Best PJ Library Podcasts (2024)

1
Kiddo Gets Curious 8:06

10d ago8:06

8:06

This episode features the book, The Rabbi Slurps Spaghetti, written by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Sharon Davey. It is used with permission from Behrman House, Inc. Kiddo is pretending to be a grownup, doing what he thinks adults do at work. Inspired by Mimi’s reading of The Rabbi Slurps Spaghetti, Kiddo learns that curiosity is an importan…

1
Miles Mayhem Ends Life on Earth 44:48

3d ago44:48

44:48

Send us a Text Message. In this week's episode, it's all over for one lucky city if Miles pulls off his dastardly plan. Of course, his plan involves crashing a comet into Earth, which means it's probably over for all life on Earth if he succeeds. Is preventing an extinction level event worth 25 million dollars in gold bars? YES! JUST PAY THE MAN! h…

1
Buddy Hawks, Loincloth Enthusiast 48:27

10d ago48:27

48:27

Send us a Text Message. We don't even know where to begin with the glorious trainwreck that is M.A.S.K.'s "The Oz Effect." Watch in awe (or horror) as VENOM's theatrical slave-labor scheme goes hilariously awry, complete with fake cobras and a tornado machine that would make the Wizard of Oz blush. Meanwhile, Buddy Hawks takes cultural insensitivit…

1
Ep 55: Just Say No 33:48

16d ago33:48

33:48

When you're on a team of one, or fully staffed team with design and engineers, you'll soon have to shift some of your yes responses, to no. Davy and PJ talk how this at times trickles in through contributions, something that was an exciting concept in early days, but can get harder to manage as demand scales.…

1
I Need Thunderhawk, Bruce! 48:35

17d ago48:35

48:35

Send us a Text Message. This week, we dive into Mask Episode 8: "The Roteks," where Venom decides metal-eating bugs are the next big thing. Because why not? Also, Matt's grilling hot dogs like he’s had one too many, Hondo’s got an attitude, and the team's mask powers are put to the most questionable use yet. And can we talk about the animation? It’…

1
Kiddo Learns About Gossip 9:43

26d ago9:43

9:43

Kiddo tells Mimi of a rumor that the creepy old house in their neighborhood is occupied by a wizard who has his whole yard booby-trapped! Mimi decides to dispel the myth by bringing Kiddo to the house to meet its owner, her friend, Mr. Johansen. The man is very kind and very much not a wizard. In fact, the only magic comes from Mimi, who transports…

1
Mayhem's Colonic Disruptor 46:51

24d ago46:51

46:51

Send us a Text Message. We thought Miles was going into the medical equipment business until we realized he was saying "cyclonic" disruptor. We're still a bit disappointed, tbh. Also, "funny-looking domes", dirty bombs, Matt uses Scott and T-Bob as canaries in a coal mine, and Gloria reveals even new levels of her hard core adrenaline junkie-ness. …

1
Dinosaucers 43:13

1M ago43:13

43:13

Send us a Text Message. On this week's episode, join Adam and PJ for a hilarious deep dive into "Dinosaur Boy," where Venom’s confusing quest for eternal youth meets dinosaur drama! Expect bizarre dino noises, eyebrow-raising cultural takes, and villains who are alarmingly happy at their jobs. It’s a jungle out there with nonsensical plot twists an…

1
Texas is Not in Colorado 44:45

1M ago44:45

44:45

Send us a Text Message. Strap in for rollicking ride with Adam and PJ. This week, despite being trapped in a Colorado snowstorm, the boys still manage to delve into the hijinks of MASK's fifth episode, "Video Venom." This episode is a whirlwind where villains hypnotize townsfolk to steal a military laser with intentions of holding a Texas oil refin…

1
Kiddo (Finally) Brushes His Teeth 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

Kiddo balks at the idea of brushing his teeth, but Mimi cleverly explains that it's a mitzvah, -- commandment or good deed -- which is something he loves. In this episode, she reads, Hillel Takes a Bath, written by Vicki L. Weber and illustrated by John Joven, and used with permission from Behrman House. Episode Cast and Credits: Afternoons With Mi…

1
Miles is an Illusionist, Matt 45:38

2M ago45:38

45:38

Send us a Text Message. Get ready to buckle up and transform your mundane commute into a fantastical voyage with Episode 4 of the "Mobile Armored Podcast Show." This time around, Adam and PJ tackle the mesmerizing chaos of M.A.S.K. Episode Four, "Highway to Terror." Diving into the episode with the glee of kids in a candy store, they dissect every …

1
Ep 54: Davy and PJisms 31:53

2M ago31:53

31:53

Davy and PJ go over their favorite Davy and PJisms, their versions of design principles that they have been following them around through several design roles over the years.

