Arts & Life

The end of the year brings the opportunity for reflection and a chance to look back as we prepare for the year ahead. In that spirit, we listen back to the "Year in Weekday" — some of the stories, big and small, that had our attention in 2012.

  Here are five programs we did in 2012 that I loved. Each is an interview about a Seattle person. And they all have big, bold personalities. Who knew?

1. Who Is Nancy Pearl? 

You’ve heard librarian Nancy Pearl share her picks for great books and stories on NPR and KUOW. But what is Nancy Pearl’s own story? What does she do when she’s NOT reading books? Much is revealed when she sits down with Ross Reynolds.

2. Who Is David Brewster? 

In this month’s RadioActive podcast, hosts Bryce Ellis and Daniel Metz hear stories about high school students who aren’t "sluffin" when it comes to their futures (if you don’t know what "sluffin" means this show has got your definition).

One of the kids in these stories goes down the traditional four-year college route, while the others travel off the beaten path:

What is the song that sings 2012 for you? Is it a timeless favorite or a new track that captures your mood? Adele, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber topped the pop charts. Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” was inescapable for a minute there.

Who topped the charts in your life? We want to hear about the one song that best sums up your experiences in 2012. Share your songs and music-related stories with us at 800.289.5869 or weekday@kuow.org. 

We'll also get our regular weekend weather forecast from Nick Bond.

The Stranger publishes a regrets issue at the end of every year. It's a list of the mistakes, missed opportunities and blunders made throughout the year. What regrets do you have for 2012? What do you wish you had (or had not) done? We want to hear your stories. David Schmader, associate editor at The Stranger, joins us to share his regrets.  

What was the best movie of 2012? The year saw the return of Batman, Bilbo and Bond, but box office blowout doesn't mean it's the best movie. Where would you rank "Moonrise Kingdom, "Lincoln" or "Beasts of the Southern Wild?" Let's look back on Celluloid 2012 with film critic Robert Horton.

You think you know him: red suit, white beard, jolly old elf, etc. But do you why St. Nicholas became the Patron Saint Of Prisoners? David Hyde talks with Adam English, author of "The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life And Trials Of Nicholas Of Myra."

The weather outside is frightful, so why not curl up by the fire with a nice holiday cocktail? David Hyde talks to veteran bartender Kristen Naranjo about her favorite holiday cocktails.

Clay Jenkinson assumes both sides in a debate between two of the country's greatest presidents: Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt. Jenkinson is a historian who commonly lectures as different historical figures. He spoke at Seattle's Town Hall on December 1, 2012.

Hanukkah has come to a close, and Christmas and Kwanzaa are still on the way. These are the three we hear about, but how do you celebrate the holidays? David Hyde takes calls from listeners and hears what the holiday season means to Seattle.