Aired on 10/17/24 on KOOP Community Radio, 91.7 FM in Austin, TexasBy Stacie Freasier (she/they)

At the heart of everything book-like is a printer, standing at a hand-powered press, turning paper into pages. When you hold a book that’s been typeset in metal, printed by hand on fine paper, bound and sewn with board and cloth, you realise with a visceral whoosh just how much a book can be a work of art. In this episode, Arthur speaks with Graham…

Everything we read is coloured by its typeface. And humans read a lot, so font choices probably affect more people than any other field of design. In our daily lives, we rarely appreciate how much work goes into good type decisions, and how much energy we spend accommodating bad ones. Every day, by choice or otherwise, we read messages, posters, me…

Aired on 9/19/24 on KOOP Community Radio, 91.7 FM in Austin, TexasBy Stacie Freasier (she/they)

There is no place more universally loved than a good bookstore. For its owner, achieving that is not as simple as it seems. The best book shops are much more than books on shelves and a coffee bar. Behind the tranquillity, its tiny team is buzzing for twelve hours a day, liaising with publishers, distributors, authors, literacy projects, landlords,…

In the sauna this week we've a special South African guest Jason Weare. Jason shares fascinating stories from his upbringing in South Africa and his current life on a hobby farm, weaving in his passions for fishing, hunting, and passing these traditions onto his children. This episode is a celebration of outdoor adventures as a route to family bond…

Behind every great author is a host of unsung editors. By convention, they don’t get their names on books. What are they doing behind the scenes? A good book needs hundreds of decisions made and pieces organised. For this there are commissioning editors, development editors, production editors, copy editors, permissions editors, assistant editors, …

By Stacie Freasier (she/they)

Creative communities can be a powerful force for good. Online, they grow around tools that let people be creative together. What comes first, the tools or the community? Two acclaimed book-making platforms with vibrant communities are LibriVox and Pressbooks, both created by Hugh McGuire. On LibriVox, thousands of people have helped to create audio…

Alan Keen is shattering the stereotypes of aging by staying more active and adventurous at 67 than most people half his age. check out other episode over on Youtube https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLyfIEgqqR0OdSgJaxQT-U1QaRtc6jc06w/videosBy Shea Smith

We take for granted that books contain no mistakes, but the absence of mistakes is no small achievement. It takes care, commitment, and very, very good processes. In publishing, even a small mistake can spell disaster. Luckily, there are people who spend careers helping us avoid those disasters, by giving us the words and the tools to care about th…

This week in the barrel sauna we are joined by Cass Greig. Cass and I discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with the right support system and embracing vulnerability. We explore the journey of shifting negative mindsets, overcoming skepticism from others, and the role of educational leadership in guiding transformative personal growth. Thi…

This episode revolves around the intersections of poetry, creative expression, identity, and racial justice. 2024 Texas State Poet Laureate and Founder and Executive Director of Torch Literary Arts Amanda Johnston highlights the importance of supporting Black women writers and amplifying their voices. The discussion also covers the significance of …

Would you believe that the entire ebook marketplace – including Kindle, iBooks, and thousands of ebook stores – depends on the volunteer work of about a dozen people? There are millions of ebooks for sale online, and thousands more every day. How could any human bookseller check that they even work, and that they don’t contain malicious code? The e…

What if rediscovering the ancient practices of community and connection could drastically improve your mental well-being? Join us as we sit down with Shane King, a key figure associated with Grab Life by the Balls, a men's support group that has transformed from casual burger nights into a significant charitable movement. Shane opens up about his p…

This week in the sauna we are joined by Kel Sanson. A great mate who gives an in depth insight into what works for him when it comes to navigating mental health challenges. His transparency and vulnerability is a pillar of strength and a bright shining light for anyone searching for alternate methods to manage their own mental health. Stockdale Par…

Why are book clubs so transformative, and can they change the world? When we read a book we love, no matter how outlandish or challenging it is, we recognise in it the way we believe the world works. And that is profoundly affirming. It reassures you that your life has a place, no matter what mangled shape it’s in. And if you can share that with ot…

Ever wondered how a seasoned musician navigates 40 years of the ever-changing music industry? Join us as we sit down with Nik Phillips, a veteran singer, songwriter, and producer, whose journey from school concerts to international chart success is nothing short of inspirational. check out other episode over on Youtube https://studio.youtube.com/pl…

Good agents are the fairy grandparents of page and screen. They get writers; and they get writers paid. Most jobs in publishing are done by humans flying solo – writers and freelancers working from home, running their own show. That can be lonely work. Especially as a writer, it's just not possible, on your own, to know everything and everyone you …

By Stacie Freasier (she/they)

Can a mischievous spirit be the secret to aging gracefully? Join us in the sauna as we sit down with Petro Geyl, a real estate legend with 18 years under his belt and a lifetime of playful escapades. check out other episode over on Youtube https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLyfIEgqqR0OdSgJaxQT-U1QaRtc6jc06w/videos…

Join us in the sauna this week with Brett Fowler, a seasoned builder from Southeast Queensland as he opens up about the trials and tribulations of his career. check out other episode over on Youtube https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLyfIEgqqR0OdSgJaxQT-U1QaRtc6jc06w/videosBy Brett Fowler

What if small acts of kindness could transform not only your day but your entire perspective on life? In this episode of we welcome Michael Sweetman into our cozy hotbox to talk about his amazing journey of personal growth and spiritual development. Starting with the ceremonial ladling of water Michael shares how his spiritually-inclined mother and…

Open-access publishing models are so ubiquitous today that we forget they had to be invented first – by bold, generous publishers. In this episode, Arthur talks to one of those inventors: Frances Pinter has been pioneering for decades, running her own academic publishing company for over twenty years, and then leading publishing programmes in Easte…

Can music really shape the course of your life? Join us as we journey through the rich tapestry of musical influences that have defined generations, featuring the talented Nathan Ward. Nathan, a third-generation musician, shares his family's deep-rooted legacy and the profound impact it had on his career. From the legendary sounds of Iron Maiden to…

There are so many interesting people in book-making; people who cross boundaries and live for the thrill of making art with other people. People like Andrés Barragán: rock guitarist, engineer, writer, agent, and founder of Colombian publishing company Puntoaparte Editores. For nearly 20 years, Andrés has been creating beautiful, infographic books f…

We welcome my buddy Luke Callery into our sweltering sauna sesh all the way from Adelaide for our first ever interstate chat. Peek behind the veil of the building industry as we sweat out the details of 'Build Insite'—an initiative born from Luke's desire to lay bare the often convoluted process of home construction. From Instagram snaps to in-dept…

In this conversation, Stacie Freasier and Fatima Mann discuss topics of healing, liberation, and the intersection of activism and wellness. They explore the importance of self-care and taking care of one's own well-being in order to effectively engage in social justice work. They also touch on the power of ancestral knowledge and the need to create…

Discover the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial rollercoaster with Emily Bitkow, the visionary behind the chic and practical Vivra range of fashion pouches . In a candid sauna chat, we sweat out the stories of Emily's ascent from market stall beginnings to fashion-forward innovation, learning how personal frustration and a touch of familial busi…

It was an honour and a privilege to have my grade 1 mate, Bren Arkinstall, join us in the sauna this week. The conversation was not only a great catch up on old times but his work with the Edmund Rice Foundation to help educate the less fortunate was an enlightening and profound experience for me personally. Bren's dedication to help the less fortu…

This episode explores the topics of racism, grief, loss, and social justice. Guest Tyra Clark discusses her deep roots in Austin and her experiences with racism and displacement. She also discusses the importance of addressing racial trauma and the impact of racism on mental and behavioral health. Tyra introduces the Change Grief Project, a communi…

When the unexpected strikes, how do we find the courage to face it head-on? Jo Ellice Flint's remarkable journey with breast cancer, revealed in her candid conversation offers a powerful exploration of resilience, the complexities of medical decisions, and the indomitable human spirit. From the initial shock of her diagnosis to the rollercoaster of…

Embark on an enlightening journey with Emma Zeimer, a visionary who's reshaping our approach to farming and ecology. Emma's personal odyssey from conventional agriculture to the vanguard of regenerative farming methods exemplifies a profound transformation. In our conversation, she illuminates the intricacies of soil vitality and the often misunder…

Have you ever wondered how vulnerability can be your strongest asset in the tumultuous world of entrepreneurship? Grab your headphones and prepare for an unguarded journey with Kylie Butchard, the tenacious founder of Pacific Security Group. Starting with nothing more than $50 and a bedroom for an office, Kylie's story is a masterclass in turning c…

When you sit down with someone like Bob Campbell, you're not just listening to another guest; you're gaining a friend whose life stories could fill books. Our conversation is built on the premise that there's no such thing as a wrong decision—just the best one you could make at the time. Bob brings this philosophy to life, sharing insights from a c…

Stacie Freasier and Maggie Luna, Executive Director of the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, discuss the systemic failures and challenges faced by individuals affected by addiction, incarceration, and the criminal justice system. Maggie shares her personal experiences of being failed by various systems, including the education system, law enforcement,…

Could your living space be more in tune with the environment around it? That's the question master designer Adrian Ramsay brings to the forefront in our fascinating conversation about 'land whispering'. Ramsay's innovative approach, much like Frank Lloyd Wright's relationship with Fallingwater, challenges us to think about how our homes can embody …

Stepping back to propel forward, that's the unexpected wisdom builder Justin Andrews brought to our heart-to-heart conversation on life's equilibrium. We delved into Justin's personal evolution, a narrative of growth where family, self, and service became the pillars of a newly harmonized existence. His story is a testament to the unexpected ways i…

There's a moment in life when you realize the path you're on is not what you expected, sparking a quest for answers; that's precisely what happened to Bruce Macdonald. Join us for an intimate sesh as Bruce bares his soul about the shock wave sent through his life post-wedding that led to an eye-opening diagnosis of adult ADHD. Through his story, yo…

When Aaron "Apples" Appelfield stepped into a comedy club post-health scare, little did he know it would ignite a spark leading him down a path of unbridled laughter and self-discovery. In the intimate warmth of a sauna session, 'Apples' recounts his impulsive journey from the Golden State to the Australian Outback, where he found a second home and…

When Cheryl Slender swapped fear for humour on a stand-up comedy stage, she not only conquered her own fears but inspired a wave of bravery in our latest Sauna Sessions podcast. You'll get to relive her exhilarating dive into the Raw Comedy Festival, where the last-minute jitters of performing give way to the triumphs of personal storytelling and p…

Duayne Pearce is in the hot seat this week to chat about his journey to create a new building industry. He's an ideas man who goes chasing his dreams and was an honour to hear all his trials and tribulations of his journey so far - let's get our sweat on! check out other episode over on Youtube https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLyfIEgqqR0OdSgJax…

Kicking off for our first ever Sauna Seshes with Shea we've got a fantastic guest with a heart of gold and a kindness like no other. Kel Sanson joins us in the sauna and is the first to ladle from the bucket of eucalyptus scented water on the rocks to fire up this first ever podcast - enjoy! check out other episode over on Youtube https://studio.yo…

Guest: Amber Watts, Austin Justice Coalition Topic: Education Justice Original Air Date: 08.16.2023 on KOOP Community Radio 91.7 FM in Austin, TexasBy Stacie Freasier (she/they)

Guest: Stacie Shea Williams Original Air Date: 07.19.2023 on KOOP Community Radio 91.7 FM in Austin, TexasBy Stacie Freasier (she/they)

Guests: Meme Styles, President and Founder and Julianne Hanckel, Board President of ⁠Measure⁠; Brandie Meister, Mindfulness and Wellness Coach and Co-Founder of ⁠Real Queens Fix Each Other's Crowns⁠ Topics: Equitable Evaluation / Mental Health and Anti-racist Work Policies Original Air Date: 06.21.2023 on KOOP Community Radio 91.7 FM in Austin, Tex…

Guests: Meme Styles, President and Founder of Measure and Julianne Hanckel, President of the Board of Directors of Measure Topic: Equitable Evaluation Original Air Date: 05.22.2023 on KOOP Community Radio 91.7 FM in Austin, TexasBy Stacie Freasier (she/they)

Guest: Dave Cortez, Executive Director, Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter Director Topic: Environmental Justice Original Air Date: 04.24.2023 on KOOP Community Radio 91.7 FM in Austin, TexasBy Stacie Freasier (she/they)

Guest: Carmen Llanes, Executive Director, Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA) Topic: Community Organizing and Health Justice Original air date 03.27.2023 on KOOP Community Radio 91.7 FM in Austin, TexasBy Stacie Freasier (she/they)

Guest: Dr. Peniel E. Joseph, Professor of History and Distinguished Service Professor and Founder of the University of Texas at Austin Center for the Study of Race and Democracy Topics: Gentrification and Austin's Black Community Original Air Date: 02.27.2023 on KOOP Community Radio 91.7 FM in Austin, Texas…