humor

Jill Conner Browne

Bill Thompson

A 41-year tradition continues this weekend in Jackson, Mississippi, with the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, featuring the sweet potato queens.

It all started when Jill Connor Browne and a few of her friends formed the Queens.

And in the years since then, it has become an honored tradition — and has spawned several bestselling books.

I first met Jill Conner Browne in 2001, after publication of her second book, God Save The Sweet Potato Queens.

So here now, from 2001, Jill Conner Browne.

Jill Conner Browne still reigns as the Queen Bee of the Sweet Potato Queens.

The Sweet Pottato Queens have chapters in over twenty countries.

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Karen Salmansohn
Rita Rudner

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Karen Salmansohn

Bill Thompson

It’s Valentine’s Day. And we could have done the usual mushy, romantic stuff, but instead I wanted to go more tongue in cheek .

Back in 1994 I interviewed the popular self-help author Karen Salmansohn. She had just written a book called how to make your man behave in 21 days or less using the secrets of professional dog trainers.

Really, how much more romantic can you get?

But you know, as much as I hate to admit it, behind every incisive piece of humor. There is a nugget of truth. As I think you’ll find out right now.

So here now, from 1994, Karen Salmansohn/

Karen Salmansohn’s most recent book, Instant Calm, was published in 2019.

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Cesar Millan
Phyllis Diller

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Dave Barry

Bill Thompson

If he had wanted to, Dave Berry probably could have been a successful stand-up comedian.

Instead, he wrote a humor column. And wrote books. Lots and lots of books.

Over about a 20-year period, I think I interviewed Dave almost 20 times.

Two of those interviews stand out, including the one you’re about to hear. It was for his book Dave Barry Turns 40. I thought it was an appropriate interview to run, because tomorrow, July 3rd, is David’s birthday.

So here now, from 1990, Dave Barry.

Dave Barry is a little older than 40 now in fact tomorrow and will be his 74th birthday. His last book was published in 2019.

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Bob Dole

Bill Thompson

Tomorrow is the presidential election. It’s been a tough campaign, with not a lot of humor.

But politicians, and their constituents, need a good sense of humor. In 1998, Bob Dole, the unsuccessful GOP nominee in 1996, compiled a book of presidential and political humor.

Now, Dole himself was hardly known for his comic genius. But when I interviewed him in 1998, I found out how funny even conservative Republicans can be.

So here now, from 1998, Bob Dole.

Bob Dole is 97.

He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal iun 2017.