Laughter and Libations

Text comments and questions here! I say, "Nothing is too small to celebrate." I've said this over and over. In this episode, I wonder about something big--an entire lifetime. How do you celebrate a someone's entire life? That's what we try to do, particularly when we lose a loved one.  In this episode, I talk about loved ones who have completed their journey here. My fathe...

Text comments and questions here! June 23, 2026. Today would have been my father's 80th birthday. I miss him.  May this episode lift up all who hear it. Episode 110 (Replay) This episode is dedicated to my father, Larry Campbell. On the occasion of his 79th birthday, we gathered together for an entire weekend at my parents' home in Cartersville, Georgia. Yes, I was on location--in the co...

Text comments and questions here! This month feels like the beginning of summer. I know we're not quite there based on the calendar. I don't care! It feels like summer to me, and I'm sure it's because I took a little vacation. Travel along with me to Scottsdale, Arizona. It was an adventure!  Laughing Matters features the end-of-the-month highlights and usually includes four se...

Text comments and questions here! This time in my life is really hard. I still struggle to find the words to describe this. I'm a writer. Yet, I fail to find the words for this. In the meantime, I continue forward in ways that I can. Perhaps you are facing something that's hard, too. If you are, this episode is for you.  When life gets hard or when life sucks, I know I'm at a crossr...

Text comments and questions here! Spring is the perfect time to let go of things you don't need anymore. What are you ready to let go of right now? Is it something tangible or intangible? Will you do it quickly or will you need a lengthy process? I decided to focus on something easy, and I reached out for a little help from mom. I thought I was ready. I wasn't! Who knew that decluttering...

Text comments and questions here! The energy for 2026 is fire! To me that means it's time for action! So, I'm sharing my focus areas for the year. I know it's February. Who cares? I didn't do it in January because I wasn't ready. I'm ready now. There's a lesson in this. Follow your own intuition. That's what I'm doing, and my intuition has me continuing...

Text comments and questions here! Welcome to Season 6! I'm thrilled to continue this journey to increase laughter and joy in my life and in yours. I hope you laugh every time you listen, even when life seems too hard.   This month has been some kind of something! I was sick for a few days and lately, I've been a bit anxious about these winter weather conditions. I feel like I've bee...

Text comments and questions here! The Laughter and Libations Podcast turns 5 years old today! Yay! In honor of the day, I'm sharing five things that have changed about me since the beginning of this journey. Who knew there would be so many benefits? What's changed in five years? I have a natural desire to laugh. I find humor in everyday situations.  I don't stay angry very long anym...

Text comments and questions here! Oh my goodness. We're just a few minutes away (supposedly) from 2026 in the EST. Human Beings make up so much stuff! Fine, whatever! You know time is not what we think it is, right? You know our calendars may not actually be accurate, right? This and a whole lot of other things...We got wrong. Oh well...Let's keep moving forward and remain open to the tr...

Text comments and questions here! This episode is perhaps the most difficult one I've published so far. This episode is about the loss of my father, the beginning of my journey without him, and the message that I know he'd share with anyone who is coping with the loss of a loved one.  I didn't think I could record this episode. I haven't had the words to express myself. I still...

Text comments and questions here! October has been a heavy month for me. Perhaps you can relate. This episode is meant to acknowledge this and encourage laughter to break through the  heaviness and continue on this journey to increase joy in your life and those round you.  It's the beginning of the holiday season. Yet, I’ve found it hard to celebrate. I touch on this and share a reminder that...

Text comments and questions here! This has been a month of many celebrations including birthdays for my mom (Vivian), husband (Woody), cousin (Brian), nephew (Alex), brother (Arnold), and brother-in-law (Chauncey). Happy Birthday to everyone! Also, Woody and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary and enjoyed what we call a wellness day together. We stayed close to home, tuned inward, and unplug...

Text comments and questions here! It's crunch time for me as the end of the fiscal year comes into view. I'm doing everything possible to avoid burnout. One way is celebrating the small because all the little things add up big time! The smallest things can bring you peace, make you smile, lift you up, and spark joy.  Libation of the Month: Jasmine Recipe from Bon Appétit Magazine, March...

Text comments and questions here! This month has been a bumpy one for me, and I was reminded again about the importance of gratitude. It's possible to be grateful even when it's hard to smile or laugh. If you've been having a challenging time lately, this episode is for you. If you know someone who has been having a challenging time lately, this episode is for you to share with that...

Text comments and questions here! It's time for the mid-year check in. My theme is feeling free this year. What does that look like? Listen and find out a few things I've been doing to feel free. You'll see it's little things that can make a big difference. Laughing Matters features the end-of-the-month highlights and includes four segments: celebrations, libation of the month,...

Text comments and questions here! This episode is dedicated to my father, Larry Campbell. On the occasion of his 79th birthday, we gathered together for an entire weekend at my parents' home in Cartersville, Georgia. Yes, I was on location--in the country--for this recording. Yes, there are special guests, and you know I don't really do that! lol.  It was a weekend that I'll never f...

Text comments and questions here! The sun is out after many days of rain! Get outside! Move your body! That's my advice right now. Last month I talked about feeling overwhelmed, and I continue in this episode because I was asked what to do. You aren't alone if you're feeling overwhelmed. Know that there's something you can do about it today. Check out the Q and A segment of thi...

Text comments and questions here! If you've been feeling a little overwhelmed lately, you aren't alone. Me too! It's made it a bit challenging to answer simple questions like, "How are you?" Perhaps, like me, you need a reminder that there is always something to celebrate even when times are difficult. I know. I've faced a few difficulties, including a foot injury, du...

Text comments and questions here! Special Note: Recorded on March 30, 2025.  This month features a coffee adventure and a rant about hair trauma. We've all been there.  Laughing Matters features the end-of-the-month highlights and includes four segments: celebrations, libation of the month, rants, and questions and answers.  Celebrations are about intentionally forming a habit of noticing and...

Text comments and questions here! In this episode, I share the importance of internalizing goals, and how reading helps me feel free. Mentions: Coffee:  Ginga  Authors/Books: “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own" by Eddie Glaude, Jr.  "Dawn" and "Adulthood Rites" by Octavia Butler Connect with Me:  Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment Cli...

Text comments and questions here! I'm on location at my parent's home, which is always a fun time, especially when I'm recording the podcast. This month has been filled with challenges for me. If you've been experiencing a few of your own, may this episode remind you that you are more than able to navigate the hard stuff. I remind you to connect with those who love you for you...

Text comments and questions here! Feeling free is my personal guiding theme for the year. It can be difficult to do during a time like this when change is all around. I share one experience from this month that helped me get there.  Mentions: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Fox Theater Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Connect with Me:  Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment Click the link at the top to...

Text comments and questions here! It's a new year and a new season! That's right. It's Season 5, and I'm starting off with a primer or reminder about the importance of celebrating and how forming a daily habit of celebrating the good stuff in your life can increase gratitude and joy. Then, I go left and rant about people I don't even know on Instagram and challenges with m...

Text comments and questions here! I'm celebrating four years of podcasting this month! Thank you for supporting the podcast and giving me inspiration to continue sharing this journey to increase laughter and joy.  In this episode, I share my top lessons learned from podcasting as well as my goals for 2025. Spoiler Alert--My daily laughter goal is still 35!  Connect with Me:  Subscribe * Follo...

Text comments and questions here! It's that time of year again! This is the final episode of Laughing Matters for 2024! It's been a year of extremes, and I'm still here! You're here, too. Let's celebrate! Let's mix up something yummy! Let's reflect on the experiences and lessons learned! Let's laugh a lot and move forward together! Laughing Matters features...