Robrt Pela

Host Robrt Pela looks at the role of cultural critics. They’re the people who make a living by exploring meaning in what we create and consume, like films, art, food, even podcasts. Think of them as curious guides whose objectivity and skill can help the rest of us decide what is worth our time, our money — and very often both.

KJZZ contributor Robrt Pela is hosting a brand new season of the State of the Arts Arizona podcast. Learn about a now-defunct ethnic arts organization; the state of dance and opera and symphony; and why anyone would start a theater company in the early 21st century.

KJZZ contributor Robrt Pela sat down with Jodi Weiss, director of a production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" by the Bridge Initiative and Childsplay, to talk more about the performance.

"Strive: Jones Studio Adventures in Architecture" reflects on the 50-plus year career of Eddie Jones, a sustainable architect who has made a home in Arizona.

National Best Friends Day got KJZZ contributor Robrt Pela thinking about best friends — and what it means when you no longer have one.

For KJZZ contributor Robrt Pela, it's time to bid farewell to short days, long pants — and the great outdoors for the foreseeable future.

In November 2023, a full demolition permit was requested by Rita Spears, the president of the Mystery Castle Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has maintained the castle since 2010.

I was out of town when the news about architect Alfred Beadle’s midcentury White Gates building broke a couple of weeks ago. The fuming reached me in angry emails and text messages and social media posts.

A lot of people welcomed the recent news that Selena Gomez will be portraying Arizona’s own Linda Ronstadt in an upcoming biopic — including singing Ronstadt’s songs. Critic Robrt Pela’s has a different take.

Christmas music is one of those things that can inspire very strong feelings. From when we start listening each season to just what makes for the perfect holiday tune, there’s a lot to debate. But for KJZZ contributor Robrt Pela, there’s simply no contest. Give him the oldies.