This episode is an archive recording of a live event held February 12, 2026.

Mariam sits down with acclaimed poet, author, and educator Frank X Walker, a pioneer of the Affrilachian literary movement and former Kentucky Poet Laureate. Professor Walker shares insights from his groundbreaking work, discusses the power of storytelling in shaping cultural identity, and reflects on his journey as a writer and advocate for Appalachian voices. Following the conversation, Professor Walker reads some of his poetry and participates in an audience Q&A session, in which attendees engage directly with Professor Walker and explore his perspectives on literature, history, and community.

This episode has only been lightly edited from its original live content, including some setup audio removal and audio mastering. Some audience members chose not to ask their questions with the microphone, but the answers to their questions are preserved in this recording.

Mariam sits down with Wes Browne, author of Hillbilly Hustle and They All Fall the Same, to discuss both of his books, his writing journey and how his work is influenced by Appalachian Kentucky and his background as an attorney. Wes talks about how becoming a part owner in a pizza shop in Richmond influenced the story of his first book, and how a fan-favorite character from Hillbilly Hustle became the focus of They All Fall the Same, with the background of actual Kentucky events in 2020. Hillbilly Hustle and They All Fall the Same are available for checkout and purchase from your favorite local bookstore.

Later, Erin and Mariam talk about highlights of upcoming January releases, and January programming. The Art Beat calendar can be found on our website.

Mariam sits down with our own Bill Widener to chat about his graphic novel review publication for the library, 741.5 and his work selecting graphic novels for the library’s collection. He also DJ’s at WRFL, the University of Kentucky’s student-run radio station. They discuss trends in graphic novel publishing, and highlights some of Bill’s favorite titles and recommendations. The full archive of Bill’s 741.5 publication is available on our website, and his show on WRFL is Phantom Power Double Hour, 6-8 PM, Fridays, on 88.1 FM WRFL or online at wrfl.fm.

Later, Erin and Mariam talk about programs at the library for December, particularly during the school break, and books coming out in January 2026. Thank you for joining us this year on Turning the Page!

Mariam sits down with local author Fiona Young-Brown about her newest book Secret Lexington: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. They talk about what brought Fiona to Kentucky from the UK and her writing process while discussing a few of the places highlighted in the book. Secret Lexington is available for checkout and for purchase from your favorite bookstore or from the publisher.

Later, Mariam highlights some memoirs coming out in November, and Erin highlights just a few of the programs happening at the library this month.

On this episode of Turning the Page, Courtney Block, academic librarian and author joins us by phone to talk about her upcoming work, Inside the World's Haunted Libraries. She and Mariam discuss the inspiration for her work, and how her academic background and work as a university reference librarian informs her view into the paranormal.

In the second half of the episode, Mariam tells us about the two books that have her attention this month, I Just Wish I had Bigger Kitchen by Kate Strickler, and Silas House's new murder mystery set in Kentucky titled Dead Man Blues. Erin talks about the library's busy October, and highlights several programs happening over the month.

Mariam sits down with Teen Howl host Jessica Taylor and Teen Howler Grace Tomazic about the Teen Howl Poetry Series for Lexington’s under-21 poets. Jessica tells us about her experience in the Teen Howl program, then taking it over in recent years. Grace tells us about her recent Teen Howl experience, and reads one of her poems called “Hungover”. This poem deals with adult themes and has adult language, so listener’s discretion is advised.

Smudged: Teen Howl Anthology 2025 will be available at the library.

Later, Erin and Mariam talk about upcoming book releases and library programs in August.

In this live event recording, Mariam talks with Jennifer Longworth of Bourbon Barrel Podcasting about her career in podcasting and her new book Build a Strong Podcast: From Creation to Captivated audience. Later, Jennifer takes questions from our live audience.

Build a Strong Podcast is available for checkout from the library, and for purchase at your favorite bookstore.

As this is an archive of a live event, the episode has only been lightly edited for clarity and audio quality.

Join Mariam in conversation with Babita Shrestha, author and chef behind Plant Based Himalaya, a vegan cookbook centered on Nepali food. They talk about Babita’s upbringing in Nepal, cooking with her mother, and how her cooking style has adapted over the years and with the different places she’s lived. Plant Based Himalaya is available for checkout from the library and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Later, Erin and Mariam discuss upcoming books and programs they’re excited about for June.