KUCI: Get the Funk Out!

 
 
World College Radio Day is October 2!
College radio is more than music. It’s a place where voices are heard, new artists are discovered, unexpected conversations happen, and communities come together.
At KUCI 88.9 FM, we believe in the power of radio to connect us — to music, ideas, artists, storytellers, and most importantly, to each other.
For me, hope is always in the air. I feel it every time a new host comes into the station, a listener calls or sends a message, an artist or guest shares their story, or a song creates a connection between people who may never meet.
On World College Radio Day, we’re celebrating the magic of college radio and the people who make it possible — our DJs, producers, guests, artists, volunteers, and listeners.
Tune in. Turn it up. Find something new.And remember: connection is always on the air.
KUCI 88.9 FM | Irvine, CA#WorldCollegeRadioDay #CollegeRadio #KUCI #KUCI889 #SupportCollegeRadio #CollegeRadioDay #RadioConnectsUs #HopeIsInTheAir

 
ABOUT KALIFORNIA KARL DETKEN
 
Did you miss Kalifornia Karl Detken on today's show? Listen HERE!
 
    "Kalifornia Karl" went from Star Search winner to playing a singer in the movie Duets with Gwyneth Paltrow to marketing executive at Pioneer Electronics who's DJ division went on to become a half billion dollar a year division. Now, he sings to the elderly for a fraction of what corporate exec life used to pay but he is 1000% more fulfilled professionally and personally from the joy that it brings the people that need it most. There is research about the effects of music on patients. The Wall Street journal just ran a story on these important findings.It’s no secret that music can help you feel better seniors and hospital patients. "From a massive library of 30,000+ songs from every decade and style; from Bing Crosby to Bruno Mars, we bring live performance & interactivity to those that need it most" says Kalifornia Karl Detken. "Engaging & entertaining activities which I call 'Engagetainment'".
 
Since 1975, Kalifornia Karl has performed over 10,400 shows and is one of the most sought after music providers for health care facilities.
JoyfulNoiseTherapy@gmail.com
 
www.Facebook.com/KaliforniaKarl
 
www.Instagram.com/KaliforniaKarlMusic

Kris Evans is an award-winning makeup artist and designer whose distinguished career began in New York City. She quickly rose to prominence, traveling the world alongside Barbara Walters working with presidents, world leaders, A-list celebrities, and top-tier entertainers. 
Her artistry has graced the runways and editorial pages through collaborations with some of fashion’s most iconic designers, including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Sonia Rykiel, Norma Kamali, Thierry Mugler, Azzedine Alaïa, and Halston. Her work has been featured in publications such as Vogue, French Vogue, Vanity Fair, L’Officiel, and Elle. 
 
Kris has an extensive background in film and television. Her film credits include Megalopolis (with Francis Ford Coppola), The Hunger Games, Pirates of the Caribbean I, II & III, Free State of Jones, The Rum Diary, The Postman, National Treasure, Coyote Ugly, Con Air, Dr. Dolittle 2, and X-Men: The Last Stand, for which she received a Hollywood Film Festival Award for Best Makeup of the Year. 
 
Her television work includes Saturday Night Live, Big Sky, Generations, Once Upon a Time, The Bridge, Dirty Sexy Money and Sneaky Pete. She was the personal stylist for Bob Costas during Olympic coverage from the 2002 Salt Lake City Games through Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Kris has also contributed to music videos for artists Elton John and Brandi Carlile, Keith Richards, Rage Against the Machine, Smash Mouth, and Creed, along with high-profile commercials, including Uber Eats featuring Cher.
 
 Kris was also the makeup consultant for the American production of Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon on Broadway. Kris has been featured in and quoted by numerous publications, including Vogue, InStyle, The New York Times (as a StyleMaker), Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny, and The Art of Beauty by Linda Mason. 
 
Having earned a master’s degree in design from Syracuse University, she taught fashion design at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Design, Art & Architecture, as well as Parsons School of Design in New York. 
 
