Can you believe it’s March already? Last week I thought the planets had fallen out of alignment, and now I’m wondering if time is stuck in “fast forward” mode. It seems like yesterday I moved into my house and adopted Annie from the animal shelter, but last month she had her eighth birthday. That’s crazy!
Getting ready for the launch of my memoir, Maya Blue, consumes 90 percent of my time. As my agent reminded me yesterday, “The work begins when you sign that contract,” and she’s right. Other than my all-consuming pre-launch to-do lists, I haven’t had time to do much other than catch a few shows on television, listen to some podcasts on the treadmill, and order several pieces to wear on my book tour in late May and early June. When I have firm dates and places, I’ll let you know, because I’d love to see you at one of them.
Here are some of my favorite things I should have shared long before now.
BRIAN WILSON: LONG PROMISED ROAD DOCUMENTARY
It’s only been in the last 10 years I’ve come to appreciate the magnitude of how Brian Wilson, songwriter and leader of the Beach Boys, changed the face of pop music. I remember when I was in my 20s, one of the things my first husband did after he bought a fast new car was to buy an 8-track tape of the Beach Boys. Philip was 13 years older than I was, and at the time, I thought it was a nostalgia thing that took him back to “Little Deuce Coup” and his teenage years, but I’ve come to see the Beach Boys, particularly Brian Wilson, in a new light.
Brian’s songs were distinguished by their complexity and sophistication of the chord progression and melodic structure, especially “God Only Knows,” which is often praised as one of the greatest songs of all time and one of the most difficult to sing. It always makes me think of my late husband because good or bad, God only knows where I’d be without Philip.
Brian Wilson, photo from BrianWilson.com
You might have seen the 2021 documentary, Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, but if you haven’t, the film offers insights into Brian’s well-documented anxiety and mental health issues. Unfortunately, one of the takeaways of the film is that every hour of every day is a struggle for Brian Wilson to remain standing. If you’re a music fan, like I am, you’ll enjoy the interviews with other musicians like Springsteen, Elton John and Jakob Dylan, among others, as they talk about their admiration for Brian’s music.
MOTHER COUNTRY RADICALS PODCAST
Last summer I spent 10 days in Greece at a GoodWorldJourneys writers’ salon conducted by Cheryl Strayed, author of multiple NYT bestselling books, her husband, award-winning “documentary of the year” filmmaker Brian Lindstrom, and their good friends, award-winning author, poet and creative writing professor at the University of Chicago, Rachel DeWoskin, and her husband, Zayd Ayers Dohrn, an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and director of the MFA in Screenwriting at Northwestern. Each one of these people are powerhouses in their own right, but the combination of all four was dazzling. Although Zayd Ayers Dohrn’s name sounded somewhat familiar, it was several days before I realized…
Zayd’s parents were the infamous leaders of the radical Weather Underground, who, together with members of the Black Panthers, were on the run for 11 years, hiding from the FBI.
It was the early 70s and Zayd’s mother, Bernardine Dohrn, and his father, Bill Ayers—their names may ring a bell—and the Weather Underground robbed banks to finance their counterculture revolution against racism, the war in Vietnam and a revolutionary party to overthrow the United States government. While Bernardine wound up on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, Zayd was born “underground” at the same time his parents were literally on the run with assumed names and sleeping on the floors of friends’ houses and apartments.
Zayd Ayers Dohrn is the creator, host, writer, and executive producer of “Mother Country Radicals,” a fascinating award-winning 10-episode podcast—plus a bonus episode—that had me on the edge of my treadmill.
Last summer, when I began listening, I didn’t want it to end. Still mourning that it’s over, I’ve been listening to it again. This well-crafted podcast tells the story of how in essence, Zayd’s young mother, Bernardine Dohrn, declared war on the United States. Both of his parents, Bernardine and Bill Ayers—who are still living and together as a couple—along with some of their revolutionary friends are part of the “Mother Country Radicals” podcast. They talk openly about those days, how Bernardine was radicalized, their brawls with riot cops in Chicago, the bombing of the Pentagon, how they broke their comrades out of prison, and their “bomb factory” that exploded in a Greenwich Village townhouse.
