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A phone call from a relative can be many things – informative, exhausting, hilarious, or touchingly poignant. When Anne receives a call from her cousin Jan (of Jan and Jan™), it becomes all these things and more, unfolding into a masterclass on family dynamics and the art of conversation.

The episode begins with Anne sharing her discovery of an incredible vocalist named Nathan Farrell who performs a stunning Joni Mitchell cover. This musical appreciation leads to a nostalgic discussion about SCTV, the groundbreaking Canadian sketch comedy show that launched comedy legends like Eugene Levy, John Candy, and Martin Short. Anne and Michael encourage listeners to seek out these classic sketches online, acknowledging how they shaped comedy for generations.

Literature takes center stage as Anne provides candid reviews of recent reads. Elizabeth Strout's "Tell Me Everything" receives high praise for its engaging storytelling and page-turning quality, while Jodi Picoult's latest work is described as "laughably terrible" – a stark reminder that even established authors can disappoint. Gabrielle Zevin's "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" emerges as Ann's current literary obsession, highlighting the perpetual search for compelling stories.

The heart of the episode revolves around Anne's detailed recounting of a phone call with her cousin Jan. What begins as a discussion about cataract surgery evolves into a meandering journey through family connections, mysterious eye diseases supposedly affecting Jews from Odessa, and the economics of QVC shopping. Anne's masterful storytelling transforms this ordinary conversation into an extraordinary window into family relationships, generational differences, and the strange ways we connect with our relatives.

Environmental concerns emerge when Jan shares observations about Florida's drought conditions – dried-up fountains, absent birds, and disappearing wildlife create a sobering picture of climate change's real-world impact. The episode concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of Israel's Independence Day and the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza, reminding listeners that even in a show filled with humor, there's room for reflection on serious global issues.

Join us for this blend of storytelling, cultural commentary, and family chronicles that will have you laughing, nodding in recognition, and perhaps inspired to call your own eccentric relative. Listen now and become part of our extended family.

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