Verso Studios

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Channel • 8 Shows

Books

Books

Updated Monthly
Education

Education

Updated Biweekly
Education

Education

Updated Aug 20
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Biweekly
Books

Books

Updated Monthly
Books

Books

Updated Jun 30
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Biweekly

DEC 20

GETTING SPOOKY WITH S.A. COSBY

Kissing cousins crime and horror fiction snuggle up for our final Fearmongers of 2025, as author S.A. Cosby spins a few true spooky yarns with host Clay McLeod Chapman

Dec 20

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43 min
DEC 3

ALLY, ALLY & THE TREMBLAYS: A MIDDLE GRADE HORROR PANEL

FEARMONGERS

Dec 3

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1h 3m
NOV 7

THIS HOUSE WANTS TO EAT YOU WITH MARCUS KLIEWER AND CHRISTINA HENRY

Host and amatuer realtor Clay McLeod Chapman gets to the heart of what makes a haunted house if there are no ghosts, alongside guests Marcus Kliewer (WE USED TO LIVE HERE) and Christina Henry (THE PLACE WHERE THEY BURIED YOUR HEART). Come explore the terrifying dimensions of these horrifying homes!

Nov 7

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1h 2m
OCT 29

Fearmongers LIVE! at StoryFest'25 at The Westport Library

Hear from the luminaries of horror at this year's StoryFest, as host Clay McLeod Chapman chats up Ellen Datlow, Brian Evenson, Rachel Harrison, Cassandra Khaw, Lorien Lawrence, Hailey Piper, Dan Poblocki and Caldwell Turnbull.

Oct 29

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56 min
SEP 30

Her Majesty's Arcane Service: Blurring the Genre Lines w/ Kosoko Jackson & Sam Rebelein

Host Clay McLeod Chapman chats with Kosoko Jackson (THE MACABRE) and Sam Rebelein (GALLOWAY'S GOSPEL) about blending horror with all kinds of other genres... and which bookshelf to find them on.

Sep 30

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1h 16m
DEC 17

Episode 12: Practicing Gratitude: Finding Purpose Through Connection

Welcome, friends. Today we’re exploring gratitude — not just an emotion, but a mindset, a skill, and a way of seeing the world that can reconnect you to what truly matters. As we get older, many of us experience a quiet crisis of purpose. The goals that once fueled us lose their spark. Achievements feel less fulfilling. Comparison creeps in. Gratitude offers a way back — not by reinventing yourself, but by remembering yourself. In this episode, I’m joined by my closest friend, Jesse Shafer (from Episode 1), to reflect on my journey through making the podcast fueled by a recent crisis of purpose that pushed me to rethink my life, my goals, and my relationships. With encouragement from a mentor, I set out on a journey that led to ten powerful conversations — many with people I had never met before — spanning seniors, veterans, LGBTQ youth, people with disabilities, public servants, and families navigating homelessness and affordable housing. Along the way, I confronted my own assumptions, felt the weight of others’ lived experiences, and discovered how deeply human connection can expand your understanding of the world. Balancing genuine sentiment with ‘off the cuff’ humor (we can’t resist), Jesse and I look back on: The impact privilege on gratitudeMy struggles with imposter syndromeThe importance of empathy, curiosity, and listening without judgmentThe unexpected joy and wisdom found in our own community And to anyone feeling lost or questioning their purpose: practicing gratitude won’t fix everything, but it can change the way you see everything. You don’t need to be remembered for what you had — but for how you lived and how you made others feel. One day my kids — maybe even my grandkids — will listen to these conversations. I did this to become a better person. To practice curiosity, empathy, and presence. To prove there’s more wisdom in a stranger’s story than in any book. To remind you that being human is messy… but it’s worth it. This podcast isn’t about being important. It’s about being present. Thank you friends for listening. And thank you for being part of this journey.

