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 Instagram...
Feb 26, 2021•28 min•Ep. 49
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 Whitesi...
Feb 12, 2021•25 min•Ep. 48
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.
Feb 05, 2021•26 min•Ep. 47
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
Jan 15, 2021•25 min•Ep. 46
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...
Dec 04, 2020•16 min•Ep. 45
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...
Nov 18, 2020•17 min•Ep. 44
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: https://www.seedsofcaring.org/...
Nov 02, 2020•26 min•Ep. 43
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/
Oct 23, 2020•21 min•Ep. 42
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 the...
Oct 09, 2020•19 min•Ep. 41
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. Le...
Sep 24, 2020•21 min•Ep. 40
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.
Aug 31, 2020•23 min•Ep. 39
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.
May 12, 2020•29 min•Ep. 38
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...
Apr 27, 2020•21 min•Ep. 37
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.
Mar 09, 2020•33 min•Ep. 36
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.
Feb 06, 2020•19 min•Ep. 35
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.
Jan 22, 2020•36 min•Ep. 34
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...
Dec 17, 2019•16 min•Ep. 33
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.
Oct 24, 2019•29 min•Ep. 32
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.
Oct 02, 2019•17 min•Ep. 31
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.
Aug 21, 2019•26 min•Ep. 30
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.
Jul 08, 2019•21 min•Ep. 29
What makes Ohio significant? Is it the outsized agricultural production, its commercial impact during the Industrial Revolution, or perhaps being the birthplace of the National Football League? David E. Rohr, author of The United States of Ohio: One American State and its Impact on the Other Forty-Nine, discusses the multitude of ways the Buckeye State has impacted the U.S. throughout history.
May 31, 2019•23 min•Ep. 28
Michael Tomasky, author of If We Can Keep It: How the Republic Collapsed and How it Might Be Saved, discusses how we arrived at our current state of political polarization and how we might fix it. Learn about how an obscure court case, as well as Martin Van Buren, helped lead us to where we are today.
Apr 08, 2019•19 min•Ep. 27
Poets Eloisa Amezcua and Leila Chatti discuss their work, favorite writers, Costura Creative, and more.
Mar 16, 2019•29 min•Ep. 26
BPL staff members reflect on their favorite books and albums from 2018. Follow the links below to find our picks in the library's catalog: Landfall - Laurie Anderson & Kronos Quartet I Might Regret This - Abbi Jacobson Be Prepared - Vera Brosgol Sadie - Courtney Summers There There - Tommy Orange The Outsider - Stephen King Semiosis - Sue Burke For Everyone - Jason Reynolds Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng...
Dec 20, 2018•13 min•Ep. 25
Film critics Hope Madden and George Wolf offer insights and interesting takes on recent horror hits such as A Quiet Place and Hereditary, as well as overlooked gems such as Mandy and Mom and Dad.
Oct 29, 2018•24 min•Ep. 24
Dr. Ivonne M. Garcia, Associate Professor of English & Literature at Kenyon College, discusses how horror is portrayed in American cinema and what it says about our culture. Dr. Garcia offers insightful viewpoints regarding the depiction of race and gender in films such as The Witch, Get Out, and Signs.
Oct 18, 2018•28 min•Ep. 23
Authors Jody Casella and Natalie Richards discuss the realities of being a writer, the creative process, and a host of exciting new Young Adult and Middle Grade books.
Sep 13, 2018•34 min•Ep. 22
Author and journalist Garin Pirnia discusses her new book, Rebels and Underdogs: The Story of Ohio Rock and Roll, including stories about Devo, Richard Patrick, and more.
Jul 09, 2018•15 min•Ep. 12
Judge Jeffrey Sutton discusses his career, the balance of state and federal legislation, and his new book, 51 Imperfect Solutions: States and the Making of American Constitutional Law.
Jun 20, 2018•18 min•Ep. 13
