Best Brooklyn Public Library Podcasts (2025)

1
Tracing the Legacy of Slavery in Brooklyn 14:03

4d ago14:03

14:03

A new exhibit at BPL's Center for Brooklyn History explores the history and legacy of slavery here in Brooklyn. The team at CBH gathered documents and accounts from people who were touched by slavery in Brooklyn, and traced the descendants of both the enslaved and enslavers. "Trace/s" is up at the Center for Brooklyn History (128 Pierrepont Street)…

1
We're Doing The Wiz 1 - The Tofu Curtain 38:56

5d ago38:56

38:56

When a bussing program brings a group of Black students to a predominately white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts, a racial reckoning rocks the campus. And an unlikely selection for the school’s annual musical reshapes the student body forever. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

1
Expanding Access to Care through Community Health Workers 49:36

12d ago49:36

49:36

Podcast Evaluation Link | This episode of Share Public Health, originally a live webinar on 05/13/25, explores the vital role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in bridging gaps in healthcare access and improving health outcomes, as well as strategies to strengthen support systems for CHWs and the communities they serve. After listening, please tak…

1
Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz 2:48

12d ago2:48

2:48

Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: We’re Doing The Wiz. Two former classmates reconnect to unpack the high school musical that changed their lives Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

1
Red for Revolution x The Frogs 23:02

19d ago23:02

23:02

On May 24, 2025 in LA, Red for Revolution's creator/writer/director Jana Naomi Smith joined The Frogs for a rollicking live taping of their podcast, to talk career, inspiration, the origins of R4R, and for a live performance featuring Caro Guzmán. To listen to the full episode, head over to the The Frogs — where theater, culture, and vibe collide. …

1
Introducing Selects from Radiotopia and Room Tone 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

Today we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from Radiotopia. It’s called Selects. Selects is a monthly show that brings you unearthed audio works we’ve found buried in web archives, radio streams, and old podcasts. They’ve come to us through the recommendations and inspirations of some of the most talented …

1
Overcoming Barriers to Oral Health 51:43

2M ago51:43

51:43

Podcast Evaluation Link | This episode of Share Public Health, originally a live webinar on 03/11/25, explores the importance of oral health promotion, including focusing on populations at higher risk for poor oral health, available resources, and strategies to increase awareness, improve access, and support healthier communities. After listening, …

1
After 15 months of displacement...from Up First 30:08

2M ago30:08

30:08

Recently, the White House announced its plans to ask Congress to rescind funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. If the plan passes, there could be serious consequences for the public media ecosystem. Rather than tell you why we think public media is important, we are sharing this piece from NPR's Up First. This story is one of the best…

1
Introducing: Harlem Queen 13:37

3M ago13:37

13:37

Today we're sharing the first episode of Harlem Queen, a historical audio drama detailing the powerful story of “Policy Queen” and “gangster” Madame Stephanie St. Clair. Madame St. Clair had a powerful impact on building the Harlem community underground and aboveground and defining the Harlem Renaissance. Our goal is for you to be entertained, educ…

1
Jason and Isabelle Revisit My Mother Made Me 6:09

3M ago6:09

6:09

In October 2024, Apple Podcasts launched a new initiative to highlight narrative series, including designating a new show every month as a Series Essential, celebrating the finest storytelling and the medium’s greatest achievements. My Mother Made Me is the March 2025 selection. For this special occasion, we asked Jason to sit down with his mother …

1
Alternate Realities from Embedded 27:55

3M ago27:55

27:55

Today, we're sharing the first episode of a new limited-run series from NPR's Embedded, "Alternate Realities". Zach Mack and his dad are living in separate realities, and it's tearing their family apart. Like so many Americans, Zach's dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. After years of circular arguments, the father challenged his son to…

1
Red for Revolution 6 - I Love Paris 41:30

3M ago41:30

41:30

As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direct…

1
Red for Revolution 5 - Send in the Clowns 43:11

4M ago43:11

43:11

As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by …

1
Red for Revolution 4 - He Looked Beyond My Faults 29:22

4M ago29:22

29:22

Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with…

1
Red for Revolution 3 - Stormy Weather 32:06

4M ago32:06

32:06

As Jazmine grapples with self-acceptance, Grandma Ella and Ms. Lorraine feel compelled to share their respective insecurities. This leads to a poignant recollection of the day a power outage compelled a young Ella and Lorraine to reveal their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smi…

1
Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry 47:37

4M ago47:37

47:37

Jazmine uncovers her grandmother's journals, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her inner life and igniting the tale of how Ella and Lorraine reconnected in 1971, New York City for a taping of the TV show Black Dreams after their passionate first encounter in Gary. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smit…

1
Red for Revolution 1 - I’ve Got a Crush On You 34:47

5M ago34:47

34:47

After the assassination of a Black female revolutionary, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two women left in her wake—an apolitical jazz singer and a radical activist. While in the present day, college-bound Jazmine embarks on a journey to find her grandmother's first love and document their love story. Red for Revolution is created, writt…

1
Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution 2:21

5M ago2:21

2:21

Red for Revolution is an enthralling audio drama that tells the passionate love story between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 18-year-old Jazmine, who is coming of age and seeking wisdom from her grandmother, Ella. As Jazmine conducts heartfelt interviews with her grandmother, li…

1
Best of Radiotopia - Weight For It 40:43

6M ago40:43

40:43

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Weight For It - “Into Thin Air." It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
A New Year’s Plunge (Rebroadcast) 11:59

6M ago11:59

11:59

As 2024 comes to a close, we wanted to share with you an episode that we produced all the way back in 2020. That year, we went to Coney Island to record the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, the group of swimmers that congregate on Coney Island every Sunday in winter to swim in the frigid ocean as a way to renew themselves. It’s a fun one, and we hope …

1
Best of Radiotopia - This Day in Esoteric Political History 20:27

6M ago20:27

20:27

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - This Day in Esoteric Political History - “Dick Cheney Shoots Friend In The Face”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - The West Wing Weekly 1:01:42

6M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The West Wing Weekly - “The American President”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Stoop 34:59

6M ago34:59

34:59

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Stoop - “This Ain't Texas, It's Africa." It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Song Exploder 27:28

6M ago27:28

27:28

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Song Exploder - “Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Our House." It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb 38:12

6M ago38:12

38:12

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb - “Popcorn”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 40:15

6M ago40:15

40:15

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative - “Just a Girl with a Microphone." Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Radio Diaries 14:03

6M ago14:03

14:03

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Radio Diaries - “The John Birch Society”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Normal Gossip 1:01:37

6M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Normal Gossip - “The Suite Life of Rachelle and Kelsey”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Mortified Podcast 30:37

6M ago30:37

30:37

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Mortified Podcast - “The Origin Story”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Memory Palace 9:54

6M ago9:54

9:54

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Memory Palace - “Lost Jobs”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! And you can buy The Memory Palace book here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Kitchen Sisters Present 12:43

6M ago12:43

12:43

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Kitchen Sisters Present - “Tupperware”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Hyperfixed 33:55

6M ago33:55

33:55

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hyperfixed - “Casey Wants to Believe”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - The Heart 10:43

6M ago10:43

10:43

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Heart - “EPILOGUE | Letter to Gaza”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Hang Up 49:55

6M ago49:55

49:55

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hang Up - “Speed Dial”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Ear Hustle 53:21

6M ago53:21

53:21

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Ear Hustle - “What's Up, Michael Freeman?”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything 1:12:44

6M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything - "Not All Propaganda is Art" episode 1. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Best of Radiotopia - Articles of Interest 50:16

6M ago50:16

50:16

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Articles of Interest - “Nudity”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

1
Why We Still Read Together: The Joy of Book Clubs 18:57

7M ago18:57

18:57

Graphic novels, Haitian-American book bingo, and The Power Broker. These are just a few of the book clubs happening at Brooklyn Public Library! This episode, we take a tour around the borough to listen in on our patrons' reading habits and ask why we still read together. Read a transcript of this episode here. Further resources: Check out our book …

1
Book Sanctuaries, Buttons and Bouncy Houses 15:16

8M ago15:16

15:16

We're pulling out all the stops for the first annual Freedom to Read Day of Action on Saturday, October 19th! Hear from libraries in Los Angeles, San Diego, Hoboken, NJ and Austin, TX about what they're doing to promote the freedom to read. And, if you're in Brooklyn, meet us on the steps of Central Library this Saturday for a book rally! You can r…

1
Banned Books Week: All for a Library Card 27:37

9M ago27:37

27:37

For Banned Books Week this year, we’re returning to our award-winning series, Borrowed and Banned. Because the fight isn’t over. In 2023, the American Library Association documented a 65% increase in the number of book titles challenged across the country. Listen to the first episode of the series about what happened in one Oklahoma town when their…

1
Will wants to go back to his favourite shawarma place from Personal Best 39:28

9M ago39:28

39:28

From our friends at Personal Best (CBC) — Personal Best from CBC celebrates small ambitions, half-wins and the quiet satisfaction of getting less bad at things. Each week they help ordinary people work through the little things they’d never bring to a life coach — like having the courage to dine alone at a fancy restaurant or getting less awkward a…

1
Rebroadcast: Blocks and Brownstones 25:31

10M ago25:31

25:31

Bedford-Stuyvesant is perhaps one of Brooklyn’s most iconic neighborhoods. Its tree-lined streets and grand brownstones have been here for over 150 years. This episode, a re-broadcast from 2019, tells the story of Bed-Stuy through the lives of three women who set down roots here in different ways: activist Hattie Carthan, writer Paule Marshall, and…

1
Bed-Stuy Tea: An Interview with Cookbook Author Nicole A. Taylor 29:48

11M ago29:48

29:48

Splitting her time between Athens, Georgia and Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Nicole A. Taylor is a food writer and author of several cookbooks. She sat down with BPL’s Bed-Stuy Tea podcast to discuss finding and preserving her Southern voice, the pleasures of restaurant research, and her favorite local spots to eat and drink. Read a transcript of this episod…

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