Auldton Laughing Club: Recent Episodes
Laura Lyster-Mensh
Join the mixed-race creator of the Auldton Laughing Club, where we learn that getting yelled at won't kill you and saying nothing is no longer an option. Race, history, art, fiction, and a few laughs in a limited series podcast. Host Laura Lyster-Mensh, author and rabble rouser. 2020-2021
In which Laura says good bye to this project, thanks you all for your support and conversations, and walks to the back of the bus.
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- NEW: Audiobook available of Auldton Laughing Club book
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
In which Laura takes a cicada walk and considers the underground railroad of shared memory.
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- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series
- NEW: Audiobook available of Auldton Laughing Club book
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
The Auldton Laughing Club anti-racism action of the episode is this: learn about Greenwood, and Juneteenth.
- Chapter 37: Five
- Chapter 38: Maxwell
- Chapter 39: Bedfellows
- Chapter 40: Signage
- Chapter 41: Jemima
In which Laura smiles at strangers, personalizes her emojis, and describes the last time she played the "who am I" game.
Anti-racism action for the episode: play with your emojis, and read The Sneeches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdLPe7XjdKc
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- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series
- NEW: Audiobook available of Auldton Laughing Club book
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
This episode's chapters from the book:
-
- Chapter 32: Decoration Day
- Chapter 33: Squarely
- Chapter 34: Church and State
- Chapter 35: Passing Through
- Chapter 36: The Greater Good
In which Laura looks at the Chauvin conviction from both sides of the color line.
Anti-racism action for the episode: lobby for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 with your representatives. Unless you are a DC resident and have no voting representation.
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- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series
- NEW: Audiobook available of Auldton Laughing Club book
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
This episode's chapters from the book:
- Chapter 27: Gene Pool
- Chapter 28: There will be no tone
- Chapter 29: Places
- Chapter 30: Front and Center
- Chapter 31: Lineage
In which we learn about hypodescent, meet one of Laura's aunties, and consider what being Black means.
Special guest: Dr Irma McClaurin
Anti-racism action for the episode: donate to the Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive
Links of note:
http://irmamcclaurin.com
http://irmamcclaurin.com/works/black-feminist-archive/
http://irmamcclaurin.com/works/black-feminist-anthropology/
Black Feminist Archive: Whaddaya Gonna Do With Your Stuff?: YouTube
Zora Neale Hurston: Wikipedia
Mules and Men: Wikipedia
Hypodescent: Wikipedia
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- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series
- NEW: Audiobook available of Auldton Laughing Club book
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
This episode's chapters from the book:
- Chapter 24: Plots
- Chapter 25: Here and there
- Chapter 26: Cables
In which we consider the absence of Carl Collins.
Special guest: Dr. Carlie Tartakov
Anti-racism deed of the week: Support ScholarCHIPS
ScholarCHIPS provides college scholarships, mentoring and a peer support network to children of incarcerated parents, inspiring them to complete their college education.
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- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series
- NEW: Audiobook available of Auldton Laughing Club book
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
In which Laura becomes a Fearless Girl, we learn a lot about the importance of good glue, and Nadine drops by again.
Anti-racism deed of the week: Learn about Mutual Aid
Fearless Girls
- Map of Fearless Girls 2020 sightings
- Capitol Hill Corner "Guerilla Protest Sculpture" December 7, 2020
- Popvillle "DC Protest Art Capitol Hill Signed Fearless Girls"
- More protest art from fearless girls 2020
BLM Plaza Memorial Wall/Nadine Seiler update
- Everyone Needs a Nadine Episode of Auldton Laughing Club Podcast
- Black Lives Matter Art
- BLM Plaza Signs Removed
Mutual Aid:
- What exactly is Mutual Aid
- Wikipedia: Mutual Aid
- How DC mutual aid groups are braving coronavirus
Emancipation Statue:
- Emancipation Monument in Washington DC Targeted by Protests
- What Frederick Douglass Had to Say About Monuments
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- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
In which Laura and Mark choose to stay in Capitol Hill for the inauguration, Laura searches for the Fearless Girls, and finds them.
Anti-racism deed of the week: Protect the Fence at BLM Plaza
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- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Map of Fearless Girls 2020 sightings
https://capitolhillcorner.org/2020/12/07/guerilla-protest-sculpture-at-the-adams-building-library-of-congress/
https://www.popville.com/2020/12/dc-protest-art-capitol-hill-signed-fearless-girls/
https://capitolhillcorner.org/2020/12/27/the-week-ahead-and-more-protest-art-from-fearless-girls-2020/
https://twitter.com/VeganSkaterDC/status/1336423207562321923
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/callboxart/
https://www.popville.com/2020/12/dc-protest-art-capitol-hill-signed-fearless-girls/
https://www.popville.com/2020/12/dc-protest-art-capitol-hill-signed-fearless-girls/
In which Mark and Laura venture to the Capitol on the morning of and the day after the failed coup.
To contact Laura: Laura@LMWriter.com
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- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
In which: Angeline comes out of a dark closet, Allison weaponizes blue words to vanquish shame, Regan identifies the analogy to describe 2020.
Special guests: Allison, Regan, Angeline, Chaney, Sarah, Green, Woodly, Martha, Mary, Ann, Lewis, Henry, Lucy, John, and Simon
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- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
In which we learn about Laura’s criminal past, call in cancel culture, and change the titles of our First Ladies.
Special guest, Professor Loretta J. Ross
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- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series.
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
Loretta Ross Website
Online course Calling In The Calling Out Culture with Loretta Ross -- Tuesdays, Jan 19-Feb 9, 2021
Is 'cancel culture' really helping us? Brut
What if Instead of Calling People Out, We Called Them In?
Prof. Loretta J. Ross is combating cancel culture with a popular class at Smith College.
Movement Voter Project
Harper's Magazine Letter on Justice and Open Debate
In which Laura asks if Fiona is a Karen, considers white guilt, and meets Grandpa Rudd.
Special guest: Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander
On December 5 at 6:00 pm the Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail will host Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, professor of history at Norfolk State University, for a virtual lecture on how Virginia’s waterways helped enslaved people achieved freedom in the
years before the Civil War. Dr. Newby-Alexander has authored several books, including An African American History of the Civil War in Hampton Roads (2010). A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture.
Virginia Waterways and the Underground Railroad by Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander
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- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series.
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
- Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County
- WPA slave narratives Virginia
- Walker’s Appeal, 1829
In which Laura reveals her travel tricks for trick knees, meets Philipos, and learns why everyone needs a Nadine.
Special guests: Philipos Melaku-Bello, Nadine Seiler
Special thanks for the help of cousin Robyn, her friend Lulu, Carmen, Regina, and of course Mark.
Anti-racism action of the episode: support the memorial and those preserving it. With your donations, and if possible with your bodies, and, interestingly, your bicycles. I donated to the Gofundme. Please join me, generously. https://www.gofundme.com/f/protect-the-fence
Want an email reminder for new episodes of this podcast? Click here.
- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series.
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
- The White House And Lafayette Park Went From 'Public Square' To 'Veritable Fortress'
- How the Black Lives Matter memorial wall was resurrected after Trump supporters tore it down
- October 27: Activists Tear Down Signs At Black Lives Matter Plaza After Confirmation Of Amy Coney Barrett
- As Election Looms, Boarded-up Buildings & Barricades Near White House
- Philipos Melaku-Bello: 30 Years of White House Peace Vigil @philiposmelakubello Instagram
- Working at the White House: Protester, Philipos Melaku-Bello
In which Laura takes turns, remembers That Guy, and has her mom turn the tables.
Special thanks:
- Auldton listeners who sent voice clips: G&C T, BS, AS, KM, GM, LE, and the estimable JF.
- Black in the Valley podcast: WHMP’s Bill Newman, who hosts the program, and mom’s partner in the show, Rev- Dr. Jacquelyn Smith-Crooks.
Anti-racism action of the episode: Donate to: Sojourner Truth Memorial Committee in Florence Massachusetts.
Want an email reminder for new episodes of this podcast? Click here.
- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series.
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
Van Jones: For a lot of people it's a good day
We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.
–Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.” Speech given at the National Cathedral, March 31, 1968.
In which Laura takes Mark to a vigil, BLM waves at the Trump train, and day drinkers face Election Day.
Special guests: Mark Mensh, BLM vigil participant
Anti-racism action of the episode: add Race Capitol to your podcast queue
- Want an email reminder for new episodes of this podcast? Click here.
- Great podcast apps: Picking the Best Podcast App (and a Guide to the Rest)
- Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series.
- Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
- Details on the book at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
- Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
Kumbya
Black Lives Matter vigil in Warrenton, Virginial
Faerie Tale Theatre
The Frog Prince on Faerie Tale Theatre
White house BLM memorial
How the Black Lives Matter memorial wall was resurrected after Trump supporters tore it down
FBI investigating Trump supporters who swarmed Texas campaign bus
Queen’s walkabout
In which Laura's mom finds the perfect podcast theme song, you meet Liana, and Laura keeps the otter.
Special guest: Liana Mensh, and Mark Mensh. Thanks to Harris, and Sabine the river otter.
Anti-racism action of the episode: donate to the Elegba Folklore Society in Richmond
Want an email reminder for new episodes of this podcast? Click here.
Great podcast apps: Picking the Best Podcast App (and a Guide to the Rest)
Go to Apple Podcasts to review this podcast series.
Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
Negro Laughing Song - George W. Johnson - 1901 Columbia Record take 12
“The Laughing Song”—George Washington Johnson (c. 1896)
George Washington Johnson grave site and bio
Wikipedia page for the Richmond R. E. Lee monument with before and after images
The 25 Most Influential Works of Protest Art
In which Batman praises Mosby, we listen to the Black descendants of the Confederacy, and Laura casts the first stone.
You're not racist: so be an anti-racist. This week we're recommending donations to the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County.
Special thanks to: Karen Hughes White, Afro-American Association of Fauquier County, Barbara Amster, Scott Christian, Mackenzie Miller, and the marvelous people of Fauquier County who come out every Saturday for the Black Lives Matter vigil.
Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
1918 image of Mosby Monument, Warrenton, Virginia
Batman and The Gray Ghost work together
Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) - YouTube
Fandom for Simon Trent
Mosby's Rangers TV Show on IMDB 1957-1958
At a time of racial reckoning, the Gray Ghost becomes grayer, Fauquier Times September 16, 2020
Funeral Drums
John Singleton Mosby (December 6, 1833 – May 30, 1916)
John Singleton Mosby Historical Marker at HMDB.org
The Memoirs of Colonel John S. Mosby
Genetic variation among African Americans
Genetic study clarifies African and African-American ancestry
DNA: Transforming African American Genealogy
Black Demographics
In which Laura tries to be her best self, resists hate, and forgives Enos.
Anti-racism action of the episode: Sign the Statement Against Racism by the Virginia Interfaith Center For Public Policy. https://www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org
Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
Trump taken to hospital (Fox News)
Pirro to Obama: 'Your Lies, Your Policies and Your Divisiveness' Are Why Trump Is President
BoJack Horseman Thoughts & Prayers - YouTube
grandson - Thoughts and Prayers (Official Audio) - YouTube
Lil Wayne- Gangstas Dont Die - YouTube
Stay Alive - YouTube
Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive (Official Video) - YouTube
Soft Piano Music - Royalty Free - Summit
In which Laura gets a special kind of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from bleeping bad words, learns about empathy from her son, and breaks the 4th wall with the Auldton narrator.
