Happy New Year Libration Nation! We are kicking off the year with Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke, a romance suspense novel in which Mike and Maya find love in the midst of danger and messiness. This is the first book in Clarke’s Courageous Love Series, and with excellent characters and diverse voices, it is a favorite of this week’s guest, Liz Bullard!

Liz Bullard is a multi-genre author, therapist, and coach known for her captivating storytelling and passion for helping creatives overcome obstacles. Her notable works include The Prophecy Series and the Lira Somers Mysteries—praised for fast-paced plots, vivid characters, and movie-like imagery. Liz’s love of reading and writing is evident in the eReads Podcast, where she celebrates the power of creativity and storytelling. When she’s not writing, coaching, or recording the podcast, she’s cooking, reading, or spending time with Preston the corgi.

Our drink this week is a Hibiscus French 75 Mocktail, using one of my favorite syrups Wild Hibiscus, which includes hibiscus flowers that make the cocktail match Heartbeat’s cover!

Ingredients

1 oz NA gin

.5 oz Wild Hibiscus syrup

.5 oz fresh lemon juice

NA Sparkling wine

Ice

Lemon twist or edible flower (for garnish)

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, wild hibiscus syrup, and fresh lemon juice.

2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled.

3. Place hibiscus flower from the syrup in a champagne flute.

4. Pour mixture from shaker into flute

5. Top it off: Gently top off the drink with your choice of chilled NA sparkling wine.

In this Episode

Terreece M. Clarke’s Website

James Patterson

Janet Evanovich

Hello Libration Nation! This week I am joined by Nick George, a poet and educator, to discuss This Is The Honey an anthology of poems edited by Kwame Alexander. We talked about Nick’s journey with poetry, the significance of diverse voices in poetic anthologies, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in stories. We read and analyze poems from the anthology, including works by Mahogany L. Brown and Jabari Asim. This is the last episode of 2025 as I’m taking a little break to relax and spend time with my family. Looking forward to some great episodes coming out in 2026!

Nicholas Steven George (or, Nick George the Poet) is a poet, educator, DJ and facilitator. He has performed at venues such as TedXCharlottesville, American Psychology Association Annual Convention, University of Lynchburg & Opera Roanoke. In performing his original work, he has opened for renowned poets like Jasmine Mans, Levi the Poet, Alysia Harris, Black Ice & Joshua Bennett. His work dwells at the intersection of culture, identity and spirituality. He has been writing, performing, and teaching for more than two decades. Nick’s award-winning work has been featured in a variety of industries and highlighted on platforms on the local and nationwide scale, ranging from private group facilitation and workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, and virtual/in-person performances. Find him on his website or on social media.

Moscow Mule

2 oz vodka

1 oz fresh lime juice

4 oz ginger beer

Fresh mint leaves (about 8-10)

Lime wedge (for garnish)

Ice

Copper mug (traditional)

In the bottom of a copper mug, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils.

Fill the mug with ice cubes.

Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice.

Top off with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.

Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.

Enjoy your refreshing Moscow Mule!

In this Episode

Drinks in the Library Merch

Sonya Sanchez

Langston Hughes

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

Amiri Baraka Black Art