Middle Country Public Library Podcast

Latest Episodes:

New Year, New Goals + Cooking with Kids | Ep. 414 Jan 15, 2026

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Struggling with New Year's resolutions that never seem to stick? This episode dives into why most goals fade by mid-January and shares realistic, bite-sized ideas to help you actually follow through.

From small daily habits that support better health and sleep, to gentle ways to improve focus and mental clarity, we explore practical changes that feel doable instead of overwhelming.

We also talk about the joys (and realistic challenges) of cooking with young kids — turning meal prep into fun learning moments, exploring kid-friendly cookbooks, and creating memorable family time in the kitchen.

This Week in History | Ep. 413 Jan 08, 2026

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Join us as we kick off 2026 with our 20th "This Week in History!" From Samuel Colt's 1847 revolver contract that saved his company, Utah's 1896 statehood after Mormon reforms, Patsy Mink's historic 1965 entry as the first Asian American woman in Congress, to the 1933 start of Golden Gate Bridge construction, there's these and so much more that's happened this week...

Also check out the latest History Bites about Thomas Paine's Common Sense, also celebrating an anniversary, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9QFHRPnheQ

Looking Forward to 2026 | Ep. 412 Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

As we say goodbye to 2025, join Sara, Nicole, and Sal for a fun chat about everything they're looking forward to in the year ahead. From thrilling sports events like the Winter Olympics in Italy and the massive FIFA World Cup across North America, to binge-worthy TV including the explosive final season of The Boys, the stylish drama of The Gilded Age Season 3, a new Game of Thrones spin-off, Blade Runner 2099, and big Marvel returns with Vision Quest and Avengers: Doomsday.

The crew also shares personal highlights like conferences, literacy programs, and even curiosity about real-world changes like Australia's social media restrictions for teens.

What has you buzzing for 2026? Share in the comments!

Our Favorite Things of 2025 | Ep. 411 Dec 24, 2025

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Happy Holidays from the MCPL Podcast!

From a new baby and rice cooker to binge-worthy shows like Stranger Things Season 5, Welcome to Derry, and Only Murders in the Building, plus standout books such as Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney, and Michael J. Fox's Future Boy – the team reflects on concerts, podcasts, and personal wins that made the year memorable.

Stay tuned next week for what they're looking forward to in 2026!

Real or Fake Holiday Movies + Kid's Winter Programs | Ep. 410 Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Join the team for a festive episode filled with holiday cheer! First, dive into a playful guessing game as Sara challenges Sal and Nicole to spot real Hallmark Christmas movie titles from fakes.

Then, Nicole explores family-friendly ideas for the school holiday break, highlighting upcoming winter programs at the library.

Improve Your Child's Reading + Learning Small Talk | Ep. 409 Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

This week discover practical, parent-friendly ways to help your child learn to read (or read better) with library resources, guided oral reading tips, and why reading aloud for just 15 minutes a night makes a huge difference. Then we flip to the surprising value of small talk: why it matters, how it boosts happiness and connection, and simple tricks to make it less painful (or even enjoyable). Great for anyone who’s ever dreaded small talk and attending a holiday party!

Movie Chat : Tokyo Godfathers | Ep. 408 Dec 04, 2025

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Join us for a discussion of Satoshi Kon’s 2003 animated film Tokyo Godfathers, an unconventional holiday story that’s equal parts heartwarming, chaotic, and surprisingly realistic.

On Christmas Eve in Tokyo, three homeless individuals — a middle-aged alcoholic, a former drag queen, and a teenage runaway — discover an abandoned baby in the trash and embark on a wild, coincidence-filled quest to return her to her parents.

Take out the DVD or watch on Hoopla Digital with your MCPL card this holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving | Ep. 407 Nov 26, 2025

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Happy Thanksgiving from the MCPL Podcast crew!

Keeping our annual ritual alive, we're gearing up to launch the holiday festivities with a fresh batch of captivating trivia—drawn straight from a fascinating Reader's Digest feature you can check out here:

https://www.rd.com/article/thanksgiving-trivia/ and a little help from our A.I. friends...

Seasonal Pies + Toys to Lend | Ep. 406 Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Join us for a holiday-ready episode of the podcast, where we're dishing out smart, budget-friendly ways to spark joy and creativity for the little ones—think endless playtime possibilities without the price tag...

Plus, get ready to debate (and crave) the ultimate lineup of seasonal pies. Which one will end up on your table this Thanksgiving?

This Week in History | Ep. 405 Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Join Jim and Sal for another This Week in History!

Relive the chaos of the 1965 Great Blackout that darkened the Northeast, the founding of the US Marine Corps in 1775, and Sesame Street's groundbreaking premiere in 1969. Explore the eerie sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the solemn dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the chilling Amityville murders behind a horror franchise, Apollo 12's dramatic lightning-hit launch, and the Xbox's revolutionary debut!

Want to learn more about the 1965 Blackout? Check out the History Bites episode: https://youtu.be/5W50ORGna0w?si=gkn4LIBO4yXDo-GS

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