A trip to Wal-Mart, a recent MS diagnosis, sobriety, dating in recovery, and a reconciliation with Lauryn Bunker. We spend a lot of time talking in my car, yelling and trading stories. Lauryn shouts at a man while driving past the strip club, and I yell about an amends gone awry with an ex-girlfriend that ended with the destruction of my old Volvo. We attempt to eat candy out of those “free” bins. Can’t find any bins at Wal-Mart. Get kicked out. Then we go to another grocery store and find some bins. I follow up a couple months after to see how she’s doing.
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SN5:EP9 “But You White”
First, a fiercely compassionate and steely listener letter from Kisha Baskin–Andy’s Junior High School friend who, maybe on accident, changed the direction of his life by telling him he was funny. And meant it. Next, (you’ll notice this episode is still rated “explicit.”) You’d think a clergy member would shy away from Andy’s earthy lexicon and subject matter. Not so with the Reverend James Dollins. This conversation will surprise the Hell out of you. (No pun.) Dollins is a socially-progressive; insightful; startingly “non-shamey”; compassionate, and super quick-witted Methodist minister in Anaheim, CA. A city which is 55% Hispanic or Latino, 24% White Alone, 15% Asian Alone, and only 3% African American or Black. (The remaining 3% being a diverse mix of Native, Two or More Race, and a bunch of folks that identify as “Other”.) Full disclosure: I consider myself extremely lucky to call this man my cousin. @wanderingaisles. Consider supporting the show on Patreon! (or just tell a friend). -
SN4:EP2 “Sweat Lodge”
Adrian Lambrinos invited me to a sweat lodge ceremony in April and it was such a powerful experience it shut me up for about 9 months. This is my attempt to take you through it with me. Glad to be back. -
SN1:EP5 “There and Back Again”
Over a year in the making, this epic episode spans several conversations with NYC comedian Aalap Patel. From Alpha Donuts in Queens, along Avenue A in the village, 3 of Andy’s apartments, a rooftop in Brooklyn, and into the dark heart of one of New York’s most beloved funny men. [Correction: The poem that I read about 22 minutes in to this episode is by Greg Koehler and his name is actually pronounced “Keeler.” Originally published in Ninth Letter as “Heart River Dirge,” the poem is now titled “Mutual Testament” in the as of yet unpublished manuscript “Style, Elements.” For now it’s here. Check out Greg on Instagram. I’ve loved that poem for years and was finally able to track him down recently and get to know him a bit.]