1
Dusty Hayes, Book Thief 39:18

2M ago39:18

39:18

Send us a Text Message. Dubious ancient relics. Secret Colorado cults. And pepperoni pizzas. All that and more in M.A.S.K. Episode 3, "The Book of Power." This peculiar gem might just be the original pilot of the series, revealing itself with different voices for our beloved characters and the grand introduction of Boulder Hill’s astonishing transf…

1
Dusty's Empty Teepee 40:50

2M ago40:50

40:50

Send us a Text Message. Activate Defense Mode for this episode of the "Mobile Armored Podcast Show," where Adam and PJ take a wild ride... with a dash of cultural insensitivity. This week, the duo dives into a hilariously problematic storyline involving the theft of a mystical arrowhead that leads to an alien spacecraft buried in the desert. With V…

1
Ep 53: Design Technologists, Again 42:54

2M ago42:54

42:54

We had such good traction on one of our first episodes, we decided to bring on another friend of the program, Donnie D'Amato to talk about design technologists, where they should sit in the org, and how we can use them as designers to be our best helping hand.

1
Matt Trakker's Unusual Situations 51:50

2M ago51:50

51:50

Send us a Text Message. In this debut episode of the Mobile Armored Podcast Show, join hosts Adam Moore and PJ McNerney as they dive headfirst into the thrilling universe of "MASK," kicking off with the pilot episode that sets the stage for an epic saga of 75 episodes. Amidst meteorites with mysterious powers and covert operations disguised as UFO …

1
Computer, Select the Best Agents for this Podcast! 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

Send us a Text Message. Buckle up for a nostalgic ride with Adam Moore and PJ McNerney in the preamble episode of the Mobile Armored Podcast Show, where they crack open the vault of 80s cartoon classics to shine a spotlight on the iconic M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand). This podcast isn't just any trip down memory lane; it's a turbocharged…

1
Get Ready for the Mobile Armored Podcast Show! 8:05

3M ago8:05

8:05

Send us a Text Message. Computer, select the best agents for this mission! In one week, we’re dropping the inaugural episodes of the Mobile Armored Podcast Show, a rewatch podcast of the 80’s cartoon series M.A.S.K. Hosts Adam Moore and PJ McNerney are hitting the rewind button and taking you on a wild ride back to the era of neon, synthesizers, an…

1
Ep 52: Library Updates Available? 29:07

3M ago29:07

29:07

It's a design system emergency! Our updates are no longer behind a somewhat blocking dialog in Figma. Davy and PJ had to jump on to talk about how this may help or not receive and adopt new system changes.

1
2024 Purim Playlist 50:33

3M ago50:33

50:33

Purim is a holiday that feels like it's made for families. Traditions include dressing up, sharing gift baskets or mishloach manot with friends, making noise by shaking groggers, and staying up late with your friends and community. People do tzedakah and also read the Book of Esther, or megillah, which shares the story of how the Jews of Persia wer…

1
Ep 51: Rituals 33:01

4M ago33:01

33:01

Davy and PJ talk about the importance of standing up rituals, much like our product design partners, including, how might design system teams handle crits and office hours. How might a designer working at a Facebook leverage a feed, or a internal Facebook group, to share updates.

1
Season 3 Finale 18:25

4M ago18:25

18:25

Sorry, but we’re not gonna spoil the season finale right here, so don’t expect this to tell you if the kids catch elusive Joha, save Sofer Shalom, or finally get to hear PJ and Elijah’s long-held secret story. You’ll just have to listen. Episode Credits:Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher…

1
Story For Another Time: A Not So Big Bad Wolf's First Shabbat 16:25

4M ago16:25

16:25

The kids want Auntie PJ and Elijah to finally tell all about their legendary treasure hunt, but the grownups try to skirt the subject with “A Story For Another Time.” This one delves into lovable Zev’s first holiday in Mashal. Episode Credits:Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate…

1
Ep 50: IC vs PDM 31:26

4M ago31:26

31:26

We made it to our 2 year birthday and 50 episodes! We reflect in Davy's shift into back into IC at Meta, and PJ's shift from IC to Manager most recently at Pinterest, and how the roles differed for us in design systems.

1
Kiddo Helps His Friends 9:03

4M ago9:03

9:03

Earlier today, some friends wouldn’t stop arguing on a bumpy bus ride, and Kiddo is feeling so frustrated about it that his tummy hurts. At Mimi's, Kiddo calms down enough to talk about it, and of course Mimi has the perfect story to share, Aaron the Peacemaker. Mimi always finds a way to give Kiddo the tools to get through rough times. Episode Cre…

1
Playlist: World Read Aloud Day 35:44

5M ago35:44

35:44

Happy World Read Aloud Day from all of us here at PJ Library and Afternoons With Mimi. We hope you'll enjoy this lovely, nice and long playlist of Mimi reading your favorite PJ Library storybooks. The CandlewickWritten by Jennifer RosnerIllustrated by Kristina SwarnerPublished by PJ Publishing The Chocolate KingWritten by Michael LeventhalIllustrat…

1
Joha in the Woods 11:19

5M ago11:19

11:19

The kids are playing an epic game of pretend in the woods when they’re interrupted by none other than Joha! What’s he up to now? Episode Credits:Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth KorelitzStory Editor: Petey GibsonWriters: Jan Schwaid, Petey GibsonAudio edi…

1
Ep 49: Finding Your First DS Job 30:21

5M ago30:21

30:21

Davy and PJ talk about how to get into your first DS job, the answer being things to know OTHER than building components. On the second half of the pod, we flip to how to get into DS as a discipline as a product designer.

1
Kiddo Repairs the World 5:52

5M ago5:52

5:52

On the way to get ice cream, Mimi gives money to someone in need. Kiddo wonders why and worries that now they won’t have enough to buy ice cream. Mimi explains the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, and the small ways we can find and spread kindness and light. Episode Credits: Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library. Produ…

1
Story for Another Time: Passover in Mashal 21:44

5M ago21:44

21:44

Passover in Mashal is as enchanting as you’d expect. But who hosts the best seder, Cinderella or Snow White? Follow Auntie PJ and Elijah as they seder-hop through Mashal in this “Story For Another Time.” Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth K…

1
Chasing Joha Through Passover 16:54

6M ago16:54

16:54

It’s the Passover episode! Learn about Passover traditions from around the world as the kids continue their globe-trotting search for Joha. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey G…

1
Ep 48: 2023 Year in Review 23:37

6M ago23:37

23:37

As we approach 2 years, and 50 episodes, we recap this year and dive back into how AI changed some of our thinking this year, as well as what we would like to see out of the design systems practice in 2024. Episode Transcripts

1
Kiddo’s Lazy Saturday 4:57

6M ago4:57

4:57

Kiddo wants to do so many things on his to-do list! But Mimi knows best and reminds Kiddo that it's Shabbat. Time to rest and snuggle up and read their latest PJ Library delivery: Saturdays are Special, written by Chris Barash, illustrated by Abigail Marble, and published by PJ Publishing. Episode Credits: Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ…

1
Shabbat Playlist 34:13

6M ago34:13

34:13

Each Friday evening, families around the world begin the celebration of Shabbat. For many, the evening includes favorite foods, company for dinner, special songs, and blessings. This week, we have a playlist featuring stories all about Shabbat. If you like what you hear, be sure to visit our other shows on our PJ Library Presents network. We've got…

1
Shabbat Playlist 52:26

6M ago52:26

52:26

Each Friday evening, families around the world begin the celebration of Shabbat. For many, the evening includes favorite foods, company for dinner, special songs, and blessings. This week, we have a playlist featuring stories all about Shabbat. If you like what you hear, be sure to visit our other shows, just search PJ Library to find more Shabbat …

1
Shabbat Stories 2 44:32

6M ago44:32

44:32

Each Friday evening, families around the world begin the celebration of Shabbat. For many, the evening includes favorite foods, company for dinner, special songs, and blessings. This week, we have a playlist featuring stories all about Shabbat. If you like what you hear, be sure to visit our other shows by searching PJ Library.…

1
Ep 47: Evaluating Outside Design Perspectives 29:50

6M ago29:50

29:50

One theme that has been our mind working in large mega design teams, is how our product design teams handle outside, external POV, vs historical cannon. Davy and PJ discuss this, weaved in with how we like to evaluate potential solutions for our systems. Episode Transcripts

1
Story For Another Time: The Butcher, the Baker, and the Candlestick Maker 17:18

6M ago17:18

17:18

The kids enjoy hearing another “Story For Another Time.” This one involves the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker. Auntie PJ and Elijah collaborate on a tale about collaboration, and how it makes for the perfect Shabbat. They’ll talk about the Jewish value of… upcycling? But it’s unclear if PJ and Elijah will ever talk about treasure. Ep…

1
Kiddo Plays Pretend 5:33

6M ago5:33

5:33

Kiddo is so bored and there's nothing to do. But Mimi knows that a little creativity can cure any dull day, even when all you have is a paper towel roll. Did you know that creativity and cooperation are both Jewish values? So is being a good friend. To learn more and find picture book recommendations, visit PJLibrary.org/values for more. Episode Cr…

1
A Special Hanukkah Message from PJ Library 3:00

7M ago3:00

3:00

A special Hanukkah message from PJ Library. Hanukkah begins in the evening tonight (or, depending on your time zone, may have already started) and runs through December 15, 2023. This year, PJ Library encourages all of our listeners to "share the light" by participating in Project Menorah. To learn more about Project Menorah, visit www.projectmenor…

1
Ep 46: Tooling 28:46

7M ago28:46

28:46

With convos of relying on external services such as design system docs sites, Figma plugins, or analytics, we talk about our experience working in large teams with funding to build our own, vs utilizing third party services that can simply get you up and running immediately. Episode Transcript

1
Joha Does a Mitzvah?! 11:59

7M ago11:59

11:59

It's the season of Jewish heroes. Everyone is in the library getting ready for Purim when the kids discover a clue from Joha. Find out where the magic atlas will take them this week, how good PJ’s French accent is, and how many jelly beans Elijah can eat. To learn more about the Jewish holiday of Purim, visit pjlibrary.org/purim. Episode Credits: B…

1
Playlist: Sharing Family Traditions 1:25:17

7M ago1:25:17

1:25:17

Right now, you might be on a long car or airplane ride, or maybe you're snuggling in a nice comfy blanket fort. Today we're bringing you a playlist of stories about sharing special family traditions. Enjoy!By PJ Library

1
Playlist: Sharing Family Traditions 1:25:17

7M ago1:25:17

1:25:17

Right now, you might be on a long car or airplane ride, or maybe you're snuggling in a nice comfy blanket fort. Today we're bringing you a playlist of stories about sharing special family traditions. Enjoy!By PJ Library

1
A Story For Another Time: Cinderella’s New Kicks 16:19

7M ago16:19

16:19

New this season, it’s Stories for Another Time. PJ and Elijah regale the kids with an only-partly familiar fairy tale featuring Cinderella, Prince Charming, a High Holidays party, and a new pair of shoes. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth …

1
Ep 45: Reactive vs Proactive Support 27:32

8M ago27:32

27:32

Davy and PJ talk a little more in depth about support and the dangers of being a purely reactive design system team. How do you handle requests, and how to operate the program during times of duress. Episode Transcripts

1
Kiddo Learns a New (Old) Song 6:20

8M ago6:20

6:20

What's that beautiful song Mimi is humming as Baby Z naps? Kiddo and Mimi share a snuggle as Mimi tells him all about the famous-and Jewish-Gerswhin brothers. Kiddo and Mimi welcome Baby Z as he wakes up with a beautiful rendition of "Someone to Watch Over Me." Episode Credits: Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executi…

1
Joha, a Donkey, and a Missing Skateboard 14:01

8M ago14:01

14:01

Jacob is busy teaching Blue how to land an ollie when his skateboard goes missing. This has to be the work of Joha. Miri, Blue, and Jacob join PJ and Elijah as the game begins. Join them as they try to find Joha, find Jacob’s skateboard, and find out if pizza is allowed in the library. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Libr…

1
Kiddo Takes a Break 8:49

8M ago8:49

8:49

Kiddo just can't put down his game. He's almost at the next level! Mimi reminds Kiddo that Shabbat is near, and it's time to power down and rest. To make things even easier, Mimi just received the perfect story to share. Yitzi, The Trusty Tractor is written by Naomi Shulman, illustrated by Shelley Couvillion, and published by PJ Publishing. Episode…

1
Meet Joha: The Season 3 Premiere 16:55

8M ago16:55

16:55

Our heroes are back in this world and ready to head home – but there’s someone they don’t recognize with Auntie PJ, and someone else being kind of mysterious! The kids must embark on an epic game of hide and seek to save the library. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; A…

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