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A Big Sur Podcast

A Big Sur Podcast

By: Magnus Toren host
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About this listen

An ongoing conversation with people from near and far about Big Sur's past, present, and future. A Big Sur Podcast interprets 'community' to mean ALL people from around the world who are curious about, and who care about, the preservation and restoration of the wild and rural character of Big Sur. Stories are told by visitors and residents, plumbers and linesmen, musicians and authors, dancers and jugglers and others. Sometimes we drift (way) off-topic into the arts, sciences, personal stories, gossip, politics, philosophy, ornithology, Henry Miller, and our zeitgeist in general. We like that! If you are planning a visit to Big Sur and you listen to some of the folks on this Podcast talk about their love of the place your visit will probably be a lot more rewarding. Please email magnus@henrymiller.org with any comments, critique & suggestions. Music clips courtesy John Holm: https://www.discogs.com/artist/374084-John-Holm | Sound editing software by Hindenburg | Special thanks to Jim Agius for special support.Please support the podcast by making a donation to the Henry Miller Library, a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization. Thank you!© 2023 A Big Sur Podcast Music Nature & Ecology Science Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • # 113 Patte Kronlund, speaking of love and loss.
    May 25 2025

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    This episode is a particularly tender one. I had the privilege of speaking with Patte Kronlund whose husband, Butch, recently passed away after a long and difficult battle with cancer.

    Patte and I have an open, heartfelt conversation—one marked by courage, honesty, and that shows Patte's extraordinary personal strength.

    She speaks about grief, love, and the quiet acts of devotion that carry us through our darkest times. Her willingness to share such intimate reflections is something I deeply respect, and I think you will, too.

    There’s of course also much more we could have talked about Patte than what we were able to cover here. For one Patte has been a vital part of our Big Sur community through her work with CABS, and although we touched on that in our conversation, I chose to focus this episode on her personal story. I hope we’ll return to her community work in a future episode.

    For now, we're simply grateful to Patte—for her openness, for her strength, and for reminding us that even in loss, there can be great beauty and connection.

    Here's a link to the podcast with Butch.

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    This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County!

    Let us know what you think!
    SEND US AN EMAIL! 😊
    magnus@henrymiller.org

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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • # 112 Atomic Dreams: The New Nuclear Evangelists and the Fight for the Future of Energy
    May 14 2025

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    If Diablo Canyon stays open, does it open the door for a broader reevaluation of nuclear’s role in the U.S. — or is it a one-off anomaly in a blue state’s climate panic?

    Talking with Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow author of "Atomic Dreams: The New Nuclear Evangelists and the Fight for the Future of Energy."

    What role should nuclear power play in our energy future?

    Rebecca explores the unlikely resurgence of nuclear power as a climate solution — not through the lens of old Cold War anxieties, but through a new generation of thinkers, engineers, and environmentalists who see splitting the atom as a bridge to a carbon-free future.

    And here in California, that question hits home. Diablo Canyon — the state’s last operating nuclear plant — was on its way out. Now, it’s looking like it's on its way back in. What changed? And what does that tell us about the shifting cultural and political ground beneath our feet?

    Stay with us as we explore the strange, complicated afterlife of nuclear power — from protests and policy to power grids and hope.


    Support the show

    _________________________________________________


    This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County!

    Let us know what you think!
    SEND US AN EMAIL! 😊
    magnus@henrymiller.org

    FaceBook
    Instagram

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 20 mins
  • # 111 RELAY FOR RACHAEL. A conversation with photographer, neighbor and dear friend Rachael Short.
    Apr 24 2025

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    Ever since she picked up her father’s camera at age twelve, Rachael Short has been captivated by the art of photography. Listen to our conversation to learn more from and about Rachael's remarkable story.

    LINKS:
    Relay for Rachael

    Gallery Exposed

    Rachael Short Photography

    >>>>>>>>>>>

    SUMMARIES:

    Rachael's Nature-Inspired Photography Journey
    Rachael and Magnus reminisced about their past interactions and shared experiences. Rachael, who grew up in Carmel Valley, expressed her gratitude for her upbringing, which included spending time in nature and observing the environment. She credited this upbringing for influencing her photography and creativity. Magnus and Rachael discussed how Rachael's experiences, such as horseback riding and long drives through nature, shaped her perspective and artistic vision.

    Rachael's Photography Journey and Technical Skills
    Rachael discusses her early experiences with photography, starting in high school and continuing through her education at Brooks Institute. She was drawn to black and white photography and the darkroom process, which she began learning as a sophomore. Rachael explains that she didn't fully appreciate the significance of famous photographers from her area, like Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, until later in her studies. She describes her time at Brooks Institute, where she experienced the transition from film to digital photography, and highlights the technical skills she gained there, particularly in lighting and the zone system. Rachael also mentions her focus on fine art photography and portraiture, which led to her work in wedding photography as a means to fund her artistic pursuits.

    Neurological Trauma Experiences Compared
    Rachael and Magnus discussed their experiences with neurological traumas. Rachael shared her vivid memories of a 15-year-old accident that left her paraplegic, while Magnus described his wife's recent stroke. They compared their experiences, noting similarities and differences. Magnus asked Rachael about her memories of the accident and how she has coped with the trauma over the years. Rachael confirmed that she still remembers painful aspects of the accident and has no memory of the first few days in the hospital.

    Quadriplegia and Community Support
    Rachael discussed her quadriplegia, emphasizing the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia. She acknowledged the fragility of life and the ongoing challenges of finding the right care to manage her condition. Rachael also expressed gratitude for the community support she receives, particularly through the annual run organized by a core group of friends. Despite the difficulties, she remains hopeful and appreciative of the love and support she receives.

    Rachael's Photography and New Project
    In the meeting, Rachael discussed her photography work, including a series of images taken at her grandparents' property after it was sold. She explaine

    Support the show

    _________________________________________________


    This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County!

    Let us know what you think!
    SEND US AN EMAIL! 😊
    magnus@henrymiller.org

    FaceBook
    Instagram

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.