The goal of Owens Community College’s BIG Read (Campus Read) is to bring awareness of different perspectives through books and accompanying activities on campus and in our surrounding communities.
2022-23 BIG Read
Foo will be on campus on April 27, 2023 to discuss her book.
“Stephanie Foo is a force of nature.” – Nicholas Quah
Stephanie Foo has always been obsessed with stories. She started her first podcast, Get Me On This American Life, when she was just 21, and it launched her into a career that led to actually working at This American Life just four years later.
As a child, Stephanie created comics, got her start in print journalism, then became fascinated with audio narratives. At This American Life, she reported, edited, and mixed radio stories and often produced entire shows. Stephanie produced This American Life’s video project, “Videos 4 U: I Love You,” which garnered three Daytime Emmy nominations and also won the 2015 Webby Award for Online Film & Video in Drama: Individual Short or Episode category.
One of the things I care about it showing the world there are other perspectives. I try to educate people to open themselves up to others and to different ideas, to make this a less binary world.
– Stephanie Foo
Message from the author, Stephanie Foo
Altogether, she has been working in audio for over a decade. Stephanie helped create the national radio show Snap Judgment, and her work has been showcased on numerous podcasts, such as Reply All, 99 Percent Invisible, and Radiolab. Stephanie also produced an Emmy-winning video short for TAL. Dissatisfied with the poor technology associated with podcasts, in 2015, Stephanie created a hackathon to brainstorm ways to better share audio. She then led the development of Shortcut, a revolutionary app for sharing podcast audio.
Stephanie is a 2019-2020 Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Fellow, and she has just published a book that explores the science and psychology behind Complex PTSD through the lens of her own personal narrative of healing titled What My Bones Know.
The BIG Read Spring 2023 Events*
What My Bones Know Book Discussion
March 29 — 3:30-5 p.m. — Meeting Rooms A, B, C, & D at the Way Public Library
In partnership with Way Public Library, join us as we discuss Foo’s powerful book. Register here. >>
“Finding Our Joy: A Workplace Mental Wellness Approach”
March 30 — 11 a.m. — VE 201 & Livestreamed: TBA
Come listen to R.J. Johnson, Director of Counseling, discuss the importance of well-being in the workplace. (Event in partnership with Career and Transfer Services.)
“The Faces Of” Art Exhibit
April 10—May 10 — Lounge-Area in the 1st floor in HH
What does the face of depression, chronic illness, bipolar disorder, etc. look like? Do they even have faces? Invisible illnesses have faces; come see and learn about why not judging first but extending grace is so important.
To participate in this powerful exhibit, please email Jen at jennifer_hazel@owens.edu
What My Bones Know Book Discussion
April 10—6:30 p.m. — Lindamood Room at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
In partnership with Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, join us as we discuss Foo’s powerful book.
“The Faces Of” Art Exhibit Reception
April 11— 5-7 p.m. — Lounge-Area in the 1st floor in HH
Join us for the open reception of the important exhibit.
2023 Spring Student Production of The Yellow Boat by David Saar
April 14 & 15— 7:30 p.m. — CFPA Theatre (Toledo-area Campus)
April 16— 3 p.m. — CFPA Theatre (Toledo-area Campus)
The Yellow Boat is a A glorious affirmation of a child’s life and the strength and courage of all children, this dramatization is based on the true story of David and Sonja Saar’s son, Benjamin, who was born with congenital hemophilia. Tickets are $12 General Admission and $8 for Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni. (Event in Partnership with the Center for Fine & Performing Arts.)
Complex PTSD Psychology Discussion
April 18— 11 a.m. — Livestreamed >>
Join Professor Dr. Shannon Holleran as she discusses Complex PTSD–What are the symptoms? Causes? Treatment?
What My Bones Know Book Discussion
April 19— 10-11 a.m. — Online: Participants will be emailed the link after registering.
In partnership with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, join us as we discuss Foo’s powerful story. Register here.
Author Visit
April 27— 10 a.m. — CFPA Theatre (Toledo Campus) and Livestreamed
3:30 p.m. — EC 111 (Findlay Campus)
Do not miss the opportunity to hear Stephanie Foo discuss her book, What My Bones Know, and have your copy signed following the discussion.
“Let’s Talk BIG w/ Jane & Jen”
Thursdays, All semester long at 7 a.m., 10 a.m, 7 p.m., & 10 p.m. — Owens Community College Radio or the OCCR You Tube Channel.
Join Jane Berger and Jen Hazel as they “talk BIG” about the BIG Read with various guests throughout the semester on this enthralling show.
Spring 2023–Ep. 1–January 26, 2023
Spring 2023–Ep. 2–February 2, 2023
Spring 2023–Ep. 3–February 9, 2023
Spring 2023–Ep. 4–February 16, 2023
Spring 2023–Ep. 5–February 23, 2023
Spring 2023–Ep. 6–March 2, 2023
Spring 2023–Ep. 7–March 9, 2023
Spring 2023–Ep. 8–March 16, 2023
*Events subject to change due to COVID-19.
The BIG Read Faculty and Staff Resources
Wondering how to use the BIG Read in your classroom and/or event? Check out How to use The BIG Read in your classroom and/or event. >>
Community Engagement
Learn about how The BIG Read supports our communities; check out The BIG Read Community Engagement. >>
Community Partners & Donors
Learn about The BIG Read Community Partners & Donors.>>