In this episode, outgoing Lansing Poet Laureate Ruelaine Stokes shares how her love of writing began in childhood and grew into a passion for poetry. She also talks about her project, My Secret Lansing, and how poetry helps people connect with their community, share their stories, and see their city in new ways.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Ruelaine Stokes

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Lansing Community College Library

This episode explores the creative world of art, illustration, and book design with Lucy A. Sink, an experienced artist known for her work with publishers and convention exhibitions. Lucy shares behind-the-scenes insights into designing book covers, the creative challenges illustrators and authors sometimes face, and the inspiration behind her modern Americana series celebrating diversity and everyday American life.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Lucy Synk Fantasy Art

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Lansing Community College Library

Takeaways:

• The podcast discusses the intricate relationship between illustrators and publishers in the book industry, highlighting how communication is often limited during the cover design process.
• Listeners will gain insights into the significance of art in literature, particularly how illustrations can shape a reader's expectations and experiences.
• The episode features an exploration of various artistic mediums, including traditional painting and modern digital techniques used to create compelling book covers and illustrations.
• The guest shares her journey into the art world, including her experiences at conventions and the evolution of her artistic style through collaboration with other artists.
• Insights are provided into the challenges and rewards of working on large-scale projects, such as murals for museums, emphasizing the detailed planning and execution required.
• The discussion includes reflections on the changing landscape of the art industry, particularly in relation to conventions and the commercialization of artistic spaces.

This episode highlights the 2026 Michigan Notable Books, featuring works by Michigan authors or those that capture the spirit of The Great Lake State. Guests Adam Oster and Mindy Babarskis from the Library of Michigan share insights into the program, its selection process, and the diverse genres included. The conversation also previews the upcoming Night of Notables event, celebrating these authors and their contributions to Michigan’s literary community.

Mentioned This Episode:

Event Information: Night of Notables Celebration 2026

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Location: The Library of Michigan : 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48911.

Parking is free in the Butler Visitor Lot southwest of the Michigan Library & Historical Center. Please enter off of W. Kalamazoo St. The suggested dress is business dressy. Light appetizers and beverages are included in your event registration.

Website: Michigan Notable Book Program

Website: Library of Michigan

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Lansing Community College Library

On this episode, hosts John Szilagyi and Robin Moore are joined in studio by Jimmy Coyer, to discuss the upcoming Lansing Independent Comics and Zine Fest. This homespun literary festival is open to the public and is free of charge, and will take place at Grewal Hall on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Mentioned This Episode

Event Info: Lansing Independent Comics & Zine Fest

Location: Grewal Hall at 224

Website: Fieldmouse Press

Website: ultramega.studio

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Lansing Community College Library

This episode highlights the upcoming 39th Rally of Writers on April 11th at Lansing Community College’s West Campus. Guests Stephen Mack Jones and Rob Edwards discuss the realities of being a writer and balancing creative work with the business side of publishing. From those starting out, to seasoned writers, everyone is invited to celebrate Michigan’s vibrant and growing literary community.

Event Informaton: A Rally of Writers

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Lansing Community College Library

Book bans and challenges have reached unprecedented levels, with the American Library Association reporting 2,452 unique titles challenged in 2024. In this episode, the hosts engage with Amber Sheeran from MI Right to Read, to dissect the nuances between book bans and challenges, and explore their implications for community access to literature. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse perspectives through literature and advocates for the right to read freely, while also touching on the legislative landscape surrounding book censorship.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: MI Right to Read

Website: American Library Association’s List of Banned Books

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Website: Lansing Community College Library

This episode features Cirea Strode, a program manager at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, who blends her professional work with her passion for supporting children’s emotional health. Her new book, Willow B: Big Feelings, Big Wins, helps children ages four to eight better understand and talk about their emotions. Throughout the conversation, parents are encouraged to support children as they learn to navigate their emotions, reminding us that every feeling, whether big or small, is an important part of growing up.

Mentioned This Episode:

Willow B: Big Feelings, Big Wins

On the next episode, hosts Ami and Robin welcome the multifaceted Kris Amos; a poet, writer, counselor, and father, who has navigated the realms of poetry and children's literature. With a background steeped in emotional expression through the written word, Kris shares his experiences that have shaped both his literary voice and his counseling approach. He discusses the profound impact of his personal life, including his transition from poetry to children's literature, exemplified by his self-published book, "Cause I'm a Baby," which draws inspiration from his parenting experiences. Additionally, Kris delves into the therapeutic nature of writing, illustrating how his craft serves as a conduit for processing emotions and fostering connections with others.

Mentioned this Episode:

Are You Ready to Love Yourself a Black Man?

'Cause I'm a Baby!

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Lansing Community College Library

In this episode, our friend and LCC alumni Jesse Edwards returns to discuss his newest movie The Wildman of Shaggy Creek. We dive deep into adapting a book for the screen, the pressures of producing and directing, and the differences of producing a family friendly film and working with younger actors. Jesse shares with us how some of the film's themes mirrored his journey of creating the film and finding a balance between work and family. 

Jesse Edwards is an award-winning film Director, Writer, and Producer. His debut film, The Stolen Valley (2022), has won multiple awards including Best Narrative Feature and Best Director (Utah Film Festival).

For over 10 years Jesse worked as a commercial director for brands such as Disney, National Geographic, and BMW. Jesse has been honored with 3 National Emmy Awards for his commercial and unscripted work and received over 30+ National Emmy Nominations. Jesse is the Founder of 323 Films, a production company dedicated to making movies that matter.

Jesse Edwards on Instagram

Website: Jess Edwards

Website: The Wildman of Shaggy Creek

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Lansing Community College Library

Amy Piper, is a travel writer and blogger who has published two books: 100 Things to do in Lansing before you die and her most recent is Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. In this episode we spend time talking about all the great and fun places to visit in Michigan and dive into the intricacies of being a travel writer.

Learn more about Amy Piper on her website https://followthepiper.com/. 

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Lansing Community College Library