KUCI: Get the Funk Out

  Directed by: Doug Pray Written by: David Greene, Ketch Secor Edited by: Doug Pray Produced by: Stephanie Meurer, Ashley York, Doug Pray Executive Produced by: Ketch Secor, David Greene, Foster Phillips   RT: 89 minutes   “Thought-Provoking, Poignant, A Must See” Janet Walker, Haute-Lifestyle   “Easily one of the most important films of 2026” Steve Kopian, Unseen Films   “A perspective that feels almost radical in a media landscape built on outrage” Chris Jones, Overly Honest Movie Reviews   We’re having the conversation…   In the wake of yet another mass shooting, this time at The Covenant School in Nashville, Ketch Secor, lead singer of the popular country-bluegrass band Old Crow Medicine Show, decided it was time to speak out on gun reform. He wrote an op-ed in the New York Times entitled, “Country Music Can Lead America Out of Its Obsession with Guns.” It caught the attention of Ketch’s friend, David Greene, former NPR reporter and host of KCRW’s “Left, Right & Center,” and the two set out to kickstart an open dialog about gun rights and gun violence in America. Film director Doug Pray followed Ketch and David as the band toured rural and urban communities, creating the documentary LOUDER THAN GUNS named after a song Ketch wrote for the victims of the Covenant shooting.   Known for their signature song “Wagon Wheel,” Old Crow Medicine Show attracts a wide demographic of music fans, stretching to the furthest ends of today’s culture wars. People in the front row of their concerts might not agree on anything besides the music they love, providing this film with one of modern America’s rarest opportunities: the chance to engage with one another respectfully, despite our differences.   Smashing stereotypes, LOUDER THAN GUNS brings together the frustrations and hopes of citizens who are asked to listen to one another and try to find common ground. Led by Ketch and David, these emotional and inspiring discussions, in barbeque joints, barbershops, church pews, gun stores, and concert halls, prove that localized, community-led discourse has the power to move the needle on gun reform in ways that today’s polarized media and politicians rarely achieve. Because most people in this country—gun owners and non-gun owners alike— want safer communities.     LOUDER THAN GUNS screened in LA on July 28 at Laemmle’s Monica Theater and on July 29 at Laemmle’s Glendale Theater.    To view the trailer, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKewN_PayUY     Official website: https://www.louderthanguns.com   more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

    Dayna Altman is an energetic and dynamic mental health speaker, entrepreneur and advocate. The full force and sole operator of Bake it Till You Make it LLC, Dayna harvests her passion for mental health advocacy by using food and baking to create an authentic recipe for vulnerable storytelling. The author of five mental health cookbooks, the facilitator of a variety of mental health presentations and the subject of an award winning documentary, Dayna is a sought after storyteller. She has been invited to speak at national conferences, in community kitchens, on the news and most notably, at the White House in 2022. With experience working in both clinical and advocacy mental health settings, Dayna’s breadth of knowledge in the field informs her work, as does her own recovery. Today, Dayna lives with major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and is in lifelong eating disorder recovery. When she’s not testing out new recipes in her kitchen or quoting her therapists, Dayna is in pursuit of creating art as a means to explore new ways to change the world using her own story.

  The mission of Neighbors Who Nourish is to  bring communities together by nurturing meaningful connections and providing mental health resources to those facing food insecurity.    Below is our instagram page highlighting the various events they have had so far:    https://www.instagram.com/neighbors.who.nourish?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==     Aafiya Mahmood Age: 16 Co-Founder, Neighbors Who Nourish Aafiya is a student and co-founder of Neighbors Who Nourish, a youth-led initiative focused on addressing food insecurity while strengthening mental well-being and community connection.   Yeshwi Sharma Age: 17 Co-Founder, Neighbors Who Nourish Yeshwi is a student and co-founder of Neighbors Who Nourish, working alongside Aafiya to bring families together through food, mental wellness activities, and community-based support.   How We Got Started Neighbors Who Nourish grew out of our personal connections to food insecurity, mental health, and the isolation that can come with both problems. We realized that food could be more than something people simply receive, it could be a pathway to bring people together. We began hosting community events centered around shared meals, family activities, and mental wellness conversations. Our goal was turning food from a source of stress into a source of connection. We also provide SNAP-friendly cookbooks and mental wellness resources to help people beyond their events. About Neighbors Who Nourish Neighbors Who Nourish is a youth-led initiative addressing food insecurity while strengthening mental well-being and community connection.    In two months, we have directly impacted 1,170 people and distributed 1,000+ mental health resources and SNAP-friendly cookbooks. Our work brings together three connected pieces: food security, mental wellness, and community. Through SNAP-friendly cooking demonstrations and bilingual cookbooks, families gain practical nutrition resources. In addition, through community mental health activities, they have opportunities to express themselves and support one another. Through shared meals and activities, those conversations become genuine connections. They have brought these events to people ages 6-80+   What We’d Like Listeners to Know We want listeners to know that food insecurity isn’t only about whether someone has enough food; it can also bring stress, isolation, and uncertainty. We believe community can help anyone, regardless of their circumstances, and that no one should have to carry their struggles alone.    Through Neighbors Who Nourish, we use food as a starting point for connection, creating spaces where people can feel supported, build relationships, and become more comfortable talking about their mental well-being.

Today's guest Austin Cauldwell is a Los Angeles–based writer/director/actor and acting teacher. His short film IDYLL premiered at the Florida Film Festival in April 2026. He has appeared in various stage, film, and TV roles.   In January 2025, devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles. Through firsthand interviews, children reflect on what they experienced, what they lost, what they carried with them, and how their lives have been forever changed; while simultaneously holding onto hope for what comes next. Co-directed by Nat Wolff and Austin Cauldwell, the film was produced by Mina Sundwall and her company Zenosyne Media, along with Eliza Paprin and Julia Pitch, who also served as Cinematographer. The film was edited by Ben Schwaeber. According to Wolff and Cauldwell: “In the wake of the fires, much of the conversation focused on what had been lost: homes, schools, and a sense of stability. What felt missing were the voices of the children living through it. Rather than speaking about them, we wanted to listen to them. So we set out to create a space where kids and families could share their experiences in their own words.  What we found was not only grief, but resilience, optimism, and humor. Even in the aftermath of tragedy, these children continue to imagine, adapt, and grow. Their stories reminded us that they are not just witnesses to disaster, but rather, they are participants in the future being shaped around them. Our hope is that this film encourages audiences to think about the world we are leaving for our children. It will be their world. They deserve to have a voice in it.”   Austin Cauldwell is a Los Angeles based writer, director, actor, and acting teacher. His short film Idyll, which he wrote and directed, premiered at Florida International Film Festival earlier this year and was an official selection at Fantasia Film Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival. As an actor, he has worked on stage, most notably opposite Edie Falco in the Off Broadway production of The True. His TV credits include Switched at Birth (ABC Family), NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans, and Monster. About the Film The project documents the experiences of children during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Through firsthand interviews, the film captures what the children lost, what they carried with them, and how their lives have changed — while also highlighting their resilience, optimism, and humor. The directors aimed to give voice to the children who were often absent from public discussions about the disaster, focusing on their personal stories rather than just the aftermath      THE DIRECTORS: Nat Wolff and Austin Cauldwell Producers: Mina Sundwall, Eliza Paprin, Julia Pitch (Pitch also served as cinematographer Editor: Ben Schwaeber Presented by: Zenosyne Media  About the Directors Nat Wolff is an American actor, musician, and writer/director. He is known for films such as The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, and Palo Alto, and for composing music for The Naked Brothers Band.  Austin Cauldwell is a Los Angeles–based writer/director/actor and acting teacher. His short film IDYLL premiered at the Florida Film Festival in April 2026. He has appeared in various stage, film, and TV roles For tickets: Burbank International Film Festival 2026   more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Sagar V. Parikh, M.D., FRCPC is the John F. Greden Professor of Depression and Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. As a psychiatrist and former family physician, he focuses on diverse mood disorder treatments: novel medications including psychedelics, psychotherapy, digital tools, ketamine, and TMS.  He conducts research on how to improve health care delivery as well as how to improve public and clinician education about mood disorders.  He also works extensively in Workplace Mental Health, identifying best practices for businesses and workplaces to prevent and treat burnout and mental health problems.  He is Medical Director of the National Network of Depression Centers (USA) and a prolific author, with 3 books and over 200 articles on research and treatment of mental disorders.  He has won multiple national and international awards for education, teaching, and research.  Education Chair, CANMAT (Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments)   more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

