In the Navy: Closeted, Confused and Full of Lust
Armistead was a young closeted officer surrounded by 600 sailors, and one particularly distracting signalman named Spikes. For him, the Navy provided plenty of temptation—and very little relief.
Barbary Lane Dispatches
Pull up a chair on the porch of 28 Barbary Lane—tales, truth, and tea from Armistead Maupin.
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Latest episodes
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
Catching Up
It’s been far too long, and we owe you an apology. We’re back from France with stories of a heatwave, Zeke’s adventures and cataract surgery.
Remembering David Hockney
From Wagner-inspired drives through Los Angeles to New Year's parties with Vincent Price, Armistead shares a collection of personal memories of his friend David Hockney.
A Chat on the Road: How We Survived the South
From Tennessee and North Carolina to a churchyard in southern France, Armistead and I reflect on queerness, family, AIDS, aging, and the unexpected grace that comes with time.
My First Boss Became My Mortal Enemy
Before San Francisco and "Tales", Armistead was a young conservative reporter in North Carolina with a powerful boss. This is the story of how love and waking up to liberal ideas changed him forever.
The Summer of '69
As the world watched men land on the moon, Armistead was making discoveries of his own on the Battery in Charleston. A funny, tender, deeply personal story of sexual awakening in the summer of '69.
I Found Freedom at the Baths
A journey from Sutro Baths to Bette Midler’s earliest stage—Armistead shares a candid, often funny look at the bathhouse culture that changed his life.
Lover Zero
Armistead reflects on the first man he ever fell in love with—an encounter in 1970 that awakened his heart, challenged his sense of shame, and would later reveal an unexpected connection.
A Love Letter to Laura Linney
Armistead reflects on his long friendship with Laura Linney — her brilliance as an actor, her kindness, and the many moments they’ve shared together, from Tales of the City to the Oscars and beyond.
The Teachers Who Made Me a Writer
Armistead reflects on the teachers who encouraged his imagination, the bedtime stories he told himself as a child, and the early moments that first awakened his lifelong love of storytelling.
Demigods and Crimes Against Nature
Growing up in conservative 1960s North Carolina, Armistead was taught that being gay was both a mental illness and a crime. A glimpse of a magazine called Demi-Gods both thrilled and terrified him.
I Found Myself in 1970s San Francisco
Armistead reflects on what it felt like to land in “gay heaven” in the early 1970s — and how those euphoric years of truth and possibility shaped the man and writer he became.
The Secret I Didn't Know I Had
Watch now | I asked Armistead to reflect on my favorite quote of his. He talks about toxic family secrets, the courage to be yourself, and why movements that try to silence others are rooted in fear.
I'm Back
A brief message from Armistead as we get back up and running here on Substack after his fall.
Update from Armistead
A gentle and hopeful update from Armistead, recently home from the hospital and continuing his recovery.
A Health Update on Armistead
Bruised, sore, but in good spirits
A Time for Living
Armistead offers a personal holiday reflection on living fully, staying open, and finding peace—whether you’re surrounded by loved ones or quietly at home.
My Answer to Anita Bryant: Michael's Letter
Armistead shares the origin story of Michael’s Letter to Mama—how Anita Bryant’s 1977 campaign sparked one of the most personal and influential moments in Tales of the City.
Holding Forth: The End of the Marina Safeway?
A 790-unit development is planned to replace the Marina Safeway made famous in "Tales of the City". Greedy developers or much-needed housing? Armistead wants to know what you think.
Ask Me Anything: December 17th
Armistead answers your questions on "Tales", politics past and present, and how Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis influenced his writing of their characters.