Here For it by R. Eric Thomas with Izzie Call
If you have listened to the podcast for awhile, you have probably heard me reference the book Here For it: Or, How To Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas. It is a favorite of mine and had a big impact on me when I read it the first time in June of 2020, so I was SO excited when my friend and returning guest Izzie Call read it, loved it as well, and wanted to come on and talk about it with me. In the episode I referenced the review I wrote about it at the time, but then I never read the review so here it is: Eric Thomas grew up thinking he was a normal kid until others made him feel that he wasn’t. Black, gay, and Christian, these essays reflect upon his experience of never fitting in, being discriminated against, and his hopeful journey to find his place in a country that he loves. Thomas’ conversational writing style draws the reader in, and his ability to add humor to heartbreaking moments truly make these stories come to life. In a time when we can all use to learn more about other’s experiences, this book was enlightening and truthful, with jokes that landed like Kerri Strug in the ‘96 Olympics.
My guest this week is the always delightful Izzie Call. Izzie works as a museum educator for the VMFA coordinating projects related to the permanent collections and special exhibition displays including digital components, labels, and web
resources. Izzie is a lifelong, passionate educator and feels most at home speaking about art with those who have an interest in learning.
Also, thank you to Eric Thomas for sharing his favorite drink with me when in a moment of bravado (delusion?) I reached out to him on IG. It is a Cosmopolitan and he said he is bringing it back as a recession indicator!
Cosmo Recipe
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)
1.5-2 oz vodka
Shake hard with ice, pour into martini glass, garnish with orange or lime, and enjoy!
In this Episode
Eric’s Newsletter - Check It Out!
Ali Hazelwood Hunger Games Drama
Frida Kahlo VMFA Exhibit (on view through 9/28/25)
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler With Lisa Varga REDUX
Gigi and Lisa discuss Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler.
Anne of Green Gables By LM Montgomery with Deanna Firehair Redux
Did you read the Anne of Green Gables series as a young girl and then walk through the woods pretending to be Anne and Diana? Yes? So did I and so did my friend Deanna!
Talking with Deanna about this book was so much fun, celebrating Anne and the cultural impact this story has had. A famous Anne quote is: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. Well, I’m so glad I live in a world where there is an Anne of Green Gables.
Spoiler alert (Not really this is an iconic scene at this point): In the first book Anne accidentally gets her bestie Diana drunk on current wine, which she believes is raspberry cordial. Current wine apparently takes months, so we decided to make Raspberry Cordial Mules, which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol by making it with zero-proof vodka. I got the recipe from this lovely website and made the cordial myself in less than an hour!
Raspberry Cordial Mule
12 oz. Frozen Raspberries
3 cups Water
¾ cup Sugar
2 tsp. Lime Juice plus more for cocktails
Vodka
Ginger Beer
Fresh Raspberries (for garnish)
In this episode:
Anne of Green Gables 2 part special (Megan Fellows version is cannon)
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz with Magan Vernon
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz is a memoir about her decade-long entrapment in a manipulative Christian cult during her time on One Tree Hill. The book details how the group controlled her life, career, and finances—until motherhood and the support of friends gave her the strength to break free.
My guest this week is the lovely Magan Vernon, an author who has been living off reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her kids run amok around her Texas ranch. Subscribe to her Newsletter and join her Facebook Fan Group here: Magan’s Minions (Reader Group)
Strawberry Champagne Margarita
fresh strawberries, trimmed
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. fresh lime juice
.25 cups sparkling wine
Optional: 4 oz. triple sec or 2 tablespoons agave syrup, for a sweeter margarita
Place strawberries in a large glass. Using a muddler, muddle the strawberries until they resemble puree.
Add tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. If you would like to add a sweetener to the cocktail, add triple sec or agave syrup to the cocktail shaker as well.
Fill cocktail glass or champagne flute halfway full with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry or lime.
In this Episode
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz
Paris, The Memoir by Paris Hilton
Magan’s Library’s Reading Challenge (that I am totally stealing!)
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl with Mandy Naglich
The song “Welcome to New York” has been in my head all week preparing for this episode on the book Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, a witty and revealing memoir by renowned food critic Ruth Reichl. During her time as The New York Times restaurant critic, Reichl went undercover in elaborate disguises to avoid preferential treatment and uncover the truth about New York’s dining scene. Blending memoir, food writing, and restaurant reviews, the book offers delicious behind-the-scenes stories, vivid character sketches, and reflections on identity, privilege, and the power of perception, all served under the iconic Manhattan skyline.
The amazing person who came to me with this book is Mandy Naglich, an author, journalist, and certified taster. She travels the world to report stories on food and drink culture for a variety of outlets as well as her own personal platform, Drinks with Mandy. Her award-winning book, How to Taste, takes readers on a journey into their senses and introduces them to the quirky characters in the world of professional tasting along the way.
Cosmo Recipe (Mandy’s Version)
0.5 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz pomegranate juice (the stuff you find in the refrigerated section is best!)
