Best Booktalk Podcasts (2024)

1
The Making of the Modern Muslim State: Islam and Governance in the Middle East and North Africa 52:49

11h ago52:49

52:49

Professor Malika Zeghal (Harvard University) presents her new book 'The Making of the Modern Muslim State: Islam and Governance in the Middle East and North Africa', an innovative analysis that traces the continuity of the state’s custodianship of Islam. In The Making of the Modern Muslim State: Islam and Governance in the Middle East and North Afr…

1
167. Libby and Flipster Tour: Magazines 38:18

1h ago38:18

38:18

This week on The Book Drop, we talk about our favorite magazines over the years and the ways you can access more magazine content at OPL. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. Happening at the Library: Storytime with String Sprouts, Monday, July 29, 2024, 10:30AM – 11:00AM, Charles B. Washington Branch Medieva…

1
166. Reading Challenge: Read a book by, about, or featuring a person with a disability 47:56

2h ago47:56

47:56

This week on The Book Drop, we offer up books written by or about a person with a disability for the latest OPL Reading Challenge category and discuss representation in media. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. Happening at the Library: Read to a Dog Saturday, July 20, 10:30am-11:30am, Milton R. Abrahams Br…

1
165. Happy Birthday, Omaha! 54:54

1d ago54:54

54:54

This week on The Book Drop, we celebrate Omaha's 170th birthday, quiz ourselves on state facts, and discuss our favorite Nebraska reads. This is The Book Drop. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. Happening at the Library: Out & About Storytime: Joslyn Castle & Gardens, Monday, July 15, 5:30pm–6:30pm Immigrat…

1
New Title Drop | July 2024 17:13

12d ago17:13

17:13

On the latest episode of the new title drop, Angela and Melanie discuss their favorite summer activities and highlight their picks for titles to check out this month. Check out this month's titles and place holds here. Check in with us on the first Tuesday of every month to hear about books we think you should be excited about.…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Mary Jo Bang 3:11

15d ago3:11

3:11

Day 20: Mary Jo Bang reads her poem “Mary Jo in the Time of Sappho.” We are honored to be the original publication of this poem. Mary Jo Bang is the author of nine books of poems—including A Film in Which I Play Everyone, which was nominated for a Lammy Award, A Doll for Throwing, and Elegy, which received the National Book Critics Circle Award. Sh…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Armen Davoudian 2:57

1M ago2:57

2:57

Day 19: Armen Davoudian reads his poem “Saffron,” from his new collection The Palace of Forty Pillars, also published in The Atlantic (2024). Armen Davoudian is the author of the poetry collection THE PALACE OF FORTY PILLARS (Tin House) and the translator, from Persian, of HOPSCOTCH by Fatemeh Shams (Ugly Duckling Presse). He grew up in Isfahan, Ir…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Esther Lin 3:18

1M ago3:18

3:18

Day 18: Esther Lin reads her poem "Praise the Scaffold in Rouen Cathedral.” We are honored to be the first publication of this poem. Esther Lin was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and lived in the United States as an undocumented immigrant for 21 years. Her forthcoming book _Cold Thief Place_ is the winner of the 2023 Alice James Award. She has bee…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Sebastian Merrill 4:55

18d ago4:55

4:55

Day 17: Sebastian Merrill reads his poem “To My Ghost :: Float” from his book GHOST :: SEEDS (Texas Review Press, 2022). Sebastian Merrill’s debut collection GHOST :: SEEDS was selected by Kimiko Hahn as the winner of the 2022 X. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize, published by Texas Review Press in November 2023. A winner of the 2024 Stonewall Honor Book - B…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Matthew Gellman 3:44

20d ago3:44

3:44

Day 16: Matthew Gellman reads his poem “Beforelight,” originally published in Passages North, 2018. Matthew Gellman is the author of a chapbook, Night Logic, which was selected by Denise Duhamel as the winner of Tupelo Press' 2021 Snowbound Chapbook Award. His first book, Beforelight, was selected by Tina Chang as the winner of the A. Poulin, Jr. P…

1
164. American Girl Books (and Dolls) 1:08:36

1M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

This week on The Book Drop, we bring on a special guest to talk about the history of the American Girl dolls and books, and imagine the American Girl stories we wish existed. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. Happening at the Library: Summer Reading Program Keep an eye out for Poppy, OPL's mobile library! …

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Cindy Juyoung Ok 3:08

1M ago3:08

3:08

Day 15: Cindy Juyoung Ok reads her poem “Claim.” They originally published the poem in Conjunctions Issue 75 (Fall 2020). Cindy Juyoung Ok is the author of Ward Toward from the Yale Series of Younger Poets and an assistant English professor at the University of California Davis. Text of today’s poem and more details about our program can be found a…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Yinlin Zhao 7:29

