Welcome back to the Open Book Podcast!
Episode 11 features our very own Tyler Armey - a member of WUTI, a beloved Open Book guest host of our past, and the co-founder and host of SLOTH storytelling- a Queer-centered event series here in NYC. He has been published in Yahoo and is a 2025 artist-in-residence at Chinkapin Craftstead in Woodbury, TN.
Before we dive in- I want to remind you what Open Book is (or if you are new here-welcome!) Open Book is a monthly literary open mic that occurs on the third Wednesday of every month at Fiction Bar and Cafe in Brooklyn, NY. Here on Substack, we are sharing some of our readers while hoping to connect with others! Thank you for hanging out with us!
Tyler’s piece ‘The Porcelain Pisser’ was born on a WUTI Tuesday night, derived from exploring everyday streams of consciousness in conversation with our whomever happened to be sitting close by. For example- I prefer to wear socks to bed but as you’ll soon find out both Tyler and my Grams do not wear socks to bed. As you listen, you will find that our conversation unfolds beyond the order in which you get dressed each day but our relationship to our bodies and our mothers, intimate things (sprinkled with so many giggles and thoughts- because of course, friendship).
Isn’t it nice how a simple, silly analysis of how we think of the most mundane natural actions of our day can actually highlight truths about ourselves? Or how we access unlikely traits to process our memories- for example humor as a way to get through our grief. Writing can also help us recall our memories that help remind us it’s ok if if you don’t like that joke your family never stops bringing up or its’ ok if you happen to hear someone else pee and proceed to have thoughts about it. If you have thoughts on this or anything! Comment below!
I do have to mention that of course, I am writing this post while en route back to NYC from Seattle. This is important only because Tyler had once acknowledged that most of my writing is done while on the go or while in transit- and since then I’ve realized how true that is to my writing process. I have enjoyed leaning into it and sharing my commuting creations with Tyler as our friendship has grown. Proof below!
Tyler is someone that I’ve grown close to quick, I am always relieved to see him and Nicolle (stay tuned for their substack collab …!) sitting together at The Keep knowing that the laugh, the heartfelt convo, or random discussions about tuna awaits me. It will be just what my day needed. More than ever in todays’ times I find myself gravitating towards people that stay educated, informed, and inspire me. if this is also important to you- Tyler, myself and all your new friends are all waiting to see (YOU!) on an upcoming Tuesday and/or Wednesday :)
If you are interested in learning more and experiencing The Sloth - storytelling (all mediums!) open mic please see details on the flyer below. The next event on 4/18 is special, hosted by two SLOTH regulars Adam & Arman. It takes place at the iconic Parkside Lounge ! They are also hosting a writing workshop May 5. Follow the IG for more info. It has been really cool to see The Sloth organically grow in participants and allyship and it is so worth checking out their events and all else that Parkside has to offer.
Lastly, I can’t mention the Parkside Lounge without shouting out Rebecca (mentioned on the episode) , their Events and Booking manager, as well as the founder of Wet Spot - a radical performance series and community. Last July; Open Book + The Sloth + Wet Spot all came together to create = Menage A’ Trois. A magical night where we came together and showcased three acts from each of our communities. We’re excited to announce you’ll see all us again for this year’s edition on 6/20/25! More info coming soon.
I’ll leave you with an excerpt from Tyler’s piece:
Reader, I will let you decide the moral of this story. We may all be doomed by the behaviors that subconsciously shield us from a brave reality where we show our true pee colors. Or, even when we do confront them, we are still creatures of habit that operate in the absence of meaning. I do challenge you, though, to go through your next day reflecting on your subconscious choices. Challenge your routines and see what new versions of you emerge. Or don’t. Perhaps you have perfected the craft of you and that is why you do what you do!
Now carry on, explore your subconscious, meet your next best friend in the bathroom line, just be you and we’ll see you at the next SLOTH, WUTI, or OPEN BOOK event! Gotta go- I have a bus to catch!
Happy Reading/Writing,
-B.Dots/Open Book
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