You've heard about bringing balance to the Force. But what about to a local dance scene? 2024 Alabama Arts Impact Award recipient Monique Ryan discusses why she has devoted her career to bringing variety to Huntsville's dance landscape.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Dr. Kem Roper, college professor and Writing Center Director at Athens State University, discusses the upcoming Summer Writing Summit featuring interactive sessions and workshops designed to guide writers of all genres. From resumes and research papers to creative fiction and poetry, the Writing Center at Athens State is a year round resource helpi…

What in the world is a bodhrán? Take a sonic trip to Huntsville, to visit percussionist and bodhrán expert Andy Kruspe. He teaches us about the Irish frame drum that’s a staple of traditional Celtic bands.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Have you ever visited a Greek Orthodox church and wondered who painted the ceilings and walls? The answer could easily be Huntsville's own Elias Katsaros! The Byzantine-style iconographer shares how he paints "inside-out" and sheds light on the history and meaning behind this ancient and continuing liturgical art form.…

Discover the inspiration behind Dothan's newest mural, now gracing the walls of the historic Dixie Depot area. Evangeline Reynolds-Gunn, executive director of the Tri-State Expo on Juneteenth Affairs, shares her Juneteenth story.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

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 …

Musician Russell Gulley brims over with lyrical inspiration and finds his voice at last.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Actor Greta Lambert knows a good performance can inspire great feeling in the audience. It might also lead to a conversation in the produce section of your local grocery store.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Piñatas are made to be broken. But in Athens, Alabama, artist Edy Aguilar is making sure her family's art of traditional piñata making stays intact.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

As a child, artist Jenny Fine lived for the magical stories she, her cousins, and her grandma would make-believe during summers spent at the pool. Today, Jenny shares how she draws on these memories to create art that helps her navigate the grief of losing her grandmother and sister.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

If it looks like a duck and floats like a duck...it might be a decoy! Traditional artist Jason Russell shares how carving duck decoys has deepened his connection to nature and his commitment to wildlife conservation.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

We're waxing poetic about one writer's place in Alabama's literary landscape. Jeanie Thompson is a poet and the founding director of the Alabama Writers Forum. Jeanie is the recipient of the 2024 Albert B. Head Legacy Award.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Creativity is one of the great mysteries of human existence. Discover artist and Auburn University professor Lauren Woods's creative process and learn why it's important to spend time with your inspiration when it strikes. Lauren Woods is a 2024 recipient of the Alabama State Council on the Arts Visual Arts Fellowship.…

Artist and cultural organizer Kevin King describes how he uses art to impact his Montgomery neighborhood, Washington Park. Kevin is the Executive Director of The Kings Canvas and a recipient of the 2024 Alabama Arts Impact Award.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

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…

Al Elliott introduces us to Birmingham Public Library's monthly poetry event, Bards and Brews. Featuring an original poem and performance by Jahman Hill.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

The artists at Mobile-based glass studio Muffinjaw Designs (Freddie Blache, Tres Johns, Gage Nobles) let us in on the secrets behind making gorgeous, blown glass ornaments.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Medicare Chick, Lauri King, brings clarity to the medicare confusion. From open enrollment to special elections and the latest benefits, Lauri brings her 20 years of expertise to answer questions and sound the alert on potential pitfalls when signing up for Medicare. https://www.alcpl.org/ https://kingseniorbenefitsspecialists.com/ Have questions a…

UAB's Professor Valerie Accetta shares how science + art = musical theatre magic. Professor Accetta received an Arts in Education Fellowship for her work towards becoming an Estill Mentor and Course Instructor.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Visual artist Michelle Jones shares what she has in common with big cats, and how she finds artistic inspiration in the Southern environment. Michelle is a 2024 recipient of the Alabama State Council on the Arts Visual Arts Fellowship.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Catherine Caldwell and Kesha McKey of KM Dance Project discuss their multidisciplinary work, Raw Fruit. What started as a reflection on Kesha's relationship with her mother and grandmother became a dance and story that anyone can relate to. New Orleans' based KM Dance Project was the guest company at the 2024 Alabama Dance Festival.…

Cinderella's fairy godmother made her a gown fit for a princess. The late Karen Thornton created magical dresses for Mardi Gras queens. In this episode, rediscover Mardi Gras through Thornton's eyes in a 1995 archival interview between Thornton and folklorist Aimee Schmidt.By Alabama State Council on the Arts

Yolanda Turner is a domestic violence survivor from an early abusive marriage. She was able to turn her life around after much spiritual reflection and authored the book Morning Glory - a 52-week devotional featuring scripture passages with commentary and personal stories of application from Yolanda s own experience with the message. In this inspir…

Teresa Smyser, author of Heaven Help Us! and the Warrior Bride series talks about her evolution as a writer. She shares tips on her writing lifestyle and offers advice on self publishing. https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.org Music from PixabayBy Athens-Limestone County Public Library

A conversation with authors A.E. Chewning and James C. Chewning. Living in Athens, A.E. Chewning draws upon the rich history and local folklore to inspire her paranormal novels, including one based on the Athens Houston Memorial Library. James C. Chewning is a motivational speaker and has written Success Defined by Me: A Guide to Developing a Perso…

On a business retreat to the Yucatan, Dr. Jodi Green was detained at a Mexican airport for having a pistol in her luggage, despite following airline protocol for carrying a firearm. What transpired was a 28-day life changing incarceration in a Mexican jail cell. How she navigated the daily harsh reality of prison life, and the mindset it took to co…

A conversation with Olivia Wade, Case Manager for AIDB. As a young child growing up with low vision, Olivia talks about how AIDB gave her tools she needed to become an independent adult. Now, working for AIDB, she is able to share both her story and expertise to individuals in the deaf and blind community looking for answers. She talks about the mu…

ALCPL children's librarian, Amanda Coleman, reads select stories from the Alvin Schwartz book series, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Based on American folklore, these tales combine eerie horror, supernatural sightings, and deathly humor guaranteed to make you JUMP! Library Links https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email as…

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 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…

Georgina Cross, author of The Niece and Nanny Needed, talks about her latest release - One Night. Goodreads calls it "An electrifying novel... One night. That's all the time a family has to decide what to do with the man they believe murdered their daughter: Do they forgive him, or take justice into their own hands?" Georgina Cross is from Huntsvil…

Robert Bailey talks about his latest Jason Rich novel, Rich Water - a legal thriller about the price of redemption for a lawyer who takes a case he can't win in a town he can't forget. A Huntsville native, Bailey is the Wall Street Journal best selling author of the Jason Rich series, the McMurtrie and Drake legal thriller series and the Bocephus H…

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 …

Paranormal suspense author Iris Kain began writing as a military spouse overseas. In this podcast she talks about her vampire Blood Tribe Trilogy series and her latest book, Sour. She also discusses what it's like to be an indy author and self-publisher of her books. https://www.alcpl.org/ Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcp…

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 …

Pryor Field Airport Manager Adam Fox previews the first-ever North Alabama Airfest, June 10-11. Featuring aerial demonstrations, an aviation STEM lab, and rides in a Huey helicopter, this event is designed to showcase the thriving aviation industry and careers in North Alabama. https://www.alcpl.org/ https://flydcu.com/airfest Music from Pixabay…

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 …

In her new book, Musing My Way to Peace While Loving an Addict, author Holly Gorman talks about the pain and chaos of loving someone with an addiction. What started as a way to express her overwhelming feelings on paper, Holly's reflections turned into a book of musings that led her from desperation to peace. In this podcast, Holly offers insight a…

Join Jen & Anna and special guest Shelby as they discuss top-selling author Colleen Hoover who recently released her newest title, "It Starts With Us". Hoover has risen to prolific, record-breaking heights through the utilizing the social media platform, Tik Tok. For More Information: https://www.colleenhoover.com/ https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/11…

A new spin on book talks - ALCPL children's librarian, Amanda Coleman, introduces books that many of us read as kids that left a lasting impression. In this episode, she dives into R.L. Stine's book series, Goosebumps. Stine introduced a generation to a horror genre that was both scary and funny and captivated a 'tween audience with cheesy titles a…

Join Jen & Anna as they discuss NY Times bestselling author and humorist David Sedaris, famous for writing "The Santaland Diaries". David is a prolific author, comedian, and radio personality. This episode features 'The Naughty Elf’ as a nod to David’s career-launching work, “The Santaland Diaries”. For More Information: https://www.davidsedarisboo…

Athens may have more ghost stories per capita than any other town in the South! In this episode, we preview the Athens Alabama Haunt Walk 2022 with special guests Toni Morrison from the Athens Limestone Visitors Center and Shane Black, noted storyteller and author of The Spirits of Athens: Haunting Tales of an Alabama Town. Shane gives a taste of w…

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 …

A conversation with John Archibald, author of Shaking the Gates of Hell: A Search for Family and Truth in the Wake of the Civil Rights Movement. Growing up the son of minister in 1960's Birmingham, his book explores the culture of silence adopted by the church and other prominent community leaders who chose not to speak out during the turbulent Civ…

As the new voice of Alabama poetry, Ashley M. Jones reads select poems and talks about the inspiration she draws from history, current events, and her personal life. Ashley reflects on what it means to be the youngest and first person of color appointed Poet Laureate of Alabama. https://ashleymjonespoetry.com Have questions about this episode? Emai…

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…

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…

Library Director, Jennifer Baxter, has a conversation with Ron Fritze on his newly released book, Hope and Fear. They discuss conspiracy theories, their origins, and the psychology behind why people believe them. Fritze also discusses why they're more popular than ever due to technology and the internet. Catch Fritze discussing his book in person a…

Between the Stacks After Hours features Jennifer and Anna as they have conversations about notable authors over a themed cocktail. In this episode, join the duo as they do a deep dive "On Love" - a novel by Swiss-born author Alain de Botton. Alain de Botton is a modern-day philosopher that discusses a wide variety of subjects, including the ins and…

Library Director Jennifer Baxter talks with historian, Dr. Shari L. Williams. Dr. Williams discusses her research on the role 4-H and Home Demonstration Clubs played in the lives of rural African-American women from the 1920's to the 1960's. Introduced to teach farm women domestic skills and food preservation, these clubs also served as social gath…