Hoodoo Voodoo
An Hour With Mother
Today's episode is a fun one, as well as slightly educational. The African-American experience in Louisiana, and many other parts of the country, were unique when it came to medicine. Due to racism, black people could not simply go to a hospital or a doctor. Instead, they found home remedies, and yes, voodoo. Mother explains this history and some unique stories surrounding her ex-husband and her father. Enjoy.
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Vicki Clark
An Hour With Mother
As I'm sure many of us have, Mother had a tremendous friend in Vicki Clark. However, through the death of one of her children, and her battle with cancer, Vicki's life was difficult. For a time, Mother took Vicki in to her own home and cared for her while Vicki was very sick. This is a story that spans decades and is one of love and friendship. Enjoy.
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The Gas Explosion
An Hour With Mother
While staying over at a friends house, Mother, her kids, and husband at the time, experienced a traumatic event. Due to a gas leak, the house exploded, causing injuries to Mother, and one fatality. But, as she always does, mother describes this event in a charming, funny way.
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Uptown Girl
An Hour With Mother
Being from South Central Los Angeles, Mother had never experienced any type of lavish lifestyle. That all changed when she met Reverend Ike. Before she knew it she was eating caviar and picking out dresses from fancy Beverly Hills stores. She has a fondness from this time period in her life that I hope everyone gets to experience at some point in their lives. She is smiling throughout this entire episode, and even though it's only audio, you can see it.
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Jim Jones and Christine Miller
An Hour With Mother
The Jonestown Massacre, orchestrated by Jim Jones, is an infamous part of U.S. history. On November 18, 1978, 909 people died, most of whom took their own lives at the request of Jim Jones. One of those people was Christine Miller. Mother knew both Jim and Christine, but Christine was a good friend and mentor. In today's episode, Mother relives that experience and tells you what it was like meeting Jim Jones, as well as why Christine Miller was important in her life.
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The Atlanta Murders
An Hour With Mother
Between 1979 and 1981 there were close to 30 children that were murdered near the Atlanta, Georgia area. The entire country looked on frightened and confused, waiting for the police to capture somebody. These feelings were felt even in California. In today's episode, mother discusses how she and her family dealt with the Atlanta Murders, and how the black community responds to police. It is a pretty wide ranging conversation, hope you enjoy.
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When Mother was Homeless
An Hour With Mother
Mother has had many difficult times in her life, one of which was when she was homeless. After her husband left her, took her car and all of the money in her bank account, mother was left without a home and without much help. She turned to her church, but did not receive a substantial amount of help. Yet, she recovered. She persevered and got back on her feet, for herself and her children. This is that story.
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How Vietnam Almost Killed Mother
An Hour With Mother
Mother's first Husband was a Vietnam veteran. Prior to going to the war, he was the life of the party, fun, and exciting guy. When he came home, he was different. Intense PTSD episodes, excessive drinking, and at one point, almost killing mother. In this episode we discuss all of this, as well as the treatment of veterans in the United States, the mentally ill, and the homeless.
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Kelly Louisiana
An Hour With Mother
Mother had to fly to Monroe Louisiana when she was a young woman to escape her first husband. When she arrived she met some new family members that she had never met before and they were...interesting. These new relatives take her to a small town called Kelly. In this episode we play a little game where you the listener try to discover the secret before mother realizes it. So get ready, it's a fun ride.
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How Emmett Till Changed Everything
An Hour With Mother
Emmett Till. Just a mention of his name brings about a number of emotions. In 1955 this young black man was brutally murdered for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Mother was a child and living near Los Angeles when the murder occurred and it sent shock waves through her family and community. In today's episode, mother remembers what her world was like prior to and after Emmett Till's murder.
info_outlineIn 1970 mother had a bit of a run in with the FBI. While she hadn't really done anything wrong, she was forced to wait in a jail in Los Angeles for a month until she had her trial. It just so happens that three of the Charles Manson Family women were also being held in this jail: Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten, and Patricia Krenwinkel. Mother tells the story about how she ended up in prison, her experiences with the infamous murderers, and how she dealt with the entire ordeal.
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Special thanks to my buddy Daren for providing the music that you hear during the podcast. To hear more of his work visit https://darnfelski.bandcamp.com/