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Mahjong is having a moment. What that says about how we connect
Why is everyone suddenly playing mahjong? From neighborhood meetups to viral social media posts, interest in the game is growing fast. This episode explores mahjong's history, its roots in the…
The Pokémon economy: The real cost of catching 'em all
Pokémon started as something simple: trading cards on the playground, Game Boys passed around between friends and the dream of catching 'em all. Thirty years later, it's the highest-grossing media…
An electric streetcar network once crisscrossed San Diego. What if we got it back?
Long before San Diego became defined by freeways, parking shortages and long commutes, electric streetcars connected the region's urban core to beaches, business districts and growing neighborhoods…
The rise, fall and comeback of pro skateboarder Brandon Turner
San Diego skateboarder Brandon Turner moved up quickly in the sport, moving from local skate spots to major sponsorships and world tours. From skateboarding prodigy to rock bottom, now he's…
Rugs, rituals and resilience: How artists are expanding the story of Iran beyond conflict
The Iran many Americans see is often defined by conflict. But for those who grew up there and those who carry its traditions abroad, the story is far more layered. Artist Maryam Bayat turns Persian…
How streaming changed what we hear — and what musicians earn (May 2025)
In this rebroadcast from Season 1, we explore how the streaming era has changed music — not just for the people who make it, but also for us as listeners. For indie musicians like Julianna…
Every object tells a story: The unseen craft of theatrical props
What is a prop?For Deb Hatch, it's almost everything. After more than 40 years working in theater, including decades at La Jolla Playhouse, the longstanding prop supervisor has helped shape more than…
Dance or die — and the fight to be more than a headline
Ahmad Joudeh risked his life to dance, performing in a refugee camp while ISIS fighters targeted him. The act of defiance, captured on video, made him known worldwide. But fame came with a cost. He…
Scientists are still mapping plants. How the public is helping — with an app
What's growing in your backyard?In San Diego, one of America's most biodiverse regions, the answer is more complicated than you might think. It's home to roughly 3,000 plant species, with many still…
The matcha boom: How a centuries-old tradition became a global craze
Matcha has become a worldwide sensation. The bright green powdered tea now appears in lattes, smoothies, desserts and viral foods across social media feeds. Demand has surged so quickly that…
Unboxing hidden music history: Lou Curtiss' Whimsical Collection and vinyl's survival
Lou Curtiss dedicated his life to preserving forgotten music — and now his extraordinary personal collection is being shared with the community he nurtured for decades. At Folk Arts Rare Records,…
Bonus: One of Their Own, a San Diego officer's death and the questions left behind
Content note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and domestic abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.This episode is a…
Topeka Clementine performs live at KPBS and talks cooking, art, viral moments and music as action
San Diego's Topeka Clementine brought the KPBS patio to life with a performance as part of the Sundrenched Sounds live music series — spontaneous, communal and emotionally charged. Blending sharp…
The art, the joy, the keeper: The hidden work behind Niki de Saint Phalle's beloved mosaic sculptures
The bold, joyful sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle are woven into San Diego’s landscape, even if many people don’t know her name. In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of the artist behind…
From Seafood City to stardom: How Jessica Sanchez returned to 'America's Got Talent' 20 years later
Jessica Sanchez grew up in the South Bay, the daughter of Filipino and Mexican American parents. Her mother says she started singing as soon as she could talk. By age 10, Jessica was performing all…
'Made in a Home Kitchen': Raíz Chocolate turns Mexican tradition into a microenterprise
Elizabeth "Ely" Rosales Aguilar has built Raíz Chocolate from her San Diego home kitchen, turning a childhood love of chocolate into a small but thriving business. She carefully sources Mexican cacao…
Risograph revival: How a forgotten printer built a global DIY art movement
Risograph printing was built for efficiency — a fast, economical way to make thousands of identical copies for offices, churches and schools. It was never meant to be expressive or personal. After…
The Finest: New season, new stories
The Finest returns with a new season, exploring the people, art and movements redefining San Diego culture. From discovering new species in local preserves to reviving forgotten arts, crafting…
A special episode where a superfan takes our survey — plus your chance to win a Finest T-shirt
We’re dropping a special minisode during our season break with one request: Help shape Season 2 of The Finest by taking our anonymous survey at KPBS.org/TheFinestSurvey. Your feedback helps guide…
The nation's largest book ban: Inside the fight to read in America's prisons
For many people who are incarcerated, a single book can be life-changing – a rare source of freedom and connection in a system built on isolation. That was true for Cherish Burtson, who discovered…
Frequently Asked Questions
The Finest has published 45 episodes since March 2025, covering topics in Arts, Books.
The Finest is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 31m.
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