Join two internet friends as they deep dive into the random topics that have them opening up a million tabs right now... and somehow the conversation always ends up back at Mormonism. Even though neither of them have every been Mormon. Come for the gossip and research, stay for the pettiness, as Jess and Mara discuss pop culture, news, religion, history, and whatever other random topics strike their fancy. Follow Jess at Jess Owens on YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, & Instagram Follow Mara at book ...
…
continue reading
Hosted by Charnaie Gordon, of the blog Here Wee Read, this podcast celebrates diverse and inclusive books for kids and adults. In addition to interviewing kid lit and adult writers and illustrators on occasion, you’ll be updated on the latest bookish headlines and hear 30-second book reviews. This podcast is especially good for parents, caregivers, homeschoolers, librarians, and teachers who have the desire to diversify their bookshelves.
…
continue reading
Content warning: CA & CSABy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mighty Mara: Celebrate Disability Pride Month with Author Carino Ho
15:31
15:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:31
Carina Ho is dancer and musician who performs under the moniker ONIKHO. Having trained in dance and music since childhood, Carina joined AXIS Dance Company, a physically integrated dance company that casts dancers with and without disabilities, shortly after sustaining a spinal cord injury. Over the next two years she toured the United States with …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Miss Edmonia's Class of Wildfires: Author Victoria Scott-Miller
34:10
34:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:10
Victoria Scott-Miller is an award-winning Raleigh-based entrepreneur, documentarian, author, creator of "The Museum Lives in Me” book series, and owner of North Carolina’s first black-owned children’s bookstore, Liberation Station. She was inducted as the youngest and first African American woman into the Wake County Public School Hall of Fame in t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mental Health Awareness Month with Author Lynn Joseph: My Code Word
30:50
30:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:50
Lynn's picture book, My Code Word: For When I'm Scared or Afraid, is a great recommendation to read during Mental Health Awareness Month or anytime of the year. It's a story about a young boy who acutely sees what's going on in the world and internalizes the negative things to a point where he begins to fear for his future. When everything seems mo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Switch: Kickstart Your Summer Reading with Author Jesse Byrd
31:01
31:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:01
Jesse Byrd is an international award-winning children’s book author and the youngest NPR Board member. At 6’8”, Jesse pivoted from playing basketball at UCSB to pursue his passion for storytelling. After working at Google in Silicon Valley and later EY in Dubai as Director of Communications for Middle East and North Africa, Jesse turned all of his …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bunso Meets a Mumu - Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with Author/Illustrator Rev Valdez
28:09
28:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:09
Rev Valdez is a Filipino-American illustrator based in Brentwood, CA. He’s passionate about introducing readers to the myths of Filipino culture through fun, funny and visual storytelling. In this episode we discuss his book, Bunso Meets a Mumu, advice for aspiring writers, his career as a Kindergarten teacher, and more. A Mumu, is the Filipino ver…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Reesa Teesa blessed us when we needed it most
1:07:31
1:07:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:31
By Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution (Screen Free Week) Britt Gondolfi & Amanda Romanick
50:35
50:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:35
To kick off Screen Free Week, listen as author Britt Gondolfi and illustrator Amanda Romanick discuss their picture book Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution and the impacts that screens are having on children and families. Britt Gondolfi grew up in the elder millennial era. She reminisces about having a screen-free childhood, minus a little Nin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jeet and Fudge: Get to Know Author, President, & CEO of Baker & Taylor Amandeep Kochar.
31:46
31:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:46
Step into the world of literature and publishing with author, President, & CEO of Baker & Taylor Amandeep S. Kochar, the creative force behind the Jeet and Fudge early readers series. In this episode, Amandeep shares his personal journey as an author and some insights into running Baker & Taylor publishing company. From discussing the inspiration b…
…
continue reading
We're struggling but we're hereBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
A nice round up of items popping off on our FYPsBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Sister Wives Season 18 Recap - Where Do They Go From Here?
1:31:26
1:31:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:31:26
Let's talk about the 90% filler and 10% fireworks that was Season 18 of Sister Wives! Note - there were some file corruption issues that we've tried to minimize, but apologies if Jess' audio is a little scratchy. We're working on it! 😅By Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Wool & Folk 2023: TanaCon Meets Triangle Shirtwaist Factory 🧶
1:07:29
1:07:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:29
Note: After this recording, we found out Emma's pronouns are they/them Vendor list: https://hero.page/boymeetsyarn/w-f-2023-vendors?fbclid=PAAaZt-os4NsQ8-6tGkVFPbs5xjI04ZSNfNFVyqVydzCYel_RIigJsMZMa9yc_aem_AaUCrV7-CsMfdMj6Mb5SQVC-41fC9vJEXuxerHCJh1T5yDWeQcGtG8DYlLMXkBiccOoBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
We are discussing another true crime case today, but this time, focusing more on the Karen energy that the accused brings to the justice system more than the crime itselfBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
We are rounding up 4 topics that have been popping off on TikTok recently: 1) Keith Lee vs. Atlanta 2) The DIYer who doesn't want you to DIY 3) Lauren the Mortician vs. actual child safety experts 4) Combat Gel Lady Divorce messinessBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
This is just us sharing and processing our feelings and reactions to the ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people - we are NOT experts, and we really encourage everyone to look into this topic from the folks on the ground experiencing what is happening John the Duncan video on Genocide - https://youtu.be/_grmYN48ziE?si=ZyE8eG4NWyHN9rPK Historia…
…
continue reading
Let's dive into the TikTok messy we've been enjoying most in recent weeksBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Elon Musk is... Not Smart (Part 1 - The Twitter Fiasco)
1:17:49
1:17:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:49
Part 1 is about how EM managed to tank 2 huge companies in less than 2 years. If y'all like this episode, we'll do a follow up on how he is a Bad ManBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
Because Jess & Mara actually got to hang out in real life, there's not a full episode for you all this week. In the meantime, we thought we'd share some of the topics we're currently working on to share with you. Hope you enjoy this minisode and... this is why we need a backlog :DBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
This is now a Janelle stan accountBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Sound of Freedom is Bleak AF (but not for the reason they intended)
53:40
53:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:40
--SOURCES MENTIONED: -Mormon Stories Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/live/pLJRePfcJtc?feature=share ; https://www.youtube.com/live/A5tFhyLTekk?feature=share -OUR history of false claims: https://www.vice.com/en/article/4a3apm/anti-trafficking-group-with-long-history-of-false-claims-gets-its-hollywood-moment -OUR's problem with the truth: …
…
continue reading
All aboard the Toxic Gossip Train TM - WTOOT TOOTBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Grossed out but not surprised by SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE 😓
1:14:04
1:14:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:04
This is a frank discussion on the content of the Shiny Happy People documentary covering the Duggars and the IBLP movement - pretty much every content warning is needed for this, so tread with care!By Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Like Lava in my Veins with Author Derrick Barnes
47:42
47:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:42
Derrick Barnes is a National Book Award Finalist for his 2022 graphic novel Victory Stand!: Raising My Fist For Justice, which also won the 2023 YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Award, and a Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning picture book Crown: An Ode to the Fresh…
…
continue reading
We get into so many different layers of TikTok drama, especially around Detective Ken and The Investigation (TM)By Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lori Vallow Daybell, World's Worst Mom
1:22:45
1:22:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:45
Allllllll the content warnings on this oneBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
Some family's have a genetic tree. The Kingston Clan has a genetic circle. Let's dive into the disturbing world of religious extremism and brother-sister love 🥴By Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Reality Stars going straight to jail
1:19:28
1:19:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:28
Jess takes Mara on a journey through the Real Housewives franchises, Dance Mom, and the Chrisleys to try to figure out why none of them want to pay taxesBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How did anyone fall for CryptoZoo and Dink Doink?
1:07:26
1:07:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:26
Join Mara & Jess as they explore the various Logan Paul crypto scandals and try to figure out how it all ties back to Mormonism Coffeezilla's videos: https://youtu.be/386p68_lDHA https://youtu.be/wvzyDg40-yw https://youtu.be/8-fugWMBwCg https://youtu.be/HFpga3thWcEBy Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Always With You, Always With Me Kelly Rowland and Jessica McKay
58:22
58:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:22
Kelly Rowland is a four-time Grammy Award–winning singer, songwriter, actress, and executive producer with over 40 million records sold. She’s known worldwide as a founding member of Destiny’s Child, one of the bestselling female groups of all time. Kelly is also the coauthor of Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out…
…
continue reading
Who are we? What are we doing here? Where are we going? Let's find out together! Welcome to our open tabs... you never know what we're going to deep dive into, but we promise that it will lead to Joseph Smith eventually!By Jess Mara
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
My Fade is Fresh: Getting to Know Shauntay Grant
32:26
32:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:26
Shauntay Grant is an author, poet, playwright, and multimedia artist. Her love of literature stretches back to her storytelling roots in Nova Scotia's historic Black communities. Shauntay holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of British Columbia and is an associate professor of creative writing at Dalhousie University. A former poet …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mi Cuidad Sings: Getting to Know Debut Author Cynthia Harmony
20:59
20:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:59
Cynthia Harmony is an author and educational psychologist, originally from Mexico City. She has published for the educational market and was awarded the 2020 We Need Diverse Books Mentorship. Her debut picture book MI CIUDAD SINGS is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her board book OUR WORLD: MEXICO published by Barefoot Books, releas…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Black Boy, Black Boy: Jorge Redmon and Ali Kamanda
43:33
43:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:33
Ali Biko Sulaiman Kamanda is an award-winning filmmaker and social entrepreneur from Sierra Leone, West Africa. He runs BIKO Studios, a cross-cultural film production company and is the President of Salone Rising, a non-profit organization that provides micro-financing and mentoring resources to small business owners in rural Sierra Leone. Jorge (p…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
To New Heights: Tacko Fall and Justin Haynes
43:44
43:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:44
Tacko Fall emigrated from Senegal as a teenager to play basketball and rose to prominence when he was selected by the Boston Celtics and became a seven-foot-six ball-playing sensation. He has played for the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers and lives in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to basketball, Tacko Fall is a scholar, and he has a stron…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
50 - American Desi: Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Supriya Kelkar
49:58
49:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:58
Jyoti Rajan Gopal is a writer, mom, and Kindergarten teacher. Growing up, she lived in Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, and China. Twenty-eight years ago, she moved to New York and now lives in Yonkers in a quirky old Victorian, with her husband and two daughters. Her favorite place in the house is the wrap around porch where she loves to gathe…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
49 - The First and Only Openly Gay Strongman in the World: Rob Kearney & Eric Rosswood
33:20
33:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:20
Rob Kearney is an American Professional Strongman as well as the first and only openly gay professional strongman in the world. Rob decided to compete in the Heavyweight class where he took 1st place in the 2016 Log Lift World Championships and has gone on to compete at World’s Strongest Man. Rob is a Giants Live Champion (North American Open 2017)…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
48 - Why I’m Planning to Pivot on Social Media to Share Bookish Content
15:13
15:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:13
In response to a recent post in my Instagram stories, I’m talking about the positive and negative impacts social media has had on my life over the past seven years. Connect with Charnaie online in the following places: Blog: http://hereweeread.com Personal Website: charnaiegordon.com Podcast Email Address: hereweereadpodcast@gmail.com Find Charnaie…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
47 - The Bad Guys: Live Interview with Aaron Blabey and Pierre Perifel
21:52
21:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:52
This episode is a recording of a live interview that took place on April 13th on the campus of DreamWorks Animation Studio in Glendale, California. I had the incredible opportunity to interview the author and executive producer of the movie The Bad Guys, Aaron Blabey and the director Pierre Perifel in-person after watching a private screening of th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
46 - Twelve Dinging Doorbells: Book Chat with Author Tameka Fryer-Brown
41:03
41:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:03
Tameka Fryer Brown (a native of Miami, Florida) has called Charlotte, North Carolina home for over 20 years. Her first literary accomplishment as a children’s book writer came when she was awarded one of two First Prizes in the 2008 Cheerios® Spoonfuls of Stories® New Author Contest. Her debut picture book, Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day, was pub…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
45 - Mango and Marigold Press: Chatting Books and Diversity with CEO Sailja Joshi
48:34
48:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:34
Growing up, Sailaja was a voracious reader. From Leo the Lop to Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Amelia Bedelia, she loved every book she read. If you were to ask her today what her favorite book is, she'd likely say either the Harry Potter series OR The Tao of Pooh. It really depends on the day. Sailaja has been a passionate volunteer in the Hi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
44 - Here Wee Read Live: New York Times Bestselling Author Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton – The Queen of Kindergarten
1:38:38
1:38:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:38:38
This episode is a recording from a live author panel event that took place on March 8, 2022. This was an intimate couch conversation with author-illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton and New York Times Bestselling Author Derrick Barnes. Moderated by Charnaie Gordon from Here Wee Read. Connect with Charnaie online in the following places: Blog: http:/…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
43 - 10 Children’s Books Publishing in 2022: JaNay Brown-Wood, PhD
47:18
47:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:18
JaNay Brown-Wood, PhD is an author, educator, literary advocate, and mother who is committed to nurturing the next generation of readers by writing stories with more diversity and representation. Among her books releasing this year is a collaboration with Grammy-winning pop star Ciara and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson titled Why Not You? a pic…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
42 - Here Wee Read Live: Black Children’s Book Week Author Panel
1:17:25
1:17:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:25
This episode is a recording from a live author panel event that took place on February 28, 2022 as part of Black Children’s Book Week, a week-long literary event celebrating Black children in literature. This was an intimate couch conversation with author-illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Denene Millner, Schele Williams, and Ty Allan Jackson. Mo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
41 - We Got the Spirit: Up Close and Personal with Frank and Connie Morrison
37:58
37:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:58
Frank Morrison started his journey as a graffiti artist in New Jersey, tagging walls with spray paint. Frank's work can be found in numerous award-winning children’s books including Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award winner Jazzy Miz Mozetta, NAACP Image Award winner Our Children Can Soar and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, Little Melba …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
40 - When the World Feels Heavy: Children’s Book Recommendations
11:01
11:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:01
In response to all of the troubling current events happening around the world, I’m sharing a few children’s book recommendations. You can join the conversation by sending me an email message to: hereweereadpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to know what books you’re reading in your schools or at home with your children or grandchildren. Books mentioned in…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
39 - Blackout: Chatting Books with NYT Bestselling YA & Picture Book Author Tiffany D. Jackson
42:14
42:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:14
Tiffany D. Jackson is the NYT Bestselling, award winning author of YA novels Monday’s Not Coming, Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme, Grown, White Smoke, Santa in The City and co-author of Blackout. A Coretta Scott King — John Steptoe New Talent Award-winner and the NAACP Image Award-nominee, she received her Bachelor of Arts in film from Howard Univer…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
38 - Marley and the Family Band with Author, Singer, & CEO Cedella Marley
45:14
45:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:14
Cedella Marley is a Grammy-winning singer, designer, entrepreneur, and the first-born daughter of reggae singers Bob and Rita Marley. She is the CEO of Bob Marley's recording label, Tuff Gong International, and the author of multiple children's books including One Love. A life-long advocate of philanthropy, Cedella is the director of the Bob Marley…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
37 - Saving the Day with Author, Actress, Comedian, and Founder Karyn Parsons
58:43
58:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:43
Karyn Parsons is best known for her role as Will Smith’s spoiled and quippy cousin Hilary Banks on NBC’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. After Fresh Prince, Karyn went on to found Sweet Blackberry, an award-winning series of children’s animated films and books sharing stories of unsung black heroes in history, featuring narration from stars such as Al…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
36 - Black History Month: Teaching Beyond Slavery, Racism, Oppression, and Struggle
11:33
11:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:33
In response to a recent post on my Instagram account, I’m talking about ggoing beyond teaching children about slavery, racism, oppression, and struggle during Black History Month or anytime of the year. You can join the conversation by either leaving a comment on my Instagram post, or sending me an email message to: hereweereadpodcast@gmail.com. I’…
…
continue reading