Episoder
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When I was a baby librarian there was not a book requested more than The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, and all the books that came after it in the series. I was so excited when this week’s guest wanted to talk about it!
Madison is a lover of history that hosts the history podcast It's a History Podcast that covers all things history. When she is not working on researching, recording, or editing, she has her nose in a book. While currently immersed in the “Romantasy” series of ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, Madison's love for fantasy started with the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series.
Having read the series all in one go, Madison has reread these books a number of times. They were an important part of her finding her love for fantasy, as well as furthering her love for reading.
Our drink this week is a Blue Hawaii Cocktail, as you will find out, Percy has a bit of an obsession with blue foods, and he just cannot stay away from water, so this drink is a perfect match!
Blue Hawaii Cocktail (from liquor.com)
3/4 ounce vodka
3/4 ounce light rum
1/2 ounce blue curaçao
3 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce sweet and sour mix
In This Episode
It’s a History Podcast - Apple
It’s a History Podcast - Spotify
Let’s Talk About Myths Baby - Podcast
Mythology - Edith Hamilton
The Lightning Thief - Film
ACOTAR - A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Maas
Fourth Wing - Listen to my Fourth Wing Episode!
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This week we are discussing The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and take life to the next level level by Gay Hendricks. This book encourages readers to go beyond their internal limits, release outdated fears and learn a whole new set of powerful skills and habits to liberate authentic greatness. I am joined this week with author Nancy Houser-Bluhm.
Nancy Houser-Bluhm lived in the foothills west of Denver, Colorado for over 25 years with her husband and menagerie of pets. She hailed from Michigan but growing up watching Bonanza, led to a longing to go west.. They have journeyed back to Michigan and are creating a new “Bluhmerosa”. Years of rock climbing and skiing shifted to biking, skiing, yoga, breathing in nature; and daily doses of writing with a variety of groups. Her most recent novel, The Nickel Loop was released July 22, 2024
Drink
In Nancy’s latest book the character enjoys the classic Four Roses Bourbon so Nancy and I sipped on that as we talked!
In this Episode
Nancy’s Website
Buy Nancy’s books!
Nancy’s Blog
Sage Adderly Creative Writing
A Year in Balance by Angela Cominos Koehler
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Manglende episoder?
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I’m so excited to bring you something a little different—not a book, but a genre that’s new to me: FanFiction. Specifically, Dramione Fanfiction, which features stories pairing Harry Potter villain Draco Malfoy with Hermione Granger, the series’ female lead, heroine, and Harry’s BFF. In this episode, I’m joined by a fellow RVA book-lover, Jaclyn Wilkins, who explains to me (and you!) the ins and outs of the Dramione Fanfiction world.
Jaclyn is the owner of The Bookmark, RVA's only mobile bookstore! She’s a stay-at-home mom whose favorite hobby—reading—turned into her dream job. She loves fantasy and world-building books the most and is always happy to recommend them to her customers. In her store, you’ll find new releases, pre-loved books, and bookish merchandise, all available at local markets in Richmond, VA. You can find details about her next stop on her Instagram, @thebookmarkbox. She’s eager to meet more book besties, so be sure to stop by and chat with her about your favorite books!
Our drink this week comes from Fiction & Fizz. Jaclyn reached out to founder Kimberly Parrilla to find the perfect drink to pair with Draco and Hermione's angst and romance—a Firewhiskey! (It was absolutely amazing, by the way!)
Firewhiskey Recipe - from Fiction & Fizz
2 oz Fireball Whiskey
3 - 4 oz Pineapple Juice
Shake and serve over ice, enjoy!
In this Episode
Manacled by SenLinYu
ACOTAR - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Mass
Avendell Artwork from Manacled
Roses and Chains by Julie Soto
The Right Thing To Do by LovesBitca8 (Julie Soto)
All The Wrong Things by LovesBitca8 (Julie Soto)
The Auction by LovesBitca8 (Julie Soto)
Secrets and Masks by Emerald_Slytherin
Greenlight by SereneMusafir
Lakeside Farmer’s Market Lovefest - Find Jaclyn here February 9th!
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Today we’re stepping into the surreal, tragic, and darkly comedic world of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five—a story about war, time travel, and what it means to say, 'So it goes.'