  The highly personal, first-person filmmaking of ACTING LIKE WOMEN addresses themes of feminist, activism, performance art, LGBTQ+, herstory, and art. A rebellious art form, exploding onto the scene in the late 1970s and 1980s gave birth to the “performance art as protest” movement seen around the world today. Led by female, feminist, artists determined to bring women’s bodies and voices into the art world, from a foundational feminist art space called The Woman’s Building in Los Angeles, the radical rebellion gave rise to powerful activism at the apex of the Women’s Movement.   LOGLINE: Revisiting the groundbreaking feminist performance art movement in 1970s Los Angeles, one artist spotlights the inspirational, transformational, radical community exploding the narrative and status quo. SYNOPSIS: Through interviews, archival footage, and personal reflections, feminist artist Cheri Gaulke revisits the 1970s Los Angeles foundational art space, The Woman’s Building, laying bare how a collective of artists transformed their bodies and voices through performance art into a powerful tool for activism, reshaping the cultural landscape for generations of women. The film includes the voices of over 50 artists including Suzanne Lacy, Judy Chicago, and Senga Nengudi; the works of The Waitresses, Sisters Of Survival, and Feminist Art Workers among others, as well as the music of artists such as Billie Eillish, The Linda Lindas, and Phranc. Original Score is composed by Miriam Cutler. Acting Like Women builds an intimate narrative where art intersects life. Guided through Gaulke’s lens, the film reveals an explosive time of change and individual empowerment with a through-line enriched by her own experience as the daughter of a Midwestern Lutheran minister, through the sexual revolution where she joins the feminist community, to her realized self as noted performance artist, lesbian, educator, and mother of twins. The history of performance art is the herstory of California feminist performance art. It’s not a footnote about artists on the fringes, but a tome on the essential and highly influential period at the core of an artistic medium’s development. Interviews reveal personal stories brought to life alongside visually powerful performances, giving insight into what this period meant and means for women, and those struggling to define themselves today.   more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Julia Hotz, Author of THE CONNECTION CURE (Simon & Schuster), Social Prescribing USA Advisor, Journalist, Keynote Speaker, Fellowships Manager at Solutions Journalism Network Author of THE CONNECTION CURE (Simon & Schuster)—1st book exploring science, stories, and spread of social prescribing around the world. Speaker at TEDx, ACLM, WONCA, AHIP, Yale, Harvard, and more. Adviser to Walk with a Doc and Social Prescribing USA. Solutions-focused journalist (NYT, The Boston Globe, BBC, TIME) who helps other journalists via the Solutions Journalism Network.   more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD will make its Costa Mesa premiere at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from July 11 - 25, 2026. Today's show will feature Ryan Hallahan who plays Draco Malfoy.   About Ryan Hallahan Ryan comes from Chicago where he’s appeared on stage at Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Writers Theatre, Goodman, Northlight, Indiana Repertory, Peninsula Players, and Steep Theatre. Film: Pass Over (Spike Lee/Amazon), Working Man, Orpa. Television: “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire.” Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany.   HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD features movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison, music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe. US Casting by Jim Carnahan, CSA. From the moment eleven-year-old Harry Potter met Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his adventures have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, over 25 years later, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful and best-loved entertainment properties in history.   more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

As a boy in colonial Kenya, Pius Kamau learns early what it means to run with lions-both the metaphorical powers that stalk his people and the real leopard he encounters alone in the forest, the first of many times he will stand eye-to-eye with death. Born under British rule and hardened by the unspeakable violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Pius grows up where curable illnesses claim loved ones and hope feels scarce. Inspired by his tubercular father, he dares to believe education can be his escape. He flees on foot toward Sudan in search of schooling but is arrested and sent back. He refuses to surrender. A scholarship to Strathmore College in Nairobi leads to medical studies in Spain, where Europe's art, philosophy, and culture widen his world even as he confronts the contradictions of colonialism. Returning to an independent Kenya as a doctor, Pius discovers oppression has simply changed hands. This powerful memoir traces his journey from dirt-poor village boy to physician and eventually to surgeon, proving resilience, intellect, and courage know no color or border. About the Author Pius K. Kamau, MD, thoracic surgeon and author, has written for HuffPost, Denver's Dailies, and the Denver Gazette. He's been published in NPR's This I believe, Marlo Thomas's The Right Word at the Right Time, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book, and Medical Business. He also penned the mystery novel Doctor's Date with Death. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

What if a sincere apology could lead to more freedom, stronger relationships, and greater happiness? Authors Jason Feddy and Michael Waldman, co-authors of The Glory of Groveling: Apology: A Simple Path to More Freedom and Happiness joined host Janeane on KUCI 88.9fm We'll explore why apologizing is often harder than it should be, how it can transform our personal and professional relationships, and why owning our mistakes may be one of the most powerful tools for human connection. The Glory of Groveling: Apology, a Simple Path to More Freedom and Happiness by Jason Feddy (Author), Michael Waldman (Author)   “Apology gives us the authority to determine our own future, free of the fear, resentment, and guilt we feel from broken relationships. It makes us people of our word, people who can be trusted, people who are ready for real love.” In The Glory of Groveling, authors Jason Feddy and Michael Waldman deliver a refreshingly honest, surprisingly practical, and often humorous guide to personal liberation through the art of apology and forgiveness. With their signature blend of insight and irreverence, they offer a six-and-a-half step program designed to help readers drop their pride, own their mistakes, and find emotional freedom.   This is not your average self-help book. Feddy and Waldman take aim at the ego’s favorite defense mechanisms—deflection, denial, blame—and replace them with simple, actionable tools to repair relationships and release resentment. Whether you’re navigating a rocky marriage, tense work dynamic, or the silent guilt of past missteps, The Glory of Groveling invites you to rethink strength, rediscover humility, and learn the surprising joy of making things right.   Show page: http://getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org  

