The Podcast Club at Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will focus on “Cookies” in December. The Podcast Club meeting will take place online via Zoom, so listeners throughout the area can participate from the comfort and safety of home.
Similar to a book club, the Podcast Club provides an opportunity for podcast listeners to get together to discuss podcast selections from a themed podcast-listening list and share their opinions on trending topics. Each month features a different theme, along with a short list of podcast episodes.
The next meeting of the University Branch Library Podcast Club will take place on Thursday, December 17, beginning at 7:00 pm. A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed to all who register.
A direct link to the podcasts can be found on Fort Bend County Libraries’ online calendar on the FBCL website. The playlist of podcasts from which to choose includes:
“To Catch a Fortune Cookie Thief” – Subtitle (26 minutes). Yong Sik Lee invented the fully automatic fortune-cookie machine and built a business on his invention. He sold fortune-cookie machines and fortunes to companies all over the US. It was a good business, until one day somebody stole it all from him. Producer Lidia Jean gets to the bottom of a theft that forever changed the life of Lee. She also explores the eternal question: Why are fortune cookie fortunes never really fortunes? And where do fortune cookies come from anyway? Hint: It’s not China.
“Girl Scout Cookies Are A Scam” – Hills I’d Die On with Taylor Cox (1 hour, 3 minutes). Writer/comedian Brig Muoz-Liebowitz uncovers some hard truths about Girl Scouts Cookies and the Girl Scouts of America.
“Oreos: A Brief History” – The History of Fun (35 minutes). Special guest Daniela Galarza from Eater discusses the origins of the Oreo cookie, as well as what the future holds!
“Oh Snap: The Gingerbread Episode” – Savor (43 minutes). Why do we shape gingerbread cookies into people and houses? Why is it generally considered a winter treat? Anney and Lauren tackle gingerbread (in all its formats) head first.
“A Holiday Cookie Special!” – The Crumb (35 minutes). Brian and Kyle Grace spill all of their top tips on how to make the best cookie swap-worthy holiday cookies. Learn how to make them look flawless (including how to nail those viral pan-banging cookies!), make-ahead tips, the proper tools you should have on hand, and the right way to mail your cookies to loved ones. One of our expert bakers from the test kitchen, Laura Crandall, explains royal icing and the best way to cover your cookies in gorgeous decoration.
“Holiday Cookie Swap Fundamentals” – Amy’s Table (9 minutes). Amy chats with Lauren Chattam about how to pull off the perfect Christmas time cookie swap with friends, coworkers, or whomever.
The Podcast Club is free and open to the public. Registration is required; a link to the Zoom/WebEx meeting will be emailed to all who register. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the University Branch Library (281-633-5100).