job finding interesting things to talk about. I would recommend it to others. I can’t always listen to it because some of the things don’t interest me, but I always come back and find great episodes even after a long absence. Thanks

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    DCKID357
    United States8 years ago
  • A welcome slice of Tucson and SE Arizona!

    I left Arizona in 2000 (where I'd lived for almost 12 years) to tend to my mom back in CA, who had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. With the exception of a 3 day visit in 2005 when I was newly pregnant, I haven't been back since. Despite that, Tucson has been in my heart and mind without skipping a beat, and now I can *really* stay connected to this mythical place with Arizona Spotlight. Great stories, thoughtful interviews, and a true sense of place no matter the topic. Thank you Mark ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jasperblu67
    United States10 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Quality interviews with a warm, accessible hosting style.
Some episodes occasionally skew niche, but overall high production quality.
Community-focused storytelling resonates with audiences and sponsors.
Listeners appreciate the strong local focus and variety of guests.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Carisa Hendrix talks about becoming Lucy Darling
Q: Why in the 21st century do men still dominate the field of magic, and how do women change that dynamic?
The field remains gender-biased due to historical norms and gatekeeping, but the latest generation of performers is increasingly diverse; women bring unique perspectives and a balance of elegance and skill, challenging stereotypes and creating more inclusive experiences.
Tucson playwright Elaine Romero being celebrated on the national stage
Q: Do you remember what it was like seeing that monologue performed in front of an audience for the first time?
She recalls Norma Medina performing the monologue at Cabaret Theater, acknowledging the moment as challenging yet powerful because it connected with the audience and reinforced the importance of listening to her own voice rather than suppressing it.
Tucson playwright Elaine Romero being celebrated on the national stage
Q: And there, there was this studious young woman who was working hard, clearly writing a doctoral paper, play, who knows. But I saw you often in those days, and you were always very focused on your work. What sort of things come to mind when you think back to that time in your career?
Romero reflects on the early scene at Café Quebec, where she was deeply immersed in writing and shaping her first major works, understanding that early perseverance and the belief in her voice laid the groundwork for her later success, including the choice to pursue drama and monologue-driven storytelling.
"Let's talk it out at the barbershop." The living legacy at "2032 South Park Avenue".
Q: What inspired you to tell the story of 2032 South Park Avenue and your family's connection to the barber shop?
The motivation came from a desire to preserve Black Tucson history and family memories, learning about how the shop served as a community hub across generations, and wanting to share that history with wider audiences.
Composer Marc Shaiman shares stories from his charmed life in showbiz
Q: What did you learn from Rob Reiner about collaboration and keeping a crew happy on a film set?
The importance of hanging out with the team, building camaraderie, and making sure everyone feels included and valued, which he carried into long-term collaborations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Spotlight

What is Arizona Spotlight about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on Southern Arizona's artistic community, featuring in-depth conversations with musicians, filmmakers, actors, writers, historians, and community organizers. Episodes frequently pair personal storytelling with behind-the-scenes looks at creative processes, regional history, and live arts scenes—from theater productions and film projects to music showcases and cultural festivals. A distinctive strength is its blend of local culture with broader art-world insights, often highlighting community involvement, education, and the impact of place on creative work. The format tends to mix intimate interviews, behind-the-scenes production notes, and coverage of local arts events, offering practical context for listeners who want to ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Arizona Spotlight?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Arizona Spotlight:

1. Consider This from NPR
2. Marketplace
3. Planet Money
4. The Daily
5. Hidden Brain

How many episodes of Arizona Spotlight are there?

Arizona Spotlight launched 12 years ago and published 493 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Arizona Spotlight?

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What guests have appeared on Arizona Spotlight?

Recent guests on Arizona Spotlight include:

1. Carisa Hendrix
2. Alyssa Namias
3. Elaine Romero
4. Linda D. Addison
5. Mariana Rivera
6. Rebekah Doyle
7. Logan Phillips
8. Jenica Bosco

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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