Best Metropolitan Library Podcasts (2025)

1
Makerspaces in Libraries 21:05

4d ago21:05

21:05

Ever wonder what a makerspace is or what you can do in one? Lindsay, Nell, Reagan, and Alex from the Metropolitan Library System's makerspaces talk about the many things you can do in our wonderful makerspaces, and about the upcoming MakerFest program at the Belle Isle branch.By Metropolitan Library System

1
Strengthening Communities Through The Columbus Metropolitan Library 55:25

17d ago55:25

55:25

The Library Reimagined: "We're really talking about, how our library serves a diverse array of customer needs and in in different spaces and places. So that may not be just checking out a book in a branch, but what's the web presence? Right? What's what's the website like? How do we connect with this really growing area of usage with electronic con…

1
Understanding Your Ohio Utility Bills and Rights 41:28

10h ago41:28

41:28

Here’s the heart of this episode in a nutshell: This “Looking Forward Our Way” episode is all about helping Ohioans make sense of their utility bills and understand their rights as utility customers. We sit down with Kathryn Metz from the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC)—basically the state’s watchdog and advocate for regular folks when it comes to ut…

1
Heidi and the Northeast Health & Wellness Center 18:54

18d ago18:54

18:54

Heidi Port tells us all about the Northeast Health and Wellness Center.By Heidi Port, Meg Nance-Coker

1
Tackling Ohio’s Rising Property Taxes with State Senator Bill DeMora 57:18

1M ago57:18

57:18

"Tax Fairness for Homeowners": "We need to keep senior citizens in their homes or disabled folks or veterans so they get to keep their homes by doing something for the property taxes so they don't get taxed out of their houses." - State Senator Bill DeMora In this episode, we look into the pressing issue of the housing crisis and its impact on prop…

1
Poetry Month Author Interview with Betty Blanks 16:20

1M ago16:20

16:20

April is poetry month, so on this month's podcast we talked to Betty Blanks, author of Pick Up Your Name and Write: The Life of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel. Miss McDaniel was an Oklahoma born poet that moved to California during the Great Depression, but never stopped writing about her home in Oklahoma. Betty Blanks was kind enough to talk to us about…

1
Jen and the Plaza Walls 20:01

1M ago20:01

20:01

Jen gives us the scoop on the Plaza Walls, a public art piece reinvented each year by talented artists.By Jen Day; Meg Nance-Coker

1
Mini Episode: OK Museum of Telephone History 2:52

1M ago2:52

2:52

The last of the museum mini-sodes. I'm excited to hear other people talk, aren't you?By Meg Nance-Coker

1
Mini Episode: The Harn Homestead 2:22

1M ago2:22

2:22

Turns out time flies whether or not you're having fun. Back after a lull to wrap up the local museum series and begin our usual content.By Meg Nance-Coker

1
The STEM Leadership Center: A Hub for Girl Scouts and Community Learning 44:52

1M ago44:52

44:52

In this episode we welcome back Tammy Wharton, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, to give an update on the Dream Big initiative and the new STEM Leadership Center at Camp Ken-Jockety. Tammy shares the excitement surrounding the opening of the building and its functional purpose, emphasizing that it serves not only the girls but a…

1
Beyond the Buzzword: Practical Applications of AI in the Classroom 21:17

2M ago21:17

21:17

On this episode of “The Conversation”, Rachel and Christina, sit down with Jake Miller, a Personalized Learning and EdTech Specialist at Summit ESC and the ESC of the Western Reserve. Together, they explore the real-world impact of AI in education, discussing how both students and teachers can leverage this technology for learning, creativity, and …

1
How Emotional Intelligence Can Transform Your Retirement Journey 1:01:20

2M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Facing Retirement: "But isn't it interesting that once you retire, as we call it, right, and you leave that organization...you're faced with that "what am I gonna do now?" Well, what do I wanna do? Well, you haven't thought about it because remember, those thirty years, they were spent all about the organization, all about the next career move, the…

1
Building An Encore Career AND Supporting Community 1:05:01

2M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Rethinking Retirement: "People now look at that phase of life after you leave your career, 65 or older, could be 55 or older, as an opportunity to live life differently than you have before." Mark Matson We sit down and talk with Mark Matson about transitioning into new phases of life and building a rewarding encore career while giving back to the …

1
Crafts! 21:17

2M ago21:17

21:17

Did you know that March is craft month, or that the library offers lots of programs teaching different crafts? On this month's podcast we talk about some of the resources you can use through the library to help learn how to do a wide variety of crafts.By Metropolitan Library System

1
The Future of Ohio - Trends & Predictions 33:12

3M ago33:12

33:12

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with Dr. David Staley, a history professor at The Ohio State University and a futurist. Together, they’ll learn about rapid technology advancements and the impacts they’re having on our local industries, our economy and our daily lives. Let’s dive in! This episode of “The Conversation” is …

1
Defending Your Identity: Strategies Against Hacks and Scams 52:40

3M ago52:40

52:40

What steps should you take if you suspect your identity has been stolen? We are joined by guest Victor Russell, Operations Manager at Apprisen, to explore the pervasive issue of financial scams and how individuals can protect themselves. The discussion covers various scams, primarily targeting seniors, such as the "grandparent scam" where victims a…

1
VOICECorps An Essential Service For Individuals With Visual Impairments in Ohio 49:54

3M ago49:54

49:54

Our focus is on VOICECorps, an essential service for individuals with visual impairments in Ohio. Featuring guests Mark Jividen, the Executive Director, and Dana Sims, the Marketing and Development Director, the episode explores the organization's impactful work, its adaptation to new technologies, and the crucial role of volunteers. Mark Jividen s…

1
Black History Month: A.C. Hamlin and Green Currin 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

Erin Brown from the Oklahoma Territorial Museum tells us the stories of Oklahoma's first African-American territorial legislator Green Currin, and Oklahoma's first State Legistlator A.C. Hamlin.By Metropolitan Library System

1
The Evolution of the Columbus Metropolitan Library 22:45

4M ago22:45

22:45

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with the new CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Lauren Hagan, and their Chief Community Engagement Officer, Donna Zuiderweg. Together, they discuss the library's upcoming goals, explore some of their current programming, and highlight the vital role partnerships play in its continue…

1
What You Need to Know about Inherited IRAs with Schraeder Law 40:22

4M ago40:22

40:22

The federal government created individual retirement accounts (IRAs) in the mid-1970s as a retirement savings vehicle. Over time, the financial landscape has changed, impacting tax consequences and distribution rules for IRAs, especially inherited non-spousal accounts. We welcome expert Larae Schraeder from Schraeder Law to discuss Individual Retir…

1
Tips for Entrepreneurs: Getting Started with Local Resources and Networking 31:24

4M ago31:24

31:24

"In Ohio, small businesses drive $1,700,000,000 of economic impact. And in 2023, Ohio jobs create or Ohio businesses small businesses created 10,747 new jobs in 2023." Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca invite Kelly Fuller, a seasoned guest expert and the Senior Vice President of the Columbus Chamber Foundation, to discuss entrepreneurship. Emphasiz…

1
New Year, New Books 19:08

4M ago19:08

19:08

Kristine from the library's Collection Development department talks about some of the new books we'll be getting in 2025.By Metropolitan Library System

1
Partnering with Metro Parks 18:54

4M ago18:54

18:54

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel chat with Jill Snyder, the Visitor Engagement Manager and Public Information Officer at Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Together, they’ll explore the exciting array of current park activities, discuss upcoming events, and learn about a new facility designed with accessibility and incl…

1
Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success: Tips from Ohio's Business Experts 16:04

5M ago16:04

16:04

We are thrilled to present an episode rich with insights for aspiring and current entrepreneurs, with tips from several local experts. Each guest brings a wealth of experience and valuable advice for those looking to start or grow their businesses in Ohio. We begin by discussing the significance of self-confidence and the myriad of questions that c…

1
Reflecting on Five Years: A Year-End Message from Looking Forward Our Way 15:15

5M ago15:15

15:15

Welcome to the new year! We are celebrating our five-year mark as we enter 2025. We began during the COVID-19 pandemic and have since produced over 124 episodes. We appreciate our loyal listeners and enjoy making the podcasts. We emphasize the importance of having the right co-host and maintaining a good rhythm in their conversations. Our podcast f…

1
CCMEP: One of Ohio’s Best Kept Secrets 21:56

5M ago21:56

21:56

On this episode of The Conversation, John and Christina (filling in for Rachel) have an insightful conversation about the wide range of resources the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers. They chat with Gerrie Cotter, Manager of the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program, and Dalen Hill, a former student whose career has …

1
Recovering Financially After a Spouse Passes Away 50:40

5M ago50:40

50:40

How can the death of a spouse affect the surviving partner's financial stability and credit score, and what steps can be taken to mitigate these impacts? We discuss financial challenges facing Ohioans aged 50 and over, with a specific focus on surviving spouses. Featuring consumer law attorney Laura Nesbitt, the episode focuses on the financial ins…

1
Holiday Horror and Mystery 27:37

5M ago27:37

27:37

Looking for something interesting and different to read during the upcoming holiday season? Librarians Lindsay, Maddie, Reagan, and Tyler share some recommendations from the library's collection of Christmas and winter related horror and mystery novels, graphic novels, and novellas.By Metropolitan Library System

1
COAAA Advisory Council 29:19

6M ago29:19

29:19

The latest episode of "Looking Forward Our Way" features an engaging discussion about the pivotal role of advisory councils in addressing the needs of older adults at the state and local levels. The episode brings together Anna Tobin and Melissa Owens, two prominent figures in the aging services sector, to share their insights and experiences. Gran…

1
Food, Friendship & Belonging: The Heart of Kitchen of Life 15:36

6M ago15:36

15:36

On this episode of “The Conversation”, John and Rachel sit down with Shea Kaltmann, the Director of Kitchen of Life, to explore how the organization is transforming lives through the culinary arts. Discover how Kitchen of Life fosters resilience and strengthens interpersonal skills by bringing people together in the kitchen. Join us for an inspirin…

1
The $100 Million Investment Revolutionizing Ohio's Future Workforce 1:13:11

6M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

"This was a a really strong convening then for employers and education to to better communicate and then plan on how to improve that connectivity between graduating students and employment." We welcome guest experts John Hambrick, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio, and Lauren Stowe Jones, Senior…

1
Voices and Votes 16:30

6M ago16:30

16:30

Did you know that Bethany has a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian coming soon? Librarian Anna from the Bethany Library tells us all about the Smithsonian's exhibit "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" coming to the library, the upcoming festivities surrounding the exhibit, and a few interesting facts about the history of voting and democra…

1
The Value of Veterans in the Civilian Workforce 45:52

7M ago45:52

45:52

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are vital in providing support to veterans, helping them feel less isolated and more integrated into their new work environments. We sit down with Ronnie Bailey, the Human Resources Manager at Bullen Ultrasonics, to talk about a critical topic during this National Veterans and Military Families Month: the value of ve…

1
How League of Women Voters Fights for Fair Elections and Campaign Transparency 1:10:05

7M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Empowering Voters: Understanding Campaign Financing, Fair Districting, and Poll Participation Brett and Carol chat with Jen Miller, the Executive Director of the League of Women Voters Ohio, about the nitty-gritty of ballot issues and voting policies. Jen talks about a cool bipartisan effort to draft a new amendment (Issue 1), mentioning notable fi…

1
Voices in Conflict 21:07

7M ago21:07

21:07

*Please note: the introduction of this podcast incorrectly refers to the high school as "Village Springs". The correct name of the school is "Village High School". On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel sit down with Village High School teachers Susan Nolan and Dan Takacs. Together, they dive into the teacher’s thought-provoking cours…

1
Haunted Oklahoma with Jeff Provine 36:18

7M ago36:18

36:18

Local author and expert in all things haunted in the state of Oklahoma Jeff Provine talks with us about his top five favorite haunted places around the state. If you'd like to learn more about Jeff's books or take one of his ghost tours, you can find him at http://www.jeffprovine.com/By Metropolitan Library System

1
2024 Medicare Open Enrollment: Essential Updates and Cost-Saving Tips 55:43

8M ago55:43

55:43

In this episode, we are joined by Josh Kinzel from Seniority Benefit Group to discuss key changes and updates for Medicare Open Enrollment 2024, highlighting how these alterations might impact current and prospective enrollees. Josh Kinzel brings 18 years of experience, with a focus on Medicare for the past 16 years. He assists individuals with the…

1
LinkUS – COTA - Issue #47 45:04

8M ago45:04

45:04

Are you curious about how Central Ohio plans to evolve its transportation network to support future growth? MORPC leads strategic transportation planning and coordinates the allocation of federal transportation dollars to local governments. Our guest, Maria Schaper, is the Transportation Study Director at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (…

1
Using AI Tools for Job Applications: Worth It or Not? 48:17

8M ago48:17

48:17

We are joined by career expert Sharon Hamersly to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can be a crucial tool in the modern job search, while also emphasizing its limitations and the critical role of human input. **Crutch Words in AI Writing** A common issue with AI-generated content: the over-reliance on generic phrases and crutch words such as…

1
Oklahoma Author Oscar Hokeah 32:08

8M ago32:08

32:08

In this month's podcast Oscar Hokeah talks with us about his PEN/Hemingway Award winning novel, Calling For A Blanket Dance.By Metropolitan Library System

1
American Political Thought and Radicalism – Part 2 14:37

8M ago14:37

14:37

Tune in to the exciting conclusion of Episode 1 of The Conversation! In this episode, John and Rachel dive deeper into David Strausbaugh’s thought-provoking American Political Thought and Radicalism course at Worthington Kilbourne High School. Hear firsthand how this unique class has shaped the values and civic engagement of a former student. This …

1
Emergency Preparedness: Insights from Greater Columbus Chapter of the American Red Cross 54:13

9M ago54:13

54:13

**Disaster Preparedness**: "If we are separated and a disaster occurs, where's our meeting place a little bit away? Right? Where are those 2 or 3 meeting places in the 20 mile radius, 50 mile radius, where we know that you're gonna be if I can't reach you." — Cory Paul We welcome Cory Paul, the Executive Director of the Greater Columbus Chapter of …

1
Building Resources for an Aging Community 57:04

9M ago57:04

57:04

Aging Population Boom: "There will be more seniors than there are kindergarteners by 2030." — Chanda Wingo We're thrilled to have Chanda Wingo, Director of the Franklin County Office on Aging. She shares insights on an innovative blueprint aimed at understanding the impact of an aging community and guiding local stakeholders in allocating necessary…

1
American Political Thought and Radicalism – Part 1 22:23

9M ago22:23

22:23

Season 2 of The Conversation is here! This two-part episode is a part of our Democracy Starts in the Classroom series which will cover civic engagement topics to keep you informed and engaged this voting season. On this episode of The Conversation, John and Rachel chat with David Strausbaugh, a Social Studies teacher at Worthington Kilbourne High S…

1
OKC Hidden Gems: Interesting Museums in Oklahoma City 35:42

9M ago35:42

35:42

Did you know there's a Museum of Telephone History in Oklahoma City? What about the Pigeon Museum? In this month's podcast, self-proclaimed museum nerd Meg from the library's Special Collections Departments tells us about some of the many interesting and unique museums in Oklahoma City that she's visited. If you'd like to hear more about interestin…

1
Leveling The Playing Field Ohio: A World With No Sidelines 38:00

10M ago38:00

38:00

"They can grab a cart, grab a clipboard, and essentially go shopping free of charge for whatever they need to support their program."— Eric Rutkowski We welcome Eric Rutkowski, the program director for Leveling The Playing Field Ohio. Eric shares his inspiring mission to support youth sports across Ohio by ensuring that programs in Columbus, Clevel…

1
Digital Estates: How to Handle Your Online Presence After You're Gone 23:51

10M ago23:51

23:51

Consolidating Accounts and Legal Risks: "I think the biggest risk would be for the financial accounts because the person that does know the password that is the key to the kingdom may not understand where their control starts and where their authority ends, And just because they know the password to that bank account doesn't mean that the dollars s…

1
Parks and Recreation 26:36

10M ago26:36

26:36

July is Parks and Recreation month, so we thought it might be fun to make book recommendations based on some of our favorite characters from the show Parks and Recreation. As always, if you want to check out any of our recommendations, you can find them on the library's catalog. https://catalog.metrolibrary.org/?browseCategory=staff_picks And if yo…

1
The World of Work for 55+ Jobseekers 47:35

10M ago47:35

47:35

We have a special announcement: Employment Forward Seniors, a casualty of the pandemic, now finds a new home under the New Directions Career Center as Mature Works. Joining us are experts Kat Yamaguchi and Jami Phillips from New Directions Career Center. With rich backgrounds in nonprofit program development and job seeker support, they share insig…