A longtime member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars) —where she has served on the executive board of her branch—Kris is also affiliated with the Television Academy (Emmys) and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
 
more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

HOLLYWOOD’S ULTIMATE SOUND WAREHOUSE EXPANDS WITH NEW IN-HOUSE RECORDING STUDIO
LOS ANGELES, CA — LA Percussion Rentals & Recording (LAPR), a leading source of elite instruments for the entertainment industry, has launched new in-house recording studio services designed specifically for film, television, video game, and professional media composers.
LAPR offers composers the opportunity to explore and record in one location, providing a fully equipped live-tracking space for solo multi-tracking and intimate ensemble sessions. The service offers an agile, budget-friendly alternative to traditional Hollywood scoring stages.
“We wanted to remove the barriers between a composer’s imagination and the final recording,” says Abby Savell, Founder and CEO of LA Percussion Rentals. “Instead of waiting for a truck to arrive, creators can walk directly onto our warehouse floor. It is a massive sonic playground!”
LAPR houses thousands of orchestral percussion instruments, rare world instruments, sound effects, and the historic Emil Richards collection of legendary sound artifacts, many of which have been heard on iconic Hollywood soundtracks.
Most recently, award-winning writer and composer Daniel Pemberton used LAPR resources while creating the score for the summer blockbuster Project Hail Mary, incorporating an eclectic variety of wooden and metal instruments.
LAPR In-House Recording Features:
Zero Cartage Fees: No instrument transport, trucking, packing, or related logistics.
The World’s Instrument Depot: Immediate access to thousands of professional symphonic percussion instruments, sound effects, and rare cultural instruments.
Sonic Exploration: Composers can audition, swap, and experiment with rare timbres before and during tracking.
Professional Percussionists: LAPR staff can assist with instrument selection, logistics, and creative exploration.
About LA Percussion Rentals & Recording
Founded in 2004 by professional percussionists Abby Savell and her late husband, Dan, LA Percussion Rentals & Recording is a cornerstone of the Southern California music and film industry. Its extensive collection of world, orchestral, and custom sound-effects instruments serves major scoring stages, world tours, and premium recording sessions around the globe.
With its new in-house recording studio, LAPR continues to provide one-stop tracking solutions for today’s media composers.
More: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Chaya Segelman
Program Director 
www.obkla.org
@obklosangeles
 
Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles 
OBKLA  |  September 2026 
Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles (OBKLA) is a community-run, non-denominational nonprofit that brings people together to prepare fresh, nutritious kosher meals for people experiencing food insecurity across Los Angeles. Through hands-on volunteering, OBKLA nourishes people and strengthens community connections. 
Our history 
Established in 2020 and inspired by Our Big Kitchen in Sydney, Australia, OBKLA began as a grassroots response to hunger during the pandemic. In June 2022, with support from the Feder family, it moved into the 4,600-square-foot Margaret Feder Our Big Kitchen on Pico Boulevard. During the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, OBKLA also mobilized volunteers to provide meals for evacuees and first responders. 
Our impact 
In 2025, OBKLA prepared 190,534 fresh meals and 315,243 baked goods, with 24,437 volunteers contributing 46,292 hours. The kitchen welcomed 477 groups and worked with 69 charity partners. 
Growth continued in 2026. July production reached 30,030 fresh meals and 37,400 baked goods. In August, almost 2,900 volunteers participated across 56 groups. 
Volunteers and charity partners 
Individuals, families, schools, faith groups and corporate teams prepare and package meals under professional guidance. Charity partners distribute the food to individuals and families in need throughout Los Angeles. 
Partners include Union Rescue Mission, The People Concern, Safe Place for Youth, Jewish Family Services, Tomchei Shabbos, Chai Lifeline, Pico Union Project and A Place Called Home. 
Our vision for 2030 
OBKLA aims to produce one million fresh meals and distribute one million pounds of pantry supplies annually, while engaging tens of thousands of volunteers each year. A permanent home with greater capacity will support this next stage of service. 
Volunteer, bring a group or support our work at obkla.org. 
Sources: OBKLA organizational figures and updates for 2025–2026; obkla.org/about; Aish wildfire coverage, January 14, 2025. Statistics refer to the periods shown. 
 
