The premier Sayville Library podcast! Join Sayville Library staff as we discuss all things library, pop culture and so much more! Recorded in the Sayville Studio at Sayville Library.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/22/15/078c2fad-0040-4111-90d9-2b09e6a0ad12_episode_135_-_hottakes.mp3

Tory, Kristina and Tim join the pod to take the Hot Ones hot sauce challenge! While we indulge in some spicy sauces, we share some equally fiery, personal hot takes!00:54 - Intro &amp; Personal Heat Histories08:48 - First Sauce / Alex&#39;s Hot Take18:14 - Second Sauce / Tim&#39;s Hot Take28:54 - Third Sauce / Kristina&#39;s Hot Take41:19 - Fourth Sauce / Tory&#39;s Hot Take~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit<a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Hot Takes

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/10/20/73cd5ed6-82d3-4142-8a2b-2bb01d05d688_episode_134_-_wayi-sept9.mp3

We&#39;re back in the studio after a short Summer break with some fresh recommendations!01:07 - Thank Goodness You&#39;re Here09:18 - Zero Parades: For Dead Spies17:51 - The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby by Michael Blanding28:15 - The Big Fat Quiz of the Year33:14 - I Love Boosters38:59 - Austin Powers48:17 - Sayville Fan Fest &amp; &#34;Hot Ones&#34; episode sneak peak!~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit<a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"What Are You Into?" with Tory & Kristina

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/17/19/3ccff9b7-df7c-438e-b922-fd2d705a1c60_episode_133-wayi-july23.mp3

Ellen, Marianne and Tim join the pod to discuss what they&#39;re currently into!00:54 - Benson Boone04:29 - Up Up Down Down Tour feat. New Found Glory11:05 - Nirvanna the Band the Show (the Movie)18:15 - World Cup26:52 - Weight Training30:56 - Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke41:02 - Sacred and Terrible Air by Robert Kurvitz50:29 - Graduation Party Planning~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit <a href="http://sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at <a href="mailto:alex@sayvillelibrary.org" rel="nofollow">alex@sayvillelibrary.org</a>!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"What Are You Into?" with Ellen, Marianne & Tim

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/15/16/6480c8db-9320-45eb-a865-cb1d3813d560_episode_132-midyearreadingcheckin.mp3

We&#39;re halfway through the year, so we&#39;ve invited Marianne, Tim and (making her podcast debut) Ellen onto the pod to discuss how their reading life is going thus far in 2026.00:51 - 2026 Reading Life09:36 - DNFing14:59 - Reading highlights26:48 - Reading lowlights38:23 - More highlights44:21 - Minor disappointment47:46 - A final recommendation~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit<a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow"> sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Mid-Year Reading Check-In

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/2/19/06bc5de1-9362-40aa-8805-50d7ff3cd925_episode_131_-_wayi-peterkristina.mp3

Kristina and Peter join the pod to discuss what they&#39;ve been enjoying lately.00:36 - Eno06:21 - Taskmaster10:05 - The Vampire Lestat15:14 - Resident Evil: Requiem &amp; Pragmata21:12 - The Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle Jensen23:44 - Aldous Harding~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit<a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

"What Are You Into?" with Kristina & Peter

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/1/19/652a19ef-d77a-4279-8cf6-9810ff0fe300_episode_130_-_widow_s_bay.mp3

Kristina and Peter join the pod to discuss the new, hit, horror-comedy series Widow&#39;s Bay and offer some recommendations for things to check out after the show!01:50 - Overall impressions &amp; cast06:40 - Story and humor09:45 - Favorite episodes19:53 - Season finale *spoilers!*26:14 - Recommendations~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit <a href="http://sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Widow's Bay: Review & Recommendations

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/22/23/464ad24a-0ab0-4c78-8a4f-d688fc77e964_episode_129-5thgraderscherry2026.mp3

The graduating 5th grade classes of our three local Elementary Schools were recently given tours of the Library. As part of the tour, the students were given the opportunity to drop by our studio and record some &#34;mini-podcasts&#34; of their own. In this episode, you&#39;ll hear from the students of Cherry Avenue Elementary!

5th Grade Visits: Cherry Ave

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/20/18/655f9e78-1638-4466-98db-48e40daf8535_episode_128-5thgraderslincoln2026.mp3

The graduating 5th grade classes of our three local Elementary Schools were recently given tours of the Library. As part of the tour, the students were given the opportunity to drop by our studio and record some &#34;mini-podcasts&#34; of their own. In this episode, you&#39;ll hear from the students of Lincoln Avenue Elementary!

5th Grader Visits: Lincoln Ave

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/15/18/9ea0e786-7ffb-4050-a2d7-0630041d2377_episode_127-5thgraderssunrise2026.mp3

The graduating 5th grade classes of our three local Elementary Schools were recently given tours of the Library. As part of the tour, the students were given the opportunity to drop by our studio and record some &#34;mini-podcasts&#34; of their own. In this episode, you&#39;ll hear from the students of Sunrise Drive Elementary!

