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The BPL Podcast features concise, informative discussions with educators, writers, and community figures from Bexley and beyond. Tackling a range of topics from horror films to Ohio's opioid epidemic, we capture conversations that are sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, but always human.
Episodes
Mar 12, 2021
Mar 12, 2021
35 min
To honor Women's History Month, in this episode, Leann sits down with Kelley Griesmer, CEO of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio, to talk about the wealth gap, the importance of investing financially in women, and the new Enduring Progress Initiative focused on breaking down barriers to racial and gender equity. After listening to our podcast, check out this event with Kelley and author of Girlhood Melissa Febos happening at Gramercy Books.
Read the rest of this entry »Feb 26, 2021
Feb 26, 2021
28 min
In this two-part series, guest host Leann Schneider Webb, discusses the Bexley Art Library and interviews one of the artists featured in the collection, Christine D'Epiro Abbott. A core member at Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative in Columbus, D'Epiro Abbott talks about her multilayered works, what inspires her series of interior scenes, and life as a working artist and mom.
Read the rest of this entry »Feb 12, 2021
Feb 12, 2021
24 min
In this two-part series, guest host Leann Schneider Webb, discusses the Bexley Art Library and interviews one of the artists featured in the collection, Beverly Whiteside. Known for her large, vibrant mixed-media works depicting imagery of African American life, Whiteside talks about her relationship with the late Columbus-based artist Aminah Lynn Robinson, her love for dance and movement, and how her years as a dance instructor fundamentally influence her work.
Read the rest of this entry »Feb 5, 2021
Feb 5, 2021
26 min
Brad Rocco, owner of Bexley Pizza Plus, discusses the highs and lows of owning one of Bexley's favorite pizza shops, from being featured on the Food Network and competing in international pizza competitions to relocating and trying to stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jan 15, 2021
Jan 15, 2021
24 min
Eric Dennison, co-owner of Newfangled Kitchen in Bexley, discusses his inspiration for opening Newfangled, what his 30+ years in the industry have taught him, and how Newfangled has fared during the pandemic. We also discuss Eric’s own podcast, This Newfangled Life.
Read the rest of this entry »Dec 4, 2020
Dec 4, 2020
15 min
Jeff is joined by Dan Sharpe, Vice President of Community Research and Grants Management at The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 largest community foundations in the United States. Dan details how The Columbus Foundation is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the four key areas the foundation is focusing on for 2020-2021.
Read the rest of this entry »Nov 18, 2020
Nov 18, 2020
17 min
Hallie Raskin, Executive Director of the Bexley Community Foundation, discusses the significant impact the Bexley Community Foundation has had during its ten years of existence. Learn about the various projects BCF has funded, totaling over 3.3 million dollars, including the exciting new expansions to Jeffrey Mansion.
Read the rest of this entry »Nov 2, 2020
Nov 2, 2020
26 min
On this special episode of the podcast, Jeff is joined by three guests: Brandy Jemczura, Founder & Director of Seeds of Caring; Stephanie Vulhop, author of Imagine If: A Homeless Experience; and Lauren Wilson, Executive Director of LSS Faith Mission. They discuss the invaluable work they are doing to cultivate empathy in our communities and the resources they provide to people experiencing homelessness in Columbus.
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Oct 23, 2020
Oct 23, 2020
20 min
Local writer, poet, and community organizer Scott Woods discusses Streetlight Guild, a Columbus cultural venue he founded in 2019, as well as his work on the New Black Eastside Songbook project. Scott also offers his insights on the arts scene, public libraries, and more.
Read the rest of this entry »Oct 9, 2020
Oct 9, 2020
19 min
Award-winning Lebanese-American poet Ruth Awad discusses the anthology she co-edited with Rachel Mennies, The Familiar Wild: On Dogs & Poetry, which explores the multi-faceted relationships writers have with their dogs. We also discuss Ruth's 2016 collection, Set to Music a Wildfire, which stemmed from interviews she did with her father, largely about his experiences during the Lebanese Civil War.
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