Using our Library Voices

Welcome to the Season Finale and Fifth episode of Ideas to Income, the podcast series where real entrepreneurs break down how they turned ideas into profitable businesses.

Ever wonder how vendors got their start? 

In episode 5 Ideas to Income, we sat down with Tasha the creative force behind Team Jemini Designs, a graphic design business making waves in the vendor market. Tasha shares her journey navigating the competitive world of vendor spaces, and building a brand that stands out. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, thinking about entering the vendor scene, or just looking for motivation to start your own business, Tasha offers practical advice, honest insights, and powerful encouragement.

Tune in to learn how to transform your ideas into income, leverage your creativity, and confidently take your first steps into entrepreneurship.

FutureU

Check out our next series Survival By The Book a podcast that is a practical guide to emergency preparedness tailored for residents of Harris County, Texas and surrounding areas. Learn how to understand emergency alerts, prepare for severe weather, and handle unexpected disasters with confidence. 

Survival By The Book airing April 22 — Because being prepared shouldn't be complicated

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

This book by Kristin Hannah has been all the rage.  But maybe you've wondered if there is another point of view. Kim shares her thoughts in this mega-micro podcast.

Title: The Women

Author: Kristin Hannah

Reviewed by: Kimberly D. 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Title: The Murder of Mr. Wickham

Author: Claudia Gray

Recommended by: Beth K.

Notes: more Austentatious reads

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Welcome to the fourth episode of Ideas to Income, the podcast series where real entrepreneurs break down how they turned ideas into profitable businesses.

What does it really take to turn expertise into income?

In Episode 4 of Ideas to Income, we sit down with psychologist turned entrepreneur Daniel Katz, who built a thriving group therapy business from the ground up

In this episode we talk to Daniel Katz a psychologist turned entrepreneur who built a thriving group therapy business from the ground up. Daniel shares the unfiltered story behind his transition from traditional practice to business owner: the doubts, the risks, the pivotal decisions, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. This isn’t just about scaling a therapy model. It’s about stepping into ownership of your skills, your time, and your future. 

If you’ve ever felt the pull to build something of your own, but wondered whether you’re “ready” then this conversation could be catalyst to begin your story.

How to win friends and influence people

FutureU

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Title: Imposter

Author: Cait Levin

Recommended by: Katelyn H.

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Title: The Formula: how rogues, geniuses, and speed freaks reengineered F1 into the world's fastest-growing sport 

Authors: Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg

Recommended by: Julianna P 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Welcome to the third episode of Ideas to Income, the podcast series where real entrepreneurs break down how they turned ideas into profitable businesses.

In this episode, We talked with Todd Bush a former international wood pellet trader who built and sucessfully exited a global biomass trading business that served renewable energy plants and industrial clients around the world.

Todd shares how he spotted opportunity in the rising demand for renewable fuel, built relationships with suppliers and utilities across Europe and, managed the risks of international logistics. 

Todd’s story is about resilience, deal-making, and strategic timing. Whether you’re interested in renewable energy, commodities trading, or building a business with a clear exit strategy, this episode delivers real-world insight from someone who’s lived it.

https://hcpl.net/futureu/

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R., Covey

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Reading Room Radio is back, so get ready for your to-be-read pile to get bigger one micro podcast a week. 

First up, this magical weekend has both a Friday the 13th and Valentine's Day, so what better read than a recommendation from the horromance genre. 

Title: The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas 

Recommended by: Nikki S. 

Background music: "Shadows and Echos" by Whispers of Solitude 

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Welcome to the second episode of Ideas to Income, the podcast series where real entrepreneurs break down how they turned ideas into profitable businesses.

In this episode, we talked with a goldsmith who started her own fountain pen nib business and shares her story about how she turned an uncommon skill into a thriving business.

She shares how curiosity evolved into craftsmanship and what it really took to go from working with precious metals to building a brand from scratch. She talks about how she overcame self-doubt and found her first customers. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about turning passion into a profession or creating a business in an area where few dare to try.

Learn more about career and business resources that the library has to offer on our website, www.hcpl.net

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant. 

Welcome to the very first episode of Ideas to Income, the podcast series where real entrepreneurs break down how they turned ideas into profitable businesses.

In this episode talked with the founder of a successful pressure washing business in Houston, TX, who started out using rental equipment and is now turning a profit using his grit, smart decisions and willingness to learn.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a service-based business, looking for a low-barrier way to become your own boss, or want practical advice from someone who’s actually done it, this episode is for you. Expect real talk, actionable tips, and inspiration to take that first step from idea to income.

Learn more about career and business resources that the library has to offer on our website, www.hcpl.net

Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library.
www.hcpl.net

Podcast Team Members include: Jennifer Finch, John Harbaugh, Katelyn Helberg, Beth Krippel, Alinda Mac, Mary Mink, John Schaffer,  Sadina Shawver, Dylan Smith, and Nancy Hu. 


In memory of Darcy Casavant.