Shows
Words and WorkDuncan Sohn-Hasman - American Federation of TeachersTed Prezelski interviews Duncan Sohn Hasman, who helped a group organize teachers at BASIS. This was the first successful effort to organize at a charter school in Arizona. Sohn-Hasman describes the issues that teachers deal with there and what the union has been able to accomplish in the last two years.
2025-11-1729 minWords and WorkAbigail Higgins - NWU Vice President and Co-Founder of The 51stTed Prezelski interviews Abigail Higgins. Higgins has been an international correspondent and her work has appeared on NPR and in publications like Vox, Time and the Washington Post. She recently co-founded The 51st, an online publication covering local news in the Washington metro area.
2025-10-2830 minWords and WorkMatt Baume - Author of Hi Honey, I'm Homo! Specials, Sitcoms and the Queering of American CultureIn this episode, Ted Prezelski talks to Matt Baume. Baume researches portrails of queer culture in the media for his YouTube channel. His book, Hi Honey, I'm Homo!, picks several highlights of sitcoms to show how those portrayals have evolved, as well as how our society has.
2025-09-2229 minWords and WorkJonathan Rosenblum - NWU and author of We're Coming for You and Your Rotten SystemJohnathan joins Ted to talk about his newly released book, We're Coming for You and Your Rotten System: How Socialists Beat Amazon and Upended Big-City Politics. Jonathan talks about the career of Kshama Sawant, a socialist elected to the Seattle city council. Jonathan's book is a criticism of centrist politics and a blueprint for activist movements and available from OR Books.
2025-09-1530 minWords and WorkGeneva Escobedo - Poet and Story TellerTed Prezelski interviews Geneva Escobedo, who has two books, Reflections of the Heart: Stories and Poems from Life and Dichos de mi Padre. She reads one of her poems and talks about writing and Chicana culture. More about her can be found at https://www.genevacreativewriting.com.
2025-09-0930 minWords and WorkMari Herreras - NWUTed Prezelski talks to poet and journalist Mari Herreras. Herreras is with a group that is starting a street newspaper in Tucson. She talks about what a street newspaper is and the challenges such publications face in the current media landscape.
2025-08-2728 minWords and WorkErica Prather - NWU member and author of Kneeling at the JuniperTed Prezelski interviews Erica Prather. Erica is a long time organizer both in the union space as well as for environmental and neighborhood organizations. Her new book, Kneeling at the Juniper, is a collection of poems and essays.
2025-08-2129 minWords and WorkBookman's StrikersOn May 17th, workers at Bookman's, an Arizona store chain, had a one-day ULP action. Trade counters at locations in Tucson had to be closed and the stores were kept open with management and probationary staff, while a store in Flagstaff closed entirely. Ted Prezelski talked to several striking workers as well as staff from the United Food and Commercial Workers, who represent the employees.
2025-05-2330 minWords and WorkMike Wilson - Co-Author of What Side Are You On?Ted Prezelski interviews Mike Wilson, a long time activist in Southern Arizona. His book, co-authored with José Antonio Lucero, is called What Side Are You On?: A Tohono O'odham Life Across Borders. The book is a look at his life growing up in Ajo and Tucson, his time in the military and his activism on border issues.
2025-03-1729 minWords and WorkPeter Murrieta - WGA WestTed Prezelski talks to Peter Murrieta. Born in Tucson, Murrieta has been a writer and producer on series like The Wizards of Waverly Place and Mr. Iglesias. His most recent show, Primo, just ended its run on Freevee.
2025-03-1229 minWords and WorkMembers of AFGE 2391, Part 1In this episode, Ted Prezelski talks to Aliyah Levin, Omar Alerciras and Rob Sax, leaders of the American Federation of Government Employees local 2391. They talk about their jobs as well as the effects of the so-called "Department of Government Efficiency" on them and their co-workers.
2025-02-2429 minWords and WorkRasean Clayton - A. Philip Randolph InstituteTed Prezelski speaks with Rasean Clayton, an AFSCME member who heads up the A. Philip Randolph Institute's Arizona chapter. Rasean talks about the work of the Institute and other issues in labor.
2025-02-1727 minWords and WorkKira Josefsson - National Writers Union, award-winning translatorTed Prezelski talks to Kira Josefsson, who translates Swedish literature into English. Kira talks about how she became a translator and the challenges of the profession.
2025-02-1129 minWords and WorkMo Goldman - Immigration Attorney and Author of Lessons from the Past and the Dying Dream of FreedomTed Prezelski talks to Tucson-based immigration attorney Mo Goldman. Goldman's book is about his family's experience in the Holocaust and their subsequent immigration to the United States. Goldman also talks about his career and the current state of the immigration system.
2025-02-0329 minWords and WorkEstella Gonzalez - Author of Huizache WomenTed Prezelski talks to Estella Gonzalez, whose new book, Huizache Women, chronicles the journey of three Chicanas of different generations as they move across the southwest.
2024-10-2427 minWords and WorkJonathan Rosenblum - National Writers UnionTed Prezelski interviews Jonathan Rosenblum, recently elected secretary of the National Writers Union. In addition to his writing for publications like The Nation and Jacobin, he has been helping workers organize at Amazon. He talks both about his writing and issues at Amazon.
2024-09-2428 minWords and WorkTed Isais - LCLAA and UA Local 469In this episode, we interview Ted Isais, a union pipefitter and President of Arizona's LCLAA chapter.
2024-08-2025 minWords and WorkMatthew Capalby - Labor ConsultantTed Prezelski talks to Matthew Capalby, a consultant who has worked on labor and other civil rights issues in Arizona. He recently completed a stint working for the carpenters union. He talks about the union as well as the recent prevailing wage laws that were passed in Phoenix and Tucson.
2024-04-2928 minWords and WorkLarry Goldbetter - President, National Writers UnionTed Prezelski interviews Larry Goldbetter, President of the National Writers Union. Larry talks about the union and the challenges faced by freelancers in this economy.
2024-04-1628 minWords and WorkAneta Hebrová - Author of Essence of TucsonTed Prezelski talks to author Aneta Hebrová, author of Essence of Tucson.
2024-03-2829 minWords and WorkMcCracken Poston, Author of Zenith ManTed Prezelski interviews attorney and author McCracken Poston. His book Zenith Man is about the case of Alvin Ridley, who was accused of murdering his wife.
2024-03-2830 minWords and WorkPaul Hanley - Author of Sixteen AgainTed Prezelski interviews Paul Hanley. Hanley was a member of several Manchester area bands, most notably the Fall for five years. He's written three books about the rock scene in Manchester, most recently Sixteen Again, How Pete Shelley & Buzzcocks Changed Manchester Music (And Me).
2024-01-1729 minWords and WorkAlexis Gunderson - National Writers Union, Part 1In this episode, Ted talks to Alexis Gunderson, who was involved in the National Writers Union response to artificial intelligence or AI. In this episode, she talks about her work as a TV critic as well as the issues around AI.
The NWU's statement can be found at this link:
https://nwu.org/issues-we-care-about/generative-ai/
2024-01-1128 minWords and WorkRyan Mims - AFGE and Author of Easy PreyTed Prezelski talks to Ryan Mims, who does legislative work for AFGE, about his new book Easy Prey.
2023-12-0529 minWords and WorkAdiba Nelson, Author and JournalistTed Prezelski interviews Adiba Nelson, author of Ain't That a Mother as well as several children's books. Nelson was recently named Writer-in-Residence by the Tucson-Pima County Public Library.
2023-10-0728 minWords and WorkBeatriz Topete - UNITE-HERETed Prezelski interviews Beatriz Topete from UNITE-HERE Local 11. The local represents concessions workers at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport. The union voted to authorize an "unfair labor practices" strike on Friday and the issues that they are having are, unfortunately, very familiar.
2023-09-0528 minWords and WorkSally Shamrell - SAG-AFTRATed Prezelski speaks with Sally Shamrell, a SAG-AFTRA member that has had roles on The Young and the Restless and American Crime Story. Topics include how it is to be a working actress and the issues involved in the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
2023-08-0828 minWords and WorkRichard Ruelas - Arizona Republic GuildTed Prezelski interviews long time Arizona Republic reporter Richard Ruelas. Ruelas is one of the organizers of the Arizona Republic Guild, an affiliate of the Newsguild - Communication Workers of America. Ruelas describes the situation that led his sister and brother reporters to organize and talks about the challenges facing reporters in the current economy.
2023-06-2027 minWords and WorkMinoru Yanagihashi - Author of The Japanese American Experience: Change and ContinuityTed Prezelski interviews Dr. Minoru Yanagihashi, a professor at the University of Arizona, about his book about the Japanese-American experience in the 20th and 21st centuries. Yanagihashi was born in Hawaii but moved to Arizona in the 1970s.
2023-05-1028 minWords and WorkCam Juárez - Community activist and son of farmworkersIn honor of the upcoming Cesar Chavez holiday, Ted Prezelski speaks with Cam Juárez. Cam talks about growing up in a farmworker family as one of "Cesar's kids." Cesar Chavez and his movement led him into a life of public service, including his current work as a ranger at Saguaro National Park.
2023-03-2129 minWords and WorkKen Kennon, Author of Marriage of Earth and SkyTed Prezelski talks to Ken Kennon, whose recent book Marriage of Earth and Sky is about his parents who were leaders in education and the arts in the Ozarks. He also talks a bit about his activism and his previous book, Prisioner of Concience.
2023-03-1329 minWords and WorkJames Watson - IAMAWTed Prezelski talks to James Watson of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. James is a one time Tucsonan and worked at the Ratheon facility south of Tucson for years. He talks not only about his work with the union, but about their new programs for veterans.
2023-02-1929 minWords and WorkMarcelino Flores - President, AFSCME 449Ted Prezelski talks to Marcelino Flores, newly elected president of AFSCME 449, which represents government employees. Flores talks about his labor advocacy, as well as the workforce development programs he manages for Pima County.
2023-02-0928 minWords and WorkEvan Tuohy - American Federation of Musicians Local 33Ted Prezelski interviews Evan Tuohy, the newly elected vice president of AFM Local 33, which represents musicians in Tucson.
2023-01-2430 minWords and WorkStriking Starbucks WorkersThis week, workers at a Starbucks in Tucson had a one day strike to demand that management recognize their rights as unionized employees. Ted Prezelski talked to several of them.
2023-01-1629 minWords and WorkMichael K. Ward - Author of Ghost Riders in the SkyTed Prezelski interviews Michael K. Ward, author of Ghost Riders in the Sky, a biography of Stan Jones. The book is named for the popular song that Jones wrote during his time as a park ranger in Death Valley. Just like Jones, Ward was a park ranger at Death Valley as well as Tucson's Saguaro National Park.
2022-12-1929 minWords and WorkPaul Ingram - Tucson SentinelTed Prezelski talks to Paul Ingram of the Tucson Sentinel. Ingram covers many issues, most notably the border. He talks about that topic and what a lot of people get wrong about it.
2022-11-0128 minWords and WorkJavier Soto - IBEWTed Prezelski talks to Javier Soto of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Javier talks about the work he does as an electrician as well as the work his union does training workers.
2022-11-0130 minWords and WorkRyan Kelly - NWU and Pima Area Labor FederationTed Prezelski has another visit from Ryan Kelly, who gives an update on labor in Southern Arizona.
2022-11-0128 minWords and WorkChris Cheely - SMARTTed Prezelski talks to Chris Cheely of SMART, a union that includes railway employees. Chris talks a bit about the history of the railroads as well as a recently averted strike.
2022-11-0129 minWords and WorkLuci Messing - Arizona Education AssociationTed Prezelski talks to Luci Messing, a long time Tucson teacher.
2022-09-1727 minWords and WorkRyan Mims - American Federation of Government Employees and authorTed Prezelski talks to Ryan Mims. Mims is originally from Arizona but works on the staff of AFGE in California. He has written a novel called Midnight Train to Everywhere.
2022-09-1728 minWords and WorkSue Blakely - The Aftermath of the Bisbee DeportationTed Prezelski interviews Sue Blakely, who had family members on both sides of the Bisbee Deportation, an event that involved the arrest and deportation of 1700 striking miners and their supporters from Bisbee, Arizona in 1917.
2022-08-1830 minWords and WorkKaelon Fox - USL Players AssociationTed Prezelski interviews Kaelon Fox, who serves as the FC Tucson representative for the United Soccer League Players Association.
2022-08-1226 minWords and WorkBennito Kelty - Reporter, Tucson SentinelTed Prezelski speaks with Bennito Kelty about becoming a journalist and what got him from Colorado to Tucson.
2022-08-0228 minWords and WorkJon Proudstar, SAG-AFTRA and author of Tribal ForceTed Prezelski interviews one of the stars of Reservation Dogs, Jon Proudstar. Proudstar just finished an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con where he rolled out a new run of his series Tribal Force, a comic featuring Native American superheroes.
2022-07-2627 minWords and WorkIvan Modesto, Starbucks Workers UnitedThere has been a wave of organizing by Starbucks employees (known as "partners" in the company's parlance) and Tucson has its first unionized location. Ted Prezelski speaks with Starbucks worker Ivan Modesto about the issues that led to their organizing.
2022-07-1828 min
Words and WorkChristopher Garlock, Harold Phillips - Labor Radio Podcast NetworkTed Prezelski interviews the two founders of the Labor Radio Podcast Network, an online clearinghouse, organization and help desk for various labor podcasters and radio shows across the country.
2022-07-1229 min
Words and WorkDylan Smith - Editor and Publisher, Tucson SentinelTed Prezelski interviews Dylan Smith about the Tucson Sentinel, an online publication he started after the Tucson Citizen shut down. Smith is also the founder of LION, an association of publishers of community-based online newspapers.
2022-06-1428 minWords and WorkBecky Pallack - Arizona LuminariaTed Prezelski talks with Becky Pallack, operations executive of Arizona Luminaria, an online newspaper serving Tucson.
2022-06-0726 minWords and WorkCharlie Bertsch - Bonus Episode 1Ted Prezelski asks Charlie Bertsch about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and we get to hear a lot of unexpected insights.
2022-06-0207 minWords and WorkJefferson Carter, PoetTed Prezelski speaks with Jefferson Carter, a Tucson-based poet and educator.
2022-05-3129 minWords and WorkCharlie Bertsch, writer and journalistTed Prezelski talks to Charlie Bertsch about his recent article about the Tucson music scene for the Battleground and a number of other topics.
2022-05-3127 minWords and WorkErica Prather - Defenders UnitedTed Prezelski interviews Erica Prather who organized a union at Defenders of Wildlife. She talks about her work there, labor issues at the organization as well as how she became active in union organizing.
2022-05-2628 minWords and WorkRyan Kelly - National Writers Union and Pima Area Labor FederationTed Prezelski interviews Ryan Kelly about actions for workers at both Amazon and Starbucks in Tucson. He also talks about love for Scabby the Rat.
2022-05-1126 minWords and WorkPatrick Whitehurst - Journalist and Author of Murder & Mayhem in TucsonTed Prezelski interviews Patrick Whitehurst, an author that recently moved to Tucson. Whitehurst discusses the book Murder & Mayhem in Tucson along with his crime fiction.
2022-04-0528 minWords and WorkAlejandro Chavez - Executive Director of DMU and grandson of Cesar ChavezThis is the week that many of us honor Cesar Chavez, so Ted Prezelski has a chat with the UFW leader's grandson Alejandro Chavez. They talk about the legacy of his grandfather, how he got into community organizing in Arizona and his current work in Washington.
2022-03-2829 minWords and WorkAnakarina Rodriguez, Arizona Cesar Chavez Holiday Coalition and the National Domestic Workers AllianceTed Prezelski talks to Anakarina Rodriguez about the upcoming Cesar Chavez holiday in Tucson and the meaning of the holiday for her. She also discusses her work with the National Domestic Workers Alliance, which seeks to extend labor protections to domestic workers.
2022-03-2431 minWords and WorkWes Oswald, Tucson Education AssociationTed Prezelski interviews Wes Oswald, a teacher at Manzo Elementary School. They discuss teaching during the pandemic and recent issues at the legislature.
2022-03-2427 minWords and WorkSpyncer Wilson - UFCW Local 99 and Prep and Pastry Organizing CommitteeTed Prezelski interviews Spyncer Wilson, who is with a group of back-of-the-house workers at Prep and Pastry, a local chain of restaurants in Tucson.
2022-03-2429 minWords and WorkAnnie and Beth Holub, editors of The Frumious BandersnatchTed Prezelski interviews Annie and Beth Holub about their new project, a Substack to reprint the writing of their father, Hugh. Hugh Holub started a satirical newspaper in the 1960's that eventually became a blog in the 1990's.
The Substack can be found at https://bandersnatch.substack.com/
2022-02-2230 minWords and WorkKarla Schumann, International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Pride at WorkTed Prezelski interviews Karla Schumann, Political Director for Teamsters Local 104 and the head of the Arizona chapter of Pride at Work, the AFL-CIO constituency group for members of the LBGTQ community.
In the interview, Karla brought up the name Gary Kapanowski, a leader with the United Auto Workers. To find out more about him, check the following links:
https://themetropole.blog/2020/01/15/the-kapanowski-challenge-the-intersection-of-sexuality-labor-activism-and-deindustrialization-on-the-shop-floor/
https://reutherlib.blubrry.net/2020/06/18/this-union-cause-the-queer-history-of-the-united-automobile-workers/
2022-02-1827 minWords and WorkDan Stuart, Author of the Marlowe Billings novelsTed Prezelski interviews Dan Stuart, musician and author of a series of novels about a character named Marlowe Billings, a fictionalized version of himself.
2022-02-1830 minWords and WorkJeffrey Holsen, American Federation of MusiciansTed Prezelski interviews Jeffrey Holsen, a bass violinist for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and member of the American Federation of Musicians.
2022-02-1828 minWords and WorkMari Herreras, NWU MemberTed Prezelski interviews Mari Herreras, a journalist for several alternative weeklies and currently a staffer at the University of Arizona Press.
2022-02-1829 minWords and WorkRep. Pamela Powers-Hannley, NWU MemberTed Prezelski interviews Pamela Powers-Hannley, an Arizona State Representative and member of the National Writers Union.
2022-02-1829 minWords and WorkRev. Owen Chandler, author of Bridge in BabylonTed Prezelski talks to Rev. (and Maj.) Owen Chandler, one-time pastor in Tucson now a US Army chaplain. He talks about his book Bridge in Babylon, which is about his time as a reserve army chaplain in Iraq.
2021-12-1830 minWords and WorkScott Lunt, author of Sun BlockedTed Prezelski interviews Tucson author Scott Lunt to talk about his book of RV adventures, Sun Blocked.
2021-12-1827 minWords and WorkSteve Diamond, Member of NWUTed Prezelski interviews Steve Diamond, member of the National Writers Union, Tucson Chapter
2021-11-1429 minWords and WorkRyan Kelly, National Writers Union and Staffer at the Pima Area Labor FederationTed Prezelski interviews Ryan Kelly, an NWU member. Ryan also works as a staffer for the Pima Area Labor Federation and he talks about the state of organized labor nationally and in Southern Arizona.
2021-10-2329 minWords and WorkSarah Garecht Gassen, Arizona Daily StarTed Prezelski interviews Sarah Garecht Gassen, an outgoing editor at the Arizona Daily Star. She talks about how working at a daily paper has changed over the last 25 years and her future plans.
2021-10-2329 minWords and WorkRyan Kelapire, Sports JournalistTed Prezelski interviews Ryan Kelapire, outgoing editor of the Arizona Desert Swarm blog. He discusses writing about WIldcat sports and how he became a journalist.
2021-10-1030 minWords and WorkAlice Whittenburg, National Writers UnionTed Prezelski interviews Alice Whittenburg about her writing and her involvement in the labor movement.
2021-10-0230 minWords and WorkClayton Sinyai, Catholic Labor NetworkTed Prezelski speaks with Clayton Sinyai of the Catholic Labor Network, a group that describes its mission as a place for Catholics who find inspiration in Catholic Social Teaching on labor and work and share a desire to support workers in their struggle for social justice.
2021-09-1429 minWords and WorkTeferi Gebre, Executive Vice President, AFL-CIO (ENCORE)As part of Labor Day week, an encore of Ted Prezelski's interview with Teferi Gebre.
2021-09-1229 minWords and WorkGreg McNamee, author, journalist and editorTed Prezelski talks to long time Tucson journalist and author Greg McNamee about his life and career.
2021-09-0429 minWords and WorkSusan Whittaker, IATSE Local 405Ted Prezelski interviews Susan Whittaker, Dispatch Officer, IATSE Local 405. Most of IATSE 405's members are responsible for stage and trade shows, something there has not been a lot of for the last 18 months. She talks about the challenges to her fellow workers and what the union has been doing to support them.
2021-08-2828 minWords and WorkJim Nintzel, Executive Editor, Tucson WeeklyTed Prezelski interviews Jim Nintzel, executive editor of the Tucson Weekly and several other local publications. Ted and Jim talk about his time at the Weekly and training young journalists.
2021-08-1728 minWords and WorkPrep and Pastry Organizing CommitteeTed Prezelski interviews Spyncer Wilson and Jennifer Skinner of the Prep and Pastry Organizing Committee. They discuss issues in their work place and what it's been like to try to form a union.
2021-08-1227 minWords and WorkDavid Dickerson, authorIn this episode, Ted Prezelski interviews David Dickerson, a local author who has made appearances on This American Life. Dickerson talks about his career in writing, which has included time writing greeting cards and questions for Jeff Foxworthy's American Bible Challenge.
The TED Talk that is referenced on the show can be found here: https://youtu.be/7MnCjpw7iBI
2021-08-0430 minWords and WorkTeferi Gebre, Executive Vice President, AFL-CIOOn this episode, Ted Prezelski interviews Teferi Gebre who talks about his experience as an immigrant who now helps lead the AFL-CIO. Also, he talks about his work on behalf of the PRO Act here in Arizona.
2021-07-2728 minWords and WorkJoe Ferguson - NWU memberTed Prezelski interviews NWU member Joe Ferguson, who wrote at the Arizona Daily Star, Arizona Daily Sun and Arizona Daily Wildcat (he notes that he's made the trifecta of the "Arizona Daily" newspapers). In addition to his work in journalism, he is now working on housing issues, a subject he talks about at length in this interview.
2021-07-2125 minWords and WorkMike Anderson, International Workers of the WorldIn commemoration of this week's anniversary of the Bisbee Deportation, Ted Prezelski interviews Mike Anderson. Anderson is a historian in Bisbee as well as a member of the union whose strike ended in the deportation, the International Workers of the World, also known as the Wobblies.
2021-07-1228 minWords and WorkTom Prezelski, NWU member and author of Californio LancersTed Prezelski interviews his brother Tom about the book Californio Lancers. The book details the history of the Native California Cavalry, a mostly Latino unit of the Union Army in the Civil War.
Tom and Ted aren't just brothers in the union sense, but are in fact twins, so their voices are going to sound a lot alike.
2021-07-0730 minWords and WorkKristen Randall, NWU member, constable and editor and publisher of the Southern Arizona ConnectionTed Prezelski interviews Kristen Randall, a member of the National Writers Union. She edits and publishes Southern Arizona Connection, a monthly community publication that serves smaller communities south of Tucson. She talks about the importance of publications like Connection for places like Arivaca, Amado and Green Valley. She also talks about her role as constable in midtown Tucson, part of her job is serving evictions. She has transformed her role into a service provider for people on the verge of eviction and has become an advocate for affordable housing.
2021-07-0229 minWords and WorkHenry Barajas, writer of La Voz de M.A.Y.O.: Tata RamboTed Prezelski interviews Henry Barajas, former reporter for the Arizona Daily Star and the Tucson Weekly. Barajas's latest book is La Voz de M.A.Y.O.: Tata Rambo, a graphic novel about Barajas's great grandfather, Ramón Jaurigue, who went from being an orphan to an important community organizer in Tucson. Barajas talks about his career in journalism and his process in writing a graphic novel.
2021-06-2229 minWords and WorkSarah Land, Author of So There's a SiblingTed Prezelski talks to Phoenix-based writer Sarah Land, author of So There's a Sibling. Sarah talks about writing a children's book and there's a little soccer too.
2021-06-1828 minWords and WorkPaul Stapleton Smith, IATSEIn this episode, Ted Prezelski talks to Paul Stapleton-Smith of IATSE local 415 and former chair of the Pima Area Labor Federation. Topics range from what IATSE is to the importance of the labor movement in politics and the community.
2021-06-1131 minWords and WorkAndrea Ibáñez, Author of the Deadly series of mystery novelsTed Prezelski speaks with Andrea Ibáñez, a Tucson-based mystery author. Ibáñez is the author of the Deadly series, a group of novels centering on North Carolina police detective Steve Thibault. She also discusses a political novel that she wrote, Romance in the Desert Southwest, which is based on her time working in Arizona politics.
2021-06-0130 minWords and WorkTom Zoellner, author of The National RoadTed Prezelski interviews Tom Zoellner, a former reporter for the Arizona Republic and author of several books, including his latest, the National Road. The National Road is about the realities of life and geography in various parts of the country. Tom also talks about the January 8th shooting and politics in Arizona.
2021-05-2828 minWords and WorkJim McLaughlin, President of UFCW Local 99Ted Prezelski interviews Jim McLauglin, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99. UFCW Local 99 primarily organizes workers in the retail sector in Arizona as well as parts of New Mexico and Utah. Ted and Jim talk about the challenges faced by his members during COVID, as well as organizing efforts at Amazon and in the marijuana industry.
NOTE: I was told that another episode was uploaded in place of this one. This is the correct episode.
2021-05-2526 minWords and WorkGreg Evans, Member of NWU, author and translatorTed Prezelski interviews Greg Evans, who splits his time between Tucson and Prague. His work has included being a science fiction author, translator and editor of both the Occupied Tucson Citizen (https://occupiedtucsoncitizen.org) and Cafe Irreal (http://cafeirreal.alicewhittenburg.com).
2021-05-1829 minWords and WorkMansur Johnson, NWU member and author of In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great and MurshidTed Prezelski interviews Mansur Johnson, a Tucson-based author who has written In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, a two volume travelogue of his following the route of Alexander the great, along with books about his time as an assistant to American Sufi teacher Samuel L. Lewis. Johnson also talks about his time working on sets during Tucson's 1990's movie boom.
2021-05-1230 minWords and WorkWords and Work - Jim McLaughlin, President of UFCW Local 99Ted Prezelski interviews Jim McLauglin, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99. UFCW Local 99 primarily organizes workers in the retail sector in Arizona as well as parts of New Mexico and Utah. Ted and Jim talk about the challenges faced by his members during COVID, as well as organizing efforts at Amazon and in the marijuana industry.
2021-05-0528 minWords and WorkErik Asphaug, Author of When the Earth Had Two MoonsTed Prezelski talks with planetary scientist Erik Asphaug, who wrote When the Earth Had Two Moons: Cannibal Planets, Icy Giants, Dirty Comets, Dreadful Orbits and the Origins of the Night Sky. The book is an exploration of both the history of our solar system and the history of planetary science. The discussion touches on science education as well as the place of astronomy in popular imagination.
2021-04-2728 minWords and WorkMiranda Schubert and Amy Roberts of the United Campus WorkersTed Prezelski interviews organizers of the United Campus Workers, an effort to unionize employees at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. The movement was launched in September of 2020 and is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America Local 7065.
2021-04-2029 minWords and WorkLydia Otero, Author of In the Shadows of the Freeway, Growing Up Brown and QueerTed Prezelski talks with Lydia Otero, former professor at the University of Arizona. She talks about her current book as well as topics covered in her 2010 book, La Calle: Spatial Conflicts and Urban Renewal in a Southwest City. Words and Work is a presentation of the Tucson Chapter of the National Writers Union and Downtown Radio.
2021-04-1329 minWords and WorkFred Yamashita, Executive Director of the Arizona AFL-CIOTed Prezelski chats with Fred Yamashita about HR 482, also known as the PRO Act. The PRO Act is regarded as the most important piece of pro-labor legislation in decades. Yamashita is a member of the UFCW and was once the director of the Pima Area Labor Federation in Tucson.
2021-04-0627 minWords and WorkA. J. Flick, National Writers Union member and author of Toxic RageOn this episode, Ted Prezelski talks to A. J. Flick, member of the National Writers Union, Tucson Chapter. Flick was a long time reporter for the Tucson Citizen (RIP) who covered everything from music to the courts. She talks about Toxic Rage, her 2018 book about the murder of Dr. Brian Stidham as well as her other work in journalism.
2021-03-3028 minWords and WorkDavid Hill, National Writers Union Vice President and Author of The VaporsTed Prezelski talks to NWU Vice President David Hill about his book, The Vapors, and also about the National Writers Union and the Freelance Solidarity Project.
2021-03-2625 min