Updates

Once upon a time, there was a Mets‑loving Congressman from New York who went on to become an author—and then opened an independent bookstore called Theodore’s Bookshop. On this episode, we welcome self‑proclaimed history nerd Steve Israel. Steve shares his top five book recommendations for reclaiming critical thinking and unpacks the amygdala. Hold your values tightly, but your ideas loosely—because there’s a universe much bigger than our own… In the Stacks!

Never stop learning! Go strike up a conversation with your neighbor—or even the person at the deli counter—as we sit down with our F.I.G. (Friend in Government), Assemblyman Kwani B. O’Pharrow. From movies and the “EPCOT of Long Island” to first‑year highlights in office and Capital Grille's Chilean Sea Bass, we put the Assemblyman to the test. It takes a village—and teamwork—In The Stacks!

The Patch
January 5, 2026

Full article…

Get curious—because what you think the thing is… isn’t always the thing! We’re Makin’ It Healthy today with wellness coach and cookbook author Geetu Makin. Tune in to learn what really happens when you grab that Snickers bar, why “organic” doesn’t automatically mean “healthy” and the essential pantry staples every household should have on hand. We may not all get the same things, but eventually we all get what we need… In The Stacks!

Every day is different, and today we’re thrilled to sit down with New York State Senator Monica Martinez! She shares insights on the importance of Shannon’s Law, the future of veteran healthcare and the professor who changed her life’s direction. Join us as we look for the light at the end of the tunnel—because it’s all happening In The Stacks!

Class is in session… Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin is here! Sustainability, thinking differently to uncover root causes, empathy and integrating work with life. Turn up the volume in your head… it’s time to welcome the female version of Billy Joel to In The Stacks!

It’s time to show up! We are as pleased as punch to have Madeline Quintyne-McConney, President of the Suffolk County Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women! We talk about the importance of advocacy, mentoring today’s young women, equity in the workforce and grandkids! All we need is love because it’s all In The Stacks!

Do you want to be in the room where it happens? Grab the ramen noodles, today’s episode is with Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg! Parenting, work ethics, the path to happiness, his Youth Leadership Caucus, the 12-hour playlist and newsflash, your doctor got an F in school… it's all In The Stacks!

Today's episode is with New York State Assemblyman and HHHCL patron, Steve Stern! A conversation about water sustainability, which era he would love to be a politician during, and most importantly, his aspiration of being Deputy Supervisor of the Stern House. It's all In The Stacks!

Joe talks to Samantha Calandrino, Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator at the Long Island State Veterans Home.

Laura, Joe, & Karissa discuss the new Devil May Cry animated series.

Laura & Joe discuss Strange Pictures by the mysterious Uketsu.

Laura and Karissa discuss Makoto Shinkai's Suzume.

Beyond the stacks and on to the internet.

Joe & Karissa discuss free library resources (Libby, Kanopy, etc.), movies, and the future of streaming!

Zack & Karissa talk about The Women by Kristen Hannah.