I hope everyone’s hanging in there. If you’ve read this post, you know I was a part of an awesome podcast recording. Well, Belle & Dubs Season Two is now out! I was fortunate to be a part of Episodes Three, Five, and Six! Be sure to check out Belle And Dubs: Subscribe, listen, and laugh! I play Jan Malcolm, an enthusiastic paleontologist, in Episode Five, and a spirited suffragette named Rose in Episode Six. It was so joyful to participate in my friends’ hilarious project. I hope it brings you joy too!
Last weekend I got the chance to reunite with my friends from Mouthy Broadcast! I was a moron and forgot all about the recording session, so if I sound off and not very witty, it’s because I jumped on pretty hungover and unprepared. Nevertheless, it was a blast. Love those folks. Click here for Mouthy escapades!
Good afternoon, evening, morning, or witching hour to you. Things have gotten awfully WILD in 2020, huh? My last post was a recap of spending all day at a pop culture convention, with wall to wall strangers, shaking hands, touching, nudging, and who knows what else. Sounds extremely reckless and dangerous considering where we are now, eh? Yeah. To say humanity is a bit ON EDGE is mild at the least. We’re all dealing with this virus as best we can. We’re all suffering. In minor and major ways. If I could give everyone a giant, soft, comforting, socially distant hug I would. In the meantime, let me give you something to please your earholes and your ha-ha reflex. Go, subscribe to Belle and Dubs In the Morning!
How do I describe this immensely fun, silly, smart, pop culture appreciative scripted dose of episodic goodness? Well, let me ask you some questions:
Do you enjoy laughing at things like butts and weiners?
Are you a fan of Grand Theft Auto? Red Dead Redemption? College radio?
Do you like music? Enough that you’d get references to songs and bands and lyrics and the like?
If you answered yes to any of those, this will be a hell of a ride for ya. My friends Justin and Jennie worked their asses off to create this amazing project. They recruited a bunch of hilarious people to take part too – including me! I suppose I can be hilarious. Right? RIGHT. I had a complete blast being a small part of it. Look how much fun we had!!
I admire people who can stay motivated to do creative things because I am lazy and have trouble doing more than consuming art (unless something gives me a super inspirational kick in the butt). Do yourself a favor and get in on the Belle & Dubs action. The second season has just started – Why are two college radio personalities from San Andreas, CA all of a sudden in a sleepy western spot called Strawberry? Tune in to find out.
I wanted to do a quick post to plug this super fun episode of the podcast I used to be on regularly with some of the greatest and most badass ladies (and one dude) I know. It was great to get back together with the Broads, catch up on what we’ve been up to, wax nostalgic on the past episodes we recorded, and do some straight up laughing. Check it out, won’t you? It’s the 200th episode, so if you’re a new listener, you have 199 other eps to delve into as well! Warning: Not safe for work or easily offended brains. Filled with Hidden Valley Raunch.
What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before? I led a fundraiser for my company. We raised just over $1000 for the Virginia Beach SPCA. It was pretty darn great.
Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I gave up on resolutions ages ago. They’re honestly pointless to me. A great man once sang, “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”.
Did anyone close to you give birth? Unfortunately, yes. And I only say that because I’m a selfish person who sided with the bad guy in Dan Brown’s Inferno, not because I judge anyone’s life choices.
Did anyone close to you die? We had a close call with my mom in law, but no deaths this year. But a lot of folks I know lost very close loved ones.
What countries did you visit? Didn’t leave the bedraggled USA, but I was in Washington, D.C. a lot, and got as far north as MA.
What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017? A decent President.
What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Probably November 9th, because this happened:
Some background: A person asked if you were to sing karaoke with you favorite celebrity, what song would you choose, and Lin stepped the fuck UP.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Being aware of the disgusting status of the US government, and doing my best to resist, march, protest, and help get the right people elected.
What was your biggest failure? Not being able to travel to FL when I wanted to. Due to unforeseen financial issues, the trip to see my Orlando area friends (and visit the Harry Potter thing at Universal) wasn’t able to happen. That really bummed me out.
Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing major, just gained weight and got an ear infection for the first time since being a toddler.
What was the best thing you bought? Concert tickets. I saw Ringo Starr and the man said hello to me from the stage.
Whose behavior merited celebration? All of the folks who have fought the soon to be Fascist government in power. The Women’s March ladies, the #metoo movement, Jose Andres and what he’s doing to help hungry people in Puerto Rico, and the ordinary folks who have gotten off their butts and done SOMETHING.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Our Voldemort President (daily), and the men I admired that ended up either being super creeps or minor creeps. I’m looking at you, Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman, and Al Franken.
Where did most of your money go? Food, alcohol, donations to good causes, and the occasional geeky bit of clothing or thingie.
What did you get really, really, really excited about? I was absolutely THRILLED to be at the Lady Gaga show. It was magical for me. And part of it was on TV! And then she won an award! Gaga on American Music Awards
Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c ) richer or poorer? A. Sadder B. FATTER C. Poorer
What do you wish you’d done more of? Definitely hiked more; gotten exercise, been more politically active.
What do you wish you’d done less of? Staring at shit on the internet and wasting time.
How did you spend Christmas? A brief visit with parents, followed by a Game of Thrones marathon.
Did you fall in love in 2017? I fall in love with my dude every day. He’s the best.
What was your favorite TV program? Just one? Nice try. Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Great News, Legion, The Crown, The Handmaid’s Tale, & Big Little Lies come to mind.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate is a strong word, but I have ended friendships. The state of our nation has made me realize who will be on the right side of history, and I prefer to be friends with those people.
What was the best book you read? I really enjoyed The Devil’s West series by Laura Anne Gilman.
What was your greatest musical discovery? LIZZO, y’all. Water Me
What did you want and get? I got to stay alive?
What did you want and not get? The impeachment of our jackass President.
What was your favorite film of this year? There were a lot of badass films. Dunkirk, Thor: Ragnarok, Wonder Woman, Blade Runner 2049, Baby Driver, & It. But I have to go with Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Ugh, thanks for reminding me that it’s my 43rd year on this blue marble. I didn’t really do anything on the actual day of my birth, but my favorite present was experiencing the music of Game of Thrones, live. It was lovely. A taste: Winds of Winter
What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Seeing so many fun concerts with my dude, and being able to contribute to my favorite podcast, even if it was just a playlist. Check out The Hooray Show with Horatio Sanz.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017? Fashion is a concept that will forever allude me. My mom in law gifted me a sweet wrap/sweater thing, however, and I wore it to the Lady Gaga show and felt most fierce.
What kept you sane? Animals. My three cats, the cat we rescued from the streets (who may belong to us in 2018 – stay tuned), the foxes behind my backyard, the critters we helped at the shelter, and the elephant fosters I gifted to family (and the foster I received – Check out the elephant babies!).
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Horatio Sanz, Lin, and Ryan Adams were the boys who made me smile the most.
Who was the best new person you met? I can’t recall meeting someone new, in person that is. But the guys who run the Crooked Media podcasts have been a welcome addition to my internet “pals”.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017. Do not put up with anything you don’t want to put up with. This world is too short and fucked up for that. But be kind and good. And funny.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Are we crazy?
Livin’ our lives through a lens
Trapped in our white picket fence
Like ornaments
So comfortable, we’re livin’ in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble
Aren’t you lonely
Up there in utopia
Where nothing will ever be enough?
Happily numb
So comfortable, we’re livin’ in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble
Ah, so good
Your rose-colored glasses on
And party on (woo)
Turn it up, it’s your favorite song
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion
Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumblin’ around like a wasted zombie
Yeah, we think we’re free
Drink, this one’s on me
We’re all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm, to the rhythm
Turn it up, it’s your favorite song
Are we tone deaf?
