Bibliobanter

Bibliobanter March 2026

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:18:54 -0400

Mostly a check in today. Adam and Lexi note the irony of hitting a slump during reading month. Adam prepares the listener for him to be obnoxious about his bookworm fixation in April. Lexi makes no attempt to rein him in.

Bibliobanter - February 2026

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:14:43 -0500

Lexi gushes Withering Heights, both the book and movie. Adam talks about the avatar novels and his foray into Heated Rivalry while comparing it to Kinn/Porsche. Somehow, he doesn't mention Ascendance of a Bookworm or Kamen Rider. He'll probably remember in March.

Bibliobanter January 2026 New Year

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:19:29 -0500

Lexi says a swear! Also they talk about books they are reading. Adam gets into things with Avatar and challenges Lexi to watch the anime Kaugya-Sama Love is War. Lexi challenges Adam to read and watch Heated Rivalry (jokes on her it was already on his list!) New Year! Same Hosts! Hopefully NEW BOOKS AND MEDIA to be discussed here on Bibliobanter!

Bibliobanter - December 2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:34:13 -0500

Adam and Lexi talk about holiday books. Actually they don't. Adam gushes Absolute Batman and Wonder Woman, Lexi discusses not finishing books but talks about holiday books that are romances while she would rather be reading horror. Adam complains about suicide squad (2016). Lexi celebrates getting her first Christmas tree.

Enjoy the final podcast of the year and see you all again 2026!

Bibliobanter November 2025

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:53:42 -0500

It's that time! Another episode of Bibliobanter! Lexi and Adam continue to agree that Victor Frankenstein was a scumbag. Lexi gives her review of the new movie, and Adam to the shock of absolutely no one here discusses bookworm and Kamen Rider again because he has an absolutely one (well ok two) track mind. They also gush about how cute the very cozy series Hex Vet by Sam Davies is. It is very cute, it's available on hoopla, and you should absolutely curl up and read it.

Tune in next time when we discuss holiday reads!

Bilbiobanter - Frankenstein

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:11:50 -0400

It's Spookums Month. As such Adam and Lexi decided to do a review of one of the most famous literary classics of the season of spookiness, Frankenstein. With special guests, the voices in the other room our mics got too sensitive and picked up briefly! There isn't much else to say other than give the classic a read and tell us how you feel about that scumbag Victor Frankenstein.

Bibliobanter - September 2025

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:48:09 -0400

A little late on the upload, but Adam and Lexi talk about what they were reading in the lead to September. Adam geeks about the new Kamen Rider. Lexi suggests we start reading spooky stuff. She recommended Hidden Valley Road which shockingly DOESN'T deal with Ranch Dressing. Why are you still reading this? Listen to them talk about their stuff. Also read Frankenstein since we will be talking about it next month!

Bibliobanter August 2025 Podcast

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:27:38 -0400

Adam and Lexi catch up, having been unable to record in July. Adam makes so many mistakes, see if you can catch them all! (no prizes for catching them all, not even a certificate). They go over what they have been reading and watching and it's just in general chill vibes.

Bibliobanter: Pride 2025

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:25:05 -0400

Adam did it, he got Lexi bookworm pilled! They gush about that first then Lexi begins the process of talking about the various books she recommends for pride. Lexi discusses sobbing over Glee, while Adam recommends fun horror Otherside Picnic. Both of them adore Chuck Tingle. And it's true, there is no hetero explanation for Golden Kamuy. Happy Pride everyone.

Bibliobanter - Traveling Librarian in Boston

Wed, 21 May 2025 14:59:33 -0400

Lexi just returned from Boston and tells about her trip and experience there with the library and literature. Adam gushes about bookworm some more like he thinks it's a good series or something. They both freak out about weird sounds coming from the speakers. Neither admits the library is haunted.

Bibliobanter Spring Cleaning

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:07:08 -0400

Adam and Lexi discuss going through their backlog of materials as a form of spring cleaning. They wax about various forms of fantasy series and Lexi hammers home how much Adam will like The Dresden Files. (Tune in next time to get his first quick review during Lexi's traveling librarian piece).

Bibliobanter Rereads

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:21:20 -0400

Adam and Lexi talk about things they reread as means of getting out of their reading slumps. The haddock still looms for Adam's recommendation while Lexi geeks out about rereading Twilight.

