This extra-long episode is a celebration of fantasy, strategy, and storytelling as your Harris County Public Library librarians roll initiative on a journey through their favorite RPG passions! We start with RPG and turn-based combat video games that first opened the portal to imaginative realms. From there, we dig deep into the immersive world of tabletop role-playing games, Dungeons & Dragons, and the strategic thrill of trading card games like Magic: The Gathering. Finally, we swap our dice for doublets as we dive into Renaissance Faires—where the fantasy comes to life. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting your quest, join us for a fun, geeky deep dive filled with nostalgia, laughter, and more than a few critical hits. 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Houston has a lively theater scene and for this episode we talk with Mary at Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library and  3 other actors in Houston about auditioning and the Houston Theatre scene.

Learn more about Acting and Theater in Houston with our Resources for Actors available on our website blog here

Actors Aaron Garrett, Dano Colón, and Destiny Duhon join us in this episode.

Check out the live shows at our libraries this Summer as part of our Summer Reading Program! ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

This episode is bursting with creativity! In honor of this year’s Summer Reading Program theme, Color Our World, we team up with our artsy neighbors at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts. Discover how this hidden gem next to the Barbara Bush Library brings color, culture, and kid-friendly exhibits to our community.

Join Rebecca Burns and Samantha Aguilar from the Pearl as we dive into the vibrant world of color—its culture, its politics, and yes, its drama.

PLUS: Hear shoutouts from your favorite authors recorded at the Texas Library Association Conference by our own Gabbing Librarian, Jennifer Finch. From Martha Wells to Saadia Faruqi and Bob Shea, it’s a celebration of stories, art, and summer fun!

🎧 Tune in and color your world with us!

🎧 Hosted by: Sadina Shawver
 🎚️ Edited by: Katelyn Helberg
 🎤 Featuring: Rebecca Burns, Samantha Aguilar, Jennifer Finch, amazing authors at Texas Library Association 2025 Conference 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

 Get ready for a jam-packed episode with two epic segments you won't want to miss! 

💥 Segment One: Ticketmaster Thunderdome
We're diving headfirst into the wild world of snagging K-Pop concert tickets — it's chaos, strategy, and pure adrenaline. From waitlists to war stories, we’ve got the lowdown on how to survive the ticketing frenzy and prep like a pro for the ultimate fan experience. 

🎭 Segment Two: Convention Survival Guide
Planning your next big con? We’ve got your back. Tune in for essential tips and clever tricks to stay safe, sane, and energized during those marathon convention days. From cosplay hacks to self-care musts, this segment is your geeky guide to thriving in the crowd. 

🎧 Produced by: Jennifer Finch
 🎚️ Edited by: Beth Krippel
 🎤 Featuring: Sadina Shawver, Davonna Cartright, Tasha Storfer, Laurel Roseborrough, and Darla Pruitt 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

In this interview, John Schaffer interviews Space City Weather founder Eric Berger discusses Hurricane Beryl's impact on Houston, which caused extensive damage with 97 mph winds. He advises Houston residents to understand their location-specific vulnerabilities while maintaining perspective. Berger highlights climate trends affecting Houston, including longer summers and earlier heat, and emphasizes the urgent need for the "Ike Dike" coastal barrier and comprehensive flood planning to ensure Houston's long-term viability. 

Read our blog here: https://hcpl.net/blogs/post/interview-with-space-city-weathers-eric-berger/

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

This month, we’re talking about some of the many ways you can go green at the library. We’ll hear some voices from our most recent Repair Cafe, which took place at the Katherine Tyra Branch Library at Bear Creek this past month and we’ll also interview Laura Smith about sustainable libraries. 

This podcast was produced by Darla Pruitt, edited by Beth Krippel and hosted by Gisela Parker. This episode featured voices from Katelyn Helberg, Kara Ludwig, Gisela Parker, Darla Pruitt, Dylan Smith, and Sara West. Special thanks to Lisa Lin, Steve Selzer, and Laura Smith for speaking with us for this episode. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you in the stacks.  

