Text comments and questions here!

Welcome to Season 6! I'm thrilled to continue this journey to increase laughter and joy in my life and in yours. I hope you laugh every time you listen, even when life seems too hard.

This month has been some kind of something! I was sick for a few days and lately, I've been a bit anxious about these winter weather conditions. I feel like I've been tested, and I think I passed. I found levity in these experiences. You can find levity in challenging experiences, too.

It's January, a time for beginnings. I want to my relationships to have a fresh and bright start (or refresh if needed). So, I share what I won't be doing in 2026! I'm tickled just thinking about it. I touch on three things: wings, brunch, and theme parties. Listen and let me know if you can relate and share what's on your list.

I can't wait to learn what you're not doing in 2026!

• Laughing Matters features the end-of-the-month highlights and usually includes four segments: celebrations, libation of the month, rants, and questions and answers.
• Celebrations are about intentionally forming a habit of noticing and acknowledging the good within and around you.
• Libation of the month is based on whatever I fancy or feel inspired by at the time. I share step-by-step instructions and you can mix right along with me.
• Rants or stories are about anything I find funny and want to share.
• Ask me a question. It might be featured in a future episode.

Special Guest:

• Mom

Libation of the Month:
Sake G and T

Based on Sake Hoji Chai recipe from sake-talk.com

• 100 mL Water
• 100 mL Non-Dairy Milk*
• 1 Tsp Brown Sugar
• 1 Tsp Whole Leaf Green Tea*
• 1 - 2 Tsp Sake
• Dash of Cinnamon
• Dash of Cardamon
• Serve in your favorite tea cup

Mentions:

• Disney
• Netflix
• Dragon Well by Golden Moon Tea
• Pure Dusk Junmai Daiginjo Sake

Connect with Me:
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Reach out on Bluesky @laughingnotes
• See me on Instagram
• Email me at laughsandlibs@gmail.com
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

The Laughter and Libations Podcast turns 5 years old today! Yay! In honor of the day, I'm sharing five things that have changed about me since the beginning of this journey. Who knew there would be so many benefits?

What's changed in five years?

1. I have a natural desire to laugh.
2. I find humor in everyday situations.
3. I don't stay angry very long anymore.
4. I handle life's challenges differently.
5. I laugh more than I ever have in my life.

I'm changed forever, and I'm forever thankful for this experience.

Mentions:

• Curious Elixirs
• No. 7 Sparkling Champagne Cocktail

Connect with Me:
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Reach out on Bluesky @laughingnotes
• See me on Instagram
• Email me at laughsandlibs@gmail.com
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

Oh my goodness. We're just a few minutes away (supposedly) from 2026 in the EST. Human Beings make up so much stuff! Fine, whatever! You know time is not what we think it is, right? You know our calendars may not actually be accurate, right? This and a whole lot of other things...We got wrong. Oh well...Let's keep moving forward and remain open to the truth.

This is the last episode for 2025, and it's different because my life is different. everything has changed for me and so the podcast must change with me.

I'm home (at my parents').

I'm where I want to be.

I'm where I need to be.

I hope you are where you need to be, too.

2025 is closing.

2026 is opening.

Let's go!

Libation for New Year's Eve:

Old Cuban (It's officially our family tradition!)

• Juice of one Lime
• 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
• 4 - 5 Mint Leaves (No muddling)
• 2 oz Dark Rum
• 2 Dashes Angostura
• Top with Champagne
• Garnish with Mint
• Serve in a Lime and Sugar Rim Martini Glass

Connect with Me:
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Reach out on Bluesky @laughingnotes
• See me on Instagram
• Email me at laughsandlibs@gmail.com
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

This episode is perhaps the most difficult one I've published so far. This episode is about the loss of my father, the beginning of my journey without him, and the message that I know he'd share with anyone who is coping with the loss of a loved one.

I didn't think I could record this episode. I haven't had the words to express myself. I still don't. Not really. Still, here I am attempting to share anyway. It's part of my journey.

I feel led to share. It's done in my father's spirit. He loved helping people, and I hope something I say helps someone else.

Recorded December 19, 2025

Dedication to my father, Larry Campbell

You provided everything I needed. Your successes were mine. Your challenges were mine. Your growth was mine. You were there when I needed you throughout my life, and you prepared me for this part of the journey without you.

I thank you for having the courage to give beyond yourself. I thank you for being a steady part of my foundation. It was easier to move forward because you were there saying, "Yes, you are ready. Yes, you can do this." You knew many of the challenges I would face before I'd even conceived of them. You were fearless, and because of you, I am too.

I'm grateful for all the years we had together. I know that we made the best of our time together, and the time we had must be enough. I look back and know with absolute certainty that you loved me. I also know that you knew I loved you, too. Nothing more needed to be said or done here. You are free.

I will do what you prepared me to do.

I will keep moving forward.

Until then,

Shawneille

Connect with Me:
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Reach out on Bluesky @laughingnotes
• See me on Instagram
• Email me at laughsandlibs@gmail.com
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

October has been a heavy month for me. Perhaps you can relate. This episode is meant to acknowledge this and encourage laughter to break through the heaviness and continue on this journey to increase joy in your life and those round you.

It's the beginning of the holiday season. Yet, I’ve found it hard to celebrate. I touch on this and share a reminder that we aren’t powerless even though so much around us may be out of our control. In the midst of it all, we can cultivate gratitude. I also reflect on self-improvement, which is a humorous and continuous adventure.

Libation of the Month:
Spicy Nog (My Recipe)

• 1.5 oz Non-Dairy Nog
• 0.5 oz Non-Dairy Almond Liqueur
• 1.0 oz Whiskey
• 0.5 oz Chai Tea
• Serve in a Coup
• Top with a dash of nutmeg

Mentions:

• Califia Farms Holiday Nog
• Baileys Almande Almondmilk Liqueur
• Bushmills 10 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey
• Golden Moon Masala Chai
• Curious Elixirs
• No. 2, Spicy Pineapple Ginger Margarita
• No. 7 Sparkling Champagne Cocktail
• No. 9 Sparkling Rosé Cocktail
• Hiyo
• Pineapple Coconut
• Watermelon Lime
• Blackberry Lemon

Connect with Me:
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Reach out on Bluesky @laughingnotes
• See me on Instagram
• Email me at laughsandlibs@gmail.com
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

This has been a month of many celebrations including birthdays for my mom (Vivian), husband (Woody), cousin (Brian), nephew (Alex), brother (Arnold), and brother-in-law (Chauncey). Happy Birthday to everyone!

Also, Woody and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary and enjoyed what we call a wellness day together. We stayed close to home, tuned inward, and unplugged from externals for a little while. It was a reminder that down time can be exactly what's needed to relax and recharge.

I've been spending more and more time with my parents, and thought I'd share a few of the little things I do to bring joy to our times together.

Libation of the Month:
Hot Toddy (My Way)

• 12 oz Oolong Tea (Coconut Pouchong)
• 1.5 oz Japanese Whisky (Kaigan)
• 0.25 oz Lemon Juice
• 0.25 tsp Orange Blossom Water
• 1.0 tsp Orange Blossom Honey
• Serve in your favorite cup
• Garnish with a Lemon Twist (Plus 2 Cloves)

Mentions:

• Kale Me Crazy
• Lipton Diet Green Tea Citrus Flavor
• Joe Hisaishi
• Howl's Moving Castle

Connect with Me:
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Reach out on Bluesky @laughingnotes
• See me on Instagram
• Email me at laughsandlibs@gmail.com
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

It's crunch time for me as the end of the fiscal year comes into view. I'm doing everything possible to avoid burnout. One way is celebrating the small because all the little things add up big time! The smallest things can bring you peace, make you smile, lift you up, and spark joy.

Libation of the Month:
Jasmine

Recipe from Bon Appétit Magazine, March 2025

• 1.5 oz Gin
• 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
• 0.25 oz Campari
• 0.25 oz Cointreau
• Serve in a Coupe
• Garnish with a Lemon Twist + a Big Ice Cube

Listen:

• Episode 24: Funny Things about Burnout
• Episode 74: Burnout Again?

Mentions:

• Throat Coat Tea by Traditional Medicinal
• Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon (Blue Note) by Ilia
• Cartersville Farmers Market
• RaceTrac
• McDonalds

Connect with Me:
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Reach out on Bluesky @laughingnotes
• See me on Instagram
• Email me at laughsandlibs@gmail.com
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

This month has been a bumpy one for me, and I was reminded again about the importance of gratitude. It's possible to be grateful even when it's hard to smile or laugh. If you've been having a challenging time lately, this episode is for you. If you know someone who has been having a challenging time lately, this episode is for you to share with that someone.

I hope you listen and laugh.

Libation of the Month:
Strawberry Daiquiri

Recipe from acouplecooks.com

• 1.0 pound Frozen Strawberries
• 3.0 oz Simple Syrup
• .25 cup Lime Juice
• 1.0 cup Light Rum
• 1.0 cup Ice
• 1/8 tsp Salt
• Serve in your favorite glass
• Add a fun straw

Mentions:

• Star Wars
• Starbucks
• RaceTrac

Connect with Me:
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Reach out on Bluesky @laughingnotes
• See me on Instagram
• Email me at laughsandlibs@gmail.com
• Visit laughterandlibations.com