Best Ridgewood Public Library Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 41: Author and Austen Expert Brenda Cox 43:37

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22d ago43:37

43:37

We continue our celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary with Brenda S. Cox: Austen expert, scientist, and author of the new book Fashionable Goodness, which explores how Austen wove deep moral truths into her characters’ lives, shedding light on the faith and values that shaped her work. Join us for an insightful discussion on Austen’s endur…

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What Are Your Beach Reads? 34:16

2M ago34:16

34:16

Send us a text Sun in the sky, the sound of the waves, your toes in the sand….what are you reading? Today, we’re discussing what books we pack on vacation and whether we read differently when we’re away versus at home. This month’s recommendations: Justin: Titan of the Stars by E. K. Johnston Brittin: Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshout Rosa:…

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Episode 40: Author and Rare Book Dealer Rebecca Romney: Jane Austen’s Bookshelf … and Beyond 51:05

2M ago51:05

51:05

Jane Austen inspired millions… but who inspired her? That is the question rare books dealer and author Rebecca Romney set out to explore in her new book Jane Austen's Bookshelf. Join Roberta Panjwani as she sits down to talk with Rebecca about the lives and works of the women writers Austen admired, the fascinating world of rare books, and the stor…

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What Makes a Book A Classic? 49:38

3M ago49:38

49:38

Send us a text Popularity, time, or how much it bores you in your high school English class- what makes a classic? Join our librarians today as we discuss! This month’s recommendations: Ashley: There Is No Ethan by Anna Akbari Justin: The Corruption of Hollis Brown by K. Ancrum Brittin: The Thrashers by Julie Soto Rosa: Bat Eater and Other Names fo…

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Episode 39: Jeannette Cooperman and Lorri Steinbacher: "What’s in a Name?" 39:47

3M ago39:47

39:47

Roberta sits down with RPL director Lorri Steinbacher and “What’s in a Name?” journalist and essayist Jeannette Cooperman for a lively and thought-provoking conversation about the power of names. From given names and nicknames to hyphenation and reinvention, the trio explores how names shape identity, carry meaning, and spark emotion. At the heart …

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Biblio: Mockingjay Review 1:53

4M ago1:53

1:53

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Mockingjay on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more information on our website h…

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Biblio: Cinder Review 1:45

4M ago1:45

1:45

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Cinder on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more information on our website here:…

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Biblio: Out of My Mind Review 2:56

4M ago2:56

2:56

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Out of My Mind on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more information on our websi…

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Biblio: Wonder Review 2:13

4M ago2:13

2:13

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Wonder on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more information on our website here:…

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Biblio: The Crossover Review 1:50

4M ago1:50

1:50

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of The TCrossover on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more information on our websi…

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Series or Standalones? 37:32

4M ago37:32

37:32

Send us a text Are you a one-book wonder, or do you want more? Today, we’re discussing series vs. standalones. This month’s recommendations: Ashley: Run Away With Me by Brian Selznick Justin: Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee Brittin: Death In the Jungle by Candace FlemingBy Justin, Ashley, Brittin, and Rosa

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Episode 38: Musician Gary Solomon: Dylan, The Band & Me 31:03

4M ago31:03

31:03

Singer/songwriter Gary Solomon was just 19 when he found himself in the crowd at The Last Waltz—The Band’s iconic 1976 farewell concert. Filmed by Martin Scorsese and widely considered the best concert film of all time, it was stacked with legends like Robbie Roberston, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters,…

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Villains in Books 39:36

5M ago39:36

39:36

Send us a text We love them, we hate them, sometimes we love to hate them, or hate that we love them: today, we're talking about villains. This month’s recommendations: Rosa: The Dark We Know by Wen-Yi Li Ashley: They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran Justin: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins Brittin: The Otherwhere Post by Emily J Taylor …

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Episode 37: Sue Rodin: The Great Connector 39:48

5M ago39:48

39:48

1993, when Sue Rodin saw gender inequality in her workplace, she didn’t just get frustrated—she took action. Tapping into her network, she founded Women in Sports and Events (WISE), an organization built to support and elevate professional women in the sports industry. More than 30 years later, WISE is still going strong, with 25 chapters across th…

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Biblio: The Testing Review 1:28

5M ago1:28

1:28

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of The Testing on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more information on our website …

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Biblio: Of Mice and Men 1:38

5M ago1:38

1:38

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Of Mice and Men on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more information on our webs…

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Biblio: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Review 1:39

5M ago1:39

1:39

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more infor…

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Biblio: If He Had Been With Me Review 1:55

5M ago1:55

1:55

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more infor…

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Biblio: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Review 1:56

5M ago1:56

1:56

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more infor…

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How to Get Out of a Reading Slump? 46:33

6M ago46:33

46:33

Send us a text How to slip out of a slump? Find out how with our librarians! The All Booked Club Recommendations: Brittin’s Pick: We Are Watching by Allison Gaylin Justin’s Pick: Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray Ashley’s Pick: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix Rosa’s Pick: Captain of Fates by Katherine Webber Want to watch instead? Go…

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Episode 36b: Pádraig Ó Tuama: In the Shelter of Each Other & Saying Hello to the Questions (Rebroadcast) 31:42

6M ago31:42

31:42

This is a rebroadcast of episodes 6 & 7 from October 19, 2022. What power does poetry have to help us navigate the challenges of life? How do we approach art and how does it approach us? Join our guest host Diane Sims for a journey through these questions, and many others, with Pádraig Ó Tuama in an episode so big, we had to split it into two. In P…

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Episode 36a: Pádraig Ó Tuama: In the Shelter of Each Other & Saying Hello to the Questions (Rebroadcast) 40:53

6M ago40:53

40:53

This is a rebroadcast of episodes 6 & 7 from October 19, 2022. What power does poetry have to help us navigate the challenges of life? How do we approach art and how does it approach us? Join our guest host Diane Sims for a journey through these questions, and many others, with Pádraig Ó Tuama in an episode so big, we had to split it into two. In P…

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The Plot or The Characters? 38:45

7M ago38:45

38:45

Send us a text What keeps you reading a book- the plot or the characters? Join us this episode to see which side our librarians are on. The All Booked Club Recommendations: Justin’s Pick: I am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang Brittin’s Pick: Everything is Poison by Joy McCullough Ashley’s Pick: Brownstone by Samuel Teer Rosa’s Pick: Fable for the End …

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Episode 35: Ellen Jovin & Brandt Johnson: Rebel(s) with a Clause 36:37

7M ago36:37

36:37

In their new film Rebel with a Clause, grammar guru Ellen Jovin and director Brandt Johnson head off on a road trip to all 50 states to show how comma fights, rather than divide, can bring us closer together. Join Roberta as they talk about the power of language, taking a grammar stand, and the New York Times bestselling book that started it all. T…

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What Do You Need To Read? 38:45

8M ago38:45

38:45

Send us a text Whether it’s a cup of tea, a cozy blanket, or just 10 minutes in a quiet, we all need certain things to achieve the perfect reading conditions. Joining our librarians as they discuss their book recs for this month alongside their reading necessities. The All Booked Club Recommendations: Rosa’s Pick: The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton S…

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Episode 34: Ted Opderbeck: Empathy into Action 27:45

8M ago27:45

27:45

Have you ever had a teacher who completely changed the way you see the world? Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one of those incredible educators—Ted Opderbeck! With 30 years of award-winning teaching under his belt, Ted has dedicated his career to putting empathy and global awareness at the heart of every lesson. Roberta talks to Ted about how h…

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What Are Your 2025 Reading Goals? 41:13

9M ago41:13

41:13

Send us a text What are your reading goals for 2025? Join our librarians as we talk about our reading resolutions, How many books we read in a year, and if we really “read” everything we were assigned in high school. The All Booked Club Recommendations: Rosa’s Pick: For She is Wrath by Emily Varga Ashley’s Pick: Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang Brittin’s Pi…

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Episode 33: Melissa Davey: Filmmaker on a Mission 40:21

9M ago40:21

40:21

How did a fateful meeting with filmmaker M Night Shyamalan, ignite Melissa Davey’s own career of becoming a director herself. At age 65? Roberta talks with the documentarian and activist about taking risks, shining a light on the value of women over 65, and the importance of living each day to its fullest. Things we talked about in this episode: Cl…

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Print Books vs. E-Readers vs. Audiobooks? 43:25

10M ago43:25

43:25

Send us a text We all read. But how? Do you like the feel of pages between your fingers, prefer the portability of an e-reader, or like to listen to stories as you go? Join our librarians as they talk to us about the pros and cons of each. Rosa’s Pick: Lone Women by Victor LaValle Ashley’s Pick: All the Dead Lie Down by Kyrie McCauley Brittin’s Pic…

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Episode 32: Joni Mitchell @ the Hollywood Bowl 33:01

10M ago33:01

33:01

Take a trip to the Hollywood Bowl with Roberta and her sister Andrea and experience two once-in-a-lifetime shows with the legendary Joni Mitchell, alongside all-star guests like Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford, Elton John, Meryl Streetp, and her Joni Jam band, performing deep cuts and classics like “Cherokee Louise,” “California,” “Sir…

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Episode 16 (Rebroadcast): One Weekend This Summer 1:26:11

10M ago1:26:11

1:26:11

Please note: We are rebroadcasting Episode 16 which originally aired in August 2023 as a companion to Episode 32. We hope you enjoy! Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest with Roberta to experience the epic return of the legendary musician Joni Mitchell during Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes through the Canyon” weekend at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washingt…

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Biblio: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review 2:45

10M ago2:45

2:45

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a new mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on our goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more i…

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Biblio: Twilight: New Moon Review 2:48

10M ago2:48

2:48

Send us a text Welcome to Biblio: a new mini-series from the All Booked Podcast where our teen volunteers tell us their reviews of what they’re reading. To read the review of Twilight: New Moon on our Goodreads page, click here: If you would like to learn more about how to record a Biblio and earn volunteer hours: you can find more information on o…

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What Are Your Thoughts on Booktok? 41:02

11M ago41:02

41:02

Send us a text How has BookTok influenced the books that are being published? Join Justin, Ashley, Rosa, and Brittin as they dive into topics like social media, content vs. engagement, and superhuman sparkly boys. Ashley’s Pick: Middle of the Night by Riley Sager Justin’s Pick: Love Off the Record by Samantha Markum Brittin’s Pick: Death at Morning…

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Episode 31: Directors Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis 35:27

11M ago35:27

35:27

Director siblings Pete Davis and Rebecca Davis are on a mission! A mission to get you to join a club. A mission, based on the groundbreaking work of legendary social scientist Bob Putnam, that led them to make a documentary: Join or Die: a film about why you should join a club … and why the fate of America might depend on it. They stopped by to tal…

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Judging a Book by Its Cover 41:23

12M ago41:23

41:23

Send us a text The question that plagues librarians everywhere: should you ever judge a book by its cover? Your favorite librarians are back to figure it out. Join us for our season 5 premiere with hot takes and new TBR picks! Brittin: Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell Justin: An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir Ashley: The God of the Woods …

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Episode 30: Ben Avery, Australian Journalist/True Crime Podcast Host 36:35

12M ago36:35

36:35

In April 1994, Anthea Bradshaw married her high school sweetheart in a beautiful Adelaide wedding. 96 days later, she was found lifeless in a pool of blood, in Brunei, South East Asia, half a world away from home. This month, Roberta talks with Ben Avery, an Australian journalist and host of the Just Married podcast, who is investigating what reall…

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Episode 29: Live at RPL: Davy Rothbart’s FOUND Tour 37:29

1y ago37:29

37:29

Join the FOUND Magazine crew for a raucous celebration of the best lost, tossed and forgotten items from across the country. Davy Rothbart — bestselling author, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, and frequent presence on NPR’s This American Life — shares his all-time favorite finds, while his brother Peter, a rising folk music star, performs exquisite (…

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All Booked Season 4, Episode 10 44:12

1y ago44:12

44:12

Send us a text How would you pick the best books of the 21st century? Join our librarians as they discuss how they chose their best picks. Brittin: Live Your Best Lie by Jessie Weaver Rosa: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher Justin: Six More Months of June by Daisy Garrison Ashley: Under This Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis Want to watch instead…

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Episode 28: Camp Stories 1:26:48

1y ago1:26:48

1:26:48

Inspired by This American Life’s “Notes on Camp” episode, we asked you for camp stories, and you delivered! Roberta listens to memories of summer days spent at camps, and see how a few short weeks can leave impressions for a lifetime. Episode Credits Our thanks to Jay Friedman, Rebecca Rubenstein, Roberta and Harvey Bernstein, Jin Lee, Mickey Kim, …

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Episode 27: J.D. Jackson: To Act You Have to Listen (Rebroadcast) 33:57

1y ago33:57

33:57

As we prepare for our special Camp Stories episode in August, we wanted to take a look back at our very first episode that aired on May 18, 2022 featuring J.D. Jackson J.D. is an award-winning audiobook narrator with 400 credits to his name and counting. A 2020 inductee into AudioFile Magazine’s Golden Voices Hall of Fame, J.D. has plenty of experi…

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All Booked Season 4, Episode 9 32:19

1+ y ago32:19

32:19

Send us a text Could a movie/tv adaptation ever be better than the book? Join our librarians as they debate whether page or screen ranks supreme. Get this month’s book recommendations and our thoughts on a different literary topic on this episode of All Booked! Here are this month’s recommendations: Brittin: The Q by Amy Tintera Rosa: The Darkness …

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Episode 26: Danielle Cohen: Sustainable Nutrition and Community Connection Founder and President (SNACC) 31:22

1+ y ago31:22

31:22

Ridgewood resident Danielle Cohen embraces not only the importance of eating high quality food, but also of culinary education. Danielle created SNACC, an after-school youth development program that provides weekly at-home cooking lessons led by professional chefs, helping students create healthy and eclectic dishes. Danielle knows top-grade food c…

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All Booked Season 4, Episode 8 45:04

1+ y ago45:04

45:04

Send us a text Nick Carraway, Pi Patel, Holden Caulfield-all characters with stories to tell and their own biases that get in the way. Today, our librarians are talking about unreliable narrators! Get this month’s book recommendations and our thoughts on a different literary topic on this episode of All Booked! Here are this month’s recommendations…

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Episode 25: Author Mary Beth Keane 51:56

1+ y ago51:56

51:56

The New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes, stopped by the Ridgewood Library for an author event to discuss her latest novel The Half Moon about a couple in a small town navigating the complexities of marriage, family, and longing. Host Roberta Panjwani–and audience members–asked Mary Beth about her creative process, writing during a p…

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All Booked Season 4, Episode 7 45:36

1+ y ago45:36

45:36

Send us a text Imagine the world, but if it was so much worse: today we’re talking about dystopias! Where did the dystopian genre begin, and how has it changed the YA genre? Join librarians Ashley, Brittin, Justin, and Rosa as they discuss their thoughts and give you recommendations for their top books this month! Welcome to the All Booked Club, br…

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Episode 24: Singer/Songwriter, Sherma Andrews: “Messenger of Hope” 30:19

1+ y ago30:19

30:19

From Trinidad and Tobago to the world stage, Sherma Andrews' journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting at Boston's Berklee School of Music, she's played with some of the greats at venues like Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden, leaving audiences spellbound. Roberta talks to Sherma about some of her greatest inspirations (Aretha, Whi…

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All Booked Season 4, Episode 6 32:22

1+ y ago32:22

32:22

Send us a text Welcome to the All Booked Club, a podcast where 4 librarians discuss the books they’re reading and add to each other’s To Be Read (TBR) lists. Here are this month’s picks! Brittin: Into the Sunken City by Dinesh Thiru Justin: Sky’s End by Marc J. Gregson Ashley: Radio Silence by Alice Oseman Rosa: The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski…

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Episode 23: Fernando Fernandez, From Wall Street to Wine country 34:26

1+ y ago34:26

34:26

Fernando Fernandez has always had a passion for wine, so when his time in NYC's financial industry was thrown into chaos by the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, he transformed that passion into an award-winning career out on the opposite coast. Join A Bend in the Road host Roberta Panjwani as she talks to Fernando about Puerto Rico, his favorite pla…

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Episode 22: Deborah Kampmeier, "The Gilded Age" Director 35:32

1+ y ago35:32

35:32

Deborah Kampmeier's move from the independent filmmaker on silver screen to prestige TV on The Gilded Age has a surprise first act appearance from Oprah and Ava DuVernay? Join Deborah as she sits down with Bend in the Road host Roberta Panjwani to talk about “The Ava Effect,” an accidental email that connected her to many of the best directors in t…