Using our Library Voices

This extra-long episode is a celebration of fantasy, strategy, and storytelling as your Harris County Public Library librarians roll initiative on a journey through their favorite RPG passions! We start with RPG and turn-based combat video games that first opened the portal to imaginative realms. From there, we dig deep into the immersive world of tabletop role-playing games, Dungeons & Dragons, and the strategic thrill of trading card games like Magic: The Gathering. Finally, we swap our dice for doublets as we dive into Renaissance Faires—where the fantasy comes to life. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting your quest, join us for a fun, geeky deep dive filled with nostalgia, laughter, and more than a few critical hits.  Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net [http://www.hcpl.net/podcast] Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Houston has a lively theater scene and for this episode we talk with Mary at Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library and  3 other actors in Houston about auditioning and the Houston Theatre scene. Learn more about Acting and Theater in Houston with our Resources for Actors available on our website blog here [https://hcpl.net/?p=45088&preview=1&_ppp=b4b94d0308] Actors Aaron Garrett, Dano Colón, and Destiny Duhon join us in this episode. Check out the live shows at our libraries this Summer as part of our Summer Reading Program! ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS  [https://hcpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?_gl=1*1wq2vji*_ga*MTMyMTAwMjQwMi4xNzQwNTA0MTI4*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3NTA5NjQ3NzckbzY5JGcxJHQxNzUwOTY0Nzg3JGo1MCRsMCRoMA..*_ga_KTCZMS0X03*czE3NTA5NjQ3NzckbzY5JGcxJHQxNzUwOTY0Nzg3JGo1MCRsMCRoMA..&types=630cc8c79bf32028008c0be3&programs=6350417509517b641fae5005] Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net [http://www.hcpl.net/podcast] Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

This episode is bursting with creativity! In honor of this year’s Summer Reading Program theme, Color Our World, we team up with our artsy neighbors at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts. Discover how this hidden gem next to the Barbara Bush Library brings color, culture, and kid-friendly exhibits to our community. Join Rebecca Burns and Samantha Aguilar from the Pearl as we dive into the vibrant world of color—its culture, its politics, and yes, its drama. PLUS: Hear shoutouts from your favorite authors recorded at the Texas Library Association Conference by our own Gabbing Librarian, Jennifer Finch. From Martha Wells to Saadia Faruqi and Bob Shea, it’s a celebration of stories, art, and summer fun! 🎧 Tune in and color your world with us! 🎧 Hosted by: Sadina Shawver  🎚️ Edited by: Katelyn Helberg  🎤 Featuring: Rebecca Burns, Samantha Aguilar, Jennifer Finch, amazing authors at Texas Library Association 2025 Conference  Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net [http://www.hcpl.net/podcast] Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

Get ready for a jam-packed episode with two epic segments you won't want to miss!  💥 Segment One: Ticketmaster Thunderdome We're diving headfirst into the wild world of snagging K-Pop concert tickets — it's chaos, strategy, and pure adrenaline. From waitlists to war stories, we’ve got the lowdown on how to survive the ticketing frenzy and prep like a pro for the ultimate fan experience.  🎭 Segment Two: Convention Survival Guide Planning your next big con? We’ve got your back. Tune in for essential tips and clever tricks to stay safe, sane, and energized during those marathon convention days. From cosplay hacks to self-care musts, this segment is your geeky guide to thriving in the crowd.  🎧 Produced by: Jennifer Finch  🎚️ Edited by: Beth Krippel  🎤 Featuring: Sadina Shawver, Davonna Cartright, Tasha Storfer, Laurel Roseborrough, and Darla Pruitt  Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net [http://www.hcpl.net/podcast] Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

In this interview, John Schaffer interviews Space City Weather founder Eric Berger discusses Hurricane Beryl's impact on Houston, which caused extensive damage with 97 mph winds. He advises Houston residents to understand their location-specific vulnerabilities while maintaining perspective. Berger highlights climate trends affecting Houston, including longer summers and earlier heat, and emphasizes the urgent need for the "Ike Dike" coastal barrier and comprehensive flood planning to ensure Houston's long-term viability.  Read our blog here: https://hcpl.net/blogs/post/interview-with-space-city-weathers-eric-berger/ [https://hcpl.net/blogs/post/interview-with-space-city-weathers-eric-berger/] Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net [http://www.hcpl.net/podcast] Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Kara Ludwig, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu