The mission of the Columbus! Something New podcast is simple: to connect everyone residing in Columbus, Ohio — or visiting Columbus, Ohio — to all things local. Past episodes have included thoughtful discussions with local artisans, entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, designers, developers, and do-gooders, which makes two things very clear: 1) there's a lot to admire about Columbus, and 2) the show's staff cares deeply about their community. 

In April 2018, Orson's Publishing proudly published Thrift Store Coats, the debut story collection by Brooks Rexroat. Thrift Store Coats transports readers to the postindustrial Midwest and explores the lives of those living on its quiet edge. Interwoven with themes of love, lineage, poverty, and survival, the characters in these stories grapple with the idea of identity — not only of where they fit into the world, but of how their origins impact their place in the future.

There are multiple stories within Thrift Store Coats that take place in Ohio. Pair that with the fact that Brooks was born and raised in Ohio, and it's easy to see why his recent appearance on the Columbus! Something New podcast was such a wonderful match. 

In the episode, Brooks is interviewed by Amy Collins, and is joined by Charlie Pugsley of Bookspace, and together they discuss not only Thrift Store Coats, but the Midwest, Columbus, and the state of independence in contemporary literature. 

Check out the episode below: