Between The Stacks

Nicole Balthazar, Regional Director of the Alabama Kidney Foundation, talks with Eric Phillips, program supervisor at Legacy of Hope (a non-profit organ procurement organization that partners with the DMV). Together they discuss issues facing patients with kidney disease including kidney health, dialysis, living and deceased organ donation, as well as the expense and strain on families. They bust some of the myths surrounding organ donation and stress the need for education. There are over 95,000 people nationwide in need of a kidney, including 1200 in Alabama as of this writing. Nicole and Eric promote an upcoming Kidney Walk on April 18th with proceeds going towards patient services and kidney research. https://alkidney.org/https://legacyofhope.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay https://www.alcpl.org/

In a continuation of our MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS series, clinical licensed therapist, Coleman Thompson, weighs in on the topic of ADHD. He talks about some red flags (difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, restlessness) but stresses it is important to rule out any other underlying causes. He discusses treatment strategies for both children and adults: setting realistic goals, structure, the use of technology, reward systems, and flexibility. He also highlights the strengths of people with ADHD including their creativity and depth of knowledge on topics of interest. Family support plays an important role for people managing ADHD. Resources discussed in the podcast: The Anxious Generation by Dick SchwartzScattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Gabor MateADDitude (digital online magazine) https://www.attitude.mag.com/Huberman Lab (podcast on health issues) www.hubermanlab.comPeer reviewed medical articles www.healthline.comHave questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay https://www.alcpl.org/https://www.anewleafcounseling.net/

Limestone County Archivist, Allynn Griffin, recounts the true story of Dora Jones - how a woman from Athens, AL brought modern day slavery to a national stage in the twentieth century. Shocking and sad, but also a story of hope, courage, and ultimate triumph over injustice. Listen to this compelling podcast.Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay https://www.alcpl.org/

Limestone County Archivist, Allynn Griffin, has been in his new job for just over a year and has spent that time pouring over records housed in the historic train depot the archives calls home. With a background in the legal field and a strong interest in local history, he helps people find court records, probate records, newspapers, family papers and much more. The archives has been steadily digitizing records and visitors can browse the memorial website for genealogy research. As part of his work, Allynn has researched and written articles about lesser known but significant case histories from Athens, AL and we will feature the story of Dora Jones in a separate podcast....The Limestone County Archives encourages donations of family papers and other documents related to Limestone County for historical preservation. Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay https://www.alcpl.org/

Dr. Angela Seay, health educator at D3 Health Fitness, talks about the connection between nutrition, exercise, and mental health. Her message: motion is medicine! Her advice is to start small, set realistic goals, and have an accountability partner. She emphasizes the importance of the mind, body, and spirit connection all working together in order to achieve wellness and stresses making one change at a time for 21 days until it becomes a habit. She believes "wonderful incremental changes plus consistency equals grand results!"Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay https://www.alcpl.org/

ANXIETY is the second topic in our MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS sponsored by A New Leaf Counseling Center. Clinical licensed therapist, Coleman Thompson, explains anxiety may involve physical symptoms like racing heart and persistent negative thoughts, and often co-occurs with depression and stress. He talks about various forms of anxiety, including generalized, social, specific phobias, and panic attacks. Citing different age groups and their specific challenges, Coleman states only about 35 % of those suffering from anxiety seek treatment due to stigma. He talks about various clinical therapies and the importance of family support. Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay https://www.alcpl.org/https://www.anewleafcounseling.net/https://nndc.org/resource-links/

Athens-Limestone County Public Library presents our youth librarian, Amanda Coleman, reading the classic scary story from Ray Bradbury: "The Black Ferris." A visit to the carnival will never be the same! Grab your popcorn and enjoy the ride!https://www.alcpl.orgHave questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

A conversation with Lisa Hoffman, Museum Curator, and Monteia Moore, Campus Events Coordinator, from Athens State University. They discuss two exhibits coming to campus in November - The Wall That Heals and Vietnam Then & Now. The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. that travels around the country honoring our Vietnam veterans. Beginning November 6 with an opening ceremony, visitors can view the Wall twenty four hours a day through November 9. A special candlelight ceremony will be held Friday, November 7. The exhibit includes a mobile education center with displays of the Wall of Faces and items left at the original wall. Additionally, a Vietnam Then & Now art exhibit featuring Vietnam veterans and artists, David Wright and Chuck Creasy, will be on display at the Nazaretian Alumni Welcome Center from October 27 to November 30. Both exhibits aim to honor Vietnam veterans and educate the public. https://www.alcpl.org/https://www.athens.edu/the-wall-that-heals-is-coming-to-athens-on-november-6-9-2025/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

Yulia Weston, a certified yoga instructor, teaches free yoga classes at the Athens-Limestone Public Library on Mondays at 10:45 am and Tuesdays at 7:15 pm. She explains how yoga is not just a physical practice but also aims to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.Yulia explains her teaching style, which is focused on core stability, strength, and alignment. She addresses yoga etiquette, props, and the importance of listening to one's body. She also touches on the 2021 lifting of the yoga ban in Alabama public schools, highlighting its many benefits as a form of exercise.Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay https://www.alcpl.org/

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS is a series of five talks sponsored by A New Leaf Counseling Center. Clinical licensed therapist, Coleman Thompson, talks about depression, its signs and symptoms, and how it differs from sadness. Persistent low mood, low appetite, sleep changes, and negative thoughts for more than 6 months may indicate depression. He notes depression in children and adults may look different and advocates family and cognitive behavioral therapy to learn healthy coping skills. Exercise, positive self-talk, journaling, self awareness and family support are key in overcoming depression. Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay https://www.alcpl.org/https://www.anewleafcounseling.net/https://nndc.org/resource-links/

A.J. Coleman reads two chapters from the first book in her Happy Hallomentary series titled Welcome to Life (and the fifth grade). Jacket: Meet Frankie Stine. He's a tall, green, one-month old who wears his heart on his sleeve. Starting the fifth grade at Happy Hallomentary School...has him pretty nervous. Frankie isn't afraid of the monsters and creatures that he will be going to school with, he's just afraid that they will not like him! Join him as he starts his first day of school and learns meeting new people isn't so scary!https://www.alcpl.org/www.alcpl.org./podcasts/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

Local author A.J. Coleman debuts the first book in her Happy Hallomentary series titled Welcome to Life (and the fifth grade). The book follows Frankie Stein, a one-month-old green robot who is nervous about entering the fifth grade in a school for Halloween creatures. His classmates include witches, spiders, ghosts, and trolls, and their principal is an extra large pumpkin with creeping vines. In the series, aimed at ages 6-10, Coleman explores the range of emotions and relatable themes many kids experience in starting a new school year. She self-published the books and also drew the illustrations. Coleman draws inspiration from author R.L. Stine and advises aspiring writers to write every day and avoid reliance on AI. She highlights the value of originality in creative writing and art.https://www.alcpl.org/ www.alcpl.org./podcasts/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

Representatives from mental health support groups talk with library outreach coordinator, Lauren Tubbs, about services available in Limestone County. Alicia Davila from Pearl Behavioral Health Services stresses the need to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Neal Vickers from NAMI highlights the importance of peer support and education. Jeff Hastings from ROSS discusses the correlation between substance use disorders and mental health issues. Mark Prescott from Wings Across Alabama talks about their warm line and educational programs. They all stress the need for community awareness and support, and provide contact information for their organizations to help those in need.https://www.alcpl.org/https://ross4u.org/ (ROSS - Recovery Organization of Support Specialists)https://namihuntsville.org/ (NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness)https://wingsacrossal.org/about-us/ (Wings Across Alabama)https://www.pearlbhs.com/ (Pearl Behavioral Health Services)ALABAMA WARM LINE: 1-844-99-WINGS | 1-844-999-4647 (Free, confidential, and non-crisis peer support service available 24/7)Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

Lisa Hoffman, Museum Curator at Athens State University, talks about the traveling quilt exhibit celebrating Black History on display through March 7. Originating from Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the exhibit features quilts honoring Black Americans who have made important contributions in literature, science, medicine, technology, and patriotism. She talks about the rich history of quilt making and its importance as both an art form and, historically, a life or death means of survival in the Underground Railroad. Monteia Moore, Campus Events Manager, gives a preview of a special exhibit - The Wall That Heals - a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Wall coming to the campus November 6-9, 2025.https://www.alcpl.org/https://www.athens.edu/home-heart-heritage-quilt-project-celebrating-black-history-coming-to-athens-state/https://www.athens.edu/the-wall-that-heals-is-coming-to-athens-on-november-6-9-2025/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

Brian "Fox" Ellis, author and storyteller, previews his role in the 2025 Festival of Cranes. Portraying John James Audubon, Brian depicts the artist and naturalist who traveled over 30 years to wilderness areas painting and documenting over 400 bird species. The Festival of Cranes is an annual event and celebrates the birds, featuring the sandhill and whooping cranes, that winter at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Brian is an annual performer at the festival and is an active member of the Illinois Audubon Society. His love of nature is eloquently expressed in his books and poetry. https://www.alcpl.org/https://foxtalesint.com/https://www.visitdecatural.org/2025FOChttps://www.fws.gov/refuge/wheelerHave questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 Flood, has been described as "a traveling carnival filled with pond monsters, vampire girls, fire breathing children...also a collection of good-hearted people making their way through unstable worlds." A writer in the magical realism genre, Bradley talks about writing and facing rejection as a way to hone and improve literary works. He also lists some of his favorite authors.https://www.alcpl.org/https://www.bradley-sides.com/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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.orgHave questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 mysteries challenging readers to investigate both the gross and cool facts of science. Her enthusiasm for her work and has spawned 17 books to date. https://www.alcpl.org/https://heatherlmontgomery.com/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 podcast they share their stories - from a runaway circus elephant to an ‘accidental’ hair cutting incident told by our youngest 10-year-old storyteller.https://www.alcpl.org/https://www.athensstorytellingfestival.com/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 the experience of reading a common text. The two books selections for the Common Read are Disability Visibility by Alice Wong and The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Kick-off event is Sunday, August 18th at the Orion Amphitheater!https://www.alcpl.org/https://calhoun.edu/common-read/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 helping writers sharpen their skills.https://www.alcpl.org/https://www.athens.edu/resources/academic/writing-center/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 walks in the park to shopping and bingo, there is always something fun planned for seniors. https://www.alcpl.org/ https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/community-services/council-on-aging/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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/https://wrcathens.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 inspirational podcast she highlights domestic violence awareness and talks about her books, including a new children's book, My 2 Brothers and Me.https://www.alcpl.org/ytbookshelf.comNational Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-799-7233Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 Personal Success Plan and how to Implement It. Listen to their conversation about getting started and staying focused on their many writing projects.https://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 cope until her release, became the basis of what she calls The Purple Principles! The Mindset Keys to Focus on Manifesting Freedom and Lavishly Live Life. https://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 multitude of services offered and also does some myth busting. Library Linkswww.alcpl.org/www.aidb.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 a step up in chills and thrills from the Goosebumps series. Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 life after as an indy author. https://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 Huntsville and the author of five suspense novels, some of them set in North Alabama.https://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 Haynes series. In addition to writing, he has worked for the past twenty-two years as a civil defense attorney in Huntsville. He talks about his books and how he manages working in two demanding fields.https://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 adoptees, searching opens up old wounds as they attempt to recover their loss. Dawn's book came about when a friend asked her to help search for the birth mother who gave her up for adoption.https://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 and lore of racing as well as the safety of the sport. https://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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/airfestMusic from Pixabay

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 honing his writing skills as a journalist where his eye for detail and ear for narrative gave life to his investigative stories. He describes this series as "hard boiled and Texas tough." Goodreads gives his new book 5 stars! Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music by Pixabay

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 and hope to other families facing addiction issues. Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music by Pixabay

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/2022/10/24/1129735256/colleen-hoover-bestselling-author-releases-new-novel-it-starts-with-us https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/63191/beer-margaritas/ Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music by Pixabay

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 and iconic book covers. Her guests are Josh Smith and Ronnie Ramone.Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Goosebumps Theme

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.davidsedarisbooks.com/ https://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/david-sedaris https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/david-sedarisIngredients to Make the Naughty Elf Cocktail (champagneandcoconuts.com)2 oz Cranberry Juice1 oz Red Grapefruit Juice1 oz Sprite1 oz Pomegranate Liquor1 oz Orange Liquor – orange curacao works well – but be sure to use the clear kind1 oz Spiced RumOptional: Sprinkles for the glass rimOptional: Candy Cane, for garnish Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music by Pixabay

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 what to expect on a Haunt Walk tour and recounts the chilling tale of the ghost of McCandless Hall at Athens State University. https://www.visitathensal.com/haunt-walks.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/AthensLimestoneVisitorsCenterhttps://www.alcpl.org/ Shane Black's book is available at the Athens - Limestone County Public Library Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 why your local library and archives may have information you won't get anywhere else! Ongoing classes are held at the Athens-Limestone Public Library: Call us at 256-232-1233 to reserve your spot. Seating is limited. Feel free to bring your own laptop or tablet to use during class. https://www.alcpl.org/https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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 Civil Rights movement. Mr. Archibald also reflects on his many years in journalism tackling tough topics for which he was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, "for lyrical and courageous commentary that is rooted in Alabama but has a national resonance." https://www.johnarchibaldink.com https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] Music from Pixabay

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.comHave questions about this episode? Email [email protected] by Pixabay

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, Chris Paysinger.For More Information:https://markmanson.net/ https://markmanson.net/books https://school.markmanson.net/ Library Linkshttps://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] by Pixabay

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 now, coming this spring: Athens Main Street Merchants Alley Happy Hour Music Series. Taking place every Friday night, April 1 to July 29, 2022, in the newly renovated alleyway on Jefferson Street from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be a new performer every week allowing for a variety of musical acts!Links:https://www.alcpl.org/https://athensmainstreet.org/https://www.mainstreetalabama.org/https://athensmainstreet.org/merchants-alley-happy-hour-music-series/ Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] by Pixabay

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 at the Library on April 7, 2022 at 6:00pm. Library Linkshttps://www.alcpl.org/http://www.reaktionbooks.co.uk/display.asp?ISB=9781789145397April 7th Event Link: https://fb.me/e/b5POPZ7lS Have questions about this episode? Email [email protected] by Pixabay