Featured on the June 25th, 2026 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with host Mark McLemore:
- Indo-Tibetan Buddhist scholar and translator Robert Thurman passed away at his home in Woodstock, New York on June 16, 2026. He was 84 years old. Thurman was a professor emeritus at Columbia University, a co-founder of Tibet House US, and a longtime friend and confidant of the Dalai Lama. Thurman was perhaps best-known for his translation of the "Tibetan Book of the Dead". He leaves behind a large extended family, and 5 children including his daughter Uma. Back in 2018, Thurman spoke at the University of Arizona’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences about how to have more joy in the moment. Laura Markowitz, an independent contributor to AZPM, sat down with Robert Thurman to get his thoughts about life, death, and rebirth.
- Nature writer Rebekah Doyle returns, with an essay extolling the virtues of taking a walk in the grass.
_ Rebekah Doyle will contribute a new story at the live Arizona Spotlight taping, happening at AZPM’s new home, the Paul & Alice Baker Center for Public Media located at 36th Street and Kino Parkway. The event begins Friday, June 25th from 6:30 to 8 pm. Click here to make a reservation._
- And, no good mystery story can be solved quickly. Ironically, it seems the things that motivate us most deeply are often the things we work hardest to hide from others. Case in point…
Have you got ten minutes?
Then we’ve got a story for you.In "Welcome to Vesuvius", written by Alejandro Canelos, you will hear... Betsy Kruse Craig as Marnie… Patrick Burke as Frightened Man… Garrett Larribas as Jason… And Molly McKasson as“The Older Woman”. With stage direction read by Alejandro Canelos, Directed by Betsy Kruse Craig of The Invisible Theatre.
_ Alejandro Canelos will be interviwed onstage during the live Arizona Spotlight taping, happening at AZPM’s new home, the Paul & Alice Baker Center for Public Media located at 36th Street and Kino Parkway. The event begins Friday, June 25th from 6:30 to 8 pm. Click here to make a reservation._
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