The spiraling Ebola epidemic in central Africa and the recent hantavirus outbreak are sobering reminders of the globally interdependent realities of healthcare. We discuss how the current political landscape and changes in spending on international medicine could be contributing to the spread of disease. Also, RFK wants you off your antidepressants and has no problem calling you fat: Why some say his approach to addiction, obesity and mental health is a retread of decades-old “shame-based” messaging. We discuss those recent medical headlines with Dr. Joe Sirven, who also answers your healthcare questions on any topic.

Guest: Dr. Joe Sirven, Mayo Clinic neurologist and host of WJCT’s What’s Health Got To Do With It?

’Zine fest

A celebration of experimental publishing is headed to the heart of Jacksonville’s art scene. The 5th annual Duval Comic & Zine Fest sets up shop — including demos, displays and DIY inspiration — in the CoRK Arts District. It’s a chance to check out the evolution of the ‘zine from the early fanzines of the punk and indie music scenes to the social justice and protest era to its modern iteration as an anything-goes artist chapbook. More than 70 artists will be on hand showing/selling/swapping their wares, and activities include live risograph or RISO printing, button making and hands-on workshops. We talk to two participant organizers about how the event has grown to meet the moment.

Guests:  

• Kiana Blaylock, poet, teacher, independent journalist and zinester
• Thony Aiuppy, art educator, cartoonist, zinester and storyteller

Something’s Coming 

The legendary lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim died five years ago as a nonagenarian, but he remains freshly fascinating for generations of fans. A new book by Pulitzer finalist Daniel Okrent about his life and troubled relationship with his mother, Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn't Easy, has reignited conversations about the demanding and influential artist. Considered a “difficult genius,” Sondheim is the creator behind such seminal Broadway musicals as Gypsy, West Side Story, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Sweeney Todd and Sunday In The Park With George, among many others. A local production of the musical revue Sondheim on Sondheim marries the best of his personal songbook with video interview segments with the master himself. The show runs at Theatre Jacksonville from June 5 to June 21.

Guests:

• Curtis J. Williams, director, Sondheim on Sondheim at Theatre Jacksonville
• Josh Waller, actor
• Leanne Gullo, actor