The Finest

KPBS Public Media
  • 4.9 (34)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. The Pokémon economy: The real cost of catching 'em all

    May 21

    The Pokémon economy: The real cost of catching 'em all

    Pokémon started as something simple: trading cards on the playground, Game Boys passed around between friends and the dream of catching 'em all. Thirty years later, it's the highest-grossing media franchise in the world — and Pokémon cards have become big business. In this episode, collectors, card shop owners, Pokémon Go players and lifelong fans reflect on what Pokémon means to them and how the culture around it has changed. From crowded Pokémon Go meetups at parks to local card shops struggling with scalpers and rising prices, this episode looks at how scarcity and speculation transformed Pokémon cards into valuable commodities. Along the way is a bigger question: Can a franchise built on adventure, friendship and connection hold onto those values in a billion-dollar marketplace? Guests: Steven Chung, lifelong Pokémon fanCourtney Mifsud Intreglia, writerOliver Soufi, Pokémon MasterJake Federicks, manager at Supreme Card ShopJason Huggins, co-owner of  Tito Rick's Garage Sources: LIFE Pokémon: 30 Years (Courtney Mifsud Intreglia, LIFE, 2026)How Pokémon Conquered America (Courtney Mifsud Intreglia, TIME, 2024)How Pokémon became the biggest media franchise on Earth (Lucy Tobin, The Times, 2026)'Kids can't buy them anywhere': how Pokémon cards became a stock market for millennials (Daniella Lucas, The Guardian, 2025)

    33 min
  2. An electric streetcar network once crisscrossed San Diego. What if we got it back?

    May 14

    An electric streetcar network once crisscrossed San Diego. What if we got it back?

    Long before San Diego became defined by freeways, parking shortages and long commutes, electric streetcars connected the region's urban core to beaches, business districts and growing neighborhoods more than 100 years ago. In this episode, KPBS metro reporter Andrew Bowen talks with The Finest about how the streetcar system helped shape neighborhoods that remain some of the city's most walkable and desirable today. The conversation traces the rise and fall of the rail network, how San Diego became shaped around cars and the lasting impact those decisions still have on the way people move through the city. We also look at why conversations around public transit are shifting again and meet the people trying to bring the streetcar system back to life. Guests: Andrew Bowen, KPBS metro reporter and Freeway Exit hostEthan Elkind, Climate Program director at the Center for Law, Energy and the Environment at UC BerkeleyMichael Donovan, co-founder of Vibrant UptownMonica De La Cruz, car-free San Diegan Sources: The enduring legacy of San Diego's streetcars (Andrew Bowen, KPBS, 2026)Amid San Diego's high transportation costs, some manage to find relief (Andrew Bowen, KPBS, 2026)ASU study finds Americans' attitudes toward car-free living are changing (Delores Tropriano, ASU News, 2026)

    28 min
  3. The rise, fall and comeback of pro skateboarder Brandon Turner

    May 7

    The rise, fall and comeback of pro skateboarder Brandon Turner

    San Diego skateboarder Brandon Turner moved up quickly in the sport, moving from local skate spots to major sponsorships and world tours. From skateboarding prodigy to rock bottom, now he's redefining addiction recovery and constantly evolving his understanding of control, identity and success. Long Description/Show Notes: In the '90s, Brandon Turner was a skateboarding prodigy, landing major sponsorships and touring the world with big-name skate teams. What looked like momentum from the outside often meant constant motion, pressure and independence arriving long before most people reach adulthood. And he ended up in prison. In this episode, he revisits that period and the skateboarding culture around him during his rise, from the energy of the scene to the decisions he made as things moved quickly. Today, not only does he operate his own addiction recovery center — he's skating better than he ever has before. He reflects on the highs and the dark moments that followed and how those years shaped his sense of identity and his approach to responsibility and control.  " Skateboarding is just like life. It's not if you will fall, it's when you'll fall. But the more important thing of it is what you're going to do when you pick yourself back up," Brandon said. He also shares what it means to learn through experience, how to foster that evolution in other people — and how his perspective continues to shift. It's a conversation about growth, accountability and moving forward when life doesn't follow a straight path. Guests: Brandon Turner, professional skateboarder and founder of Westside Recovery Sources: Brandon Turner: The Prodigy Returns (Michael Burnett, Thrasher Magazine, 2020)Fulfill the Dream, Shorty's skate film (1998), Brandon Turner segmentGuilty, Shorty's skate film (2001), Brandon Turner segment90s Skate Prodigy Brandon Turner on Addiction and Recovery (Miss Rosen, Huck Magazine, 2023) The Second Coming of Brandon Turner (Jenkem Magazine, 2021)

    28 min
  4. Rugs, rituals and resilience: How artists are expanding the story of Iran beyond conflict

    Apr 23

    Rugs, rituals and resilience: How artists are expanding the story of Iran beyond conflict

    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)

    25 min
  5. How streaming changed what we hear — and what musicians earn (May 2025)

    Apr 16

    How streaming changed what we hear — and what musicians earn (May 2025)

    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' studio In 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' studio Julianna 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 together Mentioned 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)

    36 min
  6. Every object tells a story: The unseen craft of theatrical props

    Apr 9

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

    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

    26 min
  7. Dance or die — and the fight to be more than a headline

    Apr 2

    Dance or die — and the fight to be more than a headline

    Ahmad Joudeh risked his life to dance, performing in a refugee camp while ISIS fighters targeted him. The act of defiance, captured on video, made him known worldwide. But fame came with a cost. He became a symbol he never wanted to be. In this episode, Ahmad tells the full story in his own words, from growing up stateless in Syria and navigating the complexities of identity to starting the camp's first dance studio, training with the Dutch National Ballet and taking control of his life amid media pressure. Now living in San Diego, Ahmad continues to perform, teach and create, building a career that reflects his heritage, artistic vision and personal freedom. He reflects on survival, resilience and what it means to dedicate your life to art, and to dance as a way of truly living. Guest: Ahmad Joudeh, dancer Watch Ahmad Joudeh's performances: Ahmad Joudeh dances at the Yarmouk camp (2016)"Dance or Die" (2018) documentary directed by Roozbeh KabolyAhmad Joudeh performs at the Eurovision Song Contest (2021)Ahmad Joudeh performs at the Fire Island Dance Festival (2023)"The Dancer" (2025) documentary directed by Lacey UhlemeyerAhmad Joudeh and Celyna Tran perform parts of the Nutcracker Arabian Dance (2025) Ahmad Joudeh performs an experimental dance improvisation of Sufi dance to Boléro de Ravel (2026) Sources: 'The deepest circle of hell:' Terrified Yarmouk residents describe ISIS raid (Atika Shubert, Bharati Naik and Nick Thompson, CNN, 2015)Syrian Dancer Flying, Looking for Freedom (Landing in Amsterdam) (Nina Siegal, The New York Times, 2017)Yarmouk (unofficial camp*) (United Nations Relief and Works Agency - UNRWA)Sbeineh Camp (United Nations Relief and Works Agency - UNRWA)Generations of Palestinian Refugees Face Protracted Displacement and Dispossession (Nathan Citino, Ana Martín Gil and Kelsey P. Norman, Migration Policy Institute, 2023)Syria (Stateless Hub, 2024)What is the Arab Spring, and how did it start? (Al Jazeera, 2020)Syrian Civil War (Britannica, 2026)Syria's war: Ten years – and counting (Alia Chughtai, Al Jazeera, 2021)Dutch National BalletWorld Economic Forum - Ahmad JoudehGov. Gavin NewsomBallet Beyond Borders: Dance and diplomacy go online (Cory Walsh, The Missoulian, 2021)UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency - Ahmad JoudehPride Amsterdam - Ahmad JoudehWhat Dance Can Do - Ahmad JoudehAfter decades of brutal rule, Bashar al-Assad’s regime has been toppled. Here’s what you need to know (Rob Picheta and Helen Regan, CNN, 2024)About Saydnaya (Amnesty International)Golden State Ballet

    33 min
  8. Scientists are still mapping plants. How the public is helping — with an app

    Mar 19

    Scientists are still mapping plants. How the public is helping — with an app

    What's growing in your backyard? In San Diego, one of America's most biodiverse regions, the answer is more complicated than you might think. It's home to roughly 3,000 plant species, with many still undocumented. This episode follows hikers, students and nature lovers using the free app iNaturalist to photograph plants and animals, contribute to a global biodiversity database and help scientists protect fragile ecosystems. Some discoveries are extraordinary, like seeing your name on a scientific paper after spotting a plant never recorded in the county before. We visit the San Diego Natural History Museum, head into a rare salt marsh along Mission Bay and join a community identification party to see how this grassroots effort is reshaping science in real time. Researchers and volunteers say this kind of "citizen science" is no longer a side project — it's essential. Because when it comes to protecting ecosystems, the first step is simple: knowing what's there.  Guests:  Jon Rebman, Ph.D., curator of botany at SDNHMBecky Escalante, citizen scientist spifferella on iNaturalist, dental assistantStephanie Crawford, citizen scientist aneclecticenthusiast on iNaturalistKellie Uyeda, executive director of UC San Diego's Natural Reserve System Clarissa Rodriguez, reserves director of UC San Diego's Natural Reserve System

    32 min
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4.9
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    KPBS Public Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © KPBS Public Media
  • Show Website
    The Finest

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