Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado is a medical researcher at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City. We spoke with him about his start in biology, learning English through public radio, and his current research regenerating dead cells . This hour-long interview marks the latest installment of our Portrait Sessions. Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado , investigator, Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Segment 1: What would we be doing if we weren't on Facebook? #LogOutFacebook has gained a lot of momentum after news that security breaches specifically targeted people of color. The movement calls for people to boycott Facebook for a week. So what happens with all that extra time? It may not be as life-changing as one would hope. Chandelis Duster , digital reporter, NBC News and MSNBC Jeff Hall , professor of communication studies, University of Kansas Segment 2, beginning at 37:41: Holiday

Segment 1: A bookstore stage for a literary legend. Tru is a one-man production about writer Truman Capote's lonely Christmas in 1975. We speak with the actor about preparing for the role and what he has learned about Capote's character. The play is on at Prospero's Books until December 30th . Will Leathem , owner, Prospero's Books Philip blue owl Hooser , actor Segment 2, beginning at 14:40: The best of non-fiction in 2018. We talk with the Bibliofiles about their favorite non-fiction books in

Segment 1: Kansas City Ballet's first black Sugar Plum Fairy. Ballerina Whitney Huell is making history as the first African-American woman to play the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kansas City Ballet's version of The Nutcracker. We talk with her about her career and what it means to have dancers of color on the stage in lead roles. Whitney Huell , ballerina, Kansas City Ballet Segment 2, beginning at 17:50: Checking in with a new app to connect people with black-owned businesses. An app that's

Segment 1: Education and the Holocaust. What's the best way to preserve the memories and lessons of a really painful past? We'll hear from two people working to educate adults and kids alike on personal histories from the Holocaust. Steve Cole , second-generation speaker, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education Jenny Buchanan , history teacher, Blue Valley High School Segment 2, beginning at 32:57: Local author reflects on experience of losing father to AIDS. Topeka native Molly Krause was in

Segment 1: Deciphering different cuts of steak. What's a ribeye? A filet mignon? A tenderloin? We talk with a local butcher about the differences in cuts of meat. Mike McGonigle , owner, McGonigle's Market Segment 2, beginning at 14:23: Where to get the best steak. Kansas City’s reputation as a cow town has birthed a rich barbeque culture, but also supplies delicious steak dinners. The food critics discuss their favorite cuts and the best spots around town to get a hearty steak. Mary Bloch ,

Segment 1: Comedy is comedy for kids and adults. Mo Willems has written for Sesame Street and has authored many children's books with iconic characters such as Pigeon and Knuffle Bunny. We talk with him about the many emotions and lessons depicted in his books. His most recent exhibit, The Pigeon Comes to Topeka!, is on display until January 4th. Mo Willems , children's book author and illustrator Segment 2, beginning at 30:37: German immigrants in Kansas are preserving old dialects. A linguist

Segment 1: The forgotten Kansas Citian behind Mickey Mouse. The story of how Mickey Mouse got his start is part of Kansas City mythology. But Walt Disney isn't the only Kansas Citian responsible for the famous mouse. We'll hear the story of another man whose role in making Mickey is just as crucial. Jeff Ryan , author, A Mouse Divided: How Ub Iwerks Became Forgotten and how Walt Disney Became Uncle Walt Segment 2, beginning at 34:13: Local violinist group sets music to popular children's tale.

Segment 1: McCoy's Public House and Brewery is closing. Westport has a vibrant daytime scene, as well as a lively nightlife, and McCoy's has been a long-time staple for both. We talk about the changing nature of the neighborhood, alongside concerns of security, privitization, and old, historic buildings. Paul Janasz , helped open McCoys, general manager at Cafe Gratitude Caitlin Corcoran , general manager at Ça Va Andrea Tudhope , KCUR reporter Segment 2: Buying a cup of coffee for charity. In

Segment 1: Autism in adults, from diagnosis to intervention. Many of the therapies available for people on the autism spectrum are geared towards children, but what if you weren't diagnosed until you were 60? One woman's story sheds light on the challenges that arise for adults diagnosed with autism later in life. Marilyn Roy , diagnosed with autism as an adult Judith Miller , senior scientist, Center for Autism Research at CHOP Segment 2, beginning at 36:00: What we do in the Midwest affects