Central Standard

When he was in college, Kansas City author Adib Khorram taught himself to make Persian food. Khorram, who grew up in Gladstone with an Iranian-born father , hadn't always felt comfortable embracing that part of his background when he was kid. The struggle to find cultural belonging would later be mirrored in his semi-autobiographical young adult novel. Another thing that found its way into his book, "Darius The Great Is Not Okay"? Iranian cuisine. In conversation with Gina Kaufmann and KCUR's

Segment 1: Did you know that lice prefer O+ bloodtypes and round hair follicles? There is a stigma around having lice, but keeping quiet about the issue can actually be detrimental to public health. We learn some fun facts about lice, as well as a non-toxic way to treat them in Kansas City. Raquel Garcia , owner of Strand by Strand Segment 2, beginning at 15:37: The Steamboat Malta is an historic treasure buried in our own backyard. After decades of hearing the rumor that a steamboat was buried

Segment 1: With age comes responsibility, and these 18 year-olds are exercising their right to vote. We talk with college students who are looking forward to voting for the first time this November. But first, the president of Rock the Vote tells us what it takes to get young people to turn out to the polls. Carolyn DeWitt , president of Rock the Vote Suan Sonna , first-year at Kansas State University Arielle Von Der Hyde , first-year at Johnson County Community College Drew Simms , sophomore at

The Renaissance Festival is something of a divisive subject in Kansas City. Some people don't quite "get it" while others are obsessed. We hear what the 'huzzahs!' are all about from the perspective of local performers. Plus, a look at the latest episode from My Fellow Kansans . Guests: Kaite Stover , tarot reader Kurt Hanover , known as Bloodbeard the Pirate Brian Wendling , known as Bob the Incredible Juggler

In her new album, "Dirty Computer," Janelle Monáe reveals more of herself than ever before. And, in recent weeks, she has been sharing more of her story, from her background in Kansas City, Kansas, to her sexuality. A look at the music, life and persona of Janelle Monáe ... and what her story means to Kansas Citians. Natasha Ria El-Scari , local writer and poet Rachel Christia, vocalist, Pink Hawks Jeneé Osterheldt, culture writer, The Boston Globe (formerly a columnist of the Kansas City Star)

Segment 1: After nearly 30 years, Cafe Tacvba continues legacy of pushing the boundaries of Latin rock. Mexican rock band Cafe Tacvba, deemed by some to be the Beatles or Radiohead of Latin American rock, are on an international tour and it's bringing them to Kansas City. Today, local musicians talked about their favorite songs from the group, what the band's pioneering success has meant to them, and how the group has influenced their own music. Enrique Chi , front man in Latin rock band Making

A visit to the town of Liberty, Missouri and its outlying areas to hear about a growing Mormon community, a legendary teacher in the city’s formerly segregated schools and William Jewell College’s evolving role in the town. Guests: President Jeremiah Morgan , Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Elder George Peterson , Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Rudi, Lori, Ethan and Ashton Garcia Dr. Cecelia Robinson , professor emeritus, William Jewell College Shelton Ponder ,

Segment 1: Growing up poor in the Heartland. Local journalist and author Sarah Smarsh has been getting a lot of national attention for her new book, Heartland . On this episode, we chat with Smarsh about the forces that shaped her Kansas childhood. Sarah Smarsh , author, Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth Note: Our program spoke with Sarah the day after the 2016 Presidential Election. To hear that conversation, click here . Segment 2, beginning at

Leeds, an area of Kansas City that is known primarily as an industrial zone today, was once a self-contained African-American community. We visit with community members to find out what growing up in the Leeds neighborhood was like and what made that area of Kansas City unique. Plus, a look at the latest podcast episode from My Fellow Kansans . Cheryl Looney , grew up in Leeds Earline Bentley , grew up in Leeds Gary Kremer , executive director, The State Historical Society of Missouri

Segment 1: It's never too late to travel back home, even when you're 90 years old. We visit with a Kansas City filmmaker and actress about a locally-made movie exploring themes of aging, memories and wanderlust. Stephen Pruitt , filmmaker, "The Tree" Joicie Appell , leading actress, "The Tree" Segment 2, beginning at 24:01: How do you piece together a historical narrative when the information isn't readily available? Curator of African American Collections at Emory University and former Kansas