In this the first episode of Yeast Radio's TWENTIETH anniversary month, Madge reunites with her old friend and co-host, Auntie Vera Charles. After this lengthy conversation, listen to an obscure recording from the Stage Delicatessen in NY in an album called, "Max Asnas: Corned Beef Confucius" which includes cameos from 1960's comedy stars such as Morey Amsterdam.







Yeast Radio Episode #1648 Show Notes (by Chat GPT )



Guest: Auntie Vera Charles



Host: Madge Weinstein



Episode Highlights:



1. Political Rant & Reflections - The duo dives into a passionate political discussion, touching on current U.S. politics, polling biases, and their disbelief over certain political figures’ prominence. Auntie Vera expresses frustration with the political climate, while Madge shares her own perspectives on the state of the nation.



2. Podcasting Journey and Reflections - Auntie Vera reflects on her years in podcasting, explaining why she eventually stepped away after losing the joy and creative energy it once brought her. Madge relates, expressing some bitterness over podcasting’s commercialization and her refusal to adapt to video formats or platforms like YouTube. They both reminisce about the early days of podcasting and how it has evolved, or “devolved,” in recent years.



3. Memories & Old Friends - Vera and Madge recall fond memories of shared friends, past shows, and humorous moments from their early podcasting days. Auntie Vera reminisces about Madge’s voiceover skills and unique quirks that have left an impression, including a memorable bit involving the word “Wednesday.”



4. Relationships & Aging - The conversation turns personal as Auntie Vera and Madge discuss their long-term relationships and aging. They share insights on maintaining partnerships, the importance of putting one’s partner first, and the sacrifices they’ve made for their loved ones. Auntie Vera speaks candidly about her commitment to her pets, and they both discuss the challenges of caring for aging animals and the emotional toll it takes.



5. Rants on Grocery Store Frustrations - Both Madge and Auntie Vera share anecdotes of recent frustrating experiences at grocery stores, complete with commentary on their own reactions. Madge hilariously recounts a “Karen” moment at Mariano’s grocery store, where her tight schedule and impatience led to a meltdown. Auntie Vera listens and offers sage advice on managing expectations and reflecting on personal growth, even in minor everyday annoyances.



6. Future of Podcasting & Content Creation - Wrapping up, they contemplate the future of podcasting and content creation. Madge discusses her recent explorations on TikTok, finding a new audience for her political rants, while Vera expresses disinterest in platforms beyond traditional audio formats. They both lament the decline of audio-only content and the rise of video-dominated “podcasts.”



Key Takeaways:



• Insightful and often comedic reflections on the evolution of podcasting and staying relevant as platforms change.



• Raw political commentary with a mix of frustration and hope.



• Humor-infused wisdom on relationships, aging, and the importance of self-awareness.



• Lighthearted yet relatable rants about modern life annoyances, from grocery store lines to credit card machines.



This episode is a mix of humor, nostalgia, and introspective moments, capturing the unique dynamic between Madge and Auntie...