Best PJ Library Podcasts (2025)

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Kiddo's Special Friday 7:51

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2h ago7:51

7:51

Kiddo is out shopping with Mimi when a flyer catches his eye: a movie night! Mimi gently reminds Kiddo that they already have plans. Everyone is getting together for a special family Shabbat. This episode offers wonderful guidance for talking to kids of all ages about keeping commitments while also sharing some beautiful reminders about how special…

1
Mizrahi Heritage Month Playlist 47:52

2d ago47:52

47:52

November is Mizrahi Heritage Month - celebrating the culture and customs of Mizrahi Jews - those with heritage from around the Middle East, Southwest Asia and North Africa. In this playlist, listeners will attend a Persian Passover, celebrate Chag Habanot with the mermaids of Mashal, and prepare a special dish for Shabbat. To learn more and to find…

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Empire of Silence | Episode 1 | Hadrian - The Ugliness of the World 4:23:11

2h ago4:23:11

4:23:11

Hey there folks! This week, Josh and I begin our journey through The Sun Eater Saga by the incredible Christopher Ruocchio. This one is a long one, as there's a lot to bite off and chew; but fear not! Upcoming episodes are a more traditional length. That said, we had a blast with the very start of the this story here, and there's so much more to co…

1
Sun Eater Introduction 18:04

6d ago18:04

18:04

Hey there folks - Join us as Josh and I explore the first pages, expectations, and thoughts as we begin to tackle this absolutely epic series. We're excited for everyone joining us to read this for the first time, and for new and returning readers to get to enjoy the experience with us. Oh, and did we mention we're moving to video? Next week, we st…

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Josh's Introduction 30:00

8h ago30:00

30:00

Hey there folks - This week, we're introducing Josh, the new co-host of Words and Whiskey! We're so excited for him to be joining the show, and keeping PJ's seat warm. That said, it's time to learn way more about him through this episode. We're excited, and there's more to come. Next up, is our series announcement episode, out TODAY as a pairing! C…

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PJ's Words and Whiskey Finale 3:09:00

10h ago3:09:00

3:09:00

Hey there folks - This episode is a special one, as we end the first 'era' of the podcast. Today, we say goodbye to PJ. We answered a TON of listener questions, and got extra silly, since we were in person together for this one. This episode was recorded immediately following The First Law wrap-up podcast, and was especially saucy. We'll all miss t…

1
Kiddo Tries to Stay Up Late 6:18

17d ago6:18

6:18

Kiddo and Zee are staying over at Mimi's but they do NOT want to go to bed. What's a Mimi to do? Maybe the delightful story, Just One More Thing...and Then Bedtime, written and illustrated by Menachem Halberstadt and published by Green Bean Books, can help Kiddo settle down. Looking for more resources to help your kids settle into bedtime? Check ou…

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The Wisdom of Crowds Wrap-Up - 'Prophecies Place in Prose' 9:53

13d ago9:53

9:53

Hey there folks, this week Kross talks prophecy, and the work Joe did to take it from as many angles as possible. Next week, we'll be back with the FINALE of Pj's run on Words and Whiskey. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to he…

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Kiddo Practices Spanish, Yiddish, and Other World Languages 6:48

28d ago6:48

6:48

Kiddo is thrilled to be learning a new language - and he wonders, do the people in his family and community speak multiple languages? Mimi reminds Kiddo that, yes, the Jewish community is full of diversity and together they read a sweet story, ¿Dónde está Shmata? written by Tana Ross and illustrated by Elisa Kleven. You can even follow along with M…

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First Law Complete Wrap-Up 2:55:31

29d ago2:55:31

2:55:31

Hey there folks, this week, we're actually wrapping it all up, talking about THE ENTIRETY of The First Law series, Next week, Kross'll be back for a little solo episode talking about Vick and Orso. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long …

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Bonus Episode: Golem Meets a Monster Hunter 17:58

30d ago17:58

17:58

Hi listeners! While the Beyond the Bookcase team works on the second half of Season 5, we have a very special bonus episode: a chat with a real-life monster expert! Join Golem and producer Alli as they sit down with Jack Zaientz from JewishMonsterHunting.com. If your children are into monsters, magic, and folklore, this episode features a creative …

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The Wisdom of Crowds | Part IX 3:39:58

1M ago3:39:58

3:39:58

Hey there folks, this week... things change. You thought the Great Change was crazy? Next week, Kross'll be back for a little solo episode talking about Vick and Orso. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast gro…

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The Wisdom of Crowds | Part VIII 3:20:07

1M ago3:20:07

3:20:07

Hey there folks, this week... we live through hell with all our friends. Next week, we're onto the END of the series, finishing up part IX. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You can also check out ou…

1
The Three Little Pigs and the Very Tall Community Sukkah 11:47

1M ago11:47

11:47

It's Sukkot in Mashal - what could be more fun? Join Miri and Micah as they are welcomed into the community sukkah by Zev, Farmer Serach, and some very boisterous little piggies. To learn all about sukkot - and figure out how to build your very own teeny tiny sukkah like Miri and Micah, head to pjlibrary.org/sukkot. Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is …

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The Wisdom of Crowds | Part VII 3:42:13

2M ago3:42:13

3:42:13

Hey there folks, this week, everything goes sideways for the folks, as the Great Change takes hold. Cheers for the little people! Off with their heads! Next week, we're onto part VIII, diving deep into Wisdom of Crowds Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wher…

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The Trouble with Peace | 'Ideals are Free, Success is Not' - Wrap-up 24:07

2M ago24:07

24:07

Hey there folks, this week, Kross is talking through Leo and Orso, and whether or not ideals are worth it. Next week, we're onto part VII, beginning Wisdom of Crowds. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow…

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Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings part 2 featuring Mimi and Kiddo 19:31

2M ago19:31

19:31

Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups on Feelings is a 7-part podcast series created by the Kids Listen community to help kids (and their grownups) explore the wide world of feelings. Each episode pairs two emotions that are often connected, offering original stories, clips, and reflections from across Kids Listen shows. We're thrilled that PJ Library …

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The Trouble with Peace | Part VI 3:10:10

2M ago3:10:10

3:10:10

Hey there folks, we continue through Part VI, and the battle rages on... for a little while. Who will be the real victor, here? Next week, Kross will be back with an essay on Leo and Orso. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to he…

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The Rosh Hashanah Playlist 41:55

2M ago41:55

41:55

Hi Listeners, Did you know that it’s almost time for Rosh Hashanah? The Beyond the Bookcase team sends your family wishes for a High Holiday season and new year full of love, health, happiness, and (of course) great Jewish stories – just like the Rosh Hashanah-themed ones in this playlist. For more ideas - and to download our free holiday guide, vi…

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The Trouble with Peace | Part V 4:02:26

3M ago4:02:26

4:02:26

Hey there folks, we continue through Part V, and it's an excellent conversation on the whole. Next week, we'll be reading Part VI Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You can also check out our Patreon …

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Turn Around Teshuva 15:47

2M ago15:47

15:47

Evie and Jacob are getting on each other's nerves--to save their friendship, Auntie PJ sends the kids on an errand to Mashal. Come along as Mr. Saifair, Golem, and special guest, Dafi Saifair, help the kids make amends, and return to their best selves in the new year. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive …

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Medusa Protocol with Rob Hart 1:04:16

3M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

Hey folks! This week, Kross and Josh chat with Best-selling author Rob Hart once again, this time about Medusa Protocol, the sequel to Assassin's Anonymous! We had a blast unpacking this excellent thriller story. I can't say enough about how fun this conversation was, and how incredible it was to have Rob on the show. Make sure to give it a listen!…

1
The Song of Songs 3:16

3M ago3:16

3:16

Today we’re reading a section from the Song of Songs, found in the Tanach. Some believe that King Solomon might have written this poem about someone he loved. Several Jewish sages think of the poem as a metaphor for the love between God and human beings. Another way you could imagine parts of this poem, which is often read by Jewish families on Sha…

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The Trouble with Peace | Part IV 3:17:54

3M ago3:17:54

3:17:54

Hey there folks, we're beginning the middle book, The Trouble with Peace! We're breaking this one up into the Parts of the novel themselves, starting with Part IV. Next week, we'll be reading Part V! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a lon…

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The Kids Prepare a Rosh Hashanah Seder 13:08

3M ago13:08

13:08

The kids pop over to Mashal to deliver some Rosh Hashanah cards (and try to cheer up Jacob). While Mama Bear and Mary Quite Contrary prepare for a seder, the kids learn all about the simanim, symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah, and receive some perfect advice for starting the year off right. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. P…

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A Little Hatred | 'Killing Nostalgia' - Wrap-up 36:14

3M ago36:14

36:14

Hey there folks, this week, Kross talks about nostalgia as a weapon in Age of Madness, and how Abercrombie both broke the mold, and reinforced old ideals... as well as gets deep on a little f*cker named Clover. Next week, we have a double header; an episode with Rob Hart, tackling the killer 'Medusa Protocol' as well as Part IV of a Trouble With Pe…

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A Little Hatred | The New Man - Long Live the King 3:14:18

3M ago3:14:18

3:14:18

Hey there folks, this week, we see a new king crowned. Next week, Kross is coming on for a little solo episode, wrapping up A Little Hatred. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You can also check out o…

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Elijah and Elisha 6:00

4M ago6:00

6:00

Today’s story comes from the second Book of Kings in the Tanach. It’s a story about how much we can learn from mentors, and how we carry our friends with us, even when we are not always with them. This story was written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, edited by Jessica McCormick and Danny Paller, and narrated by Eliran Hirsh. Music is licensed through Epid…

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Emergency Alert! The Season 5 Premiere 16:47

4M ago16:47

16:47

Welcome back listeners! Today Chicken Little has a feeling, Bubbe has a vision, and Snow White has a handy solution. Join the crew as we learn about the mitzvah of visiting the sick in the Season 5 Premiere of Beyond the Bookcase. Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid, …

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A Little Hatred | Something of Ours - Lost Causes 2:23:42

4M ago2:23:42

2:23:42

Hey there folks, we survive the rebellion by any cost, see its people respected by Orso, and find Leo dueling in the circle. Next week, we finish the book, reading The New Man - Long Live The King. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long …

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Daniel in the Lion's Den 6:44

4M ago6:44

6:44

Today’s story, “Daniel in the Lion’s Den,” comes from the Book of Daniel. That’s the part of the Bible called "Ketuvim," which is the Hebrew word for “writings.” This story was written by Emma Carlson Berne and Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh and narrated by Hannah Joelle. Our music is licensed through Epidemic Sound. Produced by Alli Thresher for PJ Library, …

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A Little Hatred | A Blow for the Common Man- The Little People 2:05:35

4M ago2:05:35

2:05:35

Hey there folks, we adventure deeper into rebellion, and uncover so much more. Next week, we continue our journey, reading Something of Ours - Lost Causes. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You can a…

1
The Story of Creation 5:12

4M ago5:12

5:12

Today we’re going to listen to a Torah story you may already be familiar with – the creation of the world, from the book of B’reshit, or Genesis. Narrated by Marcus Goldhaber Music licensed through Epidemic Sound Have I Got a Story For You! is a production of PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, all rights reserved.…

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A Little Hatred | Blessings and Curses - Promises 2:09:46

4M ago2:09:46

2:09:46

Hey there folks, we begin our final part of the journey through the first law series! We begin with our new cast, exploring visions, and much, much more. Next week, we continue our journey, reading A Blow for the Common Man - Little People! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTu…

1
The Great Leveler Wrap-Up w/ Josh Ramsey 1:41:26

4M ago1:41:26

1:41:26

Hey there folks, this week i'm joined by Josh Ramsey to discuss all things great leveler, to talk through directors we'd select for various novels, and really... to hash out why people should appreciate Red Country just a little bit more. Next week, we begin our coverage of A Little Hatred! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on y…

1
Golem Answers a Listener Question And Makes a Playlist 43:45

4M ago43:45

43:45

Beyond the Bookcase will return with new episodes this August! For now, enjoy a special note from Golem, a listener shoutout, and a playlist of our clay protector's favorite stories. For full cast information and credits, please go to pjlibrary.org/podcastBy PJ Library

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Kiddo's Kindness to Animals 12:53

4M ago12:53

12:53

Today’s episode features the story, The Cats on Ben Yehuda Street, written by Ann Redisch Stampler, illustrated by Francesca Carabelli, and published by Kar-Ben. Read with permission from Kar-Ben Publishing, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher …

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The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch 1:34:44

5M ago1:34:44

1:34:44

Hey there folks! This week, we're bringing a Patreon episode to the public feed. Listen to PJ and I rave about how much we loved Lies of Locke Lamora. Next week, we'll be back with our Great Leveler wrap-up. Link: https://wordsandwhiskey.show/episode/261-the-lies-of-locke-lamora-by-scott-lynchBy Words And Whiskey

1
ReidChancellorInterview2025 57:20

5M ago57:20

57:20

A chat with graphic novelist and musician Reid Chancellor about his latest book, Hardcore Happiness.By Daviess County Public Library

1
Sharp Ends | Side Stories and Backstories 2:15:22

5M ago2:15:22

2:15:22

Hey there folks, this week we finish Sharp Ends, and we get into the bigger debates that the series offers! Next week, we'll be wrapping up all of The Great Leveler with a special guest! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to help…

1
Sharp Ends: Javre, and Her Henchwoman Shev (Small Kindnesses, Two's Company, Skipping Town, + Three's a Crowd) 1:37:41

5M ago1:37:41

1:37:41

Hey there folks, this week we... recorded a whole ton, so we split Sharp Ends into two! Please enjoy our little dive into the story of Javre and Shev, as well as our discussion, FINALLY, on the map. Next week, we'll be reading THE REST of Sharp Ends. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a rev…

1
Red Country | Fun - Some Kind of Coward 3:03:48

5M ago3:03:48

3:03:48

Hey there folks, this week's episode wraps up Red Country! We see deep into the Dragons, and waaaaay more. Next week, we'll be reading THE WHOLE of Sharp Ends! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You c…

1
Miles Mayhem's Hot Air Problem 52:46

5M ago52:46

52:46

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! It's Episode 41: "Stop Motion." Venom rolls out a Hindenburg-grade blimp armed with a world-class EMP—just to nab the Indy 500 cash box and a leather binder of EVERY U.S. safe combo (because nothing says “international terrorism” like a coupon book for bank vaults). Matt Trakker tries vacuum-tube science,…

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Red Country | Wrath of God - The Sleeping Partner 1:28:55

6M ago1:28:55

1:28:55

Hey there folks, this week's episode is a shorter one, covering the oddities that we missed last week due to a mic error! We hope you enjoy this little romp through some fun sections. Next week, we'll be finishing the book, starting with the chapter "Fun"! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave…

1
Red Country | Part 1 - Dreams 2:10:09

6M ago2:10:09

2:10:09

Hey there folks, this week... well, we had bigger plans that came a little short, as we begin RED COUNTRY, the LAST of the standalones. Please note that we do talk a little bit more forward in this episode than usual... bear with us as we get used to the format change! Next week, we'll be finishing this section with Wrath of God - The Sleeping Part…

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The Heroes Wrap-up 1:43:56

6M ago1:43:56

1:43:56

Hey folks! First up, if you haven't heard, listen to the last two minutes of the episode to hear a note from PJ on the show going forward. Beyond that, we are amped to have this discussion wrapping up our thoughts on The Heroes! Did we actually enjoy Gorst? Could we have possibly enjoyed Beck more? In hindsight, could you start your journey here? A…

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VENOM Unmasks Matt Trakker! (with James Riley!) 1:02:16

6M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! It's Episode 40: "Eyes of the Skull"! Matt Tracker dumps his kid to wander San Francisco (“What could go wrong?”) and immediately gets doxxed by Miles Mayhem’s X-ray crystal skull. VENOM finally learns MASK’s big secret…and celebrates with the most conspicuous bank heist ever—blasting a hole through downt…

1
Dungeon Crawler Carl 1:49:40

6M ago1:49:40

1:49:40

Hey folks! This week, we're chatting about Dungeon Crawler Carl, thanks you Patron Kevin! We had a pretty great time blasting our way through the first couple floors of the dungeon, despite the Patrick Wharburton of it all. Next week, we'll resume with The Heroes wrap-up, and then we'll begin Red Country! Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement c…

1
Matt Trakker's Daddy Issues 1:00:37

6M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! It's Episode 39: "Green Nightmare"! Matt Tracker’s “cultural‑exchange” flight to New Guinea nosedives, unleashing an episode where MASK forgets its own name: almost zero masks, barely a vehicle, but plenty of wildly offensive mud‑people stereotypes. While VENOM cosplays as jungle gods, Scott rewires a liv…

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The Heroes | After the Battle | Old Hands - Retired 2:41:54

7M ago2:41:54

2:41:54

Hey there folks, this week, we see the end of our little story. Next week, a couple of paths forward, but we'll chat with you about those then! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You can also check ou…