Keep sweepin’ it under the mat
Thought we could do better than that
I hope we can
So comfortable, we’re livin’ in a bubble, bubble
So comfortable, we cannot see the trouble, trouble
Aha, so good (so good)
Your rose-colored glasses on
And party on (woo)
Turn it up, it’s your favorite song (oh)
Dance, dance, dance to the distortion
Turn it up, keep it on repeat
Stumblin’ around like a wasted zombie
Yeah, we think we’re free
Drink, this one’s on me
We’re all chained to the rhythm
To the rhythm, to the rhythm (woah)
It is my desire
Break down the walls to connect, inspire
Ay, up inna your high place, liars
Time is ticking for the empire
The truth they feed is feeble
As so many times before
The greed over the people
They stumblin’ and fumblin’ and we about to riot
They woke up, they woke up the lions (woah)
Happy Saturday, little darlin’s. Hope the long, cold, and lonely winter is winding down for you. I wanted to post an update here to let you know something: I grabbed a notebook this week, stuck a pen in the spiral, and jotted down thoughts and ideas every day. That hasn’t happened in a long while. It’s a good sign, though. It means I’ll be posting more content here. Working my writing juices into a tasty smoothie of fun. Ewwww, that sounds gross, doesn’t it? Maybe not the best metaphor, but I’ll go with it. I have to thank my buddy Kris for the motivation. He recently asked me to cohost the second season of his podcast, The Peaceful Pirate, and we started recording last weekend. Do yourself a favor and catch up on the first season now. You’ll learn that if you have a passion, you can do something with it. You’ll learn tips on how to do it too. I’m attempting to take his advice. Hence me and the notebook. This update is based on the first thing I scribbled in there….
Stories. Everyone has them. Lately, they’ve surrounded me, coming from friends and strangers. When chatting about podcasting and podcasts in general, several folks suggested The Moth, so I subscribed. It’s been a perfect accompaniment to my work commute. A collection of stories told by people from all walks of life. Some funny, some scary, they’re all over the place. But the coolest part is they’re all true. I’ve been in my car laughing, crying, and enraptured. I imagine I’m sitting in front of whoever is spinning their tale, in a cozy room with a fireplace. My favorite Moth story so far was from the late Taylor Negron. It’s a doozy. Check it out for yourself:
Not long after I became a fan of The Moth, my friend and fellow Mouthy Broad, Deb, founded a monthly storytelling showcase here in the Hampton Roads area. It’s called Tell Me More. It takes place at the wonderful Push Comedy Theater, and it’s super exciting to see how it’s taking off. The first event sold out! My friends and aquaintances have fantastic stories to tell. Check out Laura’s story about shitting herself.. Trust me, it’s awesome. Look around at the rest of the Tell Me More website to learn more about the events.
Finally, I had one more encounter with the telling of stories recently. I met Vee through another great friend. We hit it off immediately. She’s unique, lovely, talented, and strong. She recently competed in a story slam for the organization For Kids, and WON! It’s inspiring as hell – watch:
Pretty amazing, huh? Listening to all of these experiences has restored my faith in humanity. It helps to remind me that we’re all going through something, 24/7, 365 days a year.
It’s the first episode of Meri’s World, the podcast about pop culture, geeky things, and cats – With a little help from my friends. I’m joined by my pal and fellow Mouthy Broad Jen, my dad Steve, and Rozley, the coolest producer ever. We geek out over Fleetwood Mac & Pink Floyd and talk about the creatures that meow.
Please subscribe to my podcast on iTunes & spread the word. We’ll get better, have all kinds of topics, improve the website, and if you have an idea/suggestion/complaint, email merisworldpodcast@gmail.com!
Last weekend it was all about The Boss. It was kind of prophetic that I ended up seeing him in concert, because if you look at a couple of entries ago, I posted a video of him performing My Hometown. Also, a couple of weeks ago, I attempted Dancing In The Dark at karaoke. We had no plans to attend his concert, because we’re broke, but the boyfriend got free tickets thanks to his amazing company the day before the show. These weren’t ordinary tickets, either. They were in the company’s private box, complete with food and drink service. HOOOOOOO BOY! The box was right in the middle too, so we had a fantastic view.
But let me back up a bit. The day before the show, once I found out we were going, I had to dive into Bruce Springsteen’s massive catalog on Spotify. I needed a refresher course, because as much as I admire and respect the guy, I don’t listen to his albums all that much. It felt good. The man is incredible. And that band? Yeah. By the end of the work day, I felt I was ready to experience the Bruce….. well, EXPERIENCE. The guy & The E Street Band don’t just come on stage and sing a few tunes and leave. Nuh uh. I knew what I was getting into.
