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The Finest

The Finest

Written by: KPBS Public Media
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 San Diego earns its title as America’s Finest City through the people, art and movements redefining the region’s cultural identity. The Finest is a podcast that highlights the emerging voices and dynamic forces reshaping community and expression. Through personal stories and critical perspectives, each episode brings forward the artists, advocates and ideas driving change and pushing boundaries in the region’s cultural landscape. New episodes premiere Thursdays.KPBS Public Media Art Cooking Entertainment & Performing Arts Food & Wine Music Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Rugs, rituals and resilience: How artists are expanding the story of Iran beyond conflict

    Rugs, rituals and resilience: How artists are expanding the story of Iran beyond conflict
    Apr 23 2026
    The Iran many Americans see is often defined by conflict. But for those who grew up there and those who carry its traditions abroad, the story is far more layered. Artist Maryam Bayat turns Persian rugs into immersive sculptures, drawing on memories of her childhood in Iran, from bustling cities to quiet forests. Writer Zohreh (Zoe) Ghahremani and illustrator Susie Ghahremani share how children's books can pass on culture and celebration. Anthropologist and artist Roxanne Varzi recalls navigating identity and misunderstanding while growing up between two countries, and how art helped reshape her perspective. From galleries to classrooms, these artists are expanding how Iran is understood. Their work centers everyday life, creative expression and cultural continuity beyond the headlines.Guests:Maryam Bayat, interdisciplinary artistRoxanne Varzi, professor of Anthropology and Film and Media Studies at the University of California IrvineZohreh Ghahremani, author Susie Ghahremani, illustrator Sources:Iran hostage crisis (Britannica, 2026)President Delivers State of the Union Address (The White House President George W. Bush Archives, 2002)7 facts about Iranians in the U.S. (Dalia Fahmy and Jeffrey S. Passel, Pew Research Center,.2026 )Maryam Bayat: Unrolling Paradise (California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 2026)Persian rugs become a magical forest in artist Maryam Bayat's celebration of Iran (Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS, 2026)Secret of the famous Pazyryk carpet: Fermented wool is the answer (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg via ScienceDaily, 2021) The Textiles from Pazyryk A Study in the Transfer and Transformation of Artistic Motifs (Karen S. Rubinson, Expedition Magazine via Penn Museum, 1990)Uses of rugs and carpets (Murray L. Eiland, Britannica)Persia in rug and carpet (Murray L. Eiland, Britannica)Iranians Condemn Strike on a Top University (Erika Solomon and Sanam Mahoozi, The New York Times, 2026)Iran’s Schools and Hospitals in Ruins, Times Analysis Shows (Leanne Abraham, Aurelien Breeden, Bora Erden, Anushka Patil, Christiaan Triebert, Daniel Wood and Karen Yourish, 2026)Anthropology students present their research in poetry, plays and op‑eds in this course (The Conversation, 2024)Children's book by local mother-daughter duo honors Nowruz, the ancient Persian celebration of spring (Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS, 2026)Nowruz (Charles Preston, Britannica, 2026)'Everybody was wearing black.' How the Iranian diaspora is observing Nowruz amid war (Sarah Ventre, NPR, 2026)Iranian Americans mark Persian New Year with a mix of sadness and joy (Amy Taxin and Philip Marcelo, AP News, 2026)
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    25 mins
  • How streaming changed what we hear — and what musicians earn (May 2025)

    How streaming changed what we hear — and what musicians earn (May 2025)
    Apr 16 2026
    In this rebroadcast from Season 1, we explore  how the streaming era has changed music — not just for the people who make it, but also for us as listeners. For indie musicians like Julianna Zachariou, Spotify has made music more accessible than ever — but at a cost. With payouts that amount to less than a penny per stream, she's had to turn to crowdfunding and direct fan support to fund her projects. She opens up about the personal toll these struggles take and how she's found ways to stay true to her craft while facing these challenges."On my bad days, I wake up and think, 'I've already done the best I can do. This is the most people I'll ever reach, and I'm just sinking into anonymity,'" Julianna said, reflecting on an older song that has reached more than 5 million streams."But on my better days, I'm grateful for it. I recognize that it was a different time. Spotify's kind of a monster now. There's no room for 'if it's good enough, it'll find its way.' It's just not a thing right now. It's a trap to let metrics determine that you're doing something better or worse than you were in the past," she said.Watch: Julianna Zachariou performs "Dreamer, Dreamer" live at KPBS' studioIn this episode, we break down Spotify's business model, the economics of streaming and what it really takes to sustain a career without major-label backing. Julianna's story is a powerful reminder of the need for change in the industry and how we can all play a role in supporting the artists who enrich our lives.Guests:Julianna Zachariou, musicianLiz Pelly, journalist and author of "Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist"Julianna Zachariou Track List:"church st.""Subway Song""Hero of Your Heart""Dreamer, Dreamer"Watch: Julianna Zachariou performs "Becky" live at KPBS' studioJulianna Zachariou's musical influences:The CommodoresEarth Wind and FireTotoAlison KraussBonnie RaittThe BeatlesThe Rolling StonesLed ZeppelinThe WhoTaylor SwiftKelly Clarkson, "American Idol"Photos: See portraits of Julianna Zachariou and a few snaps of her and Josh Flowers making music togetherMentioned in this episode:Josh Flowers, songwriter and musical collaboratorThe D Train | NYC subway line that runs from the Bronx to BrooklynUnited Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) | A grassroots union fighting for fairness in music, from streaming transparency to artist pay equityH.R.7763 - Living Wage for Musicians Act of 2024 | 2024 bill introduced by Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Jamaal Bowman, backed by UMAW, pushing for a penny-per-stream payout to make streaming fairer for working artistsSoda Bar | North Park dive for intimate sets, rising indie acts and vibrant local energyPrevious GoFundMes: Help Fund Julianna's Next Record and Help Julianna Make MusicSources:"Simulating the emergence of superstar firms: The role of luck vs talent" (A.E. Biondo, A. Pluchino, R. Zanola, ScienceDirect, 2024)"Alan B. Krueger | Rockonomics: 7 Key Economic Lessons" (John Murray Books, 2019)"How Music Streaming Platforms Calculate Payouts Per Stream 2025" (Royalty Exchange, 2025)"The Spotify conspiracy theories about 'Espresso,' explained" (Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 2024)"Loud and Clear": 2024 Spotify Annual Music Economics Report (Spotify, 2025)"Tlaib Introduces Living Wage for Musicians Act" (Office of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, March 2024)"Data Shows 90 Percent of Streams Go to the Top 1 Percent of Artists" (Emily Blake, Rolling Stone, Sept. 2020) "A Brief History of American Payola" (Kim Kelly, Vice, 2016)"Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist" (Liz Pelly, Atria/One Signal Publishers, 2024)"The Ghosts in the Machine" (Liz Pelly, Harper's Magazine/book excerpt, 2025)
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    36 mins
  • Every object tells a story: The unseen craft of theatrical props

    Every object tells a story: The unseen craft of theatrical props
    Apr 9 2026

    What is a prop?


    For Deb Hatch, it's almost everything. After more than 40 years working in theater, including decades at La Jolla Playhouse, the longstanding prop supervisor has helped shape more than 100 productions, from early-stage premieres to Broadway hits like "Jersey Boys" and "The Outsiders."

    In this episode, we go behind the scenes to see how props do far more than fill space. They establish time and place, define character and keep performances running smoothly — often in ways audiences never notice. From sourcing everyday items to building custom pieces from scratch, Deb walks us through the hidden decisions that make a production feel real, and the problem-solving required when things go wrong on stage. Along the way, we explore a world most audiences never see, where even the smallest details can leave a lasting impression.

    As Deb prepares to retire, she reflects on a career built on detail, collaboration and the thrill of figuring things out. Because in live theater, every object matters.


    Guest:

    Deb Hatch, prop supervisor at La Jolla Playhouse
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    26 mins
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