Podcast appearances and mentions of brooke barker

We talk about her lifelong love of animals, some of the many places she's lived, including Pittsburgh where she and her husband, Boaz Frankel, have lived for about five years now. (They also wrote a book together titled Let's Be Weird Together.)You can sample her work on instagram where she posts as @sadanimalfactsAnd you can also find her books at libraries and at bookstores across the country (and around the world!) including at her beloved White Whale Books at 4754 Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood (where she also painted a mural on one wall).   https://whitewhalebookstore.com/Brooke also expresses some love for a local bakery called Five Points Artisan Bakeshop  in Squirrel Hill at 6520 Wilkins Avenue. We love their vegan oatmeal & cranberry cookies!  https://fivepointsartisanbakeshop.com/

Whales Gain 200 Pounds A Day While the book is titled Sad Animal Facts, it's hardly a sad book. Cartoons drawn by Brooke Barker unleash the unknown and curious truths behind some of our favorite animals. Did you know Turtles breath out their butt, or that Giraffes only sleep 3 hours a day? Listen Now Choosing The Right Bra When Horseback Riding Women and girls (and some men) who ride horses, but do not wear a sports bra, could be causing undue stress to the horse, according to a study by Portsmouth University. Apparently a lot of women give no regard to what kind of bra they wear while riding. They did a survey of females who ride horses in various disciplines and found that less than one in five regularly wore a sports bra for riding even though it can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal problems, which are sensed by the horse. Listen Now Pet Friendly Retirement Communities Watermark Retirement Communities assisted living are perhaps the first in the country to embrace pets. Founded by pet lovers, they encourage residents to bring their pets along to live with them. Staff's companion animals meet those that don't have pets. This has made a big difference in patient's disposition. Listen Now Read more about this week's show.

YC Sophomore, Brooke Barker from Ft. Smith, AR, asks listeners to contemplate if will be ready when their season is over? If they will have peace when the evening comes?

Meet Brooke Barker, the author and illustrator behind “Sad Animal Facts,” as well as a new memoir titled “So Help Me Gosh.” What are sad animal facts? Well, exactly that -- animal illustrations paired with “did you know” style, bite-sized information about animals. As Barker explains, “We're all familiar with the concept of animals, and everyone assumes animals have these really easy and carefree lives. They're frolicking in the woods; they're just relaxing. They're sleeping in cute little dens. But we don't know how terrible animal lives are because they can't tell us about them.”   While the project started with Barker sharing the content on the internet, she has subsequently written and illustrated two sad animal books, “Sad Animal Facts” and “Sad Animal Babies,” as well as a book about animal couples that is co-authored with her husband. In this episode, we discuss some of her favorite facts as well as her new series ‘Meet This Scientist.'    We talk about her new audiobook, “So Help Me Gosh,” which is a series of essays about growing up Mormon, and she even gives us a sneak peek by reading an excerpt.      Links in this episode:   Sad Animal Fact website Sad Animal Facts on Instagram So Help Me Gosh on Audible Order Brooke's books locally from White Whale Bookstore

Ever been in a relationship that hit a dry patch?  One that feels routine and mundane?  No matter how much you love your partner or how wonderful you think your relationship is, things can often get a little boring.  Today's guest on the personal growth podcast, Life in HD, author and filmmaker Boaz Frankel talks about adding a little weirdness to your relationship to rev things up.  Together with his wife Brooke Barker (author of New York Times bestselling book Sad Animal Facts), Boaz writes about the quirky aspects of their relationship and the inspiration for the couple's new book, Let's Be Weird Together.

She hates needles, wants to eat ice cream in every state but is a plant killer. Co-Author of the book "Let's Be Weird Together" Brooke Barker goes Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon. I've had great interview opportunities over my 25+ year radio history that never made it to air. Some were due to length others were because of topic. I decided to flip the table on the rules. Any topic / guest is welcome, but you need to tell a story & must go “Beyond the Mic.” It's another episode of Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon.

Amanda and Jenn discuss books about life after divorce, YA read-alouds, queer science fiction, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by Novel Gazing, Book Riot’s new literary fiction podcast, Workman Publishing, publisher of Let’s Be Weird Together: A Book About Love, by Brooke Barker and Boaz Frankel, and Libro.fm. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. FEEDBACK The Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab (rec’d by Courtney) A Madness of Angels: The Matthew Swift series by Kate Griffin (pen name of Catherine Webb) (rec’d by Danielle) QUESTIONS 1.  Hello my bookish friends from afar who nurture my love for bookish awesomeness. I have an urgent request for something in the literary realm that can let my mind escape the f-ed up craziness I’m currently undergoing with my soon-to-be ex who dropped a big ol’ bomb on me and told me he’s leaving me. I’m in all sorts of personal crisis at the moment and I’d love something to read at night after I tuck my two little girls into bed and have the psychic space to escape the insanity of my situation and dive into another world for a while. I know you typically only do one type of rec per request but I’m asking for two. Here goes: 1) a kick-ass female protagonist who lives from the land, or in a world where a multitude of place-based knowledge and skills serves her well; yet, without enduring rape and all the other crap that tends to be tossed upon this kind of character in literature. I’ve loved living off the land books since I was a kid: e.g., the Little House series, Scott O’Dell’s The Island of the Blue Dolphins, and the entire Jean M. Auel’s Earth’s Children series. I’d love a new-to-me book or, even better, series that can have me rooting for some incredible women. Pie in the sky wish: that there would be a novel or series featuring something like this set on Themyscira featuring Diana and her amazon community. 2) another fabulous female protagonist who gets knocked off her feet by a jerk of a husband who ambushes her with a sudden and unexpected demand for a divorce and all kinds of f-uppery, who then rises up like a phoenix from the devastating flames (I had to say it) in fantastic style and overcomes the many obstacles in her way, eventually sliding into first as she wins the race to financial freedom, independence, and peace within. Bonus if she eventually meets a goddess of a lover who nurtures her tender heart and soul (this protagonist is bi and is kind of over men and their – generalizing here – serious power issues). Always the most bookish love to you both. Thanks in advance if you can help out. And thank you for your super rad, killer, lovely, awesome and amazing podcast made even more wonderful because I love getting to know you both via your feedback and choices of words and the stories you share. It all rocks and what you are creating and sharing is really, really great. -Nicole 2. Hi! I’m a teacher at a rural school and I’m trying to diversify my curriculum. I teach special education and I co-teach in the general education as well at the high school level. I’ve been working on this goal for the last year or so, but I can always use some recommendations to help me along. I usually read books aloud in my specifically SPED classes, and they have enjoyed books like “Boy21” by Matthew Quick, “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin, “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, “Love & First Sight” by Josh Sundquist, and a smattering of short stories from “My True Love Gave to Me” and “Grim” anthologies that I have pulled from in the last couple of years (thanks to Book Riot). Right now, I’m reading them “Whale Talk” by Chris Crutcher, a personal favorite, and my kids are really enjoying that one as well. As you can tell, the reading level varies. Because I read the information aloud to my students, I can get away with some of the higher-leveled books or stories because we spend so much time in discussion. I’d love to see what you have in store for us! -Taylor 3. Hi! I need some help finding good introductions on books about feminism, institutional racism, slavery and honestly, any other social topics to help break through to some of my MAGA family members. I was a little overwhelmed when I walked into the bookstore, so hopefully you guys can help parse down titles to start with. Some shorter titles would probably be best, and non-fiction titles would be great too! Thanks so much for everything, my reading list is much more diverse partly because of this podcast! I appreciate it so much. -Ashle 4. No deadline, but I would love a recommendation soon. I was recently hit with the news that my partner of ten years wants a divorce. I usually go to novels for solace, but my two favorites are Dpt. of Speculation and I Married You for Happiness, and I don’t think they will help right now. I’ve found plenty of self help books, but I’m looking for good stories of people starting over after a divorce or loss, and moving forward with life. Especially if those stories involve people who can’t afford to drop everything and “eat, pray, love” around the world. Thank you, Amanda and Jenn-you’ve recommended so many perfect books in the past, I hope you can help. -KJ 5. Hi ladies, I’m a podcast/audiobook addict. So, naturally, when I’m at work, I’m either listening to Book Riot podcasts, or a book. After hearing Every Heart A Doorway recommended a million times (maybe a slight exaggeration, but probably not much of one…) I FINALLY listened to it and fell in love with Seanan McGuire. I have listened to all of the Every Heart a Doorway series, as well as Sparrow Hill Road and loved them all. Do you have any recommendations for similar authors? I love that her books feel like a fairy tale, while still using familiar language (unlike high fantasy where the language is often unfamiliar). I also appreciated how inclusive the Every Heart a Doorway series is. Thank you so much for all the workday entertainment! -Traci 6. I recently saw the new Star Wars and was unimpressed (to put it mildly) with its idea of queer representation. Could you recommend a fun space opera adventure with actual substantial queer rep as well as POC? I’m already rereading Becky Chambers’ series so I need something new. I’d be open to a romance novel, but nothing too steamy. -Emily 7. This is probably a long shot. I used to be an avid reader, then I had my son who is now 15 months old. I am able to listen to books on audio at work, which has been awesome for getting me back into reading. I’ve been trying to find a book with a specific set of criteria. I really want to find a book with a character that I can really relate to, but in the fantasy genre. I’m 25, so not necessarily YA, but YA is fine, I would love the book to have a protagonist that is a young Mom, with a young child. Where I’m having trouble is finding books that are fantasy, that have this request. I’m really hoping you can help me. I love the Podcast! Thanks -Morgan BOOKS DISCUSSED Untamed by Glennon Doyle Melton (March 10, 2020) Two Old Women by Velma Wallis Warcross by Marie Lu Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett (tw: STI stigma, confusion around sexuality) For the Love of Men by Liz Plank Thou Shalt Not be a Jerk by Eugene Cho (March 1, 2020) Citizen by Claudia Rankine God Land by Elizabeth Lenz Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri (tw: family violence) Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Kreuger (tw: animal death) The Wrong Stars by Tim Pratt The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders (tw: violence, tentacle stuff) Circe by Madeline Miller (tw sexual assault) The Reluctant Queen (Queens of Renthia #2) by Sarah Beth Durst Parenting In SFF Post

In this episode of The Slaw: Staying on top of Pittsburgh, we talk to Boaz Frankel, a writer, filmmaker and contributor to Very Local about the puppet from The Dark Crystal that lives at the Children's Museum and teaching Elmo some Pittsburghese. For this weeks collaboration, we take a look at the partnership between Hop Farm Brewing and Provision PGH. And the Very Local team shares some of the events we are looking forward to in 2020.    MEET BOAZ FRANKEL - WRITER, FILMMAKER & PITTSBURGH PUPPET RESEARCHER Boaz and his wife, author Brooke Barker (aka Sad Animal Facts) moved to Pittsburgh earlier this year. Boaz has created videos for Very Local Pittsburgh as well as interviewed some Pittsbughers over their favorite sandwich.    Learn more about Boaz on his website StuffByBoaz.com and you can  follow Boaz on Twitter @boazf and Instagram @BoazFrankel.   Videos that Boaz has created for Very Local Pittsburgh include profiles of The Pretzel Shop, The Zenith Cafe and the Farmer's Cooperative of East Liberty.   Some of the Pittsburghers that Boaz has interviewed for Very Local: Damon Young Josh Getzoff, Announcer for Pittsburgh Penguins Mayor Bill Peduto Pastry Chef Casey Renee Rick Sebak   Visit Pittsburgh.VeryLocal.com to read more about both urSol the Chanter at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum and Elmo's visit to Pittsburgh.  Show Notes: In this episode of The Slaw: Staying on top of Pittsburgh, we talk to Boaz Frankel, a writer, filmmaker and contributor to Very Local about the puppet from The Dark Crystal that lives at the Children's Museum and teaching Elmo some Pittsburghese. For this weeks collaboration, we take a look at the partnership between Hop Farm Brewing and Provision PGH. And the Very Local team shares some of the events we are looking forward to in 2020.  Meet Boaz Frankel, Writer & Filmmaker Boaz and his wife, author Brooke Barker (aka Sad Animal Facts) moved to Pittsburgh earlier this year. Boaz has created video for Very Local Pittsburgh as well as interviewed some Pittsbughers over their favorite sandwich.    Learn more about Boaz on his website StuffByBoaz.com and you can  follow Boaz on Twitter @boazf and Instagram @BoazFrankel.   Here a some of the videos Boaz has created for Very Local Pittsburgh:  Pretzel Shop The Zenith Cafe Farmer's Cooperative of East Liberty Here are some of the Pittsburghers that Boaz has interviewed for Very Local: Damon Young Josh Getzoff, Announcer for Pittsburgh Penguins Mayor Bill Peduto Pastry Chef Casey Renee Rick Sebak   urSol the Chanter from The Dark Crystal You can read more about urSol the Chanter and The Pittsburgh Children's Museum here.    Embed: https://www.facebook.com/WQEDPittsburgh/posts/10156233217661150   Elmo loves Yinz too Check out Boaz's interview with Elmo here.  Embed: https://twitter.com/elmo/status/1139542786536083456?lang=en A very Pittsburgh Collaboration: Hop Farm Brewing & Provision PGH https://www.instagram.com/p/B1jezl_hTmL/   This week's collaboration is a food and beer pairing. Provision PGH, which started as part of Smallman Galley, is now providing the food at Hop Farm Brewing in Lawrenceville.    Embed: PGH Mag story from Hal https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/hop-farm-brewing-company-and-provision-pgh-combine-forces/    Events: What we are looking forward to in 2020   Stephanie: Pittonatonk will return for the annual May Day celebration. Special guests to be announced soon.  Aadam: Cinderlands in Lawrenceville becomes Cinderlands Foederhouse. Grand re-opening on January 23.  Lindsay: Dirty Dozen Bike Ride takes place in the fall. Hundreds of cyclists try to tackle a dozen of the steepest hills in town in one day.    Embed: https://youtu.be/lODUAvbVRnM    Give Us a Call Have an event we should know about? Know of a partnership we should highlight on the podcast? How about a collaboration? We'd love to hear from you!   We're always looking for new Pittsburgh stories to share. If you leave a message we just might feature your pick in our newsletter or on our podcast.   Give us a call and leave a message. We want to hear from you!   412-368-6595    * Please note, By leaving a message on this service, you consent to your voice being recorded and used by Very Local Pittsburgh in The Slaw podcast and elsewhere. Subscribe to The Slaw: Staying on Top of Pittsburgh podcast   The Slaw Podcast is available on: iTunes Spotify   Follow Very Local for more Pittsburgh updates: Very Local Pittsburgh Website Twitter @VeryLocalPGH Facebook Instagram  YouTube

Boaz & Blakely chat with Brooke Barker, author of the Sad Animal Facts series, about her favorite sandwich, or rather, her former favorite sandwich.

Today’s guest is Brooke Barker of the Instagram-account-turned-book, Sad Animal Facts. I’ve been following Brooke’s Instagram feed, which as you’ll hear in the episode, I came across while we were both participating in The 100 Day Project last year. Sad Animal Facts is a project that is exactly what it sounds like; facts about animals that are a little bit sad or melancholy, but with Brooke’s quirky humor driving the treatment of each fact. Her illustrations are adorable and the facts are things that are funny-slash-sad because they’re true. In the interview, Brooke and I discuss how her one-a-day Instagram project turned into a book in just over a year, how she’s navigated the new-to-her realm of book publishing, and why she believes in exercising your creative muscles by trying to incorporate new mediums and projects the mix. We also talk about Brooke’s other work and how, even though she gets to work primarily on fun and funny projects, she still has to walk the line between humor and professionalism in her everyday life. For the full episode + show notes, visit creatingyourownpath.com.

Pet Friendly Retirement Communities Watermark Retirement Communities assisted living are perhaps the first in the country to embrace pets. Founded by pet lovers, they encourage residents to bring their pets along to live with them. Staff's companion animals meet those that don't have pets. This has made a big difference in patient's disposition. Whales Gain 200 Pounds A Day While the book is titled Sad Animal Facts, it's hardly a sad book. Cartoons drawn by Brooke Barker unleash the unknown and curious truths behind some of our favorite animals. Did you know Turtles breath out their butt, or that Giraffes only sleep 3 hours a day? If There Were Olympics For Animals Pet World Insider Robert Semrow imagines a world where the Olympics were for the animals. What would the sports competitions be all about? Perhaps an animal Olympic event would unite pet lovers worldwide? Sanctuary Wants Rapper To Pay Support For His Tiger Rapper Tyga had a pet tiger a few years ago, but it was taken from him when authorities found out that he had no legal permits for it. The tiger was then given to an animal sanctuary. The sanctuary named Lions, Tigers & Bears, which takes care of Tyga's former tiger, says the rapper has not made any effort to help out with funds to care for the animal. It costs over $10k a year to feed it, not including vet costs and other expenses. Choosing The Right Bra When Horseback Riding Women and girls who ride horses, but do not wear a sports bra, could be causing undue stress to the horse, according to a study by Portsmouth University. Apparently a lot of women give no regard to what kind of bra they wear while riding. They did a survey of females who ride horses in various disciplines and found that less than one in five regularly wore a sports bra for riding even though it can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal problems, which are sensed by the horse. Read More…

Brooke Barker is the creator behind Sad Animal Facts, a wildly popular site that takes funny sad facts about animals and turns them into comics. In this episode, Brooke and I talk about her background in advertising, Sad Animal Facts' unique origin story, and her new book! You can follow Brooke on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.    Preorder a copy of Sad Animal Facts here!