Trailblazers in Conversation: Sara Calvosa Olson
LA County Librarian and Director Dr. Skye Patrick had a deep conversation with Indigenous Californian author Sara Calvosa Olson discussing how food can connect and heal, the ways it roots us to our past and our future, and how decolonizing our food systems can be tackled –at least a little bit — from your home kitchen.
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Trailblazers in Conversation: Adam Silvera
On Sunday, October 5, LA County Library was joined by Adam Silvera, author of YA novels like More Happy Than Not and They Both Die at the End. We had such a great time with him, we just had to revisit the conversation with you! Adam’s conversation reflects his work — candid, authentic, and full of such care and love for his audience.

Trailblazers in Conversation:  Casey Johnston
Listen in as LA County Librarian and Director, Dr. Skye Patrick, talks with Casey Johnston, author of A Physical Education, a memoir about strong bodies, strong hearts, and strong minds.
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Trailblazers in Conversation:  Tony Valenzuela
Join us as LA County Librarian & Director  Dr. Skye Patrick sits down with Tony Valenzuela, the Executive Director of One Institute, to discuss the history of LGBTQ+ activism in Los Angeles, why our histories matter, and what it means to support the next generation of storytellers and activists.
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Trailblazers in Conversation:  Ruby Warrington
Listen in as Ruby Warrington, author of “Sober Curious,” sits down with LA County Librarian & Director, Dr. Skye Patrick, for a nonjudgmental discussion around our alcohol consumption habits, wellness, and what it looks like to move through our lives with more intention and less auto-pilot.
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Trailblazers in Conversation:  Dr. Anthony Wexler
Join LA County Librarian & Director Dr. Skye Patrick in conversation with Dr. Anthony Wexler, Director of the Air Quality Research Center and Distinguished Professor at UC Davis.
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Trailblazers in Conversation: Amanda Jones
In celebration of National Library Week, LA County Librarian & Director Dr. Skye Patrick hosted a conversation with Amanda Jones, author of That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America.

Trailblazers in Conversation: Ask Bubbie, AKA Dr. Florence Rosen
Listen in as LA County Librarian, Skye Patrick, & Ask Bubbie, aka Dr. Florence Rosen, a retired pediatrician and advice columnist, talk about parenting (& grandparenting!) in the age of social media.
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Trailblazers in Conversation: Sheila, Sylvia, and Melissa Burlock
This Women’s History Month, join LA County Librarian Skye Patrick for a conversation with natural hair advocates Sheila, Sylvia, and Melissa Burlock, as they discuss the history of Black hair and the role it plays in women’s lives– and offer a few tips for cultivating your own best crown.
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Trailblazers in Conversation: Beverly Mahone, aka Auntie Bev
Skye and Auntie Bev explored why growing your vocabulary — and using it correctly! — are important skills, how to become a more confident communicator, and what it means to be truly heard and understood. Was it a little sesquipedalian? Probably.
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Trailblazers in Conversation:  Edward Lee
Take a listen to a captivating dialogue that delves into the rich intersections of food, culture, identity, and representation! LA County Librarian Skye Patrick sat down with renowned Celebrity Chef and Author Edward Lee for an engaging discussion about his career and his latest culinary masterpiece, Bourbon Land: A Spirited Love Letter to My Old Kentucky Whiskey.
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Trailblazers in Conversation:  Travis Yee
In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Island Heritage Month, Librarian Skye Patrick and rising Asian American country music singer, Travis Yee, discuss Asian American identity and representation in mainstream media and music. Get an insightful glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and passion that is fueling Travis’ musical journey.
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Trailblazers in Conversation:  Mychal Threets
We celebrated National Library week with a special edition of Trailblazers in Conversation featuring Mychal Threets, viral librarian and literacy advocate. Mychal and LA County Library Director Skye Patrick discussed his journey from working as a librarian to social media fame, establishing a collaboration with PBS Kids, and so much more.
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Trailblazers in Conversation:  Fesia Davenport
Delve into the dynamic world of leadership, innovation, and community impact with Fesia Davenport, visionary CEO of Los Angeles County. Fesia’s trailblazing efforts have not only transformed Los Angeles County but have also set a new standard for leadership excellence. You’ll be inspired and informed by the unique perspectives and experiences shared during this conversation.
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Trailblazers in Conversation: Emily Hanford
Emily and Skye discuss our nation’s literacy crisis, the science of reading, and the investigative journey Emily embarked on to understand how reading is taught in many schools today. Be sure to listen in as this talk is sure to inform and inspire you!
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Trailblazers in Conversation: Uchennna Nwosu
Skye Patrick and Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu discussed sports, youth education, community engagement, and the new My Brother’s Keeper Peer Advocate program he is supporting at Carson Library for the next three years. This conversation is sure to inspire you!
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Trailblazers in Conversation: Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath
3rd District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath joined Library Director Skye Patrick for a thought provoking conversation about equity, access to housing, homelessness, and intellectual freedom, Supervisor Horvath shared her perspective on how we can address the complex issues impacting Los Angeles County residents today.
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Trailblazers in Conversation: Pyet DeSpain
On May 18th, season 1 winner of Next Level Chef, Pyet DeSpain, discussed Native American cuisine and culture with Library director Skye Patrick. Pyet’s life’s work is dedicated to Indigenous Fusion Cuisine where she combines the food of her heritage — both Native American and Mexican American, and it was a fascinating conversation.
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Trailblazers in Conversation: David Brownlee 
On April 6, customer service expert and author, David Brownlee and Library Director Skye Patrick discussed how the customer service industry has been impacted by the pandemic and how it is currently adjusting to a post-pandemic world. We hope you’ll take a listen to this informative conversation

Trailblazers in Conversation: Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
On June 13, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell joined Library Director Skye Patrick for a special Juneteenth edition of Trailblazers in Conversation. It was an informative and engaging conversation about racial justice and LA County’s efforts to build back equitably after the pandemic.
Watch event recording here.