Athens-Limestone Public Library's podcast series highlights conversations with guest speakers that come into the library to talk about cultural, educational, and community programs. Between the Stacks also features discussions of ongoing library programs and special exhibits.
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ALRIGHT ATHENS: Tell Us Your Story! A podcast featuring the people of Athens and Limestone County, Alabama. Each story is as unique as the people themselves, but they all reveal the character, the culture, and the distinct voices of a classic Southern community. Entertaining. Thoughtful. Poignant. Listen to these sound snapshots from our latest Library Voices podcast series. From Athens-Limestone Public Library.
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Local author and Calhoun Community College English Instructor, Bradley Sides, talks about his writing journey. He began writing in college and published his first story in 2014. After his first book, Those Fantastic Lives, was released in 2021 critics called him "an exciting new voice in fiction." His second book, Crocodile Tears Didn't Cause The F…
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Athens-Limestone County Public Library presents our youth librarian, Amanda Coleman, reading scary stories! Classic tales include Alvin Schwartz's "The Green Ribbon" and Roald Dahl's "The Landlady." Grab your popcorn and prepare for a scare! https://www.alcpl.org Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org Music from Pixabay…
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When Alabama author Heather L. Montgomery isn’t writing children’s books, you might find her hanging out in trees or catching bugs. Her passion for uncovering the mysteries of the natural world have ignited the curiosity of countless numbers of kids. Heavily researched topics from roadkill to mummies to animal poop, she frames many of her books as …
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The Athens Storytelling Festival, held annually the last weekend in October, hosts master storytellers spinning tales from life, legends, memories, and inspiration. This year the library partnered with the festival and hosted a workshop led by storyteller Carol Cain from La Grange, Georgia for those interested in this unique art form. In this podca…
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Calhoun Community College faculty members discuss the Common Read 2024-2025. Dr. Symmetris Gohanna, Bradley Sides, and Brandi Gindhart of the English, Literature, and Composition programs introduce this year's theme on disability awareness. They highlight programs being held throughout the year to bring students and the community together through t…
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Dr. Kem Roper, college professor and Writing Center Director at Athens State University, discusses the upcoming Summer Writing Summit featuring interactive sessions and workshops designed to guide writers of all genres. From resumes and research papers to creative fiction and poetry, the Writing Center at Athens State is a year round resource helpi…
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Heidi Stinnett and Madison Herron from the Limestone County Council on Aging discuss programs designed to enhance recreation, socialization, independence, and vitality for older adults. This important resource helps with with transportation, nutrition, and prescriptions, but perhaps most popular are their outings in the community. From picnics and …
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July 18, 1980, Thanh Boyer arrived in Athens, Alabama as a Vietnamese Boat refugee. She was 12 years old. This is her story - a journey of courage, pathos, humor, and single-minded determination to bring the rest of her family to America. Links: https://www.alcpl.org/ If you would like to share a story, please call the library at 256-232-1233 or em…
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Cydney Amos Honaker from the Athens Women's Resource Center talks about their services which include pregnancy testing, prenatal counseling, parenting and birth education, ultrasounds, and more. They rely on community donations to provide a free baby boutique and they welcome volunteers to help run their Community Baby Shower! https://www.alcpl.org…
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Medicare Chick, Lauri King, brings clarity to the medicare confusion. From open enrollment to special elections and the latest benefits, Lauri brings her 20 years of expertise to answer questions and sound the alert on potential pitfalls when signing up for Medicare. https://www.alcpl.org/ https://kingseniorbenefitsspecialists.com/ Have questions a…
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Yolanda Turner is a domestic violence survivor from an early abusive marriage. She was able to turn her life around after much spiritual reflection and authored the book Morning Glory - a 52-week devotional featuring scripture passages with commentary and personal stories of application from Yolanda s own experience with the message. In this inspir…
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Teresa Smyser, author of Heaven Help Us! and the Warrior Bride series talks about her evolution as a writer. She shares tips on her writing lifestyle and offers advice on self publishing. https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org Music from Pixabayتوسط Athens-Limestone County Public Library
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A conversation with authors A.E. Chewning and James C. Chewning. Living in Athens, A.E. Chewning draws upon the rich history and local folklore to inspire her paranormal novels, including one based on the Athens Houston Memorial Library. James C. Chewning is a motivational speaker and has written Success Defined by Me: A Guide to Developing a Perso…
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On a business retreat to the Yucatan, Dr. Jodi Green was detained at a Mexican airport for having a pistol in her luggage, despite following airline protocol for carrying a firearm. What transpired was a 28-day life changing incarceration in a Mexican jail cell. How she navigated the daily harsh reality of prison life, and the mindset it took to co…
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A conversation with Olivia Wade, Case Manager for AIDB. As a young child growing up with low vision, Olivia talks about how AIDB gave her tools she needed to become an independent adult. Now, working for AIDB, she is able to share both her story and expertise to individuals in the deaf and blind community looking for answers. She talks about the mu…
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ALCPL children's librarian, Amanda Coleman, reads select stories from the Alvin Schwartz book series, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Based on American folklore, these tales combine eerie horror, supernatural sightings, and deathly humor guaranteed to make you JUMP! Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email as…
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ALCPL children's librarian, Amanda Coleman, remembers books kids read in childhood that left a lasting impression. In this episode she and guests Josh Smith and Ronnie Ramone dissect the book series, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Derived from urban legends like Resurrection Mary and The Hook, and featuring scary illustrations, these books were…
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A talk with Alicia Shelley, author of Resigned: How Do You Know When It's Time To Go: Lies, Truth, and the Stigma of Quitting Your Job. Also known as the Queen of Quit, Alicia's book guides readers through the process of resigning from a bad work situation while keeping your dignity and sanity intact. In this podcast she talks about her journey and…
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Georgina Cross, author of The Niece and Nanny Needed, talks about her latest release - One Night. Goodreads calls it "An electrifying novel... One night. That's all the time a family has to decide what to do with the man they believe murdered their daughter: Do they forgive him, or take justice into their own hands?" Georgina Cross is from Huntsvil…
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Robert Bailey talks about his latest Jason Rich novel, Rich Water - a legal thriller about the price of redemption for a lawyer who takes a case he can't win in a town he can't forget. A Huntsville native, Bailey is the Wall Street Journal best selling author of the Jason Rich series, the McMurtrie and Drake legal thriller series and the Bocephus H…
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Joel Mize is the son and nephew of five World War II veterans representing the U.S. Army, Army Air Corps, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marines Corps. Growing up they were his personal heroes, along with his grandmother, the matriarch of the Putnam family. Deeply patriotic, she worked in the support staff of the Muscle Shoals nitrate plant in World War I and…
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Frank ‘Max’ Grose served in the 147th assault support helicopter company in Vietnam, known as the Hillclimbers. He was 21 years old when he got to Vietnam in 1967 and tasked with flying a Chinook helicopter in and out of dangerous sorties to aid troops fighting on the ground. In this podcast he recounts, in riveting detail, missions where mere seco…
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Author Dawn Hogan's first novel - UNBROKEN BONDS - follows the lives of four fictional friends who meet in a home for unwed mothers in the era of closed adoptions. From the 1950's - 1970's millions of unwed mothers gave up their babies, the effects of which lingered long after they were released to resume 'normal' lives. For both birth parents and …
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Paranormal suspense author Iris Kain began writing as a military spouse overseas. In this podcast she talks about her vampire Blood Tribe Trilogy series and her latest book, Sour. She also discusses what it's like to be an indy author and self-publisher of her books. https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcp…
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Author Jennifer Kelly: The Foxes of Belair - Gallant Fox, Omaha and the Quest for the Triple Crown
