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The Reference Desk
Hosted by The Reference Desk · EN
Have you ever fallen down a rabbit hole into an obscure topic and suddenly need to know all the details and consume all the media related to it? You've found your people. Every other Wednesday, librarians Hailee and Katie take turns sharing the topic that has them bewitched. After a deep-dive into the subject-du-jour, fill your "to read" list with their related book recommendations.
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Episodes
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Women of the Dutch Resistance: Hannie Schaft and Truus & Freddie Oversteegen
Apr 23, 202501:32:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Katie is bewitched by three women of the Dutch Resistance: Hannie Schaft and Truus and Freddie Oversteegen. When the German Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1940, local resistance groups and everyday Dutch folks organized ingenious ways to fight back against their occupiers. From distributing illegal newspapers to bombing supply lines to killing Nazis, the Dutch resistance was a powerful example of how even against the biggest forces of evil, everyone can do something to fight back. Hannie Schaft, who once dreamed of using her law degree to fight fascism with the League of Nations, gave up her ambitions to save her two best friends and join the Haarlem resistance. Hannie worked alongside sisters Truus and Freddie Overstegeen, who’d been involved in resistance work since childhood. The young women were able to infiltrate spaces the men could not, and this skill made them invaluable to the resistance. The trio saved countless lives by moving Jewish families to safe houses, collecting intelligence on German missile sites, and luring Nazis to their death with a wink and a smile. All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!Staff picks:The Henna Artist by Alka JoshiThe Dollhouse by Charis CotterThe Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall by Charis CotterRecommended Reading:Fiction:To Die Beautiful by Buzzy JacksonThe Assault by Harry MulischNon-fiction:Now Then, Not Now, Not Ever by Truus Menger- OversteegenThree Ordinary Girls by Tim BradySeducing and Killing Nazis by Sophie PoldermansThe Light of Days by Judy BatalianSources:Three Ordinary Girls by Tim BradySeducing and Killing Nazis by Sophie PoldermansNational Hannie Schaft FoundationSeducing and Killing NazisHolland vs. Netherlands: What's the Difference?The Most Wanted Woman in WWII Netherlands: Hannie Schaft The Netherlands: the greatest number of Jewish victims in Western Europe Hitler's rise and fall: TimelineThis Teenager Killed Nazis With Her Sister During WWII THE RESISTANCE Truus and Freddie Oversteegen Support the show
Transcribe →Dolly Parton Part 2
Feb 5, 202500:59:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are bewitched by Dolly Patron (again!)After leaving the Porter Wagoner Show and striking it big on her own as a solo country artist, Dolly turned to yet another industry: the movies. The commercial and critical success of 9 to 5 (and the award-winning single of the same name Dolly wrote for the film) propelled her to superstardom. Since then, Dolly has been featured in over a dozen films, including classics like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias along with some flops (like when she tried to turn Sylvester Stallone into a country star in Rhinestone). Meanwhile, Dolly continued to produce chart-topping, award-winning albums, revived a theme park with a very problematic past, and became a best-selling author. But despite all her commercial success, Dolly's true legacy is her philanthropy, including providing 2 million free books every month to children around the world with her Imagination Library, rebuilding her hometown following devastating wildfires, and funding research that led to the creation of the COVID vaccine. All hail Dolly, Patron Saint of Appalachia!All books shared in this episode are available in our bookshop!Staff picks:All the Dead Lie Down and We Can Be Heroes by Kyrie McCauleyButterfly in the Sky (Netflix) LeVar Burton Reads (Stitcher)Recommended Reading:Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton with Robert K. OermannBehind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton with Holly George-Warren, curated by Rebecca SeaverBilly the Kid Makes it Big by Dolly Parton, MacKenzie Haley, and Erica S. PerlI Am Dolly Patron by Brad Meltzer and Christopher EliopoulosRun Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James PattersonGood Lookin' Cookin' by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton GeorgeSources:Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton with Robert K. OermannBehind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton with Holly George-Warren, curated by Rebecca Seaver Support the show
Transcribe →Dolly Parton Part 1
Jan 22, 202501:19:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are bewitched by Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton came from very humble beginnings but turned herself into a star. In this first part of a two-part series, we cover Dolly's childhood, spent in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Though Dolly's family lived in poverty, they never lacked love, and her early life remains a source of inspiration for her music. After teaching herself how to play guitar and compose music, Dolly earned a spot singing on a local radio show and was featured on the Grand Ole Opry. After becoming the first person in her family to finish high school, Dolly moved to Nashville to launch her career. While Dolly found work as a songwriter, she struggled to make a name for herself as a recording artist. That all changed when she was offered a job on the biggest country music stage of all: The Porter Wagoner Show. All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!Staff picks:Horror Movie by Paul TremblayThe Bellwoods Game by Celia KrampienUncultured: A Memoir by Danielle Mestyanek YoungSources:Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton with Robert K. OermannBehind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton with Holly George-Warren, curated by Rebecca SeaverDolly's Parton's America [podcast] from WNYC Studios, Jad Abumrad, and Shima Oliaee Support the show
Transcribe →Mental Health Vacation
Apr 17, 202401:25:35Tap to summarizeSometimes, we all need a vacation! For us, that meant being together in person for the first time in two years and chatting about our favorite weird topics. In this episode, Katie and Hailee are bewitched by the legend that is Reesa Teesa, the absurdity of medieval animals on trial, and the Dave Matthews Band tour bus incident. Plus, we share some of our favorite feel-good books and media for self-care when our mental health is on the rocks. Staff picks (available in our bookshop!)Fangirl by Rainbow RowellThe City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise MillerThe Late Bloomers' Club by Louise MillerAct Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia HibbertThe Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu MandannaMy Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna LevineRemarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van PeltRed, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonThe Comfort Book by Matt HaigAnything by Jenny ColganHeartstopper (graphic novel by Alice Oseman and TV series on Netflix)Ted Lasso on Apple TV + Derry Girls on NetflixSources:Who TF Did I Marry Summary'Who TF Did I Marry': How Reesa Teesa's viral story on ex-husband turned into online fameTikTok Villain Legion Speaks"Who TF Did I Marry?" Husband Jerome McCoy’s Ex-Wife SpeaksBMW Blasted for Seemingly Going Back on Their Promise to Gift ‘Who TF Did I Marry’ TikToker Reesa Teesa Her Dream CarWho TF Is Reesa Teesa Now?Reesa Teesa on TikTok Fame and What's Next19 years ago today, a Dave Matthews Band tour bus dumped human waste on a tour boat in the Chicago River. 15 years after the Dave Matthews Band let loose over the Chicago River, we survey the damages and uncover a new victimBrilliant bridge sign is an important reminder of Dave Matthews Band’s infamous poop dump.A Plaque Appeared On The Kinzie Street Bridge This Week Dedicated To The Infamous Dave Matthews Band IncidentPrince's Former Tour Bus Driver Explains Why That DNC Bus Dumped Sewage Support the show
Transcribe →The Price is Right: The Perfect Bid Scandal
Apr 3, 202400:53:01Tap to summarizeCome on down! You’ve been accused of cheating on The Price is Right!In this episode, Katie is bewitched by Terry Kneiss’ perfect showcase bid. In 2008, a man named Terry Kneiss had a perfect bid on his showcase. But he was robbed of his celebratory moment when new host Drew Carey and tPIR producers assumed the historical bid was the result of cheating. While Kneiss maintained that his perfect bid was a combination of careful studying and a bit of sheer luck, producers thought he’d been given the winning number from audience member Ted Slauson, a lifelong PIR superfan. The scandal that ensued changed the way the beloved TV game show was played forever. Recommended Reading:The Running Man by Stephen KingThe Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean WeirA Head Full of Ghosts by Paul TremblayChain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahPriceless Memories by Bob BarkerBackstage at The Price is Right: Memoirs of a Barker Beauty by Kathleen BradleyGame Show Confidential: The Story of an American Obsession by Boze HadleighDocumentary film: Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much by CJ Wallis. Sources:How one San Antonio man’s obsession with ‘The Price is Right’ almost destroyed the showThis Guy's Victory On "The Price Is Right" Made Them Change Their Entire System - Urbo15 Showcased Facts About The Price is Right | Mental FlossThe Price Is Right Secrets That Will Leave You Jumping For Joy15 Showcased Facts About The Price is Right | Mental Floss Support the show
Transcribe →Behind the Scenes of The Price Is Right
Mar 20, 202401:06:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Katie is bewitched by the favorite game show of sick children everywhere, The Price is Right. For over 50 years, The Price is Right has ruled the early-afternoon TV lineup, with millions of viewers tuning in each day to see who will be the next to COME ON DOWN! What is it that makes the Price is Right so endearing? Maybe it’s the long, skinny microphone that looks so fun to hold. Or the games that reward you for remembering the price of Capzasin arthritis cream. Or the endlessly enthusiastic shouting from the audience about the price of said arthritis cream. From Barker’s Beauties to the drama of changing hosts after 35 years, we’re digging into all the behind-the-scenes and on-screen dynamics that have turned the Price is Right into a cultural touchstone. All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!Staff picks:Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness (especially the audiobook!)Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe (available 8/20/24)Living for the Dead on HuluSources:What Made Bob Barker the Perfect Host for 'The Price Is Right' | Arts & Culture| Smithsonian Magazine Bob Barker: Biography, Game Show Host, The Price Is RightThe Price is Right (1956 – 1965, U.S. Version)PlinkoPunch a BunchCliff Hangers This Is Where The Prizes For The Price Is Right Are Actually StoredSexual harassment, serial killers & cheaters: The dark side of game showsWinning The Price Is Right: Strategies for Contestants’ Row, Plinko, and the Showcase Showdown.Barker's Larry King Interview Interview with Roger Dobkowitz, Part 4: “Everything You Wanted to Know About Price: The ’90s” Support the show
Transcribe →Punxsutawney Phil and other Strange American Traditions
Feb 28, 202401:12:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Hailee explains the quirky and beloved tradition of Groundhog Day in America, from origins in ancient beliefs to a quaint local observance to a nationally recognized phenomenon. We will also explore a few other quirky American traditions, including the Presidential turkey pardon and a unique form of communication in the rural south. All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop! Staff picks:Big by Vashti HarrisonThere Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jerome and Jeremy PumphriesRecommended readingNon-Fiction Weird U.S.: Your Travel Guide to America's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets by Mark Moran and Mark SceurmanFictionOpposite of Always by Justin A. ReynoldsThe 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart TurtonNeverworld Wake by Marisha PesslSources:Groundhog Was Once on Punxsutawney’s MenuThe Curious (and Possibly Murderous) Origins of Punxsutawney Phil's NameThe bizarre history of Groundhog DayThe Surprising History Behind Groundhog DayPardoning the Thanksgiving TurkeyHollerin’ History“The Lost Art of Hollerin’”The Rise and Fall of North Carolina’s National Hollerin’ Contest Support the show
Transcribe →Annie Turnbo Malone & Madam CJ Walker
Feb 14, 202401:32:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Katie is bewitched by the lives and legacies of Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam CJ Walker. Many of us are familiar with the story of Madam CJ Walker, often cited as the first self-made Black millionaire, but fewer recognize the name Annie Turnbo Malone. Years before the formula for Walker’s hair treatment came to her in a dream, Malone was dominating the hair care market. It was her Poro Company system that brought Sarah Walker’s hair back to life, inspiring the happy client to join Malone’s sales team before striking out on her own under the moniker Madam CJ Walker. The two entrepreneurs each faced challenges, shattered glass ceilings, and left legacies that improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Black women across the world. We may never know who was the first to reach a million dollars, but there is no doubting that their lasting impacts were each remarkable in their own way. All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!Staff picks:The Family Upstairs and The Family Remains by Lisa JewellThe most wholesome librarian: Mychal3ts on TikTok Recommended reading:The Black Rose by Tananarive DueCarolina Built by Kianna AlexanderA Right Worthy Woman by Ruth P. JohnsonOn Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam CJ Walker or Self Made by A’Lelia BundlesAll About Madam CJ Walker by A’Lelia BundlesA Friend to All Mankind: Mrs. Annie Turnbo Malone and Poro College by John H. WhitfieldWonderful Hair: The Beauty of Annie Malone written by Eve Nadel Catarevas and illustrated by Felicia MarshallSelf Made miniseries [Netflix] Sources:https://hereshistorypodcast.libsyn.com/tom-turpins-rosebud-cafeAfrican American Inventors-Annie Minerva Turnbo Malone Text- MAY 2021- jackyCAnnie Malone: First African American Millionairess (Educator, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist) -- Courtesy of The Freeman Institute -- www.PoroCollege.comAnnie Turnbo MaloneMeet Annie Turnbo Malone, the hair care entrepreneur Trump shouted out in his Black History Month proclamationAnnie Malone and Madam C.J. Walker: Pioneers of the African American Beauty IndustryAnnie Turnbo Malone - SHSMO Historic MissouriansPrices and Wages by Decade: 1900-1909Hair Care Helped a Community: Black Entrepreneur Annie Malone and Poro College | National Trust for Historic PreservationFast Facts - ANNIE MALONE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Support the show
Transcribe →Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, Part 2
Jan 31, 202401:16:45Tap to summarizeThis week, we continue the harrowing experiences of the survivors from the Uruguayan Old Christians Rugby Team whose plane crashed in the Andes mountains. The survivors begin attempting expeditions to seek help, though efforts were put on hold after another tragedy: the plane was hit with an avalanche. Eventually, a few of the strongest were able to hike out of the Andes in a rescue expedition. Were they successful?All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!Staff picks:Salt Houses by Hala AlyanMaid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive by Stephanie LandRecommended readingNon-FictionMiracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home by Nando Parrado and Vince RauseOut of the Silence: After the Crash by Eduardo Strauch and Mireya SorianoI Had to Survive: How a Plane Crash in the Andes Inspired My Calling to Save Lives by Roberto Canessa and Pablo VierciAlive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul ReadFictionI Am Still Alive by Kate Alice MarshallBeauty Queens by Libba BrayMediaSociety of Snow (2023)Yellowjackets (Showtime)Sources:Miracle of the Andes: How Survivors of the Flight Disaster Struggled to Stay AliveAfter the Plane Crash—and the Cannibalism—a Life of HopeStory Of The 1972 Andes Plane Crash In 'Out Of The Silence'70 Days Battling Starvation and Freezing in the Andes: A Chronicle of Man's Unwillingness to DieAfter the AndesHaunted by cannibalism: ‘I will never forget that first incision’The Long Way HomeTHE STORY OF THE ANDES SURVIVORSSurvival: I Will Not Die on This MountainAlive Again: New Findings in the 1972 Andes Plane CrashMiracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home by Nando Parrado and Vince RauseI Had to Survive: How a Plane Crash in the Andes Inspired My Calling to Save Lives by Roberto Canessa and Pablo VierciModern Mummies: The Preservation of the Human Body in the Twentieth Century by Christine Quigley Support the show
Transcribe →Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, Part 1
Jan 24, 202401:02:26Tap to summarizeOn October 13, 1972, a chartered Fairchild F-227 carrying 45 people, most rugby players from Uruguay, crashed in the Andes mountains. Of the 45 people on board, 16 survived. The survivors were stranded in the mountains for 72 days, during which time they faced freezing temperatures, life-threatening injuries, an avalanche, and imminent starvation. To save their own lives, the survivors had to make an impossible decision: Should they eat the flesh of their dead friends?All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!Join us again next week for part 2!Sources:Miracle of the Andes: How Survivors of the Flight Disaster Struggled to Stay AliveAfter the Plane Crash—and the Cannibalism—a Life of HopeStory Of The 1972 Andes Plane Crash In 'Out Of The Silence'70 Days Battling Starvation and Freezing in the Andes: A Chronicle of Man's Unwillingness to DieAfter the AndesHaunted by cannibalism: ‘I will never forget that first incision’The Long Way HomeTHE STORY OF THE ANDES SURVIVORSSurvival: I Will Not Die on This MountainAlive Again: New Findings in the 1972 Andes Plane CrashSociety of the SnowMiracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home by Nando Parrado and Vince RauseI Had to Survive: How a Plane Crash in the Andes Inspired My Calling to Save Lives by Roberto Canessa and Pablo VierciModern Mummies: The Preservation of the Human Body in the Twentieth Century by Christine Quigley Support the show
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