This week on WRCT’s Forbes Avenue, we visit the current exhibition at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, located on the fifth floor of the CMU Hunt Library — a hidden gem on the CMU campus, open to both the CMU community and the general public.

The fall 2025 exhibition features the work of Costa Rican botanist and artist Rafael Lucas Rodríguez Caballero. Senior Curator Carrie Roy and Archivist Nancy Janda spoke with us about “Rafa’s” art; the role of botanical illustration in science; and other fascinating topics and issues in botany, art, and science — did you know there’s an extinct sea snail named after Mick Jagger?

Listening to this episode may inspire you to visit the Hunt Institute’s current exhibition: The Art and Science of Rafael Lucas Rodríguez Caballero. The illustrations of some of the orchids are spectacular. The exhibition is available 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays (except for November 27 and 28) through December 17.

Listen to the episode: Carrie Roy and Nancy Janda

Kate Smigie, researcher and interviewer
Richard Gordon, recording engineer, audio editor
Recorded: September 30, 2025
WRCT debut: November 11, 2025

Today on Forbes Avenue, we spoke to Jennifer Zgurich from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; Carole Panno, a Associate Director of Development here at Carnegie Mellon, who has been involved in the food drive for more than 30 years; and Jonathan Anguiano, who oversees the CMU Pantry.

The Carnegie Mellon Food Drive is happening until November 8th. Every year, CMU partners with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to combat food insecurity. Carole and Jennifer discussed the collaboration and its history, as well as how to give. Donations are focused on cash, because the buying power of the food pantry means that $1 can purchase up to 3 meals, but you can find drop-off points to donate non perishable food across campus. The Food Drive is also collecting can openers to donate to the CMU Pantry.

Jennifer emphasized that there is no shame in getting extra help at a food bank. You can go to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s website to get help with food today. For Carnegie Mellon students, the CMU Food Pantry at the Residence on Fifth is also available to provide free food. Jonathan talked about some of the initiatives that the Pantry is working on, as well as the best way to reach out (call 412-268-8704 if it’s an emergency or email . Otherwise, schedule an appointment to go take advantage of the Pantry’s resources).

Listen to the episode: Food Resources and the CMU Food Drive

For more information about finding or donating food in the Pittsburgh area, WESA and Kidsburgh have created guides.

Riona Duncan, host, audio editor, audio engineer, researcher
Recorded October 31, 2025; WRCT debut November 5 2025

This week on Forbes Avenue, we had comedian Colin Mochrie (known for his work on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”) and hypnotist Asad Mecci.

Colin and Asad talked about their show HYPROV, which is a combination improv and hypnosis performance – and which will have a show at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall on November 9, 2025. They also discussed misconceptions about hypnosis and advice for getting into improv. A fascinating conversation with funny people!

Listen to the show: Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci

Abriana Bensch, host, audio engineer, researcher
Riona Duncan, audio editor
Recorded October 30, 2025; WRCT debut November 5, 2025