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
 www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Join the panel of Gabbing with Librarians to discuss the representation of women in Japanese Anime. How has it changed and how is Japanese culture reflected in the way it portrays women in anime? Anime mentioned include (in no particular order) Kare Kano; Revolutionary Girl Utena; Love Hina; Tenchi Muyo (and subsequent series); Cardcaptor Sakura; Marmalade Boy; Inuyasha; Slayers; Magic Knight Rayearth; Naruto; Bleach; Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood; Jujutsu Kaisen; Attack on Titan; Trigun; Your Name; Tomorrow's Joe; Akir; Ronin Kenshin; Rose of Versailla; Lupin the Third; Studio Ghibli films; Cowboy Bebop; Dragon Ball; Horimiya; My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Level 999; Laid Back Camp; My Romantic Comedy SNAFU; Mobile Suit Gundam; Mobile Suite Gundam The Witch from Mercury; Dan Da Dan; My Dress-Up Darling; Konasuba: God's Blessing on this Wonderful World!; Kaguya-sama: Love Is War; Ouran High School Host Club, Kaiju 8; Idol M@ster!; Zombie Land Saga; The Selection Project; Oshi No Ko; Ghost in the Shell; My Senpai Is Annoying; Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku; Bleach; Sailor Moon.

Host and Producer: Jennifer Finch

Panelists: Marissa Basquez, Janell Constantino, John Harbough

Editor: Beth Krippel

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

This month we talked to some of our regular programming partners who are presenting a variety of programs for families and kids. Didn't catch a program over Spring Break? No worries, all three of these presenters will be back in our libraries this summer! For older kids and adults dreaming of getting a Spring Break as a college student, take a listen to our interview with our very own FutureU Advisor, Daniel Sullivan to hear about the free workshops and support you can receive from HCPL's FutureU program.  

 0:23 Jen Sommers with the Houston Ballet 
See upcoming events on our calendar here  20:46 Troy Scheid with Brave Little Company Summer camp info is on this page 32:56 Daniel Sullivan with FutureU
Find out more at https://hcpl.net/futureu/ 41:01 Mike Blackwell with CodeKnights Find out more at https://www.minecraftevents.com/  

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Join Harris County Public librarians as they discuss the winners, losers, and snubs of this years awards season. 

PRODUCTION CREDITS: 

Episode was produced by Jennifer Finch and edited by Beth Krippel. Featured voices include Crystal Mosley, Genesis Harte-Munoz and our Host, Jennifer Finch.

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Hi! It's a SPECIAL episode! We are doing a deep dive into the many different cooking programs that we offer here at the Harris County Public Library. Come along as we visit the Kingwood, Evelyn Meador, Octavia Fields, and Northwest Libraries and hear about all the delicious foods that they've cook up. Just make sure you've eaten before listening as this episode is sure to stir up your appetite. 

If you are interesting in trying your hand at some delicious new recipies check out this link to view so amazing cook books that were recommended by our Cooking Programmers! https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/2232335159_katelynh_hcpl/2678705627_cookbook_recs_from_food_amp_cooking_programmers

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Houston is known for many things, but one thing that may surprise people to find out is the variety of birds that can be found in our area. Since February is National Bird Feeding Month, the team at Using Out Library Voices decided to explore birding as a hobby, talk to an expert, and learn about one very famous type of bird which you can spot here in Houston.

Learn more about our local birds at your local library www.hcpl.net 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

To kick off our first episode of 2025, This month's host, Kara takes us through the different components of the library's citizenship program.
In 2024, Harris County Public Library was awarded a grant to expand our citizenship program to meet the community needs. We'll be hearing from some citizenship students about why they started their citizenship journey at the library and our Adult Services Program Coordinator, Sarah O. who oversees the program to learn about the different components and what the program can and can not help with creating new citizens.

If you're interested in learning more about the Citizenship, English as a Second Language or Basic Education classes at the library , please visit www.hcpl.net/Citizenship 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

As both the end of the year and chilly weather approach, we all have our ways to seek comfort. Some of us relish the extended darkness and contemplate what may be hiding in the shadows. Others enjoy getting cozy and rewatching their favorite movies and TV series. This month, join us with our host Gisela for an exploration of cryptids and a rewatch of the series Roswell. Also, some of our fellow HCPL staff members share their own favorite comfort shows... And one big miss.

Are the eerie and spooky your holiday cup of tea, too? Check out SarahG’s blog, Horror for the Holidays, from last December and indulge!

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

The latest Gabbing with the Librarians discusses the latest in Superhero movie news and whether Marvel and DC find themselves in a downward spiral or are just hitting a new stride. 

Find Superhero movies, books and graphic novels at your local library or online at www.hcpl.net 

Voices include Jennifer Finch, Tony Goodwin, and Eric Ray.  Produced by Jennifer Finch. Edited by Beth Krippel.

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

If you've ever seen that map of every state's favorite Thanksgiving food and wondered what the rest of the county Is doing, we're here to say you can find folks with head-scratching Thanksgiving meal traditions much closer to home! This month the whole HCPL podcast team met for a four-course meal debating the finer points of Turkey Day foodstuffs. Then stick around for a tour across a variety of food and cooking programming you can find at libraries across Harris County.  

