Laughter and Libations

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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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

It's time for the mid-year check in. My theme is feeling free this year. What does that look like? Listen and find out a few things I've been doing to feel free. You'll see it's little things that can make a big difference.

• Laughing Matters features the end-of-the-month highlights and 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 in you, in your life, and in your sphere of influence. 
• 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.

Libation of the Month:
Dark 'n' Stormy

Recipe from "3-Ingredient Cocktails” by Robert Simonson

• 2.0 oz Dark Rum
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• 3.0 oz Ginger Beer
• Serve in a Collins Glass (I used a Highball)

Listen: 

• Episode 110: Celebrations, Siblings, and Dad

Connect with Me: 
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• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Enjoy reels, stories, and photos on Instagram 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

This episode is dedicated to my father, Larry Campbell. On the occasion of his 79th birthday, we gathered together for an entire weekend at my parents' home in Cartersville, Georgia. Yes, I was on location--in the country--for this recording. Yes, there are special guests, and you know I don't really do that! lol. 

It was a weekend that I'll never forget. Sitting down to have a candid Q and A session with my siblings was a first. Having our father present was a gift. Having my mother in the background was a gift and also funny at times. You can hear her in the background just talking, talking, and talking. I couldn't edit it out. I can only do so much. Listen. Laugh. Remember to celebrate every moment you have with your family!

Family Present for the Celebration:

• My Parents: Vivian and Larry
• My Brother: Arnold and Robin (wife)
• My Sister: Chanda, Chauncey (husband), Kyland aka Lando (son)
• My Husband: Woody

Mentions:

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• mrs.allpinkeverything (see my sister on IG)

Connect with Me: 
Subscribe * Follow * Rate * Comment

• Click the link at the top to send a text now
• Enjoy reels, stories, and photos on Instagram 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Visit laughterandlibations.com

Text comments and questions here!

The sun is out after many days of rain! Get outside! Move your body! That's my advice right now. Last month I talked about feeling overwhelmed, and I continue in this episode because I was asked what to do. You aren't alone if you're feeling overwhelmed. Know that there's something you can do about it today. Check out the Q and A segment of this episode as well as episode 32. 

• Laughing Matters features the end-of-the-month highlights and 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 in you, in your life, and in your sphere of influence. 
• 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.

Libation of the Month:
Bourbon Hibiscus Iced Tea

Recipe from Network Magazine

• 1.5 oz Bourbon
• 1.0 oz Simple Syrup
• .15 oz Lemon Juice
• Garnish with a Lemon Wheel
• Serve in a Highball

Listen:

• Episode 32: Overwhelmed and Still Laughing

Mentions:

• Pantone Color of the Year
• Mocha Mousse 17-1230
• Google 

Connect with Me: 
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• Text me at the link above
• See me on Instagram 
• Email me at [email protected]
• Visit laughterandlibations.com