Zayd’s narration ties it all together, and he is nothing short of brilliant. His voice has a sense of urgency that compels you to listen. Mother Country Radicals was named one of the best podcasts of 2022 by prestigious media outlets all over the world, but it’s timeless, and history will value its existence.
Together with his parents, and some of the remaining members of the Underground, they discuss what it was like for Zayd and his siblings—plus the son of another radical friend Bill Ayers raised—to grow up on the run with the most wanted woman in America who eventually went to prison.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a liberal, a conservative, or somewhere in the middle, you will be glued to “Mother Country Radicals.” If I were to rate this podcast on a scale of one to 10, I would give it a 142.
32 thoughts on “BRENDA COFFEE’S FAVORITE THINGS”
Always informative, thank you. Thought provoking, a distraction. Entertaining, a joy to read. In this place we call “life, ” a little piece to stop if only for a short time all that is happening around us.
Thank you, Kelly! I appreciate you and thank you for reading and letting me know. xoxox, Brenda
Annie is 8!!! When the heck did that happen? I am excited for you for your book tour, and I can’t wait to read the book.
Thank you for the podcast tip, it sounds fascinating… I do remember some of that going on at the time, and would love to know more now. I will def watch Brian Wilson’s special – I was a little too rock & roll to fully appreciate the Beach Boys back then, but I really do now. XO Donna
Donna, I know! Time is on a fast track! You’ll be glad you checked out both of these… and my memoir when it’s published May 20th. Sending you love and health to you and Turk. xoxox, Brenda
You always have the best blogs Brenda! I’m a more recent fan than many of your readers, but whether you’re talking about–I feel like you’re talking to me, not writing–the Weather Underground, music or Los Descaparcedos in Guatemala, I want to know more. I’ve already preordered your book and do hope you’re coming to Portland. Thank you!
Thank you, Caroline! That’s high praise, and I’m grateful. I’m still nailing down the book tour, but I would love to come to Portland. I hear it’s beautiful. xoxox, Brenda
Of course you know Cheryl Strayed and the son of Bernardine Dohrn! What an interesting life you’ve led. I always look forward to your blogs. I’ll check out the podcast and the documentary. Love music and documentaries so that one’s cued up for tonight.
LOL! You’re funny, Sue Lynn. Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment. xoxox, Brenda
My older sister protested the wars and carried signs and marched at the University of Ohio. I was too young to understand the full impact of the things she believed in but over the years we’ve had conversations about them. In many ways they started her down a hippie dippie path of drugs and men and she’s never fully recovered. I will listen to this podcast. Not sure if she knows about it or whether I’ll tell her. She’s more like Brian Wilson in that every day is difficult.
For starters, I love your name, and I’m wondering if it has anything to do with Creedance Clearwater Revival’s fabulous song, Suzie Q? I have a hunch this song will play in my head for days. Sorry to hear life has been such a struggle for your sister. It’s interesting where our passions and interests–good and bad–lead us. That’s one of the threads of my memoir, Maya Blue. If we’re lucky, we find our voice and our power and are able to move forward. Thank you, Susie, for leaving me this comment. Brenda
The PATTY HEARST THING?
I was pretty young when that all happened but I do recall that!
We are all looking forward to THE BOOK!!!
You must be getting very EXCITED!
I am!!
Xoxo
Elizabeth, No, not Patty Hearst but they were “contemporaries” shall we say. They’re all fascinating people and revolutionaries. Yes, I’m getting excited about the book, but I still have a lot of work to do to get ready for the launch. Thank you, sweet lady. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda, so glad that Annie and you found each other. I always like listening to the Beach Boys but I wasn’t aware of Brian’s struggles. I will listen to the podcast. I will check the ‘Mother Country Radicals’. I have never heard of the Weather Underground. So happy that you’re able to find the time to write a post during this very busy time. Can’t wait to read your memoir. All the best to you.xox
Hi Yvonne! I always like to see you here and appreciate that you read and leave me a comment, so thank you. As soon as Annie’s done chasing Mr. Squirel, I’ll tell her you mentioned her. My memoir… I’m eager and apprehensive at the same time to have it out in the world. Like birthing a baby except the gestation time is ten times longer. xoxox, Brenda
Brenda – I enjoy hearing about your favorite things. I saw the Beach Boys perform in Boston a few years back. Have you heard the songs on That’s Why God Made the Radio? Some of the songs are so melancholy, but wonderful. Brian Wilson is a genius. I always feel sad thinking about him and his life.