Blbliobanter Reading Slumps

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 08:06:42 -0500

Adam and Lexi discuss reading slumps. Adam recommends to folks to reread some things people liked, while recommending for adults a comic series he read in college that is still fun while informing in the pod and in here DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS READ IT. He would like to let anyone know that if they come in saying they let their kid read the comic and now blame him that he will smack them with a haddock.

To learn more about haddocks visit your local library!

Bibliobanter New Year 2025

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:23:20 -0500

Adam and Lexi kick in the new year sharing some goals, some things to look forward to, and only get mildly sidetracked on things along the way. Join in on starting the year 2025 with your favorite long winded librarians.

Bibliobanter Wrapped 2024

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 09:14:14 -0500

The year is ending and Adam and Lexi discuss their top reads of 2024. Adam is still horribly bookworm pilled. Lexi is meanwhile making us all look bad with 100 books in her have been read pile. Listen in on our discussion of 2024, and we will see you again in January of 2025.

Bibliobanter Cozy Recommendations 2024

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:50:20 -0500

Today Adam and Lexi discuss a bunch of reading material they found very cozy. Adam gushes a LOT over Ascendance of a Bookworm and Lexi discusses books about murder and treason with a hint of Christmas spirit.

Adam's Suggestions:

Ascendance of a Bookworm is by Miya Kazuki and can be read on hoopla digital.

Spice and Wolf is by Isuna Hasekura

Apothecary Diaries is by Natsu Hyuuga

Lexi's Suggestions:

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea is by Rebecca Thorne,

I'll Be Gone For Christmas is by Georgia K Boone,

Murder Your Employer is by Rupert Holmes.

Bibliobanter Spooky Season

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:27:41 -0400

It's been a year since Adam and Lexi started off Bibliobanter. We figured it was time to retread some ground and come up with some spooky recommendations for the season.

Adam nearly says Hell, then doubles down, because it's a place.

Bibliobanter Makerspace Librarian Interviews

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:23:00 -0400

Up at MLA Adam interviews several librarians and library workers on the topic of Makerspaces and libraries. The librarians and library staff in question are

Rei over at Madison Heights,

Matt over at Rochester Hills,

Michael over at Northville,

And Krista over at Sterling Heights.

All their libraries are cool and they all have cool Makerspaces.

Lexi was enjoying a birthday surprise from her partner. Everyone say "Awwwww" for Lexi.

Bibliobanter Traveling Librarian

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 16:13:10 -0400

Lexi takes the lead today with a tale of her traveling to various national parks and what type of reading she got into there. Some discussion of bear crime (though Adam remains convinced it was the raccoons framing the bears) and stories of the parks and people who helped preserve them provide cozy reading to go with cozy hiking trips.

Bibliobanter Fan Fiction

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 09:20:53 -0400

Adam and Lexi dive into the wide ranging field of Fan Fiction. They get into the history and discuss some famous pieces and even talk about various ships. For those not in the know a Ship is a pairing of characters. It's short for relationship. And all ships fall flat of the truest ship, Shreklock.

Bibliobanter - Second Viewing

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:10:15 -0400

Today Adam and Lexi talk about reruns; media that is great when viewed again. Adam's voice is back and he seems very excited to subject you all to this. Lexi makes no attempt to stop him. Also Adam mentions rewatching The Venture Brothers. That won't be on Netflix until August 16th.

Bibliobanter - Pride Month Shortstacks

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:56:51 -0400

Lexi leads as Adam trudges along with his lost vocal chords (THE SACRIFICES HE MAKES FOR YOU) to end Pride month with some recommendations of books, and a bit of history of pride in libraries.

For those looking to read Kill Six Billion Demons it can be found here.
https://killsixbilliondemons.com/comic/kill-six-billion-demons-chapter-1/

Resources Lexi mentions:

Unite Against Book Bans

LGBTQIA+ Library Rainbow Roundtable Resources

Bibliobanter - The Internet Archive

Tue, 21 May 2024 13:33:29 -0400

Technical difficulties abound! Fortunately Adam and Lexi have backups in place for just such an occasion. This month Adam and Lexi talk about one of the best resources available on the internet. The Internet Archive. A free online library that contains books, movies, music, games, and even whole entire websites that were once thought gone. And be sure to let us know what treasures you find. The next pod will start after the studio is back in order (and Adam can put down Wolfenstein 3D, seriously this place has everything!).

The Internet Archive can be reached at https://archive.org/

Bibliobanter - National Library Workers Day

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:51:23 -0400

Today Adam and Lexi are joined by several people. Bringing attention to different workers in libraries for National Library Workers Day, the duo hear stories that will make you laugh, make you aww, and make you question life, the universe, and everything. So grab a beverage, get yourself a quince, and enjoy these quick tales from folks in the library.

Bibliobanter - Fun Library Facts for Reading Month

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:24:01 -0400

We are just a little over halfway through Reading Month, and we have a bunch of facts to share with you regarding libraries. Adam and Lexi get long winded. Adam laments the passing of Akira Toriyama. Adam was going to put something here that was mentioned in the show, but more importantly he wants to know where you all stand on the whole pineapple on pizza debate!

Bibliobanter - New Year Check In Podcast

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:26:10 -0500

2023 is over and 2024 is here. Adam and Lexi get started on the right foot. Well, Lexi does. Adam like a fool gave the wrong hours for Friday and Saturday in the DREAM Lab. ITS 1-4 THOSE DAYS, PAST ADAM, YOU FOOL, YOU ABSOLUTE BUFFOON, YOU TOTAL RUBE! Despite said gaffe the two provide a bit of a discussion on things going on in the library and what the new year is bringing for them, and what they have all been up to.

So welcome to 2024 y'all and enjoy the podcast. Expect a fun year full of crazy banter.

This description is brought to you by Current Adam.

Bibliobanter - Legends and Lattes Review

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 08:19:10 -0500

We got a cozy one for ya today. Adam and Lexi review Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. A charming story about a retired lady orc adventurer setting up a small coffee shop in a fantasy village. This is the last pod for the year of 2023, and the banterers decided to close out the year with something you can curl up with. Available in both physical and eBook format, pick it up from the library when you get the chance.

Bookstore Interview - Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:16:31 -0500

Lexi and Adam are out once again interviewing bookstores about their goings on and stop in the some might say, downright magical realm of Coreander's Children's Bookshoppe. They delight in the atmosphere, the collection, and the cocoa and coffee. Adam doesn't even have any sass for the description this time!

Bookstore Interview - Shaw’s Books

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:16:22 -0500

Lexi and Adam make one final bookstore trek to Shaw's Books in Grosse Pointe Park. Shaw's is a used and rare book store that is tight and windy and run by just the nicest gentleman, Hank. Hank tells us all about the history of the store, and just gives a fascinating insight into a business he is now a 40 year veteran of.

Bookstore Interview - Flyleaf

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:39:31 -0500

Adam and Lexi again reach out to another bookstore for an interview. This time with the new bookstore and restaurant, Flyleaf. Here they interview Lani who is the manager and get to know a bit about the store itself, what led to its creation, and what sorts of things to expect from it. Adam tried a quiche there and it was delicious. Lexi had a lovely blueberry muffin. It was totally done in one take and not two, you weren't there, you can't prove anything.

More info on their website here: https://www.flyleafgp.com/

Bookstore Interview - Next Chapter Books

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:30:54 -0500

Adam and Lexi take to one of the local bookstores this episode. Join them as they interview Jay and Sarah, the owners of Next chapter The owners are charming and delightful people. Their store specializes in new and gently used books, and has clothing. They have a book club and are doing some holiday events. The mic drops. Adam doesn't edit it out at all.

Check them out at https://www.nextchapterbkstore.com/

Follow their Instagram at nextchapterbooksdetroit and Next Chapter Books on facebook.

Interview with Rufus McGaugh

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:45:22 -0500

This episode of Bibliobanter, Adam isn't quite taking a solo trip. While Lexi is gone, Adam brought on for an interview, The Man, The Myth, The Legend, Rufus McGaugh. For those not in the know, Rufus is a famous teacher among the Grosse Pointe area. He is noted for having managed to visit every country in the world and has written several books about it. He and Adam discuss the book Treasures, Travels, and Tales of a Nomad, his year teaching Adam back in 1999, and just in general some reflections on what it is like having seen so much.

Short Stacks - Grateful Media

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:53:29 -0500

Hey hey everyone, we now have a name! Welcome to Bibliobanter. Today Lexi and Adam discuss books and media for which they are grateful. We also learn that Adam secretly has a taste for garbage media as well! It should be noted that Adam brings up Steven Universe as being on hoopla, but it is only season 2.

Join us as we discuss the media we are thankful is in the library and on hoopla.

The Michigan Dogman

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:04:02 -0400

Finishing out spooky season, Lexi and Adam discuss The Michigan Dogman. This is the cryptid and NOT the cute mascot of Dav Pilkey's graphic novels for kids. They discuss the origins, and literature about the beast, and review the two films available on Hoopla Digital linked below. They also make many references to the famous song by Steven Cooke which you can find on YouTube.

Dogman (Hoopla)

Dogman 2: Wraith of the Litter (Hoopla)

Short Stacks - Spooky Season

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:11:27 -0400

Starting up a new podcast, GPPL Welcomes Adam Pecar and Alexis Smith as they kick off the fall season with a new series called Short Stacks where they give quick (allegedly) reviews of materials that are recommended by the various librarians of Grosse Pointe Public Library.

Welcome the New Crew in 2022

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:01:35 -0400

Introducing Adam and Stephanie to the podcast as Matt has moved on to another library. We discuss what we have been reading, watching, and thew new stuff coming to the library this fall.

April Snow Showers

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:30:51 -0400

This is a little late as I've been home with sick children. We talked about what's happening at the library over the spring and summer. Look forward to Books on the Lake and the annual Summer Reading Program.

We still haven't fulfilled each other's new years requests yet. There's still time though...

Welcome 2022

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 13:27:21 -0500

Annie catches Matt up on her year end challenge. Matt is given a challenge to a virtual art challenge using Creative Bug. Our progress will be tracked in the upcoming episodes.

It's a new year and we've been up to some stuff. Annie has been reading books and Matt has been watching anime. It doesn't feel like much has changed but, it has, trust me.

We recorded this episode prior to the snowpocalypse of 2022. Which didn't happen quite how they expected it. As always, thanks for listening and hope you're off to a great new year.

Christmas Challenge 2021

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:32:26 -0500

Matt & Annie are back and this year we decide to challenge each other to do something they wouldn't normally do.

I challenged Annie to watch an anime series I think she will enjoy. Annie will be giving me a challenge next episode.

Stay safe and have a good holiday and new year.

Welcome Stephanie

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:30:43 -0500

We have our new librarian, Stephanie, on the podcast. We talk about her career, her favorite kind of reads, and various other things.

The Haunting Of Central Branch

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:22:42 -0400

Matt & Annie return and discuss some spooky/scary stuff they've been doing and recommend. During the recording we were visited by the library ghosts.

We talk more about Only Murders in the Building and Matt tries to convince Annie to watch Squid Game. Thanks for checking in with us we'll be back in a couple weeks.

The Return of Matt & Annie

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:21:18 -0400

We are back for Season 2 of Checking In! It was a long time away but we are happy to be back. We're hoping that this next "season" of the podcast is as exciting as the first.

We're doing a back to school themed episode this week. Also included is fall, how COVID has changed work, and how we both turned towards more "comfort food" material during our time away.

Things that were brought up:

Only Murders Left in the Building

Crying in H Mart - Michelle Zauner

The Tales We Carry

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 10:50:14 -0400

Annie has finally finished Harry Potter. We talk about that and other epic stories she can read next. We also discuss how new formats have changed storytelling and has added many new tales to the classics of old. We'll be back in July with our next episode. Remember to signup for summer reading if you haven't already.

No Longer Checked Out

Sat, 08 May 2021 11:25:36 -0400

Matt & Annie are finally back with another episode of Checking In. We catch each other up with what we've been doing and how things have been going this past pandemic year. We'll be back on a regular schedule moving forward so look forward to more episodes in the coming weeks.

He Said : Formula One & Philosophy

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 14:27:15 -0400

Matt talks about formula One, the Good Place, video games, and more.

She Said: Thinking about our Thinking

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:28:46 -0400

Annie talks about her armchair philosophy phase.

He Said - Ode to Video Games

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 10:01:31 -0400

Matt's response to Annie's ode to joy. Some video game talk and other media consumption stuff is been doing.

She Said: Odes to Joy

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:59:40 -0400

Annie is addicted to Frozen II and can’t say Elizabethan.

He Said: Star Wars

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 16:42:47 -0400

Matt responds to Annie finally watching Star Wars. We hope you enjoy the new format and stay tuned for more episodes.

She Said: Star Wars

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 15:24:20 -0400

A first episode in our new series, She Said He Said. Annie finally saw Star Wars, but prefers Brad Pitt.

The Pandemic Podcast

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:55:31 -0400

On this special at home episode, Matt has some hoopla and kanopy recommendations for you to consider. Hope everyone is staying safe. We'll get through this together.

Checking In #23: Midwinter Vibes

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:56:26 -0500

Annie is back from her trip to Florida and Matt's been chilling here. Annie's family got sick during the trip but still managed to have a good time. Matt relaxed and enjoyed the easy commute and the quiet with lots of people seemingly out of town. We talk about the books we've been reading, shows we watched, among other things.

After the break, we get into library stuff like the short story contest and upcoming events. It's a fun episode where we somehow start talking about Uncle Harry's Deli and Annie's Dutch Blitz rites of passage.

Black Puma's Colors closes us out for the week. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode.

Checking In #22: These Blue Winter Days

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 12:15:51 -0500

Matt & Annie are back to discuss what they've been up to these past couple weeks. More reading, watching movies and TV shows, and some working out. After the break we talk about what we do to cope during the Michigan grey winter. Things that work for us include: going for walks, funny movies, SAD lights, and leaving. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode.

George Harrison's "I Got My Mind Set on You" closes us out for the week.

podcast@grossepointelibrary.org for any questions or suggestions.

Checking In #21: One Year In...

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 13:58:27 -0500

Matt & Annie discuss what they've been doing the past several weeks. We talk about the books we read and shows and movies we watched. In the second half we look back on our first year of podcasting and what we've learned and hope to accomplish.

Some of the mentions include: Little Women, Parasite, Good Place, Last Poets, Memory Police, Good Riddance, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and more.

Checking In #20: The Trends of the Decade

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 08:50:18 -0500

It's a new year and a new episode for Checking In. Annie & I discuss what we think are the biggest trends of the decade. We touch on social media, video games, podcasts, and other technology trends. The last decade brought about a lot of change, the next decade is sure to do the same. Maybe looking back we can see what lies ahead.

As always, thanks for listening. Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast listening app to get the newest episodes when they are posted.

"Toss a Coin to Your Witcher" from the Netflix show The Witcher closes us out this week. It's a very catchy song, try not to get it stuck in your head.

Checking In #19 : Tis the Season

Sat, 14 Dec 2019 14:22:20 -0500

Matt & Annie are back with a holiday themed episode. We talk about our family traditions, things we like about the holidays, and whether or not Die Hard is, in fact, a Christmas movie. We're taking a break for the rest of the year and will be back in January with a new episode. Have a good holiday and new year. See you in 2020!

Trans Siberian Orchestra's Carol of the Bells is our intro for the week and Last Christmas by Wham! closes us out.

Checking In #18: Fall Frenzy

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 20:47:39 -0500

A previously recorded episode where Matt & Annie discuss what they're reading and the fall holidays. Matt talks about his baby on the way.

UPDATE: Checking In has added a new addition: a healthy baby girl!

Checking In #17: Back in the Studio

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 15:39:52 -0400

Annie & I are back to the studio with newest episode. We discuss the things we've been reading and watching. We talk about what the Great American Novel is, David's new Science Fiction book group and the Digital Media Lab. In the second half, we talk about Halloween and the upcoming library programs and events that will be happening.

Books

Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall, & Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson by Peter Ames Carlin

My Year of Rest & Relaxation by Otessa Moshfegh

The War on Normal People by Andrew Yang

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

I Am the New Black by Tracy Morgan

Movies

Television

Black Mirror

The Last OG

The Barenaked Ladies "Brain Wilson" closes us out for the week.

Checking In #16: Ride Along

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 14:22:06 -0400

On this special episode of Checking In Annie and I are on the road with outreach librarian Kathleen. We talk about her role and the services the library offers. Additionally, we talk about the books we've been reading and Grosse pointe architecture.

Checking In #15: Shirley & The Lone Ranger

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 15:11:37 -0400

On this episode of Checking In, Shirley Maylock joins us to discuss being a radio performer on the hit show The Lone Ranger. She talks about her time in radio and growing up in Detroit. She sees podcasting as the radio shows of the present and is surprised in the type of resurgence this form of media has. It's an exciting conversation and we hope you enjoy it.

After the break, Annie & I talk about the things we've been doing and get sidetracked talking about studios teenagers and microbrews. Thanks for listening.

Books:

Someone Who Will Love You In All Your Damaged Glory by Raphael Bob-Waksberg

The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Watching:

27 Dresses

Gilmore Girls

Succession

New Girl

Chef Volume 2

Maren Morris' "Once" closes this weeks episode out.

Checking In #14: In the Background

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:53:44 -0400

We are back with another episode of Checking In. Today's episode we will do our usual catching up with the things we've been doing the past couple weeks. After the break we talk about our favorite background TV shows. They're the kind of shows we like on while we're doing other things. We hope you enjoy our picks.

Books:

The End of the Affair - Graham Greene

Top of the Rock: Inside the Rise and Fall of Must See TV - Warren Littlefield

TV Shows:

Glow, Season 3

The Good Place, Season 3

When They See Us

New Girl, Season 7

Background TV Shows:

Gilmore Girls

Cheers, Friends, Wings, Frasier (Jim Burrows Universe)

Parks & Recreation

Futurama

New Girl

Background Movies:

You've Got Mail

The Love Letter

Carla Bruni's cover of ABBA's The Winner Takes All sends us off for the week. If you have any favorite background shows or would like to send us a question, email us at podcast@grossepointelibrary.org. If we get enough questions we'll do an episode dedicated to those.

Checking In #13: Back to School

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 15:20:30 -0400

Annie & I are back with an episode about going back to school. We reminisce about our days in school and discuss education in general in the year 2019. We also continue to talk about the books, movies, TV shows, and music we've been consuming.

Books

Beautiful Music by James Zadoorian

This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews

Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown

Boom Town by Sam Anderson

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

Movies

A Star is Born (1937, 1954, 1976, 2018)

TV Shows

GLOW

New Girl

Music

Florence & the Machine

Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall closes us out this week. Thanks for listening.

Checking In #12: The Great Outdoors

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 15:23:21 -0400

Matt & Annie are back to talk about the great outdoors. First, we talk about the stuff we've been doing the past couple weeks: the books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and video games.

Books:

Recursion - Blake Crouch

Circe - Madeline Miller

Sadie - Courtney Summers

Doing Harm... - Maya Dusenbury

Gypsy Moth Summer - Julia Fierro

Beautiful Music - Michael Zadoorian

Wheelman: Lance Armstrong... - Reed Albergotti & Vanessa O'Connell

Radio Silence - Alice Oseman

Movies/TV Shows:

Fighting With My Family

L.A. Story

Queer Eye

I Think You Should Leave

Podcasts:

Childish Gambino's "Outside" fittingly closes us out this week. Thanks for listening.

Checking In #11 : These Strange Summer Days

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 14:47:58 -0400

Annie & Matt discuss Stranger Things 3 and our thoughts about the season as a whole. We also talk about the books we're reading and shows we're watching. Continuing our theme of Summer, we talk about activities we did and hope to do before it's over.

*Our Stranger Things 3 Discussion ends at the 13:50 mark if you haven't watched and want to avoid spoilers.*

Things We Talked About:

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Fools Gold

Stranger Things

GLOW

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

Recursion by Blake Crouch

Bruce Springsteen's Darkness at the Edge of Town closes us out for the week.

Checking In #10: Still Summer

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:58:00 -0400

This episode of Checking In Annie & Matt have new books they've been reading. In addition to books, some TV watching has taken place. Annie has watched one episode of Stranger Things. One does not simply watch one episode at a time...

Books Discussed

Rabbits for Food by Binnie Kirsehbaum

Bunny by Mona Awad

Palaces for the People by Eric Klienenberg

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Happy City: Transforming Lives Through Urban Design by Charles Montgomery

Boom-Town by Sam Anderson

Doc Martin watchalikes

Hamis Macbeth

Kingdom

Indian Summers

Annie's Summer Movies

The Great Outdoors

Weekend at Bernie's

What About Bob?

Roxanne

Matt's Summer Movie

Back to the Future AKA the best movie ever made

Little Big Lies

Stranger Things

Right Now: Aziz Ansari Special

The Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer in the City" closes us out this week.

Checking In #9 : In Summertime

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 15:39:22 -0400

Summer is in the air on this latest episode of checking in. Annie & I will be talking about the things we've been up to as well as summery things to do at home and at the library.

Reading/Listening/Watching

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

Breaking and Entering by Joy Williams

Florida by Lauren Groff

Little Children by Tom Perrotta

Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Speak: The Graphic Novel Adaptation by Laurie Halse Anderson & Emily Carroll

The Good Place

Cheers

Captain Marvel

Chef (Netflix)

Parts Unknown

Summertime Enjoyment

My Ex Life by Stephen McCauley

This One Summer by Jillian & Mariko Tamaki

Last Night at the Viper Room by Gavin Edwards

Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman

LA Story

I Heart Huckabees

Field of Dreams

Taylor Swifts "You Belong to Me" sends us out. Annie's favorite music for her commute.

Checking In #8: The Return of Annie

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 15:46:15 -0400

Annie is back from maternity leave and is here to talk about the things she's been up to. We discuss books, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and articles we've been consuming. In the second half of the episode we reminisce about graduation and give advice to recent high school graduates about all the things college can offer you.

Items Discussed:

Books:

They Went Whistling: Women Wayfarers, Warriors, Runaways, and Renegades by Barbara Holland

I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson

Awayland: Stories by Ramona Ausubel

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

TV Shows:

Fleabag

You're the Worst

Tuca & Bertie

Inside Amy Schumer & Netflix comedy special

Articles:

Smash the Wellness Industry - Jessica Knoll (NYT article)

Anti-College is on the Rise - Molly Worthen (NYT article)

Movies:

John Wick 3

Detective Pikachu

We Are Young by fun. closes out the episode in a nod to graduation.

Game of Thrones - In Memorandum

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 17:31:16 -0400

On this final episode of our Game of Thrones series David, Matt, and Annie discuss the show as a whole and also talk about the documentary, "The Last Watch", which was made during season 8 production.

We reminisce about the series with some of our favorite moments, how GoT changed TV, and how likely we are to revisit the show after its lukewarm final season.

Game of Thrones - The Iron Throne Recap & Discussion

Thu, 23 May 2019 14:57:50 -0400

Everyone is back to discuss the series finale of Game of Thrones. As always this will be spoiler heavy, so, if you haven't seen the episode, check back after. Who's left standing after all is said and done? Did the finale make up for a lackluster season? We talk about it all on this episode. Thanks for listening to this special podcast as we tried to capture this cultural zeitgeist.

Game of Thrones - The Bells Recap & Discussion

Thu, 16 May 2019 15:00:26 -0400

We are back and fully loaded for the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones, The Bells. Matt, David, Catherine, and Annie are all here to discuss the episode that was. We talk about madness, military strategy, and who'll be ruling the seven kingdoms once all the dust settles. As always, this will be spoiler heavy so if you haven't watched the episode, do so before you listen.

Game of Thrones - Last of the Starks Recap

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:43:17 -0400

This week David is off for his birthday. Catherine joins Matt to discuss the latest episode, The Last of the Starks. As always, this will be spoiler heavy so if you haven't watched the episode, turn back now. With only two episodes left, we talk about how rushed everything feels. Nothing feels earned, even if we agree on where it's heading.

Checking In #7: Standardized Tests & Reading

Thu, 02 May 2019 16:10:58 -0400

Maria & I are back to discuss what we've been doing the past couple of weeks. Maria has been reading a lot and Matt has been watching a lot of TV. We're joined by a special guest, Danis. She's here to talk about the local authors fair that's happening later this month. Stay tuned for another episode of checking in.

