Back Stories

Johnson County Public Library-Indiana
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BOOKS

“Back Stories,” tells the stories behind authors, books, movies, music and anything else we come up with or you might ask us to discuss. Season 2 of "Back Stories" is hosted by Elyssa Everling a JCPL librarian and a guest host. It is produced by the Johnson County Public Library in Indiana.

  1. Shipwrecks & The History of the World

    06/23/2025

    Shipwrecks & The History of the World

    Can we tell the history of the world through its shipwrecks? In this episode of Back Stories, Elyssa from the Johnson County Public Library in Indiana is joined by David Pfeiffer from the Johnson County Museum of History to explore this concept through two books: The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson and A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks byDavid Gibbins. Gibbins shares his adventures diving on these shipwrecks and dives deep into their significance.  If you want to dig into the local reaction to the firing on Fort Sumter, you can find a digitized version of the Franklin Democrat at a JCPL Branch with Newspapers.com. It's free with your library card. Learn about all of our research services at this link.

    33 min
  2. The "Dear America" Series

    06/16/2025

    The "Dear America" Series

    It's an episode no Millennial will want to miss. Elyssa and her guest Erin discuss their love for the Scholastic Books "Dear America" series, which defined their childhood. Plus, you can't mention Scholastic Books without reminiscing about school book fairs. And, yes, you can find the "Dear America" television shows on YouTube at this link.

    42 min
  3. Books About Librarians

    05/02/2025

    Books About Librarians

    Back Stories guest and JCPL Franklin Branch Librarian Katie discusses the memoir of Kim Michele Richardson, a bestselling, multiple-award-winning author from Kentucky. She also tells the story of Book Woman, one of the Packhorse librarians who delivered books to remote areas of the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression. Elyssa takes a look behind Hell’s Library trilogy. Join them as librarians look at books about libraries and librarians, talk about John Green and local events.

    34 min
  4. Bonus: Indiana Freadom to Read

    05/02/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus: Indiana Freadom to Read

    On this Bonus Episode of Back Stories, Elyssa talks with JCPL Director Lisa Lintner, who discusses her role with the Indiana Library Federation and their Indiana Freadom to Read initiative and their work to ensure all Hoosiers enjoy the unrestricted freedom to read and access books of all genres. Lisa highlights John Green in conversation with IN FREADOM being held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Indiana Freadom to Read will discuss John Green's battle with censorship in Indiana and other states where he has filed suit.

    58 min
  5. 4.1 Paul Hoffman: Murder In Wauwatosa

    04/09/2025

    4.1 Paul Hoffman: Murder In Wauwatosa

    In the first episode of the fourth season of Back Stories, host Elyssa Everling interviews Columbus, Indiana, author Paul Hoffman. Paul lays out his backstory on Murder In Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddie Schumacher and the book Wicked Columbus. He also shares how he became a writer, publisher and actor after growing up in Wisconsin and moving to Indiana 30 years ago.

    26 min
  6. 3.7 Historical Non-fiction and Memoirs

    12/19/2024

    3.7 Historical Non-fiction and Memoirs

    In the final episode of season three, Elyssa and her guest Jody, JCPL’s marketing manager and sometimes podcast producer, dig into great true stories. They discuss Erik Larson, Stephen Ambrose, Timothy Egan, Melissa and others, and the Back Stories are revealed.

    33 min
  7. Bonus Episode: Behind the Page Summer 2024

    10/08/2024 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Behind the Page Summer 2024

    Are you looking for your next great read, or want to learn how to use the Johnson County Public Library better? Elyssa and her guest Erin review their latest Behind the Page session and discuss thrillers, beach reads, inspirational books, and much more. Here are the books and resources discussed in this episode. Thriller Books Bad Tourists by Caro Carver Look in the Mirror by Catherine Steadman  Beach Reads Pink Glass Houses by Asha Elias This Summer will be Different by Carley Fortune Inspirational Books Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann H. Gabheart Dystopian Books Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton A Better World by Sarah Langan Nonfiction Books You are a Magnet by Amber Lyon The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson  Resources Talked About Creativebug Friends Booktiques Find Your Next Book Lit Loot Book Clubs List Book Club Book Sets Podcasts Discussed Everyone Loved it But Me Reading Glasses Currently Reading Book Talk, etc Just Plain Wrong (Amish Librarians)

    46 min
  8. 3.6 History, Presidents & Dr. Seuss

    06/28/2024

    3.6 History, Presidents & Dr. Seuss

    Jesse Biggerman, Johnson County Recycling District Executive Director, discusses presidents, historians and Dr. Seuss, while Elyssa examines science fiction books, movies and more.

    41 min
See All (35)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

“Back Stories,” tells the stories behind authors, books, movies, music and anything else we come up with or you might ask us to discuss. Season 2 of "Back Stories" is hosted by Elyssa Everling a JCPL librarian and a guest host. It is produced by the Johnson County Public Library in Indiana.

Information

  • Creator
    Johnson County Public Library-Indiana
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Johnson County Public Library-Indiana
  • Show Website
    Back Stories