0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)
1.5-2 oz vodka
Shake hard with ice, pore into martini glass, don’t over-strain so you can enjoy the ice-chips, garnish with orange, and enjoy!
In This Episode
Mandy’s Linktree (Instagram, TikTok, Writing, and more!)
National Homebrew Competition Mandy won this in 2021
How to Taste - Mandy’s Book
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma with Dr. Meghan Waldron
In The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin Sharma tells the story of a high-powered lawyer who trades his fast-paced life for spiritual enlightenment in the Himalayas. This modern fable blends personal development with timeless wisdom, offering a roadmap to finding purpose, balance, and joy.
Today’s guest, Dr. Meghan Waldron, is a lifelong dreamer, writer, and educator who believes every student has a story to tell. With nearly two decades in K–12 and now in higher ed, she helps students find confidence and joy in writing through reflection, creativity, and honest feedback. Meghan is also a professional writer and recently earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from VCU. When she’s not teaching or writing, she’s out adventuring with her sons.
Our drink this week is the Fountain of Youth. The book talks extensively about the “Fountain of Life,” which is essentially water—and as a proud water drinker, I say stay hydrated, friends! But for our more adventurous summer days, this cocktail—with its bright notes of lemon and elderflower—is a perfect treat. Cheers!
Fountain of Youth Cocktail (from Rebecca Creek Distillery)
2 oz Vodka
¾ oz Elderflower Liqueur
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
2 sprigs of mint leaves
2 oz Prosecco
Add Vodka along with Elderflower Liqueur and Lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for a few seconds and then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
Top off with Prosecco.
Garnish with the two sprigs of mint leaves.
In this Episode
https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/ - Meghan’s Tutoring Company
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
The Alchemist by Paula Coelho
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel with Dave Valeza
This week, we're diving into Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel—a hauntingly beautiful novel that blends post-apocalyptic survival with the enduring power of art, memory, and human connection. Set in the aftermath of a devastating pandemic, the story weaves together multiple timelines and characters, from a Shakespearean theater troupe traveling the ruins of North America to the lives they left behind.
Our guest is Dave Valeza, who grew up in Covina, California, after emigrating with his family from Manila, Philippines. Pursuing his love of drawing, Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration and a master’s in sequential art. A passionate visual storyteller, he especially loves drawing people, fashion, and technology. In his spare time, Dave enjoys cooking, reading, and sketching in Savannah, Georgia - where he lives with his husband and family. Find out more about Dave and his work at davevaleza.com.
Our drink this week fits right into a dystopian world. It’s a simple Mimosa—cocktail or mocktail style—made with sparkling wine or ginger beer/ginger ale. But here’s the twist: you must drink it out of a random old cup you found lying around. That’s the full Station Eleven experience—elegance in the ruins. Cheers!
In this Episode
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle (Author) Dave Valeza (Illustrator)
Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle (Author) Dave Valeza (Illustrator)
Blubber by Judy Blume
Forever by Judy Blume
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe with Jess Harshbarger
This week’s episode is about one of my personal favorite books, Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, and I’m joined by returning guest and longtime friend (and librarian) Jess Harshbarger! This book is everything to me — OnlyFans, motherhood, wrestling, robots, and cosplay are brought together to create this absolutely amazing work of art.
The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger with Heather Maury
Join passionate librarians as they dive into the bestselling novelThe Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. In this episode of the podcast Drinks at the Library, we explore the novel’s unique take on time travel, love, fate, and loss—paired with The Ephemeral Encounter cocktail, a perfect drink to explore Henry and Claire’s timeless love.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers with Emily James
In A Psalm for the Wild-Built ,Becky Chambers invites readers into a serene, post-collapse world where a wandering tea monk named Dex crosses paths with a curious robot, sparking a journey of introspection and philosophical wonder. Together, they explore what it means to be content, connected, and truly alive in a world that has learned to live gently.
My guest this week is Emily James, a marketing strategist who moved to Richmond 15 years ago to attend VCU and forgot to leave after graduation. Growing up, she always had her nose in a book and rediscovered her love of reading as an adult thanks to the pandemic, motherhood, and the Libby app. When she's not lost in a good story, you can find her watching reality TV, playing tabletop games, or spending time with her family.
The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie with Kemper Donovan
This week, we’re off to the deceptively cozy village of St. Mary Mead, where gossip flows freely and murder is just around the hedgerow. Join us as Miss Marple makes her unforgettable debut in The Murder at the Vicarage —knitting needles in hand and sharper than ever.
My guest this week is author Kemper Donovan. Kemper began his writing career while still working as a manager, eventually publishing his debut novel, The Decent Proposal, after a lengthy journey to publication. Around the same time, he co-created the podcast All About Agatha with his friend Catherine Brobeck, celebrating the work of Agatha Christie. Following Catherine’s passing in 2021, Kemper has continued the podcast on his own, and his passion for Christie’s mysteries led him to create his own Ghostwriter mystery series including books The Busy Body and Loose Lips, now published by Kensington Books. He lives with his husband and their two daughters, and when not writing or podcasting, he enjoys running and making valiant attempts at playing the violin.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher with Bill Howard
Welcome to this week’s episode of Drinks in the Library! Today we’re exploring Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher, a darkly whimsical tale of a shy princess who undertakes an impossible quest — armed with a dustwitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, and a dog made of bones — to rescue her sister from a cruel prince and a cursed kingdom.
My guest this week is my husband, Bill Howard. I asked if he wanted me to read a little bio for him, and he said he’d actually prefer to have even less of himself on the internet — which, frankly, is impossible given all the stuff I’ve already spilled about him on this podcast.
Both Bill and I love Nettle & Bone so much and it was fun to talk with him about it! This book is a dark fairy tale and I wanted to pick a dark drink, I think any will do but I went with an Espresso Martini because that is one of Bill’s favorite cocktails.
The Women by Kristin Hannah with Sarah Glover
Hello Libration Nation, this week we are discussing The Women by Kristin Hannah. The Women is a powerful, heart-wrenching novel that follows a young nurse, Frankie McGrath, as she volunteers to serve in the Vietnam War — a world of violence, loss, and unspoken heroism. Through her journey, Hannah shines a light on the often overlooked stories of the women who fought, served, and survived, both overseas and at home.
My guest this week is my friend and neighbor, Sarah Glover. Sarah is a teacher by day, mom 24/7. Baker of cookies and sarcasm. Fueled by coffee, true crime, and dark humor. Probably judging your grammar while reading murder mysteries.
Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins with Michael Bickett
Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. This is a love story… kind of. It’s about a princess, an outlaw, a lot of philosophical rambling, and a surprising number of Camel cigarettes. Tom Robbins basically asks: how do you make love stay? The answers are weird, hilarious, and occasionally involve explosives.
I'm so excited for my guest this week: Michael Bickett is an award-winning podcaster with over a decade of experience and 1,000+ podcast credits. As the Founder and COO of Certified Crucial, he helps creators monetize their podcasts through eco-friendly, custom merchandise solutions. Michael is also the Founder and CEO of Geeks Under the Influence, an award-winning digital media company and podcast network.
A mentor for the RVA Community of Podcasters, he’s passionate about making the podcast industry more inclusive and accessible. With expertise in branding, monetization, and community-building, Michael is a sought-after speaker on topics like creator-driven merchandise, co-branded deals, and creating equitable opportunities in digital spaces.
Since Tom Robbins did spend some time here in Richmond, I wanted to pick a drink that is local. We went with Kopper Kettle's Bourbon Whiskey
In this Episode
Geeks Under the Influence Digital Media
Village Café - Richmond, Virginia
Books by Kurt Vonnegut - Or listen to my Slaughterhouse Five Episode
The Last Ranger by Peter Heller with Sarah Glenn Marsh
Hello Libration Nation! I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah Glenn Marsh to this week's episode as we uncover the wonders of "The Last Ranger" by Peter Heller. A thrilling exploration of nature's beauty and human empathy, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. And we've paired it with the citrusy and daring Lone Ranger cocktail—tequila, lemon, and a hint of rose—capturing the essence of adventure.
Sarah Glenn Marsh has been an avid fantasy reader since the day her dad handed her a copy of The Hobbit and promised it would change her life. She believes we all deserve happy endings and is an author of books for everyone, including many young adult, middle grade, and picture book titles. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family, including one sweet daughter, one slightly dull sword, and the chaos of many pets, like a turtle named Muffin who she definitely did not bring back from any haunted swamp. We Could Be (Anti)heroes is her first adult novel and will be coming out Spring 2026.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler with Gretchen Gales
Hello, Libration Nation! 📚✨ This week, we’re diving into Parable of the Sower by the legendary Octavia Butler. If you haven’t read it yet, get ready—it’s a powerful, thought-provoking novel that feels more relevant than ever.
My guest this week is the lovely Gretchen Gales, a writer, teacher, editor, and occasional artist. Her first poetry chapbook Agora Alien Buddha Press, 2023) is available now. Gretchen's work has also appeared in Ms., HuffPost, Next Avenue, YourTango, Well + Good, and others. See more of her work at www.writinggales.com.
Our drink this week is a green tea highball, which pairs with the Earthseed, which if you have read the book you know is a major part of the story, and if you haven't read the book yet, now is your chance!
Now one last thing, if you love this podcast, do me a favor—take a moment to review, give us a star rating, and most importantly, tell two friends about Drinks in the Library this week. It makes a huge difference!
Green Tea Highball
2 oz. Whisky
2½ oz. Tea
½ oz. Simple syrup
½ oz. Lemon juice
Top up with Soda
Pour over ice in a highball glass, garnish with a lemon wheel.
In this Episode
Parable of the Sower Graphic Novel
John Green's take on Parable of the Sower
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson