Best Books of 2025!

Video Games, Libraries, and Philosophy

In this episode, Chris and Anna Lisa are diving into the philosophy of video games with Ian Schnee. Ian is a teaching professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Philosophy Department at the University of Washington. In this episode, we cover:- Why new art forms (from Confucius’s time to the Reagan era) always face skepticism. - A look at the philosophical depth of games like Celeste. - Common myths about video games and violence while exploring the actual cognitive benefits of play. - How apps like Duolingo can sometimes simplify complex human values. - Why TRL is providing teen gaming spaces to foster social-emotional growth and equitable access. Whether you're a philosophy professor, a teen gamer, or someone who hasn't forgiven your mom for taking away GoldenEye 007 in the 90s (Chris), this conversation is for you. Links & Resources Watch on YouTube: 👉 https://youtu.be/Gwmkl5vt17A Grab a T-Shirt or Coffee Mug! 👉 https://www.bonfire.com/store/trl/ Learn more about Ian Schnee: https://phil.washington.edu/people/ian-schnee DISCLAIMER: Views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Timberland Regional Library. Podcast content is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

Best Books of 2025!

Chris and Anna Lisa are joined by TRL Librarians Betsy and Zach to kick off the new year with the ultimate reading list! 📚Our guests provide their expert opinions about the "best" books of 2025, highlighting both well-known favorites and a few titles you may have missed that deserve your attention. From short stories, to amorphous blobs to shipwrecks and literary fiction, Zach and Betsy have picked out something for every reader. Don't miss the "Best Books of 2025" program on January 3rd at the Olympia branch! Links:Books mentioned in this episode (and more lists!) 👉 COMING SOON!Check out the event 👉 TRL.org/eventsGet personalized reading picks 👉 TRL.org/personalized-picksYou can also listen to the episode on the go on Spotify 👉 https://youtu.be/XHOSK7DJYgMVisit our online store to purchase a T-Shirt or Coffee Mug today! 👉 https://www.bonfire.com/store/trl/ DISCLAIMER: Views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Timberland Regional Library. Podcast content is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

Mic Check: Life as an Audiobook Narrator

Welcome to No Shhh... It's the TRL Podcast. A library podcast where we talk about more than just books.In this episode, Chris and Anna Lisa go behind the microphone 🎙️ with professional audiobook narrator and voice talent, Cory Snow.Cory joins the show to "pull back the curtain" on the audiobook industry. The group discusses the technical "marathon" of recording a book, the art of creating distinct character voices (without overdoing it), and the complex debate surrounding AI narration vs. human performance.Plus, learn a little bit about "Listen Here," TRL's longest-running program at the Olympia branch, where Cory reads stories for adults on their lunch break!Find "Listen Here" events and Zoom links at: TRL.org/eventsYou can also watch to the episode on the go on YouTube 👉 https://youtu.be/QY1pOADTpQI [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTdFX0NqTzVKWlhzV0hLVTVjdlRkZUdmTVk5UXxBQ3Jtc0trdjJUV0dJdUdFdzJodXUzeG5pYlVkN0N6SUFRV3VWS0ttUGJEM2NPaHVKOEU3Vjl1dVpOaWhxRC1NSGczQTg3a2ttbk51NmwwV1Z2MW10UXM5ZWZJdGxIYlZyZkJGRkRGanVrQVBZXzY4MGlGVm5pZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F44M991w4QuD5u49cciMkMP&v=QY1pOADTpQI]Visit our online store to purchase a T-shirt or a Coffee Mug today! 👉 https://www.bonfire.com/store/trl/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblVMczVyOXBZSDlhc1AtRWx4QWpJVi1uMEJCUXxBQ3Jtc0trRWVRdUI2Q244dTh2U1B3MUZpRkh3ZmU4bkJoRlIwSXo4bXlURVJoeHVSZWJYX3hMWWtMNXNZd3NQTGJMZDZRbEVUbGRGanNkaVlnMnA2MVpIdnZSSmNCc0NSVjdFX2JMeE9fNzhYVlpMclExSlJiOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bonfire.com%2Fstore%2Ftrl%2F&v=QY1pOADTpQI]DISCLAIMER: Views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Timberland Regional Library. Podcast content is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

Where's All the Books?

Welcome to No Shhh... It's the TRL Podcast. A library podcast where we talk about more than just books. Joining Chris and Anna Lisa for this episode is Andrea Heisel (Library Services Director) and Ryan Williams (IT Administrator).Back in episode 8 we touched the surface about TRL's collection. And, in this episode we're diving deeper into our collection management as well as sharing some information about a new system (IMMS) that TRL implemented in January of 2025 to help with the collection management process. You can also listen to the episode on the go on Spotify 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzqJGkcPXPVh5qCS-xhVnupOiPq3HR4C_Visit our online store to purchase T-Shirt or Coffee Mug today! 👉 https://www.bonfire.com/store/trl/DISCLAIMER: Views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Timberland Regional Library. Podcast content is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

Understanding the Impacts of IMLS Funding Cuts

Welcome to No Shhh... It's the TRL Podcast. A library podcast where we talk about more than just books. Chris and Anna Lisa are joined by Washington State Librarian Sara Jones to discuss this episode's topic. Tune in to learn more about federal funding for libraries, including recent threats to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the impact of funding cuts, and how you can help.You can also listen to the episode on YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzqJGkcPXPVh5qCS-xhVnupOiPq3HR4C_ Visit our online store to purchase T-Shirt or Coffee Mug today! 👉 https://www.bonfire.com/store/trl/ DISCLAIMER: Views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Timberland Regional Library. Podcast content is for informational and entertainment purposes only.