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Jennifer Kelly, author of The Foxes of Belair: Gallant Fox, Omaha, and the Quest for the Triple Crown, gives us a close-up look at the world of American Thoroughbred horse racing. Her book recounts one of racing's earliest dynasties - the historic Belair Stud and its quest to breed two Triple Crown winners. In this podcast she talks about the lure …
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Pryor Field Airport Manager Adam Fox previews the first-ever North Alabama Airfest, June 10-11. Featuring aerial demonstrations, an aviation STEM lab, and rides in a Huey helicopter, this event is designed to showcase the thriving aviation industry and careers in North Alabama. https://www.alcpl.org/ https://flydcu.com/airfest Music from Pixabay…
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Author Jim Nesbitt has released his latest novel in his Ed Earl Burch series - The Dead Certain Doubt. The main character is a battered but dogged private investigator on a mercy mission who takes on a violent world of smugglers, cartel killers, crooked lawmen, Bible-thumping hucksters, and an old nemesis who wants to see him dead. Jim talks about …
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Gene Keith, retired Athens art teacher, taught his students much more than art: for thirty four years, he also gave them lessons in life. He reflects on his career and we get a a glimpse of why his creative and thoughtful approach to teaching made him a student favorite. Since retiring, Gene's avocation has been genealogy research and learning abou…
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Fred Smith has lived in Limestone County all of his life. He remembers a slower, gentler time and describes his life growing up in 1950's Athens. He looks back at a time when everyone knew their neighbors and no one locked their doors because "you just couldn't think of a reason why not." He also talks about his first job at the old Ross Hotel just…
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In her new book, Musing My Way to Peace While Loving an Addict, author Holly Gorman talks about the pain and chaos of loving someone with an addiction. What started as a way to express her overwhelming feelings on paper, Holly's reflections turned into a book of musings that led her from desperation to peace. In this podcast, Holly offers insight a…
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At age 5, Louis Rossignolo looked up at the skies from a farm outside Sicily to see American and German planes dropping bombs during World War II. At the time, Limestone County was not on his radar. Lou relates his story of how he came to America and why he thinks Athens, Alabama is the best place to live. Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ If yo…
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Helga Stover came to America from Germany in 1956, settling in North Alabama in 1964. Though initially in "culture shock" Helga's is a story of adaptation and embracing life both in Madison and Limestone County. She also talks about Limestone County's original Germantown - a thriving community started by German immigrants back in the 1890's. Librar…
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Join Jen & Anna and special guest Shelby as they discuss top-selling author Colleen Hoover who recently released her newest title, "It Starts With Us". Hoover has risen to prolific, record-breaking heights through the utilizing the social media platform, Tik Tok. For More Information: https://www.colleenhoover.com/ https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/11…
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A new spin on book talks - ALCPL children's librarian, Amanda Coleman, introduces books that many of us read as kids that left a lasting impression. In this episode, she dives into R.L. Stine's book series, Goosebumps. Stine introduced a generation to a horror genre that was both scary and funny and captivated a 'tween audience with cheesy titles a…
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They call him P.I. Paul Irons. A veteran firefighter who responded to fire alarms in Athens for over 40 years. In that time he developed a rapport with both his men and his community. In this episode he recounts a fiery rescue with a divine intervention. P.I. unfolds stories about the dangers, risks, and rewards that came from serving people in his…
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Leah Oakley, resident of Athens, Alabama, is recovering from back surgery when an unexpected visitor pays a call. The Day the Squirrel Went Berserk song by Ray Stevens comes to life when a "big one" gets trapped inside her home. Desperation sets in when her calls for back-up fall on deaf ears. Her only hope comes from one Mr. Critter Catcher but he…
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Join Jen & Anna as they discuss NY Times bestselling author and humorist David Sedaris, famous for writing "The Santaland Diaries". David is a prolific author, comedian, and radio personality. This episode features 'The Naughty Elf’ as a nod to David’s career-launching work, “The Santaland Diaries”. For More Information: https://www.davidsedarisboo…
