It's A Question Of Balance with Ruth Copland

Broadcast on 20 December 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream.

'It's A Question Of Balance' balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage in the world.

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘Can God and Science Co-exist?’ Atheists and creationists would have us believe that we have to choose between God and Science - but do we? Amir Aczel in his new book Why Science Does Not Disprove God makes a distinction between two Gods - ‘the Gods of organised religions and the Gods of Einstein’. Einstein himself said ‘Science without religion is lame: religion without science is blind.’ The God Aczel is defending is a power behind the universe, not the God of religions. So is it possible to adhere to specific religious tenets whilst also appreciating the greater understanding of our world that science offers? Science has shown that we are made from the same cosmic dust as stars, quantum physics shows that particles once connected remain so over any distance, even millions of light years; increasingly science shows that we come from one source - and for many this source is God. Pope John Paul II stated “Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish”. Do you see the possibility of religions and science working more closely to share their different perspectives? Can God and science co-exist? What do you think? 

For more info on the show and to hear past shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:54 minutes Interview with Jordana Paige

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing Santa Cruz local, Jordana Paige, fashion handbag designer and entrepreneur. Ever wonder how fashion design empires get started? Jordana Paige, has built her design business completely from scratch, personally designing her unique bags whilst also running all aspects of the business. She has that elusive combination of artistic creativity and business acumen, which has enabled her to make her art commercially viable. Whilst aware that many people feel fashion is superficial, Jordana believes that it can be more meaningful, as a creative outlet and a way to express our mood and our perception of ourselves. Join me to hear Jordana’s take on the art of fashion and the story of how this young woman has built her creative business from nothing.

For more info and to hear previous shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

Broadcast on 13 December 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream. 

'It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world.

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘What is the nature of a true gift?’ With the holidays coming up, gift-giving is in the air. Aviator and Writer Antoine de Sainte-Exupery (1900-1944) said

“In giving you are throwing a bridge across the chasm of your solitude.” Giving gifts can be as much a joy for the giver as for the receiver. But has this simple pleasure been affected by consumerism. Do we now think of gifts predominantly as material items? In tribal cultures, a gift is given in the knowledge that it will keep being given and never be stagnant. What would it be like if we thought of gifts in this way? St Francis of Assisi said “For it is in giving that we receive” but for some this has become rather literal. Has gift-giving become a barter exchange where we try to give gifts of equal value to what we will receive? Why do we give gifts at all? Some reasons might be to express gratitude; to bring someone joy; to express obligation; to garner favour; because someone gives us a gift – reciprocation; it is expected by our culture at certain times; it is expected by certain people. Why do YOU give gifts and what is a true gift to you? What do you think?

For more info on the show and to hear past shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:54 minutes Interview with Alan White

This week as her special guest from the arts Ruth is pleased to be interviewing Alan White of the progressive rock band Yes, who have sold nearly 40 million albums and are famous for pioneering the use of rock instruments to create extended classical-style compositions. Considered by many to be one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, Alan has over 40 years of experience and appearances on over 50 albums, with artists including John Lennon, George Harrison, Joe Cocker, Ginger Baker and The Ventures as well as with Yes. As an important contributing songwriter, Alan has helped take Yes to great heights with radio hits such as Owner of a Lonely Heart, Changes, Love Will Find a Way, Rhythm of Love, Wondrous Stories, Tempus Fugit, Leave It, The Calling, and In the Presence Of. Known for his accomplished professionalism, musical innovation, and easy-going nature, Alan continues to inspire musicians as well as a world-wide following of fans. Despite the hectic touring and recording schedule of Yes, Alan also finds time for other projects - composing music for the entertainment industry with longtime friend and technical guru, Reek N. Havok, and performing with a variety of artists, including a collaboration with MerKaBa, a Seattle, Washington-based band with music rooted partly in native cultures, spirituality and love for the earth, and a new band project called White. In addition, Alan conducts numerous drum clinics around the world, to encourage and teach other drummers. Born in England, Alan now lives in Washington state with his wife Gigi.

Ruth’s in-depth interviews with compelling guests from all areas of the arts focus on the way artists challenge preconceptions, explore feelings and thoughts, stir emotions and take their audience on a journey through the consciousness, hoping variously to entertain, elucidate and inspire. Ruth says “Art gives us a way of entering into another’s experience of the world. This can be by turns exciting, unsettling, pleasurable and healing. In my interviews I try to go beneath the surface and find out what motivates the guest to make their art; to explore how their life experiences have shaped and inspired their work; and what place they see for art in the modern world.”

For more information on the show (and to listen to podcasts) visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

"It's A Question of Balance, so rare among radio talk shows, lets its subjects breathe. With her discursive style and pleasingly eccentric range of curiosity, host Ruth Copland each week treats her listeners to two hours of Whole Brain Radio."

Hampton Sides - Internationally best-selling author

Broadcast on 29 November 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream. 

'It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world.

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘Is money the best motivator?’ There is a common belief that the best way to motivate ourselves and others is through external rewards like money. However, an overview of 120 years of research to synthesize the findings from 92 quantitative studies involving 15,000 people reveals that the correlation between job satisfaction and pay is extremely weak, less than 2%. Does this surprise you? Would you expect people’s happiness with their job to be largely about how much they are paid? There is research to show that money can actually demotivate because it crowds out other intrinsic goals such as enjoyment, sheer curiosity, learning or personal challenge. Daniel H Pink who has written on this subject states that the three true motivators in life are the need to direct our own life, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and the world. Is money the best motivator? What motivates you?

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:52 minutes Interview with Nidhi Chanani

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to have in the studio Nidhi Chanani - artist, illustrator, writer and owner of Everyday Love Art. Known for creating art that captures the everyday romantic and whimsical moments in life, her work reminds people to stop and recognize those moments. Born in Calcutta and raised in suburban southern California, Nidhi actively creates work that represents diverse communities, projecting a strong female Asian voice within the arts. She has appeared on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and BBC Radio and her work has been featured on Fab, Daily Candy, and Scoutmob. Nidhi has worked with Hasbro, Paramount Pictures, ABC, Microsoft, Disney, Boom Studios, and a variety of other clients. Her art takes many forms - wood burnings, one-off images, and a whole range of graphic representations. Everyday Love Art products are sold in retail shops across the country, including the American Museum of Natural History, San Francisco International Airport, Books Inc., Papyrus, and Therapy stores. Nidhi has produced two books featuring her art, Everyday Love Art Volumes 1 and 2, and has illustrated Misty, the Proud Cloud written by Hugh Howery. She is currently working on her debut graphic novel, Pashmina, to be published by First Second Books in 2016. In April 2012, Nidhi was honored at the White House as a Champion of Change, an award that focuses on those bringing about positive change in their community. 

Broadcast on 22 November 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream. 

'It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world.

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘What have we got to be grateful for?’ The news is full of conflict, both political and physical, the fear of death from disease and terrorism, and doleful analyses of the economy and employment figures. So is having a positive outlook to life simply ignoring reality? Is seeing the glass half full instead of half empty just being a naive Pollyanna? Or is there something to the notion that we create our own reality? That we can’t control everything that happens but we can control our perception of events and our reaction to them? What effect does it have if we count our blessings and genuinely appreciate them compared with bemoaning our lack of health, money, love or success? Some people advocate gratitude as an attitude of life, making it a conscious practice, but is this really feasible in our busy lives? What comes to mind if you ask yourself ‘What have we got to be grateful for?’  

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:54 minutes Interview with Ray Brown

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing Ray Brown - composer, arranger, flugelhornist, jazz educator, and band leader. Ray started writing for big bands at the age of twelve in New York after hearing the creative and witty arrangements of Willie Maiden and Slide Hampton. After graduating from Ithaca College in 1968 Ray spent spent 18 months on the road with the Stan Kenton Band in the early seventies, playing the Jazz trumpet chair. In 1975 he moved to the San Francisco area and played with numerous groups, including Bill Berry’s LA Band, Nat Pierce and Frankie Capp’s Juggernaut, and the Full Faith and Credit Big Band, for which he wrote and conducted three albums. A Fulbright Guest Professorship to Germany in 1990 led to work with the Frankfurt Rundfunk Big Band and other groups in Europe. Once back in the US, Ray started the Great Big Band, which made its recording debut on Impressions of Point Lobos in 1994. The band’s book, creatively written by Ray, gives all the players ample time to solo. Standing room only audiences from the Monterey Jazz Festival to the Stanford Jazz Festival to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz to the Lake Tahoe Music Festival are evidence of the band’s popularity. The band’s latest CD, “Kayak,” has enjoyed airplay throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe. Ray has also spent many years as a jazz educator, recently retiring from Cabrillo College where he taught Jazz improvisation, arranging, and Jazz ensembles for nearly 40 years. Ray's Great Big Band plays at Cabrillo on 24 November.

Join us on Saturday 8-9 PM! For more info on the show and to hear past shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com 

Broadcast on 15 November 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream. 

'It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world.

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

This Saturday November 8th 8-9 PM on It’s A Question Of Balance with Ruth Copland we consider ‘Are religion and violence inextricably linked?’ Religious scholar Karen Armstrong states that many people “believe instinctively that there is a violent essence inherent in religion, which inevitably radicalizes any conflict - because once combatants are convinced that God is on their side, compromise becomes impossible and cruelty knows no bounds.” But is violence in the name of, or in defense of, religion a cover for other agendas?  Does religious violence actually have more to do with politics and social order? Or is some level of violence inevitable in the defense of faith? What do you think?

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Richard Stockton

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing Richard Stockton, comedian, performer, writer, storyteller, musician, radio host and Gail Rich Award winner. In 1982 Richard became the morning talk show host of WKDA/KDF in Nashville, Tennessee which was the number one talk show in the mid south for two years. In 1986 he became a full time touring comedian, based in San Francisco. In his twenty-eight years as a standup comedian he has appeared on dozens of national TV shows and has headlined A-List comedy clubs from coast to coast – Improv, Punchline, Comedy Underground, Comedy Works, and more – growing an audience of devotees to his unique take on the human potential movement. His first book, Fondle The Fear is now in its third printing, and is the basis for a TV show by the same name. He also creates short stories of transformation for NPR stations KQED, KUSP and KAZU in Northern California. He is the originator and star of the one-man comedy theatre show Are We There Yet?’- a journey through the past 60 years and crossing into the next 30 – on the voyage of the baby boomer generation. Planet Cruz Comedy with Richard Stockton, a comedy/variety show with the finest progressive stand-ups in the country, along with comedy sketches about the state of Santa Cruz, all to the beat of the Planetoid Band, comes to The Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz on November 22nd 2014. For more info and to hear previous shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

Broadcast on 8 November 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream.

‘It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world.

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘Can We Retain Empathy in the Face of Fear?’ America is known for its defense of freedom and civil liberties, yet at times it seems that fear-based hysteria can build, reducing empathy and compassion, and eroding defense of civil liberties. Responses to HIV/AIDS, terrorism and threatened health epidemics spring to mind, the recent Ebola scare in particular. Do you think that it is a choice whether we live in fear or not? Do you think the media has a responsibility not to incite fear? There doesn’t seem to be much compassion in the reporting of the Ebola epidemic compared with famine victims, for example. There has also been a bubbling witch-hunt mentality about travelers from foreign countries and exposed health-workers. There are hundreds of things more likely to kill us than Ebola, including our own choices about such things as not addressing clinical obesity, high usage of alcohol, drug-taking, extreme sports, smoking, as well as many diseases. Where does our fear of Ebola come from? Why have we so quickly jumped to concern for ourselves? And if we can’t help but be afraid, can we at least retain empathy in the face of fear and moderate our responses accordingly? What do you think?

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Jane Smiley

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing Jane Smiley, Pulitzer-Prize-winning novelist and essayist. Praised as ‘a diverse and masterly writer’ and ‘one of the premier novelists of her generation’ Jane has written 14 novels, five non-fiction books and a series of horse books for young adults, as well as many essays and articles. Her novel A Thousand Acres won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1992, and her novel The All True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton won the 1999 Spur Award for Best Novel of the West. She has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 1987. Her novel Horse Heaven was short-listed for the Orange Prize in 2002, and her novel, Private Life, was chosen as one of the best books of 2010 by The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post. She received the PEN USA Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature in 2006. Her most recent novel SOME LUCK, the first volume of a trilogy, the story of an American farming family across a 100 years ending in 2020, has just come out. Join me Saturday 9-10 PM to find out more about the life and art of this masterly writer. And if you enjoy the interview you can meet Jane live at Bookshop Santa Cruz November 12th at 7 PM. I’ll be going so I hope to see you there! For more info and to hear previous shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

Broadcast on 1 November 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream. 

‘It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world.

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘Should artistic expression ever be censored?' Historically artists are considered highly influential, imbued with the power to touch the soul and conscience of the people and drive change. Various regimes have decimated artist populations in order to ensure the stability of their political agenda. Very few people would argue this is a good thing. However, the potential of art to offend and subvert remains a concern in ‘civilised’ society, with such things as misogynistic pop songs being targeted for criticism. Should artists have the right to shock and appall, confront religious taboos, question political stances, and step beyond the norm or are there instances where their artistic license should be curtailed? Can some art be so offensive that banning or censoring it is the right thing to do so that it doesn’t contaminate our society? Or should artistic expression always be allowed free reign, without any restriction? What do you think?

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Saleem

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing popular comedian and actor, Saleem. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Saleem is known for his dynamic stage presence, his bold and refreshingly original material, and his ability to appeal to a broad audience without compromising his distinctive comedic “voice”. His credits include appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, TBS’s “Lopez Tonight”, FOX’s “Best Damn SportShow…Period” and BET’s “Comic View.” He has also worked with music greats “The Temptations”, “Boyz II Men” and Vanessa Williams and comedy legends such as George Carlin, Joan Rivers, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, D.L. Hughley, Kathleen Madigan and Gary Shandling. Saleem has appeared internationally in the UK, Canada, The Netherlands and the Caribbean, has performed for charity in Israel and Mexico, and has had the honor to perform on tours supporting United States Service personnel for The Armed Forces Entertainment Network in Iraq and Kuwait, clearly demonstrating Saleem’s universal comedic appeal. As an actor he has appeared on ABC’s “Sons & Daughters”, Universal’s “Blind Date” as well as in many popular commercials. His comedy is clean, confident, original and irreverent, contributing to his wide appeal. For more info go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

Broadcast on 25 October 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream. 

‘It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world. 

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘Do we still need public libraries?’ In this age of the internet and e-books what is the role of the public library in society today? Thomas Jefferson in 1809 wrote “I have often thought that nothing would do more extensive good at small expense than the establishment of a small circulating library in every county”. Funding of libraries is constantly under attack in budget cuts and has seriously declined in recent years even though 90% of Americans say the closing of their local public library would impact their community*. Publishers are ambivalent or even hostile about libraries fearing reduced book sales. With their core mission of promoting reading, however, do libraries create new readers (and thus new purchasers)? 82% of Americans believe libraries should provide free literacy programs to young children*, which may include traditional reading, writing and comprehension as well as technology and new media literacies. Is this a good use of public money or should parents be responsible for providing these skills? Many people have home access to the internet for research and e-books but does this replace the cultural and intellectual experience of the library and its role as a vibrant community center? Is the library more than a repository of books? Libraries now provide free access to the internet and computers – is this as fundamental a right to information as the original intent of libraries providing access to books (and thus knowledge) for all people regardless of socio-economic standing? What do you think?

*Pew Research Center.

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Azar Nafisi

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing Azar Nafisi, New York Times best-selling author, essayist and academic. Azar is perhaps best known for her book Reading Lolita in Tehran, which tells the story of how, against the backdrop of morality squads and executions, Azar taught American literature to her students in Iran. It is an exploration of the transformative powers of fiction in a world of tyranny. Reading Lolita in Tehran has sold over a million copies, spent over 117 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, has been translated into 32 languages, and has won diverse literary awards. In 2006 Azar won a Persian Golden Lioness Award for literature, presented by the World Academy of Arts, Literature, and Media. She is the author of Anti-Terra: A Critical Study of Vladimir Nabokov’s Novels, a children’s book (with illustrator Sophie Benini Pietromarchi) BiBi and the Green Voice and Things I Have Been Silent About: Memories, a memoir about her mother. In addition, Azar has written for The New York Times, Washington Post, The New Republic and The Wall Street Journal. Azar Nafisi is a Visiting Professor and the executive director of Cultural Conversations at the Foreign Policy Institute of Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC, where she is a professor of aesthetics, culture, and literature, and teaches courses on the relation between culture and politics. Her new book The Republic of Imagination has just been published. For more info on the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

Broadcast on 18 October 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream. 

‘It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world. 

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

 

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘Should the drinking age in the USA be consistent with the age other adult ‘rights’ are granted?’ At the age of 18 in the USA you gain control over most major life decisions, you can vote, have sex, smoke, get married, sign a legally binding contract, join the military, but you can’t drink alcohol until the age of 21. What is the rationale for this inconsistency? Is there a valid reason to differentiate the age for drinking or is it an anachronism? Some argue that studies indicate the brain is still developing until the age of 25 affecting the quality of decision-making, risk-assessment, empathy and insight, and causing emotion to trump rational processing. If this is the case surely this affects all decision-making? Perhaps rather than the drinking age being lowered the age of majority should be raised for the other adult rights, such as smoking, having sex, joining the military, and voting, to an age when the brain is fully developed? What do you think?

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Danny De Lillo

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing, Danny De Lillo, British actor, television host, and writer. Born in London and growing up in the sprawling Oxfordshire countryside Danny now resides in Los Angeles. Danny studied acting in London at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts of which Dame Judi Dench is the President, and then went on to train further at the American Academy of Performing Arts, in New York, where stars such as Grace Kelly and Danny DeVito launched their careers. He has starred in theatre in London and UK national tours and has two films coming out in which he has the leading role – in ‘Smile’ he stars as a serial killer, and in ‘Red Heart’, a romantic comedy, he plays a lovable but slightly inept young man trying to get his girlfriend back against the backdrop of the Royal Wedding. With a strong interest in giving back, Danny is on the boards of NewFilmmakers LA and  the Britweek Film Committee; he is also Vice Chairman of Youth, Education & Outreach at The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). For more info on the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

Broadcast on 11 October 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY AM 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream.

‘It’s A Question Of Balance’ balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage with the world.

For more info on Ruth and the show go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners' Views

We consider ‘Is technology our servant or our master?’ Increasingly everything in our lives is being changed by technology. The internet of things will soon ensure that our refrigerator will tell us when we need more milk, our cars will drive themselves, facial recognition software linked with social media will mean we need never be attracted to a stranger again without being able to find out nearly everything about them instantly from an app on our phone. Some of these advances beg the question “just because you CAN do something does that mean that you SHOULD?” What are the consequences of losing the need to think in so many different circumstances? Will it free us up to use our minds for even more amazing purposes? Or will we simply end up with more time to consume endless media entertainment as in Farenheit 451? How much discernment do we use when deciding to use technology? Are we controlling it or are we letting it control us? What do you think?

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:54 minutes Interview with Garth Stein

This week as my special guest from the arts I’m pleased to be interviewing, Garth Stein, New York Times best-selling author, playwright, and Academy-Award-winning film-maker. Garth is the author of four novels, including his recently released new novel A Sudden Light. His book The Art of Racing in the Rain has sold more than 4 million copies in 35 languages, and spent more than three years on the New York Times bestseller list.  It has inspired a Young Reader edition as well as a children’s picture book adaptation (2014), a stage adaptation by Book-It Repertory Theatre in Seattle, and is currently in development with Universal Studios for a major motion picture. Garth is also the author of a full-length play Brother Jones. Before turning to writing full-time, Garth was a documentary filmmaker, directing, editing, and/or producing several award-winning films, including The Lunch Date, winner of the Academy award for live action short in 1990, and The Last Party, starring Robert Downey, Jr. Garth is co-founder of Seattle7Writers, a non-profit organization dedicated to energizing readers and writers and their communities by providing funding, programming, donations of free books to those in need, and generally inspiring enthusiasm for reading. For more info and to hear previous shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com