Anti-racism action of the episode: http://leapaction.org/
LEAP is the Law Enforcement Accountability Project
Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of note:
Bernie Mac - I Ain't Scared Of You Mutha****! Def Comedy Jam
The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell
Daniel Lyster-Mensh YouTube & Insta
Tim Miller’s Read the Room podcast Follow Tim Miller on IG at: @thetimdmiller Russ Green on IG at: @russ_jokes
SNL Richard Pryor and Chevy Chase Job Interview
Jeopardized Bodies: Representations of Race, Gender, and Mortality in the Notorious R.B.G.
The n-word through history
Bill Maher Apologizes for Using N-Word
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nigger
The N-word and Richard Pryor
Charles Hamilton - The N Word
Charles Hamilton – The N Word Lyrics | Genius Lyrics
Rock N Roll Trigger
Black Preachers documentary (YouTube)
Black Preachers documentary (OCLC)
George Carlin - 7 Words You Can't Say On TV
In which Laura counts signs, bleeps a bad word, and takes off her mask.
Special thanks to: Dr. Carlie Tartakov, Mark Mensh
Anti-racism action of the episode: get a Black Lives Matter sign, mask, etc.
Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
Audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Links of interest:
Etsy BLM sign creators
Letter in Fauquier Times: The phrase ‘all lives matter’ has become diluted
Hate Has No Home Here project
Culpeper County Sheriff's Office
Culpeper sheriff posts apparent fake news about BLM violence in Roanoke
In which Laura sees a ghost, learns a song, watches a statue fall, and Auldton feels change coming.
Special thanks to: Dr. Ellsworth Weaver, Mara Seaforest, Barbara Amster, Morgan Geddes, Whitney Petrilli, Andrea Martens.
Anti-racism action of the episode: donate to the NAACP Fauquier County: https://www.naacpfauquiercounty.org/donate
Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
Links of interest:
Saturday Vigils In Courthouse Square Will Continue Into The Fall
Wikipedia: Death of Shedrick Thompson
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego by Robert MacGimsey
Albemarle Calendar: At Ready Removal
Author corrects the lynching record
Confederate statue taken down in Charlottesville near the site of violent 2017 rally
Live feed of At Ready removal
The Last Lynching in Northern Virginia, by Jim Hall
Removal of Confederate monuments and memorials
Auldton Laughing Club narrator, Allen McRae
In which Laura rings nonexistent bells, takes the Implicit Bias Test, and takes a pilgrimage to Emily Dickinson's grave.
Service Dogs Of Virginia: https://www.servicedogsva.org/product/donate
Thank you, Demetria Shabazz for the Amherst Town Hall bells audio from the excellent Juneteenth 2020 Celebration, from Amherst Media:
https://amherstmedia.org/content/juneteenth-2020-celebration?fbclid=IwAR1RK80TBeL5Du7gsLEbjO4OERkplq6H_Y_ce69NXd_hK-JhkgEMP6ZLCTc
Harvard Implicit Bias Test https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/faqs.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implicit-association_test#:~:text=measure%20of%20associations.-,Culture%20versus%20person,they%20can%20nonetheless%20influence%20behavior.
https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/08/19/exploring-racial-bias-among-biracial-and-single-race-adults-the-iat/
Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton
In which Laura introduces herself and how getting yelled at may be the best idea in the world right now.
This episode we're suggesting supporting our friend, Charity, as your anti-racism action! https://linktr.ee/CharitySadeMutualAid
Featuring:
Host: Laura Lyster-Mensh
Auldton Laughing Club audiobook narrator: Allen McRae
Music outro: Daniel Lyster-Mensh
Sponsoring intro: Mark Mensh
Intro bells: Warrenton Virginia Town Hall Clock Tower
Contact Laura at: Laura@LMWriter.com
Linktr.ee at: https://linktr.ee/auldton