I saw The Beach Boys before Covid. Brian Wilson wasn’t with them, and they were missing a couple of the other members who are no longer here, but John Stamos was the drummer, and they were terrific. I’m not familiar with That’s Why God Made the Radio, but I’ll find it. Thanks so much for the input. xoxox, Brenda
How did you find out about the writer event in Greece? My husband has always wanted to write a book. I guess not bad enough to do it though.
Hi Patti, I follow lots of other writers on Instagram and memoir is my favorite genre, so I’m always reading. Instagram and Facebook are both great places to discover writing seminars and retreats, or tell your husband to subscribe to Writer’s Digest, Jane Friedman, and Good World Journeys’ newsletters. He can learn a lot about writing itself, plus Cheryl Strayed often doesn’t workshops around the country so he might follow her as well. Best, Brenda
I’m interested in both of these Brenda. Thanks as always for bringing such a wide variety of things to think about. I’m disappointed if your blog doesn’t turn up every week. You’re a regular part of the things I look forward to.
Oh, Helen! You’ve made my day! Thank you! I appreciate you more than you know. Have a wonderful week. xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda,
What a coincidence – I bought a Beach Boys Greatest Hits CD yesterday at an estate sale and have been singing along in my car ever since. I was 15 yrs. old in 1965 at the height of their popularity and loved them then – and still! I will check out the documentary on Brian Wilson, although it makes me sad how hard his life has been for many years. But he’s a survivor!
Looking forward to your book and maybe a chance to meet you!
Hi Cat! LOL! That is a coincidence! The Beach Boys wrote happy music, but the more I’ve gotten to know about Brian Wilson, I realize what a genius he was. And from personal history, one of the geniuses in my life was troubled as well. I think sometimes pain is the fuel for their greatness, but it’s a terrible price to pay. I hope to meet you this year on my book travels. Where do you live? xoxo, Brenda
I live in Colorado Springs. Will you be anywhere in Colorado?
Colorado Springs… Where my parents spent their honeymoon! I’m in the process of arranging booksignings around the country, but I will keep this meaningful location in mind. BTW, I was also born in Denver, but have been a Texas girl since I was 11 or 12. Thank you, Cat. xoxox, Brenda
I can’t wait for your book!! It’s on preorder and will show up as soon as it’s released. I remember when you moved into your house and Annie is 8??? Wasn’t that just last year?? Time warp lol. I loved The Beach Boys and got to go a private concert in California and after the after party … they actually gave us a bunch of beach balls and put us up in the hotel. Great memories! You have the most incredible and adventurous life!!! Love you!!!
Time warp is right, Tammy! The only problem is I come out looking older, but the good thing is I’m still here and have no signs of dementia, or I don’t remember if I have any signs. LOL! A private concert with The Beach Boys! What a blast!!! Thank you, sweet friend for stopping by and leaving me a note. Sending my love back to you, Brenda
Looking forward to your book! I have it marked on the calendar! xoxo
Oh, my word, Donna! You have it marked on the calendar! That’s amazing!!! Thank you! Where do you live? Hopefully I’ll have an event near you. xoxox, Brenda
I am in Indianapolis Indiana.
When I was a little girl, I lived in Peru and then Kokomo. My father was stationed at the AFB there, known as Bunker Hill at the time. I’ll be in Pennsylvania, and maybe Chicago, but I’ll see what I can do! I’d LOVE to meet you! xoxox, Brenda
We never can imagine what you’ll tell us about next, Brenda! Weather Underground!! And the lives they’ve lived. Your life is extraordinary and like Forrest Gump you’ve intersected with an incredible number of events and interesting people! I’m always glad when you’re able to make time for a blog post! Hug Annie for us. Can’t believe she’s that old and you’ve been in your house that long. Looking forward to seeing you when you come this way!
LOL! Forrest Gump! I’ll take that as a compliment, Beckye, and try not to think about fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, shrimp salad, shrimp étoufée… That’s funny! Before I wrote this memoir, I never missed a week blogging, and now I feel bad when I’m not here to give us both something to think about and visit with everyone. BTW, I’m working on a book event in your city! Fingers crossed. Thank you! xoxox, Brenda