KUCI: Ask A Leader

Live! At the OC Great Park

Henry Korn, Manager of Art, Culture, and Heritage at the Orange County Great Park talks about the recent and upcoming free events arranged for the public. The Artists-in-Residence program features in January include Amy Caterina's "In Case You Get Lost," based on her work in NYC in the aftermath of 9/11; and classical pianist Kevin Kwan Loucks with his chamber music series, a unique music immersion program. More information about the cultural offerings at the park are available at www.ocgp.org. Prior to the broadcast, the OCGP boasted a 10,000 person attendance for the Park's first New Year's Eve celebration. Happy New Year All!

Orange County Museum of Art Celebrates

Lisa Silagyi, Director of Education and Public Programs at the Orange County Art Museum in Newport Beach, talks about recent and upcoming contemporary art exhibits and programs, as the museum celebrates starting February 2012, its 50th Anniversary. Feb. 11th is the opening event, an auction to support the museums programs and collection. On the Second Sundays of each month, admission is free to the public. More information is available at www.ocma.net or by calling (949)759-1122.

Plan B AND The National Young Farmers’ Coalition

Craft Beer in the Southland AND Crafting Your Holiday Message

Biff Baker, beer enthusiast and contributor to freerangezucchini.com talks about the regioanl breweries, restaurants, and gastropubs where beers of a great many styles can be had for the holidays and beyond. He also suggests folks turn out for Vivien Sansour's lecture on Cannan Fair Trade at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana; on 12/14/11, Wed. at 7 pm. On the second half of the show, from an interview broadcast last year, U.C. Irvine Literature Professor Jayne Lewis talks about how she approaches the annual tradition of holiday letter writing. Her advice and insight remain as engaging and helpful as the first time she spoke.

Occupy Orange County AND Thinking Outside of the Giftbox; paring down holiday waste

Occupy OC organizers Erin Evans and D'Marie Mulattieri talk about the movement in Orange County from their varied perspectives springing from different grass roots experience. More information available at www.occupyoc.org; www.teachthebudget.com and following on Facebook: 99 Americaoccupiers For Change, Take Back UCI, and Refund Education. Next, Feature writer and Garbage Maven for the LA Times, Susan Carpenter thinks outside of the gift box with ideas of how to pare down the waste stream as we head into the holiday season shopping frenzy. Easily done as said, listen for elegant and satisfying ways to save on absolutely everything.

Teaching Thanksgiving AND Thanksgiving Service

Dr. Sharon Salinger, Humanities Professor and Dean of Undergraduate Education at UCI, talks about how Thanksgiving is being taught in American schools today; offering facts and deconstructing myths. Her books include: "To Serve Well and Faithfully: Labor and Indentured Servants in Pennsylvania," "Taverns and Drinking in Early America," and due next year, "Warning Out in New England." Reverend Paul Tellstrom, pastor of Irvine United Congregation Church, talks about the Service of Thanksgiving that Rabbi Arnold Rachlis and he will preside at tonight, at the University Synagogue in Irvine. The public is welcome to the attend this service held for 23 years. Featured this year is the Olive Tree Initiative, with students and their mentor UCI professor Paula Garb.

Sustainable Living with: Cadiz Design Studio AND Free Range Zucchini

Lorraine Frances, architect and founder/CEO of Cadiz Design Studio in Costa Mesa, California; talks about sustainable design, specializing in the hospitality sector. 3/21 to 3/23/2012, at a trade show in Nashville, TN, she will collaborate in a live event with multiple firms setting up entire models of sustainable design. This can be followed on www.highconnect.com. Lorraine Francis also has contributed a chapter "Sustainable Joy" in the recently released book entitled "Get Your Woman On! Embracing Beauty, Grace, and the Power of Women," published by Yinspire Media. Her firm can be followed on www.cadizdesign studio.com. Jutta Gamboa, Jesus Gamboa, and Mariana Baker - founders of Free Range Zucchini, talk about this newly launched online magazine about the bounty of organic food and drink locally produced in Southern California. Their divergent cultural backgrounds inform them about deepening the American culltural aspect of gardening, cooking, and dining; calling an impressive array of experts and novices who regularly contribute to the magazine available at www.freerangezucchini.com.

Media for Citizens AND The Spirit Inside Barney

Mel Rogers, CEO and President of PBS SoCal, talks about the expansion of Orange County's KOCE-TV to the Public Broadcasting System of Southern California. The mission involvles more regional coverage, and national stories with a Western perspective. The challenge remains drawing audiences from the 18-35 year old age bracket. David Joyner, actor and entertainer, traces his journey from technial student, technician, preacher, while always the entertainer. From the guiding principles of the "Mutant Downunder," with the moves learned from other over-sized characters; for over a decade, David donned the purple dinosaur costume . . . of Barney.