In an age of one-click checkouts and endless scrolling, how does a physical place for art, ideas, and books survive? It thrives by becoming essential. This week, we sit down with Craig Duster, the visionary owner of POP Art Books Culture, a bookstore that's become the creative and intellectual heartbeat of Boardman, Ohio.

Craig isn't just selling books; he's building a community from the ground up. From his in depth education in Film, and art gallery in Denver, Colorado, to his current role on the Board of Lit Youngstown, he has dedicated his life to a single, powerful idea: that art and literature are not passive hobbies, but active, shared experiences that can build neighborhoods and communities.

Join us as we explore Craig's journey and uncover the secrets to turning a retail space into a welcoming cultural hub. We'll discuss:

• The philosophy behind his semi-curated collection of art and pop culture books.

• Why his events and diverse book clubs are consistently packed.

• How to foster a local writing scene through accessible monthly workshops.

• The lessons learned from a college background in Film, and the Denver art world and how they apply to Main Street, USA.

This episode is a masterclass for anyone who dreams of building a community, launching a creative business, or simply wants to believe in the power of a "third place" in our modern world. Tune in to get inspired.

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