In this 19-minute episode, we take a look at some of 2015's best stories, reflections and outtakes. We have (in the following order):
- Dave Alvin's first songwriting lesson (at 13 years old) from Big Joe Turner
- Susan Shillinglaw on why John Steinbeck is still so read today
- Friends of the LA River's Lewis MacAdams on the river's state in the 1980s and how he became involved in restoring it
- Chelsea Sexton on electric mobility about how the walkman was the precursor to the smartphone (and how consumers would never have asked for the technology if companies didn't invest in innovation)
- UC Berkeley's Gray Brechin on how mining technology contributed to the development of San Francisco
- Architectural critic Alan Hess on Palm Springs as a mecca of the emerging recreational economy.
- EPIC's Rob DiPerna on his "best place on earth"
- UCLA's Ehrhard Bahr on why many of Germany's intellectuals chose Los Angeles over New York during World War II
- Architect Donald MacDonald on the "bridge aesthetic" of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges
- Peter Case reflecting on his early days in San Francisco and his thanking Lawrence Ferlinghetti for his contribution to Case's education
- UC Berkeley's Richard Walker on the development and use of pesticides on citrus trees in the 1870s
- Thomas Oesterdiekhoff on composer Harry Partch's early influences which led to Partch's very atypical musical journey
- Photographer Kim Stringfellow on the alternative history of California's water wars as one drives up the picturesque Highway 395.
This is just a taster of the many eye-opening stories and reflections of the Soul of California's guests over the course of 2015.
Enjoy them and feel free to download the complete interviews.
Have a good 2016.