WRITER/DIR: Doug Bremner  PRODS: Doug Bremner, Julia Hobgood, Catherine Kagan, Joshua Looby, Viola Vaccarino CAST: Andy Evans, David de Vries, Hannah Fierman, Shaan Sharma, Caroline Avery Granger, Nisey Woods When a psychiatrist discovers that a medication for the treatment of acne is causing teenagers to kill themselves, the pharmaceutical company sets out on a campaign to destroy the source of the threat to their billion-dollar-a-year drug.   Described as Erin Brockovich meets The Constant Gardener, THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is inspired by a true story that involves greed, power, lies, tragedy, danger, and death. After the death of her son, Amanda Bellaconda seeks the help of Dr Jack Forteo to understand why teenagers are suddenly taking their own lives after taking a medication for acne. Carinaderm is the goose that keeps laying golden eggs, an acne medication bringing in a billion dollars a year for the Renzon Pharmaceutical Company. When Dr. Forteo sees a potentially lethal side effect of their blockbuster acne pill, Renzon doesn’t hesitate to pull out the stops with personal attacks and accusations of fraud, bringing Forteo’s marriage and career to the brink of destruction.   With nothing left to lose, Forteo goes on a journey to revisit a tragedy from his own past. When he unearths painful secrets and deceptions that parallel those he has discovered in the pharmaceutical company, his voyage of self-discovery gives him strength to resume his struggle, leading to the ultimate conclusion.   THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG team includes writer/producer/director Doug Bremner and executive producers Neil Shulman, M.D., Patch Adams, M.D., and Raymond Schinazi., PhD. Producers include Bremner, Julia Hobgood, Cat Kagan, Joshua Looby, and Viola Vaccarino. The lead role of Dr. Jack Forteo is played by Andy Evans (86 Melrose Avenue). Plaintiff’s attorney Red Leghorn is played by David de Vries (The Founder). The bereaved mother of the teenage suicide victim, Amanda Bellaconda, is played by Hannah Fierman (VHS). Shaan Sharma (The Chosen) is Ryan Singh, plaintiff’s attorney. Jack’s wife, Isabella Forteo, is played by Caroline Avery Granger (Cobra Kai), and Crystal Watson, the ruthless attorney heading up the Renzon legal team, is played by Nisey Woods (Vampire Diaries).   THE REAL STORY… Douglas Bremner is professor of psychiatry and a researcher. He did brain imaging research on the effects of an acne medication, isotretinoin (Accutane), on the brain, and as a result became an expert witness in multi-district litigation related to depression and suicide in teenagers who had taken the drug. The research was funded by private donations from affected families. THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is a fictionalized story with elements of truth. In reality, the plaintiffs settled with the drug manufacturer and part of the settlement was that they couldn’t talk about the settlement. The film has a running time of 92 minutes. It is currently not rated by the MPAA and is available for sale in all territories.   getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org  | www.janeanebernstein.com

Surf Guitar 101 Festival with Surf Guitar 101 Festival Weekender   The 17th Annual Surf Guitar 101 Festival is a 3-day extravaganza  featuring some of the hottest bands in surf! 2026 is bigger and better than ever, with a fantastic new location  in the heart of Orange County where the music mania originated.   Enjoy the ballrooms, bars and stages at the temple of surf music known as  Garden Grove Elks Lodge, 11551 Trask Ave. near the 22 freeway and Harbor Blvd. Make plans now to be part of one of the world’s largest and  longest-running surf music festivals.   ABOUT JEFF The event started as a forum in 2006.   He is the founder of this event running since 2008 (with a 2 yr break for covid).   He was in choir and chamber singers in Jr. High and high school.   He owns a guitar and a bass and dabbles in playing.   His passion is booking shows.   He found a passion for the surf guitar sound that started here in Southern California because of the surf scene.   It evolved from instrumental bands around the country, but Dick Dale used to play for the surfers in the 60s and had a show at the rondevue ballroom; it was packed with surfers. They showed up in surf gear and had to borrow bow ties a the door to get in!   Here is the best place to read about the history of the festival:   https://surfguitar101.com/about/   Stellar Shows | Surf Guitar 101 Festival   getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org | janeanebernstein.com

Amy Durham is the CEO of NAMI Orange County, where she has served for more than 13 years. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she is passionate about expanding access to mental health support, strengthening communities through collaboration, and helping individuals and families find hope. Amy enjoys sharing practical insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of human connection.   Check out the show blog for more details!

The NaNaz — South Wales’ Riot Women of Punk The NaNaz are an all-female punk/alt rock collective from Newport, South Wales, known for proving that punk has no age limit. The NaNaz were born out of community punk music workshops for women over 50 in Newport, Gwent — and quickly became a riot in motion.  Blending punk, alt-rock, raw honesty and sharp humour, they prove attitude has no age limit. Fuelled by fearless energy, loud guitars, unapologetic lyricism and huge personality, The NaNaz have caused mayhem across South Wales, England, and now New York after playing Loud Women NYC. Their sound is loud, honest, chaotic and made to be felt as much as heard.   With members spanning generations, they tear up expectations and redefine what a punk band looks like — bringing community, creativity and rebellion to every stage they hit. Their growing story has already led to major press attention and a BBC Our Lives documentary.  Check out the show blog for more details!  “A punk uprising wrapped in laughter: The NaNaz are melodic, mischievous and impossible to ignore.” — Repeat Records    

Voices: The Danny Gans Story is a documentary made by his son as a tribute his dad's legacy. The documentary explores both the public persona and the private complexities of Danny Gans, who left an indelible mark on Las Vegas. A heartfelt, family-directed documentary about Las Vegas legend Danny Gans, blending celebration of his talent with honest exploration of his life and legacy. Danny Gans was a legendary Las Vegas entertainer, beloved for his extraordinary voice impressions, comedy, and heartfelt performances. For more than a decade, he held the title of “Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year,” performing to sold-out crowds at The Mirage and Encore. Before his rise in entertainment, Danny was a professional baseball player, a background that uniquely informed his underdog spirit. His unexpected passing in 2009 left a deep void in the entertainment world—but his legacy continues to inspire. Danny Gans attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1976 and played baseball as a left-handed power hitter for two seasons. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox after being named an All-America at Cal Poly.   more: KUCI 88.9fm - Wednesday's 9am with Janeane: Coming up 5/27 at 9:00am pst - Voices: The Danny Gans Story, a Heartfelt Documentary on Cal Poly SLO Alum and Las Vegas Legend Danny Gans directed by his son Andrew Davies Gans

