Life Is a Lazy Susan of Sh*t Sandwiches

by Jennifer Welch, Angie Sullivan

*Read by the authors and celebrated podcasters, Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan!*

From the beloved hosts of the hit podcast I've Had It, an honest, irreverent and inspiring guide to overcoming life's unexpected challenges and finding joy, stability and humor in today's chaotic world, for fans of Big Friendship and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Long before their blockbuster podcast, I’ve Had It, Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan were simply two best friends, supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Together they’ve celebrated family milestones and cheered on professional successes, but they’ve weathered the storms together too.

For the first time, Angie and Jennifer open up about the most personal moments that shaped their worldviews, sharpened their humor and inspired the “hopeful cynicism” that underpins their I’ve Had It podcast, strains that addiction put on their marriagesAngie's reckoning with her husband's infidelityHow they coped with divorce and the highs and lows of parentingThe formative early experiences that shaped their politics in different waysTheir experiences with self-doubt and brushes with fame, including on the Bravo show "Sweet Home Oklahoma"The hilarious moments that kept them laughing through everythingJennifer and Angie have seen it all, and they're here to help guide readers on their own journeys, showing us how we too can center our lives around humor, hope and connection and let go of the rest.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Humor, Politics, Biography, Addiction

Audible Audio

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Josh Lieberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️/5 stars. i just love these ladies so much and this book just made me fall in love with them more. watching their podcast and being part of their cult (iykyk) has truly brought me so much joy and peace. whenever i feel scared or anxious i can turn on their podcast and it just feels like im chatting with my best friends. their podcast makes me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time, and the book brought on the same emotions. i will always be a supporter of them and will always be tuning in to IHIP, IHIP news, girl please, and what the fuck wednesday. these two ladies are the biggest allies and their stance on LGBTQIA+ rights and all the other things they talk about every episode will always bring me hope for a better future. this book allowed me to get to know them so much better and for that i am eternally grateful! CACKAWWW!!!!!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of this gem in exchange for an honest review!

Ever since I was a gay little kid, playing with barbies and creating elaborate, theatrical scenarios in my head to perform in, I have #manifested that one day there would be two liberal, white women infiltrating every area of my life with wit and humor, justifiable rage, and more than anything else–big mama hearts. Enter I’ve Had It podcast, a shit-talking weekly (now biweekly) therapy session with these two former Bravo-lebrities turned political commentators and unofficial TSA law enforcement. To say that they have exceeded in every arena is an understatement. Professional Athlete Jennifer Welch and Legal Eagle Angie “Pumps” Sullivan (the Princess Diana of Podcasting) have now blessed us with Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches, a historical text that shows how two women took the messy missteps of life, and turned them into something relatable that we all bonded to. In Trump’s America, the least the universe can do is give us something to laugh about as we ponder our mutually shared destruction.

This manifesto takes us through the ups and downs of these two patriots: husbands addicted to sex and drugs, previous affiliation to religious propaganda and hypocrisy, the origin of the pickleball legend, the trials of motherhood and the perseverance to pull through, and the #Journey to interviewing political icons like Vice President Kamala Harris and President Barack Obama. There’s no glass ceiling these women won’t break through, and nothing they won’t complain about. Imbued with their signature commentary on anything and everything, Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches proves more than ever that what the world needs is for white people to stand for something and stop leaving it to marginalized communities to fight for what’s right. I’ve had it with that. And I’ll follow these two young, vivacious, breathtakingly beautiful, and whip smart broads into battle any day. Ca-caw!

Lastly, thank you to Javi for all the brightness you brought to the world.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing the title I just had to read the book. I had no idea what "I've Had It" is and who Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan are. And I'm so glad I found out!
They are simply two best friends supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. And through it all they've kept one another laughing.
"I've Had It" is their podcast where they share their most personal stories and the wisdom that got them through life's biggest challenges. Humour plays a big part and they help readers and listeners with their own journeys.
This memoir is honest, heartfelt and funny. Everyone needs these women in their lives.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars Audiobook
I've never heard of these two podcasters before I picked up this book based on the title alone. How could I not ? These ladies are honest, open and have been through some serious stuff. Their friendship is remarkable and unbreakable. So what is this book about ? Life. Their life, life in general, some politics, some religion (oh they're not afraid to go there) relationships, children, addictions and more. Yes, you've heard all that before, not this way. They are so honest and open about the struggles they've had to live through, it's uplifting. I really like them, would love to sit and have coffee with them. I'm subscribing to their podcast. Read the book

[Jason Waltz · Rating 1 out of 5]

tried to give this a fair shake unlike the authors who give no one but their views a fair shake. not like a pair of comedians cuz they ain't funny but actually a couple proselytizers of their own self-deluded religion. Great title wasted.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to picture adult life as a lazy Susan, a rotating smorgasbord of options and choices, nothing fancy, just something fun and easier to handle and digest.