5th Grader Visits: Sunrise Drive

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/10/18/f9445f4c-f04d-46c8-a84c-bff86b39662f_episode_126-tonys2026.mp3

We&#39;re back in the studio after an extended hiatus and we&#39;ve got a lot to discuss! Tory, Steph and Evan join the pod to share their thoughts on this past weekend&#39;s Tony Awards and reflect on this Broadway season.0:01:24 - The Broadway season review0:05:00 - Overall impressions of the Tony&#39;s0:10:23 - P!nk0:16:49 - Award winners0:23:07 - Chess0:26:23 - Award winners continued0:37:13 - Tony performances1:05:43 - Final thoughts1:11:44 - A look ahead at next Broadway season~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit sayvillelibrary.org/podcast.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

79th Annual Tony Awards

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/31/15/75246747-2760-469f-8605-0aeca4a446e9_episode_125-oscars2026.mp3

Marianne and Alex share their thoughts, snubs and surprises from the 98th Academy Awards.01:12 - Our year at the movies / Best Picture thoughts08:22 - Best Actor / Actress15:46 - Highlights (and lowlights) from the night25:39 - Surprises and snubs38:02 - Best Casting and closing thoughts~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit sayvillelibrary.org/podcast.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Oscar Review Crew

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/12/19/be8de54f-b69b-4e98-9d09-eff7c5382347_episode_125-pokemon30thanniversary.mp3

Kristina, Tory, Evan and first-timer Maddy join the pod to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokémon! We discuss our first memories of Pokémon, the explosive growth of the trading card game, its rise to becoming the most profitable franchise of all time, and much more. Plus, a special bonus Pokémon Start Bracket!00:01:37 - Our Pokémon origin stories00:15:07 - Trading Cards00:23:49 - Anime &amp; Staying Power00:30:10 - There&#39;s a Pokémon game for everyone00:40:34 - Pokémon Co. &amp; Spin-Offs00:46:40 - Pokémon Starter Bracket!01:07:58 - Favorite new starters &amp; closing thoughts~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit sayvillelibrary.org/podcast.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

30 Years of Pokémon!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/2/20/22/f6baa56a-ec8f-4ba1-81ee-f9e8896cb10f_episode_123-shortstories.mp3

In honor of the shortest month of the year, we talk all things short stories! Marianne, Head of Teen Services, drops by to discuss the elements of a great short story and share some of her personal favorite collections.00:28 - What&#39;s so great about short stories?12:03 - The Story and its Writer20:27 - The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck27:42 - &#34;The Classics&#34;31:27 - Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana36:23 - George Saunders43:30 - Where Are You Really From by Elaine Hsieh Chou48:30 - Contemporary short story authors54:13 - Closing thoughts~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit<a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow"> sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Short Stories

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/2/14/14/402e57cf-ea44-43c7-bc85-84e5f245422b_episode_122-weirdlittleguys.mp3

We celebrate the shortest month of the year by honoring some of pop culture&#39;s greatest &#34;weird little guys&#34; by pitting them against each other in our (first?) Weird Little Guy Tournament!00:37 - Introduction~~ ROUND OF 16 ~~03:37 - Furby vs. Worm06:00 - Babu Frik vs. Rizzo the Rat09:21 - Lord Farquaad vs. Tim Conway12:51 - Donnie Thornberry vs. Smeagol16:41 - George Costanza vs. Danny Devito20:07 - Ralph Wiggum vs. Fidget23:18 - Mike Wazowski vs. Michigan J. Frog27:14 - Yoda vs. Pizza Planet Alien31:50 - QUARTERFINALS34:57 - SEMI-FINALS43:31 - FINALS51:49 - Final Thoughts~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit<a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at alex@sayvillelibrary.org!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Weird Little Guys

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/1/28/19/96103586-997d-4c46-b5f4-26d32fc8c197_episode_121-puzzleday.mp3

Steph and Evan join the pod to celebrate National Puzzle Day! To celebrate, we discuss the key elements of a good puzzle and share some of our personal favorite puzzles and puzzle games.0:00:26 - Introduction (? → !)0:10:23 - The Room0:14:28 - Jigsaw puzzles0:24:51 - Unpacking &amp; Shape Escape0:26:27 - Strange Jigsaws0:32:31 - Mahjongg Solitaire &amp; Minesweeper0:37:19 - Rebuses0:40:39 - Crosswords0:45:56 - Hexic HD &amp; Tetris0:54:47 - The Witness1:03:37 - Wrap-Up~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit <a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at <a href="mailto:alex@sayvillelibrary.org" rel="nofollow">alex@sayvillelibrary.org</a>!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Puzzle Day

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/1/10/20/5285ec7c-02cd-44ac-b704-2773429b540d_episode120-strangerthings.mp3

Dust off your Walkmans and grab your flamethrowers, we&#39;re heading into the Upside Down! Marianne, Sean, Lizzie, and Katie join the pod for an unprecedented 5(!) person recording to discuss our favorite moments and legacy of Stranger Things and share our thoughts on its final season.01:13 - First experiences with the show04:08 - Impact &amp; nostalgia factor07:34 - Favorite season10:41 - Favorite cast members18:15 - More thoughts on characters22:55 - Final season35:24 - Actors and Easter eggs39:08 - Final thoughts~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit <a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at <a href="mailto:alex@sayvillelibrary.org" rel="nofollow">alex@sayvillelibrary.org</a>!If you liked the show, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review!

Stranger Things

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/12/23/1/668a9084-1e56-4d72-b84a-abda0a527853_episode_119-bestof2025-part3.mp3

In our last episode of 2025, Marianne, Rachel and Katie join the pod to share their favorite books, shows and more of the year! 0:01:10 - Everything Must Go by Dorian Lynskey0:06:50 - The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman0:12:25 - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn0:17:17 - Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor &amp; Andy Chou Musser0:21:12 - Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo0:27:55 - Adolescence0:34:46 - TerraGreen, Haminations, and TheOdd1sOut (Youtube Channels)0:37:41 - Task 0:42:18 - IT: Welcome to Derry0:50:17 - Secret Mall Apartment0:56:54 - &#34;Good Hang&#34; with Amy Poehler1:00:21 - Despelote~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit <a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at <a href="mailto:alex@sayvillelibrary.org" rel="nofollow">alex@sayvillelibrary.org</a>!

Best of 2025 (Part III)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/12/20/16/2bdf0885-7a48-4ae3-a12a-691bcd403eee_episode_118-rankinrankinbass.mp3

On this very special, &#34;Ho! Ho! Ho-liday edition&#34; of the pod, we rank (almost) every Rankin/Bass animated holiday special, from Rudolph to Santa, Baby! Spoiler: it&#39;s a bumpy sleigh ride!02:11 - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer07:17 - The Little Drummer Boy10:43 - Frosty the Snowman14:12 - Santa Claus is Comin&#39; to Town18:10 - The Year Without Santa Claus21:46 - &#39;Twas the Night Before Christmas25:39 - The First Christmas27:43 - Frosty&#39;s Winter Wonderland29:32 - Nestor, the Long-Eared Donkey32:45 - The Stingiest Man in Town34:31 - Rudolph &amp; Frosty&#39;s Christmas in July38:28 - Jack Frost42:17 - The Leprechaun&#39;s Christmas Gold45:43 - The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus49:30 - Santa, Baby!56:33 - Closing thoughts~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit <a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at <a href="mailto:alex@sayvillelibrary.org" rel="nofollow">alex@sayvillelibrary.org</a>!

Rankin' Rankin/Bass

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/12/12/16/795aff1e-226a-4691-98ff-71e4228ac1d4_best2025-2.mp3

Our Best of the Year episodes continue! This time Tory, Kristina and Evan drop by to discuss their favorite books, music, shows and video games of the year. This fun conversation is not one to be missed!(00:01:10) - Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green(00:05:36) - The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow(00:09:30) - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid(00:12:03) - Shadow Ticket by Thomas Pynchon(00:18:32) - The Baker&#39;s Wife(00:23:44) - Ego Death at the Bachelorette Party by Hayley Williams(00:25:55) - Phantom Island by King Gizzard &amp; The Lizard Wizard(00:29:27) - &#34;Gnarly&#34; by Katseye(00:34:00) - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33(00:39:46) - Blue Prince(00:48:14) - Merrily We Roll Along(00:55:13) - &#34;Disney&#39;s Living Characters: A Broken Promise&#34; by Defunctland(01:05:07) - Death by Lightning(01:09:07) - The Rehearsal~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit <a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at <a href="mailto:alex@sayvillelibrary.org" rel="nofollow">alex@sayvillelibrary.org</a>!

Best of 2025 (Part II)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/12/8/18/5789396d-5ceb-444d-aea9-afd557db93ce_bestof2025-part1.mp3

It&#39;s time for our end of the year wrap-up! Lizzie, Sean and Tim join the pod to share their favorite books, shows, albums and more of 2025!01:04 - The Antidote by Karen Russell04:41 - Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins08:44 - The Tenant by Frieda McFadden11:34 - Wool by Hugh Howey14:01 - Enshittification: Why Everything Sudddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It by Corey Doctorow21:29 - Music for People Who Believe in Love by Joe Jonas24:46 - Man&#39;s Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter28:49 - Getting Killed by Geese33:50 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach39:51 - Common Side Effects43:35 - The Pitt49:15 - Alien: Earth54:50 - Bugonia~~~~~For our complete show notes and links to items we mention in this episode, visit <a href="https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/podcast" rel="nofollow">sayvillelibrary.org/podcast</a>.Have a question, comment or topic idea? Let us know at <a href="mailto:alex@sayvillelibrary.org" rel="nofollow">alex@sayvillelibrary.org</a>!

Best of 2025 (Part I)

The premier Sayville Library podcast! Join Sayville Library staff as we discuss all things library, pop culture and so much more! Recorded in the Sayville Studio at Sayville Library.