Best Literatur Cafe Podcasts (2024)

1
Grey literature aggregation: Toby Green on Policy Commons 29:00

27d ago29:00

29:00

Policy Commons is on a mission to make grey literature - especially in the form of reports, more discoverable and accessible. Its content platform, Coherent Digital, hosts over 12 million documents - and the number is growing rapidly. Who better to discuss this massive initiative than Toby Green, Founder and Publisher of Policy Commons? In this epi…

1
Episode 48: Flipped by Leah Cypess 31:44

1M ago31:44

31:44

When her longtime crush Jake suddenly starts treating Becka like his girlfriend, she relishes the attention. But as time goes on, she realizes something isn’t quite right, almost as if the Jake she’s dating isn't the person she knows. Here is “Flipped,” read and written by Leah Cypess.

1
Quality infrastructure and productivity: on protocols 13:27

1M ago13:27

13:27

Anthony Haynes is the author and publisher of an extensive series of Writing Protocols. In this episode, Engy Moussa interviews Anthony on how to produce protocols in order to get things done - and get them done well. In the process, they discuss such questions as: What is a protocol? How to compose protocols How are they used and what is their rat…

1
The art of the newsletter: lessons from the reader's perspective 39:29

2M ago39:29

39:29

Anthony Haynes writes: In this, our latest genre-based, episode, Engy Moussa and I explore newsletters - primarily from the perspective of the reader. We range widely, exploring questions concerning quantity, spatial design, schedules, the reading journey, distinction, and offputting features. And we review our favorite examples, asking what can be…

1
Key insights on research communications, with Rob Johnson 33:37

3M ago33:37

33:37

Anthony Haynes writes: It was a treat for this episode to be able to interview Rob Johnson, founder and Managing Director of Research Consulting Ltd. RC is a long-established organisation dedicated to improving the effectiveness and impact of research and scholarly communication. Rob and his colleagues have worked on a vast range of projects with a…

1
Before Spotify: the remarkable story of chautauquas 10:09

4M ago10:09

10:09

One question we explore on this podcast is that of antecedents: what came before podcasts? This episode tells the wonderfully rich history of chautauquas - an enterprising means of bringing entertainment and informal education to small-town America. Chautauquas can be thought of as a kind of predigital Spotify. Reference James R. Schultz, The roman…

1
How to define grey literature? The implication of letters 34:01

5M ago34:01

34:01

Anthony Haynes writes: This episode is the third of our series on the relationship between letters and grey literature. In the first, we made the case, using the case of the correspondence of communications theorist I.A. Richards, for considering letters as a form of grey literature. In the second, using the case of correspondence between George Ly…

1
Episode 47: There's Nothing in the Attic - Faith Merino 31:36

5M ago31:36

31:36

In Faith Merino’s story from our March/April 2024 issue, the women of the house band together to uncover the mysterious noises coming from the empty attic—noises that the father seemingly can’t hear. Please enjoy “There’s Nothing in the Attic” read by the author herself.

1
Where do podcasts come from? Letters as an antecedent 34:06

5M ago34:06

34:06

Anthony Haynes writes: Cultural forms and communicative genres tend not to emerge from a vacuum: they tend to emerge from existing forms. In the case of podcasts, obvious candidates include lectures, essays, sermons, and radio interviews. And, we suggest here, letters. In this, the second of a series of three episodes devoted to the topics of lette…

1
But what about letters? Their scholarly use as grey literature 27:14

6M ago27:14

27:14

Grey literature covers a multitude of genres - for example, reports, white papers, preprints, and newsletters. But what about letters? Letters are not usually listed amongst grey literature forms, but this episode puts the case for why letters should sometimes be considered as grey literature. Reflecting on the letters of literary theorist I.A. Ric…

1
Overwriting: how and why to avoid it 21:26

6M ago21:26

21:26

Overwriting - producing a draft that exceeds your word (or page) limit - is an extremely common problem amongst writers in science, research, and professional areas. In this episode, Engy Moussa interviews Anthony Haynes. They examine why this problem arises, what harm it does, and, crucially, how to overcome the problem. The discussion outlines pr…

1
The case of case studies, with Dr Farrah Arif 25:48

7M ago25:48

25:48

Anthony Haynes writes: On The Grey Lit Café we frequently explore grey literature by genre. Here we extend our coverage to the genre of case studies. To guide us, we interview Dr Farrah Arif, Senior Lecturer at the University of Hull. Farrah takes us on an expert, and enthusiastic, tour of the genre, taking in: how case studies work and what they a…

1
Chats With Chad: Find A Place 28:58

8M ago28:58

28:58

Did you have a place to go when you were a kid that just made you come alive? Was it a meadow, a field, a club house, a secret spot? What was it about that place that just made you feel alive? And why have you lost that wonder? As I try to find my own place once more, join me for this episode to reflect, engage in a bit of nostalgia, and hopefully …

1
Culture Cuts: In The Fields Of The Eagle 28:34

9M ago28:34

28:34

The background and backstory of WHY I wrote the book that is quickly becoming my best reviewed and best selling novel yet. It is also about WHO the book is for, and WHAT I hope people take away from it. In addition, give a listen to the first chapter of the book that tells the story of a teenager in 1930's Germany who decides to take a stand agains…

1
Why we need to talk about silver literature 6:04

9M ago6:04

6:04

Anthony Haynes writes: I've long fought for a greater appreciation of forms of serious communication, other than just books and journal papers - forms such as reports, white papers, presentations, and blogs. But it's difficult because the collective term for such forms is 'grey [or 'grey'] literature', which is a term likely to enthuse anyone. 'Gre…

1
Didactic Cafe: School Vouchers- Who Benefits? 37:46

9M ago37:46

37:46

With the school voucher plan in Texas dead- for now- we need to look at why it is such a big issue for politicians. Why do they want a plan to be implemented so badly that they will fail to produce school funding bills just because they don't get what they want? Is it to appease their base? Is it because they genuinely don' trust public education a…

1
Episode 46: Embot's Lament by James Patrick Kelly 43:42

9M ago43:42

43:42

Embot is a time traveler sent from centuries in the future to narrate the life of Jane, a young woman trapped in an unhappy life. Forbidden from interfering in the thoughts or actions of its subjects, Embot can only watch as Jane takes the first, wary steps toward a second chance. But will it stick? Find out in “Embot’s Lament,” read and written by…

1
How to give a presentation on engineering 7:55

9M ago7:55

7:55

Many engineers need to give presentations. They do so in a variety of contexts - for example, as part of a pitch, project report, conference, or job application. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a top-quality resource on how to do presentations, specifically about engineering? Well, there is! This episode introduces Rothwell & Cloud's Engineering s…

1
Chats With Chad: Where Are The Leaders? 34:54

9M ago34:54

34:54

Leadership is a dying art in our nation, in our world. Too many people are so desirous for power that they sell themselves out and become too self involved to see they are not leading at all. They are grandstanding. Leaders are everywhere when you don't need them, and invisible or hollow when you do. We need leaders who don't want the glory and the…

1
Culture Cuts: Matthew Perry 28:31

10M ago28:31

28:31

Matthew Perry was always my favorite Friend. I connected with him, saw myself in him. I will miss him. This is my tribute to him. Could I BE any more sad?By Chad Lehrmann

1
Grey literature workflows: the surprising role of pen & paper 33:45

10M ago33:45

33:45

Word processing has been around a long time now - so long, that we barely use the phrase anymore. So dominant in our workflows has it become that we act as though there's no need to distinguish it - as if there is simply no alternative. So pen and paper have become redundant forms of technology then? Well, no, actually. This episode dares, unfashio…

1
Urban Legends Unmasked CLASSIC: Halloween Origins 27:50

10M ago27:50

27:50

We will explore the beginnings of our modern tradition of Halloween, from the Celtic Samhain rituals to Stingy Jack and how they make our October 31st so creepy. The only question is, do you think the costumed kids are the only ones out for mischief on All Hallow's Eve?By Chad Lehrmann

1
'Quality blogs', with Giovanni Salucci: innovation in scientific and research communication 18:41

10M ago18:41

18:41

You can wait a long time for ambitious innovations in the communication of science and research - and then two come along together. In our previous episode, Scholarly Podcasts, Mack Hagood articulated his thinking behind a novel approach to podcasting. Now we're delighted to publish our interview with Prof. Giovanni Salucci (University of Florence)…

1
Urban Legends Unmasked: "Based on a True Story" 28:47

10M ago28:47

28:47

You know when a horror movie is based on a true story, you are in for a gruesome ride. Why is that? Maybe it is that humanity is far more monstrous than the biggest, scariest beast or creature we could conjure in our imagination.By Chad Lehrmann

1
Review: Putting stories to work, by Shawn Callahan 14:41

10M ago14:41

14:41

Anthony Haynes writes: Many scientists and researchers have come to realise that communicating their work effectively requires them to tell a story. But how? One resource is brilliant at answering that question: Putting stories to work, by Shawn Callahan. This review introduces some of Callahan's key insights and recommendations. Reference Shawn Ca…

1
Urban Legends Unmasked: Friday the 13th 30:07

10M ago30:07

30:07

A date which will live in...superstition? When the 13th of the month falls on a Friday, you may find yourself taking it more cautiously. But why? Why is 13 bad, and why does Friday make it worse? We look at the history of this superstition, and a bit of pop culture surrounding it before asking the question- Are some days just cursed?…

1
Urban Legends Unmasked: Michigan Dog Lady and Arizona Skinwalkers 32:54

10M ago32:54

32:54

A decrepit island in Michigan may be home to a feral old woman and her pack of dogs that likes to watch wayward teens who come to party. Is she real, or just a legend? AND Imagine driving down the highway at 60 miles an hour, hearing a tap on the window next to you, and you turn to see a human, wearing an animal pelt, and matching your speed. It ca…

1
Scholarly podcasts, with Mack Hagood 26:37

11M ago26:37

26:37

Anthony Haynes writes: Nobody could accuse The Grey Lit Café of ignoring innovation in the communication of science and research! In fact, we're delighted to showcase innovative thinking, as in such episodes as Innovation in research dissemination: Cora Cole on GreyLit Online lecturing: Bart Hallmark on pitfalls and good practice Understanding prep…

1
Chats With Chad: Are You Who You Want To Be? 35:15

11M ago35:15

35:15

Moments of reflection are vital to growing your identity and your sense of self. But you have to be honest. You sometimes have to be raw and uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to sit in those moments where you realize this is your life, and ask yourself 'Am I who I want to be?"By Chad Lehrmann

1
Episode 45: Deep Blue Jump by Dean Whitlock 1:18:14

11M ago1:18:14

1:18:14

In “Deep Blue Jump,” children as young as six harvest a narcotic, dream-inducing fruit, and any on-the-job mistakes or stolen product could be a death sentence. Find out whether newcomer Po & her friends can survive temptation and the harvesting conditions. Please enjoy “Deep Blue Jump,” read and written by Dean Whitlock.…

1
White papers: what are they? what are they for? how do they add value? 13:32

11M ago13:32

13:32

Though opinions differ on the scope of grey literature, there's consensus that white papers represent a core genre of white papers. This episode examines the place of white papers in the grey literature landscape. In particular, it explores what constitutes the essence of white papers, distinguishing them from such forms as (a) pure marketing mater…

1
Culture Cuts: Eradic & Beautiful Letdown 37:57

11M ago37:57

37:57

Reviewing two great pieces of culture this week. The Eradic by S. Goodey is a great fantasy novel with excellent characterization and awesome twists. Check out his Etsy store, too. The Beautiful Letdown Covers album from Switchfoot is filled with great artists paying respects to an amazing album that changed the direction of my favorite band foreve…

1
The games we play in science and research communication 6:45

11M ago6:45

6:45

Much of the content on The Grey Lit Café is pragmatic, concerned with how to improve the creation or management of grey literature ('greylit'). And some of it is conceptual. concerned with how to inform our thinking about greylit. This episode seeks to make a contribution by combining the two sets of concerns. From a pragmatic point of view, we con…

1
The Art of Pitching, with Yuxia Zou 24:19

11M ago24:19

24:19

Having to pitch yourself and your work in order to win an opportunity is a standard component of professional and scientific life - and one that many people find challenging. In this episode, Dr Yuxia Zou (Nanyang Business School) reflects on her experience of pitching and identifies actionable insights for other pitchers. Yuxia reflects both on th…

1
Didactic Cafe: Indoctrination- It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does 47:59

11M ago47:59

47:59

"Public schools are indoctrinating our kids." Yep. They are. But did you know indoctrination means teaching? Oh, you meant forcing ideologies on kids that support partisan or specific beliefs? Like pledging allegiance to the flag? Oh, you meant indoctrinating students on things you disagree with! Well, is it okay if we indoctrinate them on things y…

1
Urban Legends Unmasked: Ayers Island Maine and Alaskan Triangle 34:19

11M ago34:19

34:19

Two legends for the price of one! The new legend details the possibly cursed island in the middle of the Penobscot River- Ayers Island. Is it home to spirits cursed to die and remain long after their lives have ceased? Are there dark places on earth that no one should go? Why would you bring a baby on a ghost hunt? The second is a classic legend- t…

1
AI- Friend or Foe? - Chats with Chad 30:14

12M ago30:14

30:14

Over the last few months, much has been made about Artificial Intelligence and its capabilities and threats. As a writer and educator, I have seen it filter into both fields. Some think it is the destroyer of our world and livelihood as we know, others think it can make the world a better place. Should we approach AI with fear, embrace it fully, or…

1
Episode 44: Tilt by Leslie What 22:46

12M ago22:46

22:46

Kim is a mutant who can control the mind of anyone she smells. She’s so powerful, she’s forced to endure therapy sessions with other mutants in lieu of jail time. Find out what happens when their doctor takes treatment a little too far in “Tilt,” read and written by Leslie What.

1
Culture Cuts: Just a Tuesday 44:16

12M ago44:16

44:16

On Tuesday, August 22, a normal day of school turned into anything but normal. An alarm telling everyone to evacuate led to scary few hours, but also to demonstrations of the best public education has to offer. We were lucky, and the threat was a hoax- but we can all learn and grow more prepared to face the unfortunate culture that has seemingly no…

1
Didactic Cafe: We Need to Talk About Teacher Pay 52:53

1y ago52:53

52:53

It has been said that if you have not seen a 20% pay raise over the last two years, you are behind the cost of living increase. I don't know of a single teacher who has seen anywhere near that. Educators have notoriously been underpaid, but the problem is reaching an apex of danger. What happens when quality teachers cannot afford to stay? We will …

1
Urban Legends Unmasked: Alabama Dead Children's Playground 14:06

1y ago14:06

14:06

Classic Episode: In Huntsville, Alabama, there is a playground situated near the oldest cemetery in town. Legend has it that the ghost of children buried there haunt the playground, and there may be even darker spirits that take a ride on the swing. This is the first in a series looking at the creepiest urban legends in each state.…

1
Chats With Chad: Who Are The Edelweiss Pirates? 37:33

1y ago37:33

37:33

My latest book, In The Fields Of The Eagle, tells the story of Klaus Volk, a teenager in Nazi Germany of the 1930s. While the book is historical fiction, the events are real, and Klaus is inspired by some real-life teenage rebels called the Edelweiss Pirates. They engaged in sabotage, pranks, and eventually even armed rebellion against the Nazis. T…

1
Another season over and what have we done? 9:14

1y ago9:14

9:14

Anthony Haynes writes: Our episode on the relationship between dissertations (or theses) and books marked the final episode of our fourth season. Here, in this additional episode, I reflect on the season. What types of content have we published, in what genres of podcast? And what have been the key learning points? Further listening If you enjoyed …

1
The Myth of Small Towns- Culture Cuts 42:16

1y ago42:16

42:16

Small towns have been in the news lately, with the controversy around Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town." This song has touched a nerve with some, inspired others, and sparked debate. But I believe the premise that small towns are idyllic and great at taking care of their own is inherently flawed because it is based on the myth of small town…

1
Dissertations and books: how are they related? 19:08

1y ago19:08

19:08

Anthony Haynes writes: You've written a dissertation or thesis. You'd like to write a book. How are the two forms related? How to transition from one to the other? In this episode, we seek to provide detailed, professional, insights into making a success of the process. Resources William Germano, From dissertation to book (Univ. of Chicago) Beth Lu…

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