Dec 17

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20 min
AUG 25

FLESH FLIES AND MEGA VIRUSES W/ SARAH GAILEY & ANDREW JOSEPH WHITE

Host Clay McLeod Chapman gets freaky with two of the freakiest novels coming out this year: Sarah Gailey's SPREAD ME and Andrew Joseph White's YOU WEREN'T MEANT TO BE HUMAN. Authors: Sarah Gailey (SPREAD ME) and Andrew Joseph White (YOU WEREN'T MEANT TO BE HUMAN)

Aug 25

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1h 7m
10/29/2024

How to Support Dyslexic Students with Executive Functioning

Sklar Certified Executive Function Coach Annika Ahlström discusses executive functioning skills and offers three actionable tips to support executive functioning skills for students with learning disabilities and their families. In her coaching, she teaches families how to embrace their brain differences so all members can thrive. Key Takeaways: • Executive functions are those cognitive skills that help us to get things done such asorganization, planning, and time management, and these are skills that continue to develop over time. • Students with learning challenges often face self-esteem challenges. Through executive functioning coaching, a system is created to help students so they can feel good about themselves and reach their potential. • Actionable tips include using a family calendar in a high traffic area of the home, having weekly family meetings, and using visual timers. Links from the episode: • TimeWise: Executive Function Coaching • Visual Timer

10/29/2024

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20 min
JAN 15

What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach and Why is it Effective for Dyslexic Learners?

Allison Meyerson is acutely aware that parents need professional support when navigating the inner workings of school districts, which inspired her to become an educational advocate. She is a retired teacher with over thirty years’ experience with Clarkstown Central School District in Rockland County, NY. Since 2005, she has been a Literacy Specialist providing intensive interventions to students with reading difficulties, primarily those diagnosed with dyslexia.Allison is Level IV Orton-Gillingham certified through Fairleigh Dickinson University. In this episode, Allison discusses the Orton-Gillingham approach, what is included in every Orton-Gillingham lesson, and why this approach is beneficial for dyslexic learners. Connect with Allison at ameyerson@righttoreadadvocacy.com Key Takeaways: • The Orton-Gillingham approach is personalized. It uses explicit, direct instruction and is structured, sequential, and cumulative. The approach is all multi-sensory – using visual, auditory, gross motor, fine motor, taste, and kinesthetic (touch) to increase memory storage. • A certified Orton Gillingham instructor takes a minimum of four classes that each span many months and includes a practicum with supervision, allowing instructors to practice and refine what they are being taught. Conversely, a training consists of (usually) a one-week class without a practicum. • Each Orton-Gillingham lesson should include: A review of skills mastered (cumulative), reading of graphemes, spelling of graphemes, a phonological awareness activity, spelling of words in isolation with targeted spelling patterns or rules, reading of words in isolation with targeted spelling patterns or rules, writing dictated sentences using previously and currently taught skills, and reading controlled passages of text that only contain skills previously or currently being taught. • When children with dyslexia are instructed using a multisensory approach, they can learn to read; however, the materials must be used correctly and with fidelity. By utilizing multiple senses, the dyslexic brain is rewired and the areas of the brain that were being underutilized become engaged. Links from the episode: • Webinar: What is Orton-Gillingham and Why Does it Work? • Orton-Gillingham Academy • Learn more about Allison Meyerson

Jan 15

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21 min
SEP 3

Making Sense of the Alphabet Soup of Education

This episode begins with a lighthearted poem, “I Do Not Like These IEPs.” The Alphabet Soup of Education, Jargon, acronyms, and technical terms, make communication between educators and parents confusing, causing misunderstandings and miscommunication. Bud and Jacobson discuss some of the l terms that perplex and befuddle parents during IEP meetings. Their intent is to help close this communication gap.

Sep 3

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16 min

Verso Studios is the media resource and production hub of the Westport Library in Westport, Connecticut. A library branch of the 21st century, Verso Studios provides programming, commercial services, as well as educational and content creation opportunities. This page features all Verso Studios Community Partnership Podcasts.