I don’t know why I thought this; my parents never modeled a perfect marriage…. No matter how I spun it, my life became a lazy Susan of shit sandwiches.

These words in the introduction were written by Jen Welch, but the sentiment applies also to Jen’s co-author and longtime BFF Angie “Pumps” Sullivan. The pair co-host the I’ve Had It podcast, which has skyrocketed in popularity since beginning in 2022. “I can’t believe that so many people want to hear us bitch and complain,” says Pumps. And yet we definitely do! These Oklahoma City natives trade clever, funny observations on politics, life and pop culture on the podcast, and they’re just as delightful in this memoir. While there’s still some of Pumps and Jen joking about politics, there’s considerably less than on I’ve Had It.

Both women have been through a lot! Pumps, a onetime Evangelical Republican, married a lying sex addict who made the family lose their home; thanks to a botched surgery, she became addicted to pain killers. Jen, a longtime atheist, became the family breadwinner because her husband Josh struggled so much with addiction to booze (five visits to rehab before he finally became permanently sober). At first glance, they seemed opposites, but, even before Pumps’ evolution, they had so much in common. They’re Everywomen who realize, as Jen writes that “Adulthood is the ultimate bait and switch.” To every life, there will be pain, disappointment and tragedy — sometimes, lots of each; everyone needs friends like Jen and Pumps. As Jen writes, “There are only four people in the world I would do anything for. Two of those people [are my sons], one is my mother, and the other is Pumps…. When things go apeshit-bananas, Pumps is my phone call. My partner in crime. My rudder in the storm.”

Life Is a Lazy Susan of Sh*t Sandwiches serves as a reminder that there are more inspiring loves between platonic friends than between lovers, in real life, if not in literature. I wish I could give this more than five stars.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by the hosts of the @ivehaditpodcast this book is funny and relatable and feels like you are sitting down to talk to your best friends about all the sh*t going on in your life.

They take us through their lives and their friendship and all the ups and downs they have experienced. This isn’t a fluff view of someone’s life - they get into the nitty gritty but do it with humor and honesty.

I actually haven’t listened to their podcast (I will be after this book!) and was surprised to read about the different people they have interviewed!

[Sydney Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right book, right time - I needed this. Jen and Pumps are so vulnerable and relatable, I love them even more after listening to this book. If you haven’t listened to the “I’ve Had It” podcast yet, this is your sign to start.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title hooked me! This was my introduction to Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan and their podcast. These two have a few grievances to unleash and I'm glad I was there to hear it. This was funny and thought provoking. At the end I felt like I have two new friends and a new podcast! The banter between these two ladies is honest and hilarious.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for an early copy.

[Caitlyn Wilbert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why does everything have to be political?

Edit: clearly I was not aware politics were their brand, I simply saw the title of the book and thought it sounded interesting. Thanks to all of those who have educated me on that as that’s the reason we are all here! I just like to read to escape reality, which is the reason I didn’t want to read about politics!

[Kerri Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Sweet Home Oklahoma and a new fan of their podcast “I’ve Had It,” I was so excited to read Jennifer and Pumps’ joint memoir. This was a fun read and I commend both women for being so deeply honest about all they’ve been through in life.

[Michael Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully lol’d and cried. 10/10

[LeAnna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Disclosure -- I requested this book because of the title & description alone. I didn't think going in I was familiar with the authors' podcast. I later realized I had seen plenty of clips across my social media feed over the past few months (especially post-2024 Election), and once that clicked, I do think the context helped.

That being said, if you aren't familiar with Jenn & Pumps podcast, this is still a fun quick read and very accessible. It basically felt like having a story sesh with a close friend without judgement and full honesty. Do I think you will enjoy this book if you are pro-current Republicanism? Most likely not as the two authors' political views are imminently and unapologetically clear.

Some stories did feel repetitive as the book wore on -- perhaps that format lends itself more to a podcast rather than a written book -- but not enough to turn me off. The general vibe of the authors' friendship made reading this feel like I was right there with them.

My many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Hanover Square Press for this ARC. You unexpectedly turned me into a more consistent fan of the 'I've Had It' podcast.

[Brenna Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

These women give me life. I hadn’t known their background while LOVING their podcast so this helped me know them better. Found out that I’m Kappa sisters with memaw meat curtain 😜 And loved learning about the things they’ve been through.

[Lilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jen and Pumps and I’m grateful for them. I have had to disconnect with so many of my MAGA family members and it feels like I’m getting some family back listening to their show and their book. I laughed, I cried—God, I cried, especially those last two chapters—and best of all, I came away with some much-needed hope and feelings of solidarity during a very dark and isolating time in my country.

[Laura Culver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these ladies so much! If you haven’t listened to their podcast- you are missing out!

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Let's Burn" indeed.

Jennifer Welch and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan are the Oklahoma women I wish I had met while living in Oklahoma. Irreverent, hilarious, politically outspoken - these are my people.

Many were introduced to these two best friends on Bravo's "Sweet Home Oklahoma," where they provided a look at people in Oklahoma who aren't idiot politicians or tornado victims. The ladies now host the extremely popular "I've Had It" podcast, where they laugh, cry, and scream about any and everything they are over.

This book looks at the start of their friendship and how they got to where they are now. Along the way, there are drug, alcohol, and sex addictions. There are thousands of cigarettes smoked on porches. There are marriage problems, growing children, unexpected deaths, and living blue in a red state. Both women expand on their upbringings, families, and marriages. As with the podcast, both are open, honest, and ready to tell it like it is.

I think podcast fans will go wild over this, but this is a fantastic look at the power of friendship and how it can survive anything.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Autumn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Life Is A Lazy Susan of Sh*t Sandwiches really attracted me because of the cover which is fantastic! However, I got a little lost in the writing of trying to figure out what was being said, or what we were being told. Then throw in some religious talk and politics and I’ll save that for someone who can maybe relate better.

[Ryan Silvola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether or not you like the podcast, this is a funny and moving tale of two old hags’ (Jessica and Meemaw) trials, tribulations, and growth.

I couldn’t put it down, and it’s so short I was done with it in just a few hours.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

These women are so near and dear to my heart. I laughed, I cried (I honestly think I did more crying than laughing). This memoir came to me exactly when it needed to, and I love Jen and Pumps forever and ever

[Chris Boutté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything I didn’t like about this book is 100% a me problem, and that’s because I don’t read book descriptions. I’ve heard a lot of buzz about Jennifer and Angie’s political podcast and saw some interviews with Jennifer. They align with me politically and seem pretty cool, so I picked up their book to read more about their ideas and what they discuss. That’s not really what this book is.

This is a book for fans of the podcast who want to learn more about the hosts. The chapters alternate between Jennifer and Angie’s lives, so it’s more of a biography. You learn quite a bit about their backgrounds and it gives you an idea about how they become leftists, which is sort of interesting because they were raised in the bible belt and Angie was super religious.

The majority of the book is about their marriages. Angie was married to a sex addict and Jennifer has a husband who is in recovery. They definitely led some interesting lives, but it’s more about them than the political landscape. Overall, it’s a good book and perfect for fans of the show.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I selected this book based on the title, as it may be my favorite title of all time! I was unaware of the authors podcast or former tv show. I found them to be vulnerable, honest and funny as they told their personal story of being married to addicts and the difficulties of being a liberal in a red state.

It would have been nice if they had mentioned the name of the ghost writer, we all want to be recognized and leaving her name out seemed not to be in sync with the values they expressed.

3.5 rounded up

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the advanced copy of the audio of this book.

Full disclosure, I already loved these ladies. I’ve been listening to them for a few years now and I find them to be hilarious. Somehow I did not know all the info in this book, but I ate it up!

This book dives into their personal lives and gives an insider look at their friendship, their relationships, addiction, their religion, politics, and upbringing. Juicy!

Audio is read by the authors - always a treat. If you’re a fan of their podcasts or Bravo show, this book is for you!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for my audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now.

I was immediately drawn to the title. I knew nothing about these two women or their podcast but I enjoyed listening to their stories of friendship and how they overcame challenges in their marriages.

Part self-help. Part laugh out loud comedy.

[Julie Young Buckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is Spice

This book is a healthy diversion from your own life. I found myself laughing out loud and completely enjoying this book. it's written for anyone and everyone. The only person who won't like this book wears too much orange makeup and his opinion isn't important.

It's IHIP all the way!!! Feel free to write another volume!!

[Sara Housh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this by listening, then finished by reading when my Libby borrow time ran out 😂
These women are hilarious, honest, and headstrong. I am glad these women and their perspectives exist, especially in Oklahoma.

[Kelsey Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely 5 stars! I loved every minute of this hilariously heartfelt book. They are a light in the darkness and I’m proud to call them Okies.

[laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A raw, brutally honest memoir from two reality tv celebrities turned podcaster (who I'd never heard of before reading the book) in which they share their marriage struggles with cheating partners, addiction, chronic pain, infidelity and so much more. Good on audio read by the authors, this was an inspirational tale of trying to move on after loss and life challenges. Recommended for fans of books like #Imomsohard. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Barb Hildebrandt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love their podcast. Appreciate their politics. The book is just Ok.