The Reference Desk

The Reference Desk

Have you ever fallen down a rabbit hole into an obscure topic and suddenly need to know all the details and consume all the media related to it? You've found your people. Every other Wednesday, librarians Hailee and Katie take turns sharing the topic that has them bewitched. After a deep-dive into the subject-du-jour, fill your "to read" list with their related book recommendations.

  1. 04/23/2025

    Women of the Dutch Resistance: Hannie Schaft and Truus & Freddie Oversteegen

    In this episode, Katie is bewitched by three women of the Dutch Resistance: Hannie Schaft and Truus and Freddie Oversteegen.  When the German Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1940, local resistance groups and everyday Dutch folks organized ingenious ways to fight back against their occupiers. From distributing illegal newspapers to bombing supply lines to killing Nazis, the Dutch resistance was a powerful example of how even against the biggest forces of evil, everyone can do something to fight back. Hannie Schaft, who once dreamed of using her law degree to fight fascism with the League of Nations, gave up her ambitions to save her two best friends and join the Haarlem resistance. Hannie worked alongside sisters Truus and Freddie Overstegeen, who’d been involved in resistance work since childhood. The young women were able to infiltrate spaces the men could not, and this skill made them invaluable to the resistance. The trio saved countless lives by moving Jewish families to safe houses, collecting intelligence on German missile sites, and luring Nazis to their death with a wink and a smile.  All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop! Staff picks: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi The Dollhouse by Charis Cotter The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall by Charis Cotter Recommended Reading: Fiction: To Die Beautiful by Buzzy Jackson The Assault by Harry Mulisch Non-fiction: Now Then, Not Now, Not Ever by Truus Menger- Oversteegen Three Ordinary Girls  by Tim Brady Seducing and Killing Nazis by Sophie Poldermans The Light of Days by Judy Batalian Sources: Three Ordinary Girls by Tim Brady Seducing and Killing Nazis by Sophie Poldermans National Hannie Schaft Foundation Seducing and Killing Nazis Holland vs. Netherlands: What's the Difference? The Most Wanted Woman in WWII Netherlands: Hannie Schaft  The Netherlands: the greatest number of Jewish victims in Western Europe  Hitler's rise and fall: Timeline This Teenager Killed Nazis With Her Sister During WWII  THE RESISTANCE Truus and Freddie Oversteegen  Support the show

    1h 33m

  2. 02/05/2025

    Dolly Parton Part 2

    In this episode, we are bewitched by Dolly Patron (again!) After leaving the Porter Wagoner Show and striking it big on her own as a solo country artist, Dolly turned to yet another industry: the movies. The commercial and critical success of 9 to 5 (and the award-winning single of the same name Dolly wrote for the film) propelled her to superstardom. Since then, Dolly has been featured in over a dozen films, including classics like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias along with some flops (like when she tried to turn Sylvester Stallone into a country star in Rhinestone).  Meanwhile, Dolly continued to produce chart-topping, award-winning albums, revived a theme park with a very problematic past, and became a best-selling author. But despite all her commercial success, Dolly's true legacy is her philanthropy, including providing 2 million free books every month to children around the world with her Imagination Library, rebuilding her hometown following devastating wildfires, and funding research that led to the creation of the COVID vaccine. All hail Dolly, Patron Saint of Appalachia! All books shared in this episode are available in our bookshop! Staff picks: All the Dead Lie Down and We Can Be Heroes by Kyrie McCauley Butterfly in the Sky (Netflix)  LeVar Burton Reads (Stitcher) Recommended Reading: Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton with Robert K. Oermann Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton with Holly George-Warren, curated by Rebecca Seaver Billy the Kid Makes it Big by Dolly Parton, MacKenzie Haley, and Erica S. Perl I Am Dolly Patron by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson Good Lookin' Cookin' by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George Sources: Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton with Robert K. Oermann Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton with Holly George-Warren, curated by Rebecca Seaver Support the show

    1 hr

  3. 01/22/2025

    Dolly Parton Part 1

    In this episode, we are bewitched by Dolly Parton.  Dolly Parton came from very humble beginnings but turned herself into a star. In this first part of a two-part series, we cover Dolly's childhood, spent in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Though Dolly's family lived in poverty, they never lacked love, and her early life remains a source of inspiration for her music. After teaching herself how to play guitar and compose music, Dolly earned a spot singing on a local radio show and was featured on the Grand Ole Opry. After becoming the first person in her family to finish high school, Dolly moved to Nashville to launch her career. While Dolly found work as a songwriter, she struggled to make a name for herself as a recording artist. That all changed when she was offered a job on the biggest country music stage of all: The Porter Wagoner Show.  All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop! Staff picks: Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien Uncultured: A Memoir  by Danielle Mestyanek Young Sources: Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton with Robert K. Oermann Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton with Holly George-Warren, curated by Rebecca Seaver Dolly's Parton's America [podcast] from WNYC Studios, Jad Abumrad, and Shima Oliaee Support the show

    1h 19m

  4. 04/17/2024

    Mental Health Vacation

    Sometimes, we all need a vacation! For us, that meant being together in person for the first time in two years and chatting about our favorite weird topics. In this episode, Katie and Hailee are bewitched by the legend that is Reesa Teesa, the absurdity of medieval animals on trial, and the Dave Matthews Band tour bus incident.  Plus, we share some of our favorite feel-good books and media for self-care when our mental health is on the rocks. Staff picks (available in our bookshop!) Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell The City Baker's Guide to Country Living  by Louise Miller The Late Bloomers' Club by Louise Miller Act Your Age,  Eve Brown  by Talia Hibbert The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna My Roommate is a Vampire  by Jenna Levine Remarkably Bright Creatures  by Shelby Van Pelt Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston The Comfort Book by Matt Haig Anything by Jenny Colgan Heartstopper (graphic novel by Alice Oseman and TV series on Netflix) Ted Lasso on Apple TV + Derry Girls on Netflix Sources: Who TF Did I Marry Summary 'Who TF Did I Marry': How Reesa Teesa's viral story on ex-husband turned into online fame TikTok Villain Legion Speaks "Who TF Did I Marry?" Husband Jerome McCoy’s Ex-Wife Speaks BMW Blasted for Seemingly Going Back on Their Promise to Gift ‘Who TF Did I Marry’ TikToker Reesa Teesa Her Dream Car Who TF Is Reesa Teesa Now? Reesa Teesa on TikTok Fame and What's Next 19 years ago today, a Dave Matthews Band tour bus dumped human waste on a tour boat in the Chicago River. 15 years after the Dave Matthews Band let loose over the Chicago River, we survey the damages and uncover a new victim Brilliant bridge sign is an important reminder of Dave Matthews Band’s infamous poop dump. A Plaque Appeared On The Kinzie Street Bridge This Week Dedicated To The Infamous Dave Matthews Band Incident Prince's Former Tour Bus Driver Explains Why That DNC Bus Dumped Sewage Support the show

    1h 26m

  5. 04/03/2024

    The Price is Right: The Perfect Bid Scandal

    Come on down! You’ve been accused of cheating on The Price is Right! In this episode, Katie is bewitched by Terry Kneiss’ perfect showcase bid.  In 2008, a man named Terry Kneiss had a perfect bid on his showcase. But he was robbed of his celebratory moment when new host Drew Carey and tPIR producers assumed the historical bid was the result of cheating. While Kneiss maintained that his perfect bid was a combination of careful studying and a bit of sheer luck, producers thought he’d been given the winning number from audience member Ted Slauson, a lifelong PIR superfan. The scandal that ensued changed the way the beloved TV game show was played forever.  Recommended Reading: The Running Man by Stephen King The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Priceless Memories by Bob Barker Backstage at The Price is Right: Memoirs of a Barker Beauty by Kathleen Bradley Game Show Confidential: The Story of an American Obsession by Boze Hadleigh Documentary film: Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much by CJ Wallis.  Sources: How one San Antonio man’s obsession with ‘The Price is Right’ almost destroyed the show This Guy's Victory On "The Price Is Right" Made Them Change Their Entire System - Urbo 15 Showcased Facts About The Price is Right | Mental Floss The Price Is Right Secrets That Will Leave You Jumping For Joy 15 Showcased Facts About The Price is Right | Mental Floss   Support the show

    53 min

  6. 03/20/2024

    Behind the Scenes of The Price Is Right

    In this episode, Katie is bewitched by the favorite game show of sick children everywhere, The Price is Right. For over 50 years, The Price is Right has ruled the early-afternoon TV lineup, with millions of viewers tuning in each day to see who will be the next to COME ON DOWN! What is it that makes the Price is Right so endearing? Maybe it’s the long, skinny microphone that looks so fun to hold. Or the games that reward you for remembering the price of Capzasin arthritis cream. Or the endlessly enthusiastic shouting from the audience about the price of said arthritis cream. From Barker’s Beauties to the drama of changing hosts after 35 years, we’re digging into all the behind-the-scenes and on-screen dynamics that have turned the Price is Right into a cultural touchstone. All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop! Staff picks: Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness (especially the audiobook!) Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe (available 8/20/24) Living for the Dead on Hulu Sources: What Made Bob Barker the Perfect Host for 'The Price Is Right' | Arts & Culture| Smithsonian Magazine Bob Barker: Biography, Game Show Host, The Price Is Right The Price is Right (1956 – 1965, U.S. Version) Plinko Punch a Bunch Cliff Hangers  This Is Where The Prizes For The Price Is Right Are Actually Stored Sexual harassment, serial killers & cheaters: The dark side of game shows Winning The Price Is Right: Strategies for Contestants’ Row, Plinko, and the Showcase Showdown. Barker's Larry King Interview Interview with Roger Dobkowitz, Part 4: “Everything You Wanted to Know About Price: The ’90s” Support the show

    1h 7m

  7. 02/28/2024

    Punxsutawney Phil and other Strange American Traditions

    In this episode, Hailee explains the quirky and beloved tradition of Groundhog Day in America, from origins in ancient beliefs to a quaint local observance to a nationally recognized phenomenon. We will also explore a few other quirky American traditions, including the Presidential turkey pardon and a unique form of communication in the rural south.  All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!  Staff picks: Big by Vashti HarrisonThere Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jerome and Jeremy PumphriesRecommended reading Non-Fiction  Weird U.S.: Your Travel Guide to America's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets by Mark Moran and Mark SceurmanFiction Opposite of Always by Justin A. ReynoldsThe 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart TurtonNeverworld Wake by Marisha PesslSources: Groundhog Was Once on Punxsutawney’s MenuThe Curious (and Possibly Murderous) Origins of Punxsutawney Phil's NameThe bizarre history of Groundhog DayThe Surprising History Behind Groundhog DayPardoning the Thanksgiving TurkeyHollerin’ History“The Lost Art of Hollerin’”The Rise and Fall of North Carolina’s National Hollerin’ Contest Support the show

    1h 12m

  8. 02/14/2024

    Annie Turnbo Malone & Madam CJ Walker

    In this episode, Katie is bewitched by the lives and legacies of Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam CJ Walker.  Many of us are familiar with the story of Madam CJ Walker, often cited as the first self-made Black millionaire, but fewer recognize the name Annie Turnbo Malone. Years before the formula for Walker’s hair treatment came to her in a dream, Malone was dominating the hair care market. It was her Poro Company system that brought Sarah Walker’s hair back to life, inspiring the happy client to join Malone’s sales team before striking out on her own under the moniker Madam CJ Walker. The two entrepreneurs each faced challenges, shattered glass ceilings, and left legacies that improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Black women across the world. We may never know who was the first to reach a million dollars, but there is no doubting that their lasting impacts were each remarkable in their own way.  All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop! Staff picks: The Family Upstairs and The Family Remains by Lisa JewellThe most wholesome librarian: Mychal3ts on TikTok  Recommended reading: The Black Rose by Tananarive DueCarolina Built by Kianna AlexanderA Right Worthy Woman by Ruth P. JohnsonOn Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam CJ Walker or Self Made by A’Lelia BundlesAll About Madam CJ Walker by A’Lelia BundlesA Friend to All Mankind: Mrs. Annie Turnbo Malone and Poro College by John H. WhitfieldWonderful Hair: The Beauty of Annie Malone written by Eve Nadel Catarevas and illustrated by Felicia MarshallSelf Made miniseries [Netflix] Sources: https://hereshistorypodcast.libsyn.com/tom-turpins-rosebud-cafeAfrican American Inventors-Annie Minerva Turnbo Malone Text- MAY 2021- jackyC Annie Malone: First African American Millionairess (Educator, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist) -- Courtesy of The Freeman Institute -- www.PoroCollege.com Annie Turnbo Malone Meet Annie Turnbo Malone, the hair care entrepreneur Trump shouted out in his Black History Month proclamation Annie Malone and Madam C.J. Walker: Pioneers of the African American Beauty Industry Annie Turnbo Malone - SHSMO Historic Missourians Prices and Wages by Decade: 1900-1909 Hair Care Helped a Community: Black Entrepreneur Annie Malone and Poro College | National Trust for Historic Preservation Fast Facts - ANNIE MALONE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Support the show

    1h 33m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Have you ever fallen down a rabbit hole into an obscure topic and suddenly need to know all the details and consume all the media related to it? You've found your people. Every other Wednesday, librarians Hailee and Katie take turns sharing the topic that has them bewitched. After a deep-dive into the subject-du-jour, fill your "to read" list with their related book recommendations.

Information

  • Creator
    The Reference Desk
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Reference Desk
  • Show Website
    The Reference Desk