Drinks in the Library

• The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary with Ashley Jones

  The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is a charming romantic comedy about two strangers, Tiffy and Leon, who share a London flat but have never met, communicating only through notes. As they navigate their unconventional living arrangement, they gradually develop a deep connection that leads to unexpected romance.My guest this week is the hilarious Ashley Jones, who dreams of owning a stationery store and recapping reality TV for a living (dream big), all while aiming to finally shoot a T-shirt gun, an ambition she’s pursued for over a decade. Ashley is one of my favorite people I follow on social media, and I hope you follow her there too! You can find Ashley on Instagram @AshleyJonesy, Threads @AshleyJonesy, on TikTok @ohashleyjonesy and NOW on her just launched substack Yap Time: The Newsletter you read before a nap.I had such a great time chatting with Ashley, we share so many of the same passions (Bravo shows, Taylor Swift, Pop Culture in general) that we frequently got off topic and I had to cut a good portion of the show, which I will be calling “The Lost Episode”, which will not be released and will become part of the lore of the show until fans clamor for me to release it 10 years from now, a la “All Too Well” 10 minute version, which is a Taylor reference and I promise that’s the last one, at least for the podcast intro!Together we delve into the plot of The Flatshare , focusing on the characters' humanity and the book's feel-good nature. Ashley reflects on how the book changed her perspective on reading for enjoyment. We also talked about the value of empathy, dealing with insecurities, and the joy of following passions, ending the conversation with a nod to Ashley’s love for Sonic's Coke Zero and styrofoam cups.In This EpisodeKelce Bowl (Super Bowl LVII)Not Gonna Lie (Kylie Kelce’s Podcast - my #1 rival!)Orpheus by Sara BareillesStyrofoam cups outlawed in VirginiaSonic Drive InBeth O’Leary’s WebsiteBooks by Beth O’LearyBrett Goldstein

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• The Finlay Donovan Series by Elle Cosimano with Mair Downing

  The Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano follows a witty, overworked single mom and novelist who accidentally becomes entangled in real-life crime while trying to meet her writing deadlines. Blending humor, suspense, and heart, the series delivers a fast-paced mix of murder, motherhood, and unexpected friendship.A little bit about this week's (returning) guest, Mair Downing.Mair transitioned into real estate from a Fortune 200 company because she wanted a career where she could make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether working with buyers, sellers, or investors—helping clients right-size or find that perfect river getaway—she believes in the energy that comes from realizing goals are within reach. And with Mair’s guidance, they are.FREE TIMEWhen Mair isn’t showing homes or preparing listings, she’s cheering on her teen daughters in their various activities—soccer, volleyball, and basketball—or snuggling with her Havanese, Odie (and, of course, her husband, too!). She loves to travel, enjoy great food, and soak in all that life has to offer. Check up her "What's Up Wednesday series on Instagram: @obsessedwithhomes For quiet moments, she finds peace sitting on a dock, watching the water glimmer with a good book. Favorite right now: Black Phone by Joe HillDeath by Chocolate Cocktail - we recorded this episode on Día De Los Muertos, also as the book titles and story contents often involve a little murder, we knew we needed a “deadly” cocktail!Servings: 1Ingredients¾ oz vodka ¾ oz Bailey’s Irish Cream ¾ oz dark crème de cacao ¼ cup chocolate ice cream½ cup iceChocolate shavings, for garnishInstructionsCombine the vodka, Bailey’s, dark crème de cacao, chocolate ice cream, and ice in a blender.Blend until smooth.Pour into a chilled wine glass.Garnish with chocolate shavings and enjoy!In this EpisodeDITL Merch is now out! Please considering one of these adorable items to support the show.Barbara Streisand films Funny Girl and What’s Up DocDrawing Hands by MC EscherBlack Phone by Joe HillBrave New World by Aldous HuxleyPushcart PrizeO. Henry Award

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• The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey with Ally Kirkpatrick

  I’m so excited to share the audio from my very first live recording, held on October 28 at M.M.LaFleur Georgetown. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ally Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books, about The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating a story that deeply influenced her decision to open her bookstore.A huge thank you to M.M.LaFleur and their wonderful Georgetown staff for being so kind, supportive, and making this event possible, and to Ally for being such a generous guest and collaborator.Since we recorded in an open space, I made a few audio adjustments to smooth out background noise. While it sounds crisp and clear overall, you might notice a few spots that move a bit quickly as I balanced the levels.BookThe Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey is a quiet, meditative memoir that finds wonder in the smallest details of life. As the bedridden author observes a snail living beside her, she discovers unexpected lessons about resilience, curiosity, and the beauty of slowing down.GuestAlly Kirkpatrick, an Alexandria native, founded Old Town Books in 2018 to create space for her love of reading, writing, and community. She also loves her family, shop dog Scout, and gardening. Ally’s current picks include happy-ending thrillers, journalist-written nonfiction, reimagined history, and beautiful gardening books. Recently her debut essay Gnawing was featured in Roxane Gays’s The Audacity, learn more about her writing at allykirkpatrick.com.Drink For our drink this week we had two options, the first was “The MM Spritz”, a white wine spritzer named in honor of our lovely host, MM LaFleur Georgetown. The second was a NA option, Herb & Orchid dealconized wine alternative, which was so tasty, and the connection to nature paired perfectly with the book.In this EpisodeCommunity Bookstore Brooklyn NYElisabeth Tova Bailey’s website - where you can listen to a snail eating Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott - check out the DITL episode on this book!The Governeses by Anne SerreGnawing by Ally Kirkpatrick on Roxane Gay’s The AudacityAlly Kirkpatrick’s YouTubeThe John Burroughs MedalFabled Ice Cream These Truths by Jill LeporeBooks by Lindsey Chervinsky, presidential historianYou Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe

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• Carrie by Stephen King with Nathan Buchholz

  Carrie by Stephen King tells the story of a shy, bullied teenager who endures relentless cruelty at school and terrifying abuse at home from her fanatically religious mother. When Carrie discovers her telekinetic powers, years of repression and pain erupt in a devastating act of vengeance on prom night.GuestNathan Lawrie-Buchholz is a special education teacher who loves books that make him afraid to turn off the lights. Nathan has frightened his friends and family with scary stories written in the margins of school notebooks since he was young. Profane Beasts is his debut novel. Nathan’s experience as a teacher inspires him to write about professionals who make a living separating their emotional needs from the people they serve. Nathan writes about the anxiety of walking that line between being professionally empathetic and dangerously involved that all social workers must navigate. Nathan lives in Henrico, Virginia with his wife Haley, their rescue pittie mix Ziti, and their internet famous cat Marston. He can be found searching independent bookstores for old paperbacks or investigating exciting places to eat in the Richmond area. You can find him on Instagram Goodreads or on his websiteOur drink this week is a Bloody Mary, of course as a homage to the moment Carrie had enough. I use Zing Zang to make my Bloody Mary’s, to some this is a controversial choice, but I’m sorry, I know what I like!Bloody Mary Recipe3 parts Zing Zang® Bloody Mary Mix1 part your favorite vodkaDirectionsPour over ice and stirAdd a squeeze of limeGarnish with celery, olives, hot sauce, bacon, anything you like really!In this EpisodeBlair Witch Project Marketing CampaignOn Writing by Stephen KingAll 4 Carrie Movies RankedCuckoo by  Gretchen Felker Martin Books by Eric LaRoccaBooks by T. KingfisherBunny by Mona AwadFountain Bookstore in Richmond, VirginiaWhickerman FilmWorld War Z by Max BrooksThe Great Dismal SwampCajun Queen Tour New OrleansAbi’s Books and Brews

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• Required Listening with Gigi Howard

  Hello, Libration Nation! This week, I'm doing something a bit different and sharing 15 books that I loved in 2025! This format is a departure from the regular show, but I wanted to highlight some personal favorites that haven't made it onto the show yet. If you want to give feedback on this or for future episodes, reach out to me at [email protected] week’s drink is a fabulous rosé from none other than the Duchess of Sussex herself, Meghan Markle! I’ll also be sharing a tasting video on Instagram, so stay tuned!No show notes this week—I really want you to listen to the episode in full, so I won’t be listing the books just yet. But don’t worry, I’ll share that list closer to the holiday season!And if you haven’t registered yet, don’t miss my live event on Tuesday, October 28 at M.M.LaFleur Georgetown! I’ll be interviewing Ally Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books, and it’s going to be a delightful and fun evening!Date: Tuesday, October 28 Time: 6-8 PM Location: M.M.LaFleur, 1344 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC What to expect: - Drinks & light bites before & after the recording - Shop M.M.LaFleur’s cozy fall collection at 15% off - Browse our in-store library curated by Old Town Books RSVP & more details: https://luma.com/hbsnu98yEnjoy the episode!

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