Lister Sister Conversations

Diana shares with Sue some of what is on her nerves this week: threats to the 14th Amendment and DOMA, suppression of everyday (DEI) language and programs, preserving women's perspectives, and more. "Perspective shapes narrative. Power shapes interpretation. Ultimately, who tells the story matters often as much as whose story is being told." From Cat Bohannon's 'Eve", to Mary Todd Lincoln , to 1600's or Juana Iñes de la Cruz, and SF's Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, the perspective of women and their own history is vital. The Lister Sisterhood empowers us to keep connected, stay informed and persevere.References:'Eve, How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution' by Cat Bohannon'You Foolish Men' by Sor Juana Iñes de la Cruz; poems.org'The Truth About Mary Todd Lincoln' by Lois Romano in the New York Times 04/11/26Conversation in studioPhoto: Sue BritzMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! email: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Christine Sanders joins Sue in a conversation from her canal boat, fresh off a walk on the moors in Bronte country. She shares the inspiration that empassioned the writing of her collection of mirrored poems about Anne Lister's lovers. Through exhaustive research, Christine's writing process allows Lister's lovers to speak through her, putting life and breath into the women. "A 2nd Extract from Woman Based on the Life and Loves of Anne Lister" by Christine SandersPhoto credit: Christine SandersConversation via MessengerCheck out Christine on these platforms:https://www.tiktok.com/@christinesanderspoet?_r=1&_t=ZN-95YHvpYxpdmhttps://www.instagram.com/christine_sanders_poet?igsh=MWZ3Z2Y3dTRrcHl2dg==https://youtube.com/@christinesanders6578?si=h9MqO-OqJPQ1UfqrPhoto: Christine SandersMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! email: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Cheryl and Elizabeth continue their wrap-up of ALBW26 (Anne Lister Birthday Week) with excitement about Jennifer Van Gessel's new film, 'Langton', that is casting for a young Anne Lister. O'Hooley and Tidow were back for a one-night-only at The Arches, an intimate venue. Elizabeth describes the privilege she feels about the extreme talent that moves emotions. The walking football tournament was quite the talk of the town. All the volunteers and organizers make the festival so meaningful help keep Anne Lister's spirit alive.Conversation via MessengerPhoto: Sue BritzMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! email: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Sue admits that she was suffering FOMO during ALBW26 (Anne Lister Birthday Week), but is grateful to hear all about it from Cheryl and Elizabeth. A big highlight was one-on-one meetings with our champion, Helena Whitbread, who wrote the seminal books 'I Know My Own Heart: The Diaries of Anne Lister' and 'No Priest But Love: The Journals of Anne Lister.' Of course the jewel on the crown was Anne's birthday itself, with the flower lying & dancing at Piece Hall. Elizabeth enjoyed her 'galloping' while Cheryl spotlighted later at the Bash with Pippa. Before the Bash was the interview with Sally Wainwright, the acclaimed writer and director of 'Gentleman Jack', who discussed her hit 'Riot Women. Oh, and Pat Esgate gave an important update on the location of Anne Lister's grave!Conversation via MessengerPhoto: CherylMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! email: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Lister Sister Conversations Podcast is thrilled to "be" in Halifax, albeit, through the eyes, ears, and feet on the ground of Elizabeth and Cheryl. From afternoon tea at the Holdsworth House, to scavenger hunting to the ALBW Hub, we hear about the goings on from friends who have already arrived. Elizabeth shares insights about the "sexy delight" of the Gentleman Jack Ballet, and we hear about upcoming events: the morning flower laying on the 3rd, Sally Wainwright and Riot Women, the Birthday Bash, & After Party, the friendly football (soccer) game, and the O'Hooley & Tidow concert, Anne Lister Society (ALS) & Finding Anne Lister in the Minster, and the Searching for Ann Walker book release. For those not able to attend this year, your FOMO may be partially abated.Conversation via MessengerPhoto: CherylMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! email: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Diana and Sue share their last minute recommendations for those of you lucky souls who are headed to Anne Lister Birthday Week 2026. Pack it all in! There is so much to do and see. We hope you fill every moment with great adventures, make wonderful memories, and enduring friendships. Oh, and please tell us all about it when you're home! Conversation in studioPhoto: Sue BritzMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! Facebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Sue and Diana offer ideas for celebrating International Women's Day and for getting prepared for attending ALBW (Anne Lister Birthday Week) from a California point of view. Billie Jean King impacted both gals, Diana , as she was learning tennis and seeing King as a woman who offered her hope. Sue, recalls Billie Jean's example as a leader in the Women's Lib movement, and giving her words to call out "male chauvinist pig" behaviors. The conversation turns to practical suggestions for travelers to ALBW, that's happening soon!Conversation in studioPhoto: Sue BritzMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! email: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Akiva embodies the bravery of Ann Walker by sharing the impact Gentleman Jack had in finding her comeback power while living with mental illness. Like Ann, who came alive with Anne Lister in her life, both she and Akiva had to fight for that awakening. Breaking taboos, Akiva tells about the uplifting restoration of a woman's soul with her short film project, 'Awaking Georgie'. Speaking grows connections, making us more empowered than ever.Conversation with Facebook MessengerPhoto: Akiva PeñalozaMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! email: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