DANCES WITH FILMS (DWF:LA & DWF:NY), now in its 29th year, champions the unflinching spirit at the very core of the independent film scene. While the vast majority of film fests rely heavily on celebrity, we have relied on the innovation, talent, creativity and sweat equity that revolutionized the entertainment industry. And that reliance continues to prove successful with alumni moving on to write, direct and produce celebrity-studded vehicles, star in blockbuster movies and television series, produce multi-million dollar films and create hit TV shows. Oh…. and we even have several OSCAR® nominees… In a world of homogenized, formulaic film festivals, DWF:LA continues to defy the rules.   Leslee Scallon got her start by moving to Hollywood at nineteen from a small town, where she literally went to a three room schoolhouse. After that small start, she did receive a DramaLogue Best Actress Award, as well as the honor of accepting that award on the same stage as Shirley MacLaine. Similar to Michael, however, she found producing and writing to be a true love, especially after the sage advice of the late Carrie Fisher, “get behind the camera, it’s more fun there.” A Regent Scholar at New York University, Michael Trent began his career as one of the youngest stage managers to receive an Equity production contract with Broadway and touring credits including the Juilliard based Acting Company (touring arm of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.) and Lee Theodore’s American Dancemachine. He has written, directed and produced a multitude of projects around the globe – from Sacramento to Singapore. He currently lives with his wife in Maui and their amazing mutt Zoe. Together Leslee and Michael have produced and directed many shows, including the THALIANS, working with amazing legends such as the late Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher; Dick Van Dyke; Shirley MacLaine amongst others. Their first feature INDEMNITY was the catalyst for DWF and has made for tremendous opportunities of working with amazing creative minds and visionaries. Leslee has been the key moderator of the Industry Panels and “Chats With” series of talks done at the festival, as well as asked to be on panels for her expertise in navigating the film festival world. She lives in Studio City with her lovely daughter, Jocelyn.   show blog: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

FRACTURED, a compelling psychological thriller written by Elissa Shay and Cary Haze, and directed by Mädchen Amick, will have its World Premiere at the 29th Annual Dances With Films on Thursday, June 25th at 8:30 pm at the TCL Chinese 6 in Hollywood. WRITERS: Elissa Shay & Cary Haze PRODS: Iris Torres, Penny Edmiston, Chelsey Neders CAST: Julia Ormond, Bruce Dern, Elissa Shay   In FRACTURED, Hayley’s infamous ex-boyfriend suddenly shows up and triggers memories of her father’s death. Having spent a lifetime masking the trauma of her childhood Hayley must now face a truth that will either heal or destroy her. FRACTURED stars Emmy Award winner Julia Ormond (Legends of the Fall, My Week With Marilyn) as Dr. Rose, Bruce Dern (The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) as Papa Joe, and Elissa Shay as Hayley, with an outstanding supporting cast including Anne Dudeck (Mad Men), Christopher Redman (NCIS: Origins, Chicago Fire), Igbal Theba (Glee ), Jordan Belfi (Entourage), Tom Franco (The Disaster Artist), Roger Guenveur Smith (Summer of Sam), Anzu Lawson (The Blacklist) and Johnny Ferro (Hand of God) as Jax. “Fractured started as a question I needed to answer for myself — and bringing it to the Chinese Theatre, carried by this extraordinary cast and amazing crew, is proof that the stories we’re most afraid to tell are usually the ones most worth telling. Thanks to Dances With Films for supporting independent film and inviting us to join their prestigious film festival." says Shay.   Show blog: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

STILL MINE, A DRAMATIC SHORT FILM STARRING AMANDA BLAKE DAVIS AND TOMMY DEWEY TO SCREEN AT DANCES WITH FILMS JUNE 18-28 LOGLINE: After discovering she spent the last f i f t e en years with a misdiagnosis, a shell s hocked woman knocks on her happily married ex’s door to make sense of a life a l t ering choice they made while she was l i v i ng with a chronic illness. n tme Run time: 6 minutes 5 seconds   Still Mine, an emotional tour de force, written by Amanda Blake Davis and directed by Blythe Haaga, will screen at the 28th Annual Dances With Films on Friday, June 26th at 5:00Pm at the TCL Chinese 6 in Hollywood. In STILL MINE, after discovering she spent the last 15 years with a misdiagnosis, a shell shocked woman knocks on her happily married ex’s door to make sense of a life altering choice they made while she was living with a chronic illness. The film stars Davis and Tommy Dewey (The Mindy Project, Murdaugh: Death in the Family) and is produced by Shannon Green, Haaga and Davis.   more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

YALE, another stellar film Directed and Produced by Jay Silverman makes it's WORLD PREMIERE - OPENING NIGHT FILM AT DANCES WITH FILMS JUNE 18th 7:30pm Chinese Theater Hollywood. Silverman joins Janeane on KUCI 88.9fm June 17th at 9:00am. Abandoned by her beloved father, Yale Parker, when she was nine, Mackenzie (MAC) Mitchell’s adult life has been consumed with alcohol and run-ins with the law causing a deep rift with her son, Ryan, 12. When Ryan needs an emergency kidney transplant, his only chance at survival might be the last person Mac wants to ask for help — her father, who she hasn’t seen for thirty years. Their reunion is complicated when Yale reveals a jaw-dropping secret that he has eight other families that he kept hidden from her all her life…and one of them might be a match to save her son. As this odd couple set off on an epic road trip to track down her half-siblings, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, ultimately both learning that ‘genes’ run deep. YALE is based on a true story about the writer’s maternal grandfather. When he first learned about his family lore as a young teen, he couldn’t believe it was true and knew he had to write about it. The film stars Caitlin McGee (Mythic Quest), Kevin Dunn (Transformers), Rachael Harris (The Hangover), Benjamin Mackey (Paradise), and Dominic Leeder (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning). It was directed by Jay Silverman (Camera) and written by Van Billet (Saving Paradise). The film was produced by Bethany Cerrona, Ian Christian Blanche, Kevin Dunn, and Joe Gamache. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

An uplifting conversation with Christie Cate, creator and showrunner of the upcoming adult indie animated pilot, Mermaid Mafia.   Inspired by her mother's legacy, Christie founded Lumen Airy LLC to bring original stories and compelling female characters to life. She is also an accomplished voice actress whose work has helped her build a social media following of more than 100,000 fans.   We'll talk about animation, voice acting, storytelling, entrepreneurship, creativity, and what it takes to bring a dream project to life.

MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock’s Most Revolutionary Band   by Brad Tolinski, Jaan Uhelszki, and Ben Edmonds   A riveting oral biography of the proto-punk Detroit rockers MC5, based on original interviews with the band and key members of their inner circle out October 8, 2025 from Hachette Books   Listen to today's show featuring Brad Tolinski and Jaan Uhelszki.

A thought-provoking collection of spiritual reflections echoing the lyricism of Leonard Cohen and the uplifting messages of Anne Lamott Suspended by No String is for readers of all spiritual stripes: those who are consistently devout, those who aren’t sure what to believe, and those who may not be religious in the traditional sense but who nevertheless want to view the world as something other than a place of randomness and build a relationship with a force infinitely beyond themselves. Echoing the lyricism of Leonard Cohen and the lighthearted poignance of Anne Lamott, Suspended by No String is a thought-provoking anthology of spiritual reflections that will inspire readers to reclaim their childlike sense of wonder. Suspended by No String is a collection of essays, personal narrative, and poetical reflections for readers of all spiritual stripes—those who are devout, those who aren’t sure what to believe, and those who may not be religious in a traditional sense but who nevertheless want to build a relationship with a force infinitely beyond themselves. ABOUT Peter Himmelman is a Grammy and Emmy nominated singer-songwriter, visual artist, best-selling author, film composer, entrepreneur, and rock and roll performer with over 20 critically acclaimed recordings to his credit. In addition to his own creative work, he is the founder of Big Muse, a company, which helps organizations to leverage the power of their people’s innate creativity. Clients include The Wharton School, The UPennCLO Executive Doctoral Program, 3M, McDonald’s, Adobe, and Gap Inc. His most recent book, Let Me Out (Unlock your creative mind and bring your ideas to life) was released in October, 2016. Peter also holds an Advanced Management Certificate from The Kellogg School of Business, at Northwestern and a Certificate of Leadership Development from the United States Army War College. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Janeane speaks with Susan Davidson, a curatorial advisor to Langson IMCA, and the curator of Picturing Summer. Over her distinguished career as a curator and art historian, Susan has served as a curatorial advisor to the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and has worked at the Guggenheim Museums (New York, Venice, Bilbao, and Abu Dhabi) and The Menil Collection in Houston. Newest exhibition, Picturing Summer, opened on July 20 in the interim space at 18881 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 100 in Irvine. Curated by Susan Davidson with interpretive text written by Dada Wang. The selection of over 30 paintings depicts our state's unique geography and lifestyles across a range of eras and landscapes, ocean views, and leisure activities—all specific to the summer months. The student Gallery Guides and Visitor Experience colleagues are on site to greet you and introduce you to art-making activities inspired by the artworks on view. Please stop by, say hello, and tap into your own creativity! Admission is always free—we are open to all—and parking is validated for up to two hours in the adjacent Airport Tower parking structure. And when you visit, please take a moment to explore our new In Focus gallery, featuring work from The Buck Collection as well as recent art acquisitions. Our new Reading Lounge also awaits you and is ideal for learning more about the artists represented in our collection and their responses to the California experience. Langson IMCA produced a brief video about the exhibition. Get a sneak peak at the in-gallery visuals. The video is produced by Bower Blue and Mike Rosetti. Langson IMCA, "Picturing Summer" exhibition introduction more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

About the Film CAMERA is the heartwarming story of loss, hope, and healing, following a mute 9-year-old — OSCAR — who just moved with his widowed mom to a struggling fishing town. Picked on and bullied, nobody realizes that Oscar sees great beauty where others only see despair. Nobody, that is, until a broken camera brings him together with ERIC, an eccentric old repairman, and an unlikely friendship develops. Under Eric’s mentorship, Oscar finds his voice through photography, and in doing so, heals a wounded community. About the Cast Starring Beau Bridges (Dreaming’ Wild), Jessica Parker Kennedy (The Flash), Bruce Davison (1923), Scotty Tovar (Finestkind), Ross Partridge (Daisy Jones & The Six), Jorge-Luis Pallo (Father Stu), Ezekiel Bridges (Goliath), Ayinde Howell (For All Mankind), and introducing Miguel Gabriel (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish). more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

"There are people who do not settle in one place, but are like the nomadic tribes of the desert, who long for the Waw, the ultimate oasis, where they will finally be home." So begins Jacqueline Gay Walley’s ninth novel, THE WAW (Etruscan Press | June), in which a woman leaves her New York life behind to follow the beautiful image of a small English town by the sea. Why? She does not quite know, and when asked gives inexplicably different answers as she ponders the town's magnetic pull and plots her complicated departure. Once living in England, she finds herself in love and surrounded by remarkable people with whom she explores the gifts of solitude coupled with the gifts of community. Is this village the oasis she'd been roaming for her entire life? Connecting with the beauty of the place and people through music, love, and dignity, this new nomad is stripped down to her essence as she seeks to find her true home. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

The New York Times bestselling author of Deep Nutrition explains how eight common seed oils cause the cellular damage that underlies virtually all chronic disease, exposes the corruption that deceives doctors and consumers alike, and gives us a clear roadmap to recovery and rejuvenation. Did you know that consuming a large serving of french fries—cooked in vegetable oil—delivers the toxicity of smoking 24 cigarettes? Cornell-trained biochemist turned family physician Dr. Cate Shanahan introduces us to well-respected scientists who warn that vegetable oils are a public health disaster, wreaking havoc on our bodies’ cells by depleting antioxidants and promoting free radical toxicity. Their many effects include: Uncontrollable hunger, so we need drugs to maintain our weight Inflammatory fat buildup under our skin and within our internal organs and arteries Blood sugar swings that promote bad moods and antisocial behavior Disrupted brain energy, concentration problems, and mental illnesses Intracellular oxidative stress that promotes cancer development Gut inflammation, bloating, heartburn, and the runs Americans were enticed into buying these oils based on their cholesterol-lowering property, but the idea that cholesterol-lowering is beneficial was pushed on us without solid evidence to support it. In Dark Calories, Dr. Cate reveals the financial entanglements between industry and underhanded academics who created and sustain our 1950s-era, arbitrary dietary rules. As a solution, she proposes a clear, no-nonsense plan that aligns with our genetic needs and nature’s laws. Thankfully, recovering our health is simplified by the fact that nutrients that treat one condition also tend to treat all the rest. As an added bonus, we also revive our sense of taste so that our cravings shift to wholesome, nourishing foods instead. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Good Morning Ireland, the most recent album from Brian Mackey, encompasses all of the emotions, after the tragic loss of his son to an overdose and the extraordinary renewal with the birth of his daughter, exposing Brian at his lowest and highest moments. With this album, he brings the listener hope and guidance in finding their way toward a light that can only be lit by darkness. The next single "Dust on the Wall," released on May 17th, is one of the songs where he is really working through the grief. His son's ashes sat in the room where his piano was. He would sit and play when he wanted to talk to him, which helped him work through the idea that he was gone, knowing that he was talking to "Dust on the Wall." Brian, who is very active in the realm of supporting mental health partnered with MusiCares®, the Recording Academy's charity, to donate 100% of the proceeds from the track, “Saturday Night Sleeping.” more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

A decade ago, Dr. Alan Townsend’s family received two unthinkable, catastrophic diagnoses: his 4-year-old daughter and his brilliant scientist wife developed unrelated, life-threatening forms of brain cancer. As he witnessed his young daughter fight during the courageous final months of her mother’s life, Townsend – a lifelong scientist – was indelibly altered. He began to see scientific inquiry as more than a source of answers to a given problem, but also as a lifeboat: a lens on the world that could help him find peace with the painful realities he could not change. Through scientific wonder, he found ways to bring meaning to his darkest period. At a time when society’s relationship with science is increasingly polarized while threats to human life on earth continue to rise, Townsend offers a balanced, moving perspective on the common ground between science and religion through the spiritual fulfillment he found in his work. Awash in Townsend's electrifying and breathtaking prose, THIS ORDINARY STARDUST offers hope that life can carry on even in the face of near-certain annihilation. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

