What are you doing to get through this? There are studies that show being creative is a way to get through difficult times. Ironically however, in preparing for this episode, I wasn't feeling very creative…a bit of a catch 22 situation.

So, I decided to ask Loving Later Life listeners what they are doing to deal, to cope, and to still enjoy life while there is so much chaos, divisiveness and fear around us. For those who contributed, thank you so much for sharing!

In an effort to feel some love and happiness, I spent time this past weekend with some very important ladies in my life and also saw my mom. She and I went to a play that unexpectedly became an integral part of this episode providing much inspiration, which I'm excited to share with you.

I hope you'll listen, enjoy and share if you think of someone who needs to hear it.

Enjoy!

Did you know that listening is what makes you the funniest? And that the craft of learning comedy helps with many life skills and that it supports confidence, connection and trust?!

My special guest joining me is Lynn Harris… a culture-shifting producer, award-winning journalist, and author/co-author of six books. Her comedy and campaigns for social justice and gender equity have changed laws and conversations from Capitol Hill to NASCAR.

She is the founder and CEO of GOLD Comedy—the comedy school, professional network, and content studio where women and non-binary creators grow their comedy careers, build powerful communities, and make funny stuff. And here's the amazing thing: the classes are mostly available online!

Also…Rachel Dratch is an advisor, and our guests + mentors have included Margaret Cho, Rachel Bloom, Patti Harrison, Paula Pell, Bridget Everett, Judy Gold, Ashley Nicole Black, Murray Hill, and staffers from The Daily Show, SNL, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Broad City, Search Party, Inside Amy Schumer, and more!

Harris also co-created Breakup Girl (acquired by Oxygen), one of the first multiplatform internet success stories, and co-hosted, with Ginna Green, The Forward's A Bintel Brief: The Podcast. Lynn served as the first VP of communications at global human rights group Breakthrough, where her blend of humor and advocacy powered some of the team's most effective U.S. campaigns. She has also worked as a Tonya Harding lookalike, which is a long story.

If you have ever been curious about what it would be like to do stand-up? Or just wanted to add more comedy to your life? This is a must listen!

Happy New Year!!

So, here we are at the beginning of January. You might be feeling excited if you are happy to say goodbye to 2025. It might feel daunting, whether for personal reasons, or more widespread concerns for all that is happening in our country and our world.

Before the holidays began, I read an article by Maria Shriver that included an exercise which resonated with me, and I thought it might for you, my Loving Later Life family. I found it to be a very helpful, different and fun way to get more in touch with what you want in the new year.

My mom and I also collaborated on a creative project together which I'm excited to share with you at the end of this episode, so be sure to listen until the end!

Happy New Year to you all, and let's get this new year started together!