Cal Crosby, Co-Owner of The King’s English Bookshop & Chief Executive Director of Brain Food Books (Interview 28/100)

Today's episode is with Cal Crosby, Co-Owner of The King’s English Bookshop & Chief Executive Director of Brain Food Books based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This is a story of how The King’s English Bookshop was a main character in the life of a kid that grew up to become the owner of that bookshop and the Chief Executive Director of a nonprofit working hand-in-hand with that bookshop to put books in the hands of both kids and adults. It’s the story of how access to books can open the world of possibilities for all kids, but especially so for those that come from impoverished homes, haven’t yet found their community, or who could benefit from being seen. It’s a story of world building. It’s a story of magic and the guidance of the universe. It’s a story of giving back to your ancestors and community. It’s a story of sharing your enough. It’s change. It’s hope. It’s light. It’s snow falling on Christmas Eve mixed with tears like the turning point in your favorite novel when the hints of the next chapters come into view. 

It’s also brain food. It’s knowledge. It’s sharing the experiences and efficiencies learned along the way so that others can incorporate those ideas to continue to push the boundaries of supporting our fellow community members. It’s leading in business and leading as a neighbor. It’s finding solutions and passing it along to the next generation. It’s finding ways to adapt to how we make and spend our dollars, especially when it comes to how we interact with those who document our experiences and philosophies in fiction & nonfiction print work. It’s a celebration of the people that have come before us and will come after us. It’s welcoming in and introducing the Indigenous artists and thought leaders that have been pushed down and out in the history of our country. It’s flipping the script so we can learn from them as we celebrate them. 

Cal’s a world builder. He’s a community builder. He’s a sharer and a self-proclaimed elder in all the ways we (should) honor and respect our elders. He’s an opportunist in the best sense of the word. He’s a connector, a listener, and a teacher. He’s a leader in the way he operates and moves throughout the universe. Even as I spoke with him over zoom, the wind seemed to sense the crescendos of his stories ringing the chimes behind me and tossing autumn leaves through the air like confetti. It’s as though the universe senses his wisdom and demands we listen. It’s similar to how he describes the way he’s made all of these critical decisions throughout his life that brought him to this moment in time. 

Alright. That’s enough. Let’s go leave this place better than we found it. 

Shout out to: 

• Elaine Petruccelli

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