Erin Morgenstern, Award-Winning Author and Multimedia Artist 9 Nov 2019, 5:02 am

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

In-Depth Arts Interview: Erin Morgenstern, Award-Winning Author and Multimedia Artist

Author photo by Allan Amato

Multi-million-selling author and multi-media artist Erin is known for her highly imaginative world-building. The enchanting domain created in her first book ‘The Night Circus’ has inspired devoted fans the world over. They have been eagerly anticipating Erin’s next book and this is now materialising in the form of The Starless Sea which Publisher’s Weekly describes as a “love letter to bibliophiles…dreamlike and uncanny, grounded in deeply felt emotion, and absolutely thrilling.” Join Ruth Copland to find out what makes Erin such a fan favourite even though she didn’t plan to be an author!

LISTEN HERE: Press play to stream, or download podcast by clicking icon at end of audio bar.

If you enjoy the interview, Erin Morgenstern is going to be in Santa Cruz, California on November 12th for a special Bookshop Santa Cruz literary masquerade – a great opportunity to see her in person, get your book signed and have some masquerade fun. More info at Erin Morgenstern Literary Masquerade

Raised in Massachusetts, Erin graduated from Smith College with a degree in theatre and studio art, and in addition to her writing she paints, mainly in acrylics, and has designed and painted a black-and-white tarot deck called the Phantomwise. Her debut novel, ‘The Night Circus’, a fantastical novel that follows the impossible love of two magicians, sold three million copies and has been translated into 37 languages. It spent seven weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List and was recognized with the 2012 Alex Award, given by the Young Adult Library Services Association, as well as the 2012 Locus Award for First Novel. It has also been optioned for film.

“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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post Erin Morgenstern, Award-Winning Author and Multimedia Artist appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

Andie MacDowell Filmed Interview, Cinequest Maverick Spirit Award Recipient 9 Nov 2019, 4:44 am

Ruth Copland was invited to interview Maverick Spirit Award recipient Andie MacDowell by Cinequest co-founders Kathleen Powell and Halfdan Hussey. The conversation took place live on stage at the historic California Theatre, San Jose, California, in front of a packed audience after Andie MacDowell received the Maverick Spirit Award during the film festival. Co-founder Kathleen Powell is a former guest of It’s A Question Of Balance^® radio show.

The Maverick Spirit Award is Cinequest’s most prestigious accolade, recognizing those who stand apart from the crowd, willing to create and innovate from a place of personal yet global vision. The Maverick tries the difficult if not impossible, and delivers original work and an original life.

INTERVIEW TRAILER (Edited by Gergely Laszlo-Zwickl)

 
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW IN 4 PARTS BELOW:

PART 1
Andie MacDowell talks to Ruth Copland about about how older women “still like love and affection!”; how it’s hard to find multifaceted, sexy female roles in film; and what she liked about her character in Love After Love, which had its world premiere at Cinequest.

PART 2
Andie MacDowell talks to Ruth Copland about when she first realised as a child that she wanted to act; her challenging upbringing and self-belief; how she relied on her “weirdo spirit” to make it up as she went along in terms of succeeding in film; and what motivated her to keep going after the devastation of an early career disaster.

PART 3
Andie MacDowell talks to Ruth Copland about how it breaks her heart “women don’t think they age as beautifully as men”; how she was the first actress to bank back-to-back Number One films at the box office; how she’s kept her sense of her true self despite her fame; how she’d like to see women’s sexuality portrayed in film; and her process for embodying a character.