An enlightening and delicious look at how vegans – and their critics – are redefining the way the world eats in the twenty-first century. For years, there has been no doubt that widespread consumption of meat is both environmentally destructive and morally dubious. A growing chorus of scientists, health experts, and activists champion the benefits of a plant-based diet. Nevertheless, change has been slow to arrive, and the chasm between our appetites and our collective well-being seems impossibly vast. We know we must transition to a more plant-based world. But what would such a world look like, and how do we realistically get there? One group of people has been grappling with this question for decades: vegans. Once mocked for its hempy puritanism, the vegan movement has grown from a fringe identity into a veritable cultural juggernaut. Yet visions of what our food system should look like continue to conflict. Is the healthful vegan lifestyle appealing-or alienating? Are high-tech meat alternatives merely a repeat performance of harmful fast-food values? Is modern veganism itself misguided-a wrong answer to the right questions? In The Good Eater, Harvard-trained sociologist (and vegan) Nina Guilbeault, PhD vividly explores the movement's history and its present-day tensions by grappling with the most fundamental question of all: Is there a truly ethical way to eat? What emerges is a fascinating portrait of how social change happens, with profound implications for our plates-and our planet. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Today, we are in conversation with Steven Munatones and Dr. Shira Schlesinger, Director of EMS & Disaster Preparedness Programs, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Steven suffered a a near-fatal heart attack, and it was his 17 year old son who performed CPR and saved him. A long-distance swimmer and lifelong athlete, Steven shares how his heart attack changed his life in unexpected ways, his love of ocean swims, and how these days he focuses on his passion for a Japanese therapy that has been a game changer. Dr. Shira Schlesinger Dr. Shira Schlesinger is Director for Education & Innovation at the Los Angeles County EMS Agency. Her interest in EMS & Disaster started in her college years as a volunteer CPR instructor and disaster responder followed by training as an EMT. She has continued to work in Emergency Medicine, EMS and Disaster Preparedness in a variety of environments and positions, seeking to engage audiences in health promotion and empowering communities through education and involvement in the system. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Dr. Jason Schiffman is Professor of Clinical Science and the inaugural Director of Clinical Training for UCI’s Clinical Psychology program. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California in 2003. Dr. Schiffman is founder and past Co-Director of the Maryland Early Intervention Program’s Strive for Wellness Clinic. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Haleigh Marcello, Founder and Executive Director, Orange County Queer History Project, PhD Candidate - Graduate Feminist Emphasis, Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies joins Janeane Live on KUCI. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

When Wilmington filmmaker Benjamin Wagner was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome, he saw the impact of trauma and adverse stress all around him. Inspired by Fred Rogers, the subject of his 2012 PBS documentary "Mister Rogers & Me," he decided to "look for the helpers” healing our anxious and uncertain communities. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

ANIMALS I WANT TO SEE A Memoir of Growing Up in the Projects and Defying the Odds By TOM SEEMAN When Tom Seeman was seven, he moved with his parents and nine siblings from a cramped, dingy tenement to a house on Bronson Street. It was only a fifteen-minute drive to their new neighborhood in North Toledo, which didn’t look that different from their old neighborhood in East Toledo. Their home still belonged to the Housing Authority, and when they stepped inside and turned on a light, scores of cockroaches skittered in every direction. But their new house was bigger than the one they had before, with a field in the back that teemed with treasures: wild animals who made their homes among the trash that littered the weeds. To young Tom, it seemed like paradise. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Jessica Borelli co-writes “Nature Meets Nurture: Science-based Strategies for Raising Resilient Kids” Helping parents improve their parenting skills and strengthen their families is the aim of Jessica Borelli’s book, “Nature Meets Nurture: Science-based Strategies for Raising Resilient Kids.” The book drills down several concepts, reflective functioning, empathy, sensitivity, love and emotion regulation, says Borelli, full professor of psychological science who co-authored “Nature Meets Nurture” with Stacey Doan, a Claremont McKenna College associate professor of psychology. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

The Film Seeks To Highlight The Pervasive Nature Of Gaslighting In Relationships And Society View in browser Your Reality, a short film written and starring Tatjana Anders and directed by Top Tarasin, which seeks to highlight the impact of gaslighting, has recently surpassed over six million views on YouTube. The film, which has received 17,000 comments from people sharing their own experiences with gaslighting, follows a successful PR manager who slowly loses her grip on reality after falling in love with a charming yet manipulative photographer. Gaslighting is the action of repetitively (and often brazenly) lying to someone to manipulate, and ultimately control them and the relationship. It could be divided into four different types: outright lying, manipulation of reality, scapegoating and coercion. According to the Office of National Statistic, the Crime Survey for England & Wales estimated that 2.1 million people aged 16 or older (1.4 million women and 751,000 men) experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. Over 889,000 incidents (excluding Devon & Cornwall) of domestic abuse were recorded by the police in England and Wales, but just over 39,000 were convicted. The National Domestic Violence Hotline found that 95% of contacts made in 2020 stated they were experiencing emotional abuse. It can also be seen in the workplace, with a 2019 study conducted by MRH Global finding that over 54% of respondents, from a pool of over 3000 people, say they had experienced gaslighting at work. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Today’s show is a little different. If you think you hear strange noises during the show, well they are not actually strange at all. They are seals and sea lions and mostly very young ones. For this week's show, I recorded a remote segment so I could share an authentic experience during my visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. Some of you might remember when it was called Friends of the Sea Lions. I had not been there in years and decided to learn more about their history, mission, and current renovations transforming this purpose-driven rehabilitation center for marine mammals. There is no better way to get out of a funk than to put yourself in a situation where you are helping others, and in this case, helping the environment, too. Getting involved with purpose-driven initiatives can be a game changer in your life and the lives of others. When you shift your perspective on how you can make a difference in this world, you not only lift yourself up by using your time and energy for good, but you help others and, in this case, you are addressing an environmental issue. If what you learn today sparks your interest, check out how you can get trained in becoming a volunteer at the Pacific Marine Mammal center. You will be glad you did. During my visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center i learned how the staff rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals; this also inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. This is the only center in Orange County, California, licensed to rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals that strand on local beaches. PMMC is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Drawing on his work as a renowned psychologist and expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy, Chasson reveals that perfectionism is not the asset many employers think it is. Although managers might seek out perfectionists for their work ethic and attention to detail, their high standards can also result in inefficiency, toxic work environments, and dysfunctional relationships. Offering practical strategies grounded in psychological theory and evidence, FLAWED is an invaluable guide for employees and managers who want to create more successful teams, become more effective leaders, or improve their own performance at both work and home. getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

THE WEIGHT OF NATURE is a deeply reported, eye-opening book about climate change, our brains, and the weight of nature on us all. Aldern can discuss: · The Unseen Impact of Climate on the Brain: Climate change’s invisible stressors, like heat and atmospheric carbon dioxide, are silently exacerbating neurological diseases, including cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative conditions, amidst a worrying lack of public awareness. · Immediate Stories: The time to address climate change is now. Its effects are already inside us, altering our physical and mental landscapes in profound manners. Students lose points on tests on hotter days and at higher atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide; higher temperatures are associated with higher incidence of domestic abuse, riots, and online hate speech. · From Global Crisis to Personal Struggle: Aldern can highlight concrete examples such as the link between extreme weather and increased risks of developmental disorders in children, and how climate-strengthened phenomena like harmful algal blooms are posing direct threats to brain health. · Generational Ripple Effects: Post-traumatic stress from extreme weather events can impact not only the mental (and physical) health of those living through the events—but via epigenetic routes, also the generations that follow. · Policy and Innovation for Brain Health: We must consider neuroprotective technologies and the importance of integrating environmental health considerations into urban planning. · Community-Led Adaptation and Education: We have to think about solution strategies beyond the realm of climate anxiety as we navigate the new normal. Community initiatives (from green space development to those that reduce neurotoxin exposure) and educational programs can enhance brain health resilience against climate change. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

From Jennifer Rosner, National Jewish Book Award Finalist and author of The Yellow Bird Sings, comes a riveting book based on the true stories of children stolen in the wake of World War II. Once We Were Home “Rosner’s novel reflects personal interviews and in-depth research...She illuminates the complex and opposing political and religious viewpoints...Rosner’s heart-wrenching revelations in Once We Were Home will persist in readers’ minds for seasons to come.” –Historical Novel Society ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jennifer Rosner is the author of the novels ONCE WE WERE HOME and THE YELLOW BIRD SINGS, both finalists for the National Jewish Book Award. She is also author of the memoir IF A TREE FALLS: A FAMILY'S QUEST TO HEAR AND BE HEARD, and the children's book, THE MITTEN STRING, a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable. Jennifer's books have been translated into a dozen languages. Her short writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Times of Israel, The Massachusetts Review, The Forward, and elsewhere. In addition to writing, Jennifer has taught philosophy. She earned her B.A. from Columbia University and her Ph.D. from Stanford University. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her family. Ana will never forget her mother’s face when she and her baby brother, Oskar, were sent out of their Polish ghetto and into the arms of a Christian friend. For Oskar, though, their new family is the only one he remembers. When a woman from a Jewish reclamation organization seizes them, believing she has their best interest at heart, Ana sees an opportunity to reconnect with her roots, while Oskar sees only the loss of the home he loves. Roger grows up in a monastery in France, inventing stories and trading riddles with his best friend in a life of quiet concealment. When a relative seeks to retrieve him, the Church steals him across the Pyrenees before relinquishing him to family in Jerusalem. Renata, a post-graduate student in archaeology, has spent her life unearthing secrets from the past--except for her own. After her mother’s death, Renata’s grief is entwined with all the questions her mother left unanswered, including why they fled Germany so quickly when Renata was a little girl. Two decades later, they are each building lives for themselves, trying to move on from the trauma and loss that haunts them. But as their stories converge in Israel, in unexpected ways, they must each ask where and to whom they truly belong. Beautifully evocative and tender, filled with both luminosity and anguish, Once We Were Home reveals a little-known history. Based on the true stories of children stolen during wartime, this heart-wrenching novel raises questions of complicity and responsibility, belonging and identity, good intentions and unforeseen consequences, as it confronts what it really means to find home. more:getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Stephanie Reich, UCI professor of education and expert on youth and social media who served on the committee that produced “Assessment of the Impact of Social Media on the Health and Wellbeing of Adolescents and Children” for the National Academies joins host Janeane Bernstein on KUCI 88.9fm. Over the past 15 years, mental health among youth has seen a decline, one that coincides with the rise of smartphone technology that has changed the relationship between teens and the internet. According to “Assessment of the Impact of Social Media on the Health and Wellbeing of Adolescents and Children” from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Released last month, the report urges industry-wide standards for social media to minimize harm and maximize benefit to adolescent health. “Currently, there is limited legislation and industry standards focused on protecting kids online, especially those 13 years and older. There is a need for more transparency, data sharing and accountability,” says Stephanie Reich, a UC Irvine professor of education who served on the committee that wrote the report. Reich, whose research focuses on understanding and improving the social context of children’s lives, is enthused to engage in conversations about what is currently known and what can be done in the future to learn more about how to better support youth in a socially and digitally connected world. Though the report focused on adolescents, Reich’s work spans diapers to college and considers school and family contributors to children’s and teens’ media use. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

The Drake Gives contributes $1.5 million to UC Irvine’s Power of Music initiative New School of Social Ecology effort will leverage music for social good Irvine, Calif., March 7, 2024 – A donation of $1.5 million from The Drake Gives will support a novel initiative at the University of California, Irvine’s School of Social Ecology focused on leveraging the power of music to galvanize students, other individuals and communities for social progress and well-being. The contribution will spearhead the new Power of Music initiative, which will be led by Richard Matthew, professor of urban planning and public policy and director of the UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation, in close collaboration with Alec Glasser, founder and CEO of The Drake Gives. “With this generous support, we can develop novel pathways for research and action,” Matthew said. “Whether integrating music into psychology, health or environmental advocacy, we are poised to advance groundbreaking initiatives here on campus.” Echoing his appreciation for Glasser’s dedication and philanthropy, Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology, pointed to the prospective impact of the Power of Music. “Mr. Glasser’s remarkable contribution will empower students locally and globally to harness music’s potential in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues,” he said. Glasser underscored the initiative’s significance, calling attention to its ability to pioneer a movement toward positive change: “The Power of Music will establish diverse platforms for students and individuals to engage and advocate using the compelling medium of music. This endeavor resonates deeply with our mission to drive meaningful progress.” Matthew emphasized the initiative’s capacity to shape innovative curricula and opportunities catering to diverse interests and disciplines. He said the Power of Music aims to establish a vibrant hub at UCI, fostering collaboration among scholars, students and practitioners dedicated to using music for social good across myriad contexts. It will also enable the expansion of partnerships between the Blum Center and organizations in three African countries that promote social change through music. “Our partners are Yole!Africa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Collaborative Media Advocacy Platform in Nigeria and Kakuma Sound in a refugee camp in Kenya,” Matthew said. “They are building radio stations and recording studios, and through music, young people are mobilizing to bring people together. The technologies they’re using to build the stations and studios are helping kids acquire skills such as spatial analysis and geographic information system data science, which are really valuable for environmental sustainability, climate resilience and climate change adaptation.” The Power of Music, Gould noted, “represents a significant step forward in harnessing music’s enduring power as a catalyst for positive change, reaffirming the UCI School of Social Ecology’s commitment to innovation and social impact.” more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

The Backstory From Armita, the Founder "Cramp Bites began in 2022 after being transported to the emergency room: I had fallen out of consciousness, turned extremely pale, and couldn’t move or speak due to the extremity of my period cramps. I consistently had cramps leading up to and during my period, but I couldn’t bring myself to take medication every single month. I went searching for a better alternative, and I found that I wasn’t alone in this issue – a lot of people felt the same way. Why wasn’t there a solution that worked with my body to sustainably rid the hormonal imbalances causing period cramps, not against it? Something more than medication or implants that would artificially add hormones to my body and have detrimental long-term effects. There had to be a better way. And so Cramp Bites was born. A Middle Eastern delicacy my grandmother would make, and one made of real food only. Sweet-craving indulgences that worked with my body on my period. Cramp Bites may have started the conversation, but there was much more work to be done. Periods won’t go away, but the stigma around how we discuss them and treat them can. So we set out to do just that. Now we’re here as the first doctor-recommended snack for menstruation – born out of the hair-on-fire problem that got us started: taking agency over our own cycle. The start to a healthier and happier life – and one where you can change the world, regardless of your menstrual agenda." Armita Jamshidi Founder, Aunt Flo’s Kitchen You can learn more about Armita, as well as the clinical results of her product by visiting the link below. https://auntfloskitchen.com/ Aunt Flo’s Kitchen’s first product, Cramp Bites, is designed to nutritionally help with menstrual cramps. These treats are based on clinical research and traditional Middle Eastern medicine. She is also a junior at Cornell University where she studies Women’s Health and Computer Science as she builds Aunt Flo’s Kitchen. They are currently selling online and are in 7 retailers in the Ithaca area.

New York Times-Bestselling author Caroline Paul (The Gutsy Girl) has been an outdoor adventurer her whole life. From mountain biking in the Bolivian Andes to pitching a tent, mid blizzard on Denali to flying experimental planes, Paul has never been a stranger to the beauty and benefits of outdoor activity. But as she hit her mid-fifties and was often the only woman paddling a surfboard or riding a skateboard, she began to wonder why women, like men, aren’t encouraged to keep adventuring into old age. “Isn’t being outside a vital elixir?” she writes. “Isn’t adventure enlivening, and an important challenge? Why, then, aren’t older women out here with me?” In her newest book, TOUGH BROAD: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking―How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age (March 5, 2024; 9781635576498), Paul embarks on a quest to understand how not just to live a dynamic life in a changing body in defiance of societal expectations but why we must. Along the way, she uncovers the science and the psychology that shows how outdoor adventure may be the single best solution for a healthy brain, a vital body, a confident mindset, and a longer, happier life, and meets women whose outdoor activities have changed their outlook on growing older, bringing them fulfilment, community and endless joy. Combining scientific research, cultural studies, medicine, psychology, and memoir, Paul travels the country sharing women’s narratives alongside her own incredible experiences, illustrating how outdoor activity positively affects a person’s spirit, body, brain, and heart. From BASE jumping with 54-year-old Shawn Brokemond in Yosemite National Park to scuba-diving with 80-year old Louise Wholey, riding BMX bikes with 74-year-old Miss Kittie, the oldest female racer competing in the United States today, to meeting the weekly group of septuagenarian wave catchers who boogie board together in the San Diego surf, these women’s stories offer important insights into our own physical and emotional health as we age, showing that growing older is no reason to sell yourself short. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

A personal memoir in which Lyn Slater, known on Instagram as “Accidental Icon,”brings her characteristic style, optimism, forward-thinking, and rules-are-meant-to-be-broken attitude to the question of how to live boldly at any age. When Lyn Slater started her fashion blog, Accidental Icon, at age sixty-one, she discovered that followers were flocking to her account for more than just her A-list style. As Lyn flaunted gray hair, wrinkles, and a megadose of self-acceptance, they found in her an alternative model of older life: someone who defied the stereotypes, refused to become invisible, and showed that all women have the opportunity to be relevant and take major risks at any stage of their life. Youth is not the only time we can be experimental. How to Be Old tells the ten-year story of Lyn’s sixties, the sometimes-glamorous, sometimes-turbulent decade of Accidental Icon. This memoir is about the hopeful and future-oriented process of reinvention. It shows readers that while you can’t control everything, what you can control is the way you think about your age and the creative ways you respond to the changes in your mind and body as they happen. Rather than trying to meet standards of youth and beauty as a measure of successful aging, Lyn promotes a more inclusive and empowering standard to judge our older selves by. more: http://getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

SYNOPSIS For thousands of years women have been locked out of Taiko drumming. Not anymore. In the dead of a Minnesota winter, Asian drumming divas smash gender roles and redefine power on their own terms. FINDING HER BEAT dives into the rhythms and struggles that lead to an electrifying historic performance that changes everything. World Premiere Scheduled - Fall 2022 Directed by Dawn Mikkelson & Keri Pickett -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Extraordinary, acclaimed and the feel-good movie of the year, “Finding Her Beat” completed a more than 50 Film Festival run worldwide –earning more than a dozen awards –most recently Best Music Documentary at Award This! A critical darling cinema verité style feature documentary film “Finding Her Beat,” crisscrossed the globe in theatrical release this fall inspiring audiences with electrifying LIVE Taiko drumming with local artists and Q&A with filmmakers. The film will now be available for audiences everywhere digitally – offering February 2024 to be a month of love – for self, community, and cinema. This is an important story of women paving their own road by banging their own drum. A moving and immersive cinematic experience from filmmakers and co-directors Dawn Mikkelson (“Minnesota Mean,” “Risking Light,” “The Red Tail”) and Keri Pickett (“Ribbon Skirt Warriors,” “First Daughter and the Black Snake,” “The Fabulous Ice Age”), Indie Rights will release the film to audiences in The UK, Australia, North America (USA & Canada) and Japan, and so many more will have a chance to watch this electric music documentary in the comfort of their homes on February 14th, 2024. In the dead of a Minnesota winter right before the world shut down for a global pandemic, Asian drumming divas from around the world met to perform, smash gender roles, and redefine power on their own terms. The rhythm revolution includes rock stars from the world of Taiko: Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Kaoly Asano, Chieko Kojima, Megan Chao-Smith, and Jennifer Weir. “Finding Her Beat” dives into the rhythms and struggles that lead to an electrifying historic performance that changes everything.

Eric Ebel currently manages several of NAMM’s Market Development / NAMM Foundation programs, including Music Educator and Music Advocacy programming, The Day of Service, Roomful of Pianos, and The Grand Rally for Music Education at the annual NAMM Show. Since joining the NAMM team in 1997, Mr. Ebel has had diverse experiences with the trade association. Before his current position, Ebel was show manager for NAMM’s “Music and Sound Expo” and was senior trade show sales representative for NAMM’s world-renowned international trade shows. For the past 40 years, he’s held various positions within the music industry ranging from products specialist and sales director for an international percussion manufacturer, professional touring musician, faculty at the Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, and percussion specialist with the United States Marine Corps Far-East band. He maintains a moderate performance schedule with various commercial agencies based in Southern California. https://www.namm.org/

Noted neurologist and Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Romie Mushtaq reveals the hidden connection between insomnia, anxiety, and adult ADD/ADHD – and gives you a science-backed plan to heal burnout and your Busy Brain in just 8 weeks. Do racing thoughts keep you from falling asleep at night? Is it impossible to focus, even on tasks that used to stimulate you? Are you mindlessly stress-eating throughout the day? These are signs that you have a “Busy Brain,” a term coined by triple-board certified physician Dr. Romie Mushtaq to describe a brain riddled with anxiety, insomnia, and ADD/ADHD. Have the boundaries between your job, sleep, and personal life disappeared? Are you wearing stress as a badge of honor or resigned to feeling stuck in the hustle culture? The reality is that chronic stress kills. Just ask Dr. Romie Mushtaq who suffered from career burnout and underwent life-saving surgery. And as a brain doctor, she should have known better. Dr. Romie embarked on a global journey to research and heal the negative impact of the stress responses on our brains, bodies, and teams. The solution led to this eye-opening book for professionals eager to break the relentless cycles of stress, anxiety, and burnout. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

From acclaimed author Veera Hiranandani comes AMIL AND THE AFTER (Kokila; on sale January 23 2024; ISBN 9780525555063; $17.99; ages 8-12), the highly anticipated companion novel to the Newbery Honor book The Night Diary. Filled with hope and the idea of finding joy after tragedy, the novel picks up where The Night Diary left off following the aftermath of the Partition of India, the greatest human migration in history. Through Amil’s story, young readers will learn of the complicated physical, emotional, and psychological impact that comes from being forced to leave your home—an experience many kids globally still experience today. more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org