Best San Diego Reader Podcasts (2024)

1
Homeless and Mental Health Outreach 24:44

2M ago24:44

24:44

In this season finale, Bob catches up with Sciences Manager, Michelle Ruiz, and Mission Valley Branch Manager, Karen Reilly about library services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Bob also speaks with Aaron Basila and Gedalyahu Ben-Shimeon from the National Alliance on Mental Illness about NAMI's partnership with the Central Library. Ment…

1
Queue Time with Scott 25:13

3M ago25:13

25:13

In this episode, Bob hangs with Listeners' Advisory cohost and Library Shop Manager, Scott Ehrig-Burgess for a second installment of the pop-culture recommendation segment, Queue Time. Recommendations range from non-fiction reads, to crime shows, to marathon interview podcasts on the limits of LLMs. Scott's recs Welcome the Wretched: In Defense of …

1
READ/San Diego 15:39

3M ago15:39

15:39

In this episode, Bob hangs out with staff from READ/San Diego, the city's premier literacy service. He chats with Program Administrator Nicole Settle about the program's mission and history, as well as with Coordinators Stephanie Contreras and Tim Donolon about READ's two prongs of service: Adult & Family Literacy. They also discuss the recent 35th…

1
Romance Recommendations 19:56

4M ago19:56

19:56

In this third and final installment of our romance series, Jessica catches up with three librarians and romance enthusiasts to hear about how they got started with the genre, recommended authors and titles, and where newbies can get started. Authors Mentioned: Victoria Holt Julia Quinn Tessa Dare Jayci Lee Leah Brunner Sabrina Jeffries Kate Bateman…

1
Library Master Plan Pt. 3 12:30

4M ago12:30

12:30

In this episode, Scott presents his third and final report on the now City Council approved Library Master Plan. Scott gives us a sneak peek into the library’s efforts to collect feedback from the community in the form of listening sessions as well as presentation highlights from the consulting firm, Group 4, that was hired to put the plan together…

1
Queue Time 16:09

5M ago16:09

16:09

In this episode, Bob hangs with Deputy Director of Customer Experience and Listeners' Advisory Executive Producer, Jennifer Jenkins, for a new segment titled Queue Time. Queue Time participants discuss what they're currently reading, listening to, and watching so listeners can enjoy popular culture recommendations beyond the collections of the San …

1
Romance Tropes, Steam, and Everything In Between 29:47

5M ago29:47

29:47

In this episode, Romance Librarian, Jessica Buck hangs with podcast host and romance author, Kelly Reynolds and podcaster, Bookstagram Bree. They discuss common tropes of the genre, spice levels, content warnings, terms, and more. *Warning, this episode contains language that is sexually explicit in nature.* Kelly Reynolds - Boobies and Newbies Boo…

1
Cory Doctorow 31:40

6M ago31:40

31:40

In this episode, cohost Scott presents his extended interview with Red Team Blues author and journalist, Cory Doctorow. They discuss a wide range of topics that include Artificial Intelligence, differentiating fables and predictions, issues of intellectual property, and absurdist potentials for technology-driven dystopias. Cory Doctorow’s Craphound…

1
History of Romance 26:04

6M ago26:04

26:04

In this episode, Youth Services Librarian Jessica Buck chats with historian Steve Ammidown and Becca Title, owner of Meet Cute Book Shop, about the history of the romance genre. They share their personal connections to the genre, discuss its roots, and aspects of its continuing evolution. Jessica Buck - College-Rolando Branch Library Steve Ammidown…

1
Homeschool Resource Center 19:52

7M ago19:52

19:52

In this episode, Bob speaks with Mission Valley Branch Library Manager, Karen Reilly and Youth Services Librarian, Marika Jeffrey about the branch's new Homeschool Resource Center. They discuss identifying the community need for the center, the homeschool community that relies on the space, and all else the Center has to offer. Mission Valley Branc…

1
Shereen Marisol Meraji 26:32

7M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode, Bob speaks with Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism Professor and former host/producer of the NPR podcast, Codeswitch, Shereen Marisol Meraji. They discuss race and culture reporting, growing up in the Bay Area, and a subject near and dear to both Shereen and Bob, hip hop music. "Can't Truss It" - Public Enemy "Humpty Dance" - D…

1
New Central Turns 10! 20:02

8M ago20:02

20:02

In this Season 3 premier, Bob speaks with Supervising Librarian, Monnee Tong about the 10 year celebration of the Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common. They discuss Monnee's history with SDPL, some of the enduring features of the new building, and what we can expect from Central's future. Bob also catches up with Listener's Advisory cohost,…

1
Banned Books Week 2023 9:53

9M ago9:53

9:53

In this bonus episode, Bob conducts several lightning round interviews with his colleagues about their favorite banned books and why they matter. Bob also makes a couple announcements regarding a new service and the upcoming third season of Listeners' Advisory! I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou And Tango Makes Three - Peter Parnell and…

1
Our Favorite Podcasts and Cory Doctorow 24:46

1y ago24:46

24:46

In this Season 3 bonus episode, Bob hangs with Listeners' Advisory Executive Producer, Jennifer Jenkins and podcast cohost, Scott to discuss their favorite podcasts. Scott also speaks with science fiction writer, Cory Doctorow, about his new novel, Red Team Blues. Ghost Herd by Anna King Borrowed by Brooklyn Public Library (Sort of) the Story with …

1
Haunted SDPL 21:21

1+ y ago21:21

21:21

In our season two finale episode, Skyline Hills Branch Manager Azalea Ebbay and Chula Vista Public Librarian Lydia Bringerud interview Library Assistant II, children's author, and paranormal investigator Tim Mountain. They learn about how paranormal investigations are conducted and discuss the connections between haunting and trauma in library work…

1
Library Foundation SD 19:51

1+ y ago19:51

19:51

In this episode, Scott introduces listeners to the Library Foundation SD, the non profit advocacy organization that supports the San Diego Public Library through various programs and fundraising efforts. Scott interviews Library Foundation SD staff, current and former board members, as well as SDPL staff to discuss the Foundation’s impacts, history…

1
The City Archives 15:17

2y ago15:17

15:17

In this episode, Bob meets San Diego City Clerk Liz Maland, Archives Program Manager Sam Ely, and Archives Supervisor Anne Miggins. They discuss the history of the City Archives, the Digital Archives, and the 4th Annual Archives Month series of events. Bob also visits the Archives in person and learns about preservation measures and sees some reall…

1
Perfect Podcast - Perfect Update Part Two 16:25

2y ago16:25

16:25

L.A. Kessler is back with an update on an issue she brought to our attention over the summer involving Amazon and a TikTok challenge that was targeting authors. She also talks about the new dates for Flawed and Tainted, the second and third books in the Genesis trilogy (which began with Perfect). And she runs down several projects she has in the wo…

1
REBROADCAST: Banned Books Week 11:49

2y ago11:49

11:49

SEASON ONE REBROADCAST: In this episode, Bob speaks with Director of the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, Deborah Caldwell-Stone and SDPL Supervising Librarian of Technical Services, Robyn Gage-Norquist about intellectual freedom, censorship, and the ethics of librarianship. Banned Books Week Deborah Caldwell-Stone Lib…

1
Perfect Podcast - Perfect Update 16:22

2y ago16:22

16:22

L.A. Kessler is back with an update on Flawed and Tainted, the second and third books in the Genesis trilogy (which began with Perfect). She runs down several projects she has in the works that will be out between now and when Flawed finally comes out next March (including her forthcoming paranormal romance novels and her upcoming Kickstarter proje…

1
Books for Good Trouble: Lizz Huerta's The Lost Dreamer 25:33

2y ago25:33

25:33

In this episode, Bob sits down with young adult fantasy author, Lizz Huerta. They discuss her new book, The Lost Dreamer, her working-class roots and beginnings as a writer, as well as San Diego's literary scene. The Books for Good Trouble podcast will be sharing the feed of the Listeners' Advisory podcast for approximately 5 episodes. This podcast…

