Happy New Year! Wishing our listeners and viewers best wishes in the new year. On our 360th episode, we chat about the things coming up this year including the new Superman movie, new music, the new Cormoran Strike novel, and more.
🎉 Kicking Off 2025 with Episode 360! | Middle Country Public Library Podcast Blog
Happy New Year and welcome to Episode 360 of the Middle Country Public Library Podcast! 🎊 As we step into 2025, hosts Sal DiVincenzo, Sara Fade, and Nicole Rambo are back in the studio, reflecting on what they’re looking forward to in the months ahead — from long-overdue home renovations to big-screen blockbusters, punk rock swan songs, and even potential movie theater adventures!
If you’re catching up, don’t miss last week’s episode where the team recapped their favorite things from 2024. Now, let’s dive into what’s on their radar for the year ahead!
👩👦 Nicole’s 2025 Wishlist: Keep It Simple
Nicole’s approach to 2025? Keep expectations low, leave room for surprises.
🏖️ Maybe a Vacation (Finally!)
A trip to Orlando may be on the books — possibly with her in-laws and their timeshare. Fingers crossed!
🍲 More Home Cooking
After discovering the joy of MasterClass cooking lessons in 2024, Nicole hopes to cut back on eating out and keep experimenting in the kitchen — crockpot Sundays included.
🛁 Bathroom Renovation Goals
This one’s a biggie: Nicole’s aiming to remodel her bathroom this year. With the choice between a trip and a renovation, she knows it’s probably one or the other.
“I set the bar low — if I go to Disney, cook a bit, and fix my bathroom, I’ll call it a win!”
📺 Sara’s Top 4 Things to Watch (and See) in 2025
Sara’s always got the pulse on cool shows, music, and film — and this year is no different.
🎮 Alice in Borderland — Season 3
This Japanese dystopian thriller on Netflix blends action and strategy with emotional depth. Think Hunger Games meets Squid Game. Season 3 drops after a long hiatus.
🎸 Refused — Final Tour
The iconic punk band Refused says this is their last tour ever, with a Brooklyn stop on the schedule. High energy and legendary — Sara’s not missing it.
🦖 Jurassic World: Rebirth
The seventh film in the Jurassic Park franchise features new characters and a unique plot: dinosaurs holding the key to a miracle drug. Plus, Scarlett Johansson joins the cast.
👨🚀 Mickey 17
Directed by Bong Joon-ho (Parasite) and starring Robert Pattinson, Mickey 17 is a sci-fi drama about a disposable clone sent to colonize a distant planet. With Toni Collette and Steven Yeun also in the cast, this one’s got major buzz.
📚 Sal’s 2025 Anticipation List: Books, Docs, and Superheroes
Sal has a diverse list of things he’s excited about this year — and he’s also looking ahead to where the podcast itself is going.
📖 The Hallmarked Man — Cormoran Strike Series
The next book in J.K. Rowling’s (as Robert Galbraith) Cormoran Strike mystery series is on its way. Sal’s a fan of the audiobooks and praises the narration quality.
🎬 Movies He’s Looking Forward To
- 🎸 Making Led Zeppelin — a new documentary on the iconic rock band.
- 🎤 Michael — a high-profile doc on Michael Jackson.
- 🦸 Superman — A reboot directed by James Gunn, starring the standout villain from Twisters (yes, the guy in the polo shirt!). Controversy aside, it might be DC’s fresh start.
- *🌺 Lilo & Stitch (Live Action) — Despite skepticism about Disney remakes, Sal’s optimistic about this one. Stitch in CGI? Yes, please.
“I’m going to try and get back to the movie theater experience this year — and maybe take the podcast on the road while I’m at it!”
🎙️ Looking Ahead: Podcast Goals & Podfest
Sal is also excited for:
🧳 Podfest 2025
He and Sara are heading to this year’s Podfest to represent Middle Country Public Library and bring back inspiration and ideas to enhance the show. (Nicole will be cheering from home!)
🎤 Podcast Tech Upgrades & Going Mobile
The show now has new mobile mics — meaning on-the-go episodes could be coming soon. Think: movie theater reactions, live events, community interviews, and more.
“We’re taking the show outside the studio — it’s time to explore what’s happening around the library and the community.”
🔄 Quick Recap: What Everyone’s Looking Forward To
| Nicole | Sara | Sal |
|---|---|---|
| Maybe a trip to Orlando | Alice in Borderland S3 | Cormoran Strike: The Hallmarked Man |
| Crockpot Sundays | Refused farewell concert | Making Led Zeppelin doc |
| Bathroom renovation | Jurassic World: Rebirth | Michael documentary |
| More cooking & less takeout | Mickey 17 (Bong Joon-ho) | Superman (James Gunn reboot) |
| Lilo & Stitch live-action remake | ||
| Podfest 2025 | ||
| Mobile podcasting adventures |
