Using our Library Voices

Harris County Public Library
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast brought to you by the staff at Harris County Public Library created to help spark discussion for listeners of all ages and discover resources available at our library.

  1. Ideas to Income: Anabelle Hiller

    2D AGO

    Ideas to Income: Anabelle Hiller

    Welcome to the second episode of Ideas to Income, the podcast series where real entrepreneurs break down how they turned ideas into profitable businesses. In this episode, we talked with a goldsmith who started her own fountain pen nib business and shares her story about how she turned an uncommon skill into a thriving business. She shares how curiosity evolved into craftsmanship and what it really took to go from working with precious metals to building a brand from scratch. She talks about how she overcame self-doubt and found her first customers. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about turning passion into a profession or creating a business in an area where few dare to try. Learn more about career and business resources that the library has to offer on our website, www.hcpl.net Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Alinda Mac, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

    20 min
  2. Ideas to Income: Matt Tognacci

    FEB 3

    Ideas to Income: Matt Tognacci

    Welcome to the very first episode of Ideas to Income, the podcast series where real entrepreneurs break down how they turned ideas into profitable businesses. In this episode talked with the founder of a successful pressure washing business in Houston, TX, who started out using rental equipment and is now turning a profit using his grit, smart decisions and willingness to learn. If you’ve ever thought about starting a service-based business, looking for a low-barrier way to become your own boss, or want practical advice from someone who’s actually done it, this episode is for you. Expect real talk, actionable tips, and inspiration to take that first step from idea to income. Learn more about career and business resources that the library has to offer on our website, www.hcpl.net Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Alinda Mac, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

    30 min

  3. JAN 28

    World Cup: A Greener Game For The Global Stage

    The World Cup is almost here, and sustainability is taking center stage. In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Carlson, Houston’s World Cup Sustainability Chair, and Laura Smith, HCPL’s Sustainable Library lead, about how the World Cup and Harris County Public Library are teaming up to drive meaningful sustainability efforts. From big-picture goals to local impact, they share how these initiatives are helping create a more sustainable future for our community. https://oca.harriscountytx.gov/Divisions/Sustainability https://www.sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/ https://hcpl.net/sustainability-policy/ https://www.fwc26houston.com Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Alinda Mac, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

    53 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    First Amendment - Your freedom to speak

    This month we take a look into the first amendment and try to clear up any confusion around it. We also talk about some of our favorite banned books and the Librotraficante movement. So take a listen and learn why your freedom to speak and read are so important.  Books mentioned in this episode: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Giver by Lois Lowry, No David by David Shannon, Last Night At The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo.  Learn more about our library at www.hcpl.net Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Alinda Mac, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

    36 min

  5. 11/21/2025

    Expat Experiences

    This month, we speak with some expats about their experiences living outside the United States and the different processes they went through when becoming citizens/residents of their home away from home.  We also learned about some famous expat authors and digital nomads! Learn more about our library at www.hcpl.net Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Alinda Mac, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

    50 min

  6. 10/10/2025

    LIVE 5th Anniversary Special

    How did we all get started in libraries? For our 5th year anniversary episode, we talk to all current cast members of our podcast about their personal journeys into the library world. Listen to our back catalog for more Using Our Library Voices at www.hcpl.net/podcast Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Alinda Mac, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

    1h 1m

  7. 09/19/2025

    How AC changed Houston

    This month we talk about how the invention of air conditioning has forever changed the future of Houston!  Learn how the humidity and other challenges of our environment affects all aspects of life and the library. Listen to our Fungus Among Us episode here Learn more about our library at www.hcpl.net Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Alinda Mac, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

    21 min

  8. 08/12/2025

    Using our Library Voices- Inside Brains

    Join us this month as we explore inside our brains. John recounts how he learned lines for a Shakespearean role, and Sadina talks with UT Health Neurologist, Dr. Rajesh Gupta about the different ways brains process information.  Created by the Podcast Team at the Harris County Public Library. www.hcpl.net Podcast Team Members include: Beth Krippel, John Harbaugh, Mary Mink, Dylan Smith, Sadina Shawver, Gisela Parker, Alinda Mac, John Schaffer, Jennifer Finch, Katelyn Helberg, Darcy Casavant, Darla Pruitt and Nancy Hu

    48 min
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5
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About

A podcast brought to you by the staff at Harris County Public Library created to help spark discussion for listeners of all ages and discover resources available at our library.

Information

  • Creator
    Harris County Public Library
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Using our Library Voices
  • Show Website
    Using our Library Voices