> turning the simple act of giving out my email address over the phone into an Abbott and Costello routine sounded like a good idea at the time

Hah! I've been dealing with that for a few years now -- my email is most of my username and spelling it out is fun for neither party.

I've considered getting the shortest, most phonetic-friendly email possible specifically for phone calls; something like a3gx@gmail.com but also want to self-host. It's a hassle!