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Athens may have more ghost stories per capita than any other town in the South! In this episode, we preview the Athens Alabama Haunt Walk 2022 with special guests Toni Morrison from the Athens Limestone Visitors Center and Shane Black, noted storyteller and author of The Spirits of Athens: Haunting Tales of an Alabama Town. Shane gives a taste of w…
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A conversation with two avid genealogists who teach a class here at the Athens - Limestone County Library. Whether you're an old hand or a newbie, Pam Hertenstein and Brenda Calvert have a wealth of information and user-friendly tips that will help you take a deep dive into your family history! They break down the best online resources and explain …
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A conversation with John Archibald, author of Shaking the Gates of Hell: A Search for Family and Truth in the Wake of the Civil Rights Movement. Growing up the son of minister in 1960's Birmingham, his book explores the culture of silence adopted by the church and other prominent community leaders who chose not to speak out during the turbulent Civ…
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As the new voice of Alabama poetry, Ashley M. Jones reads select poems and talks about the inspiration she draws from history, current events, and her personal life. Ashley reflects on what it means to be the youngest and first person of color appointed Poet Laureate of Alabama. https://ashleymjonespoetry.com Have questions about this episode? Emai…
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Join Jen & Anna as they discuss NY Times bestselling author Mark Manson, famous for writing "life advice that doesn't suck". Mark originally started a blog on dating advice, and over time, developed his writing style to focus on self-help and hilarious life advice. This episode features 'Bourbon Punch', a recipe courtesy of local Bourbon aficionado…
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Library Director, Jennifer Baxter, has a conversation with Tere Richardson, Executive Director of Athens Main Street. They discuss the role Athens Main Street has played in making downtown Athens a one-of-a-kind experience with shops, restaurants, and businesses within walking distance of the historic Athens Square and colorful Merchants Alley. And…
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Hope and Fear: Modern Myths, Conspiracy Theories and Pseudo-History - a conversation with author Ron Fritze
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Library Director, Jennifer Baxter, has a conversation with Ron Fritze on his newly released book, Hope and Fear. They discuss conspiracy theories, their origins, and the psychology behind why people believe them. Fritze also discusses why they're more popular than ever due to technology and the internet. Catch Fritze discussing his book in person a…
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Between the Stacks After Hours features Jennifer and Anna as they have conversations about notable authors over a themed cocktail. In this episode, join the duo as they do a deep dive "On Love" - a novel by Swiss-born author Alain de Botton. Alain de Botton is a modern-day philosopher that discusses a wide variety of subjects, including the ins and…
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Library Director Jennifer Baxter talks with historian, Dr. Shari L. Williams. Dr. Williams discusses her research on the role 4-H and Home Demonstration Clubs played in the lives of rural African-American women from the 1920's to the 1960's. Introduced to teach farm women domestic skills and food preservation, these clubs also served as social gath…
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Too much pleasure can cause pain! Library Director, Jennifer Baxter, and retired science teacher, Emily Clem, discuss 2021 best seller Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. Talking points from the book include identifying addictive behaviors, case studies, and a treatment strategy. They cite the book's research on the fine line…
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Library Director, Jennifer Baxter, talks with Wayne Kuykendall and Donald Davis about the 15th annual Athens Storytelling Festival. They discuss the history of storytelling, how it's different from reading a story, and its importance as a link to connect us to our rural past and to one another. Find out why small towns like Athens make the best ven…
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Library Director Jennifer Baxter talks with Sallie Cowart Brock about her newly released book, THEY DARED TO SOAR! Spanning 1938-2000, the book chronicles the history of the award winning Athens High School Golden Eagle Band. They are joined by former Golden Eagle Band Director, Dan Havely, who led the band for 34 years. This small town band repres…
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Library Director Jennifer Baxter has a conversation with Athens Mayor, Ronnie Marks. He talks about the future of Athens, where it’s growing and why it’s important for everyone to get involved in their community. Links https://www.alcpl.org/ https://www.visitathensal.com/ Have questions about this episode? Email gotquestions@alcpl.org Music by Pixa…
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