My guest this week is Kat McClesse. Kat is an Archaeologist with her M.A. in Bioarchaeology and an amateur photographer. Slaughterhouse Five has been one of her favorite books since childhood and sparked a lifelong interest in activism and human rights. She's has a passion for horror and has driven her fiance insane with "too many books" (his words). They live in Tuckahoe, Virginia with their 2 cats.
The protagonist of this story is Billy Pilgrim, a veteran of WWII who becomes unstuck in time. An important moment in the story is where time is explained as a bug caught in amber, so we paired it with an “Amber Old Fashioned”
Amber Old Fashioned Recipe (from vinepair.com)
1 ounce bourbon
1 ounce rich aged rum
1 tablespoon simple syrup
1 dash peach bitters
1 dash Angostura bitters
Garnish: Citrus peel
Directions
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
Garnish with citrus peel.
In This Episode
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
The Writer’s Crusade by Tom Roston
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Slaughterhouse Five: the Graphic Novel by Ryan North and Albert Montes
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Artist and author Julia Marshel is someone who sees the world through a lens of wonder and joy. From a young age, Julia discovered that if you look closely, the world reveals an infinite variety of amazing things. That same sense of discovery became a gift she and her wife, Claudia, shared with their three daughters, raising them to see and celebrate the beauty in nature. Her books How Many Will We Find? and My Friend the Maple Tree illustrate this love and her desire to pass it on to others.
Our drink this week is a Boulevardier, which I chose because of its beautiful red color. Interestingly enough, the red in Campari originally came from Carmine, which is one of the colors Julia talks about in the episode, yes - bug blood!
Boulevardier Recipe from Liquor.com
Ingredients
1 1/4 ounces bourbon (or rye)
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce sweet vermouth
Garnish: orange twist
Steps
Add bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with an orange twist.
In this Episode
JuliaMarshel.com - Julia’s website
Buy Julia’s Books!
Julia Marshel Paints - Facebook
Julia Marshel Paints - Instagram
Color: A Natural History of the Palette by Victoria Finley
RESONATE Podcast Festival
Daniel Smith Yavapai
Georgia O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch
Breath (2 AM) by Anna Nalick
Dawn Flores at VMFA
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Hello Libration Nation! This week’s book is Daring Greatly by Dr. Brené Brown, and I’m talking about it with my fellow librarian and library advocacy rockstar - Sonya Durney! Sonya is a passionate advocate for libraries and open education. Sonya is the Scholarly Communication Research & Teaching Librarian at the University of New England, is past president of the Maine Library Association, a member of the American Library Association Policy Corps, and serves on the executive board of the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition. As the Scholarly Communication Research & Teaching Librarian at the University of New England, Sonya liaises with the College of Business and the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences while actively contributing to various university committees, including the Open Educational Resources Steering Committee, Equity and Diversity Council of Chairs, and the University Faculty Assembly.
Sonya holds an MLIS from Simmons College, a BA in Political Science from Framingham State University, and a doctorate in Public Policy focusing on Educational Leadership from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. Her research centers on the intersection of public policy and libraries, exploring how legislation shapes access to information. When she’s not immersed in her work or reading, Sonya loves to spend time outdoors in Maine, enjoying adventures with her husband, son, and their beloved chocolate lab, Bourbon.
The challenges librarians face today echo Brown’s idea of “being in the arena.” Whether it’s addressing book bans or advocating for community resources, stepping up despite the fear of criticism embodies the very essence of daring greatly, and Sonya shares her experiences and inspiration pulled from Brené Brown’s work. Please continue to support your local library by visiting www.UniteAgainstBookBans.org and finding ways you can get involved.
Our drink this week is a Mezcal Paloma to highlight Brené Brown’s Texas roots, however she is also proudly sober and I wanted to honor that as well, so I’m also including a Paloma recipe using Ritual Zero Proof Tequila, which I have made for a previous episode.
Mezcal Paloma (link to full recipe with directions)
¼ cup kosher salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 lime, zested and sliced
2 oz Mezcal or sub tequila
2 oz Grapefruit juice
1 oz honey simple syrup
Club sodaPaloma Recipe (Non-Alcoholic)
3 ounces Ritual tequila
2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, plus wedges for garnish
2 ounces club soda
½ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce simple syrup
In this episode
ALA Policy Corps
Maine Library Association
Books by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s Podcasts
Super Soul Sunday - Oprah’s podcast with Brené Brown
Podcast episode where Brent discusses libraries
“When you defund a library, you can change the economic future of an entire family. So cut that shit out.” -Brené Brown
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Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing the classic series Animorphs by K.A. Applegate. Animorphs is a collection of 54 middle-grade books in which five young adults are gifted the power to morph into animals. It was a bit of a cult phenomenon when it was originally published in the late '90s and has recently seen a resurgence online.
My guest is Fiona Fenn. Fiona is an author of fantasy novels that put complicated “heroes” front and center. A fan of villains, redemption arcs, and intense explorations of healing in all its forms, her debut novel, The Crack at the Heart of Everything, is a love letter to every villain who wanted to do better but never got the chance.
I so enjoyed this conversation with Fiona, talking about the Animorphs series and her love for it, as well as her experience writing and publishing her first novel and everything that goes into this process.
Our drink this week is a Flying Saucer, as the Animorphs series begins with the kids meeting an alien who has flown to Earth
Flying Saucer Recipe (from Bevvy.com)
INGREDIENTS
1 oz Amaretto Di Saronno liqueur
1 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
3 oz cream
3 oz ice
Combine in blender until smooth and creamy, serve with cinnamon stick for garnish!
In this Episode
Fiona Fenn’s Website
Buy The Crack at the Heart of Everything by Fiona Fenn
Michael Grant Gone series
Tiny Fox Press
Animorphs Aloud
Queer Liberation Library
KA Applegate Website
Free Animorphs PDFs
Fiona Fenn’s Substack
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Hello Libration Nation! In this week’s episode I’m chatting with David Crowley, nonprofit leader and podcaster, about The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger and Mark Schultz. Over a glass of Longevity Cabernet Sauvignon, we explored the Harvard study’s core finding: strong, meaningful relationships are key to happiness and health. David shared insights from his work with Social Capital Inc., which combats social isolation, and his personal journey maintaining relationships throughout various phases of life. Together, we reflected on building deeper connections in a digital age.
David Crowley founded Social Capital Inc. (SCI) over 20 years ago in his hometown of Woburn, Massachusetts. Under his leadership, SCI has grown to serve communities across the region while continuing to make a difference in Woburn. Prior to SCI, David was the Executive Director of Boston-based Generations Inc. (now Literations). He has been involved in AmeriCorps since the program began in 1993, and served as the founding Director of the Kentucky Community Service Commission, which oversees the program for the state. David graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government. Unsure of his long term plans, and after many service activities in college, David set out to do a year of service in rural Kentucky, which began his career serving his community! In his free time, he enjoys cooking for his family, reading and walking nearby Horn Pond. He also shares his kitchen creations on his food & wine blog, Cooking Chat. He also hosts two podcasts: Cook Local, Eat Local and SCI's Cultivating Connections podcasts.
Drink
Longevity Cabernet Sauvignon
Longevity Winemakers
In this Episode
Social Capital Inc.
Cooking Chat (David’s Food & Wine Blog)
Cook Local, Eat Local Podcast
SCI’s Cultivating Connections Podcast
Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam
Recent NYT interview with Robert Putnam (not mentioned in the episode but really interesting read on loneliness)
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Listener update: I am taking a short pause over the holidays from all the editing and content creation that goes into this podcast. I have plenty of recordings completed that I can’t wait to share with you, and I plan to air new content every-other week starting next week Tuesday December 3rd. Today’s episode is a replay of an episode I released back in June, I hope you enjoy it!
So, after all these interviews talking with wonderful people about their favorite books, I felt it was time to share some of my own things, and who better to do that with than my husband Bill as our first guest host?!
This week we are talking Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, one of my favorite books, and a source of inspiration for doing this podcast as well. Our drink this week is a GigiRita, which is just a Margarita with Grand Mariner that a I gave this silly eponymous names a few years ago after making them at home with friends, they are amazing and a staple at my house when hosting!
GigiRita
1 oz Grand Marnier
2 oz Tequila
1 oz Simple Syrup or Agave
.5 oz Lime Juice
Add salt if you want!
In this episode
Small Victories by Anne Lamott
Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott
Somehow by Anne Lamott
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Hello Libration Nation! This week, we're diving into a beautifully heartwarming poetry collection, Dog Songs by the illustrious Mary Oliver. Joining me is the wonderful Amanda Sue Creasey, a high school English teacher and the Outdoors Writer for Cooperative Living Magazine. Her novel An Expected Endwas published in 2023. She holds an undergraduate degree in German, English, and Secondary Education from Michigan State University, and a graduate degree in Creative Writing from the University of Denver.
Her work appears in three Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and her poetry, outdoor journalism, and nature photography have earned recognition from the Poetry Society of Virginia and Virginia Outdoor Writers Association.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, walking, and standup paddle boarding with her dogs, as well as running and reading. A member of James River Writers, the Poetry Society of Virginia, and Virginia Outdoor Writers Association, she resides in Chester, Virginia, with her husband; Archie the parrot; and two rescue dogs, Nacho and Soda, chihuahua mix littermates who rule the house.
Our beverage for this literary evening is a delightful choice—the refreshing Choice Organics peppermint tea. It’s perfect for winding down in the evening and complements our discussion about the meditative nature of Mary Oliver's work. Though we tossed around several options, including coffee, peppermint tea won out as the ideal calming companion to poetry—offering warmth and comfort as we settled into our discussion.
Mary Oliver's deep connection to nature is another theme we touch on. In "Dog Songs," Oliver beautifully links the nature of dogs to our human experience, inviting us to embrace the interconnectedness of all living things—a reflection that is both contemporary and timeless. For those who are grieving the loss of a dog or simply cherish the companionship of their canine friends, "Dog Songs" serves as a comforting reminder that such bonds are both profound and eternal.
Choice Organic Peppermint Tea
In this Episode
An Unexpected End by Amanda Sue Creasey
Explore More Column by Amanda Sue Creasey for Cooperative Living Magazine
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Knowby Alexandra Horowitz
Earthly Bodies by Vanessa Chakour
Not MFA novel writing class by Matt Cricchio
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Sarah Good
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Welcome back Libration Nation! This week, we're delving into a classic piece of Southern writing with The Prince of Tides by the remarkable Pat Conroy. My guest this week is the amazing, award winning author, Laura Elliott, who I had the pleasure of interviewing while we both were attending the Virginia Library Association Conference last month. Laura really helped us hit a home run with tying the drink in, because she owns a copy of Pat Conroy’s cookbook, and shared with me the recipe for Pat Conroy’s Iced Fruit tea!
Laura shared with me the ways that Pat Conroy impacted her writing, particularly her historical fiction novel Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waveswhich is set in tidewater Virginia and also won the Virginia Library Association Cardinal Cup Award in 2023. Listening to Laura talk about the historical events that framed her story while looking out at the water of Norfolk, realizing how close we were to where those events occurred, is something I don’t think I’ll ever get over
Laura, also known L. M. Elliott was an award-winning, Washington-based magazine journalist, primarily covering women’s issues, before becoming a New York Times best-selling author of historical and biographical fiction. Her novels explore a variety of eras (the Italian Renaissance, American Revolution, Great Depression, WWII, and the Cold War), and are written for a variety of ages.
These works have won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, VLA's Cardinal Cup, and the Grateful American Book Prize; and been named NCSS/CBC Notables (National Council of Social Studies/Children’s Book Council), Bank Street College of Education Best Books, Kirkus Bests, Jr. Library Guild Gold Selections, and received many starred reviews. Elliott holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a master’s in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a lifelong Virginian and history-lover.
Laura Elliott shares a touching recount of her personal encounter with Pat Conroy, capturing his gracious spirit and the profound impact he had on her craft. Their conversation, much like Conroy's novels, was rich with storytelling and an appreciation for the nuances of human experience. In discussing "The Prince of Tides," Laura elaborates on the intricate themes and Southern settings that Conroy brings to life. The novel’s protagonist, Tom Wingo, narrates a saga interwoven with familial struggles, the haunting legacy of mental illness, and the eternal tug of the natural world against societal constraints. Conroy's narrative prowess shines through as he paints vivid, albeit sometimes tragic, tapestries of life in the South. Laura segues this conversation into reflections on her own works, particularly her upcoming book Truth, Lies, and Questions in Between, showcasing how her journalistic roots and Conroy's influence weave into her storytelling style.
Our conversation was not just about storytelling but also about the power of narratives to heal and connect. Books, like the tea we shared, offer a therapeutic escape—a thread of connection through time. As we hold onto these stories, let's remember how they can offer clarity in our storms, much like the stars guiding characters in Laura's story.
