BPL Podcast

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.

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.

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.

Poets Eloisa Amezcua and Leila Chatti discuss their work, favorite writers, Costura Creative, and more.

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...

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

OSU Associate Professor Dr. Hasan Jeffries discusses his projects, including Teaching Hard History: American Slavery, a resource for teachers and communities who are eager to help their students better understand slavery.

Poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib discusses life in Columbus, memorable concerts, the NBA playoffs, and more.

Local journalist, author, and filmmaker Chris Bournea discusses his new documentary Lady Wrestler: The Amazing Untold Story of African-American Women in the Ring, as well as other projects.

Jordan and Jeff discuss graphic novels, including recommendations, how to access them on Hoopla, and more.

In the first episode of the BPL Podcast, staff members Bryan and Leann join Jeff to discuss the library's Creation Station as well as their favorite podcasts.