It's A Question Of Balance with Ruth Copland

Discussing 'Should we all be one religion?' and Interviewing Laurie Kilmartin

Broadcast on 26 July 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY 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 the show visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners’ Views

In the first hour we discuss our Question That Matters this week -  ‘Should we all be one religion?’ There is so much violence in the world that centers around the clashing of religions. Would it be simpler if we were all one religion? If so, which one? Why do some people feel the need for everyone to share their religious views? Is there still a place for organized religion in the modern world? Local people share their views in the Out and About feature.

HOUR 2: (Begins at 0:53 minutes) Interview with Laurie Kilmartin

I interview Laurie Kilmartin, stand-up comedian, comedy writer and author. Laurie is an Emmy-nominated writer for CONAN on TBS, and, as a stand-up comedian, has appeared on CONAN, Last Comic Standing, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Comedy Central. As an author she has published Permission Slips: Every Woman's Guide to Giving Herself a Break and more recently a book, Sh * tty Mom, which is a New York Times best-seller and has given hope to mothers everywhere who are doing their best but can’t be perfect. She has also produced a full-length, live stand-up comedy album which takes on sex, politics, and religion in one hilarious fell swoop, recorded live at the Punch Line in San Francisco. I’ll be talking to Laurie about her work and also playing an excerpt of stand-up she did on Conan. For more info visit www.kilmartin.com

Discussing 'Are some jobs more suitable for a man or a woman?' and Interviewing Ellen Bass

Broadcast on 19 July 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY 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 the show visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners’ Views

In the first hour Our Question That Matters is ‘Are some jobs more suitable for a man or a woman?’ Do you associate some jobs with men or women? How do you feel about a man being a nurse or giving childcare? About a woman being an electrician or working on an oil rig? Are men and women innately better at some things than others or is that perception down to stereotyping? Is it perhaps masculine and feminine traits that matter more than gender? People in the local area give their opinions in Out and About.

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Ellen Bass

I interview Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Ellen Bass. Ellen is the multi-award-winning author of three books of poetry: The Human Line; Mules of Love; and the recently published Like A Beggar. Her poems have appeared in hundreds of journals and anthologies, including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The American Poetry Review, The New Republic, The Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, and The Sun.  She has written several non-fiction books including Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth and The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, which has sold over a million copies and has been translated into ten languages. Ellen also teaches in the low residency MFA program at Pacific University as well as conducting her own courses in poetry and creative writing in Santa Cruz and other beautiful locations nationally and internationally. For more information go to www.ellenbass.com

Discussing 'What values make us an 'American'? and Interviewing Philip Tan

Discussing ‘What values do we share that make us an American? and Interviewing Philip Tan.

Broadcast on 28 June 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY 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 the show visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners’ Views

In the first hour we revisit the topic ‘What values do we share that make us an American?' Michael Walzer talks about Americans being a ‘union of otherwise unrelated “natives”. There are people from all over the world living here. As Americans we are making and remaking ourselves all the time, as each new wave of immigrants arrives, and as we develop and grow as a country. We are many in one, yet we stand together as one because of our shared values. So what values make an ‘American’? What do you think?

HOUR 2: (Begins at 0:54 minutes) Interview with Philip Tan

I interview Philip Tan, actor, stuntman, fight choreographer, stunt co-ordinator and action director. Born in Singapore, and brought up in Britain, where he was British Youth Tumbling champion and Men's British Tae Kwon Do Champion, Philip now lives in LA and works as a 2nd Unit Director and stunt and fight co-ordinator on some of Hollywood’s biggest movies. As a stuntman he has worked on all three Hangover films; Pirates Of The Caribbean II and III; The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift; Speed Racer; and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life to name only a few films. He is stunt co-ordinator on four upcoming major films. Phil's first break in film was as an actor and fight choreographer in a film called The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (1980) with Peter Sellers. After that came a year on Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984), also as an actor and trainer for Christopher Lambert. Phil was contacted by Steven Spielberg and Robert Watts to train the principal actor Jonathan Ke Quan for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). Philip can also be seen in movies such as Bloodsport 2 (1996), Martial Law (1998), Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991), and Lethal Weapon 4. As well as being a Tae Kwon Do champion, Philip is also an expert in Thai boxing and classical boxing. For more info visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0848883/

Discussing 'Should Everything Be For Sale?' and Interviewing Jett Williams

Discussing ‘Should everything be for sale?’ and Interviewing Jett Williams.

Broadcast on 21 June 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY 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 the show visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners’ Views

In the first hour we revisit the topic ‘Is there anything wrong with a world in which everything is for sale?’ Across America money is being used to incentivise, facilitate and define our lives in ways undreamt of 30 years ago. Children in schools are being paid to read books. Money can buy you a prison cell upgrade, access to the car pool lane while driving solo, the right to immigrate to the USA, the cell phone number of your doctor, the right to pollute the atmosphere, a private army to fight wars, the admission of your child to a prestigious university, first place in line at an amusement park, better health care, entry to a congressional hearing, even arguably an election. From having a free market economy, we seem to have become a free market society, with money defining the way we think about everything. To decide what money should and should not buy we have to decide what values govern the various domains of social and civic life, and how to implement these values. What do you think? 

HOUR 2: (Begins at 53:30 minutes) Interview with Jett Williams

I interview Jett Williams, singer, songwriter and daughter of the legendary Hank Williams. Jett was born five days after her father died in 1953. Relinquished by her natural mother, with whom Hank had been having a relationship after his marriage ended, Jett was adopted by Hank’s mother but when she too died soon after Jett was given up for adoption by the rest of the family. During her youth, Jett had no idea who her natural parents were, let alone that her daddy was Hank Williams, but from a very young age she demonstrated an unusual and natural talent for music. Listen in to hear the remarkable story of how Jett found her true roots and proof that Hank Williams had always wanted her, despite family members conspiring to keep the truth from her. Jett came through this remarkable experience to become a singer/songwriter, Grand Ole Opry regular, motivational speaker and caretaker of her father’s music. For more info go to www.jettwilliams.com

Discussing 'Should Doctors Be Paid To Keep Us Well?' and Interviewing Ulla Anobile

Broadcast on 14 June 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY 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 go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners’ Views

We discuss our Question That Matters this week ‘Should doctors be paid to keep us well? The American College of Physicians says that the way doctors are paid has warped how medicine is practiced. Although there is some performance based pay the bulk of most doctors pay is still fee-for-service contracts, which brings financial decisions into the arena of medical decisions. Doctors are paid by the number of precedures carried out and patients seen rather than by keeping us healthy and out of the doctor’s office. Does this create a conflict of interest? Or should free-market principles apply in healthcare the same way they do in other sectors? What do you think? Local people share their views with Ruth on the show’s Out and About feature.

 

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Ulla Anobile

I interview Ulla Anobile, writer and artist. Born in Helsinki, Finland, Ulla has lived in Los Angeles since 1975. She worked as a journalist for many years and was a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. She has written several books – ‘Natural Cooking The Finnish Way’, ‘Beyond Open Marriage’ and a novel published in Finland. A widely collected artist, Ulla's painted paper mache/fiber work is inspired by ethnic art forms. Her work includes masks, dressed sculpture, boxes and altars, all with an outstanding use of colour. Her ideas come from dreams, mythology and folklore, as well as from childhood summers spent in the unspoiled Finnish countryside. Her sculptural masks have been included in reviews of contemporary mask making at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art in Alaska, The Clymer Museum in Ellensburg WA, Pico Rivera Centre for the Arts, the City of Los Angeles World Airports Exhibition Program and Pierce College, CA. She was invited to make a one-of-a-kind ornament for the White House Blue Room 1999 holiday tree. She has participated in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout the United States as well as in England and Finland. For more info go to www.facebook.com/uanobileartist

Discussing 'Should Hate Be Criminalised?' and Interviewing Dirk Roberston

Broadcast on 7 June 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream

For more info go to www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

 

‘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.

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners’ Views

We discuss our Question That Matters this week ‘Should hate be criminalised? Is a crime a crime no matter the motivation and thus all crimes should be treated equally in terms of severity of punishment? Or is a crime committed with hate actually a greater crime because it aims to hurt more people than the victim by sending a message of intimidation to a whole community? Do we need to monitor hate-motivated crimes and if so, is criminalising hate the best way to do this? What do you think?  Local people share their views with Ruth on the show’s Out and About feature and listeners call in live.

 

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Dirk Roberston

I interview Scottish author, speaker, mentor and knitting designer Dirk Robertson. Member of the Mystery Writers of America and Crime Writers Association UK we’ll talk about his life and work. Dirk began a social work career in 1979 and he held several National posts in social welfare, developing social policy, before embarking on a career in acting and writing. He is a trained Shakespearian actor, lecturer and consultant in Social Welfare/Media Studies. He is a martial artist and is the author of Martial Arts For People With Disabilities. He has written three mystery novels and numerous short stories. He currently resides in Virginia where he is promoting literacy and art projects for young gang members including working with The Fender Music Foundation that provides musical instruments to help youth trapped in a life of crime and/or gang membership. He designs and produces knitwear from recycled materials under the label Busker Knitwear and featured in a film about the global development of knitting. For more information go to www.dirkroberston.com

Discussing 'How much does your privacy matter?' and Interviewing Ed Penniman

Broadcast on 31 May 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY 1340 and KSCO.com Live Stream

For more information visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com

‘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.

Ruth with Ed Penniman

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners’ Views

 

We discuss our Question That Matters this week 'How much does your privacy matter?' Most online services now require that you sign Terms and Conditions where you might agree to them changing the terms at any time and to them divulging your data to third parties. Should we thinking about how much our privacy is worth as a commodity? Does your privacy in your real personal life feel different to you than on the internet? There is talk of using our online data to anticipate crime by sifting through our searches. Should we have the right to think how we want – and therefore to investigate what we want? Or is it worth giving up this kind of privacy for us to stay safe?  Local people share their views with Ruth on the show’s Out and About feature and listeners call in live.

 

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 minutes Interview with Ed Penniman

I interview Ed Penniman, award-winning graphic designer, artist and current President of the Santa Cruz Art League. A graduate of California Institute of the Arts and UCLA, Ed has had his design and art work featured in magazines across America, Europe and Japan. In 1984, he was stricken by Guillaine-Barré Syn- drome, survived a near-death experience and was paralyzed as a quadriplegic for three years, an experience which he says helped him to learn much about himself. He has painted in water color and oils for 63 years. As well as having been exhibited and his work appearing in many private collections, Ed participated in Santa Cruz County’s Open Studios for 23 years. To view Ed's paintings go to http://scal.org/member_gallery.php?a=77. For more information on the Santa Cruz Art League visit http://scal.org 

Discussing 'What is the nature of true courage?' and Interviewing Helena De Crespo.

Broadcast on 24 May 2014 on KSCO AM 1080, KOMY 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.

Visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com for more info on Ruth and the show

Ruth with Helena De Crespo

HOUR 1: Talk With Listeners’ Views

We discuss our Question That Matters this week ‘What is the nature of true courage?’ We often hear about physical acts of bravery but courage can take many forms, moral and emotional as well as physical. What constitutes courage to you? Have you an example of when you had to have courage in your life? Local people share their views with Ruth on the hsow’s Out and About feature.

Reasmey Angkor Bassac Theatre Company, Cambodia

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:52 minutes Interview with Helena De Crespo

I interview international actress, director, and founder of Save World Art, Helena De Crespo. Born in Spain, educated in Britain and now resident in Portland, Oregon, Helena is an award-winning actress, world traveller and humanitarian. Having worked at her craft in over 16 countries, she has seen at first hand that societies crumble, national identities wither, and human dynamics fail if the arts and their important heritages are allowed to die.  She founded Save World Art to protect indigenous art forms at the point of extinction. She shares some of her inspiring life and work with Ruth live in the KSCO studio. For more info visit www.helenadecrespo.com and www.saveworldart.org 

Discussing 'Can You Judge A Book By Its Cover?' and Interviewing Mona May

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

HOUR 1: Talk with Listeners' Views

We discuss ‘Can you judge a book by its cover?’ New research suggests that the old adage ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover’ may actually not be true. It seems that people can tell quite a bit about a person by looking at them – whether a man would make a good father, for example. Do you think that you can tell the kind of person someone is just by looking at them? If so, what exactly are you evaluating? Are you using your brain or your gut? Looks or feel? Is your first impression useful or dismissive? Could making instant judgements lead to prejudice? Join the conversation! 

Mona with Heather Graham and a sketch for Enchanted.

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:54 minutes Interview with Mona May

I interview Mona May, renowned Hollywood costume designer. Mona's early career exploded with the release of CLUELESS and raised the status of fashion in film. The New York Times, Vogue Magazine, and Women's Wear Daily proclaimed CLUELESS "the fashion movie of the year" bringing Costume Designer Mona worldwide attention. Films Mona has worked on include Stuart Little 2, Clueless, The Wedding Singer, Enchanted, The Haunted House and 8mm to name but a few. Mona May's trademark joie de vivre is clearly evident in her work, and it injects a bold, sexy confidence into her designs. Mona's deep understanding of both design and anatomy combine to render the actor and the character inseparable, including many roles played by such Hollywood luminaries as Nicole Kidman, Emma Stone, Jennifer Aniston, Eva Mendes, Nicolas Cage, Eddie Murphy, Demi Moore, Anna Farris, Will Ferrell and many more. Mona's dedication to the art of creating characters with fabric, textures, and color goes far beyond dressing the actors. It is an art that spans genres, time periods, and even media - ranging from live-action to CGI. For more info visit www.monamay.com

Discussing 'Does Fear Help or Hinder Us in Our Everyday Lives?' and Interviewing Jenni Ward

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080 and KSCO.com Live Stream

Visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com to contact Ruth and for more information

Ruth and Jenni Ward

HOUR 1: Talk with listeners calling in live

We discuss our Question That Matters this week ‘Does fear help us or hinder us in our lives?’ Fear can be paralysing, disempowering and make us feel that the world is against us. Fear can make us judgmental and critical of ourselves and others. Fear can limit our world view and our aspirations for ourselves. It can place us in a victim stance. It can lead to stagnation. Fear can be a justified response. It can keep us safe by warning us of something wrong. Fear can inspire action and motivate us to overcome. Fear can show us we are stretching ourselves and growing. How does fear play out in your everyday life? Where is the balance between the benefits and drawbacks? Join the conversation! 

A piece from Jenni Ward's Nest Series

HOUR 2: Begins at 0:53 mins Interview with Jenni Ward

I interview Jenni Ward - sculptor, art instructor and owner of Earth Art Studio in Aptos CA, a sculpture studio offering clay and mixed media sculpture classes and workshops for children, teens and adults. She has also spent much of her time working with Haitian artists and offering art education to schools and orphanages in Haiti. In addition to teaching, she has been creating, showing and selling her own sculptures since graduating from University of Hartford-Hartford Art School with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1998. She exhibits her work nationally and has participated in the Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour for nearly a decade. Her work has also been included in exhibitions at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, the De Saisset Museum and the American Museum of Ceramic Arts. More info www.jenniward.com