Jennifer Welch (left) and Angie Sullivan
Jennifer Welch and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan (from the nickname Angelina Pumpkintina) starred in the Bravo reality show 'Sweet Home Oklahoma' (2017) and are co-hosts of the funny hit podcast 'I’ve Had It' (2022 on). Angie and Jennifer are native Oklahomans who chafe at the 'red state' culture, and they talk about this, and their lives, in their book 'Life Is A Lazy Susan.'
From left to right: Angie Sullivan, Jennifer Welch, Josh Welch, and Lee Murphy
Angie Sullivan and Jennifer Welch host the 'I've Had It' podcast
I'm just going to give a brief overview of Angie and Jennifer's stories, which they also discuss extensively in their former reality show, podcasts, television interviews, etc. The ladies have a good sense of humor and are (now) devoted Democrats, so they're right up my alley.
Angie was raised in the evangelical culture of Oklahoma City, and talks about her family's loyal attendance at church and her (previous) absolute faith in the Bible and Jesus. As a young woman, Angie believed early humans lived to the age of 900; that Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 when their son Isaac was born; and other biblical tales. Angie's right-wing church was hostile to homosexuals, and members embraced typical conservative Republican ideals.
Jennifer's upbringing was the complete opposite of Angie's. Jennifer was brought up as a secular atheist and a Democrat, and she was an outlier in Oklahoma City. Jennifer's friends/classmates constantly invited her to church and Bible study, telling her she'd burn in hell if she didn't believe in Jesus. Jennifer wasn't fazed.
Angie and Jennifer met about 30 years ago, when Angie hired Jennifer to re-do her house. Angie was a lawyer with no aesthetic sense and Jennifer was a talented interior decorator, so it was a perfect fit. Though the women were opposites philosophically, they became best friends, and - over countless cigarettes and gab sessions - Angie and Jennifer shared their lives' ups and downs. And there were MANY downs.
In brief, Angie's husband Kirk - whom her parents begged her not to marry - was addicted to drugs and sex with prostitutes. Kirk, who's a lawyer, spent so much money on hookers that he bankrupted the family and lost their house. Angie writes a good deal about meeting Kirk, their romance, and their disastrous marriage, which Angie clung to far too long before she divorced him.
Angie Sullivan
To add to the dysfunction, Angie herself was addicted to pain killers for ten years, and admits to 'drifting' through segments when she was filming 'Sweet Home Oklahoma'. Angie acknowledges the only good thing about her and Kirk's union is their three wonderful children.
Jennifer also had a good deal of drama in her life. Jennifer's husband Josh, a lawyer, was a lifelong alcoholic and drug addict. Jennifer acknowledges that because Josh is her soul mate, she stuck with him through thick and thin and multiple rehabs. When Josh's addiction became completely untenable, Jennifer divorced him....but Josh finally got straight and the duo now live together as a common law couple.
Jennifer and Josh Welch
In the midst of his troubles, Josh lost his law license (for bribing a policeman), and his self-reproach was intense. Josh was later re-instated after undergoing in depth scrutiny by the bar association, and Josh is now a popular guest on the 'I've Had It' podcast. Jennifer notes that it was all worth it, because she and Josh have two treasured children.
Jennifer and Angie write a good deal about their closeness and fondness for one another. In the early years of their friendship, Angie and Jennifer maintained separate belief systems. Angie would relate Bible stories as gospel, and Jennifer would chide Angie about sending her children to Christian schools that made families sign anti-homosexuality statements.
Angie Sullivan (left) and Jennifer Welch
Over time, though, Angie became disillusioned with the racism and discrimination prevalent in her evangelical church, and she became a staunch Democrat. According to Jennifer, Angie won't abide ANY bigotry, and is quick to speak up against racists and homophobes.
Angie and Jennifer's 'I've Had It' podcast is funny and VERY political. The hosts (and guests) aren't shy about their hatred for Trump, and they're furious with people who say they vote Republican for the financial benefits, despite the bigotry of the candidates.
Jennifer and Angie have met well-known Democrats like Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Chelsea Clinton, and are (rightfully) thrilled with how far they've come in their careers.
The book is a change of pace for me, and I liked reading about these ultimately strong and successful women...and their wonderful children.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the authors, and it's good to hear their stories in their own voices.
Thanks to Netgalley, Jennifer Welch, Angie Sullivan, and Harlequin Audio for a copy of the book.
Rating: 4 stars
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