From The Newsroom: The Lakeland Ledger

Flavors of dark mocha, molasses and plum dominate this stellar Russian imperial stout from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Reporter Eric Pera sails through a review of Narwhal Imperial Stout, which is named for the curious, tusked whale that inhabits Arctic waters. READ MORE: www.theledger.com/news/20171101/99-bottles-narwhal-imperial-stout-stellar-ale

In a season normally dominated by all things pumpkin, Funky Buddha Brewery elevates the category with a strong ale based on a traditional Southern, holiday side dish. Eric Pera dishes on a unique seasonal ale: Sweet Potato Casserole Strong Ale.

Eric Pera takes us through the ingredient list for Mikkeller's Mexas Ranger, which reads more like the recipe for a stew. Read more: www.theledger.com/news/20171004/99-bottles-mexas-ranger-pairs-well-with-tex-mex-favorites

A new Star Wars movie is out today, so natural the Big Nerd is gonna wanna talk about it. Your host, Ray Beasock, sits down with Ledger reporter Brady Fredericksen to discuss. 

It isn't supposed to warm up until WHEN?

Brady talks about his initial impressions of the men's and women's basketball teams at Florida Southern.

We're talking pop this week -- and we don't mean soda pop. We're talking about Funko Pop vinyl figures. Your host Ray Beasock chats with Zachary Buss of Lakeland, who has amassed a collection of more than 300 collectible figures.

Darlene Bradley, 60, faces felony charges of using a deceased person’s identification and possessing an altered or counterfeit decal on a handicapped placard, both of which carry a prison term up to five years if she’s convicted. She also was arrested for unlawful use of a handicapped placard, which is a misdemeanor.   READ MORE: http://www.theledger.com/news/20171206/pcso-arrests-davenport-mayor-says-she-was-using-dead-peoples-handicapped-placards

READ MORE: http://www.theledger.com/news/20171129/residents-get-excited-about-37th-annual-lakeland-christmas-parade

The Big Nerd Podcast lets listeners explore their inner nerd. Some call it a hobby, but if you're really into something, let's face it, you're nerdy about it. Whether that's video games, statistics, old books or cars, it's all geek to host Ray Beasock as he takes you into the minds of his guests and his own nerdy obsessions.     

Winter Haven girls basketball coach Johnnie Lawson, who has won back-to-back state championships, including the 2016-17 Class 8A title and the 2015-16 Class 7A title, talks about defeating national and Class 4A champion Miami Norland during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Preview of a Lake Wales event in which participants can decorate a gingerbread house and take the Holiday Home Tour. Each participant will also receive a storybook to take home. Paul Catala, The Ledger