Central Standard

In our January arts show: we hear more about a new exhibition at The Nelson that features artifacts from the tombs of kings of ancient China — including a burial suit that's made from over 4000 pieces of jade. The producer of a new documentary brings us back to The Outhouse, the storied cinderblock music venue in the middle of a cornfield outside of Lawrence. Plus: get to know Mike Dillon, a musician with KC roots. He'll be playing the music of Elliott Smith on the vibraphone at the Toy and

Anna Weber worked on the set of the Steven Spielberg's movie, The Post. She shares how recreating the newsroom made her think about history and the role of journalism ... and about her dad, a longtime editor at The Kansas City Star. Then: a look at the ongoing challenges for families who are trying to find a great school for their kids with special needs. Guests: Anna Weber, author of " Working on 'The Post' Helped Me Pay Tribute To My Father The Newspaperman " Sarah Wren Otto, teaches classes

What makes a song a Kansas City song? We revisit the classic "standards" that once defined the KC sound. Plus: a local writer takes us on a tour of the nearby breweries, distilleries and vineyards on both sides of the state line. Guests: Chuck Haddix , host of KCUR's "The Fish Fry" and Director, Marr Sound Archives Pete Dulin , author of Expedition of Thirst: Exploring Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries across the Heart of Kansas and Missouri

Love is hard to define — so how do you analyze a whole literary genre with rules built around the concept? Today, KCUR's 'Bibliofiles' explain the themes, constructs and plot devices behind the romance genre. They also recommend their favorite books featuring romantic elements and wade through controversy stirred up by a condescending article on romance novels featured in the New York Times . Guests: Jeffrey Ann Goudie, freelance book critic​ Mark Luce , The Barstow School Kaite Stover , Kansas

Scott Hawley is a geneticist at the Stowers Institute. In this encore presentation, we hear how his career has its roots in a high school gym class ... and how that influences his work today. Plus: get to know the man behind your morning commute. He shares a story about the time he spent New Year's Eve playing Missile Command. Guests: Scott Hawley, Stowers Institute for Medical Research Michael Byars , KCUR Morning Announcer

We explore what the theatrical release of a new Wonder Woman movie says about evolving perspectives on femininity and feminism. Guests: Loey Lockerby , film critic Ayesha Hardison , associate professor, KU's English, Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies Viviana Grieco , assistant professor of history, UMKC's Women's & Gender Studies Jen Appell , singer-songwriter

Members of the hearing-impaired community often face unique, and sometimes difficult situations even when living in America. Today, we discuss the history of persecution against people with deafness in this country and the milestones alongside the path to equal rights. For a full transcript of that segment, click here . Plus, the story behind the song, "Hold On," by Isaac Cates & Ordained. Guests: Rev. Debbie J. Buchholz, pastor, Deaf International Community Church William Ennis , assistant

Three musicians discuss the influence of protest music, what makes a song political and how protest songs of times past compare (or differ) to today's. Guests: Moddi Danny Cox , local musician Andres Ramirez , local musician and member of Danza Mexica Calpulli Iskali

It's the time of year when KC expats come home for the holidays. We take a look at the restaurant meals that they have to have during their visit, and a chat with a KC native whose New York barbeque restaurant has become a hangout for homesick Kansas Citians. Plus: we say goodbye to Fun House Pizza in Raytown , which is closing after 53 years, and our Food Critics search out the best pizza in and around town. Guests: Josh Bowen, owner/pitmaster, John Brown Smokehouse Charles Ferruzza, KCUR Food

From a collaboration between a big-band trombonist and two local rappers to an opera about an ill-fated expedition on Mt. Everest, it's been a busy year in the local arts scene. Our panel of avid arts-goers share their favorite moments from 2017. Guests: C.J. Janovy , KCUR Arts Reporter Glenn North , Poet Laureate of the 18th & Vine Jazz District; Director of Education and Public Programs at the Black Archives of Mid-America Jose Faus , artist and founding member, Latino Writers Collective