25d ago7:29

7:29

Day 14: Yinlin Zhao reads its poem “The Mpreg Poem.” We are honored to be the poem’s first publication. Yinlin Zhao (he/it/go for it, truly) is a writer/student out on the East Coast and on the world wide web. All the stuff it makes is probably about robots, bugs, or a secret third thing. His work has been published in warning lines literary, Homin…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 14: Séamus Isaac Fey 2:37

26d ago2:37

2:37

Day 13: Séamus Isaac Fey reads his poem “Edwin says I deserve to be loved with precision” which appears in their new collection decompose (Not a Cult Media, 2024). Séamus Isaac Fey (he/they) is a Trans writer living in LA. Currently, he is the poetry editor at Hooligan Magazine, and co creative director at Rock Pocket Productions. His debut poetry …

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Fatimah Asghar 3:20

27d ago3:20

3:20

Day 12: Fatimah Asghar reads their poem “The Ocean is Trynna Fuck,” originally published in the American Poetry Review, 2023. Fatimah Asghar is an artist who spans across different genres and themes. They have been featured in various outlets such as TIME, NPR, Teen Vogue and the Forbes 30 Under 30 List. They are the author of If They Come For Us a…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Joshua Garcia 4:37

1M ago4:37

4:37

Day 11: Joshua Garcia reads “Epistle (Deluge)” which first appeared in New South and appears in his new collection Pentimento. Joshua Garcia is the author of Pentimento (Black Lawrence Press 2024). His poetry has appeared in Ecotone, The Georgia Review, Passages North, Ploughshares, and elsewhere. He holds an MFA from the College of Charleston and …

1
163. Reading Challenge: Books About/Featuring LGBTQIA+ Families 38:45

1M ago38:45

38:45

This week on The Book Drop, we offer up books featuring LGBTQIA+ families for the latest OPL Reading Challenge category and we drag Amy into the world of Bridgerton. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here.By Omaha Public Library

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: p. hodges adams 2:32

1M ago2:32

2:32

Day 10: p. hodges adams reads their poem “pêche d'enfer,” originally published in the New Orleans Review, 2022. p. hodges adams is a michigander poet who received their MFA in creative writing from the university of virginia, where they currently teach as a lecturer. their work can be found in cutbank, fourteen poems, december magazine, and elsewhe…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Jimin Seo 3:53

1M ago3:53

3:53

Day 9: Jimin Seo reads his poem “Richard Wakes Up in The Middle of The Night” forthcoming from his book OSSIA (Changes, 2024). Jimin Seo was born in Seoul, and immigrated to the US to join his family at the age of eight. He is the author of OSSIA, a winner of The Changes Book Prize. His poems can be found in Action Fokus, The Canary, annulet, Pleia…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Amelia Ada 4:47

1M ago4:47

4:47

Day 8: Amelia Ada reads an excerpt from her collection Hard and Glad, forthcoming from DOPAMINE/Semiotext(e) May 2026. Amelia Ada is a trans poet and essayist, and she is currently a doctoral candidate in literature and creative writing at the University of Southern California. Her writing has appeared widely in journals, and she is the co-creator …

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Mark Wunderlich 3:18

1M ago3:18

3:18

Day 7: Mark Wunderlich reads his poem “No Horse.” We are honored to be the first publisher of this poem. Mark Wunderlich is the author of four collections of poems, the most recent of which is God of Nothingness published by Graywolf Press. His other collections include The Earth Avails, winner of the Rilke Prize, Voluntary Servitude, and The Ancho…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Angel Nafis 3:15

1M ago3:15

3:15

Day 6: Angel Nafis reads her poem “Why R&B First Thing in the Morning, Why R&B Above All,” originally published on The Rumpus in 2015. Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Angel Nafis is a writer and the author of BlackGirl Mansion (Red Beard Press/ New School Poetics, 2012). She earned her BA at Hunter College and her MFA i…

1
162. Reading for Your Myers-Briggs Type 57:19

2M ago57:19

57:19

We talk about reading for your Myers-Briggs Type and discuss the personality tests — or Buzzfeed quizzes — we love most. Happening at the library: Summer Reading Pete the Cat Storytimes Do You Believe in Ghosts? Keep an eye out for Poppy! All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. MB Types Part 1-TikTok MB Types Pa…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Gabrielle Bates 3:45

1M ago3:45

3:45

Day 5: Gabrielle Bates reads her poem “Intro to Theater,” which appears in her collection Judas Goat (Tin House, 2023) [and an an earlier version of it appeared in Ploughshares]. Gabrielle Bates is the author of Judas Goat (Tin House, 2023), named Electric Lit's top poetry book of the year and an NPR Best Book of 2023. Originally from Birmingham, A…

1
The Loneliest Revolution: A Memoir of Solidarity and Struggle in Iran 54:40

1M ago54:40

54:40

Ali Mirsepassi in conversation with Stephanie Cronin about his new bookBy Ali Mirsepassi, Stephanie Cronin

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Richard Siken 4:53

1M ago4:53

4:53

Day 4: Richard Siken reads his new poem Cover Story, originally published in Pithead Chapel, which will appear in his forthcoming book I Do Know Some Things (Copper Canyon Press, 2025). Richard Siken is a poet, painter, and filmmaker. His book Crush won the 2004 Yale Series of Younger Poets prize, selected by Louise Glück, a Lambda Literary Award, …

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Leslie Sainz 4:15

1M ago4:15

4:15

Day 3: Leslie Sainz reads her poem “At the Center of the Story & Utterly Left Out”, originally published in The Common (2023). Leslie Sainz is the author of Have You Been Long Enough at Table (Tin House, 2023), a finalist for the 2024 Audre Lorde Award. The daughter of Cuban exiles, her work has appeared in the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day…

1
New Title Drop: June 2024 15:10

2M ago15:10

15:10

On the latest episode of the New Title Drop, Angela and Melanie discuss the genre-specific podcasts they'd love to host and share their picks for titles to check out this month. Check out this month's titles and place holds here. Check in with us on the first Tuesday of every month to hear about books we think you should be excited about.…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: Eduardo C. Corral 3:14

1M ago3:14

3:14

Day 2: Eduardo C. Corral read the title poem of his 2020 collection Guillotine (Graywolf Press). Eduardo C. Corral is the son of Mexican immigrants. He’s the author of Guillotine, published by Graywolf Press, and Slow Lightning, which won the 2011 Yale Series of Younger Poets competition. He’s the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Lannan Foun…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4: jason b. crawford 4:12

1M ago4:12

4:12

Day 1: jason b. crawford reads their poem “Untitled 1975-86.” We are honored to be the first publication of this poem. jason b. crawford is a writer born in Washington DC, raised in Lansing, MI. Their debut Full-Length Year of the Unicorn Kidz is out from Sundress Publications. They are a 2023 Lambda Literary Emerging LGBTQ Voices fellow. Their sec…

1
Queer Poem-a-Day, Year 4 Trailer 2:42

2M ago2:42

2:42

Queer Poem-a-Day is a unique podcast series for Pride Month, presenting a public archive of poems written and read by contemporary LGBTQIA+ poets. For this fourth year, we are sharing a poem each weekday in June on our podcast and on our website. Enjoy this audio trailer featuring a collage of some of our voices for 2024. Get episodes of poets read…

1
161. You Can't Protect Ketchup 49:41

2M ago49:41

49:41

This week on The Book Drop, we discuss food and cooking through the lens of the James Beard Award and share some of our favorite culinary reads with special guest Brian O'Malley. Happening at the library: June 1 | Juneteenth Flag Raising & Luncheon June 1-July 31 | Summer Reading Program Keep an eye out for Poppy at upcoming events! All the books a…

1
The Damascus Events Book Launch, Oxford 45:35

2M ago45:35

45:35

Book Launch for "The Damascus Events: the 1860 Massacre and the Destruction of the Old Ottoman World" By Eugene Rogan, Published in hardback by Allen Lane, 2 May 2024. A watershed moment in the history and the making of the modern Middle East. Renowned Arab scholar, Eugene Rogan brilliantly recreates the lost world of the Middle East under Ottoman …

1
160. Reading Challenge: Books About or Featuring Mythology 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

This week on The Book Drop, we offer up books featuring mythology for the latest OPL Reading Challenge category and share which mythological characters we'd want to embody. Happening at the library: Partnership Passes Outreach activities + Poppy Spark Your Story: City Sprouts (intended for ages 11-18) Pres Fest All the books and resources we talk a…

1
159. The Next Chapter 41:05

3M ago41:05

41:05

This week on The Book Drop, meet new hosts Maggie and Amy as they share their reading origin stories, discuss pivotal books and provide insights into the podcast's next chapter. Happening at the library: Top Shelf 2023 has launched! Opportunities to join Out & About Storytimes ramp up as summer approaches. Through June 9, a call is open for artists…

1
New Title Drop: May 2024 15:39

3M ago15:39

15:39

On the latest episode of the new title drop, Angela and Melanie discuss the graphic novels that got them interested in the format and share their picks for titles to check out this month. Check out this month's titles and place holds here. Check in with us on the first Tuesday of every month to hear about books we think you should be excited about.…

1
The United Nations and the Question of Palestine 1:02:45

2M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Professor Ardi Imseis new book explores the UN’s management of the longest-running problem on its agenda, critically assessing tensions between the Organisation’s position and international law. Contrary to conventional wisdom, there has been a continuing though vacillating gulf between the requirements of international law and the United Nations (…

1
158. Passing the Mic 1:26:08

3M ago1:26:08

1:26:08

This week on The Book Drop it's our longest episode ever as Michelle, Anna, Erin, David and Elly get ready to pass on the hosting mics. We test our own TBD knowledge, share some of our favorite memories and get in a few last book recommendations. All the books, movies, TV shows and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. The Book…

1
157. Book Club: Shark Heart 1:02:48

4M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

This week on The Book Drop we find out what kind of sharks we are, talk about Shark Heart by Emily Habeck for the latest TBD Book Club and choose an animal we'd like to turn into for query of the week. All the books, movies, TV shows and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here.By Omaha Public Library

1
156. Books That Fooled Us 1:05:19

4M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

This week on The Book Drop we make an announcement, talk about books that fooled us and confront our feelings about April Fool's Day for query of the week. All the books, movies, TV shows and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. See and answer the next query of the week here --> https://bit.ly/BookDropQuery…

1
New Title Drop: April 2024 22:47

4M ago22:47

22:47

On the latest episode of the New Title Drop the team becomes anxiety-ridden by the idea of spring cleaning their phone app usage and Angela and Melanie share their picks for titles to check out this month. Check out this month's titles and place holds here. Check in with us on the first Tuesday of every month to hear about books we think you should…

1
Mini Episode | Local Author Susi Amendola 24:40

4M ago24:40

24:40

On this mini episode of The Book Drop we welcome local author and yoga therapist Susi Amendola to talk about her new book The Centered Heart: Evidence-Based, Mind-Body Practices to Stress Less and Improve Cardiac Health. Susi Amendola's new book The Centered Heart: Evidence-Based, Mind-Body Practices to Stress Less and Improve Cardiac Health will b…

1
155. Good Books, Bad Covers 42:17

4M ago42:17

42:17

This week on The Book Drop we talk about good books with bad covers, first impressions and our favorite signs of spring for query of the week. Happening at the library: Voting for Omaha Reads 2024 is happening now! This years nominees are: Solito by Javier Zamora Open Throat by Henry Hoke The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride Crow Mary …

1
63: Bryan Simpson, Taylor Simpson & Marina Shifrin, Filmmakers 38:07

4M ago38:07

38:07

Marina Shifrin, writer of Pickled Herring, and Bryan Simpson and Taylor Simpson, creators of Creating Things. This conversation was recorded as part of a special live podcast and film screening event we held last month at the Library. The filmmakers—who grew up here in Deerfield—all traveled home to share their films and an illuminating panel discu…

1
154. Reading Challenge: Books By or About a Refugee or Immigrant 51:50

5M ago51:50

51:50

This week on The Book Drop a friend of the pod stops by with some St. Patrick's Day Trivia, we share titles for the latest OPL Reading Challenge category and talk about holiday plans for query of the week. Happening at the library: Music Evoking Stories | 12 events between March 1st & April 3rd All the books, movies, TV shows and resources we talk …

1
153. What We're Reading (With Bonus Content!) 59:44

5M ago59:44

59:44

This week on The Book Drop we chat about what we've been reading lately, talk about library joy and share what listeners are reading for query of the week. Happening at the library: It's planting season! Learn more about OPL's Common Soil Seed Library and check out our seed library here! All the books, movies, TV shows and resources we talk about i…

1
New Title Drop: March 2024 21:47

5M ago21:47

21:47

On the latest episode of the New Title Drop we share our best books of 2024 so far and Angela and Melanie share their picks for titles to check out this month. Check out this month's titles and place holds here. Check in with us on the first Tuesday of every month to hear about books we think you should be excited about.…

1
152. Reading Challenge: Social Justice 42:13

5M ago42:13

42:13

This week on The Book Drop we discuss the wealth of books being publish in March, check in on the OPL Reading Challenge with books about social justice and recommend new holidays for query of the week. Happening at the library: Share your nominations for Omaha Reads 2024. Music Evoking Stories | 12 events between March 1st & April 3rd All the books…

1
151. Female Creeps, Mean Girls & Unlikeable Femmes 46:32

5M ago46:32

46:32

This week on The Book Drop we celebrate Galentine's Day by honoring the complexity of female creeps, mean girls and unlikeable femmes in literature. And we talk about favorite revenge tales for Query of the Week. Happening at the library: All OPL locations (except South Omaha Library) will be closed on February 19th. Virtual Book Bash | Thursday, F…

1
62: Amina Gautier, author of The Best That You Can Do: Stories 48:39

6M ago48:39

48:39

The Best That You Can Do (Soft Skull Press, 2024) by our guest Amina Gautier, one of the most prolific and acclaimed short story writers working today. She lives in Chicago. The Best That You Can Do is a beautiful and wide-ranging collection, made up of what Gautier calls “very short fiction”—most of the 58 stories span only a few pages. This disti…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Booktalk Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide