the letters and things

In this episode, we hear from Grandpa - a man at the center of this podcast, but rarely heard from. He is in the hospital in Massachussets where he did not get his cadaver eye. And we also hear from agent Auntie, still a spy, still in Germany, still taking her vitamins.

In this episode, we read through one of the stupidest cards ever to grace the greeting card world (the we have seen, so far). Sam later tells Manette, offline, that she is impressed with her knowledge of dog breeds, despite how dumb the card is.

In this episode, poor long-suffering Jane Hill finally succumbs to whatever thing she was suffering with. Sam also does the loudest page russle that ever russled pages.

In this episode, we hear from a distant cousin. Or maybe a first cousin, but he's in Wisconsin so geographically distant, at least. And some spicy letter-edge writing about custody and child support.

In this episode, letters from across the age spectrum - from young Lynn writing to her father about school and moving in with him in California to a 97 year old friend with perfect penmanship, who is living the good life. Also of note is a discovery about Sexy George Washington stamp - a high-value stamp waiting for a high-value partner.

In this episode, we have a couple of letters from our favorite year, 1969, but unfortunately have some sad sad news about Jane, who isn't so well. Gramma Mickey is away, leaving Grandpa to keep things in order and sew a chair skirt. most importantly we meet sexy, slightly culturally inappropriate, naked George Washington. Happy Birthday, America!

In this episode, we have two letters from Mickey and learn she is a chaotic, stream-of-consciousness writer with a proclivity for m dashes with impeccable penmanship.

In this episode, we have a letter from the fashion capital of Hong Kong and another from Bud, a Miller Brewing Company employee and father.

In this episode, we read a Father's Day letter just in time for Father's Day and get some more sad news from the Queen of Doom and Gloom Anne Hill nee Nadolny. Special mention to Black Forrest Cake and the Cicada 2024 Cohorts.

In this episode, we hear once again from the jade dealer in Los Angeles, as well as from a new person heretofore unknown with some mysterious pics. An old familiar Kathy One jogs a memory of a snazzy purple car.

A letter from Anne Hill sparks another discussion of Aunt Florence's cult days and can AI outperform old greeting card poetry?

In this episode, we find out the origin of the nickname Great Aunt Sex Cult and we hear news of the death of the leader himself, Dr. Kelly. It is the early 70s which of course means at least one person is in Pheonix (whyyy???).

In this episode, a return of winter luging. Why so much winter luging?

In this episode, guess what? More letters! Including one from Auntie in a very bad card that has the unhinged energy of the early 80s, explaining why millennials are all in need of therapy.

In this episode, we try to distinguish between the two Lynns and hear from Auntie in Germany and her Ken doll.

In this episode, we read another random selection of letters and discuss American monuments we would like to see flags flying above on stamps and how Miss America should be the postmaster general. Also, why is everyone in Pheonix?

In this episode, we read a selection of letters and postcards sent from far-flug locations and decades past.

In this episode, we discover the generational nature of Jade jewelry and Grandma Mickey's Jade addiction.

In this episode, we hear from Auntie who has relocated to Germany where she gets up at 4.30 IN THE MORNING and takes some travels around Europe. Grandma Mickey writes to Grandpa in DC about her bad driving.

In the episode, we read cards Grandma Micky had saved in a special weird envelope. Through the use of detective work, we realise they were for Grandma's 40th birthday! Happy belated 40th, Grandma.

In this episode, Sam forgets that Lyndon B Johnson was a president.

In this episode, we read through a literal ton of cards and go through the fact that there are two Aunt Lynn's out there (heretofore Lynn One and Lynn Two). Then Sam cuts Manette out of the outro (savage). The promised Instagram is up!: https://www.instagram.com/the_letters_and_things/

In this episode, we read two family letters, both penned in the month of October. One from sleep-forward Grandma Mickey to Grandpa Laury and another from the McNulty's that is a real, real bummer.

In this episode, we get wet and wild again with the CA-27 Heavy Cruiser USS Chester. We also venture deep sea with submarines, sea creatures and the early childhood trauma of the Disneyland submarine ride.

This week we read three letters from America's sweetheart David Mackey, who loves trains and has nothing but kind things to say about everyone.