PART 4
Andie MacDowell talks to Ruth Copland about art helping us process difficult events; challenging the “demeaning” concept in the film industry that ‘people go to see movies to see men’; what she’s most proud of; and being a true maverick spirit.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

The post Andie MacDowell Filmed Interview, Cinequest Maverick Spirit Award Recipient appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

Vasily Klyukin, Artist and Entrepreneur – Arts Interview 2 Nov 2019, 4:52 am

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

In-Depth Arts Interview: Artist and Entrepreneur, Vasily Klyukin

Vasily Klyukin with ‘Why People Can’t Fly’ at Burning Man 2019

In his early life, Russian artist and entrepreneur Vasily Klyukin applied his highly creative mind to business, where he has been phenomenally successful. Latterly, his creativity has moved towards art with him creating complex sculptures and installations which are located around the world including in Moscow, London, Monte Carlo, Cannes and Ibiza. Vasily Klyukin is a famous defender of the environment and works on promoting the fight against environmental pollution every chance he gets. Inevitably, environmental themes permeate his fascinating sculptures. He’s also known for his unique architectural concepts, and an inventive sci-fi novel. He has raised nearly $2million for charity auctioning his art.

LISTEN HERE: Press play to stream, or download podcast by clicking icon at end of audio bar.

The interview covers Vasily’s first memory of art and his early life, what it was like at Burning Man showing his installation, and the amazing exhibition ‘In Dante Veritas’, and what inspired these works. Also why he is so passionate about defending the environment.

Ruth Copland interviewed Vasily Klyukin just after he returned from a hugely successful installation of his art at the Burning Man 2019 festival and before he returned to his home in Monaco via London.

Ruth Copland interviewing Vasily Klyukin in Hollywood Hills, USA

Vasily Klyukin’s solo exhibition called ‘In Dante Veritas’ was a huge success both at the State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg) and the sculptural park, ‘LA Collection’Air’ in Lucerne (Switzerland). An expanded multi-media version of ‘In Dante Veritas’, comprising more than a hundred inter-related art objects, is exhibited at the 2019 Venice Biennale where it is extremely popular with attendees. Vasily Klyukin’s inspiring concepts for unusual buildings are published in the book Designing Legends. His science-fiction novel ‘Collective Mind’ was published in Russia and is now available in English via Amazon. Vasily Klyukin is known for his support of amfAR, the Leonardo di Caprio Foundation and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Individual sculptures from ‘In Dante Veritas’

Many of Vasily’s sculptures consist of many thin layers of metal or other material artfully designed and constructed to create a 3-D form. This has the effect of creating a sculpture which is at the same time solid but full of space, static but also seeming to move as you view the different layers from different angles. The sculptures are painted in vivid multi-colours which enhance these effects.
Fans include Leonardo di Caprio who comments Vasily’s work is “Phenomenal! The fragmentation of the image is collected in one sculpture.” And also Charles Saatchi who states “The exhibition of Vasily Klyukin will absolutely blow the world down.” Plus art auctioneer and collector Simon de Pury who says Vasily is a great sculptor with incredible work. You can find many photographs of Vasily’s work on his websites vklyukin.com and indante.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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post Vasily Klyukin, Artist and Entrepreneur – Arts Interview appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

PiVot: The Art of Fashion Co-Founders, Tina Brown and Rose Sellery 14 Sep 2019, 5:24 am

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

In-Depth Arts Interview: Personal Style Guru Tina Brown and Award-Winning Artist Rose Sellery

Photo Credits: 1. Artist, Rose Sellery “Rags to Riches” Emmanuel Leroy Photography 2. Designer, IBBayo Hiram Chee Photography 3. Artist, The Great Morgani. “Loopholes” Jana Marcus Photography

Award-winning artist Rose Sellery and sought-after style guru Tina Brown founded PiVot: The Art of Fashion, which brings together art and fashion with custom tailored events and collaborations. Striking conceptual garments and cutting-edge fashion designs mix in this innovative and entertaining show. Ruth Copland talks to Rose and Tina about how and why they founded PiVot: The Art of Fashion and what we can expect at the 2019 show, as well as digging deeper into what inspires them in their highly successful personal careers in art and fashion.

LISTEN HERE: Press play to stream, or download podcast by clicking icon at end of audio bar.

PiVot: The Art of Fashion 2019 show is happening on September 21st in Santa Cruz, California. Buy tickets here PiVot: The Art of Fashion Tickets

Tina Brown, Ruth Copland, Rose Sellery, at previous PiVot show.

Tina Brown is a personal clothing stylist and blogger with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Design from UC Davis. Her studies emphasized clothing as an environment for the body, not solely fashion. She interned with a French milliner in San Francisco and worked at Britex Fabrics where she took her first consignment making hats for a major runway event for Macy’s. Tina went on to work for the next 10 years on fashion photo shoots and runway events in San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles. Some of her clients included Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Giorgio Armani and her credits also include movie set costume stylist. For 6 years Tina was the Designer Coordinator for FashionArt Santa Cruz to which she brought her years of runway experience in San Francisco to discover and support up and coming local fashion designers. Her personal style business, ilkastyle, is based in Santa Cruz, California, and helps clients find their personal style identity through her trademark Three Elements of Style protocol.

Rose Sellery is an artist creating sculpture, conceptual garments, installations, and photomontage. She is the recipient of numerous awards, one being the coveted Gail Rich Award. The primary focus of her work is human dynamics – the fragility of the family, gender roles, social issues and the intricacies of our relationships to one another, and the mysteries of who we are. Inspired by the spoken word, Rose reinterprets collected slang, derogatory words and thoughtlessly sanctioned expressions. She works in the materials essential to the piece; from metal to bone, cigarette butts to rose petals, fabric to photographs, creating humorous, thought provoking and sometimes disturbing three-dimensional objects and wearable art. Rose has curated art exhibits and fashion events around California and has exhibited artwork nationally and internationally. Rose was one of the driving forces behind FashionART Santa Cruz for nine years and also manages the Cabrillo College Gallery in Aptos, California.

“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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post PiVot: The Art of Fashion Co-Founders, Tina Brown and Rose Sellery appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

Randall Munroe – Cartoonist, xkcd Webcomic Creator, Former NASA Roboticist, Bestselling author 31 Aug 2019, 10:14 pm

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

In-Depth Arts Interview: Randall Munroe

Randall’s new book. Photo by Adrianne Matthiowetz

Former NASA roboticist, cartoonist, webcomic creator and bestselling author, Randall Munroe, talks to Ruth Copland about combining hard science, romance, sarcasm, math, whimsy, and humour! His work is genre-defying and has attracted tens of millions of fans to his website xkcd.com, where you can find his online comic and ‘What If?’ blog, which answers fans’ weird science questions. Celebrity fans include Bill Gates, Serena Williams, Neil Gaiman, and previous guest of It’s A Question of Balance, Andy Weir, author of ‘The Martian’. Randall Munroe’s new book is ‘How To: Absurd Scientific Advice For Common Real-World Problems’.

LISTEN HERE: Press play to stream, or download podcast by clicking icon at end of audio bar.

If you enjoy the interview, Randall Munroe is appearing in Santa Cruz for a special event on September 11th where he’ll be in conversation with acclaimed author Cory Doctorow (a previous guest of It’s A Question of Balance). A great opportunity to see this wonderfully creative scientist in person and get your book signed. Get more info and tickets here Randall Munroe Bookshop Santa Cruz. It will most likely sell out, so if you want to go, get tickets in advance!

Randall Munroe is the New York Times bestselling author of the books ‘What If?’ and ‘Thing Explainer’ which are mega blockbusters. ‘What If?’ spent 64 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and ‘Thing Explainer’ sold over a million copies worldwide. Randall is also the Hugo-award-winning creator of the cultural phenomenon ‘xkcd’, an online comic. The comic covers romance, science, maths, pop culture and more and has a gentle humour, kindness and poignancy to it, as well as delivering scientific information in a highly interesting form. This has led to a dedicated fanbase with millions of fans enjoying his webcomic and his highly original books. Randall’s legion of fans have been eagerly awaiting a new book and it has now arrived in the form of ‘How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems’ an entirely original new work with never-before-seen material.

“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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post Randall Munroe – Cartoonist, xkcd Webcomic Creator, Former NASA Roboticist, Bestselling author appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

Michael Rutger, Internationally Bestselling Writer 24 Aug 2019, 4:57 am

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

In-Depth Arts Interview: Michael Rutger (aka Michael Marshall Smith)

Photo by Dan Coyro

An intelligent, witty, and award-winning writer, Michael Rutger jokingly calls himself ‘all the Michaels’ due to his internationally bestselling writing career as Michael Rutger, Michael Marshall Smith, and Michael Marshall. Ruth Copland talks to Michael Rutger about his life, art and his new books ‘The Possession’ and ‘Hannah Green and her Unfeasibly Mundane Existence’.

LISTEN HERE: Press play to stream, or download podcast by clicking icon at end of audio bar.

Michael is the winner of the Philip K Dick Award, the August Derleth Award for best novel, six British fantasy awards, and the only author ever to win the BFS Award for Best Short Story four times. Stephen King referred to Michael’s Straw Men trilogy as a ‘masterpiece….brilliantly written’ and Michael is currently working on developing ‘Straw Men’ for TV. His novel Spares was optioned by Stephen Spielberg’s Dreamworks, and his supernatural thriller The Intruders was adapted as a major BBC television series. As well as his many best-selling novels, Michael has also published nearly a hundred short stories. Born in Britain, he now lives in Santa Cruz, California, with his wife, son and two cats. His latest books are ‘Hannah Green and her Unfeasibly Mundane Existence’ published as Michael Marshall Smith, and the recently released Michael Rutger novel ‘The Possession’.

“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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post Michael Rutger, Internationally Bestselling Writer appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

Arts Interview: Actors Marguerite Moreau and Hus Miller from Cinequest World Premiere Film ‘You Can’t Say No’ 27 Jul 2019, 7:16 pm

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

Arts Interview: Actors Marguerite Moreau and Hus Miller stars of Cinequest World Premiere Narrative Feature Film You Can’t Say No

L to R: Hamish Linklater, Julie Carmen, Peter Fonda, Marguerite Moreau, Hus Miller in still from ‘You Can’t Say No’

LISTEN HERE: Press play to stream, or download podcast by clicking icon at end of audio bar.

Actress and producer Marguerite Moreau and actor, writer producer Hus Miller from the narrative feature film You Can’t Say No, are Ruth Copland’s guests. You Can’t Say No had its world premiere at the Cinequest Film Festival in Silicon Valley, California, and also stars Peter Fonda, Hamish Linklater and Julie Carmen, and is directed by Paul Kramer.

Watch ‘You Can’t Say No’ on Showtime from the end of August 2019 and it is also available to view via iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, Microsoft Xbox, Sony Playstation, Redbox on Demand, Fandango Now, and Hoopla. The film is set to be released worldwide in 2019.

Ruth talks to Marguerite and Hus about You Can’t Say No and also about their first experiences of art, what attracted them to acting, and the power of film. Marguerite C Moreau is known for her roles in the fantasy horror film Queen of the Damned, cult film and now Netflix Series Wet Hot American Summer, Runaway Jury, and The Mighty Ducks series of films, as well as appearances on the popular television series Grey’s Anatomy, Smallville, Shameless and The O.C. Hus Miller, who wrote and stars in You Can’t Say No is an actor, writer and producer who has worked with Twentieth Century Fox, Skywalker Ranch, Park Pictures, Gunn Films, and CBS.

Actress and Producer Marguerite Moreau

Marguerite Moreau was born in Riverside, California. Her first break-out role was playing the recurring part of Melanie on Blossom in 1994 and 1995. She guest starred in several TV series such as Boy Meets World and 3rd Rock from the Sun. As a child actress, she appeared in the Mighty Ducks films playing Connie Moreau. After graduating from Vassar College with her B.A. in political science in 1999, she starred in the cult film Wet Hot American Summer, and reprised this role in the series produced by Netflix, which debuted on July 31, 2015.

Hus Miller majored in Theatre Arts at the University of Oregon and was accepted to the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. Hus is currently producing and will be starring in the thriller/drama SITIADO, which he also co-wrote. Hus lives in Santa Rosa, California with his wife and two sons and enjoys spending time riding his motorcycle whenever he gets the chance.

For more info on the film visit www.youcantsaynofilm.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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post Arts Interview: Actors Marguerite Moreau and Hus Miller from Cinequest World Premiere Film ‘You Can’t Say No’ appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

Special Report: Could Everyone Use Some Therapy? | Interview with Lori Gottlieb, Psychotherapist and New York Times Bestselling Author 15 Jun 2019, 10:08 pm

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

Out And About – Conversations About Questions That Matter | Special Guest: Lori Gottlieb

‘Could everyone use some therapy?’ Even posing this question may seem preposterous as therapy is often seen as a last resort for serious personal malfunctions or, otherwise, as expensive, self-indulgent navel-gazing. Mental health has been stigmatised but that’s changing, and maybe we could all benefit. Ruth Copland’s expert guest is Lori Gottlieb, best-selling author, psychotherapist and “Dear Therapist” advice columnist.

‘Could everyone use some therapy?’ To speculate on this necessitates considering what therapy is, how it’s viewed culturally, what it can address and what outcomes it might achieve, and how to choose a therapist. Ruth Copland’s guest, Lori Gottlieb, is ideally placed to help us gain insights in these areas and provide some food for thought, as well as talking about her revealing new book about her own therapy and her patients’.

Lori Gottlieb is a practising psychotherapist, New York Times bestselling non-fiction author, and writer of The Atlantic‘s weekly “Dear Therapist” advice column. Her new book is ‘Maybe You Should Talk to Somebody’ and is being adapted as a television series with Eva Longoria. The book takes us behind the scenes of a therapist’s world, where her patients are looking for answers, and so is she! Lori’s previous books include the best-selling ‘Marry Him – the case for settling for Mr Good Enough’ and ‘Stick Figure’, a memoir which takes the reader on a personal journey through preteen anorexia and the internal and cultural dynamics that shape it.

Lori Gottlieb is on the Advisory Council for Bring Change to Mind, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health, and to raising awareness, understanding, and empathy. Lori is also a valued contributor in the media and has appeared on such shows as The Today Show, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, CNN, and NPR’s “Fresh Air.”

In Out And About we consider topics with local relevance and global significance. The idea is to get us thinking about the questions that affect us all – to stimulate new thinking, or clarify what we already feel. To hear how other people’s opinions may differ from or be similar to our own.

“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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post Special Report: Could Everyone Use Some Therapy? | Interview with Lori Gottlieb, Psychotherapist and New York Times Bestselling Author appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

Arts Interview: Neal Stephenson, Best-Selling Writer and Futurist 1 Jun 2019, 5:20 pm

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

In-Depth Arts Interview: Neal Stephenson, Best-Selling Writer and Futurist

LISTEN HERE: Press play to stream, or download podcast by clicking icon at end of audio bar.

Acclaimed writer and futurist Neal Stephenson imagines what would happen if we could live on as digital souls. “Endlessly inventive and absorbing” (Kirkus Reviews), ‘Fall; Or, Dodge in Hell’ combines the technological, philosophical, and spiritual in one grand myth raising profound questions about the breakthroughs which may transform our future.

Ruth Copland talks to Neal Stephenson about what inspires his highly popular and original novels, one of which ‘Seveneves’ was listed by Bill Gates as one of his top ten favourite books!

If you enjoy the interview you can meet Neal Stephenson in person in Santa Cruz on June 6th 7 pm. Get tickets and more info here https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/nealstephenson

Neal Stephenson is known for his speculative fiction works, which have been described variously as science fiction, historical fiction, maximalism or baroque, cyberpunk, and postcyberpunk. His novels explore areas such as mathematics, cryptography, philosophy, currency, the history of science and envelope-pushing concepts of various kinds. Neal also writes non-fiction articles about technology in publications such as Wired Magazine, and has worked as an advisor for Blue Origin, a company (funded by Jeff Bezos) developing a manned sub-orbital launch system. He is also Chief Futurist at Magic Leap, which produces a head-mounted virtual retinal display, called Magic Leap One, which superimposes 3D computer-generated imagery over real world objects.
Neal’s best-selling and critically acclaimed novels include Seveneves, which Bill Gates named as one of his top ten favourite books and President Obama selected for his 2016 summer reading list. Other acclaimed novels are Reamde, Anathem, The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O with Nicole Garland, The System of the World, The Confusion, Quicksilver, Cryptonomicon, The Diamond Age, Snow Crash, Zodiac, and the nonfiction works In the Beginning . . . Was the Command Line and Some Remarks.
Featured photo by Brady Hall.

“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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post Arts Interview: Neal Stephenson, Best-Selling Writer and Futurist appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.

Arts Interview: Esther Wojcicki – Media Arts Educator, Thought-Leader, Journalist, Author 4 May 2019, 7:06 am

Broadcast on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

It’s A Question Of Balance ^® radio show balances the intellectual with the creative, exploring whether we have more in common than divides us through thought-provoking conversations – out and about with people on the street on different topics, and in the studio with inspiring guests from the arts. Balance is not a compromise. Balance is truth distilled from many places creating cohesive understanding. Hosted by Ruth Copland.

In-Depth Arts Interview: Esther Wojcicki – Media Arts Educator, Thought-Leader, Journalist, Author

Esther Wojcicki at the California Theatre, San Jose, after receiving the Life of a Maverick Award and being interviewed onstage by Ruth Copland. Photo: Freedom Cheteni

Ruth Copland speaks to the highly creative and inspiring Esther Wojcicki, globally renowned educator, journalist, thought-leader, and author of the new book How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results, a book all parents should read, and anyone who cares about how we can help children find success on all levels and on their own terms. Ruth talks to Esther about what gave her the confidence and creative dynamism to challenge the education system; what sparked her passion for education and the arts; how she defines a successful person; whether failure is part of success; what inspired her to write her book; the role of journalism in the age of ‘fake news’; what she hopes her legacy will be, and much more. Ruth Copland speaks to Esther Wojcicki at the famed media arts centre at Palo Alto High School where Esther still teaches.

LISTEN HERE: Press play to stream, or download podcast by clicking icon at end of audio bar.

Known as the godmother of Silicon Valley and ‘Woj’ to her many friends and admirers, Esther Wojcicki is famous for founding the media arts programme at Palo Alto High School and teaching a journalism class that has changed the lives of thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to have an outsize influence of their own. She has created the Moonshots in Education movement to help shift the culture of education to one that empowers both students and teachers. She is a leader in Blended Learning and the integration of technology into education. She is the mother of a super family, raising three happy daughters who have each made their own mark on the world as the CEO of YouTube, the Founder and CEO of 23andMe, and a top medical researcher, and she has inspired Silicon Valley legends such as Steve Jobs.

Photo Credit: Jo Sittenfeld

In addition, Esther Wojcicki serves as Vice Chair of Creative Commons and has been intimately involved with Google and GoogleEdu since its inception, where she was one of the leaders in setting up the Google Teacher Academy and remains a guiding force. She has two Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Palo Alto University and Rhode Island School of Design and was California Teacher of the Year in 2002. Esther believes strongly in the relationship between the school and home. As a mother, she and her husband Stan, a professor and former chair of the physics department at Stanford, fostered creativity and critical thinking in their daughters. Esther Wojcicki’s new book How To Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results draws on her considerable experience and success in both her personal life and career.

For more information visit Moonshots

“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 bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and historian

The post Arts Interview: Esther Wojcicki – Media Arts Educator, Thought-Leader, Journalist, Author appeared first on It's A Question of Balance with Ruth Copland.