All Episodes

November 28, 2023 90 mins

Joined by guest host Dr. Nicole Cooke (38:22), current holder of the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and professor at the University of South Carolina, Adam and Nicole discuss the implications of banning books in prisons, the importance of free libraries, and illuminate the need to keep teachers happy.

First, Adam and Nicole contextualize the absurd reasons why prisons in the US have been banning certain “controversial” books from their prison, including ramen cookbooks and romance novels (06:37).

Then, they explore the obstacles faced by teachers, as school boards address the increasing shortage of educators by recruiting beyond their borders, essentially brain draining developing countries (49:14).

Tune in now and enjoy the type of conversations you wish you had around the workplace water cooler!

 

[Episode Stories]

New Report Finds ‘Staggering Number’ Of Books Banned In U.S. Prisons

Jamaica Fears Brain Drain As Teachers Leave For U.S. Schools

 

[Episode Links]

Dr. Nicole Cooke (Baker Chair Website)

AAPF (Website)

Instagram (@WaterCoolerTalkPod)

Artwork (www.Kohney.com)

 

Water Cooler Talk Podcast | Episode 089

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Ruthie's Table 4

Ruthie's Table 4

For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.