www.obkla.org
@obklosangeles

 Zibby's Most Anticipated List: Fall 2026
A 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist
"An engaging and accessible approach to living a happier, less stressful life."  - Kirkus
 
Twenty years ago, Beth Ricanati, MD, felt overwhelmed as a physician, wife, and mother of three children under the age of six devoted to doing her best at everything. When she started to suffer intermittent chest pain, she attributed her symptoms to heart disease. Then, her physician diagnosed the real culprit: stress. Struck by the toll on her health, Dr. Ricanati sought out a way to manage her stress for the long haul and found the answer in a bowl of dough in her kitchen.   
 
In THE BRAIDED PRESCRIPTION: Seven Practices for Living Well from the Ancient Ritual of Making Challah (She Writes Press; September 1, 2026), Beth Ricanati expands on the story, which she began in her memoir Braided, of how she experienced solace and a newfound centeredness in making the traditional braided bread served in Jewish households on Shabbat each Friday. Eager to share how her weekly commitment to this hands-on activity transformed her health and her life, she launched a unique stress management practice. Since then, she has conducted more than one hundred challah-making workshops with thousands of attendees all over North America and beyond. In her new book, Dr. Ricanati distills and codifies the seven practices that have most resonated with her workshop participants, beginning with Act with Intention, and shows how to apply them to everyday life outside of the kitchen. She also offers doses of medical knowledge and plenty of food for thought. 
 
To bring each of these powerful practices to life, Dr. Ricanati tells the uplifting stories of various people who have embraced her challah ritual, both Jews and non-Jews, including rabbis and a Presbyterian pastor in Texas, sisters and daughters, husbands and wives, medical and high school students, and a judge in her nineties. “In a world where we cannot control so many things,” the author reflects, “the realization that I can modify my stress and therefore impact my health with lifestyle, and that I can teach others to do the same thing, is phenomenal.” 
BETH RICANATI, MD, is a board-certified internist, expert on women’s health, and author of the multi-award-winning memoir Braided: A Journey of a Thousand Challahs (2018). She has spent her career focused on improving the well-being and lives of her patients in traditional medical clinics and wellness programs, and now also as an author and speaker. She lives in Southern California with her family.  
   
As research shows, lifestyle modifications—including stress management—can reduce the incidence and progression of chronic diseases by as much as 80 percent. Reinforcing this vital fact, THE BRAIDED PRESCRIPTION integrates medical findings with self-help, revered spiritual traditions, and engaging storytelling. I look forward to exploring interview and feature possibilities.  
more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org    
 

Ryan Johnson, President and Head Fabricator of NewRuleFX, to discuss his journey in the special effects industry, the impact of the devastating fire, and how the company is rebuilding stronger than ever while continuing to create innovative work.
RISING UP FROM THE ASHES….
NewRuleFX has been an industry leader in special effects fabrication since 1991, creating work for clients including Netflix, Disney, Marvel, and MrBeast. The company's products have appeared in acclaimed film, television, live entertainment, and music productions, including Captain America: Brave New World, Only Murders in the Building, Everybody's Live with John Mulaney, The Bear, MJ The Musical, Conan Must Go (Conan O'Brien), Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa's High School Reunion Tour, Game of Thrones, and hundreds of other high-profile projects.
On November 13, 2025, NewRuleFX's workshop was devastated by a major fire that destroyed much of its facility, equipment, materials, and an extensive collection of custom molds built over decades. While no one was injured, the loss was catastrophic.
Today, NewRuleFX is writing its next chapter. The company has relocated to a new facility and, even while rebuilding its workshop, continues to deliver large-scale projects for clients. It's a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination that have defined NewRuleFX for more than three decades. 
https://www.newrulefx.com/pages/fire-recovery-page
 
 
About Ryan Johnson / President, Founder, & Head Fabricator
 
For more than three decades, Ryan Johnson has been turning impossible ideas into practical reality.
 
As the Founder and President of NewRuleFX, Johnson leads one of Hollywood’s premier practical effects fabrication studios, creating screen-ready props and special effects for film, television, streaming productions, live entertainment, haunted attractions, and immersive experiences. His work spans everything from breakaway glass and stunt-safe weapons to hero props, creature effects, custom fabrication, and specialty casting, - always with an emphasis on realism, safety, and craftsmanship.
 
Johnson’s career began behind the camera as a producer, director, and cinematographer, where he developed an instinct for visual storytelling that continues to shape every project his shop produces. Rather than simply building props, Johnson approaches every fabrication as part of the story itself—understanding how an object must look under studio lighting, perform in
 
the hands of an actor, survive the demands of production, and ultimately convince an audience that what they’re seeing is real.
 
Known throughout the industry for taking on projects that others consider impossible, Johnson has earned a reputation for engineering practical solutions to extraordinary creative challenges. Whether reproducing historic artifacts, developing stunt-safe versions of dangerous objects, or inventing entirely new fabrication techniques, his team is frequently called upon when productions need results that cannot be purchased off the shelf.
 
Under Johnson’s leadership, NewRuleFX has grown into a trusted resource for production designers, art directors, prop masters, special effects coordinators, museums, military trainers, themed entertainment companies, and independent creators around the world. The company’s extensive catalog of production-ready props is complemented by a custom fabrication department capable of developing one-of-a-kind solutions under demanding schedules and tight production deadlines.
 
Beyond fabrication, Johnson is a lifelong maker and innovator. He continually explores emerging technologies, including advanced molding and casting systems, CNC machining, laser fabrication, additive manufacturing, and digital design, to expand the possibilities of practical effects while preserving the craftsmanship that has defined Hollywood for generations.
 
Johnson believes the best practical effects are the ones audiences never notice. When a prop disappears into the story, an actor performs with confidence, and a director captures the perfect shot without relying on visual effects, the craftsmanship has done its job.
 
Today, Ryan continues to push the boundaries of practical effects through NewRuleFX, combining old-school artistry with modern manufacturing to help filmmakers and creators bring extraordinary worlds to life, one prop at a time.
 
NewRuleFX.com - Special Effects Props Supply & Breakaways

 
 
LADY FREETHINKER’S EXPLOSIVE DOCUMENTARY “CRUELTY FOR CLICKS” TO WORLD PREMIERE AT INDIEWOOD FILM FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 12th
 
LOS ANGELES — CRUELTY FOR CLICKS, an explosive new documentary from animal protection nonprofit Lady Freethinker (LFT), will make its world premiere at the Indiewood Film Festival on September 12th. The provocative film exposes a disturbing global phenomenon: animal cruelty created, staged and shared for clicks across some of the world’s largest social media platforms.
Produced by Lady Freethinker Founder and President Nina Jackel and directed by Kirk Murray, CRUELTY FOR CLICKS brings together true-crime investigation and animal advocacy to uncover the disturbing industry behind viral animal content. From staged puppy “rescues” to sadistic abuse of baby monkeys, the film reveals how cruelty can be disguised as entertainment — and how social media has enabled abusive content to reach audiences around the world.
 
“This documentary was born from a deep urgency to expose the dark reality behind viral animal videos and to confront the systems that allow exploitation — and even torture — to run rampant on social media,” said Jackel. “In more than a decade of investigating animal abuse, I can say beyond a shadow of doubt that this is the worst cruelty I’ve ever witnessed.”
 
Lady Freethinker is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending animal cruelty worldwide through investigations, news reporting and citizen action, while also providing food, veterinary care and shelter to rescued animals in dire need. Known for its fearless advocacy, LFT works to create a more compassionate world for all sentient beings. 
In a significant recent development, Jackel and Lady Freethinker have also worked with Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to address abusive animal content appearing on its platforms and strengthen efforts to prevent such material from being permitted or circulated.
“As someone who believes deeply in compassion and coexistence, this film became one of the most important projects I’ve ever undertaken,” said director Kirk Murray. “If this documentary encourages even a few people to think differently, ask difficult questions, or act with greater compassion, then it has achieved exactly what I set out to do.”
Directed by Murray and co-written by Murray and Russell Lichter, CRUELTY FOR CLICKS is produced by Jackel and Murray. Cinematographers include Matt Fore, Ian Albert, Ryan Gibson, Ed Koziarski, Zach Levenson and Gene Sung.
 
The documentary also features compelling interviews with scientists, experts and animal advocates, including Emma Alleyne, Melissa Amarello, Madeline Bernstein, Nedim C. Buyukmihci and Edward Casmere, who provide insight into the psychology, proliferation and real-world consequences of online animal cruelty.
Murray is a filmmaker driven by the belief that emotion can be a catalyst for change. His work has been recognized at more than 40 film festivals worldwide, including the Orlando Film Festival, Las Vegas Film Festival, Utah Film Festival, San Diego International Film Awards and Atlanta ShortsFest. A visually driven director, Murray approaches each project with cinematic precision, creating films designed to be both immersive and emotionally resonant.
 The Trailer - CRUELTY FOR CLICKS
ABOUT LADY FREETHINKER
Lady Freethinker is a nonprofit organization working to expose and stop animal cruelty around the world. Through undercover investigations, news reporting, petitions and other citizen actions, LFT campaigns against animal abuse while supporting the rescue and care of animals in urgent need.
more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

Dr. Michael Hicks, Assistant Professor of Physiology & Biophysics at UCI School of Medicine and Associate Director of the UCI Muscle Biology and Disease Research Center, talks his role as researcher and curator of “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” event with CureDuchenne
 
Dr. Hicks is an Assistant Professor of Physiology & Biophysics at UCI School of Medicine and Associate Director of the UCI Muscle Biology and Disease Research Center. His research focuses on muscle stem cells, regeneration, human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and developing potential cell therapies for muscle-wasting diseases. There is also a particularly interesting personal/professional connection to Duchenne: before coming to UCI, Hicks was a CureDuchenne postdoctoral fellow at UCLA, where his work involved muscular dystrophy, gene editing and pluripotent stem cells. And he's one of the people behind the September 18 “Remarkable Life of Ibelin” event with CureDuchenne—the 2026 UCI grant listing identifies Hicks and CureDuchenne CEO Debra Miller as the project team for the film night.
 
 
 
 
EVENT DETAILS:The Remarkable Life of Ibelin with the UCI Muscle Center and CureDuchenne @ Rivian South Coast TheaterFriday September 18, 20266:30pm - 9:00pm - PDT
 
About the HostsLearn more about the organizations behind this evening:CureDuchenne | UCI Muscle CenterRivian Laguna162 South Coast HighwayLaguna Beach, CA 92651
 
more: getthefunkoutshow.kuci.org

           
 
Running with Lions is a remarkable story! Dr. Kamau is a tireless advocate for education and equity, among other causes. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.Dr. Kamau champions education and equity, supporting African women in STEM and serving on boards to expand minority access to science. His philosophy is rooted in openness, inquiry, and service—striving for a more humane world through healing and storytelling. As a Health Equity Leader, he continues to inspire with a vision of unity and the power of diverse voicesBorn in Kenya and trained in Spain, Pius Kamau has been in surgical practice in the Denver area for three decades. He was a columnist for The Rocky Mountain News and has written for The Denver Post. Kamau’s commentaries have also been featured on NPR, in the Huffington Post and other national magazines and newspapers. He’s also contributed to several books and recently finished his memoir."A perceptive psychological exploration of the impact of racism and colonization."-Donna Bryson, author of It's a Black-White Thing and Home of the BraveAs a boy in colonial Kenya, Pius Kamau learns early what it means to run with lions-both the metaphorical powers that stalk his people and the real leopard he encounters alone in the forest, the first of many times he will stand eye-to-eye with death.Born under British rule and hardened by the unspeakable violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Pius grows up where curable illnesses claim loved ones and hope feels scarce. Inspired by his tubercular father, he dares to believe education can be his escape. He flees on foot toward Sudan in search of schooling but is arrested and sent back. He refuses to surrender. A scholarship to Strathmore College in Nairobi leads to medical studies in Spain, where Europe's art, philosophy, and culture widen his world even as he confronts the contradictions of colonialism.Returning to an independent Kenya as a doctor, Pius discovers oppression has simply changed hands. This powerful memoir traces his journey from dirt-poor village boy to physician and eventually to surgeon, proving resilience, intellect, and courage know no color or border.About the AuthorPius K. Kamau, MD, thoracic surgeon and author, has written for HuffPost, Denver's Dailies, and the Denver Gazette. He's been published in NPR's This I believe, Marlo Thomas's The Right Word at the Right Time, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book, and Medical Business. He also penned the mystery novel Doctor's Date with Death. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.Publisher ‏ : ‎ Koehler BooksPublication date ‏ : ‎ July 14, 2026by Pius K Kamau MD (Author)
 
Here's a link to just some of his pieces from NPR News/ KUNCFrom colonial Kenya to Colorado: Local surgeon and humanitarian recalls 'running with lions' in powerful new memoirDENVER, CO., July 14, 2026—Thoracic surgeon, author, and humanitarian Dr. Pius Kamau has released his newest book with Koehler Books. His powerful memoir tells the extraordinary true story of his journey from a small village in colonial Kenya to a career as a physician and surgeon in the United States.Growing up during British colonial rule and the violence of the Mau Mau Rebellion, Kamau witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty, disease, and political oppression. Determined to pursue an education despite overwhelming obstacles, he fled his village in search of schooling, even enduring imprisonment before ultimately studying medicine in Spain and going on to become a respected thoracic surgeon.When asked about how he’s scaled these seemingly insurmountable barriers, he says, “My life may have been full of deep valleys of despair and seeming loss, but it too was a life full of kind people, full of generous men and women. I believe that I did well because I allowed charity and kindness to shine on my dark days and nights. And in addition to my persistence and resilience I kept hope alive. I still keep hope alive.”The memoir explores themes of perseverance, faith, and the enduring pursuit of justice. Through deeply personal stories—including surviving encounters with wild predators, political violence, and life-threatening hardship—Kamau reflects on the experiences that shaped both his character and his calling to medicine.In addition to his work as a thoracic surgeon, Kamau is an accomplished author whose writing has appeared in HuffPost, The Denver Gazette, NPR's This I Believe, Chicken Soup for the Soul of the Cancer Patient, and other national publications. He is also the founder of Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists pursue graduate education in the United States, and hosts Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.Kamau's memoir offers readers an intimate look at one man's determination to overcome extraordinary adversity while illuminating the lasting impact of colonialism, the transformative power of education, and the resilience of the human spirit.For more information about Dr. Pius Kamau and his new book, visit koehlerbooks.com.ABOUT PIUS KAMAU, MDPius Kamau, MD, thoracic surgeon and author, has written for Huffpost, Denver’s Dailies, and the Denver Gazette. He’s been published in NPR’s This I believe, Marlo Thomas’s The Right Word at the Right Time, Chicken Soup of the Soul of the Cancer Patient, and Medical Business. He also penned the mystery novel Doctor’s Date with Death. Kamau established Africa America Higher Education Partnerships (AAHEP), a nonprofit that helps African women scientists to pursue graduate degrees in the US, and is the host of Never Again, the podcast of the Coalition Against Global Genocide.