1
Collection Development 12:52

2y ago12:52

12:52

In this episode, co-host Scott Ehrig Burgess speaks with SDPL’s Collection Development team, Angie Stava, Heidi Wigler, and Zeina Guoin. They discuss expanding material offerings, keeping up with industry trends, and the mechanics of collection development and management. Scott’s Pretentious Book List: Hamnet - Maggie O’Farrel Drive Your Plow Over …

1
Books for Good Trouble: Azure Antoinette's WHYLD 27:06

2y ago27:06

27:06

In this episode, Bob sits down with acclaimed poet, Azure Antoinette. They discuss Azure’s early poetry inspirations, her recent experiences during the pandemic-induced lockdown of 2020, living with Multiple Sclerosis, and NOIR: An Experience in 20/20. The Books for Good Trouble podcast will be sharing the feed of the Listeners' Advisory podcast fo…

1
Soulkiss Theater 14:27

2y ago14:27

14:27

In this episode, Bob sits down with Soulkiss Theater's Miki Vale and Librarian, Jeremy Davies to discuss their 10-week Workshop Series and Community Voices Final Performance happening on July 12th at 6:00p.m. in Central's 9th floor Shiley Special Events Suite. Bob also talks shop with Rakale Hannah and Rudi Fate, two participants in the Workshop Se…

1
Books for Good Trouble: Beyond the Gender Binary 21:03

2y ago21:03

21:03

In this episode, Bob speaks with Library Assistant III, Craig Wimberly (they/them) about their journey as a gender non-conforming individual and how it relates to ALOK’s (they/them) Beyond the Gender Binary. Craig speaks about their beginnings, coming to San Diego and joining SDPL, as well as finding their voice as an LGBTQIA+ advocate. The Books f…

1
Emily Drabinksi Pt. II 21:19

2y ago21:19

21:19

Emily Drabinski and Trevor continue their conversation on American libraries and their larger cross-currents in history and politics. In this segment, Emily expands the possibility of class analysis and materialism when it comes to library work and how consensus and solidarity can strengthen communities. The conversation then pivots to other challe…

1
Emily Drabinski Pt. I 16:55

2y ago16:55

16:55

In this episode, Trevor sits down with American Library Association President Elect, Emily Drabinski. Emily is is the Interim Chief Librarian at the Mina Rees Library at the Graduate Center, City University of New York. She ran on a platform described as being for “collective power, public good”, advocating for where library workers and library pat…

1
Perfect Podcast - #AmazonIsNotALibrary 28:15

2y ago28:15

28:15

Lisa Kessler talks to Arianna Norris, librarian at Cahokia District Library in Centreville, IL, about the trend where some are returning ebooks to Amazon after they've read them for a refund, only to turn around and buy another ebook, that they read and then return to buy another. They talk about how this directly impacts the authors, many of whom,…

1
SDPL's IDEA Labs 14:16

2y ago14:16

14:16

In this episode, Bob sits down with Central Library's Emerging Technologies Librarian, Gigi Terzian and Legler-Benbough Teen IDEA Lab Manager, Francesca de Vera to discuss their respective IDEA Labs, reopening efforts, and the ins and outs of hands-on spaces during the pandemic. SDPL's IDEA Labs Central IDEA Lab Legler-Benbough Teen IDEA Lab This p…

1
Books for Good Trouble: Valeria Luiselli Pt. II 19:18

2y ago19:18

19:18

In part two of our Valeria Luiselli feature, Bob interviews SDPL Supervising Librarian of Youth and Family Services, Adi Huertas about her work bringing literacy tools and library-related services to unaccompanied migrant children since 2014. The Books for Good Trouble podcast will be sharing the feed of the Listeners' Advisory podcast for approxim…

