Curious minds, welcome! Let’s Find Out is a podcast from Arapahoe Libraries where authors, experts, and librarians explore big ideas and everyday topics that matter to our community. Whether you’re a lifelong learner or a first-time visitor, this show will connect you to insights, inspiration, and library resources you didn’t know you needed. Hosted by Mitch Jelniker.
What if your child could earn a college degree before graduating from high school—and do it without taking on student loan debt? In this episode of Let's Find Out, Shelley Branine shares how her two daughters graduated from college before finishing high school through Colorado's concurrent enrollment program, proving this opportunity is available to far more families than many realize. She offers practical advice for parents, dispels common myths, and explains how students can save thousands of dollars while gaining a head start on their future.
20 Aug 2026
“The Hidden Crisis of Forever Chemicals with Author Sharon Udasin”
What are PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," and why are they found in the bodies of nearly all Americans? In this episode of Let's Find Out, award-winning environmental journalist Sharon Udasin discusses her new book, Poisoning the Well, exploring how these persistent chemicals have contaminated communities across the country, the health risks they pose, and the growing movement to hold polluters accountable. Listeners will also learn practical steps they can take to reduce their own exposure and help drive meaningful change.
This episode was recorded on March 12, 2026.
16 Jul 2026
“Adrian Miller: Author and Soul Food Scholar”
On this episode of Let’s Find Out, the Arapahoe Libraries podcast, James Beard Award-winning author Adrian Miller explores how food tells the deeper story of American culture, identity, and connection. From soul food and barbecue traditions to the hidden influence of Black and Asian heritage chefs in the White House, Adrian shares the powerful history behind the meals we often take for granted. He also reflects on how sharing food can bring people together, spark honest conversations, and help us better understand one another.
18 Jun 2026
“Christina Lauren: The Duo Behind Best Selling Romances”
In this episode of Let’s Find Out, the Arapahoe Libraries podcast, bestselling writing duo Christina Lauren share how a friendship born from online fan fiction evolved into one of the most successful collaborations in modern romance publishing. The pair discusses their creative process, balancing humor and emotion, writing as co-authors, and the inspiration behind their upcoming novel, The Romance Revival. From behind-the-scenes stories about adapting books for Netflix to candid reflections on burnout, creativity, and friendship, this conversation offers an entertaining and insightful look into the duo behind the beloved romance brand.
21 May 2026
“AI & Ethics with Casey Fiesler"
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but its ethical implications are often hidden in plain sight. In this episode of “Let’s Find Out: The Arapahoe Libraries Podcast,” Casey Fiesler, a William R. Payden Endowed Professor in the College of Communication, Media, Design, and Information at CU Boulder, unpacks how human values, power, and accountability shape AI systems, and what everyday users should know about the technology influencing their lives.
16 Apr 2026
“AI & Libraries: Creating Digital Literacy”
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we learn, work, and decide what to trust, and libraries are helping people keep up. In this episode, we explore how librarians are becoming essential guides in digital literacy, AI, privacy, and misinformation, helping everyone from students to job seekers navigate a rapidly changing digital world. In this episode of "Let's Find Out: The Arapahoe Libraries Podcast," we hear from Sheena Kelly, digital media literacy coordinator at Thompson School District, and Anthony White, the director of innovation and Technology at Arapahoe Libraries.
19 Mar 2026
"Colorado Smart Cities Alliance: From Ideas to Impact"
Often in life, the risk of doing nothing is greater than the risk of trying something new. Tyler Svitak, executive director of the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance, shares what it takes to build smarter, more connected, and more resilient communities.
Oli Sanidas, Arapahoe Libraries executive director, talks about the library’s partnership with The Alliance, now in its eighth year, and how libraries continually innovate to serve their communities.
19 Feb 2026
“Inside the Pickleball Boom with Hall of Famer Kyle Yates”
Pickleball is everywhere, and we’re digging into why. In this episode of Let’s Find Out: The Arapahoe Libraries Podcast, we sit down with Hall of Famer Kyle Yates, one of the most dominant players in the sport’s history. From the explosive rise of pickleball to the controversies that come with its popularity, Kyle breaks down what’s fueling this moment and why the sport’s community-first spirit keeps drawing new players in. Hear why there’s never been a better time to grab a paddle and join the craze.
15 Jan 2026
“Finding Gobi with Author Dion Leonard”
Our guest Dion Leonard proves it’s never too late to transform your life. Once a high-powered executive struggling with self-destructive habits, Dion found healing through long-distance running. But a chance encounter with a stray dog in the Gobi Desert changed everything. Their extraordinary bond, forged during a grueling 155-mile race, inspired the international bestseller Finding Gobi.
18 Dec 2025
"Musician Stephen Watts of Dotsero"
Stephen Watts is a Colorado music legend and co-founder of Dotsero, the dynamic band that helped define Denver’s jazz scene. Stephen talks about his musical journey — from humble garage band roots at CU Denver to chart-topping albums and launching the iconic Jazz@Jack’s venue. Join us as he shares the story behind Dotsero’s rise and reflects on the band’s lasting impact.
20 Nov 2025
“Nurturing a Love of Literacy with Author Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood”
What if one book could change how your child sees themselves and the world around them? In this episode of Let’s Find Out, award-winning children’s author and educator JaNay Brown-Wood shares how diverse stories can inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading. Join us for a heartwarming conversation about representation, literacy, and the magic of seeing yourself in a story.
16 Oct 2025
“Spellbinding with Author Grady Hendrix”
In this episode, bestselling author Grady Hendrix joins us to talk about haunted furniture stores, demonic possession, and the power of storytelling. From Horrorstör to Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, Hendrix blends horror, humor, and heart in unforgettable ways. He also shares writing tips and candid advice for aspiring authors seeking their voice.
25 Sept 2025
"Longing to Belong"
In this episode, we explore the universal human need to belong and why social connectedness matters at every stage of life. Guest Jane W. Barton, an expert on aging and life transitions, shares insights on maintaining meaningful relationships through life’s changes. Discover how Arapahoe Libraries is helping people connect, engage, and find community, no matter their age or circumstance.
28 Aug 2025
"Singer & Songwriter Showcase"
The Singer and Songwriter Showcase allows the public to watch local songwriters and singers showcase their extraordinary talent. The audience gets to hear great music and hear the fascinating stories behind the songs that make them so special.
24 Jul 2025
“25 to Life: Wrongfully Convicted”
In this episode, veteran NBC Dateline producer Dan Slepian shares the powerful story behind The Sing Sing Files, a two-decade journey to uncover the truth and free six innocent men. It all began with a tip in 2002 that two men were wrongly imprisoned for murder, sparking Slepian’s relentless investigation into a broken justice system. Hear how one journalist’s determination led to exonerations, accountability, and a fight for justice that continues today.
Welcome to Let’s Find Out, a new podcast from Arapahoe Libraries where curiosity leads the way. Listen in and get ready for an auditory adventure featuring insightful conversations with authors, experts, and librarians on topics that inform, inspire, and entertain our community. From exploring local history and storytelling to discovering new ideas and resources, this is your front-row seat to meaningful, engaging conversations brought to you by your library. Subscribe for free and get ready to find out what each episode has in store.
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