Ok, so it’s the day of the show. I also attended our area’s first comic book convention, Tidewater Comic Con. Us ladies from the Mouthy Broadcast podcast shared a table with the Playing Doctor duo, so I went to hang out, see some fellow nerds, and get our podcast out to the masses. The con was PACKED to the gills. A very good thing of course, but it was weird for me, for some reason. I haven’t done the con thing in a while, and I guess my lack of food and water, natural tendency to get claustrophobic, and distracted mind didn’t help me get super into it. I couldn’t wait to leave. That being said, it was awesome seeing some friends, chatting with the geeks, watching the great cosplay, and passing out cards.
Once I got home, my dumb ass quickly sucked down a smoothie and stuffed a sandwich in my mouth hole. That may not have been a wise idea. One or the other would have been wiser. But oh no. Meri needed immediate satisfaction. Well, guess who became extremely pukey feeling in the car, on the way to meeting our fellow concert goers? Yeah, this chick. Fortunately for me, our rendezvous point was my parents’ house. And we had some time to kill. Mothers know best, so mine quickly plop plopped some fizz fizz into a cup of water (oh, Alka-Seltzer you rock) and I sipped. Then, the best thing happened: Boongie, my folks’ 15 year old Maine Coon cat, decided to take a dump. The smell wafted to my nose, and that was it. TAKE ME DOWN TO THE OL BARF CITY WHERE THE SMOOTHIE PUKES OUT AND THE SMELLS ARE STINKY. Glorious relief. I was starting to worry, I mean, who wants to see The Boss in a state of nausea? Gross! So that was taken care of, and we were ready to rock.
It was a beautiful night. The weather was perfect; cool and breezy. We hung out with two other couples, one we’ve known for ages, and two of their friends. The husband ended up being my world history teacher from 9th grade, which was hilarious. We drink tons of wine, ate chips & hummus, and were completely blown away by the energy and awesomeness that was Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Hey look – there’s Conan O’Brien’s former band leader on the drums! And check out the Rage Against The Machine dude playing guitar! Good times. Bruce is 64, but you wouldn’t know it. He was running, jumping, crowd surfing, dancing, and being badass like any young rock star. It was magical. Bonus cute factor of this little girl getting picked to sing Waitin’ On A Sunny Day……
So that’s a pretty interesting day. Hang out the with comic book folk, vomit, then rock out with a legend.
Podcasts are a fun, great, super duper platform to express yourself on the internet. Like something? Are you funny? Want to share your interests with the masses? Make a podcast. Or, if you don’t want to make one, listen to one or 40. I happen to do both. Me and my wonderfully talented lady friends do the MouthyBroadcast podcast, which is part comedy, group therapy, geekdom, and rant space. It’s great. Feel free to subscribe to our insanity. I also listen to bunch of podcasts, mainly when I’m in my car going to and from work. I’m happy to suggest my favorites, and feel free to tell me yours in the comments! I’m always looking for new ones.
First up, I Seem Fun – The Diary of Jen Kirkman Podcast. I first heard Jen on another favorite podcast (which I’ll discuss in a second). I loved her voice and desire to revive the old 80s show, Puttin’ On The Hits. Remember that show? Here’s a taste:
Anyway, so I decided to check out Jen’s podcast – LOVE IT. You’d think that one person sitting in their bed or couch and talking into a mike would not be engaging or interesting, but not JK. She sings along to songs adorably, dishes about her LA life, reads listener emails, and has the coolest family.
Second podcast on my current fave list:The Fogelnest Files. Here’s the deal: Listen to Jake Fogelnest play random You Tube clips, usually with a cool guest, then watch the clips on his very own You Tube channel (it’s on the provided link). Jake never fails to find some AMAZING stuff. Like a clip from Fernwood Tonight.
Third up, U Talkin’ U2 To Me?. One of my favorite actors, Adam Scott, teams up with fellow Scott, Scott Aukerman, to comprehensively (and hilariously) discuss the career of the best band in the world, U2. They’re only on episode two as of this typing, but if the first one’s an indication of the fun I’m going to have listening, I’ve found what I’m Looking For. Har har har.
Meri's World 