Local stories focus of library’s podcast

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This article was published 13/04/2021 (2026 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In late March, the Western Manitoba Regional Library launched its first official podcast called “Brandonites,” which aims to shine a light on interesting people and what they’re up to in the Wheat City.

Even though the WMRL staff had very little experience putting this kind of project together, producer Alex Rogowsky told the Sun that the process has been enjoyable so far, especially since locals have been so open and willing to chat about their various interests through this popular medium.

“I haven’t had any trouble finding guests,” he said on Monday. “So far, the people we’ve reached out to have been really willing to come and talk to us.”

Rogowsky, who has been working at the WMRL for around a year now, originally pitched this idea to his superiors around three months ago, knowing that libraries need to keep offering up new and interesting services if they want to remain relevant in the public eye.

“In general, libraries are having to innovate,” he said. “They’re having to serve people beyond offering books. I think that’s something that’s happening all over the world … first e-books, then audio books, and now a lot of it is virtual programming.”

Rogowsky said the demand for innovative digital programming has also been on the rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time libraries had to close their doors and shutter in-person services for months on end due to health concerns.

“We had a ton of people accessing our e-resources throughout that time, just because they are spending a lot of time at home,” he said. “It provides a lot of value for people.”

But Rogowsky didn’t want to take the obvious route with this new project and kick-start a podcast about classic literature or what working at the WMRL looks like behind the scenes.

Instead, he took inspiration from blogger Brandon Stanton and his “Humans of New York” series, which became famous for finding compelling personal stories in unlikely places.

“We could have just made a podcast about advertising all our programs and services,” Rogowsky said. “But we wanted to hear from real people and know what they’re up to.”

So far, WMRL has posted two episodes under the “Brandonites” banner, featuring audio interviews with local painter Weiming Zhao and former Brandon mayor Shari Decter Hirst (who publishes novels under her pen name, Sherilyn Decter).

The podcast is hosted by WMRL employee Robin Stewart, who probes guests about their history, their current passion and how they are connected to the community in general.

Right now, Dave Barnes of the Assiniboine Food Forest initiative is slated to be the podcast’s next guest of honour, with Rogowsky looking to book a slew of diverse speakers throughout the spring and summer.

“We have recorded interviews with a market gardener, an eco-activist, we have one lined up with a psychic and we’re hoping to book an athlete soon,” he said. “I just want to get as many perspectives as possible.”

Because more than anything, Rogowsky hopes that listeners of “Brandonites” come away from each episode with a different outlook on the unique patchwork of people who make this city so special.

“It’s easy to get away with thinking that Brandon is all about hockey and agriculture,” he said. “But there are a lot of people here who are doing a lot of other things that you don’t normally hear about. And I think it’s really great for Brandon to see that side of itself, beyond what we’re really familiar with.”

The WMRL will be releasing a new episode of “Brandonites” every two weeks, with their next entry set to drop on April 20.

All of these episodes are accessible for free via Spotify’s Anchor platform (anchor.fm/brandonites).

Anyone who wishes to provide feedback or suggest a new guest can send an email to programs@wmrl.ca.

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