Comin’ For to Carry Me Home with Spanky Brown

Every once in a while you meet somebody who has so much charm, wit and kindness, that we all fall under their spell.

Such was the case with my guest on this episode of Learning To Fail, Spanky Brown (nee Byron Yeldell). Spanky died just over a week ago, on the road, doing what he did best — making people laugh. His death shocked and saddened an intimate corner of the world, that expanded as word spread that the man we all loved had been lost. It’s rare that a bunch of comedians agree on anything. But loving Spanky is something we all had in common. Losing him so unexpectedly was devastating.

I recorded this interview with Spanky last fall. It was a great day for me. I finally had the chance to sit down and talk, uninterrupted, with one of my favorite comedians, mentors and friends. Now all I can think about is how nice it would have been for him to have been able to hear it. But life has a way of throwing obstacles in our path, and I just never got season 2 of this podcast off the ground… until now. I can’t think of a better way to begin my second season than with this great and hilarious conversation. I only wish it had been the celebration I was intending, and not a tribute to someone taken from us way too soon.

A memorial fundraiser has been initiated in an effort to help pay for giving Spanky the sendoff he deserves. Please consider donating what you can. As always with these things, every little bit helps.

https://www.gofundme.com/spankybrownmemorial

I love you, Spanky! You touched a lot of lives. You will never be forgotten.