12 episodes

Laddie’s Magical Glowing Balls Of Colored Gas by Richard Stephenson

Laddie is a schizophrenic inmate who lives in the violent, obscene environment of a maximum security prison. Delusions swirl in his mind like white corpuscles trying to heal a wound. Laddie takes comfort in owning Magical Glowing Balls of Colored Gas. He also has long conversations with a spider. Laddie’s first person narrative is a challenge.

Near the end of his sentence for assault, Laddie allows a therapist named Richard to speak to him once a week. Richard uses Dr. Hyman Spotnitz’s modern psychoanalysis to treat him. Meanwhile, Chou Chou, a transvestite, is the only inmate who befriends Laddie. Dr. Silladakarra tries an experimental psychotropic on Chou Chou. With dignity and affection, Laddie tries to comfort the dying Chou Chou.

To no avail, Richard tries to protect Laddie from being released into society before he becomes stable enough to function. Ruggert Prison gives Laddie $90 and leaves him on a street corner in Philadelphia.

Laddie's Magical Glowing Balls Of Colored Gas Richard Stephenson on Podiobooks.com

- Arts

- 4 OCT 2010
PB-LaddiesMagical-12

PB-LaddiesMagical-12

1. Back on the street Laddie has a conversation with “Mr. Bench”, which he lies on, and “Mr. Tree”. “Mr. Tree” tells Laddie how much he and “Mr. Bench” missed Laddie.
- 11 min
- 4 OCT 2010
PB-LaddiesMagical-11

PB-LaddiesMagical-11

Laddie tells Richard that the witch, Dr. Silladakarra, poisons people to line his pockets with gold. Laddie tells Richard his Magical Glowing Balls of Colored Gas will stop all wars. Dr. Rossinet tells Richard she is going to release Laddie from prison.
- 7 min
- 4 OCT 2010
PB-LaddiesMagical-10

PB-LaddiesMagical-10

1. The experimental psychotropic is killing Chou Chou. Laddie sings to comfort her. Garnet is angry about Chou Chou’s death and gives an impassioned speech about the problems with psychiatry.
- 14 min
- 4 OCT 2010
PB-LaddiesMagical-09

PB-LaddiesMagical-09

1. Laddie tells Richard about the Spider and about Oceans whom Laddie believes is all powerful. Captain Levering talks Laddie into taking a shower. The happy Laddie sings.
- 16 min
- 4 OCT 2010
PB-LaddiesMagical-08

PB-LaddiesMagical-08

1. Chou Chou, who is suicidal, talks to Laddie. The Spider tells Laddie that Drumgore can help Laddie if Laddie is nice. Laddie has no knowledge that he becomes the powerful, angry Drumgore who is like The Incredible Hulk.
- 14 min
- 4 OCT 2010
PB-LaddiesMagical-07

PB-LaddiesMagical-07

1. The spider rails at Laddie, telling him to trust Richard. Garnet, the new chef, lectures Laddie on meds, psychiatrists and the Ivy League.
- 23 min