Issues and Ideas is on hiatus until March 2, 2026.
Issues and Ideas features a wide variety of people sharing their thoughts and perspectives about local issues, initiatives and happenings on the Central Coast. You might hear a policy maker discussing new regulation, an artist sharing their creative process, an entrepreneur exploring sustainable business practices, or an author talking about her latest book.
Our regular segments include: "Wine Country" with wine journalist and author Mira Honeycutt; literary conversations on "Bookwaves" with former librarian Brian Reynolds; "Playing With Food" with culinary enthusiast Fr. Ian Delinger; stories of Central Coast downtowns on "Talking Downtown" with Carol Tangeman; Dr. Consuelo Meux's "The Nonprofit Story" that covers the work nonprofits are doing on the Central Coast, and "People and the Planet" with Gianna Patchen, who explores the interconnection between our communities and our environment.
The show also carries occasional episodes from "Journeys of Discovery" by KCBX travel correspondent Tom Wilmer; features from the KCBX Newsroom, from KCSB, the student-run radio station at UC Santa Barbara, and from The California Report; along with interviews by other occasional contributors from our Central Coast community.
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This week, we explore how music, storytelling, and environmental leadership are bringing our communities together. First, we’ll hear from the Master Chorale’s Outreach Committee about the power of choral music to connect people and inspire participation. Next, local author Chris Blake shares his journey of searching for meaning and connection in his new book, Searching for a God to Love. And finally, we’ll talk with leaders from Cal Poly’s Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience about their work to support regenerative agriculture and climate solutions through the Zero Foodprint program. -
Brian Reynolds chats with Carroll Leslie, owner of Volumes of Pleasure, about the rich history of the independent bookstore that has been serving Los Osos for over 50 years. Then, for Wine Country, Mira Honeycutt visits with vintner Rajat Parr at his Parr Collective winery in Cambria.
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Gianna Patchen is back with People and the Planet. This week she speaks with Kara Woodruff, a member of the Diablo Canyon decommissioning panel and the policy advisor to Senator John Laird.Then Carol Tangeman meets with Bob Revel of the Morro Bay Bird Festival.And our news correspondent, Natalia Young, talks with the SLO County Food Bank about the recent government shutdowns and how the food bank is preparing for people's needs.
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Halloween’s around the corner, and things are getting spooky at the SLO Film Center. David McAbee talks with Skye McLennan about what’s creeping onto the screen at The Palm Theater, just in time for Halloween.Then, Father Ian’s back with Playing with Food. This week, he’s going nuts for beans as he learns about legumes.And finally, David McAbee speaks with Melisa Beveridge of Woolleybear Travels, whose animal paintings are making a difference one sanctuary at a time.
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David McAbee sits down with Carlos and Kyle Plummer of the SLO Film Society. With the Film Expo coming up in November and a fundraising night at The Bay Theater, they’ve got a lot happening, both on screen and behind the scenes.Then, Dr. Consuelo Meux is back with The Nonprofit Story. This week, it’s all things library as she talks with Juliane McAdam, President of the SLO Library Foundation, and County Library Director Christopher Barnicle.And we’ll close with Michelle Haddad from The Literacy Connection, who’s helping students and tutors build stronger futures, one page at a time.
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David McAbee sits with Bob Whiteford, one of the owners of Insomniac Video, to talk about the rise, and eventual fall, of the beloved video store and how he’s now teaming up with The Palm Theatre to bring back a little movie magic through Insomniac Secret Cinema.Then, Gianna Patchen returns with another edition of People and the Planet. She speaks with Sandy Alesworth and Steph Wald about the Point Sal Marine Protection Program.And finally, Brian Reynolds talks with author and entrepreneur Mike Miner about his new book Heroes, Rogues, and Wisdom: A 20th Century American Family History.
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David McAbee sits down with Jordan Chesnut, executive director of the SLO County Arts Council, to talk about National Arts and Humanities Month. She also shares the data from the 2025 Arts and Culture Economic Impact Report. It’s art, passion, and data, all coming together.Then Rosie Boultman has a conversation with Christina Dawson from SLO County UndocuSupport, sharing how they’re helping longtime, local undocumented workers and families.And finally, Mira Honeycutt returns with another edition of Wine Country. She chats with Matt Kleefisch of The Ava Hotel in Paso Robles about what drew The Ava to Paso’s lush, inviting landscape.
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Father Ian plays with permaculture. Gianna Patchen speaks with the SLO Climate Coalition about local climate solutions and how you can save money by electrifying your home. Author Tom Bowman talks about his new book, "What if Solving the Climate Crisis is Simple?"
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This week on Issues and Ideas, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of KCBX. Hear from the Waddell Family, KCBX leaders Frank Lanzone Jr. and Chris McBride, journalist Ailsa Chang, and Linnaea, the beloved longtime café owner on the Central Coast.
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It's all things writing and creativity on Issues and Ideas. First we sit down with Meagan Friberg of The Central Coast Writers Conference. Then, we speak with author and poet, Luke Johnson. Finally, how about wine and movies under the stars with The Paso Picture Show?
