Winter Park Library: Books & Beyond

Kendall Shores is the co-author of Happy Wife and Perfect Life, two very popular novels set in Winter Park, FL. Kendall discusses her Winter Park roots and tells the story of how she pursued her writing dreams.

Greg Gent and Dick Wilson tell Michael about The Winter Park Ukulele Society and its monthly meetings at WPL. Greg and Dick discuss their ukulele journeys and offer some musical demonstrations.

Writer, Florida historian, graphic designer, and fine artist Rick Kilby discusses his research across many facets of Florida history. As the recipient of the 2026 Smith Grant, which is awarded by the Winter Park Library and the Olin Library at Rollins College, Rick is currently studying Winter Park's historic murals.

Theresa Smith-Levin discusses how she came to be the founder of Central Florida Vocal Arts. Theresa shares her thoughts on the importance of music education and access to arts in the community. She also makes a convincing case that anyone can learn to sing!

Retired United States Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling discusses his distinguished career, during and after the army, and his new book If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal.

Cathy Lieblich tells Michael about her life and her work with Neighbors Network, a volunteer powered nonprofit organization that helps seniors build community and live and thrive in their own homes.

Michael has a wide-ranging conversation with Valencia College History Professor Carl Creasman about many facets of his life and career. Carl talks about the origins of Citizen Civics and Past Meets Present, the popular classes that he brings to WPL each month. Carl also looks ahead at what WPL has planned for America's semiquincentennial.

For our 30th episode, WPL Public Services Librarian Jeremy Zorn steps out from behind the scenes of the podcast. Michael and Jeremy discuss how he came to work at WPL and the many ways folks use WPL's Recording Studio.

Michael talks with Becca Schmidt of Blue Moon Yoga about her path to teaching Yoga. Becca offers a monthly book-inspired Yoga class at WPL, on behalf of the Crosby Wellness Center at the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park.

Lauren Zimmerman tells Michael about her road to owning and managing Writer's Block Bookstore in Winter Park, with an additional location in Winter Garden. Lauren discusses the value of independent bookstores and talks about what's on her horizon.