I'm excited to share our first episode with a topic or question as our subject. Sue is joined by neighboring Lister Sister, Diana, to discuss why Anne Lister's actions have, at times, been interpreted as using predatory tactics to seduce passive, naive ladies. The gals agree that Anne's romantic interests were likely as interested in her as Gentleman Jack was with them. Diana wisely states "that when women achieve a certain place in this patriarchal culture, we must support them, or at least be cautious with our criticism because the culture is always trying to hold them down." Conversation in studioPhoto: Sue BritzMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations PodcastYou may have a topic you want to discuss, or maybe just open to a chat. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please let me know! email: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

What a small world! After Diana reached out, Sue found out that the two Lister Sisters live about a mile apart! Diana was drawn in to the Anne Lister world after watching Sally Wainwright's 'Last Tango in Halifax'. That was followed up by 'Gentleman Jack', and the developing obsession about the Yorkshire region carried her to ALBW in Halifax. Sue and Diana talk about the duality of Anne Lister's personality and who she might have been had she lived today. Conversation in studioPhoto: Sue BritzMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Kirsty picks up last week's episode talking proudly about Gentleman Jack creator and local Sowerby Bridge girl, Sally Wainwright. Sally portrays the "truest representation of West Yorkshire people I've ever watched." Kirsty shares local lore about the 18th century criminal gang, the Cragg Vale Coiners. She recommends the Bankfield Museum as an excellent place to learn about the history of Halifax. The museum holds a replica of the notorious Gibbet, a devise invented before the French guillotine, used to punish petty thieves and cloth robbers. In talking about Ann Walker, Kirsty reminds us to, "Go on fearlessly."Conversation via FaceTimePhoto provided by Kirsty Davies, credited to Brenda White; reimagined by AIMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Kirsty Davies brings a local's perspective to the Lister Sisterhood. From visiting Shibden throughout her childhood to queuing up with the droves of women from all over the world to take part in the Gentleman Jack excitement, Kirsty has found new and enduring friendships. As a strong ally for the Listerhood, Kirsty says that it fills her heart to know that Halifax is a safe place for visitors.Conversation via FaceTimePhoto provided by Kirsty Davies, credited to Brenda WhiteMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

We continue our conversation with the self-described independent spirit Pat Esgate, progenitor of the Anne Lister Birthday Week (ALBW) festival. A few hints are dropped about updates of the Anne Lister Society that runs tandem with ALBW, and how it was developed by Sally Wainwright, Anne Choma, Laurie Shannon, and Pat. Pat looks each day for positivity to carry into the future, an important task especially in today's political climate. She reminds us that we've been through worse. That if we work hard, and stay active we will get through this. Conversation via FaceTimePhoto Credit: Pat EsgateMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Pat Esgate shares the moment in the Halifax Minister when she stood to express what so many of us feel, a deep appreciation for being seen and an opportunity to create community. After visiting Gentleman Jack's Shibden Hall, then taking in a talk by Helena Whitbread and Jill Liddington, Pat says it "lit a fuse in me". Together with Cheryl McDonald, Pat forged Anne Lister Birthday Week (ALBW) so that others could experience the wonder that transforms us and joins us in Lister Sisterhood. Conversation via FaceTimePhoto Credit: Pat EsgateMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Like Ann Walker, who saw in Anne Lister someone with the courage to fully live her own life, so too, do Lister Sisters who get to gain courage through friendships with each other. Two people, like Vicki & Jan, who on paper may seem not to have much in common, wind up with friendships that change lives. Differences allow us to see other perspectives and experiences with new understanding. Conversation via WhatsAppPhoto Credit: Jan Lowe & Vicki ClarkMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

