Verso Studios

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Channel • 8 Shows

Books

Books

Updated Monthly
Education

Education

Updated 08/20/2025
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Biweekly
Education

Education

Updated Biweekly
Business

Business

Updated Monthly
Books

Books

Updated 06/30/2025
Books

Books

Updated Monthly

JAN 27

Getting Under Your Skin With Gemma Amor and Bethany C. Morrow

Host Clay McLeod Chapman digs down deep with authors Bethany C. Morrow (THE BODY) and Gemma Amor (ITCH!) into the terrors of 2026 and how horror just might save us all. Authors: Gemma Amor & Bethany C. Morrow

Jan 27

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1 hr
12/20/2025

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

12/20/2025

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43 min
12/03/2025

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

FEARMONGERS

12/03/2025

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1h 3m
09/03/2025

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.

09/03/2025

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16 min
01/15/2025

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

01/15/2025

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21 min
11/07/2025

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!

11/07/2025

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1h 2m
11/26/2024

Defining Dyslexia

Catherine Scholl brings a unique and personal perspective to educational advocacy, which isrooted in her extensive experience with special education. In addition to being a non-attorney special education advocate, Catherine is a former special education teacher and parent to children with learning disabilities. She is also CERI/IDA Certified and holds an Orton Gillingham Teacher Graduate Certification from Fairleigh Dickenson University. In this episode, Catherinedives deep into the definition of dyslexia and discusses what evaluations help determine whether a student exhibits signs of a learning disability. Key Takeaways: • According to the International Dyslexia Association, “dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.” • Evaluations that help to uncover specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia include the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition; Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing, Second Edition; Test of Written Language, Fourth Edition; and the Gray Oral Reading Test, Fifth Edition. • The data drives the plan [individualized education plan]. • “If you are concerned at all that your child is struggling with reading, it is imperative that you address it quickly.” • “Early detection and appropriate intervention are the keys to successful remediation.” Links from the episode: • International Dyslexia Association • Contact Catherine Scholl

11/26/2024

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18 min
12/17/2025

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.

12/17/2025

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20 min
09/30/2024

Sound Off StoryFest'24!

This episode of Open Book is a round up of EVERYTHING you need to know about the upcoming StoryFest'24!

09/30/2024

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1 hr
10/17/2023

HER FATHER'S DAUGHTER: how T.M. Dunn tapped into the voice of a serial killer in her new suspense novel

T.M. Dunn (Patricia Dunn) is the author of three novels, Her Father's Daughter (Crooked Lane, July 2023), Last Stop On The 6 (Bordighera Press, 2021,) and Rebels By Accident (2014). She has served as Senior Director of the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, where she holds an MFA in creative writing. In addition to writing, she coaches aspiring and established writers and teaches creative writing workshops. Patricia lives in Stamford, Connecticut, where she is currently working on her next novel, with her rescue puppy Blanqui snuggled at her side.

10/17/2023

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21 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.