Lisa Birnbach and Al Franken
You will not want to miss this week’s podcast. My old friend Al (that’s Senator to you) Franken is my guest, and we caught up. I don’t know about you, but when I even hear his voice, I feel reassured. I’d rather he were in the Senate than not in the senate, but I’ll take what I can get.
And as Spring turns to summer, a podcaster’s thoughts turn to other things, like lilacs and peonies, weddings, babies, and the beach. At least this podcaster’s thoughts do. I am still in Los Angeles, reveling in my family and not having to run anywhere – just hanging out. When we all had dinner together the other night, my #Exhibits ™ laughed hysterically together – it was precious to see that unbridled joy. I will hold that with me for a long time. Sorry, #ExhibitC to not have had you with us.
As I have hinted prodigiously, we will be wrapping up the Five Things that Make Life Better podcast. Next week will be our final episode. It has been a wonderful few years (148 weeks to be precise) (but who’s counting?) filled with terrific conversations and ideas from thoughtful, funny, important, and smart guests. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have. I’ll talk more about the lessons I’ve learned and what might be next for me next week. For now, here are my Five Things that Make Life Better
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1 . A kiss from this guy: My Grandexhibit ™ is a bit of a lover boy, and getting a kiss on the cheek is guaranteed if you ask for one. Which I do. He is cute and when he sees me his eyes light up, which is exactly why I flew to California.
2. Santa Barbara: #ExhibitB and I went on a daytrip, to a place she likes, a place I barely know, and a place many wealthy Los Angelenos have decamped to during the pandemic. I wanted to meet my Instagram friend, Olivia Joffrey who writes, paints, draws, and makes beautiful caftans inspired by her peripatetic mom. Sorry I didn’t take a picture of us. She gave us some tips for walking around Santa Barbara and while we were walking I noticed that the air smelled great. Even through my mask. It’s very very pretty – like a west coast Palm Beach but much less precious. We didn’t see Oprah, Ellen, or Megan Markle, but we saw Sharon Osborne, so you see my drift.
3. Recording my podcasts with my son. #ExhibitA is a musician and a voice actor, among many other talents, and he has a recording booth at his house and one at his office. The sound quality that you’re listening to right now is superb. Usually I record at home just when a siren is whizzing past.
4. Palm trees. They make me happy. They are code for a sunny warm place, even if it happens to be misty and grey. I’ve loved them since I was a little girl and my parents took us to the Caribbean on school vacations.
5. Inspiration. I am feeling open to new projects, new flavors, styles, and ideas. (Don’t worry; I traveled with two Lacoste shirts and a bunch of button-down shirts too. Some things will never change.)
Al Franken’s 5 Things:
1. Friends
2. Policy
3. Laughing and comedy
4. Grandchildren
5. His wife, Franny
More About Al Franken
Website: www.AlFranken.com
Twitter: @AlFranken
Facebook: @teamalfranken
Facebook: @senatoralfranken
Podcast: The Al Franken Podcast
Instagram: @AlFranken
The 5 Things That Make Life Better podcast is recorded and produced at The Field in NYC. My team is Shpresa Oruci, Michael Porte, Sam Haft and Boco Haft.