Registration landing page for Herbs for the Holidays at Octavia Fields is here! Spice Club packets are available to pick up anytime while supplies last. New packets available on First Fridays.  

Info for the next installment of the Cook by the Book cooking demonstration at Kingwood is here. 

Watch the calendar for the next installment of Cook the Book at Northwest Library in Cypress (Jones/Grant):  and for the At the Table series in Seabrook, Tx. 

Read our accompanying blog here

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Join us for the spooky month edition of Using Our Library Voices hosted by Sadina.  Katelyn invites you to read some space horror in the Reading Room segment, while Sadina shares some kitchen magic an a real life supernatural story.

Harris County Public Library is home to Houston, AKA Space City- we thought it would be fitting this month to share with you a list of books that place emphasis on that special feeling of horror that only the dark vacuum of space and unknown can give. 
And for emphasis, we also have a blog about it!  https://hcpl.net/blogs/post/in-space-no-one-can-hear-you-scream/

Find the full reading list of Space Horror Book recommendations here:
https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/2232335159_katelynh_hcpl/2631074540_space_the_frightening_frontier

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
 www.hcpl.net
 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

In this episode, hosted by Mary, we learn more about the Gulf Coast Reads community event from John and the "I'm With the Banned" event from Kara.  Also, Sadina and Nikki sit down to talk with Tatiana Schlote-Bonne, author of the novel "Such Lovely Skin." 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

August is Read a Romance month!  If you don't know where to begin, listen in for Nikki and Delaney's recommendations on the HCPL Reading Room Radio!

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

 Hosted by John Schaffer, this episode is a deep dive into the problem’s libraries are facing in the aftermath of storms like Hurricane Beryl.  John discusses the “mold” and the new in an extended interview with Amber Seely, Division Director of Collections & Technical Services at HCPL.

Please visit the Blog page for more information on the ways HCPL is dealing with humidity damage to our collection in the article, “Libraries – Dealing with the fungus among us.”

Read the blog on our website: https://hcpl.net/blogs/post/libraries-dealing-with-the-fungus-among-us/

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

This episode, hosted by Delaney, we take a look into perspectives and experiences related to tech and cybersecurity. 

Ty touches on tips and strategies to safeguard your personal information and deter cyberattacks.  Katelyn interviews Jessamyn West to discuss modern tech literacy and its implications.  We also have insights from John on the CyberPatriot program, which engages students and Civil Air Patrol Cadets in cybersecurity.

Notes: The Latest Digital Divide: Systems Thinking vs. Misinformation and Malfeasance by Jessamyn West

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

This month's host Katelyn, gives us a quick update on Beryl and our cooling center locations. 
If you've ever been curious about cosplaying and didn't know where to get started, this episode will help you get started— or at least what not to use on your face. Darla interviews some seasoned cosplayers about the resources and inspirations that keep them creative and cosplaying!

We also drop in at Comicpalooza this year we asked cosplayers what their characters would recommend for you to read!

If you'd like to learn more about which library locations are open or serving as cooling locations please visit-https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/locations

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Summer is in full swing at the library and this month's podcast is aimed at supporting YOUR adventures! We'll chat with a friend who's out living their life on the road and RVing across the U.S.A., then we'll chat about the variety of sports that Texans just don't understand!

Find more information about our Summer Reading Program at https://hcpl.net/summer-reading-program/ 
and find books about sports and Rving in our catalog, at www.hcpl.net/

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Join John Harbaugh for this special episode of Using Our Library Voices as he talks to the prolific local SciFi/Fantasy author of the Murderbot Diaries, Martha Wells, before her appearance at Comicpalooza.

Find more SciFi and Fantasy books at your local library www.hcpl.net/ 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

We recently were announced to be a 2024 recipients of the IMLS National Medal for Library Service. In this episode we'll learn what the medal means and hear from some patrons on how much our library means to them.

Learn more about the medal here
and as always, check out our library's website for more resources, books and news!

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Using Our Library Voices was given the opportunity to sit down with horror novelist and comic book author  Clay McLeod Chapman ahead of his Comicpalooza appearance this Memorial Day Weekend.  Join host Jennifer Finch as they discuss his upcoming book Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, his comic book influences, and the research and inspiration he uses to write his books.  Clay McLeod Chapman has written numerous award winning horror novels, graphic novels and comics including the Origin series and Venomverse, as well working with his novel Wendell & Wilde being adapted into an animate film by Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions.   

Find more reads from Clay McLeod Chapman and other horror authors at www.hcpl.net

Comicpalooza is Houston's premier pop-culture festival. Brimming with entertainment, special attractions, programming and celebrities representing a myriad of fandoms, there is no shortage of fun all weekend long. 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu