Best DC Public Library Podcasts (2025)

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NPR's Susan Stamberg live from the National Archive 41:03

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1d ago41:03

41:03

We pay tribute to NPR Special Correspondent Susan Stamberg as we reprise an episode taped before a live audience at the National Archives in 2017. Readers from the Girlfriends BookClub Baltimore discuss A Little Wicked by Janet Macreery with host Kitty Felde. Susan Stamberg is our celebrity reader. You can read a special tribute to Susan at our web…

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S08.08: Romance Short Stories and the Ladies in Waiting Anthology 2:10:01

1d ago2:10:01

2:10:01

We definitely have a hope became reality hangover this morning, but we also have a very fun episode for you today! We're talking romance shorts -- not novellas, not short novels, but actual short stories under 15,000 words (or about 50 pages). We talk about why this is such a difficult goal to hit, about why romance lends itself to longer formats, …

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Ye Gods: Scott Carter 's Journey from Comedy to Spiritual Exploration 52:04

5d ago52:04

52:04

This week The State of Belief features the fascinating Scott Carter, creator, executive producer, and host of the Ye Gods with Scott Carter podcast. In this episode, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and Scott explorethe intersections of belief, doubt, and the moral codes that guide us. Notableideas include: The Power of Intentional Curiosity: Sc…

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RERUN: Spooky Stuff! Halloween Romance 1:04:42

6d ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Happy Halloween! Please enjoy this episode from October 26, 2022. For more info, including all the books we mentioned, visit fatedmates.net.

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Pitching Policy & Fielding a Federal Shutdown - A DC View with Congressman Johnny O 47:19

7d ago47:19

47:19

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson sit down with Congressman Johnny Olszewski, Jr., a former Maryland Delegate, Baltimore County Executive, and 2025 MACo President, now serving Maryland’s Second Congressional District. Congressman Olszewski discusses the federal shutdown and the strain it places on Marylan…

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A Conversation with Lisa Thompson 8:18

8d ago8:18

8:18

Does a background in radio help you write dialogue? What's the one thing you should never include in a book designed for readers with dyslexia? We ask the expert: Lisa Thompson, author of "The Light Jar" and other middle grade novels.By Kitty Felde

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S08.07: Romance Demons: Problématique (Italics) 1:23:13

8d ago1:23:13

1:23:13

It's Halloween which means we're talking about monsters (complimentary)! We've done devils and witches and an entire season on monsters of all ilk, but we haven't done demons yet, and so here we are! Come one come all as Sarah confesses one of her weirdest (charming) kinks and we discuss the age-old adage: "If a demon's horns aren't sexual organs, …

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"We're not going to let you take our tradition": A Beautiful Year with Diana Butler Bass 1:01:54

12d ago1:01:54

1:01:54

"The feeling of not being alone is probably one of the most powerful tools we have." The latest episode The State of Belief features Dr. Diana Butler Bass. As an award-winning author, speaker, and theologian, Diana brings a wealth of insight to the intersection of faith, spirituality, and contemporary issues. In this episode, we dive deep into her …

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The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson 23:28

15d ago23:28

23:28

Did you have an imaginary friend when you were little? Nate did. And he's back. Just in time. Students from Garvanza Elementary School in Los Angeles discuss Lisa Thompson's novel "The Light Jar." NPR newscaster Dale Willman is celebrity reader and Kitty Felde is host. FAVORITE BOOKS FROM GARVANZA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: The Stand - Stephen King A Good …

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S08.06: Gorilla Twins! The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath 1:22:44

15d ago1:22:44

1:22:44

It's Gorilla Twins Week! We couldn't be happier to be talking about The Earl Takes All, a book we love so much we gave it a nickname that all of Romancelandia uses now. Whether you're reading it for the first time or the fiftieth, we're so happy to have you. We talk about Jane Goodall, Romance Gorillas, Lorraine Heath's brilliant mind, how she's ea…

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Reigniting Michigan’s Greatness: Tom Leonard & Kevin Rinke on The Grassroots Army Podcast 1:49:48

16d ago1:49:48

1:49:48

Michigan was once the heartbeat of America’s strength and innovation, the state that built the middle class and led the world in manufacturing, energy, and education. But somewhere along the way, we lost our edge. In this powerful episode of the Grassroots Army Podcast, Garrett Soldano sits down with Tom Leonard, candidate for Governor of Michigan,…

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The Faithful Fight Against Authoritarianism with Rev. Chloe Breyer 49:00

19d ago49:00

49:00

“What we will do will not be enough. That, however, is not the reason for not doing anything." The latest episode of The State of Belief features the inspiring Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director of the Interfaith Center of New York. Rev. Chloe and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushebush dive deep into the intersection of faith, activism, and comm…

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Favorite Books from Manchester Elementary 8:56

22d ago8:56

8:56

We visit Maine to talk to readers at Manchester Elementary School about their favorite books. Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss The Wild Robot - Peter Brown Toilet-bound Hanako-kun - Iro Forgotten Girl - India Hill Brown The Book Thief - Marcus Zusak Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus - Dusti Bowling Naruto the Boy Ninja - Masashi Kishimoto …

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S08.05: Governesses with Louisa Darling 1:43:36

22d ago1:43:36

1:43:36

How is it possible we've never done a governess episode? And how is it possible Louisa Darling hasn't been a guest on the pod yet? We're rectifying both of these injustices this week. We talk about Jane Eyre, The Sound of Music and other primordial governesses, and discuss exactly what kind of buttons these books installed--almost entirely thanks t…

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Faith Rising for Democracy: How to Show Up for No Kings, With Adam Friedman 43:50

26d ago43:50

43:50

The latest episode of The State of Belief features Adam Friedman, organizing and election strategist at Interfaith Alliance. In this episode, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush and Adam dive deep into the significance of the upcoming No Kings demonstration on October 18th and the vital role of faith communities in advocating for democracy. The dis…

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A Seat at the Table: MACo's 24-County Tour Hits St Mary's 56:04

27d ago56:04

56:04

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson...goes solo? Just kidding! He does set the stage, however, for a special recording from St. Mary’s County, where MACo President and Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jack Wilson joins Michael for a briefing with St. Mary’s County leaders to talk all things local governance. It’s a lively, co…

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Episode 24 - Al Capone Does My Shirts - live from the Gaithersburg Book Festival 45:29

29d ago45:29

45:29

It's banned books week, as we continue our look at books that have been challenged or banned. This week, it's Gennifer Choldenko's tale "Al Capone Does My Shirts." Back in 2016, the book was challenged by a group that said the book "perpetuates negative stereotypes" by including Al Capone as a character in the book. And earlier this year, a school …

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S08.04 We love you Chicago, DC and LA 2:00:28

30d ago2:00:28

2:00:28

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League of Women Voters CEO Celina Stewart: Courage is Not the Absence of Fear 1:00:58

1M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Celina Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters. They get into the way the League’s work has evolved over the past 105 years, with a focus on expanding access to the ballot, as well as on voter education,protecting voter rights, and strengthening civic engagement. Cel…

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Keeping the Lights On: Maryland, PJM, and the Future of Energy 34:40

1M ago34:40

34:40

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Dominic Butchko sits down with Jason Stanek of PJM Interconnection for a deep dive into Maryland’s evolving energy landscape. From the state’s growing dependence on imported electricity to the backlog of clean energy projects waiting to connect to the grid, Jason breaks down the challenges and opportunities …

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Episode 49 - Ungifted by Gordon Korman 26:15

1M ago26:15

26:15

What does it mean to be "gifted?" Don't we all have unique gifts to share with the world? Readers from Eliot-Hine Middle School on Capitol Hill discuss Gordon Korman's story of a prankster who lands in a "Gifted" program. KNX sports anchor (and Talking About Cars podcast host) Randy Kerdoon is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host.…

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08.03: Fall 2025 Preview 1:51:54

1M ago1:51:54

1:51:54

It's October, which means we're thinking about fall, which comes with spice, heat and hanging out under the blankets! Today, our Fall 2025 romance novel preview, guaranteed to fill your TBR pile. There’s something here for everyone — historicals, contemporaries, a splash of magic, princesses, superheroes, time-travel, widows, F1 drivers...a real id…

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Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Randi Weingarten, and Skye Perryman speak on Religious Freedom in Public Schools 1:03:12

1M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Religious freedom and public education: how do these issues come together? This week on The State of Belief, we hear leading voices make a compelling argument for ensuring the latter comes with a healthy dose of the former: Labor leader Randi Weingarten, activist Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, and Democracy Forward's Skye Perryman. Most of this episode wa…

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Revenues, Roads, and Rising Risks 47:24

1M ago47:24

47:24

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson unpack Maryland’s fiscal outlook. They break down the State’s year-end budget results, the new revenue forecast, and looming structural deficits. They also dig into the crunch in transportation funding — with local road dollars set to plunge off a fiscal cliff — the threa…

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Donna Barba Higuera 8:26

1M ago8:26

8:26

Kitty Felde talks to the author of Lupe Wong Won't Dance Donna Barba Higuera about creating an unlikeable character. She also gives us a sneak preview of a new science fiction novel she's writing.

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S08.02: Feminism in Romance with Adriana Herrera 1:53:18

1M ago1:53:18

1:53:18

Our fave, Adriana Herrera, is with us this week to talk about feminism, romance, and how the two intersect. We talk about the history of the genre, about the evolution of feminism within it, and about what we want from the texts we're reading now, as the world does whatever it is it's doing. Oh, and we recommend some feminist romance, because of co…

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Confronting Antisemitism and Its Weaponization: The Nexus Project's Jonathan Jacoby 50:12

2M ago50:12

50:12

This week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Jonathan Jacoby, National Director of the Nexus Project. The compelling conversation highlights Jonathan's unique insights on confronting antisemitism and fostering a pluralistic democracy. Drawing from his family history as the descendant of Holocaust survivors and his intrinsic connectio…

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Libraries Leading Maryland 51:37

2M ago51:37

51:37

From literacy programs to telehealth pods, Maryland’s libraries are evolving far beyond bookshelves. Join this week's Conduit Street host, Sarah Sample, as she sits down with Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller to explore how local libraries serve as community hubs, connect residents to vital resources, and adapt to funding challenges at th…

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Lupe Wong Wont Dance 24:02

2M ago24:02

24:02

Does square dancing count as an athletic activity? Lupe Wong doesn't think so and is willing to fight the system to make her point. Readers from Charles Hart Middle School in Washington, DC discuss the book with host Kitty Felde and interview the writer Donna Barba Higuera. Our celebrity reader is the former president of United Square Dancers of Am…

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S08.01: Cold Open: Craft, Criticism, and Summer Vacation 1:40:17

2M ago1:40:17

1:40:17

Season Eight! How is it possible you're all still here?! We're so incredibly thrilled to have you all with us for another season. We've got big plans for talking to your favorite people, getting under the hood of your favorite tropes, and filling your TBR pile with your new favorite books. We quickly find ourselves in the deep end, talking about cr…

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I Sat Down With Kevin Rinke to Talk About What's REALLY at Stake in Michigan 2:24:47

2M ago2:24:47

2:24:47

I sat down with Kevin Rinke to talk about what’s REALLY at stake in Michigan: - Michigan Gubernatorial Candidates - “AxeMITax” petition. - Protecting our elections with "Americans For Citizens Voting" Petition And much more! This fight is about FREEDOM, COMMON SENSE & WE THE PEOPLE. Visiting the Detroit area? A Dream Limousine And Sedan, serving S.…

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Libraries and Religious Freedom, with ALA President Sam Helmick 53:01

2M ago53:01

53:01

This week on The State of Belief - a conversation with Sam Helmick, the newly inaugurated president of the American Library Association. Sam and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush mark National Library Card Sign-up Month by discussing the importance of libraries in advocating for intellectual freedom and access to information, noting that librarie…

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Turning Data Into Decisions: Results for America in Maryland 38:49

2M ago38:49

38:49

On this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, host Michael Sanderson sits down with Zachary Markovits, Vice President & Local Practice Lead at Results for America, to explore how data and evidence can transform government decision-making. From Maryland’s efforts in using evidence-based budgeting and grantmaking to success stories from across the c…

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Honeymoon Road: Pete & Me & our Model T 22:30

2M ago22:30

22:30

In 1925, newlyweds Pete and Gert packed up their lives and headed west for California in a Model T Ford. Gert chronicled thejourney in a series of letters. Now, one hundred years later, a pair of cousins Kitty Felde and Marie Felde follow their route to see America through their eyes. Join us on a podcast journey at honeymoonroad.com.…

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Trump Posted A Video Calling The Vaccine Preservative Thimerosal “POISON.” 37:41

2M ago37:41

37:41

President Trump just dropped a red-pill nuclear bomb on Truth Social. He posted a video with an NIH Geneticist and Biochemist laying it all out: vaccines are filled with toxic chemicals like mercury. For years, the establishment mocked parents, silenced doctors, and destroyed careers of anyone who dared to question Big Pharma’s profits. But now, th…

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The Power of Community: Keya Chatterjee and the Vision for a Free DC 47:29

2M ago47:29

47:29

The Trump administration’s federal takeover of the nation’s capital is having a profound impact on Washington, DC’s 700,000 residents - and on our very democracy. That’s according to this week’s guest on The State of Belief, Keya Chatterjee. Keya’s the co-founder and executive director of Free DC, a civic campaign defending Washington, DC’s home ru…

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Maryland Supreme Court Weighs Public Nuisance Claims in Opioid Case 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, Michael Sanderson and Policy Associate Sarah Sample sit down with Anne Arundel Deputy County Attorney Hamilton Tyler to unpack a local case now headed to the Maryland Supreme Court on September 9. At the center of the case: whether counties can bring public nuisance claims tied to the staggering costs of the…

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Between Seasons Palate Cleanser: Fated Mates Live St. Louis! 1:16:57

2M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

This year's Fated Mates Live was a little different than those we've hosted before, as it was also launch day for Sarah's These Summer Storms! We celebrated in style in the Midwest, hosted by the fabulous team at indie bookstore (and romance lovers), Novel Neighbor and joined by our absolute favorite, Kate Clayborn. So many Firebirds turned out to …

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Hypatia Academy by Esther Goldenberg 23:37

2M ago23:37

23:37

Did Harry Potter make you wish you were going to boarding school? This week, we visit another extraordinary boarding school with invisible students and k'lepreechons. It's Hypatia Academy by Esther Goldenberg. It's the favorite book of this trio of Maryland readers. NPR's Morning Edition host Rachel Martin is celebrity reader. Kitty Felde is host. …

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How the Christian Right is Taking Over America with Talia Lavin 48:38

2M ago48:38

48:38

She's a Jewish woman who has spent countless hours undercover, impersonating the White supremacist, misogynistic, antisemitic extremists she was researching for her first book. She's also brought an outsider's view to the growing dominance of Christian Nationalism in our society and our government for her second. This week on The State of Belief, j…