Fresh Complaint: Stories by Jeffrey Eugenides

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld

Complete Stories by Dorothy Parker

The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

The Test: why our schools are obsessed with standardized testing... by Anya Kamanetz

Twitter & Tear Gas by Zeynep Tufekci

TV Shows

Santa Clarita Diet

Atlanta

Sex Education

Movies

Singing In the Rain

Maria's music pick of the week is One Good Man by Janis Joplin.

Game of Thrones - The Long Night Recap & Discussion

Thu, 02 May 2019 15:59:51 -0400

David & I talk about The Long Night, the third episode of Game of Thrones final season. We talk about the implications of what happens and what is to come in the last few episodes. As always, this will be a spoiler heavy episode so if you haven't seen it, come back after you have.

Game of Thrones - Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Recap

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 15:15:47 -0400

David & I are back to discuss the second epiosde of Game of Thrones' final season. We talk about the calm before the storm and what we think will happen in the battle for the living. Listen along as the GPPL recaps the final season of Game of Thrones.

Checking In #6: Maria Reads Books & Matt Watches TV

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 17:41:38 -0400

Maria & I discuss what we've been up to these past few weeks. She has read all the books and I have read a couple. I've watched a lot of TV shows and she has watched a couple. Join us for some good discussion and thanks for checking in with us.

Books

Lightly: How to Live a Simple, Stress-Free Life by Francine Jay

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

To Kill a Mockingbird: a Graphic Novel by Harper Lee, adapted by Fred Fordham

The Secret in the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

The Trial of Lizzie Borden: a True Story by Cara Robertson

An American Agent by Jacqueline Winspear

The Subtle Art of Not... by Mark Manson

Mark Manson On Relationships & Self Knowledge (Blogs)

Movies/TV Shows

Muriels Wedding

Clockwatchers

Gloria Bell

Mama's Family

The Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection

Russian Doll

Santa Clarita Diet

Grand Tour

Sky Ferreira's Nobody Asked Me (If I Was Alright) is the music pick of the week.

Game of Thrones - Winterfell Recap & Discussion

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 15:50:21 -0400

David & I discuss the newest episode of Game of Thrones' final season. We will record weekly until the final episode discussing what we saw and what we think will happen. Listen along in this special GPPL podcast for the final season of the biggest show in the world.

Checking In #5: A New Co-Host Emerges

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 15:41:16 -0400

On this episode Maria joins as a special co-host as Annie is on maternity leave. We discuss a wide range of books and movies today.

Books:

LikeWar

So You've Been Publicly Shamed

Louise Penny Inspector Armand Gamache Series

Che

Bright Sided

Morbid Taste for Bones

Lucy Knisley

Laura Childs Tea Shop Mystery Series

Movies:

How to Train Your Dragon 3

Jason Mraz's Unlonely is Maria's music pick of the week. If you like us, you can subscribe to us iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher.

Checking In #4

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:58:14 -0500

Matt & Annie talk about their plans for spring break as well as the things they're doing.

Media mentioned:

Searching

Bad Times at the El Royale

Spring Break Reads:

The poky little puppy

Enchanted April

Tulip Fever

Annies music pick of the week is The Rascals Groovin.

Checking In #3

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 15:51:18 -0500

On this episode of Checking In, Annie and I are joined by our colleague David. He's in charge of the Digital Media Lab, a special service the library provides. He talks about the kinds of things you can do in the second segment of the episode.

Media discussed:

My Brilliant Friend (Elena Ferrante #1)

This Will Only Hurt a Little

Paper Girls

Eighth Grade

Handmaid's Tale

High Flying Bird

thank u, next by Ariana Grande

Tash Sultana's "Free Mind" ends the podcast as our music pick.

Checking In #2

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 16:36:54 -0500

Matt & Annie discuss the various forms of media they've been consuming. From books, TV shows, and movies, listen as they check in with each other. Danis joins us to talk about Books on the Lake and Night in the Stacks, library programs that are large in scale. We end the episode with upcoming library programs as well as Annie's music pick of the week.

Checking In, Episode 1

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:09:10 -0500

GPPL librarians Matt and Annie discuss their year-end book, movie, and TV review and what's changing at the library in 2019.