Best PJ Library Podcasts (2025)

1
ReidChancellorInterview2025 57:20

4d ago57:20

57:20

A chat with graphic novelist and musician Reid Chancellor about his latest book, Hardcore Happiness.By Daviess County Public Library

1
Sharp Ends | Side Stories and Backstories 2:15:22

5d ago2:15:22

2:15:22

Hey there folks, this week we finish Sharp Ends, and we get into the bigger debates that the series offers! Next week, we'll be wrapping up all of The Great Leveler with a special guest! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to help…

1
My Story Vault: The Inventive Life of Roger Questel 1:09:47

6d ago1:09:47

1:09:47

In this episode of My Story Vault, Dr. Dennis Rebelo sits down with Roger Questel—woodcarver, sculptor, inventor, and founder of Questech—for a vivid and often humorous journey through a life shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship, and creative risk-taking. Born with dyslexia and drawn early to the visual world, Roger found his voice not in words but i…

1
Sharp Ends: Javre, and Her Henchwoman Shev (Small Kindnesses, Two's Company, Skipping Town, + Three's a Crowd) 1:37:41

12d ago1:37:41

1:37:41

Hey there folks, this week we... recorded a whole ton, so we split Sharp Ends into two! Please enjoy our little dive into the story of Javre and Shev, as well as our discussion, FINALLY, on the map. Next week, we'll be reading THE REST of Sharp Ends. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a rev…

1
Ep 81: Disagreements and Alignment 30:48

13d ago30:48

30:48

Another takeaway from our cross-functional discussions, how do design system team members handle disagreements with consumers, or even our own teammates?

1
My Story Vault: Cultivating Possibility at Williams College with Hope Ross Gibaldi 1:31:14

13d ago1:31:14

1:31:14

Hope Ross Gibaldi joins Dr. Dennis Rebelo to reflect on her journey from a young parent experimenting with crafts and Mary Kay to a recognized leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. Now the Director for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the 68 Center for Career Exploration at Williams College, Hope discusses the importance of experiential lear…

1
Red Country | Fun - Some Kind of Coward 3:03:48

18d ago3:03:48

3:03:48

Hey there folks, this week's episode wraps up Red Country! We see deep into the Dragons, and waaaaay more. Next week, we'll be reading THE WHOLE of Sharp Ends! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You c…

1
Miles Mayhem's Hot Air Problem 52:46

23d ago52:46

52:46

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! It's Episode 41: "Stop Motion." Venom rolls out a Hindenburg-grade blimp armed with a world-class EMP—just to nab the Indy 500 cash box and a leather binder of EVERY U.S. safe combo (because nothing says “international terrorism” like a coupon book for bank vaults). Matt Trakker tries vacuum-tube science,…

1
Red Country | Wrath of God - The Sleeping Partner 1:28:55

26d ago1:28:55

1:28:55

Hey there folks, this week's episode is a shorter one, covering the oddities that we missed last week due to a mic error! We hope you enjoy this little romp through some fun sections. Next week, we'll be finishing the book, starting with the chapter "Fun"! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave…

1
My Story Vault: Libraries, Design, and Discipline with Jenny Wright 1:20:50

27d ago1:20:50

1:20:50

In this rich and personal episode of My Story Vault, Jenny Wright—Executive Director of the North Adams Partnership—joins Dr. Dennis Rebelo to reflect on the unexpected journey that brought her to community leadership in the Northern Berkshires. Raised in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Jenny describes a childhood marked by solitude, a love of books, and di…

1
Ep 80: Building Single Use Figma Plugins 33:41

28d ago33:41

33:41

Davy and PJ talk dive into designers building helpers and plugins to support more specialized design system maintainer workflows, and the beauty of unblocking ourselves.

1
Red Country | Part 1 - Dreams 2:10:09

1M ago2:10:09

2:10:09

Hey there folks, this week... well, we had bigger plans that came a little short, as we begin RED COUNTRY, the LAST of the standalones. Please note that we do talk a little bit more forward in this episode than usual... bear with us as we get used to the format change! Next week, we'll be finishing this section with Wrath of God - The Sleeping Part…

1
The Heroes Wrap-up 1:43:56

1M ago1:43:56

1:43:56

Hey folks! First up, if you haven't heard, listen to the last two minutes of the episode to hear a note from PJ on the show going forward. Beyond that, we are amped to have this discussion wrapping up our thoughts on The Heroes! Did we actually enjoy Gorst? Could we have possibly enjoyed Beck more? In hindsight, could you start your journey here? A…

1
Ep 79: Cross-Functional Partnerships 35:47

1M ago35:47

35:47

Davy and PJ talk about how to plan to best support inbound product design work, in addition to the differences between product-led work vs design system team-led initiatives.

1
My Story Vault: Building with Community in Mind with Morgan Everett 1:17:02

1M ago1:17:02

1:17:02

Morgan Everett joins Dr. Dennis Rebelo to reflect on a multidimensional journey from law firms in Salt Lake City to the creative economy of North Adams, Massachusetts. Now the Director of Public Initiatives and Real Estate at MASS MoCA, Morgan shares how his early interests in art, architecture, and human connection eventually found expression in t…

1
VENOM Unmasks Matt Trakker! (with James Riley!) 1:02:16

1M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! It's Episode 40: "Eyes of the Skull"! Matt Tracker dumps his kid to wander San Francisco (“What could go wrong?”) and immediately gets doxxed by Miles Mayhem’s X-ray crystal skull. VENOM finally learns MASK’s big secret…and celebrates with the most conspicuous bank heist ever—blasting a hole through downt…

1
Dungeon Crawler Carl 1:49:40

2M ago1:49:40

1:49:40

Hey folks! This week, we're chatting about Dungeon Crawler Carl, thanks you Patron Kevin! We had a pretty great time blasting our way through the first couple floors of the dungeon, despite the Patrick Wharburton of it all. Next week, we'll resume with The Heroes wrap-up, and then we'll begin Red Country! Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement c…

1
My Story Vault: Collective Wisdom Curator B. Stephen Boyd 1:20:02

2M ago1:20:02

1:20:02

His journey is a story of innovation, leadership, and community impact. As the CEO of Boyd Biomedical, Stephen’s teams have helped design, build, and launch groundbreaking biomedical solutions. But his path began much earlier, with a childhood defined by curiosity, exploration, and an entrepreneurial spirit. From his first painting business in high…

1
Matt Trakker's Daddy Issues 1:00:37

2M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! It's Episode 39: "Green Nightmare"! Matt Tracker’s “cultural‑exchange” flight to New Guinea nosedives, unleashing an episode where MASK forgets its own name: almost zero masks, barely a vehicle, but plenty of wildly offensive mud‑people stereotypes. While VENOM cosplays as jungle gods, Scott rewires a liv…

1
The Heroes | After the Battle | Old Hands - Retired 2:41:54

2M ago2:41:54

2:41:54

Hey there folks, this week, we see the end of our little story. Next week, a couple of paths forward, but we'll chat with you about those then! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You can also check ou…

1
Ep 78: Davy and PJ go to Figma's Config 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

Because it was PJ's first Config, we decided to record a live, IRL episode, recap our first thoughts about the new product releases and a thread that we started about who Figma is designing for, dating back from last year's event.

1
My Story Vault: Giovanna Fessenden-Fairbank — Becoming a Digital IP Attorney 1:15:38

2M ago1:15:38

1:15:38

In this episode of My Story Vault, we sit down with Giovanna Fessenden-Fairbank—intellectual property attorney, strategist, technologist, and advocate for women in STEM. From early experiences teaching herself programming on a Commodore 64, Giovanna's path has always been about decoding complex systems—whether it’s a line of code, the U.S. patent s…

1
M.A.S.K., Thundercats, and Mego Toys (with Kevin Abrams!) 1:16:06

2M ago1:16:06

1:16:06

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! It's M.A.S.K. Episode 38 - "The Curse of Solomon's Gorge." After Scott and T-Bob are left to wander the desert alone, the predictable happens - T-Bob falls down a well, Scott and T-Bob are almost crushed to death, and Scott nearly drowns. But somehow, Matt Trakker evades the clutches of child protective s…

1
The Heroes | After The Battle | End of the Road - Family 2:15:12

2M ago2:15:12

2:15:12

See you next week. Link: https://wordsandwhiskey.show/episode/252-the-heroes-after-the-battle-end-of-the-road-familyBy Words And Whiskey

1
My Story Vault: The Road to 1 Million Miles with Tom Thalmann 1:17:07

2M ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Tom Thalmann’s story is one of exceptional devotion—not just to a car, but to an ethos of presence, longevity, and meaningful exploration. A biotech advisor and Porsche enthusiast, Tom joins Dr. Dennis Rebelo to share how a single 911 Turbo has become both a travel companion and a mirror for life’s deeper lessons. From his early fascination with th…

1
Playlist: National Storytelling Month 20:55

2M ago20:55

20:55

Did you know that May is Jewish American Heritage Month, National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and National Storytelling Month? Our team has put together a playlist featuring three original Mimi and Kiddo stories to share this special month. And if you're looking for fabulous books to keep your celebrations and learning going,…

1
National Storytelling Month Playlist 44:23

2M ago44:23

44:23

In honor of National Storytelling Month, the PJ Library team has put together a small selection of "stories for another time" from Beyond the Bookcase seasons 4 and 5. Enjoy!By PJ Library

1
The Heroes | Day Three | Onwards and Upwards - Stuff Happens 2:44:47

2M ago2:44:47

2:44:47

Hey there folks. This week, hell breaks loose. Next week, the battle ends as we read After the Battle | through Family! Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It goes a long way to helping the podcast grow. You can also check out our Patreon at Patreon…

1
My Story Vault: Curating Sober-Friendly Spaces with Alex Brown 1:15:21

2M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Entrepreneur, social worker, and person in long-term recovery, Alex Brown joins Dr. Dennis Rebelo in the Vault to reflect on a life shaped by family legacy, disruption, and deep care. Raised in the iconic Berkshire property Blantyre and immersed in hospitality from an early age, Alex shares how his mother’s attention to non-drinking guests—mocktail…

1
Ep 77: Component Flexibility 29:52

2M ago29:52

29:52

We're back with an episode an episode about component and design system flexibility. How opinionated should your design system be, vs a large set of reusable pieces that can be put in any which way together. Davy and PJ weigh in on both methods and where you may want to dive into a framework that allows you to build starting from anywhere.…

1
The Heroes | Day Three | The Standard Issue - The Riddle of the Ground 2:11:06

2M ago2:11:06

2:11:06

Hey there folks. This week, we hear speeches, have a good piss, and Finree generally has a bad time... And Bayaz is there too, I guess. Next week, the battle ends as we read Onwards and Upwards - Stuff Happens. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever. It…

1
The Heroes | Day Two | Chains of Command - My Land 3:18:13

3M ago3:18:13

3:18:13

Hey there folks. This week, we're tracking a message, and delivering one too from Kroy to Calder, and all the other characters inbetween! Next week, we begin day three reading The Standard Issue - The Riddle of the Ground. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or …

1
Ep 76: Guy Segal and Design System Management and Ops 49:07

3M ago49:07

49:07

Our friend Guy Segal, Director of Design Systems at Thomson Reuters comes and talks with us about consistency in operations and how to scale out systems thinking.

1
My Story Vault: Inventing a Life - The Story of Justin McKennon 1:19:08

3M ago1:19:08

1:19:08

Justin McKennon’s journey reflects a blend of curiosity, perseverance, and self-leadership. Growing up in Springfield, MA, Justin navigated a complex childhood, shaped by the guidance of his Big Brother - from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program - and his passion for learning. His pursuit of knowledge led him to a career as Principal Scientist at …

1
Moses and the Burning Bush 5:44

3M ago5:44

5:44

A special episode just in time for Passover - the story of Moses and the burning bush. This episode was written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh and produced by Alli Thresher for PJ Library. Our music is licensed from Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Danny Paller. For free Passover resources including recipes, activities, and a haggadah, visit pjlibrary.org…

1
The Heroes | Day Two | Dawn - Reasoned Debate 59:52

3M ago59:52

59:52

Hey there folks. This week... we race through this as quickly as we can. Next week, we'll be chatting about Neil's feelings on the end of the Stormlight archive, and following that returning to The Heroes, reading Day Two | Chains of Command - My Land. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leave a r…

1
My Story Vault: The Daniel Bennett Story - Making Music, Making Meaning 1:15:50

3M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

Daniel Bennett's journey exemplifies dedication, creativity, and adaptability. From his early days insisting on playing the saxophone to his studies at Roberts Wesleyan and the New England Conservatory, Daniel's life is a testament to following one’s passion and purpose. In this engaging episode, Daniel discusses how his spiritual beliefs and creat…

1
Baddies Takeover: Omegaverse 1:31:48

3M ago1:31:48

1:31:48

The best laid plans- this week, the Baddies take over! Kross was knocked out of commission by a number of different factors, so we bring you an EXCELLENT episode, wherein the Baddies (and Kross) tackle one of the many subgenre's within Romance; Omegaverse. There's all kinds of interesting lore surrounding this, from it's origins as fanfiction in th…

1
Ep 75: Davy and PJ's DS Origins 26:52

3M ago26:52

26:52

We learn about PJ's start in design systems, dating back to 2011, and Davy's first introduction to it in 2015. They discuss while tech has evolved, aspects such as theming still remain a struggle to figure out. Also discussed is how we evolved our roles, and what might be suitable traits and tactics used by design system people in 2025.…

1
My Story Vault: Grabbing the Wheel of Life with Dakar Rally Winner Sue Mead 1:49:53

3M ago1:49:53

1:49:53

Sue Mead’s life exemplifies curiosity, bravery, and determination. Her adventurous spirit, ignited in childhood through outdoor explorations and reading National Geographic magazines, led her to a remarkable path in photography, journalism, and off-road racing. In this captivating conversation on My Story Vault, with Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Sue shares t…

1
Passover Playlist 2025 1:02:45

3M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

It's time for Passover! Settle in for a playlist full of stories featuring Passover traditions from all around the world. In Humpty Dumpty and the Passover Feast we’ll visit Humpty Dumpty as he prepares to host the seder for the first time. Next we'll Chase Joha Through Passover to see how families all over celebrate and get ready for Passover. And…

1
Scott Trakker Defiles Uluru 47:58

3M ago47:58

47:58

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! MASK and VENOM are back in the Outback of Australia…but don’t you worry, folks…this is serious this time…there won’t be any co-opting of local customs and spiritual practices like the last time we were here! Oh wait… V.E.N.O.M.’s uses a hologram machine to fool local people into thinking that floating roc…

1
The Heroes | Day One | The Better Part of Valour - Rest and Recreation 2:02:34

3M ago2:02:34

2:02:34

Hey there folks. This week, we see through the end of the day's battle, the carnage wrought, and tomorrow's looming conflict. Next week, we'll be chatting about Neil's feelings on the end of the Stormlight archive, and following that returning to The Heroes, reading Day Two | Dawn - Straight Edge. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscri…

1
Matt Trakker's Not-So-Wild Stallions 52:35

4M ago52:35

52:35

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! Hopping over to Vienna, Matt, Scott, T-Bob, and Dusty Hayes (who apparently decided to hang around after last episode) witness Austria’s famous Lipizzaner Stallions from the bleacher seats. But then, the horses go wild, forcing Dusty to save a child whose mother attends the Matt Trakker School of Abandonm…

1
The Heroes | Day One | Silence - Casualties 2:31:03

4M ago2:31:03

2:31:03

Hey there folks - What a week this one is. The battle begins? Next week, we'll be chatting about Neil's feelings on the end of the Stormlight archive, and following that returning to The Heroes, reading The Better Part of Valour through Rest and Recreation. Beyond that, please be sure to follow us or subscribe on your podcatcher of choice, and leav…

1
My Story Vault: Building Winner’s Circle XR Academy with Juan Rodriguez 1:10:13

4M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Juan Rodriguez’s journey—from New York City’s boroughs to the heart of Providence—charts a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and service. In this episode, Juan shares how his upbringing, family influences, and life experiences led to the creation of Winner’s Circle XR Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to virtual, augmen…

1
Matt Trakker: Dutch Dikes and Drugs 45:05

4M ago45:05

45:05

Send a Priority One Message to M.A.S.K. HQ! Matt Trakker, Scott, and T-Bob are continuing their European vacation with a trip to the Netherlands to enjoy the tulips, the windmills, the amazing construction and maintenance of the dikes…and probably some pharmaceuticals that are uniquely legal in Amsterdam. All of a sudden when one of the dikes is sh…

1
Ep 74: Maintaining Large Component Libraries 30:30

4M ago30:30

30:30

Davy and PJ talk about design and code parity, how we keep our artifacts aligned with live product, and other nuances to maintaining large scale component libraries.

1
Monk and Robot w/ Special Guest Kross 2:53:48

4M ago2:53:48

2:53:48

This week, Words and Whiskey has on a new guest... Kross! And today, we're talking about the Monk and Robot books. Next week, we return to The Heroes, reading through 'Casualties' in Day One. Link: https://wordsandwhiskey.show/episode/244-monk-and-robot-w-special-guest-krossBy Words And Whiskey

1
My Story Vault: Robert Sims, Driven to Serve, Invent & Father like a Pro 1:04:40

4M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Robert’s journey blends his move to the Berkshires to help a credit union with his dream of creating a better children’s car seat. His “jump a creek” mentality—going all in, engaging fully, and using lessons to improve—shapes his approach. Get ready for a fast-paced, high-energy conversation! Links: Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program h…

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