Prolific journalist and bestselling author Susan Orlean joins Jeff and Leann for a special podcast episode in anticipation of her upcoming Bexley Community Author Series virtual event on April 27th, 2021. Orlean discusses how her unpretentious Midwestern roots shaped her as a writer (she’s from Ohio!) and then dives deep on her inspirations for The Library Book & The Orchid Thief. Plus, she talks about her new book, On Animals, due to be released in Fall 2021. ----more---- Register for...

Sharon Udoh discusses her work as Enrollment Coordinator at the Arts & College Preparatory Academy, a model charter school combining academics and interdisciplinary arts instruction in Columbus. Sharon talks about the importance of diversity in education, creating support systems for first-generation Americans, and accepting the experiences and narratives of students. We also discuss her collaboration with Chamber Brews (led by recent BPL Podcast guest Devin Copfer) to create Udoh's...

Musician, registered Suzuki teacher, and arts entrepreneur Devin Copfer discusses her multitude of music projects as well as her experience with virtual music instruction during the pandemic. Devin describes how she has continued to collaborate with other artists and organizations in a virtual format and her recent work with Chamber Brews, a chamber music project that she co-founded and directs. ----more---- Learn more about Devin Copfer's work at https://devinmariemusic.com/  

To honor Women's History Month, in this episode, Leann sits down with Kelley Griesmer, CEO of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio, to talk about the wealth gap, the importance of investing financially in women, and the new Enduring Progress Initiative focused on breaking down barriers to racial and gender equity. After listening to our podcast, check out this event with Kelley and author of Girlhood Melissa Febos happening at Gramercy Books. ----more----   Article from Philanthropy Women where...

In this two-part series, guest host Leann Schneider Webb, discusses the Bexley Art Library and interviews one of the artists featured in the collection, Christine D'Epiro Abbott. A core member at Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative in Columbus, D'Epiro Abbott talks about her multilayered works, what inspires her series of interior scenes, and life as a working artist and mom. ----more---- Find Christine D'Epiro Abbott's art at: http://www.christinedepiroabbott.com/ and follow her on...

In this two-part series, guest host Leann Schneider Webb, discusses the Bexley Art Library and interviews one of the artists featured in the collection, Beverly Whiteside. Known for her large, vibrant mixed-media works depicting imagery of African American life, Whiteside talks about her relationship with the late Columbus-based artist Aminah Lynn Robinson, her love for dance and movement, and how her years as a dance instructor fundamentally influence her work.  ----more---- Find Beverly...

Brad Rocco, owner of Bexley Pizza Plus, discusses the highs and lows of owning one of Bexley's favorite pizza shops, from being featured on the Food Network and competing in international pizza competitions to relocating and trying to stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eric Dennison, co-owner of Newfangled Kitchen in Bexley, discusses his inspiration for opening Newfangled, what his 30+ years in the industry have taught him, and how Newfangled has fared during the pandemic. We also discuss Eric’s own podcast, This Newfangled Life. ----more---- Check out Newfangled Kitchen Listen to This Newfangled Life

Jeff is joined by Dan Sharpe, Vice President of Community Research and Grants Management at The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 largest community foundations in the United States. Dan details how The Columbus Foundation is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the four key areas the foundation is focusing on for 2020-2021. ----more---- Learn more about The Columbus Foundation  Watch the Songs for the Community videos and more

Hallie Raskin, Executive Director of the Bexley Community Foundation, discusses the significant impact the Bexley Community Foundation has had during its ten years of existence. Learn about the various projects BCF has funded, totaling over 3.3 million dollars, including the exciting new expansions to Jeffrey Mansion. ----more---- Bexley Community Foundation Homepage BCF 10 Year Anniversary Virtual Event Page  

On this special episode of the podcast, Jeff is joined by three guests: Brandy Jemczura, Founder & Director of Seeds of Caring; Stephanie Vulhop, author of Imagine If: A Homeless Experience; and Lauren Wilson, Executive Director of LSS Faith Mission. They discuss the invaluable work they are doing to cultivate empathy in our communities and the resources they provide to people experiencing homelessness in Columbus. ----more---- Learn more about Seeds of Caring:...

Local writer, poet, and community organizer Scott Woods discusses Streetlight Guild, a Columbus cultural venue he founded in 2019, as well as his work on the New Black Eastside Songbook project. Scott also offers his insights on the arts scene, public libraries, and more.  ----more---- Find more information about Streetlight Guild here: https://streetlightguild.wpcomstaging.com/

Award-winning Lebanese-American poet Ruth Awad discusses the anthology she co-edited with Rachel Mennies, The Familiar Wild: On Dogs & Poetry, which explores the multi-faceted relationships writers have with their dogs. We also discuss Ruth's 2016 collection, Set to Music a Wildfire, which stemmed from interviews she did with her father, largely about his experiences during the Lebanese Civil War. ----more---- Get a copy of The Familiar Wild: On Dogs & Poetry Read In the gloaming, in...

Local poet Maggie Smith discusses her new book, Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change, due out October 6th. Originating from Smith's tweets during the most difficult period of her life, we discuss how the collection might be received during a global pandemic, and also what it's like to release new material these days. ----more---- Be sure to check out Maggie's virtual event presented by Gramercy Books with fellow acclaimed local poet Saeed Jones on Thursday, October 15th at 7 PM....

Linda Kass discusses her new novel A Ritchie Boy, which draws heavily on her father's unique experiences in World War II. She also talks about the many interesting twists her career has taken, including being a journalist, working in broadcasting, and owning Gramercy Books.

Beth Armstrong, author of Voices from the Ape House, discusses her illustrious career working with gorillas, including groundbreaking work in gorilla care and pioneering conservation efforts with worldwide impact. Learn about what made the Columbus Zoo special in the '80s & '90s, the fascinating social lives of gorillas, and more.

BPL staff members discuss the media they've been enjoying during this unusual time, as well as a few special messages for our patrons. ----more---- Follow these links to find our picks digitally: Ultraista by Ultraista The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer A Manual for Cleaning Women by Lucia Berlin Becoming by Michelle Obama Murder on Black Swan Lane by Andrea Penrose Wilde Life by Pascalle Lepas The Third Hotel by Laura van Den Berg

Melissa Michal & Julie Swarstad Johnson discuss the intricacies of their work and life as writers. Melissa delves into her newest book, Living On The Borderlines, which reflects on the intergenerational trauma of Haudenosaunee people and how it impacts relationships while also fostering a unique resilience. Julie discusses the multiple viewpoints of her new book, Pennsylvania Furnace, and how time has shifted our perspective toward the environment.

When it comes to Prohibition in the U.S., you probably immediately think of NASCAR, income tax, and Caribbean cruises, right? Nina Thomas, Manager of the Westerville History Center & Museum, discusses how these things are connected to Prohibition, as well as the local roots of the Anti-Saloon League and more.

Dr. Jason Reece, assistant professor of city and regional planning at the Knowlton School of Architecture at OSU, discusses the history of housing discrimination both in Columbus and the U.S. as a whole. Learn how factors such as redlining, restrictive covenants, and highway construction resulted in unequal development and shaped the neighborhoods we see today.

BPL staff members share their favorite books, films, and albums of 2019. Follow the links below to find our picks in the library's catalog: American Love Call - Durand Jones & The Indications Mandy Turn of the Key - Ruth Ware Other Words For Home - Jasmine Warga Dear Girls - Ali Wong Normal People - Sally Rooney The Last Black Man in San Francisco Booksmart The Lighthouse

WCBE's Cinema Classics co-host and local personality Johnny DiLoretto discusses his career in media, the significance of the year 1939 in American cinema, and his favorite horror films- including his take on the perpetual CGI vs. practical effects debate.

Daniel Skinner is a political scientist, Associate Professor of Health Policy at Ohio University, and co-editor of Not Far From Me: Stories of Opioids and Ohio. We discuss the gripping stories contained in Not Far From Me, the impact of local government on the opioid epidemic, and the outlook of the crisis going forward. 

Ohio Wesleyan University Professor and historian Michael Flamm discusses the legacy of Woodstock and Altamont, two music festivals that serve as symbols of the hope and despair generated by the 1960s counterculture. 

Ohio State University historian Clayton Howard discusses the history of the Gay Rights Movement from the '50s to present day, including the impact of the Stonewall Riots and the effects of federal legislation such as the G.I. Bill and the legalization of same-sex marriage.