1
Perfect Podcast - Perfect Release Day 15:03

2y ago15:03

15:03

Not exactly a new episode, but we couldn't let Perfect's release day go by without something! Mostly in her own words, L.A. Kessler (AKA Lisa Kessler) explains everything you should know about Perfect and the Genesis trilogy. It's kind of like a highlight reel, followed by a blooper reel (some silliness that, for the most part, didn't make it into …

1
The Dublin Awards 14:59

2y ago14:59

14:59

In this episode, College-Roland Branch Library Manager, Trevor Jones sits down with Úna Smyth, Award Administrator of the prestigious Dublin Award. They discuss the award's history, how it serves the literary community, and the role international public librarians play in selecting winners. The Dublin Award - Úna Smyth, Award Administrator The Shor…

1
Perfect Podcast - Perfect Universe 31:10

2y ago31:10

31:10

L.A. Kessler (aka Lisa Kessler) talks about Perfect and how her new series fits into the greater universe of her previous 40+ books, even though this one is a thriller and all her other novels have been paranormal romances. She also talks about the romance subplot of Perfect, and reads an excerpt to give everyone a better idea of how romance fits i…

1
Perfect Podcast - The Stephen King Connection 19:40

2y ago19:40

19:40

First and most importantly, Stephen King does not appear in this episode. He doesn't know about this episode, and is in no way affiliated with this episode, L.A. Kessler, the Genesis series, Lisa Kessler or any of her other novels. We call it the Stephen King Connection because, unlike Lisa's paranormal romance novels, Stephen King's works were the…

1
Books for Good Trouble: Valeria Luiselli Pt. I 24:24

2y ago24:24

24:24

In this first episode of the offshoot series Books for Good Trouble, we'll hear from Rosiangela Escamilla and América Martínez, two San Diego Community College professors whose stories connect with the award-winning literature of Valeria Luiselli. This episode is part one of two. The Books for Good Trouble podcast will be sharing the feed of the Li…

1
Perfect Podcast - The Long Road To Perfect 18:19

2y ago18:19

18:19

Lisa Kessler (AKA L.A. Kessler) talks about the long road to publication for her upcoming thriller Perfect. She talks about the problems she had over ten years ago when starting this book, and how it didn't really fit in any particular genre. She also talks about how much creepier it is than her paranormal romance novels, and she reads a section of…

1
Perfect Podcast - Unmasking L.A. Kessler 12:22

2+ y ago12:22

12:22

In the first episode of the Perfect Podcast, we unmask L.A. Kessler! It's not a big secret that L.A. Kessler is actually paranormal romance author Lisa Kessler, but she explains why she's using the pen name. Lisa also talks about the differences between the dozens of books she's written, and the Genesis Trilogy, which begins in a few weeks when the…

1
Discover & Go and Our Favorite Podcasts 22:39

2+ y ago22:39

22:39

Welcome to Season Two! In this episode Bob talks with Jeffrey Davis, Branch Manager of the Linda Vista Branch Library about the many benefits of SDPL’s new ticketed pass program, Discover & Go. Also, Bob hangs with Deputy Director, Jennifer Jenkins and Library Assistant III, Cora Womble-Miesner to discuss their favorite podcasts of 2022 so far. Dis…

1
Perfect Podcast Teaser 0:37

2+ y ago0:37

0:37

The Perfect Podcast is coming soon. This four-part limited-run podcast series will go behind the scenes of the upcoming new thriller “Perfect” by L.A. Kessler. The author will be here to explain her use of the pseudonym, how this new novel (the first in a trilogy) differs significantly from the dozens of other novels she’s already published, and wh…

1
Great Books You May Have Missed! 10:26

2+ y ago10:26

10:26

In this bonus episode, Bob hangs with new Listeners’ Advisory collaborators Trevor Jones and Cora Womble-Miesner. They discuss Trevor and Cora’s upcoming in-person event, Great Books You May Have Missed! as well as provide some excellent book recommendations. Great Books You May Have Missed! Saturday, March 19th 11:00 a.m. College Rolando Branch Li…

