Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz is a storyteller, author, and curandera who presents frequently around the country on traditional healing practices, culinary medicine, folk herbalism, and Native American food sovereignty. We sat down with her to discuss her picture book for kids, “Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita,” her work as a curandera, book bans, and her love of libraries.
In episode 26, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with award-winning author and illustrator Grace Lin. She joins the show to discuss her new book (and her first novel in nine years), “The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon” and its influences, her work as an illustrator, her podcasts, book bans, and of course, how she libraries.
Author Raj Tawney (“Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience,” “All Mixed Up”) finds new friends and community amongst his peers at the 2025 Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge.
In episode 24 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with one of today’s leading creators of scary literature, author Joe Hill—just in time for Halloween! Hill joins the show to discuss his first novel in nine years, the scary epic “King Sorrow.”
In episode 21 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with award-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick (“The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” “Wonderstruck”). Selznick joins the show to discuss his new YA novel, “Run Away with Me,” the importance of creating stories that depict the LGBTQ+ experience, book repair, Italian art and architecture, and, of course, how he libraries.
In episode 20 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with magician, actor, and author Penn Jillette from the Emmy Award-winning magic and comedy duo, Penn and Teller. Jillette joins the show to discuss his new novel, “Felony Juggler,” and its influences, magic and skepticism, the importance of libraries in his life growing up, book bans and information access, and of course, how he libraries.
In episode 19 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with Nick Brooks. Brooks is the critically acclaimed author of the award-winning young adult (Y.A.) thriller, “Promise Boys,” a filmmaker, and a musician from Washington, D.C. His new book, “Up In Smoke,” is another page-turning Y.A. thriller that follows the events that spiral after a murder is committed during a Black Lives Matter protest. It’s part murder mystery, part call to revolution.
Raj Tawney is an essayist and journalist who often writes about family, food, and culture from his multiracial American perspective. His debut memoir, “Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience,” was recently released. His second book, “All Mixed Up,” a middle grade novel, will be released fall 2024. We’re happy to have Tawney share with us the impact that libraries have had on his life and career.
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