Surrender by Bono with Heidi K. Brown
In Surrender Bono, the iconic frontman of U2, shares a deeply personal memoir that explores his life’s journey through music, activism, and spirituality. With candid reflections and heartfelt anecdotes, he invites readers into the experiences that shaped both his artistry and his commitment to making a difference in the world.
Heidi K. Brown is a former lawyer, a law professor, a writer, a novice boxer, a passionate U2 fan, a proud introvert, and a feisty solo traveler. She is the author of three books about well-being and healthy performance for law students, lawyers, and other members of the legal profession: The Introverted Lawyer, Untangling Fear in Lawyering, and The Flourishing Lawyer. Heidi is an internationally recognized public speaker on topics of self-empowerment, authenticity, and self-discovery. Heidi launched her debut travel memoir, The Map I Draw: A Memoir of Travel as a Passport to Self, in June 2025. You can find more at Heidikritinbrown.com and her substack Heidiography.
Our drink this week is Irish Whiskey, specifically Writer’s Tears if you can get it! If you are in the United States you can order it through Reserve Bar.
In this Episode
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Joshua_Tree
Is U2 the longest running band on the planet?
Ali Hewson - Chernobyl International
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
Heidi’s Keynote at University of Richmond Law School Graduation
Joshua Tree Bar Manhattan (sadly now closed!)
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