1
Clara Breed and the Library Master Plan Pt. II 22:13

2+ y ago22:13

22:13

In our season finale, Bob chats with author Joanne Oppenheim, historian Susan Hasegawa, and Library Director Misty Jones about former City Librarian Clara Breed and her legacy of rebellion. Also, Scott provides an update on the 2nd phase of the Library Master Plan and its emerging framework. The Rebellious Miss Breed Joanne Oppenheim - Dear Miss Br…

1
The Music of Listeners' Advisory 11:57

2+ y ago11:57

11:57

In this episode, Bob chats with musicians Pete Miesner and Luke Henshaw about their original music contributions to Listeners’ Advisory. Bob and Pete discuss the creation of the podcast’s theme song, Rollin’ On as well as Pete’s early interests in playing guitar. Bob talks with Luke about his involvement in the breakbeat/turntablist scene along wit…

1
SDPL's Zine Collection and the SD Zinefest 19:02

3y ago19:02

19:02

In this episode, Bob chats with SDPL's zine collection curator, Ernesto Vasquez about the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when, and why) of this eclectic, ephemeral collection. Also, Bob hangs with Gina, the long-time organizer of the San Diego Zinefest. They discuss the fest's origins, how it pivoted during shutdown, and what we can expect from this year'…

1
Banned Books Week and Our Favorite Banned Books 25:00

3y ago25:00

25:00

In this episode, Bob speaks with Director of the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, Deborah Caldwell-Stone and SDPL Supervising Librarian of Technical Services, Robyn Gage-Norquist about intellectual freedom, censorship, and the ethics of librarianship. Also, Bob and Scott hang with Listeners’ Advisory Executive Producer…

1
Conversations with Poets and the Robert Frost Society 18:25

3y ago18:25

18:25

In this episode, Bob sits down with Michael Klam and Dr. Anthony Blacksher, co-creators of Conversations with Poets, a new 8 part poetry series made in partnership with the City of San Diego’s Commissions for Arts & Culture. They discuss their beginnings in poetry, San Diego’s new poet laureate, and what to expect from Conversations with Poets. Als…

1
The Festival of Books 22:00

3y ago22:00

22:00

In this episode, Scott chats with SDPL librarians Vanessa Gempis, Marika Jeffery, Christina Wainwright, and Trevor Jones about their panel moderation duties at this year's Festival of Books. They discuss the nuts and bolts of moderating a good panel and the question of when criticism of guest authors is appropriate. The San Diego Union Tribune's Fe…

1
Parker Edison and Speed Date with a Record 22:39

3y ago22:39

22:39

In this episode, Bob meets up with local creative Parker Edison, host of the KPBS podcast The Parker Edison Project. They talk Hip Hop and emceeing, Parker’s creative inspirations, and his various artistic endeavors. Also, Bob hangs with librarian II, Dustin Vogel to discuss his web series, Speed Date with a Record, as well as their favorite golden…

1
SD Access 4 All 9:34

3y ago9:34

9:34

In this episode, Bob hangs out with Curtis Williams, SDPL’s Technology Resources Manager and Sam Cerrato, Circulation Supervisor at the Central Library. They discuss the new city-wide initiative, SD Access 4 All and the City of San Diego’s efforts to address digital equity by getting the community connected via computer labs, devices, and various W…

1
The Rainbow Label Dilemma and Comic Con Recommendations 18:55

3y ago18:55

18:55

In this episode, Scott speaks with LGBTQIA+ Services Committee members Erin Wilson and Francesca de Vera about the dilemma of rainbow labels on library books and how "othering" can be an unintended consequence, despite good intentions. Also, Bob hangs with San Carlos Branch Manager, Dave Ege to talk comics and graphic novel recommendations as well …

1
The Joseph Murphy Baseball Autograph Collection 10:53

3y ago10:53

10:53

In this episode, host Bob speaks with some of the folks involved in bringing the newly acquired Joseph Murphy Baseball Autograph Collection to the San Diego Public Library’s Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center. Interviews include Steve Murphy, son of Joseph; Tom Larwin, President of Society for American Baseball Research Ted Williams’ Chapter;…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

San Diego Reader Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide