Episode 238 - Finding the Funny in the Fragile: A Chat with the Creators of Life: A Delightful Show About Fear and Grief
"Fear and grief are not just inevitable — they are sacred rites of passage. A catalyst for transformation and resilience. And they belong to all of us." On this episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Jennie and Dianne chat with the creators of a live performance that blends comedy, storytelling, and poetry; Life: A Delightful Show About Fear and Grief. Special guests Andrea Sodergren, Elaina McMillan and Katie Mason share what happens when darkness meets humor, and how that unlikely pairing can lead to profound insights and healing as they all explore the messy, beautiful intersections of humor, heartache, and human connection.
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To learn more about the show or to purchase tickets, visit: https://fearandgrief.com/
*Photos by Paul Winner and Jeff Stonic and shared with permission.
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Andrea Sondergren
Comedian/Entrepreneur/Author
Andrea Sodergren is a head strong powerhouse. Her drive for success is indisputable as evidenced by winning athletic competitions, conquering businesses, and jet setting across the country for her wildly successful stand-up show, Moms Unhinged. But once she finally slows down and gets quiet, the emotions begin to flow. Deep love pours through as she remembers her late father, navigates post-divorce dating, and embraces empty nesting. This show has helped Andrea find her tender side allowing her to practice strengthening her softness and vulnerability.
Elaina McMillan
Speaker/Hypnotist/Belief Coach
Elaina McMillan is all heart. The kind of fluttering, optimistic, sweet heart typically found in the innocence of a child. This heart is her blessing to this world and her challenge to face, as she unfolds into the fear and grief associated with slowly losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, navigating her son's fentanyl addiction, and facing the new reality of a chronic illness. How can this hypnotist, belief coach, and comic make peace with pain when her tendency is to move away from it? Hear her journey as Elaina deepens in the trust that she can be with ALL of life and still keep her sweet heart open.
Katie Mason
Poet Laureate/Psychotherapist
Katie Mason IS soul. She infuses depth and intention into everything she does because she cannot be any other way. As a Poet Laureate and psychotherapist, Katie embodies a commitment to both spiritual and personal growth. When she shares herself, she brings a courageous openness to grief along with a grounded, authentic presence. Her gift to this show is to create space for others to explore and embrace their own truth as she shares hers.