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with friends, leave us your thoughts, and subscribe for more enriching discussions. Until next time, keep your tea iced and your bookshelf stocked!
Pat Conroy’s Iced Fruit Tea (makes 3 quarts)
4 tea bags
1 lemon
1 orange, sliced, plus more for garnish
1/2 pint strawberries or raspberries, plus more for garnish
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple, plus more for garnish
1. Place the tea bags in a large heatproof pitcher. Using a vegetable peeler or small paring knife, remove the rind from the lemon, being careful not to include any of the bitter white pith. Cut into strips and reserve. Juice the lemon and reserve.
2. In a kettle, bring 10 cups fresh, cold water to a rolling boil. Pour over tea bags and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your preference. Remove the tea bags and discard. Add the lemon rind, lemon juice, and other fruits. Refrigerate overnight.
3. Strain the fruit from the tea and discard. Pour the tea over ice cubes and garnish with a pineapple cube, an orange slice, or a strawberry.
In this Episode
Laura’s Website
Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves by LM Elliott
Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between by LM Elliott
Southern Festival of the Book
Boozy Booksellers
Pat Conroy Cookbook
Great Santini by Pat Conroy
My Episode with Lisa Varga, VLA director and Library Journal’s 2024 Librarian of the Year
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Hello, Libration Nation! This week, we're diving into the vibrant world of "Paper Girls," an imaginative comic series by Brian K. Vaughn with artwork by Cliff Chiang. This series, which intertwines coming-of-age narratives with sci-fi elements, is a thrilling ride that takes us through time travel and interwoven destinies.
Joining me this week is comedian and bookseller Mary Jane French. Mary Jane has been performing Stand-up since she was 18-years-old. After starting her gender transition, she began cultivating material that captured her early experiences with transition and recorded it in a home-made special entitled Mary Jane French: Bearded Woman. Currently Mary Jane is producing comedy shows in Richmond, VA with Traverse Comedy.
This week, we indulged in a delightful drink choice: a warm, soothing apple cider, which is perfect as we slip further in our fall season, it’s a bit of a play on words, as Mary Jane explains, Apple products play a quirky role in the series. While ours was the classic non-alcoholic version, we can't forget to mention that apple ciders can be easily personalized with a splash of your favorite spirit, or simply enjoyed with a cinnamon stick for a spicy twist.
As always, if you enjoyed our lively discussion and want to help us grow our community, please share, like, review, and subscribe wherever you tune into our episodes. We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing more exciting conversations your way!
In this Episode
Garden Grove Brewing in Carytown
Bottoms Up Pizza in Shockoe Bottom
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series
Saga Series by Brian K Vaughn
Something’s Killing the Children series
Papergirls TV Show
Traverse Comedy
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It's Spooky Season Libration Nation! In this spine-tingling episode, I'm joined by Grace Todd, fellow Richmond podcast host of the "Didn't Read It" podcast, to delve into Shirley Jackson's chilling classic, The Haunting of Hill House. Over Dark Manhattans, we uncover the eerie atmosphere of Hill House, its unsettling characters, and ghostly legacies. Grace shares her deep connection to the novel, analyzing themes of female empowerment, queer undertones, and the metaphorical menace of family structures. We also touch on Jackson's other works and Grace's latest horror series on her podcast. Perfect for horror enthusiasts and fans of eerie literature, this episode offers a blend of humor and spooky insights. Cheers to a frightfully good time!
Grace is an intermittent editor, book gremlin, and aspiring failed novelist. While her MFA in creative writing primarily served to exacerbate both her single-minded obsession with fiction and her dubious mental health, it did give her an excuse to lose herself in books when she should have been doing her day job, for which she is thankful. The book piles in her house are becoming more perilous and less structurally sound by the day.
We recorded this episode in Grace's studio at the Black Iris Social Club, which was so cool, and features a bar where Brett, their charming barkeep, poured us Dark Manhattans, which are delicious with the spice of danger!
Dark Manhattan Recipe
2 oz Cynar
1 oz rye whiskey
1 oz Amaro (Brett made ours with Amaro y Arroyo from the Virginia distillery Copper Fox)
Dash of orange bitters
Garnish - Luxardo Dark Cherries
Serve on ice or stir and shake into a chilled glass - enjoy!
In this Episode
The Haunting of Hill House TV Show
The Haunting (1960s Jackson-sanctioned film version)
We Have Always Lived in the Castle Film
Books by Shirley Jackson
The Shirley Jackson Awards
Thoughts on Shirley Jackson and Queerness
Shirley Jackson's NYT Obituary (not mentioned in the episode but very interesting nonetheless)
Shirley (Elizabeth Moss film)
Didn't Read It episode on Shirley Film
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Hello Libration Nation! In this podcast episode, I'm excited to discuss The Rose Code by Kate Quinn with my cousin Christine O'Brien—a nurse, wife, fur-mom, and avid reader. We'll delve into the lives of female codebreakers at Bletchley Park during WWII, exploring their friendships, struggles, and key plot twists. Christine shares her insights on the serious tone of the novel and its historical significance, making it a great pick for book clubs. Join us for this enriching conversation paired with a delightful rosé from Christine's wine club, Armitage. Cheers!
Drink Pairing
Pinot Noir Rosé from Armitage Wines
In this Episode
Bletchley Park
Olsa Benning
Armitage Wines -
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kate Quinn’s Wikipedia Page
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In this episode, we are discussing Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, a novel originally published in 1929 and a fascinating account of the experiences of women during the Jazz age. I'm joined by Juliana Soltis, an internationally acclaimed cellist, to discuss the book's continued relevance and its portrayal of female independence during the Jazz Age, akin to a 'Sex and the City' for that era. We also shed light on Parrott's obscured legacy in contrast to Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' Moreover, Juliana speaks about her new album American Woman, which highlights lost works by female composers, underscoring the importance of preserving and celebrating women's contributions to art and culture. We wrap up with a tasty note, enjoying a non-alcoholic gin fizz themed to the novel, reflecting Prohibition-era cocktail culture
Juliana Soltis is an internationally-acclaimed cellist, specializing in telling the forgotten stories of classical music. Her latest release from PARMA Recordings, American Woman, explores the lost legacy of America's women composers and is now streaming across all platforms. When not on the road or in the recording studio, Juliana makes her home in Richmond's historic Church HIll neighborhood, where she caters to the every whim of her two greyhounds, Rain and Ceci.
Gin Fizz Recipe
2 ounces gin (We used Monday NA Gin)
1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
3/4 ounce simple syrup
1 egg white (about 1/2 ounce)
Club soda, to top (about 1 ounce)
Directions
Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds.
Add 3 or 4 ice cubes and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Double-strain into a chilled Collins glass and top with club soda.
In this Episode
Juliana Soltis’ Website
American Woman Album
Becoming the Ex-Wife by Dr. Marsha Gordon (Ursula Parrott’s Biography)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Presentation by Dr. Marsha Gordon on Ursula Parrott (we didn’t discuss this in the episode but I found it absolutely fascinating!)
Bright Lights Big City by Jay McInerney
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This week we are discussing The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, a thrilling account of Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister of the UK, and some of the darkest moments for England and Allied forces. My guest is Helen Gabay from Richmond, Virginia. She's the mom of an awesome 12-year-old boy, Charlie, and married to Tim, aka "Mr. Fix-it," a talented local contractor. Helen leads a skilled sales team at a major IT advisory company and enjoys working with some of the brightest minds in technology.
Her passions include reading, travel, and history. She studied Political Science, English, and History at The George Washington University. Known for reading obsessively about her travel destinations, Helen often takes her family on walking tours during vacations. In 2020, she had planned a trip to England that fell through, but soon after, she became captivated by Erik Larson’s masterful narrative non-fiction The Splendid and the Vile. Since then, she’s visited London and many of Winston Churchill's historical sites.
Our drink this week is a Gin Gimlet made with Plymouth Gin, which was Churchill’s preferred gin! Helen served the drinks in classic coupe glasses, which was so fun, fancy, and authentic to the story!
Gin Gimlet (with Plymouth Gin)
2 oz. Plymouth Gin Navy Strength
1 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. part simple syrup
Shake with ice and strain.*
*Helen’s tip: When serving in coupe glasses, fill them with ice water and let them sit for a few minutes to serve cold!
In this Episode
Gin Gimlet invented by Royal Navy to prevent scurvy
Books by Erik Larson
Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts (Churchill’s biography)
Washington Post criticism of The Splendid and the Vile
Expo: The Magic of the White City (Documentary on 1893 World’s Fair)
Sliding Doors Film
WWII Films
Darkest Hour Film
Pearl Harbor Film
Dunkirk Film
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Hello Libration Nation! Ready to go back to the 90s? Today, we're talking about one of the defining books of a generation: Generation X by Douglas Coupland. I'm joined by David How—father, husband, music lover, and proud Canadian 🇨🇦. David shared how this book shaped his life, his love of music, and what it was like coming of age during that unforgettable era. So grab your own drink, settle in, and let’s dive into a conversation that’s all about nostalgia, music, and the power of storytelling.
We're cracking open a classic Canadian drink, a beer and clam🍺, but I chatted with a few of you on Threads and you let me know they can also be called a Red Eye or a Clameye🍅. No matter what you call it, crack open a Molson’s, pour a shot of Clamato in, and sip along with us!
Beer and Clam Drink
Molson’s Canadian Beer
1 shot Clamato
Optional: worcestershire sauce pepper, celery salt, lime
In this Episode
Reality Bites film
Say Anything film
Singles film
BBC Bookclub interview with Douglas Coupland
Roy Lichtenstein artist
Books by Chuck Klosterman
Music
Older:
Talking Heads
Nirvana
The Pixies
Weezer
Green Day
Modern:
MJ Lenderman
Alvvays
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I had an amazing chat with Katie Dolan about “The Midwife” by Jennifer Worth, the book that inspired the TV show “Call the Midwife”. We dived into all things birthing, motherhood, and the magic of community.
Katie dove into her birthing and mothering experiences, the book's rich historical backdrop of East End, London, after WWII, and how media shapes our views on childbirth. We also celebrated the incredible importance of building and cherishing our communities.
Katie is a long-time resident of Bon Air, Virginia, balancing life as a mother of (soon-to-be) six children and wife to one! A lover of all things literature, she’s an avid reader across genres. Currently, Katie is taking a break from her work as a postpartum doula to prepare for the arrival of baby number six.
Our drinks this week were from Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox our beloved Bon Air Coffee shop. Katie sipped on a Virginia Fog Tea, while I enjoyed an Iced Chai Latte, one of my favorite treats!
In this Episode
Call the Midwife TV show
Article by David Books “Communities of Character”
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For the dog lovers of Libration Nation, have we got the episode for you! This week, we are discussing Abigail Thomas’s memoir, A Three Dog Life which documents her experience living with her husband after his traumatic brain injury.
"The startling power and beauty of Abigail Thomas's memoir comes not only from her acute perceptions of a man without memories and her fear of losing her husband but from her refusal to surrender the shards of a loving relationship."-- O, the Oprah Magazine
I’m joined this week by Joyce A. Miller, a writer living in the Church Hill section of Richmond, VA. She has written and indie-published two books: Joe Harris, the Moon, historical fiction based on the true story of Miller’s granduncle who played baseball in the 1910s and 1920s, and Look! You’re Dancing: A Memoir of Dogs, Dance and Devotion, which chronicles Miller’s journey of adopting six greyhounds over the past twenty years and how she danced with several of them. Miller is also a member of James River Writers. Before she started writing, Miller worked for over thirty years as a mechanical designer at a nuclear physics laboratory.
As Abigail Thomas loved her home city of Manhattan as well as the drink, we thought it was a perfect pairing with this book!
Manhattan Recipe
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)
In this Episode
Joyce’s Website (with links to books, newsletter)
James River Greyhounds
Gari Melcher Website (and Corinne!)
James River Writers
Greyhound Health Initiative
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Calling all #librationnation leaders! This week we are discussing the groundbreaking book for managers, “First Break All the Rules” By Marcus Buckingham with Ira Holliday. Husband, father, avid golfer and business strategist are several of the key attributes used to describe Ira Holliday. With over 25 years of Fortune 200 experience in the areas of digital transformation, HR services and agile delivery, Ira has amassed quite the collection of business and leadership-focused authors within his library, including “First Break All The Rules, a New York Times bestseller.
Our drink this week is a Smoked Old Fashioned, which Ira introduced to me, which is a traditional old fashioned but finished using a smoker kit, which gives it an additional layer, perfect for fall.
Old Fashioned Recipe
1 teaspoon sugar
3 dashes Angostura bitters
1 teaspoon water
2 ounces bourbon (or rye whiskey, if preferred)
Garnish: orange twist
In This Episode
Cocktail Smokers
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Gen Z and Millennials visit the library more than older generations
- Vis mere