The story of Anne & Ann can close 4,000 miles distance to bring people together and create a friendship like Jan & Vicki have. It was the impact of 'Gentleman Jack' and the social media communities that grew that led these two together. It is their shared sense of humor that Vicki says is the reason that, "We got on like a house on fire!" They have become best friends that talk every day and their generational and cultural differences serve to enrich their friendship and growth. Conversation via WhatsAppPhoto Credit: Vicki Clark & Jan LoweMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

As the true red jacket volunteer that she is, Steph says that, "People see bits and pieces of themselves in Anne." That's what keeps her, like so many, returning time and again to Shibden Hall. Steph talks about being an artist whose drawings are "like keeping a diary, in a way," providing her with the ability to relive the many stories and experiences that going to the Anne Lister festivals provides. Finding community, instantly feeling a part of something, gives the sense of coming home. Conversation via WhatsAppPhoto Credit: Steph McSteaMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

Lister Sisters have quite the sense of humor! We pick up our conversation with Cheryl & Elizabeth who discuss their idea for their own podcast inspired by their own "Kindlegate" escapade. It happened during an Anne Lister Society session while renowned Anne Lister author Jill Liddington was speaking. You won't want to miss how it plays out. Then there are stories about common thread experiences of acceptance and rejection by parents when Elizabeth and Cheryl were young adults.Conversation via WhatsAppPhoto Credit: Cheryl BeldenMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

In the inaugural episode of Lister Sister Conversations, what's better than a wonderful love story?! Cheryl & Elizabeth remind us that Anne Lister and Ann Walker's story is just that, and that their inspiration set the stage for a modern love story brought to life though Anne Lister Birthday Week (ALBW). Elizabeth caught a cheeky twinkle in Cheryl's eye that made her smile. Out of character for herself, Elizabeth walked up to Cheryl and told her so! Our first Lister Sister Conversation discusses Team Lister and Team Walker, the camaraderie that the sisterhood nourishes, and the sharing of inspiring lives.Conversation via WhatsAppPhoto Credit: Cheryl BeldenMusic: MusicInMedia 'Uplifting Celtic Irish Energy' 2025 on PixabaySue Britz: Host/Producer/Director/EditorFacebook: Lister Sister Conversations Podcastemail: [email protected] podcast is meant for sheer enjoyment and to explore our Lister Sister experiences and those of our guests. Nothing we say is meant to be given as psychological, medical, or legal advice.All rights reserved.

I’m super excited to launch a new podcast entitled Lister Sister Conversations.  My excitement mirrors the feelings I had the first time I saw Shibden Hall in person while attending Anne Lister Birthday Week last spring in Halifax, England.Who are the Lister Sisters, you may ask?  We’re a group numbering in the thousands from more than 40 countries, all united by the impact of Anne Lister, honored as the first modern lesbian, even before that word existed in her time. The sisterhood is inclusive, warm and welcoming. From late in life lesbians, to lifelong lesbians, young and not-so-young,  gals from all around the world share a kinship in person and through social media.  Along with ALBW, the sisters learn, research, crack code, walk and hike together or virtually, they meet up in cities where they are traveling, they create art and write books.  There have been engagements, marriages, and children!  The very personal impacts of Anne Lister’s legacy have united women in friendship, and sisterhood. There is so much to share, so much to chat about. This is my humble contribution to encourage conversations with our community.I’m Sue Britz, and I invite you to join us for Lister Sister Conversations!Produced/edited/photography by Sue BritzAll rights reserved